(That long since we've had any, couldn't find the thread)

Alan Nixon: "Top Liverpool starlet Cameron Branagan will Ben allowed out on loan in Jan.

Bolton lead the race for the 20 year old midfielder"

Edited December 11, 20169 yr by Ratwhite

38 minutes ago, Ani said:

I have said all season 2 in midfield does not work so I have been a critic of 2 wingers, but it is an example of the game being about players as well as formations. RR in the 10 helps with the 2 and when a players works hard as ACD it helps. 
 

Hopefully SS signs even better players to make the system more effective. I was swearing at the telly Bradford away when he did not add midfield players late on, was amazed Simons went off at Wembley for Dalby, but it worked perfectly 

I thought he'd put EE on for Simons who could've added some cover for Conway on the side which would've been the easiest thing to do.

Good job he doesn't do easy!

EE was unlucky not to play a part tbf.

1 hour ago, Ani said:

Playing RR in the 10 role really helps with the two wingers as although attacking he also helps in the midfield. With Kenny in the team the option to go long helps with playing through the press. 
 

We can improve in every position as we are a team recruited at third tier. If we got ACD back on loan and Kenny it would be a great start. Cisoko not sure , Burstow not sure - squad players probably - should we be signing starters ? (I do not mean Prawn Cocktails) CBT a risk because of injuries but would be him instead of Cisoko. McAtee a sub in league 1 , but for some reason think he can do similar a level up - tough one . 
 

Tutu got better as season progressed and I think could just as easily cover on the left. Conway will improve but we need full backs. Forino been excellent back half. GJ can cover left centre half and left back but out of contract, if he stays probably a squad player as we need better in both those positions. Hate to see him go to Blackpool though. Toal ok at league 1, can be improved on or maybe if getting fully fit he can step up. Either way another centre half is needed
 

Midfield where we usually play 2 , Sheehan, RR , Simons and EE mean we have numbers, but need more quality. As I do every year I think we need a real leader in there. The one thing we definitely need is a captain. Dempsey I can not see being offered a contract. 
 

Bonham done well in play offs and is better than people including me have given him credit for, but he was Stokes third choice for a reason.

Lots of areas we need to improve. But also lots to build on. Just need someone to chuck in £50M 

 

 

Derby fans I know reckon CBT was great in league one but shite in the championship 

Chuck in his injury record and I think I'll pass 

2 minutes ago, gonzo said:

I thought he'd put EE on for Simons who could've added some cover for Conway on the side which would've been the easiest thing to do.

Good job he doesn't do easy!

EE was unlucky not to play a part tbf.

At Bradford you can see was trying to get the message over to be more composed, but we were playing too quickly under pressure. The subs did that, McAtee , to Gale to Simons. At Wembley subs played a role in all 3 goals after they came on. Squad depth proving significant, decent players coming on and doing a job Stockport did not have that. 
 

Next season the natural progression is ‘starters’ become subs as better players come in. Hard to see that we will not add players so that the like of Burstow and McAtee are at best subs and more likely squad players. I know Burstow started Sunday but with Dalby fit and Kenny available he won’t be first choice. 

1 minute ago, DirtySanchez said:

Derby fans I know reckon CBT was great in league one but shite in the championship 

Chuck in his injury record and I think I'll pass 

His injury record would be a real concern if we had to pay any size of fee or these days use up a squad place. 

Signing CBT would show a lack of ambition if we were to sign him again imo.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bolton-wanderers/berateruebersicht/verein/355
 

Assuming this is accurate think Tutu from the out of contract players would be first one in the office being offered a deal. 

23 minutes ago, Blondi said:

Signing CBT would show a lack of ambition if we were to sign him again imo.

Another Gomes ,talented on his day but too much time in the Physio Room.....Would not touch him on a free.

Good chance he plays a couple of games and then breaks down

17 minutes ago, masi 51 said:

Another Gomes ,talented on his day but too much time in the Physio Room.....Would not touch him on a free.

