Clearly we did not have the finances to compete in the summer with the likes of Vaughan and Maynard going to L2 sides. The squad MM put together was a mix of the experienced and injury-prone; Woods and Potter, players who’d experience at this level or higher Payne, Ray, Ferrier, Nelson, bolstered by promising younger players; CBT and loanees. I actually thought Payne had been around the level I’d expected and a little surprised he’s been totally frozen out by Micky. Personally don’t rate Ray at all and must count as an error of judgement by someone if he was one of the best paid of the summer recruits.
Agree that the mid-season additions are greater quality, though I wonder if Cook had been an option earlier would we had bothered going after Vaughan? Probably another wide option, particularly given RHM, who could fill in there being recalled would have been more valuable. A lot of Vaughan’s goals this season have been penalties, though he’s still got more from open play than our in-house strikers, so hard to call.
I agree with bigmart that Gilmour hasn’t been given adequate opportunity by Micky this season. In the absence of Banks, probably the best creative player in attacking midfield and less prone to giving away stupid fouls. Everyone was apparently below par at Bolton, so seems unfair to single out Harvey. I don’t know if he is good enough for this level but deserves more opportunity to demonstrate that he is.