Notts County Recruitment Plan 23/24 Pt2

RIGHT WING BACK

We've seen this season the evolution of Adam Chicksen. For me, he has embodied what Luke Williams' Left Wing Back would look like; attacking the back post, with plenty of box entries, while also working hard up and down the flanks. Chicksen signed a new deal before the playoffs, so I would imagine he would start the season as starter. We also saw in the playoffs a shift towards replacing Chicksen for a more traditional wide player, Jodi Jones.

As such, I will be looking at a mixture between the Adam Chicksen mold of left back, as well as younger, more traditional wide players who could fit the role well.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 21-30

First Team Player Naturally Right Sided

Ranks Highly for Box Entries

Ranks Highly for Crossing Metrics

Ranks Highly for Dribbling Metrics

Joel Senior

22/23:

Appearances: 16

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Age: 23

Height: 5'11"

Despite what the stats show, Senior is actually very comfortable playing in a side that has lots of possession, mainly due to his time at Altrincham. Senior has found games hard to come by this season, but had a stellar playoff campaign, helping Carlisle to promotion.

He's now, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, available on a free following his release. He's an attack minded full back, one who I believe could be a good sylistic fit withing our team.

He's also just 23 years old, so is the perfect age profile. He has room to grow, is a League 2 promotion winner and is avaialble for a cheap price. All of these make him a good candidate for the role

Gus Scott-Morriss

@tomhwilliams23

22/23:

Appearances: 16

Goals: 5

Assists: 0

Age: 26

Height: 5'11"

Someone I’m a big fan of on and off the pitch, Scott-Morriss is always smiling, and would be a great fit within the dressing room. He’s also a fantastic wing back, one who is brilliant in both phases of play. He really impressed me at Meadow Lane, and considering the circumstances at Southend he could be available too.

A player who is on the rise, GSM would follow a similar pattern of recent signings, of those that have risen through the non league game, and I believe his performances warrant a step into the EFL.

As the stats show, GSM is about as well rounded as they come. A brilliant player and one who would be near the top of my list.

Oscar Rutherford

22/23:

Appearances: 39

Goals: 0

Assists: 1

Age: 19

Height: 5'10"

One of the youngest players in the whole document, I believe Oscar Rutherford will be playing EFL football sooner rather than later, and there’s no reason that can’t be with us. He’s had a brilliant breakout season, and he’s only going to get better.

Rutherford originally burst onto the scene as a winger, before filling in at right back due to injuries, which makes me believe he is the perfect fit for the right wing back role. He combines attacking courage with defensive solidity, and is mature beyond his years.

He is still under contract at Eastleigh, however, you wouldn’t imagine the fee being too high.

Kellen Fisher

22/23:

Appearances: 27

Goals: 0

Age: 18

Another young full back who has caught the eye this season in the National League is Bromley’s Fisher. He’s another that’s had a breakout season, with EFL clubs reportedly circling around him. Bromley may want to loan him back, but I believe he’s good enough to be a starter in League 2 now.

A slightly more solid option, Fisher is still strong going forward. He also has experience playing in a wing back system, so is familiar with the requirements for the role.

He is still under contract with Bromley, so would command a fee, but again, you can’t imagine it would be a figure we can’t afford.

Jimmy Muitt

22/23:

Appearances: 34

Goals: 4

Assists: 8

Age: 27

Height: 5'11"

I’ll be honest; this suggestion is one made purely off of the data. But that’s what makes it so exciting; he’s not a name we would have highlighted without it. He is strong with the eye test too; although having spoken to people who watch him week in week out he’s perhaps one who needs another season in the National League.

Nonetheless, his stats radar shows what an excellent replacement Muitt could be. His stats are very similar to Nemane, and he has a good turn of pace like him too.

He may lack that final ball, but so did Nemane before this season. If he works under Luke Williams, who knows what could happen.

Joshua Emmanuel

22/23:

Appearances: 17

Goals: 0

Assists: 2

Age: 25

Height: 5'11"

An ambitious choice, one who had a very strong season in League 2 last season, Emmanuel is available on a free following the expiry of his contract at Grimsby. He may want to step up back through the divisions, where he has plied his trade before, but if we could tempt him to stay at the level he’d be the perfect fit.

In all honesty, he’s too good for the level. So he’s strong in both phases of play, combining defensive solidity with attacking threat. A strong athlete too, Emmanuel would provide us flexibility and experience too.

