TT BLOG

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses talking points from pre-season

We now sit just under two weeks from the start of the National League South season, and we have seen the new Yellows in four friendlies. But what have we learnt, and where does the squad sit as we head towards the big kick off?

DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY

Something that wasn’t an issue last season was conceding goals. A solid defensive unit is key in any successful team, and the signs are that if they can stay injury free, we should be solid in that area again. Although not an opinion shared by all, I was pleased to see Jordan Thomas return as right back. Experienced in this division and good standard, he’s a sound option to have at this level. Whether trialist Denzel Akyeampong is signed on a permanent deal remains to be seen, although he looks like a solid back up. Jordan Dyer and Sam Dreyer will be first choice again, and Jay Foulston should be first choice left back.

MIDFIELD CHOICES

From everybody’s viewpoint, the midfield was a key area for development and recruitment this summer. We lost the midfield battle in too many away games, so the signings that have been made have lifted the squad to another level. Matt Worthington looks to be the new skipper, and everything that I have seen against players in a higher level points to him being an excellent addition. Sunny Blue Lo-Everton is also a different level to the players that he had last season, and Nash Sundire and Dan Hayfield will both be quality options as well. Callum Dolan has a bit of a mercurial feel to him, but I reckon he will have some magic moments in Yellow.

WHICH FORMATION?

The structure to the team isn’t yet clear. It looks nailed on that we will have four at the back, but we have mixed between 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and a bit of 4-3-3 when in attack. Fluidity when attacking is very important, and we certainly have the players to be able to mix and match. Dylan Morgan has been like a new signing, and although quieter in pre-season so far, Matt Jay will no doubt have flashes of quality. I think the important thing is that we have built a squad that can play in a lot of different ways. 46 games is a long season, and you have to have different ways to play on different days, along with the weather conditions that will change into autumn and winter. The squad looks well balanced and ready to tackle this season head on.

OPTIONS AT NUMBER 9

One of the key challenges last season was how we could recruit an alternative to Cody Cooke. Cody was outstanding last season, finishing with 19 goals and be the focal point all season. But we saw how he benefited from a rest in the closing weeks of last season, something that was probably long overdue. Louis Dennis is a player that has played at a higher level, and I am really hopeful that his experience and ability will be key this season. He can play anywhere across the forward line, and the versatility he brings will be key. What happens with Jaydn Crosbie is yet to be seen, although I expect to see him loaned out again this season. Paul Wotton said that he doesn’t expect any new faces between now and August 9, but forward areas could be the only position that may yet need another face.