wh
Youth Teamer
Posts: 44
|
Post by wh on May 3, 2007 12:21:53 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Munslow on May 3, 2007 12:26:23 GMT
Having seen that Des has been released it explains a rather nice gesture he made at the end of the Hucknall game. Grandson Jack and I were applauding the teams off at the end, when Des, unsolicited, took off his Captain's armband, folded it up and passed it thro the wire of the cage to Jack, who was understandably delighted.
Obviously Des knew it was his last home game for City; I can read nothing else into it.
I'm sorry to have got little Tom right when forecasting who would go; always gave his all and a really combative little player. I wish him well wherever he goes.
|
|
|
|
Post by StopfordianWCFC on May 3, 2007 12:46:58 GMT
Oh no Des!
Thanks for everything Des. A City legend who never gave anything less than 100%.
|
|
|
|
Post by tim on May 3, 2007 13:46:03 GMT
I would hope that Des has a good future in the game as a coach, maybe even at City? He's been a model professional.
All the best Des and Tom wherever your footballing futures lie.
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 13:49:54 GMT
That retained list certainly shifts a lot of emphasis onto the younger lads to provide the essential depth to the squad.
Assuming the 'first choice' (if there is such a thing) were as per the last few games, then Rapinder comes in for Des, the centre-half for JT and the new midfielder coming in in place of Tom would be challenging Cleggy and Nic for two midfield berths.
Shabs and Shaun Findlay are being asked to step into the roles held previously by Dennis Pearce and Chris Cornes/Jai Stanley respectively, with Danny Hodnett, Gary Walker and Troy continuing around the margins. Certainly looks like an overall reduction in squad numbers by a couple.
Must admit that the squad looks one, and possibly two, light to me. It seems Preecey is firmly placing the onus onto the younger lads to step up to the mark instead of signing perhaps older/more experienced players as the first line of cover (or displacing current starters).
Who those two new signings are - in midfield and centre-half - will really define whether the squad as a whole is one of the youngest (and inexperienced?) for a long while, (especially with Rapinder stepping in for Des) around a core of about 10 other regular starters.
|
|
|
|
Post by sleepinggiant on May 3, 2007 13:55:03 GMT
The statement didn't say that the two possible signings were going to be the only incomings during the close season.
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 14:07:52 GMT
No, that's true, it doesnt. I've read it again, and it says that talks are currently ongoing with two players. Thanks for pointing that out.
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 14:10:29 GMT
Indeed, all the best to Des and Tom. And thanks. Over 100 appearances for Tom, and 150 for Des!
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 14:33:35 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Munslow on May 3, 2007 14:45:36 GMT
Tim wrote:
"I would hope that Des has a good future in the game as a coach, maybe even at City?"
I would hope so too, but not at City, I suspect, after what I heard AP call him during the last home game.
|
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 14:50:10 GMT
The WN says that having Des as a player-coach was an option that was considered.
|
|
|
|
Post by jp on May 3, 2007 18:12:15 GMT
Very interesting comments from the Chairman, and I share his sentiments. We had the players this season to do better, and he's right, team with smaller playing budgets have made the play-offs. Clearly something was wrong this season, and hopefully that something is no longer at the club. Next season I am absolutely convinced that we will see how good a manager Andy Preece is, I'm sure he'll build the kind of team spirit and belief into the squad so they play for each other as a team, often that means more than budget alone. No Disappointed Dave next season!!!!
Releasing Tom and Des sounds about right, I don't see Rapinder as a Des replacement really, different type of player, and a new midfielder or two alongside Colley and Clegg will create a fine midfield. A fit Webster will mean 3 good strikers competing for two places, and that has to be a good thing, especially as one of them will most likely be injured at one time or another.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 3, 2007 18:17:42 GMT
Yes agreed, but still sad to see them go. Tom was a real trier and we always competed for everything. Des is a City legend - I have a feeling he'll be back in some capacity one day.
|
|
|
|
Post by B*ue dragonstander on May 3, 2007 18:43:26 GMT
Isn't everyone guilty of assuming that those players not yet under contract sign up for next season?
|
|
|
|
Post by villager on May 3, 2007 18:53:20 GMT
Could we have the best squad (with the addition of a decent centre half and midfielder) for some time? One capable of winning the league.