Emmanuel has a high ceiling, and under Luke Williams I believe he could become an unbelievable player.

Cameron Norman

22/23:

Appearances: 46

Goals: 5

Assists: 5

Age: 27

Height: 6'2"

Norman played every single game in League 2 last season, playing over 4000 minutes at the level we are going to be playing at next season. He has the experience, and is also a player who excelled during that time too.

Newport play with wing backs, so Norman has an understanding of the role. He has 10 goal involvements, showing his attacking intent, and as the stats radar shows, he’s one of the best this division has to offer. Hes out of contract with Newport, so is available on a free. This could be seen in 2 ways; obviously, it makes the move financially viable, but it also means sides

higher up may want to take a look at him.

Enzio Boldewijn

22/23:

Appearances: 45

Goals: 1

Assists: 2

Age: 30

Height: 6'1"

Is this a choice mainly stuped in nostalgia? Absolutely. But Enzio is now available on a free, and has had experience playing at wing back. He’s a player who knows the club well, and is fondly remembered too, so while it seems like a weird choice, it’s not one I wouldn’t rule out completely.

Enzio also has an impressive stats radar, showing he has the attacking capabilities to perform the role for Notts. He’s also recently been a teammate of new signing Randall, so would fit in well with the dressing room. He’d offer versatility too, but it’s probably the least likely move here.

Micah Obiero

22/23:

Appearances: 32

Goals: 8

Assists: 2

Age: 22

Height: 5'10"

Notts fans who saw Obiero score against us at Wealdstone may be surprised to see him in the wing back suggestions. But since then he’s transitioned to the role with real success. He’d offer us versatility, being able to play up top or in his new wing back role.

He’d also fit the recent trend of taking players up the divisions, as he was at Boston United earlier this season. Obiero is an attacking wing back, one who plays in a system who play possession based football, which of course fits within our style.

Obiero has signed on for this season, but as Wealdstone are a part time side I don’t believe the fee required would be too large.

Alex Mighten

22/23:

Appearances: 9

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Age: 21

Height: 5'8"

I’m unsure on both how realistic this move is and how well it would be received. However, if we were able to pull it off, I truly believe he’d be the perfect replacement for Nemane. Following our promotion to the EFL we should start to utilise our links with Forest again, and Mighten could be the perfect player to do so with.

He needs regular minutes. He’s played at wing back this season for Sheffield Wednesday, but he struggled for game time. He’s been a regular at a much higher level in the past though, so would certainly be too good for League 2.

He’d

replace the pace and attacking intent of Nemane.

Harry Anderson

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals: 0

Assists: 1

Age: 26

Height: 5'10"

Another winger who I believe would be a good choice at wing back is Anderson, who is available on a free after his contract expired at Bristol Rovers. He’s an excellent attacker, one who would be a strong fit within our system.

Anderson has plenty of experience playing at a higher level, so I believe he’d be capable in the division below. I also believe he may need to drop a division to find more game time, so would be a good fit.

He’s promotion from the division before, so has the experience required, and would provide us with tactical flexibility too.

Jordan Cropper

22/23:

Appearances: 8

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 23

Height: 6'0"

The 2nd out of Grimsby wing back in this list, Cropper had a strong loan with Barnet in a wing back system, and while he may stay in the National League, I do feel he’s at least an option we should consider.

A promotion winner, albeit from the National League, Notts fans will be very familiar with Cropper’s long throw. However, he’s much more than that, as the stats suggest.

Cropper is an attack minded player, one who ranks very highly across the attacking metrics. His stats radar is pretty impressive, and when you take into account the fact he’s available on a free, as well as his age, he becomes a very solid option.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

With John Bostock and Matty Palmer confirmed for next season, the need for a starting central midfielder is at an all time low. However, with both Vincent and Francis confirmed as moving on, we now only have 3 recognised central midfielders, one of which is 35 years old. Geraldo Bajrami can also play in midfield, but it's still uncertain whether he is a defender or midfielder. As such, I feel we need to add at least another central midfielder for depth. We should also be looking to add some youth to the side; the midfield options are currently very experienced, and we actually lack some emerging talents throughout the whole squad. Adding a youthful player, perhaps one recently released from Academy football, will also deal with the issue of game time; whoever signs will have to be happy with limited minutes.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 18-24 Squad Player

Technically Proficient

Ranks Highly for Passing Metrics

Ranks Highly for Progressive Metrics

Priority: Medium

James Morton

22/23:

Appearances: 33

Goals: 2

Assists: 0

Age: 24

Height: 6'1"

Some Notts fans may recognise Morton; he was actually on trial with us last summer. His contract has run out at Bristol City, where he was a big player for Luke Williams in the u23 side. A player the gaffer trusts, Morton is a left footed technical midfielder, one who possesses a good set piece delivery.

