| The season 25-26 squad thread 10:22 - Apr 13 with 8902 views | ngbqpr |
As the days grow longer, the number of games left shorter, and lower midtable has thrillingly been secured for another season, a fan's thoughts turn to August...pristine turf, sun-drenched safe standing areas, a revamped squad, and the demon hope.
The mood music is currently mixed regarding who will be leading our merry band of footballing troubadours come the Big Kick Off next season. Hoos and the owners are definitely giving off "checked out / leave it to the manchild" vibes, so it's all down to whether Marti & Christian can reach a better the devil you know arrangement, I guess.
“We identified the fact that we needed to play some form of 4-3-3, possession-based, mid-block/high press football. We did that by looking at the last 10 years of the Championship and what won you points and what allowed you sustainability to bring in 16 to 24-year-old players who could play well in the system, develop and be the best players they could possibly be..." was the rallying cry, and Nourry ain't one for turning.
So with that (ahem) "game model" in mind, what would you like to see us do / what in reality do you think we will do?
As far as we're allowed to know, the following are contracted for next season (I have included loaned out players who have played significant minutes at a decent level; and dev squad players who've had first team minutes this season; oh, and Harvey Vale):
GKs
Nardi / Walsh / Cooper
CBs
JCS / Morrison
FBs
Larkeche
Midfield*
Chair / Dembele / Field / Madsen / Varane / Vale / Smyth / Morgan / Bennie
(* obvs in a 433 some of these play as wide forwards, but I reckoned it was easier to bunch them in here, and keep 'strikers' to those playing centrally up top and charged with leading our goals for column).
Strikers
Celar / Kolli / Lloyd / Kelman
What do we need, and by what combination of contract renewals / new signings / DS players stepping up / loaned out players returning will we get there?
And whither Richards and Hevertton come August... |  |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 11:01 - Apr 13 with 4963 views | Logman |
Given the scale of re-stocking that we will need to do a the back I think we will stick with Larkeche, Vale and Esquardinha as left back options. I also think we will use loan options to get a right back and central defender in.
So we might not need to buy as many as I first thought.
I think we play 4-2-3-1 by the way. So ideally we need two players to play in each position in that formation. Plus two other strikers. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 11:33 - Apr 13 with 4873 views | FDC |
Do people think we might see Yang back here next season? He's had some of his best performances in the past few games. I thought his goal in the week was excellent, and he looked good again as a striker on Saturday. Might be that Marti wants him again having worked with him for a bit and Spurs may not want him yet next year, no idea about their squad tbh. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 12:26 - Apr 13 with 4729 views | johnhoop |
I know that we’re likely to be saying goodbye to a lot of loan and out of contract players at the end of the season but I would like to see us do whatever we can to hang on to Saito. He’s been a real joy to watch and gives you a buzz when he gets the ball on the left and starts taking people on. | | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 13:27 - Apr 13 with 4610 views | FDC |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 12:26 - Apr 13 by johnhoop |
I know that we’re likely to be saying goodbye to a lot of loan and out of contract players at the end of the season but I would like to see us do whatever we can to hang on to Saito. He’s been a real joy to watch and gives you a buzz when he gets the ball on the left and starts taking people on. |
I really like him . There's something "rangers" about him. | | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 13:55 - Apr 13 with 4505 views | CamberleyR |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 12:26 - Apr 13 by johnhoop |
I know that we’re likely to be saying goodbye to a lot of loan and out of contract players at the end of the season but I would like to see us do whatever we can to hang on to Saito. He’s been a real joy to watch and gives you a buzz when he gets the ball on the left and starts taking people on. |
I get the feeling he really loves it here. Would love to sign him permanently. |  |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 14:02 - Apr 13 with 4447 views | Benny_the_Ball |
This summer will be busy, that's for sure.
With Dunne and Paal likely to leave, Cook and Fox in the twilight of their careers, and JCS held together with Blu Tack, defence is a priority. At least 3 players are needed across the back line, perhaps more if Cook and/or Fox are released.
Whilst I'd like to see reinforcements in central midfield, limited budget and the sheer number of defenders required may restrict recruitment in this area. A lot rests on Vale hitting the ground running and Morgan kicking on. Part of me would like to see Saito join permanently but the other part thinks that with similar players already on the books, money may be better spent elsewhere. If there's room in the budget then it's a no brainer.
With respect to strikers, the Kelman situation needs sorting out first. If he doesn't extend then the club will likely cash in and seek a replacement. In addition, I'm unsure as to whether we've seen the last of Frey. He only signed in January 2024 but the duration of his contract was undisclosed.