Thought I'd get in early this year :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by jp on May 3, 2007 18:59:58 GMT
Yes agreed, but still sad to see them go. Tom was a real trier and we always competed for everything. Des is a City legend - I have a feeling he'll be back in some capacity one day. Yes Tom was a real trier, no doubt about his efforts, but I just think Preecey is looking for more quality to go with the effort. Des is a City legend, I'm sure he'll be back on a Legends day in the future. Not sure about in a coaching/management role, it never quite works out and the legend halo slips. Luckily Preecey was never a legend as a player, but he can be as a manager, and I sincerely hope he is, starting next season. |
|
|
|
Post by andy on May 3, 2007 19:03:24 GMT
The two players coming in will be key, as will be injuries, to where we finish within the top sixteen.
We should have more in the tank than Gainsborough, Leigh, Barrow, Staly, Redditch and VM. Beyond that, I'm not sure yet.
The squad is only really as good as the depth of your cover. I dont think we would do well if we were opening a season without four again (JT, Des, Danksy and Webby in the season just gone) unless like this year we had away games against Barrow, Worksop and Gainsborough. Would get caught out against others, I feel.
|
|
wh
Youth Teamer
Posts: 44
|
Post by wh on May 3, 2007 21:45:16 GMT
Yes agreed, but still sad to see them go. Tom was a real trier and we always competed for everything. Des is a City legend - I have a feeling he'll be back in some capacity one day. Yes Tom was a real trier, no doubt about his efforts, but I just think Preecey is looking for more quality to go with the effort. Des is a City legend, I'm sure he'll be back on a Legends day in the future. Not sure about in a coaching/management role, it never quite works out and the legend halo slips. Luckily Preecey was never a legend as a player, but he can be as a manager, and I sincerely hope he is, starting next season. I was talking to Tom the other week after he scored, he said that Preecey doesnt rate him in the goals department. Although he managed to get a few good goals under Barty, Preecey hadnt seen this side of him so maybe that contributed to why he never got as many games this season as I for one had hoped for. All the very best to Des and Tom. Cheers lads |
|
|
|
Post by jp on May 4, 2007 8:52:34 GMT
Tom was hardly played in a position where he could get goals this season apart from long range efforts, of course IF we'd played a 4-4-2, then goalscoring would have been a necessary part of his game, but he spent most of this season playing the ball winning terrier like role in an overworked midfield.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark on May 4, 2007 8:57:33 GMT
I'm glad I am not a football manager. Tough decisions have to be made and I think this one must have been very difficult.
Des and Tom are both good players who always gave their best in my opinion and I wish them both the very best for the future.
Thanks fellas.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mark on May 4, 2007 10:10:06 GMT
Message to Des Lyttle:- Des, I am so sorry that my performance in BM5 while wearing the No.6 shirt has led to you being released from the club. I promise that I will do my best for City next season  |
|
|
|
Post by gobby cow on May 4, 2007 13:20:31 GMT
I am sad to hear that Tom has been released, he is a damn fine player. I hope he finds first team football somewhere else where he gets to show his ability, tenacity and battling spirit.
Des, I am surprised he was released, but relieved to as I thought he was becoming a liability.
Who will be captain now? I think Smudger is too quiet. Danny Hodnett is very vocal he would be really good.
If Shabir and Nick leave i will be most upset. Two fine young men who should be on the pitch and not on the damn bench!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by jp on May 4, 2007 14:34:36 GMT
Tom is a fine player, but possibly not quite fine enough for a push on the league, he'll find a team one step below and do fine, he might even then jump up to a higher level after a spell at somewhere like Evesham, or a Birmingham based team.
Captain Hodnett?? Its not all about shouting you know, in fact you want all your players to be vocal and talk to each other during games. To be honest I have no idea what a football captain actually does, he has no more powers over and above any other players.
Losing Shabir and Nick would indeed be wrong, and I agree that they are too good for warming the city bench. The use (or mis-use) of Nick Colley this season has been one of the managements biggest mistakes I hope they won't repeat it next year.
|
|
|
|
Post by prestonwcfc on May 5, 2007 14:50:24 GMT
All the best to Tom and Des
Intrigued though to the replacements. Guess the wage bill will allow a bit of flex what with Dennis, Des, Tom, Cornes and JT all departing recently. I would suspect all of these were on a fair bit. Hopefully AP can get an experienced midfielder who can put his foot on the ball and dictate play.
With this and a centre back with pace I think we really could have a chance next year esp if Kettering also depart this league
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 5, 2007 15:05:34 GMT
"I think we really could have a chance next year"
Sadly so do I. I say sadly, because I should know better by now, and this is a bit early for ongoing anticipointment. But there you go - they say there's nothing like an old fool. And I prove the adage.
|
|
