Summer Rebuild 2016/2017

[West Stand Man]

If we can get the CBs in to allow it, I wouldn't mid seeing us play with three centrebacks and wing backs. I think it would suit our defensively frail full backs and hopefully make Gunter receive the ball higher up the pitch and so be more positive with it. Or get ditched and replaced with McCleary (or my preference sold and replaced by someone actually good). It'd take a bit of pressure off Cooper as well, should he continue to play.

I think this could be a decent base to work from:
................................Al-Habsi
...............McShane..Cooper..Gravenberch
McCleary.....................................................Obita
................Tshibola..Norwood..Quinn
...........................Samuel..Rakels

I too think we could make much better use of both Gunter and Obita by playing them as true wing backs. Pains me to agree with you!

[SydenhamRoyal]

If we can get the CBs in to allow it, I wouldn't mid seeing us play with three centrebacks and wing backs. I think it would suit our defensively frail full backs and hopefully make Gunter receive the ball higher up the pitch and so be more positive with it. Or get ditched and replaced with McCleary (or my preference sold and replaced by someone actually good). It'd take a bit of pressure off Cooper as well, should he continue to play.

I think this could be a decent base to work from:
................................Al-Habsi
...............McShane..Cooper..Gravenberch
McCleary.....................................................Obita
................Tshibola..Norwood..Quinn
...........................Samuel..Rakels

We'll lose Cooper and Norwood; can't see where the goals are coming from. Cheaper season tickets for 2017/18 beckon.

[John Smith]

If we can get the CBs in to allow it, I wouldn't mid seeing us play with three centrebacks and wing backs. I think it would suit our defensively frail full backs and hopefully make Gunter receive the ball higher up the pitch and so be more positive with it. Or get ditched and replaced with McCleary (or my preference sold and replaced by someone actually good). It'd take a bit of pressure off Cooper as well, should he continue to play.

I think this could be a decent base to work from:
................................Al-Habsi
...............McShane..Cooper..Gravenberch
McCleary.....................................................Obita
................Tshibola..Norwood..Quinn
...........................Samuel..Rakels

I like this a lot Ian. A bit of an Italian mentality about it. Quinn would be given a bit of flexibility for being a centre mid/winger.

I would prefer Williams as the anchor, though and cash in on Norwood for a better technician; a (better) Brian Howard-sort of player

[Crux]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/footb ... m-11472815

[genome]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/reading-fc-boss-jaap-stam-11472815

No surprise he wants a big, physical team. I expect we'll probably build from the back.

[tidus_mi2]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/reading-fc-boss-jaap-stam-11472815

No surprise he wants a big, physical team. I expect we'll probably build from the back.

Based on last season, that's probably a good thing.

It was unbelievable to watch teams just waltz through our defence repeatedly last season, it's no surprise our keeper has been PotS 2 seasons running.

[Ian Royal]

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/reading-fc-boss-jaap-stam-11472815

No surprise he wants a big, physical team. I expect we'll probably build from the back.

Based on last season, that's probably a good thing.

It was unbelievable to watch teams just waltz through our defence repeatedly last season, it's no surprise our keeper has been PotS 2 seasons running.

Mind you, having an effective outlet for the first time in over two seasons would be nice.

Our last two (league) top scorers to end the season at the club were
Danny Williams - 5, and
Simon Cox - 8

That's our biggest problem. The defence needs less work than the attack.

[RoyalJones]

No surprise he wants a big, physical team. I expect we'll probably build from the back.

Based on last season, that's probably a good thing.

It was unbelievable to watch teams just waltz through our defence repeatedly last season, it's no surprise our keeper has been PotS 2 seasons running.

Mind you, having an effective outlet for the first time in over two seasons would be nice.

Our last two (league) top scorers to end the season at the club were
Danny Williams - 5, and
Simon Cox - 8

That's our biggest problem. The defence needs less work than the attack.

Plus Stam can hopefully shore up the defence with training alone although we may need cover now Taylor and Ferdinand have gone

[Drew_3]

Our lack of a threat going forward is probably what has put some of the pressure on our defence too.

Not saying we would be rock solid if we had a decent forward line but it would relieve some of the burden.

[Ian Royal]

Our lack of a threat going forward is probably what has put some of the pressure on our defence too.

Not saying we would be rock solid if we had a decent forward line but it would relieve some of the burden.