It'll also be interesting to see whether more players are promoted from the Development Squad. With Morgan, Kolli, Lloyd and Bennie joining the First Team squad there's a clear pathway for others to follow. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 14:35 - Apr 13 with 4371 views | PlanetHonneywood |
10 pages nailed on! |  |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 19:16 - Apr 13 with 4024 views | dm97 |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 14:02 - Apr 13 by Benny_the_Ball |
This summer will be busy, that's for sure.
With Dunne and Paal likely to leave, Cook and Fox in the twilight of their careers, and JCS held together with Blu Tack, defence is a priority. At least 3 players are needed across the back line, perhaps more if Cook and/or Fox are released.
Whilst I'd like to see reinforcements in central midfield, limited budget and the sheer number of defenders required may restrict recruitment in this area. A lot rests on Vale hitting the ground running and Morgan kicking on. Part of me would like to see Saito join permanently but the other part thinks that with similar players already on the books, money may be better spent elsewhere. If there's room in the budget then it's a no brainer.
With respect to strikers, the Kelman situation needs sorting out first. If he doesn't extend then the club will likely cash in and seek a replacement. In addition, I'm unsure as to whether we've seen the last of Frey. He only signed in January 2024 but the duration of his contract was undisclosed.
It'll also be interesting to see whether more players are promoted from the Development Squad. With Morgan, Kolli, Lloyd and Bennie joining the First Team squad there's a clear pathway for others to follow. |
On the DS point. I’m intrigued to see what they do at full back. With exactly 0 senior FBs in the squad right now who will be here next season, one or all of Esquerdinha Larkeche and Friel (Scottish boy we signed?) are gonna be in and around it.
Some pace and power at CB/FB would really help us play higher up the pitch when in the high press - which under Marti has been really effective but unsustainable (which I would say in part is because our back line hasn’t got the legs to execute a high line for any sustained period of time).
As others have said in the thread, despite our ST issues defence is the priority for me and if MC isn’t leaving I hope he gets a more mobile back line. When we get that high press right we look so much better for it, and as Wawll SW and Luton (pre’25) have showed it isn’t expensive to recruit for. |  | | |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 21:09 - Apr 13 with 3687 views | Hoopstar |
I'd definitely have Yang back for a season - he's clearly nowhere near ready for the Prem yet mind you Spurs have had one shocker of a season amusingly.
He looks like he'll be a top player with his sharpness, finishing and pace and looks to enjoy it here at the moment.
I've fallen in love with Saito and would love us to sign him permanently. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 21:39 - Apr 13 with 3540 views | Ned_Kennedys |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 11:33 - Apr 13 by FDC |
Do people think we might see Yang back here next season? He's had some of his best performances in the past few games. I thought his goal in the week was excellent, and he looked good again as a striker on Saturday. Might be that Marti wants him again having worked with him for a bit and Spurs may not want him yet next year, no idea about their squad tbh. |
Think there is a good chance we could re-sign him if we wanted to but I think it will depend if Spurs get loan offers from clubs higher up than us. Could imagine the likes of Ipswich or West Brom making a loan move which Spurs would probably take over us as they’d rather him play for a top 10 Championship team for his development. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:29 - Apr 13 with 3392 views | derbyhoop |
Martin's comments, post Bristol, indicated him wanting to stay.
The obvious issue is the number of defenders out of contract. I'd love to see Dunne re-sign but could understand if he wanted to move on, especially if he gets a chance of PL football. Could we get Ashby permanently? A.lternative worth a cheeky bid would be Perry Ng from Cardiff. Looks like Cook will be offered a new deal. But, if Edwards and Fox go, we'll need at least 1 more CB. Paal is going but we will have Vale, Larkeche and Esquerdinha, so no big issue at LB.
In midfield I cant believe we'll keep Colback. So we will need another DCN, unless we're going to rely on Morgan.
I'd hope to sign Saito but let Andersen go. Madsen might come good, if he has adapted to Championship harum scarum. We cant have any more midgets.
Yang, I think, will be back on a full 12 month loan.
Kelman deserves a chance. Frey offers physical presence. I'd like to keep him for another year.
So, we will need 1 or 2 RBs, a CB, possibly a DCM, and, if Frey doesnt stay, a physical, preferably quicker striker. |  |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:35 - Apr 13 with 3354 views | numptydumpty |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 21:39 - Apr 13 by Ned_Kennedys |
Think there is a good chance we could re-sign him if we wanted to but I think it will depend if Spurs get loan offers from clubs higher up than us. Could imagine the likes of Ipswich or West Brom making a loan move which Spurs would probably take over us as they’d rather him play for a top 10 Championship team for his development. |
So you are already predicting we won't be in the top ten next season Ned.
