New Players

[Don Juan DeMarcus]

http://www.sloughtownfc.net/article/438/Slough-add-three-more-to-squad

[Hammer_rebel]

Soooo happy Ollie has signed!!! Great news!

[Neil Baker]

Also we have had a bit more news today, Swifty has decided to knock football on the head for the time being, until he can get his knee sorted.

He may decide to play the odd game for Ascot if his knee is up to it, however he has confirmed that he is unable to commit himself for 3 times a week.

Obviously he has been a good servant to the club so we wish him the best of luck in the future, and I hope that he gets back playing once his knee is sorted.

[Hammer_rebel]

Great lad swifty but knew it was coming! Few lads out there looking good and by my calculations only 3 more to choose! That's going to be tough

[readingrebel]

Great lad swifty but knew it was coming! Few lads out there looking good and by my calculations only 3 more to choose! That's going to be tough

 

 

 

I'm pretty certain Dan Read has signed as well which will make only 2 required for a squad of 18.

 

Presumably with Hawtree going out on dual reg, possibility of 3 more players to make up the squad?

 

Also, I just thought that there might be the option of a player like Dom Rhone going on loan/dual reg to get himself fit after his injury?

Edited July 20, 2013 by readingrebel

[Rebel_Glen]

The players signed will be the ones on the squad list on the official website not including Rhone, Fraser, Logie. Along with Read, Lake, Blake and Lansiquot all to be confirmed.

[Rebel_Glen]

My prediction for the final 18 man squad will be the below. Not included James Hawtree who'll be dual registered. I think the vast majority (apart from 1 person...) will agree that's a formidable squad.

 

Somerville

Lake, Fraser, Harrison, Woozley, Foulser, Hollis, Blake.

Burgess, Edwards, Wheeler, W Harris, McClurg, Short.

Read, Smith, S Harris, Dyer.

Edited July 20, 2013 by Rebel_Glen

[readingrebel]

My prediction for the final 18 man squad will be the below. Not included James Hawtree who'll be dual registered. I think the vast majority (apart from 1 person...) will agree that's a formidable squad.

 

Somerville

Lake, Fraser, Harrison, Woozley, Foulser, Hollis, Blake.

Burgess, Edwards, Wheeler, W Harris, McClurg, Short.

Read, Smith, S Harris, Dyer.

 

 

Have to agree that is a top notch squad. 

[Hammer_rebel]

Agree on that team too! Sounds strong, be glad to see Sean Fraser back so fingers crossed I think he got a little bit nudged out last season for the wrong reasons!

[Don Juan DeMarcus]

Dom r hoping for a run out soon- guess il depend how that goes......

[3spirit]

 

My prediction for the final 18 man squad will be the below. Not included James Hawtree who'll be dual registered. I think the vast majority (apart from 1 person...) will agree that's a formidable squad.

 

Somerville

Lake, Fraser, Harrison, Woozley, Foulser, Hollis, Blake.

Burgess, Edwards, Wheeler, W Harris, McClurg, Short.

Read, Smith, S Harris, Dyer.

Don't like to be a party pooper but slightly perplexed that we signed players after beating three lower league teams.I would like to see who's good enough when they play sides that are above their standard in the pyramid.

 

A lot of players look good against lesser sides but the best ones show up against the better opposition.

 

Not knocking what we've seen from the Slough teams over these last friendlies,as they have been a pleasure to watch but I do find it galling that we've not played half our friendlies yet and some players haven't had a look in and are now playing for a couple of places.

 

I know Bakes and Unders know their best players and are keeping the fans interested in their signings.Just feel some players[outside of the main core ie Foulser,McClurg,Wheeler,Smith,Hollis etc] have had an easier chance to get signed than others and making yourself look good against lowly opposition isn't necessarily the best way of finding out who's right for the squad.

 

In your squad,Rebel Glen,there is four players that haven't convinced me.Think three have been signed but one hasn't yet.

That's the beauty of football,though,none of us see the same game!

 

Of course,it doesn't matter a jot what I think and it's the current managers that have to get it right and over time I think they will.Just think they may be jumping the gun a little. 

