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Post by autistichatter on May 21, 2022 18:00:59 GMT
I'm not entirely surprised that Hogan is going - he's had a few spells out of the side and not being in the XI or even on the bench for the last game was a bit of an indicator that he might be on the way out.
That said, and as someone who struggles every day with mental illness, he might actually view the release as an opportunity to play in a less stressful environment and if that is so then I for one won't blame him for it. Thank you and good luck in whatever you do Hoges.
I had a feeling that Kitching might also be released (obviously subject to contract status etc) since he hasn't been picked much lately and with Rydel and Hippolyte we have a couple of players at LWB both of whom might be ahead of him for selection (and yes I too would like to see ZFA signed up and also Andy Cannon.
I reckon Courtney Duffus might also be worth another spell, especially if/when his injury heals. Every team needs a target man from time to time and that man may well be Scot Quigley if/when whatever has bedevilled his form clears up. If not give Duffus another go.
Given the size of the squad at present though, I suspect we'll need to see a couple move out before DC can bring a couple in.
Besides, I expect the existing squad is good enough to handle L2 quite capably so we would only be looking for one or two additions.
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Post by autistichatter on May 21, 2022 18:08:38 GMT
A couple of other thoughts - the squad we had was deep and stacked with talent it just needed the right style of play to bring that out (which is what I was driving at a while ago when I said are they a bad side or a side playing badly).
There is one area of concern for me though - red cards, Now every side will get a red or two in a season and it doesn't mean they are a dirty side (although we can all name one or two sides that are dirty by design).
But 7 is way too many, especially when it involves core players like MSH, Ash Palmer, Collar, Sarcevic, Hogan (not to mention Ethan Ross and Mark Kitching).
Again it doesn't automatically mean that County play dirty because several were for late tackles or retaliation. That said I'll repeat what I've said elsewhere it is one thing to play with high intensity, it's another to do so while retaining composure and knowing when a tackle is on and when it's best to refrain from the tackle.
I hope this summer and through pre-season this is reinforced because a key element in the late season slump (yes OK late season nerves probably also played a part) was those red cards, both in the games where they occurred and the games where some of our most capable players were suspended.
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Post by gazz on May 21, 2022 19:37:03 GMT
Superb assessments once again, AH, they made for excellent reading as always.
I think I need to wind in my criticism of Hogan, as I'd forgotten that he was suffering with his mental health. Far too many people in this world are dismissive of that, so I will wish him nothing but the best wherever his career takes him.
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Post by hatter_in_macc on May 25, 2022 16:42:44 GMT
Seconded - great stuff, AH.
I fear that we will have to look elsewhere for forwards, though, as Duffus, sadly, is facing a rehabilitation period of up to nine months.
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Post by archie on May 25, 2022 16:57:31 GMT
I notice that 2 of the top 6 goalscorers in League 2 last season are out of contract. Keillor-Dunn has been released by Oldham and Telford has not yet signed a new contract with Newport. Presumably assessing their options but you'd have thought we'd be competitive.
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