Think if we.keep Marti that should be seen as a neccessary target for us...
I think Yang isn't go to Spurs next season and we could get a season long loan that Spurs could recall in January and Saito, I think the deal has already been done but not.announced.
Love Saito bowing to the crowd when he is subbed
Surprisingly strong considering his size [Post edited 13 Apr 22:40]
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:36 - Apr 13 with 3365 views | eastside_r |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 21:39 - Apr 13 by Ned_Kennedys |
Think there is a good chance we could re-sign him if we wanted to but I think it will depend if Spurs get loan offers from clubs higher up than us. Could imagine the likes of Ipswich or West Brom making a loan move which Spurs would probably take over us as they’d rather him play for a top 10 Championship team for his development. |
May depend on who is Spurs’ manager next season. Probably won’t be big Ange. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:59 - Apr 13 with 3286 views | nix |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 21:39 - Apr 13 by Ned_Kennedys |
Think there is a good chance we could re-sign him if we wanted to but I think it will depend if Spurs get loan offers from clubs higher up than us. Could imagine the likes of Ipswich or West Brom making a loan move which Spurs would probably take over us as they’d rather him play for a top 10 Championship team for his development. |
Maybe. But is he more likely to get game time with us? |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 23:06 - Apr 13 with 3244 views | Andybrat |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 19:16 - Apr 13 by dm97 |
On the DS point. I’m intrigued to see what they do at full back. With exactly 0 senior FBs in the squad right now who will be here next season, one or all of Esquerdinha Larkeche and Friel (Scottish boy we signed?) are gonna be in and around it.
Some pace and power at CB/FB would really help us play higher up the pitch when in the high press - which under Marti has been really effective but unsustainable (which I would say in part is because our back line hasn’t got the legs to execute a high line for any sustained period of time).
As others have said in the thread, despite our ST issues defence is the priority for me and if MC isn’t leaving I hope he gets a more mobile back line. When we get that high press right we look so much better for it, and as Wawll SW and Luton (pre’25) have showed it isn’t expensive to recruit for. |
Haven’t we signed another Scottish CB who doesn’t come u til the summer? Remember we didn’t get the paperwork on time or something but he is committed. Might be wrong | | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 04:43 - Apr 14 with 2885 views | QPROslo |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:29 - Apr 13 by derbyhoop |
Martin's comments, post Bristol, indicated him wanting to stay.
The obvious issue is the number of defenders out of contract. I'd love to see Dunne re-sign but could understand if he wanted to move on, especially if he gets a chance of PL football. Could we get Ashby permanently? A.lternative worth a cheeky bid would be Perry Ng from Cardiff. Looks like Cook will be offered a new deal. But, if Edwards and Fox go, we'll need at least 1 more CB. Paal is going but we will have Vale, Larkeche and Esquerdinha, so no big issue at LB.
In midfield I cant believe we'll keep Colback. So we will need another DCN, unless we're going to rely on Morgan.
I'd hope to sign Saito but let Andersen go. Madsen might come good, if he has adapted to Championship harum scarum. We cant have any more midgets.
Yang, I think, will be back on a full 12 month loan.
Kelman deserves a chance. Frey offers physical presence. I'd like to keep him for another year.
So, we will need 1 or 2 RBs, a CB, possibly a DCM, and, if Frey doesnt stay, a physical, preferably quicker striker. |
"We can't have any more midgets" Agreed. Ours, and including Saito, are all good, but we need to boost our physical presence. | | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 06:31 - Apr 14 with 2726 views | dmm |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 23:06 - Apr 13 by Andybrat |
Haven’t we signed another Scottish CB who doesn’t come u til the summer? Remember we didn’t get the paperwork on time or something but he is committed. Might be wrong |
You're thinking of Timothy Akindileni, a left footed CB from Aberdeen. We've lined up the signing but he's only 17 so one for the DS.
Same with Jaylan Pearman I think, a right footed ACM from Perth Glory. He's 18. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 07:13 - Apr 14 with 2639 views | GaryBannister86 |
Really pleased about this. A vital player, on and off this pitch I suspect. Total nonsense about his legs being gone, a pro such as him should have at least another 2 years of quality in him. His partnership with Morrison was really blossoming at one stage.
