Strength in Depth

Do we really need any more players?

I think the squad is big enough and strong enough to win this league and maybe one of the cups as it is.

The strength comes from the nucleus and the depth with the youngsters, who I have to say, are all playing very well when given the chance which will give Mark selection problems of the best kind - when you have them, you know you are there or thereabouts.

These youngsters are at the club for nothing else but to try and force their way into the first team and do need playing time or they will go elsewhere.

Recent posts suggest strengthening out wide. Whether it be full back or wing, we have more than enough cover.

At Chadderton we saw Lloyd come on at left back for the injured Murphy and Brooks played full 90 for suspended Finch- all three are young lads and we win emphatically only conceding a soft goal.

With Boswell (Quality - Liam we are better than Clitheroe), Hession, Barski, Berry and Allen who can both play there, the new signing Abdullah and not forgetting the injured duo Eaton and Taylor we have no problems anywhere that I can see.

Same starting line up today and same outcome - concede one silly goal.

If we bring in even more players these youngsters who are quickly proving themselves at this level will have their game time restricted and end up going elsewhere. They will all make mistakes but it's better to make them now with Wright, Allen, Grimes etc... in your team when your averaging 6 goals a game.

I think this could turn out to be a really big season for Nelson - Bring on the optimism.

I understand we've signed Ben Hoskin from Colne as a full back, I'd expect a few out the door this week maybe...

Ben is a top drawer player and if it's true J, it will be another very good signing.

I just hope that they keep the younger ones included.

I am aware of interest from other clubs regarding some of our players and if not kept involved their confidence will go and a move away may look a more attractive proposition than remaining on the bench.

Take Josh Barrick for eg, Since Melling came in Josh, who I think is only 22, has been resigned to bench. He still needs game time as well.

Mark said in previous programme notes he had players knocking on the door to get in and he wasn't lying J, there are a load of good quality youngsters gagging for their chance = let's hope they get it at Nelson.

I agree, we were crying out for stability, no we've got it we want rotation.... The joys of football management, the ultimate balancing act. Barrick's is an interesting case, didn't he make himself unavailable for a game? We've won them all since so no reason for him to automatically return? From what I hear (and I've not seen him play yet) Melling is double the player anyway....

Agree tho, back to a big squad needs to be managed well.... In Mark we trust!

Melling is quality J, and also 28 years old.

Barrick is only 22 and obviously has nowhere near the experience and confidence that Melling possesses but he will have one day.

If Mark and Tim are serious about two promotions in three years will Melling still have the pace at 31 in Evo?

So think it important to progress players with potential in equal measure of playing players for their current ability.

Agree in principal but can't blood players at the expense of winning game, we've only smashed Chadderton and LR teams we should beat. We've got a dev squad so that can be well utilised too.

If the club were to have 2 promotions hardly any of the current crop will be good enough, nature of non league is you get the players that are good enough to get u up then rebuild the next season for the next league

I would be interested to know who you think will not be good enough?

Most of first team are young lads and will only get stronger year on year.

Current 1st teamers ages - Brooks 16, Lloyd 18, Hession 19, Eaton 19, Murphy 20, Turner 22, Barrick 22, Boswell 23, Taylor 24, Don't know about the rest but these lads in 3 years time will easily all be the standard required for Evo stick.

I am sure there are other young lads I've missed but add to this Berry, Allen, Wright, Melling, Woodhead, Grimes, Finch who could all play that standard now.

This is exactly my point - playing the young lads and getting vital experience now will bode very well for future seasons instead of scrapping around for players each season.

All the above mentioned have had plenty of game time and we are top of league and all will get stronger if allowed to play regularly and develop.

Would be interested to know views of others as I don't think we would be risking losing games by playing these lads.

Slightly off topic... Has Ben Hoskin come in? And what's the deal with Michael Morrison? What I would say is we're now back in the realms of a massive squad after looking thin a few weeks back. I just can't see Mark keeping 23/24 players happy surely he needs to either bin a few or get them games somewhere else

J said he had heard that we have and I have seen him at training although he didn't train.

Mossy still 4 weeks from training but I understand he would like to join.

Don't think he should get shut but play younger ones in Dev Squad for a while if not selected for first team.

I'm 99% sure the Hoskin deal is done.

That is another very good signing for Mark and Tim.

Maybe they want a bigger squad cos they have their eyes on more than just the league.

If the budget stretches that far then let's go make a serious challenge for everything.

Wembley here we come.

Lets get polishing that Vase.

There's the answer http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nelsonfc/news/admirals-sign-hoskin-1058785.html

Mark Fell said "we've a player training with us after a long term injury that will be a fantastic signing,"

So who is this player?

It is none other than Mr Morrison.

I think he has been training with Burnley Athletic recently. He is just 4 weeks away from competitive action and looked lively in training.

There is no questioning this lads love of football and the injury has made him even hungrier for the game.

I believe a few more signings could be imminent.

Philip, I'm with you 'Wembley here we come'.

Just hope we get Padiham or Chorley (away) in a cup game this season - Padiham cos they dropped us for friendly and Chorley for the crowd.

Won't all these players be cup tied for the vase?

We had a good squad at Consett and added to that we would have Morrison who hasn't played yet, Barski would also be available but not sure about Hoskin - still a very strong squad though.

The worst kept secret ever is out http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nelsonfc/news/mozzas-back-1066246.html