With one week to go until the big kick off, where do people think we are at ?
I think we are looking very strong in the centre of defence and central midfield. We all know about the capabilities of Manny and Sid, and Ray seems to be a solid signing. We also have Mark Ellis to come back into the equation later in the season. In the centre of midfield I think we have more quality than we have had for years, with Perkins, Potter, Banks and McCullough all very good players at this level (albeit Banks flattered to deceive in his previous spells in League One) and Gilmour continuing his improvement.
However, in the wide areas and up front there are major concerns.
We look pretty limited in the wide attacking positions, with only CBT and Morris genuine wingers, and the latter a player who does not really look to take on the full back. I am a bit surprised we did not offer Pringle a deal, perhaps a six month contract, as while he does not have fantastic workrate he has the quality and experience to play at this level. However, it seems he had burnt his bridges with Mellon.
At full back, a player of Woods' quality would be fine as back up, if he did not have such an horrendous injury record. We could be dependent on Caprice and Ridehalgh remaining injury free and in reasonable form for the entire season, which is not a great position to be in.
The major concern is up front. If Miller is out for any length of time, we lose the one striker who has actually looked convincing in pre-season, and there are doubts regarding both Payne and Mullin at this level. There could be a lot of pressure on Jennings to contribute regular goals, and we have to remember that he is a newcomer in this division.
I think MM will want to bring in another striker and wide player as a minimum, but any deals could be dependent on the club receiving investment from Simon before the transfer deadline.
