Tuesday 7 August 2012

The new season


With the first competitive game in less than a 2 weeks, it's time to write a preview for the 2012/13 season!

Summer Business

Paul Cook has been very busy during the past month, signing young and exciting prospects to add to the current team. One of these players is 20 year-old Tom Eckersley, who penned a one year deal after a successful trial. Tom came through the ranks at Bolton Wanderers but was not offered a new deal. He is a centre back and his addition will make the competition in defence even more competitive.

Tom is one many young lads given a chance to impress on a 1 year deal. Here is the full squad list (so far!)

2. Peter Murphy
3. Michael Liddle - From Sunderland 
4. Luke Joyce
5. Toto Nsiala - Released by Everton
6. Dean Winnard
7. Craig Lindfield
8. Charlie Barnett
9. Karl Sheppard - 6 month loan from Reading
10. Will Hatfield
11. Aidan Chippendale - Released by Huddersfield 
12. George Miller - Released by Preston
13. Leam Richardson
14. Luke Clark - Released by Preston
15. Bohan Dixon - Non league
16. Lewis Hatch - Released by Liverpool
17. James Gray - Released by Darlington 
18. Tom Eckersley - Released by Bolton
19. Marcus Carver - Youth
20. Ryan Hopper - Youth 
21. Adam Stockdale - Youth
22. Andrew Dawber -Youth

25. Ian Dunbavin

Youth > Experience 

This squad is pretty much made up of players who have struggled to break through into the team at their previous club. With the majority of them being from much bigger clubs than us, they could well made an impact at league 2 level

Obviously there's a risk and it will take time for the lads to gel together and play to their full potential, but there's a couple who have already caught my eye as 'ones to watch'.

Expectations

With probably the smallest wage budget in league 2, it's hard to have high expectations of the team. With the progression of pre-season though I really think we could spring a few surprises. Mid-table is more likely outcome though, which I'd be happy with.

As for every season, avoiding a relegation battle would be a decent enough for me.

Paul Cook

I have every faith that he can deliver the goods at Accrington. This years pre-season has been the most organised and efficient yet. Which can only be a good thing.


Key Players: 

Luke Joyce - At 25, he's the 2nd oldest player in the squad behind keeper Ian Dunbavin. His experience in the middle will be needed. Luke is a fantastic player and will be required to hold the young players together.

Artistote Nsiala - After his impressive loan spell last season we have managed to capture to Congo international of a permanent deal. I really think Toto has the ability to become a top player. He's far from a finished article but hopefully with Dean Winnard along side him he will continue to improve.