The Steward enforces the facts.
Rumours have already started about what players will be leaving the club in the summer, but I want to look at the positions Kevin Ratcliffe might be looking to strengthen.
I believe Mark Cartwright will be leaving the club in the summer in search of first team football. At Marks age players have to be selfish and look after there own careers. Mark has spent nearly two full seasons on the sidelines (with Brighton and us) and I believe a player of his quality won't want to be stuck there any longer. It is rumoured Southend are looking to sign an experienced Keeper and Mark fits that bill.
Mark has been unlucky because the form Bavo has shown this term has been amazing and something a few thought was unlikely to be seen, but does Ratcliffe have a replacement lined up for Mark or is he willing to gamble on Dunbavins form staying with him through next season, therefore signing a back-up for Bavo and not someone who will really be challenging for the first team?
Mark has been unlucky because the form Bavo has shown this term has been amazing and something a few thought was unlikely to be seen, but does Ratcliffe have a replacement lined up for Mark or is he willing to gamble on Dunbavins form staying with him through next season, therefore signing a back-up for Bavo and not someone who will really be challenging for the first team?
I also believe Kev could be searching for a new Centre Back come the start of the season. There seems to be a question mark over Trettons head (again!) and no-one knows how long Heathcotes legs can last. Will Tretts be sticking around, his contract is rumoured to be running out, but we have no indication of him being offered a new one like a lot of other players have been during the season. Tretton has shown he is an able replacement for Heathcote during the season, but Ratcliffe seems to prefer two ‘beefier’ Centre Backs in his starting eleven. Tretton could prove an excellent signing for a club of Leyton Orients stature, Carlisle were rumoured to be chasing Tretton at the start of the 01-02 campaign.
Gregor Rioch is also rumoured to be a possible shock name on the way out of the club. Rioch has just got himself back into the first team after being left to stew in the stands after his ‘harsh’ sending off against Plymouth. At the time it was rumoured that there may have been a bust up between him and Ratcliffe but these rumours were never substantiated. We have an abundance of quality Full backs at the club Thompson, Rioch, Drysdale and Moss so I think if Kev does release a full back (the two in the frame seem to be Drysdale and Rioch) this will be the position he will be least worried about signing a new player and he can take his time in looking at players in closer detail…but will we need another Full Back?
Sam Aistons 01-02 season never seemed to get going. He broke a bone in his foot at Connahs Quay in Pre-Season and never seemed to fully recover from that, and was then placed on the transfer list after some well documented off the field activities. Kevin had the ‘guts’ to put Sam on the list and the question that most fans are asking is has he got the guts to release him from his contract? It is possible that Kevins hands will be tied and he will have to keep Sam at the club until some-one takes a gamble on him and signs him, because it may cost the club a lot of money to pay up Sam’s contract taking into account that he was probably on a good wage at Sunderland and for our standards is probably on a good wage at here. If Sam does depart in the summer I believe at least one new winger will be a priority for Ratcliffe, if not two. We also have to take into account that there is a chance Ian Woan may not sign a new contract and depart for America with his wife once more, which leaves a rather large gap to fill on the flanks!
What is the story with Josh Walker? He hasn’t really had a sniff of first team action since arriving from Manchester United last summer. Some have suggest Ratcliffe has been ‘toughening’ him up in the reserves to take over from Mark Atkins, but I don’t believe this to be the case because is Josh a Defensive Midfielder? I think Josh will face an up-hill task to beat Jamie Tolley or Karl Murray to first team action next season, alongside Mark Atkins (assuming he stays for another season), so I think the wage may be freed up for the Manager to sign a Defensive Midfielder who can jostle with Atkins for a first team spot.
The big question that remains is will Luke be at the club for the new season? I believe he will, but if a large bid comes in the club may have to give Luke the opportunity to progress, so Kev maybe in the hunt for a new Striker. But only time will tell on this one.
So then over the summer keep your eyes peeled for players being released from clubs in these positions:
Goalkeeper, Centre Back, Full Back, Winger, Defensive Midfielder and possibly a Striker.
Cheers
THE STEWARD