MaxiRobriguez
Bob McKinlay
The planning starts now...
Players almost certainly leaving: Carl Jenkinson (released), Gaeten Bong (released), Tobias Figueiredo (released), James Garner (end of loan/not retained), Djed Spence (end of loan/not retained)
Players that will probably be leaving: Jordan Smith (released), Harry Arter (free to Australia), Brennan Johnson (sold), Cafu (sold), Lyle Taylor (sold), Nicholas Ioannou (sold)
Players that could go either way: Lewis Grabban (released), Phillip Zinkernagel (end of loan/not retained), Kienan Davis (end of loan/not retained), Max Lowe (end of loan/not retained).
That would leave Forest with the following at the absolute minimum:
Samba
Worrall Cook McKenna
Laryea Yates Colback Panzo
Lolley Mighten
Surridge
Bench: Hovarth, MBE Soh, Panzo, Ojeda, Back, Fornah, D.Taylor
But potentially it could be:
Samba
Worrall Cook McKenna
Laryea Yates Colback Lowe
Zinkernagel
Surridge Davis
Bench: Hovarth, Mbe Soh, Panzo, Ojeda, Fornah, Lolley, Mighten.
Looking at both eventualities then I think it's quite clear what we need and don't need.
Areas that don't need addressing:
1) Centre backs. Absolutely fine.
2) Centre midfield. Probably OK with Yates, Colback, Fornah and Ojeda. That's got good quality and depth, although we might want to push boat out for a Garner replacement if right player becomes available.
3) Goalkeepers. Absolutely fine.
Areas that needs addressing:
1) Absolute dearth of quality and depth in behind the striker, with only Zinkernagel any good. I like Mighten, but he really is an out and out wide left player, and because we'll probably play 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 more often next season, the likelihood is Mighten goes out on loan. Lolley issue is obvious, lack of form, inability to stay fit. I think we'll need at least two advanced midfield players brought in, three if Zinkernagel isn't retained.
2) Question marks over the wing backs. Laryea might not be good enough, and if we don't get Lowe in then we'll need another LWB as shoehorning in either Panzo or Colback doesn't feel right.
3) Probably need another striker, maybe someone a bit more nippy.
Over you to LTLF to start choosing your advanced midfielders (hi Jed Wallace), striker and wing backs...
Edit: Obviously threat title should read 2022.
Players almost certainly leaving: Carl Jenkinson (released), Gaeten Bong (released), Tobias Figueiredo (released), James Garner (end of loan/not retained), Djed Spence (end of loan/not retained)
Players that will probably be leaving: Jordan Smith (released), Harry Arter (free to Australia), Brennan Johnson (sold), Cafu (sold), Lyle Taylor (sold), Nicholas Ioannou (sold)
Players that could go either way: Lewis Grabban (released), Phillip Zinkernagel (end of loan/not retained), Kienan Davis (end of loan/not retained), Max Lowe (end of loan/not retained).
That would leave Forest with the following at the absolute minimum:
Samba
Worrall Cook McKenna
Laryea Yates Colback Panzo
Lolley Mighten
Surridge
Bench: Hovarth, MBE Soh, Panzo, Ojeda, Back, Fornah, D.Taylor
But potentially it could be:
Samba
Worrall Cook McKenna
Laryea Yates Colback Lowe
Zinkernagel
Surridge Davis
Bench: Hovarth, Mbe Soh, Panzo, Ojeda, Fornah, Lolley, Mighten.
Looking at both eventualities then I think it's quite clear what we need and don't need.
Areas that don't need addressing:
1) Centre backs. Absolutely fine.
2) Centre midfield. Probably OK with Yates, Colback, Fornah and Ojeda. That's got good quality and depth, although we might want to push boat out for a Garner replacement if right player becomes available.
3) Goalkeepers. Absolutely fine.
Areas that needs addressing:
1) Absolute dearth of quality and depth in behind the striker, with only Zinkernagel any good. I like Mighten, but he really is an out and out wide left player, and because we'll probably play 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 more often next season, the likelihood is Mighten goes out on loan. Lolley issue is obvious, lack of form, inability to stay fit. I think we'll need at least two advanced midfield players brought in, three if Zinkernagel isn't retained.
2) Question marks over the wing backs. Laryea might not be good enough, and if we don't get Lowe in then we'll need another LWB as shoehorning in either Panzo or Colback doesn't feel right.
3) Probably need another striker, maybe someone a bit more nippy.
Over you to LTLF to start choosing your advanced midfielders (hi Jed Wallace), striker and wing backs...
Edit: Obviously threat title should read 2022.
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