The Squad for 2018/19

[bring back the cowshed!]

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Stockton has been released by Carlisle by mutual consent. Surely he’s signing for us?

Looks like he's joining someone. Doesn't make sense otherwise. I'd expect he's on his way back. If so, I just hope his detractors give him a chance. In fact, I hope we are all patient and allow the team to settle in the new league.

 

[Sparky]

Confirmed. Signs a 1 year deal. Not a marquee signing by any means but we do need more striking options.

Like others I’m not his biggest fan. He’s not quick, doesn’t score many headers, and if you can stop him from turning with his back to goal then he’s probably sorted.

That said he did well in the play offs and altho people are jumping for joy, with Alabi, mangan and cook all gone and Waring our of the picture, we need strikers in the building.

Just hope the fans give him the support

 

[Mal]

let's just see how he does. he came in to favour because Cook wasn't doing the business at the time, and Cole started scoring.. so all strikers have good and bad periods.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Re Stockton - trust Micky.

 

[Ian]

Seriously.. we couldn't do any better than Stockton?!

 

[Boz]

Stockton is the one-man tent option. Sensible to only give him a year deal, an incentive to re-capture the form he showed at the end of his last Rovers contract. Certainly better than an untried rookie loanee, but agree with Sparky another forward is needed.

 

[Mal]

Seriously.. we couldn't do any better than Stockton?!

unfortunately, it seems financial greed has prevented a number of players being available...

 

[Ian]

If Stockton gets more than 10 goals this season, I’ll buy you all a pint in the tent! and hang my head in shame for ever doubting him.

 

[aldoes mustache]

One year deal now he needs to knuckle down and prove people wrong

 

[Sparky]

If Stockton gets more than 10 goals this season, I’ll buy you all a pint in the tent! and hang my head in shame for ever doubting him.

Can someone save this message somewhere please?!?

 

[Sparky]

Micky suggests pre match that he’s fairly happy with the squad and that apart from bringing someone in with potential, which I’m guessing could be the recent trialist, he’s happy.

 

[Higgy]

Disappointed. Maybe just for the bench - hopefully someone still to come with a bit of tested quality. And tbh I would have took someone with potential over Cole for the bench as I feel we know already what he can/cannot do.

 

[bring back the cowshed!]

Seriously.. we couldn't do any better than Stockton?!

Obviously not, although not through lack of trying. We failed with Rowe and Ferrier to name but two for varying reasons.

If you look at the new signings, Monthe, Banks, Stockton, Bakayogo and Caprice, all were unwanted by our L2 rivals except for Jake who was released by a NL club! Only Ellis and Mullin could have stayed where they were. On the face of it, it's quite depressing as we appear to have ended up with a lot of cast-offs. This is financial reality. We need a larger squad this year, as we cannot rely on loans any more. However, as we have seen in the past, players who don't fit at one club can be a hit at others. Manny, Ollie and Cole have played for Micky, and he has seen the others. So I am confident all or at least most will be a success. We can't afford last year's recruitment disaster.

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

I would not describe Banks and Bakayogo as cast-offs. Players come in and out of favour at clubs for a variety of reasons, but those two are a cut above most at League Two level. I think we have done good business over the summer and significantly improved the quality of the squad, with even the striking options looking reasonably strong now.

I am very pleased Stockton has arrived. For that six month spell under Mellon in 2016-17 he was just as good as, if not better than, Cook and whatever the politics of the situation, Cole kept him out of the side for a number of weeks. His overall career record is patchy, but the best form of his career came under Jim Bentley and Mellon and he had a good understanding with Jennings and Norwood when he was last here. I much prefer signing him to some kid we know next to nothing about, and after the experience with Waring and Alabi last season I think Mellon feels the same.

I never really warmed to Stockton, but if two months ago you had offered me Cole as a more realistic alternative to Rowe I would have been perfectly happy. To those people saying 'is he the best we can get ?' I would love to know who exactly they thought we were going to sign ?

 

[Ian]

There were a few strikers we had made offers for but for one reason and another, the deals fell through. Stockton was bottom of this list and a last ditch signing which I think tells you were he sits in the pecking order.

Having said that, as RLC highlights, his best spells were under MM so maybe he can get the best out of him. He's got some big boots to fill though!

 

[Rockford's Love Child]

Stockton was below Rowe and Ferrier on the manager's wanted list, but he is as good as many forwards at this level and can do a good job for us.

 

[aldoes mustache]

If cole hits the road running and s scores like he did b4 he left then the numptys will get off his back. I hope he gets the winner on Sat give the boy a chance

 

[drwhoman]

See how he goes. I may have to make a special trip to get that pint Ian (LOL!).

 

[Ian]

See how he goes. I may have to make a special trip to get that pint Ian (LOL!).

Fosters only, none of that expensive stuff!

 

[drwhoman]

Sounds fine to me Ian! How things change in football. My father worked in the pub across the road when he came out the RAF after the war. I recall him saying that half the team used to come in for a pint BEFORE the game!