What would have happened?

[Lakeland Potter]

If we look back to the spring and summer when TP was bemoaning the difficulty of bringing in the players he wanted: Sidwell, Francis etc etc or retaining the players he needed: Brynjar and JOC. What would have happened if he had managed to get and keep the players he wanted?

Would we now be leading Div 1 by six points and be looking certs for promotion? My guess is, probably not. There would have been no Eustace here for a start if either Sidwell or Francis had arrived or Brynjar and JOC had stayed. Other striking targets would probably have meant no GNW or Ade in the side.

Its a difficult call but despite the time it took to weld the players into a unit I think we would probably have been just where we are now - although we might have reached that point by a different route.

[adesgonnagetyer]

To be fair, Francis and Sidwell have become huge favourites at their new clubs, and are probably players of at least a comparable standard to Eustace?.

And you can make a reasonably good argument that JOC could still force his way in alongside Eustace at the moment?.

GNW was also signed very early on in the summer, wasn't he?.

[Lakeland Potter]

That's what I mean - Sidwell and Francis (who would both have cost money) are of comparable standard to Eustace who cost nothing. If we had signed both then I doubt if the board would have authorised some of the other signings we have made. Although JOC and Brynjar are more defensive players than Eustace I don't think either are up to the same standard.

GNW was signed early on but only when it seemed that there would be no chance of getting Ade away from Crystal Palace.

I guess I am saying the squad could have looked very different if things had panned out differently but it would probably not have been much better than the one we have. The problem this squad has is not lack of quality but lack of depth. I would love a dedicated right winger though!

[BigDick]

Apparently there is one over at Coventry TP seems to favour centre 'arves and centre forwards 'cos they're triffic ;D not so keen on them winger things

[Not_Nick_H]

I guess one positive way of looking at the run-in now is that even without Taggart, at least we are not such a bad proposition to any players looking for loan/permanent deals as the season heads to wards May. Much better to be possibly linked with a club that has a positive buzz than with one staring down the barrel.

[TheWiseMaster]

I believe that TP wanted Francis to go alongside Eustace who had already joined us. Russel came in place of Francis late on

Whatever - TP has the makings of a good team here and if he can cover Taggart (a very big call) then we will continue to prosper

Taggart has really impressed me with his composure and reading of the game. He also reminds us of the gap between the two divisions. Taggart is said to be too slow for the Prem but his nous lets him get away with it in the First Division. I can see now why no top club came in for Sergie

[Lakeland Potter]

I still think Serghei and Thommo is a partnership we should have seen last season. I am sure we would have finished higher than 21st if we had. Always supposing that Wilson or Petur had been able to cover right back adequately.

[youthster]

that's a v good point, wisemaster. couldn't agree more about taggart's reading of the game, and you're right - it's been a long while since we've had someone who's has that sort of composure, ability to read the game and ability to marshall a defence.

[TheWiseMaster]

Fornside

The way its going with refs Sergie would hardly have played.

Somehow or other Taggart seems to be able to pinch the ball off attackers when Sergie would have knocked em over!

[Lakeland Potter]

Ah yes he would have knocked them over - and then cast a magic Belarus curse on the Ref who would have let him off! ;D

[Olgrligm]

Hows this for an idea-Taggart and sergei in the same team? Quality at a minimum. And the best defensive record i nthe division with halls too. Maybe a hell of a lot of suspensions though

[Lakeland Potter]

Two left footers though - bad Karma!

[Olgrligm]

damn hippies! ;D