TT BLOG
Chris Wade
@TufcChris
Chris discusses which players should stay or go this summer
GOALKEEPERS
MARK HALSTEAD – IN
It has been an extraordinary turn around in the fortunes of our number one. After being signed from Morecambe in the summer of 2021, a nightmare start led to Shaun MacDonald being re-signed in September and Mark wasn’t seen again. But given the trust of the manager heading into this season, he has been excellent. There may be options further north for him, but I would look to keep him..
RHYS LOVETT – IN/OUT
Indifferent on Rhys. Only six first team appearances, finishing with conceding four against Altricham at Plainmoor in October. He could be a perfectly acceptable number two to somebody or replaced. Much will depend on his personal ambitions.
DEFENDERS
DYLAN CROWE – OUT
Really disappointing output from what looked a really good acquisition in the summer. Fresh from the academy at Ipswich and some promising YouTube videos, a basic lack of ability to be able to defend for a full back cost him. He was found out over the top and round the sides regularly and no starts after January.
SHAUN DONNELLAN – IN
A player that has produced plenty of debate amongst the TT ranks. I think he is a player that you want at the club next season. Apart from early fitness issues, he was available for the majority of the season, and was solid. Suffered for his flexibility of being able to play in several positions, but generally most effective on the right side of a three. I would keep him.
DAN MARTIN – IN/OUT
Much will depend on fitness. An ankle injury at York in October put paid to months of the season, and then he had complications coming back from Covid-19. He will probably be moved on if fitness is a real issue going forward, but would be worth keeping if he is fit and well again.
ROSS MARSHALL – OUT
Incredibly frustrating player. Could have the ability and the physique to succeed at National League level, but so error strewn it was untrue. Two red cards didn’t help either, one for ridiculous petulance against Altrincham. Vanished after stupidly conceding a penalty against Dagenham in March. It’s a no from me.
JACOB MENSAH – OUT
Absolutely ridiculous signing. Joined in January and had one bizarre start against Southend in February at right back where he was replaced at half time. What is the point in signing players if they are not better than what you already have. Total waste of funds.
DEAN MOXEY – IN
Outstanding again. Despite being 37 and looking like he couldn’t walk after some games, his availability was generally good this season, and his performance level and reading of the game as solid as ever. I don’t think he will want to end like this, but only if his body can do it for another year.
ALI OMAR – OUT
Whilst it looked a fair decision at the end of last season to keep him, there has been no improvement this season. Still not a first team regular, and still not somebody that you can trust. Time for him to find a new club, however likeable he is.
OLLIE TOMLINSON – OUT
Another off signing. Although young, came very highly recommended from Plymouth Argyle but was rarely seen apart from a few appearances off the bench. There were opportunities where he could have been given a chance, but there always appeared to be hesitation. Loaned out later in the season, he will leave.
BEN WYATT – IN/OUT
May well depend on the Martin situation. Generally solid if unspectacular when he played, and had the honour of being the most cautioned player (10). Not hugely fussed either way, but can see him or Martin staying but probably not both.
MIDFIELDERS
ASA HALL – IN
I love Asa, but this is very much depending on fitness. You can cope with older players missing some games, but Asa has struggled for consistent fitness over the last two seasons. If he stays, and I hope he does one more year, there needs to be better quality squad players. His nine goals from midfield also made him the second top goal-scorer.
RYAN HANSON – OUT
The first of the disappointing midfield twins. He looked a sound signing, for whom we paid a small fee (which may well mean he is under contract). Two early concussions in the season set him back, and he never established himself in the team. Temperament issues didn’t help at times, but he delivered little.
TOM LAPSLIE – IN
Tom is absolutely a 100 per center if ever there was. Charging around and getting in the referee’s face, there is never a dull moment with him. But I would question what he brings in terms of output at times and his fitness record was again not great. Already rumours of a move to Aldershot are about, and although keeping him would be good, I would be surprised if he stayed.
BRETT MCGAVIN – IN
Hanson’s disappointing twin. I have found him more frustrating than Hanson but he has shown flashes of talent, think his stunning goal against Hampton in the FA Cup and thunderbolt at Aldershot. But he has lacked fitness, looking slow and ponderous on the ball. Fitness hasn’t helped him at times either. But he is young and has ability so I would keep him around.
KOSZELA/BROOKS/WINDSOR/MOYSE – OUT
This is frustrating as from what I have seen from the younger three, they have promise. But the reality is a full-time club in the National League South has to spend its budget wisely, and that can’t include players that aren’t first team options. Olaf has been frustrating for years, but the time has come.
ATTACKERS
AARON JARVIS – IN
An outstanding non league centre forward. To score eighteen goals in a relegated team is quite some achievement. He has improved as the season has gone on and was outstanding against Wrexham on the final day. Much will depend on the strength of his bond with the manager, as he has spoken effusively about their relationship and the chance that he gave him to play regularly and develop. Logic says he will be wanted somewhere else, but you would love for him to stay on.
SUMMARY
Taken the likelihood of what I would want to see and think will happen, I can see a squad that starts the rebuild of: Halstead, Martin/Wyatt, Donnellan, Moxey, Hall, McGavin and Jarvis (hopefully).
Time will tell, but there are sure to be plenty of changes before the new season starts in August.
COYY – CHRIS
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