He had a strong loan with Bath in the NLS, as shown in his stats radar. He’s comfortable on the ball, and I have no doubt he would buy into Williams’ philosophy. He’s a good age profile too, and certainly has a lot of room to grow.

My only real concerns are if he can step up, especially physically.

Kieron Evans

22/23:

Appearances: 36

Goals: 2

Assists: 3

Age: 21

Height: 5'7"

Torquay fans may be somewhat surprised at this inclusion, but I feel Evans had a strong loan in a side that really struggled. I also feel he’s a player that might actually be better suited to League 2 than he is the National League.

A technically adept midfielder, there are some question marks over his physical capabilities. Still, I like what I’ve seen from Evans, and I believe he could be a player that slots into our side well.

His contract situation is still unclear at Cardiff, but even if he remains in contract I cannot see any reason that a loan move couldn’t materialise. A confident player, one I could see doing well for us.

Declan Weeks

22/23:

Appearances: 39

Goals: 8

Assists: 12

Age: 27

Okay, Weeks is older than the brief. However, just look at those stats and tell me you can’t see him being a success at this football club. He’s one of the only attainable players I’ve found who comes anywhere close to the ridiculous levels set by our midfield, and as a result he’d be my main target in this position.

Weeks is 27 and is yet to play in the EFL. While many might see this as a negative, I believe it is staying with our current theme of signings; players on the up, who are hungry to succeed. Weeks is an excellent footballer, one who is entering his prime.

A brilliant technician, I’m unsure how much he would cost.

Ryan Stirk

22/23:

Appearances: 16

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Age: 22

Height: 5'10"

Stirk would have made it into an XI of best players we played against this season. In the away game at Bromley he was everywhere, a constant thorn in our side, showing real tenacity on that afternoon. His impressive loan spell didn’t stop that afternoon though, as the former Mansfield loanee had a brilliant time with Bromley.

He’s now available on a free following the expiry of his contract at Birmingham City, and he’s someone I believe we should really be looking at.

Stirk played with Bajrami at Blues, so he already has links to the club. He’s a player with real promise, and on a free he’s a no brainer.

Ryan De Havilland

22/23:

Appearances: 42

Goals: 7

Assists: 6

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

De Havilland will be an EFL player before long. He isn’t short of interest already, and with the young midfielder improving all the time this interest is only likely to grow. It’ll therefore be a tough move to pull off, but if we could make it work it could be a great option.

De Havilland is a supremely talented footballer. He originally came through Fulham’s academy, but has gained massive amounts of first team exposure since joining Barnet.

He’s another player I feel will be better suited to EFL football than National League. He’s so strong technically on both feet that he takes corners with one foot and free kicks with the other!

Kamil Conteh

22/23:

Appearances: 33

Goals: 2

Assists: 2

Age: 20

Height: 5'10"

Kamil Conteh is such a unique footballer that I decided that instead of comparing him against what we currently have, I’d instead include 2 radars just showcasing how strong all aspects of his game are.

Such a mature footballer, far beyond his tender years, international Conteh is one of the very best I’ve seen at this level when it comes to ball retention. He uses his big frame to protect the ball, and understands when to cycle possession too.

j feel he’d not only be a great fit within our side, but would also offer us something different. Boro will want his development to continue, and a loan in the division above with us would be the perfect way to

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

The other midfield role I believe we need to strengthen in is a ball winner; someone with tenacity, with similar attributes to Jim O'Brien. While he has been offered a new deal, at 35 I believe his playing time will further diminish next season, especially with the step up. I do however feel what Jim often brings to games is valuable, and as such have targeted some midifielders with similar attributes.

