You're right in that none of us knows what was discussed. If it was mutual, then I understand. But the announcement read like the players were not wanted. If we could have kept him but didn't try, I'm disappointed.Bbtc, I think you should consider that players like fonners were spoken to and decision was a 'mutual' one. None of us knows what has been discussed. I think 'shabby' and such adjectives should be consigned to the dustbin, at least until the next time everyone turns against the manager and certain players again. We are in a transition period.
Our links with Everton are certainly a lot stronger than the other local prem team but we really need a decent core set of players and not 20 loanees.
It sounds harsh but I think we need to be when I say most of them can go. They were part of the worst Tranmere team I've ever seen. OFW is replaceable, he's not that good. I'd like to see Hill stay as I think he's a tidy player. Holmes should stay. The rest of the defence can go.
Get rid of Jennings who didn't do enough for an experienced pro. Laird and Molyneux can go as can all the forwards who couldn't hit a barn door. Odejayi always tried but just wasn't prolific enough.
If power stays he will get better, he's still young but can't see him sticking around. We should keep Koumas as he's still a tremendous passer. Bit gutted about Hume as always liked him but he's past his best now.
Releasing Dugdale is a big relief.
I'd hope that with the number of our own youth squad who have been offered deals while Kirby and Stockton are still relatively young that Brabin's Everton contacts are minimally used. We now need to flesh out the squad with players who have either conference experience or he deems have the required attributes to cope with the conference.
What you say would make sense. The first announcement deals with those who want to go. The next announcement would then deal with those who Gary wants and can persuade to stay - and the rest are released.My take would be that the club (Mark P) said to the squad. 'guys Gary has still to get his feet under the table but it would help us and might help you if you put your hand up now if you are not staying whatever happens'. This would make life easier for Gary knowing who would like to stay and who will be on their bike come what may. It would speed up his recruitment process. If there is any substance in this suggestion then it may be that the likes of Laird and one or two others who tried hard, and who might get a gig somewhere else, might actually stay. If Gary can put a decent squad together then it might be more fun at the top of the Conference rather than playing at some struggling club in Div Two. Time will tell if my comments are complete rubbish or not! All I ask is that they reach agreement with George Donnelly that he waives the second year of his contract - that really was a dumb decision!