Sorry for the long post, but this is what I’d like to see happen in the summer (and what I’ll use as the basis for my recruitment plan once the season’s finished):
I personally think Collin has done enough to be the #1 next season, so we’re probably good in goal (especially if Martin continues his player-coach role).
Although we have good depth across the back-three, I’d like us to sign a proper, left-footed back-up for Ralph. Someone who can replicate what he offers in the final-third, too, in terms of his overlapping runs. Probably looking at U23 options.
Although we have no proper back-up for Bridge, Ralph can cover him, which makes a LCB cover even more important. I’d like three options for these two positions, and if the LCB back-up can also cover Bridge, then even better. I identified Spennymoor’s Reece Staunton as my #1 suggestion in January.
If GSM leaves, obviously he’d need replacing, but hopefully he signs a new contract. Assuming he stays, I’d like a young back-up option to come in, especially if Demetriou doesn’t continue playing. I’m not sure it’s wise to have someone who can play either wing-back role, as they have different tactical requirements (e.g. if we switch to a back-four mid-match).
Obviously we need strengthening up-front. I think we need a target-man who can also press, and obviously score goals at this level (like Cardwell). I think this is the one role that we should try and put the most resources into.
Secondly, I’d like a second-striker or #10, who can drop deeper to link the play, but also score goals in our front-two. I identified Chelmsford’s Charlie Ruff as a potential option here in January.
Finally, it may be wise to look to bring in a midfielder who can help to strengthen our right-side in attack (we’re not going to achieve this through a change of formation). Although, it’s not essential as we already create a lot of chances (so we need to focus more on finishing).
The fact that Fonguck (our most creative central-midfielder) has almost exclusively been used in the left-sided #8 role does, in my opinion, contribute to our over-reliance on our left-side, although I’m a big fan and have highlighted his importance a number of times. Perhaps a similar profile who can play as either the left or right-sided #8 would help us (although I suggested using Fonguck on the right recently, and he seemed to play there after being brought on yesterday, so I may have to re-assess). Ebbsfleet’s Toby Edser, who I identified in December, would be my first-choice suggestion here.