O'Brien is often Luke Williams' voice on the pitch. Therefore, while I will be looking at metrics which are easy to quantify, such as tackles etc., I will also be looking at attributes which cannot be underlined by data: character, aggression and experience.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 25-30 Squad Player

EFL Experience

Ranks Highly for Duels Won

Ranks Highly for Crossing Metrics

Ranks Highly for Dribbling Metrics

Priority: Medium

Curtis Thompson

22/23:

Appearances: 6

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 29

Height: 5'10"

Another former Notts man in this list is Thompson, and I feel he’s one the fans would be happy to see back. Always a hard worker, Thompson has gone on to have an excellent career in the EFL, and he could return home and bring that valuable experience back with him to Meadow Lane.

Thompson was a regular in the Championship as recently as 2021, so I feel he’s more than capable at the level we will be playing at. He struggled for game time last season, so may need to drop a division anyway, so what better way to do so than joining Notts.

His tenacity and energy would add something different in midfield.

Louis Thompson

22/23:

Appearances: 17

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Age: 28

Height: 5'11"

Another Thompson who has been playing regularly at a higher level is former Swindon Town midfielder Louis Thompson. It was at Swindon where he first encountered our current head coach Luke Williams, who signed him on loan from Norwich at the time.

I’d be happy for our boss to go in for his former man once more.

Thompson is another hard working player, one who has the quality to match his vast experience.

A regular at League 1 level for some time, Thompson is a strong athlete, one who may have offers higher up the pyramid. Still, some of his best football came at Swindon, and a reunion of sorts could work

Ben Stevenson

22/23:

Appearances: 29

Goals: 0

Assists: 1

Age: 26

Height: 6'0"

Another player I know Colin Sisson is a big fan of is Midlands boy Stevenson. A player with excellent technique, Stevenson is another League 2 promotion winner who is available on a free transfer. To be able to add a player of his quality and experience on a free would be incredible business, and when you factor in geography it becomes even more likely.

Stevenson also knows new recruit Will Randall, with the 2 sharing interactions online when the latter signed earlier in the summer. You can therefore see Stevenson be tempted to return to the Midlands and link up with his former teammate.

Josh McEachran

22/23:

Appearances: 39

Goals: 0

Assists: 3

Age: 30

Height: 5'10"

Former Chelsea youth McEachran has never played below League 1 level, but after being relegated with MK Dons this season it looked like he would be. However, his contract expired, so he may be able to escape the drop. I’d still like us to try and tempt him though, as he’s not only a player with immense ability, but one who has the experience to match.

McEachran has made almost 100 appearances in the Championship, and this season was the most active of his career. He’d probably therefore relish the reduced workload of being the 3rd midfield option, and he’s a player that has the technique to settle in with our style too.

Craig Clay

22/23:

Appearances: 32

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 31

Height: 5'11"

Former Chesterfield midfielder Clay is a Nottingham lad, one who may be looking to move closer to home for the latter portion of his career.

Clay actually won League 2 this season, playing a key role on and off the pitch, so he’d bring valuable promotion winning experience too.

As the stats suggest, Clay is a midfielder who would add tenacity to our side. He works hard, and would add a different dimension to our otherwise silky midfield.

Clay can play too though, and is a player that would likely be happy with being a squad rotation option, based on this season at least.

Available on a free too, so makes sense financially.

Liam Kinsella

22/23:

Appearances: 37

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Age: 27

Height: 5'9"

We need to add operators with experience at this level, and Kinsella certainly has that. The midfielder has made almost 150 League 2 appearances in his last 4 seasons, so he knows what it takes to play at this level.

He’s also just 27, so still has plenty of good years ahead of him. Another hard working midfielder, Kinsella is currently Midlands based too, so a move would make sense geographically.

Kinsella is another option who is available on a free following the expiry of his contract at Walsall. He’d be a very solid option.

Regan Hendry

22/23:

Appearances: 41

Goals: 2

Assists: 1

Age: 25

Height: 5'10"

The youngest option in this position, and likely to be the most in demand, it was a surprise to see Forest Green let Hendry go. The combative midfielder had an excellent loan with Tranmere in League 2 this season, and you’d expect them to be interested in making the deal permanent. However, I feel if we could steal him from under their noses that he would be an excellent acquisition.

Hendry has won promotion from this division before, so has the experience we are looking for. And while at 25 he may want guaranteed minutes, he’s of an age where we could view him as a long term O’Brien replacement.

ATTACKING MIDFIELD

I want to start by saying replacing Ruben Rodrigues like for like is going to be almost impossible. Not only is he a creator, he's also a goalscorer, and you can add his defensive work rate into that as well. In addition, he not only tops the charts for creative metrics, but he is so far ahead at the top that even 2nd best wouldn't be an adequate replacement.