Good chance he plays a couple of games and then breaks down

To be fair, you could have said the same about TuTu before this season.Maybe just maybe the background staff could do the same

2 minutes ago, 1969 said:

To be fair, you could have said the same about TuTu before this season.Maybe just maybe the background staff could do the same

I think SS deserves some credit here, players have not been rushed back after injury giving them time for full recovery, as frustrating as it was when ACD was out and nearly back got to think that bit of extra time helped him and others like Tutu to recover.

CBT does come with risks and there maybe be better alternatives out there but fuck me he is fast. 

On 25/05/2026 at 09:59, boltonboris said:

Tutu has been a really good signing for us and as mentioned, he’s made that RB spot his own. Class throughout the playoffs 

I'm a Tutu fan because of what he has in his locker - skill, pace, versatility (can play up and down either wing equally well) and the fact that, along with Forino, he's been outstanding in all 3 play off games.

But, we can't rewrite the entire season.  Haven't we all been tearing our hair out that he gets the ball say 10 yards inside our half and has 90% of the time just turned and passed it to a CB, or even the keeper?  We've been willing him to show the drive and skill to get forward like he did in the play offs, and he's looked a bit like he couldn't be arsed, or as someone said on here he looked like he was in a bit of a sulk because he was no longer classed as a winger and forced to play out of position, getting lots of pelters off folk on here for his lack of defensive nous (in contrast to Christie).

None of us knows which version of Tutu will turn up in August and that's the dilemna compared to signing a bone fide championship standard right back, eg that guy at Huddersfield that looks quality when I've seen him.

22 hours ago, Whitesince63 said:

I agree Eddie and he also seems to have got over his previous regular injury problems. The way he’s improved defensively this season I’d actually have no problem trying him there in the Championship and bringing in another younger player as cover. I doubt he’d sign another deal to be a back up player and he’s far too good a player now to lose for nothing. Sign him up for me.

Why younger?  Christie was his cover this season and did OK.

There will be plenty of similarly experienced players happy to get a contract without a guarantee of starting every week.

2 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

I'm a Tutu fan because of what he has in his locker - skill, pace, versatility (can play up and down either wing equally well) and the fact that, along with Forino, he's been outstanding in all 3 play off games.

But, we can't rewrite the entire season.  Haven't we all been tearing our hair out that he gets the ball say 10 yards inside our half and has 90% of the time just turned and passed it to a CB, or even the keeper?  We've been willing him to show the drive and skill to get forward like he did in the play offs, and he's looked a bit like he couldn't be arsed, or as someone said on here he looked like he was in a bit of a sulk because he was no longer classed as a winger and forced to play out of position, getting lots of pelters off folk on here for his lack of defensive nous (in contrast to Christie).

None of us knows which version of Tutu will turn up in August and that's the dilemna compared to signing a bone fide championship standard right back, eg that guy at Huddersfield that looks quality when I've seen him.

Tutu with ACD in front of him is a different player. ACD provides an easy out ball, helps defensively and covers when Tutu goes forward. 
 

That combination imo is good enough for the Championship. 

1 minute ago, Johnnyrotten said:

 

None of us knows which version of Tutu will turn up in August and that's the dilemna compared to signing a bone fide championship standard right back, eg that guy at Huddersfield that looks quality when I've seen him.

Think you might be a little unfair there

As the same can be said of any player anywhere on the planet.Yes big money buys you better quality but it doesn't always work out ( injuries or it just not the correct fit)

Wouldn't be against that Stockport striker being brought in as an unpredictable option to come off the bench next season 

6 hours ago, Kane57 said:

I think I'd pay the £1.4m to sign Cissoko

The contrast between this and the stick he was getting prior to his goal at Exeter is unbelievable.

Him getting booed when the ball landed at his feet in one of the midweek home games (Burton 4 months ago?) was one of the low points of the season.