There's nothing like a toothless attack to encourage a team to just keep plugging away, pushing forward in safety and hoping they can find that one lucky breakthrough they need.

[Platypuss]

Enough of your sex life Ian, this is a serious football forum.

[Lacoste]

Sums up the pathetic man in one short, concise sentence.

[RoyalJones]

Gunter is playing as a wing back for Wales with people saying we should now play 5 at the back. However, if we utilise the defensive midfielders Evans and Tshibola (I presume Norwood will be sold) effectively, it could allow Gunter and Obita who are both attacking to push up and be a threat. The problem we have is that we don't have any attacking minded midfielders with passing quality and the ability to get their head up (Mr Williams you do not get your head up enough otherwise you could be alright at the attacking midfield role). Bradley Dack is someone we could bring in to be that creative midfielder we need to support the man up top.

[Tommio]

Replacement for Cooper (if he goes)?

https://www.clubcall.com/championship/burn-confirms-fulham-exit-1809688.html

Going to Wigan

[Tommio]

Just confirmed

[RoyalJones]

Signings so far:
Gravenburch - CB/CDM
Van Der Berg - CDM
Mendes - ST/Winger
Campi (Imminent) - CDM

Out:
Liburd
Tshibola (Imminent)

[RoyalJones]

Squad Depth:
GK - Al Habsi, Bond, Moore, Ward, Southwood
LB - Obita, Griffin
RB - Gunter, Watson, Long, Dickie, Keown
CB - McShane, Cooper, Gravenburch, Keown, Hyam, Jules, Dickie
CMs - Van der berg, Evans, Norwood, Williams, Kuhl, Barrett, Quinn, Kelly, Gravenburch
Left Mids - Fosu, Quinn
Right Mids - McCleary, Stacey, Barrett, Tanner
Strikers - Kermorgant, Rakels, Samuel, Mendes, Tanner, Novakovich

Some of these players can play in more than one position

[NewCorkSeth]

Squad Depth:
GK - Al Habsi, Bond, Moore, Ward, Southwood
LB - Obita, Griffin
RB - Gunter, Watson, Long, Dickie, Keown
CB - McShane, Cooper, Gravenburch, Keown, Hyam, Jules, Dickie
CMs - Van der berg, Evans, Norwood, Williams, Kuhl, Barrett, Quinn, Kelly, Gravenburch
Left Mids - Fosu, Quinn
Right Mids - McCleary, Stacey, Barrett, Tanner
Strikers - Kermorgant, Rakels, Samuel, Mendes, Tanner, Novakovich

Some of these players can play in more than one position

Hurtado.

[RoyalJones]

Squad Depth:
GK - Al Habsi, Bond, Moore, Ward, Southwood
LB - Obita, Griffin
RB - Gunter, Watson, Long, Dickie, Keown
CB - McShane, Cooper, Gravenburch, Keown, Hyam, Jules, Dickie
CMs - Van der berg, Evans, Norwood, Williams, Kuhl, Barrett, Quinn, Kelly, Gravenburch
Left Mids - Fosu, Quinn
Right Mids - McCleary, Stacey, Barrett, Tanner
Strikers - Kermorgant, Rakels, Samuel, Mendes, Tanner, Novakovich

Some of these players can play in more than one position

Judging by this we may need in my opinion:
one more goalkeeper (not essential)
a backup left back (essential)
another centre back (not essential)
an attacking midfielder (essential)
a back up right midfielder (not essential)
a back up left midfielder (essential)
a top quality striker (most important)

Ideal amount of extra signings needed: 7

[RoyalJones]

Squad Depth:
GK - Al Habsi, Bond, Moore, Ward, Southwood
LB - Obita, Griffin
RB - Gunter, Watson, Long, Dickie, Keown
CB - McShane, Cooper, Gravenburch, Keown, Hyam, Jules, Dickie
CMs - Van der berg, Evans, Norwood, Williams, Kuhl, Barrett, Quinn, Kelly, Gravenburch
Left Mids - Fosu, Quinn
Right Mids - McCleary, Stacey, Barrett, Tanner
Strikers - Kermorgant, Rakels, Samuel, Mendes, Tanner, Novakovich

Some of these players can play in more than one position

Hurtado.

Thought about including him but apparently Stam is looking to get him out the door asap, and his departure is not too far away