It is therefore my belief that we require 2 players to replace Ruben; a creator, and a more physical, goalscoring 10. We do however already have Sam Austin, who himself is an extremely creative player. so we have 1 of the 2 already due to excellent forward planning. I'll therefore look at midfielders who fit the 2nd category; physical goalscorer.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 20-30

Squad Player

Versatile Player

Ranks Highly for Box Entries

Ranks Highly for Shooting Metrics

Ranks Highly for Goalscoring Metrics

Priority: Low

Chris Conn-Clarke

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

A young player who impressed me whenever I saw him play last season, Conn-Clarke may feel a step up from National League is needed for his development.

As we can see from his stats, the young midfielder ranks highly when it comes to shots and dribbles, areas where Austin perhaps lacks in. He'd help replace that element of Ruben's game which we may miss. He's direct, and ranks highly on plenty of metrics.

Under contract to 2025, so it's likely to be a loan move rather than a permanent.

Joe Sbarra

22/23:

Appearances: 33

Goals: 9

Assists: 4

Age: 24

Height: 5'6"

One we've been linked with multiple times, I thought it would be appropriate to include Sbarra, ashe is on the majority of Notts' fans shortlists.

Sbarra didn't have his strongest season, yet still managed 9 goals, a very strong return all things considered. However, from the stats we can see he is some way off of Rodrigues in the creative ranks. He does however beat him for non-penalty goals, which was part of the brief I set out.

He's also under contract, so would demand a hefty fee.

Alex Pattison

22/23:

Appearances: 36

Goals: 9

Assists: 5

Age: 25

Height: 5'8"

I highlighted the need to add more goals from attacking midfield, and that’s what Pattison provides; goals. He’s scored 18 goals in his last 2 seasons at this level, showing he is a consistent goalscoring midfielder, something we need to add.

Pattison’s contract at Harrogate ran out, so he’s available on a free. While this means he will be a financially viable option, I also believe it’ll increase the amount of interest in him. It wouldn’t surprise me if a side from the division above takes a look at him.

Still, he should certainly be on our radar. He has an impressive stats radar and has the required experience too.

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans

22/23:

Appearances: 27

Goals: 3

Assists: 1

Age: 26

Height: 5'10"

A name that will be familiar with Notts fans, I would be happy if we made the move permanent. While he perhaps didn't show his best form at Notts I do feel we saw flashes of his brilliance. He's a player we've chased for a number of years, and I'd like Luke Williams to be able to get a whole season with him.

Unfortunately, he is still under contract with Stockport, and as they didn't go up a move for him will be more difficult. If they had I'd feel a loan move wouldn't be difficult, but loaning a player to divisional rivals would be an odd move. Either way, if a deal is possible I wouldn't be against it at all.

Andy Dallas

22/23:

Appearances: 48

Goals: 20

Assists:10

Age: 23

Height: 5'10"

A player we've been linked with in the past, Dallas ranks extremely highly for goals, shots etc. due in large part to the fact that he spent large portions of the season playing up front.

In many ways, this actually works against him; as we saw, Notts are already well stocked in the forward department. However, Dallas is versatile, and it's my belief that he would be able to play behind the forward. His contract expired this summer, so is available on a free, making him finacially attractive. He's also an excellent age profile, with room to grow and develop. A player of his quality on a free cannot be ignored.

Josh Kelly

22/23:

Appearances: 45

Goals: 11

Assists:2

Age: 24

Height: 5'11"

A player I've been an admirer of for some time is Josh Kelly. He made the step up from Maidenhead this season, filling the void of the aforementioned Dallas.

Once again, Kelly ranks highly for shots and goals partly due to playing as a striker. Similarly to Dallas though, Kelly is versatile, and I believe he would be a joy to watch in behind the forwards.

Kelly is a well rounded forward, has a good turn of pace, and works hard too. He's shown a strong aptitude for learning, not only improving as a player throughout the season, but handling the jump from part time too. He is under contract though, so may require a

Sam Pearson

22/23:

Appearances: 27

Goals: 2

Assists: 0

Age: 21

Height: 5'7"

Initially brought to my attention due to papers linking us to him, Pearson worked with Luke Williams while our boss was Bristol City U23 Manager. He enjoyed 2 loan spells this season, first with Yeovil, then with AFC Wimbledon, stepping up a level part way through the season. Even though both loans were short, Pearson managed to show his class in both. It also remains unclear whether we would swoop for him on a permanent, or whether another loan deal would be appropriate.