[Rebel_Glen]

Problem is you can't wait until we've played the higher division sides to sign players as you run the risk of them being snapped up elsewhere. Although such is the unity of this squad I don't think that'll be an issue. Also I'm pretty sure all players want to know where they're playing early in pre-season plus more importantly we need to have the finalised squad playing together for a few friendlies so we hit the league campaign running. As we all know the vast majority of this new squad finished 3rd last season with the joint best defence, throw in the leagues 3rd top scorer and a bigger squad and you can see it looks good for the coming season.

[Neil Baker]

 

 

Don't like to be a party pooper but slightly perplexed that we signed players after beating three lower league teams.I would like to see who's good enough when they play sides that are above their standard in the pyramid.

 

A lot of players look good against lesser sides but the best ones show up against the better opposition.

 

Not knocking what we've seen from the Slough teams over these last friendlies,as they have been a pleasure to watch but I do find it galling that we've not played half our friendlies yet and some players haven't had a look in and are now playing for a couple of places.

 

I know Bakes and Unders know their best players and are keeping the fans interested in their signings.Just feel some players[outside of the main core ie Foulser,McClurg,Wheeler,Smith,Hollis etc] have had an easier chance to get signed than others and making yourself look good against lowly opposition isn't necessarily the best way of finding out who's right for the squad.

 

In your squad,Rebel Glen,there is four players that haven't convinced me.Think three have been signed but one hasn't yet.

That's the beauty of football,though,none of us see the same game!

 

Of course,it doesn't matter a jot what I think and it's the current managers that have to get it right and over time I think they will.Just think they may be jumping the gun a little. 

 

 

 

 

I am not sure on that Stuart, most of the players we have signed we have been working with closely for 2 years and have consistently performed against sides at our level and higher.... we have added Ollie who has really impressed in pre season, not just in games but in training, and it is obvious he will fit into our squad.

As we have said before players are picked on a number of reasons, and we are pretty sure that we will be a side that will give everything all season, and hopefully be up challenging for the title.

 

I know we cant look to much at the games we have played, however they are some pretty impressive results already, don't be surprised to see Binfield win the Hellenic Prem this season, and you only have to see Holyport only lost 2-1 to Beaconsfield on Thursday after leading for 75 mins, so that makes our result there look pretty impressive too.

 

However we wont read to much into pre season results, but it is a good start.

Edited July 21, 2013 by Neil Baker

[Don Juan DeMarcus]

Also when you mention ed smith as the leagues 3rd top scorer he did that despite not joining is til well after the season started... Throw in better wing service and I honestly think we have a forward line (all 4) capable of 70 goals.

[3spirit]

I am not sure on that Stuart, most of the players we have signed we have been working with closely for 2 years and have consistently performed against sides at our level and higher.... we have added Ollie who has really impressed in pre season, not just in games but in training, and it is obvious he will fit into our squad.

As we have said before players are picked on a number of reasons, and we are pretty sure that we will be a side that will give everything all season, and hopefully be up challenging for the title.

 

I know we cant look to much at the games we have played, however they are some pretty impressive results already, don't be surprised to see Binfield win the Hellenic Prem this season, and you only have to see Holyport only lost 2-1 to Beaconsfield on Thursday after leading for 75 mins, so that makes our result there look pretty impressive too.

 

However we wont read to much into pre season results, but it is a good start.

 

Neil, I've been impressed by your main men from your Godalming side.It's easy to pick your best 11 and also to spot three very worthy subs. 

 

Not looking to make waves but I find this forum dull if everyone always agrees with everything that's ever done.

 

What's wrong with reasoned debate?

 

I've seen enough of this division's football to know what you need to get out of it.I believe last season was the weakest it has ever been since Slough's been in it.Taking nothing away from Burnham,who won it fair and square.

 

This season won't be a walk in the park for us[slough] either but I'm very optimistic that most of the players you've currently signed are quality.Obviously,you know that you have to balance the books so certain players may be out of the question to sign.You're looking from the inside out,where I'm looking from the outside in.Two very different ways of approach.

 

It's not fair to name the players that I've questioned.Of the four,two of the players you've signed I can rationalise as to why you've signed them.To the squad and the way you and Jon set out your teams, on their day they will be an asset.

 

My observation was made from how I view this league and the style of football that I would play.

I'm not keen on too many lightweight players,though, I tend to favour taller,robust players for the majority of positions.Similar to Bury Town who won this league outright about 5 seasons ago.

I  share the same view with you that team spirit,up tempo,flair football is a must and also that the defensive side of your team must be sound.

 

I hope you understand my rhetoric now,Neil.

