At least a couple of weeks ...

[andy]

before we are likely to hear anything substantial about the make-up of next year's squad.

And perhaps several weeks after that regarding any possible new signings.

See

www.thisiswcfc.co.uk/display.var.1404468.0.preece_gives_stars_time_to_think_over_deals.php

No problem with that in itself, but my fear would be if we again end up using early league games as trials. Points dropped in August are the same as points dropped in March.

My personal preference would be to see the last 2-3 friendlies being used to play a first-choice starting eleven. Especially, as the biggest changes in the squad are likely to be the bedding in of Rapinder in defence and in the midfield area such that the vital supply-lines to our forwards (each a very different style of player) need to be worked out. OK, that approach bears the risk of injury (a la Webby), but the third of the games played by the end of September come very quickly on top of each other once the season starts.

[jp]

Yep, sounds about right, with so many games early in the season the table is beginning to take shape by the end of October, and we need to be right up there. We have to start the season at our peak, not take a few games to get into our stride, so those friendlies should be real hard workouts of the first teamers.

[B*ue dragonstander]

George Clegg, Nick Colley, Shaun Findlay, Danny Hodnett, Shabir Khan, Gary Walker and Troy Wood have all been given time to think about signing up.

Given the names involved can we assume that the offers are not all that attractive and that we should expect a fair proportion of these players to go elsewhere if they secure a better deal by the end of May?

[andy]

That thought crossed my mind as well. But I came down in favour of thinking that most would sign again.

[jp]

It depends what a "Better Deal" is. For instance, a better deal for shabir might involve the opportunity to play regular first team football, same with Troy.

[B*ue dragonstander]

I think thats a fair call. I expect to see two or three not sign at the most.

I think we have to assume that this is where the "budget cuts" are biting. If the choice is between sounder finances and a larger more expensive squad then I go for the former in the current climate. It would not surprise me if a leaner more hungry and slightly less exeperienced squad performed just as well on the pitch next season.