Next Season's Squad

[YeltzDoc]

Has Michel definitely gone then?

[Johnny Bud]

Think so, and Mark Danks has left judging by his Facebook page!

[Laurel Lane Lamper]

Pre-season so far would suggest he'd be behind RTB in pecking order.

[Johnny Bud]

And Peter Till can play upfront (I think!).

[RobYeltz]

Looked useful against Stourport. The squad's looking good.

http://www.ht-fc.com/halesowen-town-fir ... -town.html

Very strong indeed.

Goalkeepers: Sam I think will keeping pushing Sarge for a place this season.

Defenders;. If Oliver signs, we'll have cover at LB or the opportunity to play with wing backs. Kettle looks a very useful cover at RB and will in my opinion slot in well at CB if Hull or Tilt have an injury or loss of form. He could well even replace one of them.

Midfield; ;Last seasons remaining five midfielders Griffiths, Tonks, Macca, Forde, Turner will have to play out of their skins to keep out Till who is a massive upgrade in quality from Guyes. The half played by Bragoli against Stourport was impressive too. We have a really strong midfield, and choosing a midfield four from that lot might be difficult, maybe JH will look at playing five in certain games.

Forwards: Danks, Haseley, Christie and the impressive Thompson-Brown will definitely give us goals next season.

I've been impressed this pre-season that we're actually playing less direct. Our ball retention seems better and we've created plenty chance by playing crafted balls in between and behind defenders.

Roll on Skelmesdale!

I don't think it is as much competition for places but rather choices that JH is looking at, because with a relentless two games a week between kick off and the end of November a mix and match squad could cause some surprises in this league

Maybe my choice of phrase was inappropriate, I don't think John Hill sees any of those players as a weakness, and yes 'choice' is probably a better word. I think players like Aaron Griffiths help massively as well being able to play comfortably in a number of positions.

[yeltz85]

Danks and Botfield played for Tivi last night.

JMG is at Solihull Moors.

Think RTB would be ahead of Danks in the pecking order and Till can also slot in up top if need be.

[piearce9]

Brendan Kelly was confirmed as a signing at Sutton today, along with Ross "lock up yer sisters" Clarke.

[JohnC]

Best wishes and good luck to all the leavers.

I think we have a good squad with the majority I would like to have seen retained from last season still here.

[RobYeltz]

Interesting to read that Dan Watson the goalkeeper coach is obviously registered as a player too. Ideal back up I would have thought as he isn't very old by the looks of it!

http://www.evostikleague.co.uk/summer-t ... ves-20371/

[piearce9]

So just one week to go now, and we're looking in great shape to kick off the campaign. It's going to be a long hard season, but the current squad offers both quality and depth in equal measure. Really looking forward to it.

In my humble opinion, the goalkeeper, the defence, and the strikers pick themselves, and it's really just the midfield where the positions are up for grabs. JH appears to be yet undecided on his preferred set-up here.

Just one last query from me- is it safe to assume that Till, Turner and Hull were all authorised absences yesterday? I think someone mentioned that Hull was on holiday last week. Has he gone for an all-inclusive two weeks in Malia??