Sandhurst,Holyport and Binfield and the manner of Slough's victories are praiseworthy indeed but in the bigger picture are they really proving a player's worth.

I do understand that you and Jon are looking for players that 'fit' into the system you play.Whereas I'm looking at squad players who can play in various positions and are adaptable,have character and won't let the side down when things aren't going well and also they can raise their game against quality opposition.

[Jon Underwood]

Neil, I've been impressed by your main men from your Godalming side.It's easy to pick your best 11 and also to spot three very worthy subs. 

 

Not looking to make waves but I find this forum dull if everyone always agrees with everything that's ever done.

 

What's wrong with reasoned debate?

 

I've seen enough of this division's football to know what you need to get out of it.I believe last season was the weakest it has ever been since Slough's been in it.Taking nothing away from Burnham,who won it fair and square.

 

This season won't be a walk in the park for us[slough] either but I'm very optimistic that most of the players you've currently signed are quality.Obviously,you know that you have to balance the books so certain players may be out of the question to sign.You're looking from the inside out,where I'm looking from the outside in.Two very different ways of approach.

 

It's not fair to name the players that I've questioned.Of the four,two of the players you've signed I can rationalise as to why you've signed them.To the squad and the way you and Jon set out your teams, on their day they will be an asset.

 

My observation was made from how I view this league and the style of football that I would play.

I'm not keen on too many lightweight players,though, I tend to favour taller,robust players for the majority of positions.Similar to Bury Town who won this league outright about 5 seasons ago.

I  share the same view with you that team spirit,up tempo,flair football is a must and also that the defensive side of your team must be sound.

 

I hope you understand my rhetoric now,Neil.

Sandhurst,Holyport and Binfield and the manner of Slough's victories are praiseworthy indeed but in the bigger picture are they really proving a player's worth.

I do understand that you and Jon are looking for players that 'fit' into the system you play.Whereas I'm looking at squad players who can play in various positions and are adaptable,have character and won't let the side down when things aren't going well and also they can raise their game against quality opposition.

 

Morning 3spirit,

 

I can assure you Neil and I are looking for players "who can play in various positions and are adaptable,have character and won't let the side down when things aren't going well and also they can raise their game against quality opposition" (in fact more importantly against ALL opposition). We've mentioned on a number of occasions that we look for many things when putting together a squad of players and this includes the following...

 

- will he stick around if he sits on the bench for 3 or 4 games in a row (all of our players need to accept from time to time they may be out of the side)

- will he jump ship and join another team when an extra £50 a week is thrown at them

- will he be disruptive in the changing room if not playing, or if he gets taken off, or doesn't agree with one of our decisions

 

On top of the above are all of the other questions about a player's ability, whether he suits our style of play, etc. It's actually quite a long list and although every fan will have a different view about who the BEST players are it's obviously the managers who work with them week in week out who have to make the call on who is BEST for our squad.

 

We don't expect every supporter to agree with every one of our choices and decisions as managers and we are quite happy for people to come on the forum and give their views, that's what it's here for after all! We're all for "reasoned debate" and actually quite enjoy reading the various opinions on here.

 

One comment about the size of players though......it's not all about height. We aren't the tallest of squads but I believe we are one of the most physical and competitive as any managers/players who come up against us will testify I'm sure. If you were to ask the two giant centre backs at Binfield last week if they had an easy ride in the 1st half against our "smaller" front two of Johnnie Dyer and Scott Harris I already know what the answer will be!

[3spirit]

Morning 3spirit,

 

I can assure you Neil and I are looking for players "who can play in various positions and are adaptable,have character and won't let the side down when things aren't going well and also they can raise their game against quality opposition" (in fact more importantly against ALL opposition). We've mentioned on a number of occasions that we look for many things when putting together a squad of players and this includes the following...

 

- will he stick around if he sits on the bench for 3 or 4 games in a row (all of our players need to accept from time to time they may be out of the side)

- will he jump ship and join another team when an extra £50 a week is thrown at them

- will he be disruptive in the changing room if not playing, or if he gets taken off, or doesn't agree with one of our decisions

 

On top of the above are all of the other questions about a player's ability, whether he suits our style of play, etc. It's actually quite a long list and although every fan will have a different view about who the BEST players are it's obviously the managers who work with them week in week out who have to make the call on who is BEST for our squad.