Presuming it happens, of course, but WLS doesn't get much stuff like this wrong. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 07:13 - Apr 14 with 2626 views | Lblock |
The absolute key retainers for me are Marti and Calm
End of.
Marti has been culpable in a lot that’s gone wrong but as I keep saying; he’s learning the Championship
We’ll be stronger with those two at the helm.
There’s a vital squad rebuild needed and I’d like whoever is doing that to be here for another 18 months minimum and preferably be over the age of 30
Thereafter let’s see what happens |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 08:09 - Apr 14 with 2446 views | Gloucs_R |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 07:13 - Apr 14 by Lblock |
The absolute key retainers for me are Marti and Calm
End of.
Marti has been culpable in a lot that’s gone wrong but as I keep saying; he’s learning the Championship
We’ll be stronger with those two at the helm.
There’s a vital squad rebuild needed and I’d like whoever is doing that to be here for another 18 months minimum and preferably be over the age of 30
Thereafter let’s see what happens |
I'm definitely keen to keep Marti but if we do push him out then I wouldn't mind Gary O'Neil.
Going back to the list...
Vale can play left back but don't think it's his natural position. Assuming he gets fit.
I would like to see..
Two young CBs, Morrison age and ability
LB x1
RB x1
Two dominant CMs, allowing Morgan to go on loan and Colback to be released
Lloyd to be sent out on loan with a recall option if we get stuck
Wouldn't mind Yang and would like to sign Saito on a perm.
Big wish list, who do we move on?
I wouldn't be against selling Chair....I know, I know. I love the little fella but he's got a value to him and we're stocked with smaller AMs.
Frey, Fox, Andersen must all be on decent wages.
Kelman and Celar flight for first choice striker
Koli a possible number 10? [Post edited 14 Apr 10:36]
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 08:32 - Apr 14 with 2356 views | cpgerber |
I am really keen to see how the Kelman situation is going to develop. Top scorer in League One now. Surely he must now be able to make an impact with us, at least play some role.
Otherwise, if Peterborough managed to get 3m for Edwards, we should be able to get a heft fee for someone willing to take a punt on the League One top scorer. |  | | |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 09:39 - Apr 14 with 2202 views | derbyhoop |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 22:29 - Apr 13 by derbyhoop |
Martin's comments, post Bristol, indicated him wanting to stay.
The obvious issue is the number of defenders out of contract. I'd love to see Dunne re-sign but could understand if he wanted to move on, especially if he gets a chance of PL football. Could we get Ashby permanently? A.lternative worth a cheeky bid would be Perry Ng from Cardiff. Looks like Cook will be offered a new deal. But, if Edwards and Fox go, we'll need at least 1 more CB. Paal is going but we will have Vale, Larkeche and Esquerdinha, so no big issue at LB.
In midfield I cant believe we'll keep Colback. So we will need another DCN, unless we're going to rely on Morgan.
I'd hope to sign Saito but let Andersen go. Madsen might come good, if he has adapted to Championship harum scarum. We cant have any more midgets.
Yang, I think, will be back on a full 12 month loan.
Kelman deserves a chance. Frey offers physical presence. I'd like to keep him for another year.
So, we will need 1 or 2 RBs, a CB, possibly a DCM, and, if Frey doesnt stay, a physical, preferably quicker striker. |
I dont see Hevertton Santos coming back. Taylor Richard's should be bombed out.
From the DS, I feel Sutton will be pushing next year. Where he fits in as a left sided winger, I dont know. Unless we try to sell Chair. Alfie Tuck and Cian Dillon might step up but I suspect they're more likely to need loans in L1/L2, before they are ready.
If Kelman is given a chance and we persist in 1 up top, do we really need 5 strikers? | |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
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| The season 25-26 squad thread on 10:18 - Apr 14 with 2088 views | nadera78 |
| The season 25-26 squad thread on 09:39 - Apr 14 by derbyhoop |
I dont see Hevertton Santos coming back. Taylor Richard's should be bombed out.
From the DS, I feel Sutton will be pushing next year. Where he fits in as a left sided winger, I dont know. Unless we try to sell Chair. Alfie Tuck and Cian Dillon might step up but I suspect they're more likely to need loans in L1/L2, before they are ready.
If Kelman is given a chance and we persist in 1 up top, do we really need 5 strikers? |
I've watched Sutton a couple of times for the DS and he is a long way off still. Physically, he looks like a child, and tactically he spends a lot of time waiting for the ball to come to him rather than engaging in the game. He's only on the bench because we've got a dozen players out injured. Talented though. Needs a L2 loan. [Post edited 14 Apr 10:19]
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