Pearson has the added ability to play as a wing back, his versatility making him a more appealing option. More effective out wide, his stats perhaps don't fully reflect his skillset.

The Long List:

(Players that either I couldn't get data on, had too many recommendations for or have already moved on)

Toby Mullarkey - Grimsby Town

Adam Senior - Halifax Town

Elkan Baggott - Ipswich Town

Taylor Foran - Arsenal

Connor Pani - Gateshead

Kevin Berkoe - Salford City

Sam Beckwith - Maidenhead

Ben Tilney - Carrick Rangers

Jordan Marshall - Dundee

Jake Leake - Hull City

Ziyad Larkeche - Fulham

James Clarke - Solihull

Kian Spence - Barrow

Greg Olley - Gateshead

Tivonge Rushesha - Swansea City

Daniel Williams - Swansea City

Osazee Aghatise - Derby County

Belshaw

Slocombe

Baldwin

Rawlinson

Chicksen

Cordner/ Debrah

Brindley

Stevenson

Palmer Weeks

Rodrigues

McGoldrick Jones

Langstaff

Nemane TAR

Cairns

Slocombe

Brooks

Cameron

Chicksen

Jones

Baldwin

Bajrami

Bostock

Weeks

Austin

Randall

Langstaff

Scott

Morias

Rawlinson

Brindley

Palmer

O'Brien

Senior TAR

McGoldrick

Savin

Slocombe

Brooks

Pijnaker Panter

Baldwin

Bajrami

Rawlinson

Brindley

Who Would I Sign?

As you have seen in the previous slides, here are who I would consider to be my top targets: Goalkeeper is the absolure priority signing right now. Of course, the most popular choice would be James Belshaw. I wouldn't rule out us making a loan signing either in that position. I'd like to think either Alex Bass or Joe Wollacott could be available on those types of deals. For Right Centre Back I would certainly be looking at either Jesse Debrah or Tyler Cordner. I believe both would be available for the right price. Both would add real quality in this position, which is what we need; unless it's a real upgrade, it's not a necessary signing.

For the left side of defence I believe we could do with a signing even if Cameron renews, but if he doesn't renew it becomes an absolute priority signing. Corey Panter of Eastleigh would be a top target, and again would be available for the right price. Manny Monthe would be a solid squad option on a free. I'm unsure how realistic it would be, but if we could tempt Nando Pijnaker he would be the perfect replacement for Cameron.

Who Would I Sign?

Wing Backs are an interesting position in our side. Due to our transfer business it's unclear whether we need one on the left side. If we do though Vincent Harper would be my top target. He's available on a free and has worked with Luke Williams before. Jack Bridge would be another option, but I feel the signing of Will Randall rules that one out. The right side is only necessary if Nemane doesn't renew. If he does, we don't need anyone, but if he doesn't renew it suddenly becomes a top 3 priority signing for us. I feel Joel Senior is a real option there; he's comfortable in a possession based side. Alex Migthen on loan may be unrealistic, but he has he explosive pace to replace Nemane. Joshua Emmanuel would be a great but unrealistic signing. Even if O'Brien renews, which I had thought would have happened by now, we need at least 1, if not 2 midfield additions. Declan Weeks would be my priority here; he is the best possible fit with the data. Kamil Conteh on loan would be great business too if possible. In terms of the experienced midfielder, Ben Stevenson has to be top of the list. Not only does he have the required levels of experience in the EFL, he'd also be the most comfortable in our system, and is available on a free too.

Closing Thoughts + Acknowledgments

Whoever we sign, I'm sure we are in agreement that we will back the recruitment team; they have been massively successful so far.

Thank you for reading; this has been a labour of love, and taken a lot of effort so any shares and interactions are appreciated! And please remember, it's just a bit of fun. I don't actually have any real say in who is signed!

A thank you to Benedict, Dec and Jacko, among others, for being my sounding boards throughout this process. The messages and voice notes about the doc have made this possible!

And of course, a thank you to Colin and Rich, my colleagues at Analysts Bar. Again, without those two, this would not be possible.

All data is taken from Wyscout, Transfermarkt and Fotmob - so any discrepancies, please take it up with them, not me!

And thank you again to you - the reader - I appreciate you all more than you will possibly know!