 

We don't expect every supporter to agree with every one of our choices and decisions as managers and we are quite happy for people to come on the forum and give their views, that's what it's here for after all! We're all for "reasoned debate" and actually quite enjoy reading the various opinions on here.

 

One comment about the size of players though......it's not all about height. We aren't the tallest of squads but I believe we are one of the most physical and competitive as any managers/players who come up against us will testify I'm sure. If you were to ask the two giant centre backs at Binfield last week if they had an easy ride in the 1st half against our "smaller" front two of Johnnie Dyer and Scott Harris I already know what the answer will be!

 

Thank you,Jon, for your well thought out reply.Pleased to make your acquaintance.

 

I expect you played against him, or if not know him,one of my favourite players was Andy Clement,ex Slough,Woking,Yeovil,Farnborough,who wasn't the biggest but he was a bloody good player.

 

I'm not saying that the whole team needs to be the archtypal 6ft and over player but you do need some 'bollo*ks', pardon my French! in the team and squad

Think some players of today are full of bullsh*t and hot air.Too many follow what goes on in the theatrical  Premiership, when really they should be proud to be the best they can be at Non League level.

 

I'm hoping and expecting you and Neil to take Slough forward and eventually up.Of course I would love to see Slough promoted this season but I'm not as expecting as others,that it can be done this season.Though,I hope it is!

 

Regardless of what you think of them,Slough have lost some quality players from last season's squad.

Many individually are as good as many of your Godalming players.The difference,though,is that they were not 'together' as a team whereas you and Neil have 'the feel good factor' with a promotion winning side, and to both of your's credit,your assembled side have an abundance of team spirit and play for each other, which is to be applauded.

 

You and Neil must believe you know 'best' for your system of play and who 'fits' into it. I'm certainly not arguing this point. 

 

My concern is if the bubble bursts and results don't go so well at the start of the season or in the winter period.

I understand you have contacts for 'loan' signings but many of these often do not pay off,as players don't often commit fully.

That's why I think getting the right balance is so important in who you deem is right for the subs bench from squad availabilty.

Under Steve Bateman he rarely used the bench wisely or at all.

 

So that is why I highlighted the point of view I made.

[Jon Underwood]

Yes I know Clemo. Played against him and also have come up against him in the dugout. A proper competitor and very similar to some of the characters in our squad as I hope you'll agree when you get to know them. We have no time for prima donnas and "individuals".....for us team spirit, hard work and togetherness is key.

 

We have never disputed the quality of the Slough side last season and we know that some good players have left the club. Our job is to make sure the squad that we are putting together is capable of going one step further than in previous seasons and we can only be judged over a period of time on that front.

 

One thing I will add is that we won't look at any of our lads as a "squad player". There's no point having a strong first eleven and then other 'weaker' players who just make up the numbers. Our aim is to have 18 players who are all capable of playing week in week out in a promotion challenging team and we won't be signing anyone who we don't think is good enough to do that. It will be up to them all to earn as many starts as they can over the course of the season and if we are to challenge on all fronts (with the league still being the absolute priority) then we have to be strong from 1 to 18 in the squad.

 

It's up to Bakes and I to get the balance of the squad right and then pick the right team for each game and we're confident in our ability to do both.

[Graham C]

I know that 18 has been the number mentioned from early on but past experience over many years of watching suggests that 20 may be a better number....injuries, suspensions, work absences, mates getting wed, holidays etc can cause real issues.<br /><br />Obviously it means more bench sitting but as Jon suggests, if the mentality of the lads is right, then this is accepted.<br /><br />It also addresses some of the earlier points about being sure of what you have in relation to playing higher level teams and gives flexibility at present to players like Dom who are injured but wanting (and truly good enough) to play for Slough<br /><br />Thanks to 3spirit for picking up on some of my earlier points on the quality of last years group of players

[GlenSTFC]

There may well be 1 or 2 players dual-registered (aside from James Hawtree) outside the 18 man squad. I think 18 is the right number as it means only 2 players aren’t involved on a match day, it’ll obviously be more difficult to manager with any more sitting out. But as the managers have said, the squad is likely to be rotated (although personally wouldn’t change a winning/unbeaten side!) to give every player game time, to keep match fit, competition or there will be some matches where certain players will fit better. If there are a lot of injuries and/or suspensions then it seems the managers have plenty of contacts at various levels to bring loan players in, so I can’t see any issues there.