How we shaping up?

[Ozymandias]

it is a shame re young Sam, and yes, I still feel we need a striker.
What are the dynamic duo's answer to Sam's injury by the way, if as Arty says, they were building around him for this season?

[Ozymandias]

Is Norman the answer to my striker question, or is this a gloss over? I read that the duo like him, but having not seen him play I hope this is not a five minute wonder.

[Arthur Horsfield]

In reply Ozy, leave it to nobes is my answer. That bloke is magical as we all know. He will sort it all out for us

[spike]

Is Norman the answer to my striker question, or is this a gloss over? I read that the duo like him, but having not seen him play I hope this is not a five minute wonder.

Have you not seen Norman in the friendlies then Ozy? He looks a real handful and I think he would be a great addition, however I think we're unlikely to get him.

I do agree that we need a striker. Charlie seems to be struggling with injuries and I wonder if his best days are behind him, Pughy is a class act but even if he gets back to previous levels he has an awful record for injuries and Flisher has promise but needs games to get properly fit. It's a huge blow to lose Blackman as I thought he'd be a good partner for Nobes in central midfield but I really like young Brodie and I'd pick him ahead of Luke Allen who has yet to impress. However, from watching the friendlies I think it's the lack of firepower up front that worries me most.

[Happy chappy]

Is Norman the answer to my striker question, or is this a gloss over? I read that the duo like him, but having not seen him play I hope this is not a five minute wonder.

Have you not seen Norman in the friendlies then Ozy? He looks a real handful and I think he would be a great addition, however I think we're unlikely to get him.

I do agree that we need a striker. Charlie seems to be struggling with injuries and I wonder if his best days are behind him, Pughy is a class act but even if he gets back to previous levels he has an awful record for injuries and Flisher has promise but needs games to get properly fit. It's a huge blow to lose Blackman as I thought he'd be a good partner for Nobes in central midfield but I really like young Brodie and I'd pick him ahead of Luke Allen who has yet to impress. However, from watching the friendlies I think it's the lack of firepower up front that worries me most.

I haven't seen play as i don't watch pre season friendly's, but some people who have,have suggested he is a bit on the small size when perhaps we need a big mobile forward to give some size to our lightweight looking strikers. Just saying

[Home And Away]

Him and McQueen same roles need someone up front with height and strength

[Capricorn25]

There seems to be a concern about the lack of height up front? Maybe in this league you need a big striker who can mix it with the centre-halfs ;who knows? but what we do have is an abundance of pace in the team, something that big centre-halfs at any level will tell you is a nightmare to play against? The top two teams in the premiership last season, played with strikers that average around 5ft 8ins;the likes of Salah, Aguero,Sterling ,firmino? so height was not their problem?So if Pughie can remain fit this season ,he could lead a line that will terrify teams by running at defences like we've all seen in the pre-season matches (Orient being the exception), and just a reminder that one of our greatest strikers ;Tony Burman is a prime example 5ft 9? thereabouts? ,and he never had trouble finding the net,and If Charlie is anywhere near his best,then i think we could be in for a promising season ahead ? Lets keep the faith , we have got some quality players in this team and i think this season the pressure will be on the rest ? so enjoy

[PeteSamson]

Haven't really joined in the debate of our Hope's for the forthcoming season, but I am more optimistic than at this stage last summer. It has taken me a while to get over the manner of TB's departure. However, I was in agreement with the board in appointing an ex Dart (wasn't expecting a duo appointment), as I am a believer in continuity within the club. Also, Tranmere's best times have always been when returning celebrities have re-ignited the club to bring success to the club. My only concern was that I wasn't thinking of Jamie Coyle at this stage, but was thinking of him a couple of years later as a natural replacement for TB, and by then, with a bit more managerial experience at this level. I have to admit Flanners wasn't on my radar, but in hindsight, whether you call them joint managers or manager/assistant manager, there are 2 of them in the same way we had TB and Skip Sawyer, although they were aided by Steve as well.
The duo seem to have recruited wisely this summer judging by some of the pre season game reports.
Just hope the Sam Blackman injury doesn't come to haunt us.
As an aside, Bromley had a player who didn't feature against the Darts by the name of Adam Mekki, who actually played for Tranmere some 3/4 seasons ago and wasn't given the playing opportunities he deserved. He may still be in the final stages of recovery from a broken leg earlier last season and I believe he was MoM when Bromley played in the FAT final. Could be worth a look at if he doesn't make it into the Bromley team and the duo only have to ask Luke Wanadio his opinion from his time at Bromley . Just a thought.
Otherwise, yes perhaps some concerns on our front line, more re injuries rather than abilities, but Pughie scoring v Bromley must have given him a confidence boost on his return to action.
So, summing up, really looking forward to this new season. Tough? Definitely. Competitive? Yes!
Attractive games to look forward to?. Hopefully.
Bigger crowds? Again, Some good pre season attendances, so hopefully we can build on that!
Just awaiting receipt of my season ticket now.

COYD

[Ozymandias]

Spike, I've only seen Wabo in the highlights of friendlies on here so can't make decision on his abilities. However you seem to think we won't get him. Are you going on him having trials at Gillingham? Or do you think he could end up elsewhere?
I am also well aware of Noble's abilities Arty, but surely Sam was brought in to play alongside him anyway to try and fill the immense hole left by Bradder's. Allen has yet to step up and again I don't have any idea's on Brodie.
So, with both Blackman and Wabo non starters, we now, in my opinion have to major areas to fill.
The first month of the season could be a hard slog for us and may find us struggling.