I'm pleasantly surprised too, especially with Clee and Densmore both of whom would get into most BSP first teams IMO. The others signed up are all reliable and steady and we know what we will be getting. Really hope Damian signs, not too bothered about Smithy agree with all the comments below, good player with less good attitude.
The one player who I really hope stays is Robbie Williams. I know he struggled at times last year, but with an Ex CB as manager to guide him and a full pre-season, and his undoubted physical ability and attributes, (and he is a really genuine lad) I think he could be a real asset next year. When he was at TNS his passing was fine, he lost a lot of confidence last year and he didnt really have a steady back four either, I know for a fact that he found all the constant changes difficult, as good defence is all about organisiation and consistency. By the way he lives in Eccles NOT Fylde as someone has said. He did have some cracking games last year as well, but people forget them.
Please stay Robbie, just ignore these fans who cant see your potential and show us just how good you can be next season
Well...you soon found a new defensive hero now that your beloved Joseph has exited from Moss Lane!
If those two were so accomplished at the back, I can't for the life of me think how we managed to concede 87 league goals last season....
The defensive performance of a team starts at the front I'm told, includes the midfield and, oh yes the defence which consists of 4 (or in Alty's case 5 players often), and GK. The point I was making when Joseph was being torn to shreds on here (never claimed he was my beloved hero) is that Joseph wasnt as bad later in the season as he was at the beginning. Indeed, he had some very good games towards the end in a poor team that couldnt score goals and the defence spent 80 mins of every game defending the Alamo,... only 47 goals I think, second lowest in the whole league.
If Twiss had scored a few more I'm sure you would be singing his praises by now ,.....having said that I cant recall the last time you sung anyone's praises I'm sure you will correct me if I'm wrong on that.
Sorry, Ian, but I couldn't resist provoking you about last season's defensive problems!
I accept that the blame for last season's defensive inadequacies shouldn't rest solely on Messrs. Joseph and Williams but, having said that, they did play 38 and 44 league games respectively and, as such, must bear a fair degree of responsibility for the alarmingly porous nature of our defence during the 2010/11 campaign.
Personally, I'd be quite content to see us field a completely new back four in front of Coburn next season.
I confess to being a confirmed curmudgeon who rarely sings anyone's praises, however, I do believe it's been alleged that I did utter something vaguely complimentary about a Barry Howard goal back in 1981.