How times and perceptions change.  

Although I could list 90% of our squad and the contrast between their ratings at their lowest points of the season and their highest points would be equally huge, most (not all) players have gone from not good enough to folk hero or vice versa. 

Making decisions on these players in the cold light of day is a tough job for SS and Fergal.

28 minutes ago, 1969 said:

To be fair, you could have said the same about TuTu before this season.Maybe just maybe the background staff could do the same

Agree i think talent wise he may be good enough for the championship despite negative comments from Derby fans

Though i think it is a big risk

1 hour ago, Ani said:

At Bradford you can see was trying to get the message over to be more composed, but we were playing too quickly under pressure. The subs did that, McAtee , to Gale to Simons. At Wembley subs played a role in all 3 goals after they came on. Squad depth proving significant, decent players coming on and doing a job Stockport did not have that. 
 

Next season the natural progression is ‘starters’ become subs as better players come in. Hard to see that we will not add players so that the like of Burstow and McAtee are at best subs and more likely squad players. I know Burstow started Sunday but with Dalby fit and Kenny available he won’t be first choice. 

Surely we don't sign Burstow?  He's L1 all day long, and a slow one at that.  So many games he makes no impact whatsoever, in contrast to McAtee who's made an impact and given the opposition something to think about in every single appearance that he hasn't been sent off in.

I think we can sign better than both but if we'd stayed down I'd be hoping for better than Burstow and going up just makes the decision so much easier, if there's a decision to be made.

18 minutes ago, Ani said:

Tutu with ACD in front of him is a different player. ACD provides an easy out ball, helps defensively and covers when Tutu goes forward. 
 

That combination imo is good enough for the Championship. 

This

If we do not get ACD back i would certainly have reservations about TuTu....Either way we will need a new right back even if we sign Desmond because it certainly a bridge too far for Christy

26 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

I'm a Tutu fan because of what he has in his locker - skill, pace, versatility (can play up and down either wing equally well) and the fact that, along with Forino, he's been outstanding in all 3 play off games.

But, we can't rewrite the entire season.  Haven't we all been tearing our hair out that he gets the ball say 10 yards inside our half and has 90% of the time just turned and passed it to a CB, or even the keeper?  We've been willing him to show the drive and skill to get forward like he did in the play offs, and he's looked a bit like he couldn't be arsed, or as someone said on here he looked like he was in a bit of a sulk because he was no longer classed as a winger and forced to play out of position, getting lots of pelters off folk on here for his lack of defensive nous (in contrast to Christie).

None of us knows which version of Tutu will turn up in August and that's the dilemna compared to signing a bone fide championship standard right back, eg that guy at Huddersfield that looks quality when I've seen him.

I think he's been consistently good all season. But he's been outstanding in the biggest games

Of the loanees this season. Would I sign them, if I were in charge?

Cozier Duberry - Absolutely yes, but it's very unlikely it'll happen

Burstow - Been great in parts. A real asset and works so hard. Also my neighbour, which is lovely, but I do think we can upgrade

Kenny - Absolutely! He should be the #1 priority to tie him down to a permanent deal

Cissokho - I'm on the fence. I see his quality, I see his popularity, but my gut feeling is that he would struggle in the Championship.

Forss - No. Just hasn;t worked out except for Wigan at home

Apter - Same as Forss. Came with high expectations, but just hasn't had the opportunities due to a slow start impacting his minutes. 

Blackett-Taylor - It'd be him or Cissokho for me. One or the other, but not both. Because of his experience and impact with us, I'd err on yes for him, but question marks over his fitness

I'd only keep Duberry and Kenny from our loans, they should be good enough for the step up, I'm kinda on the fence with Cissoko, I really like him, just not sure he'll be good enough for the Championship. The other loans, thanks but goodbye.

34 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

I'm a Tutu fan because of what he has in his locker - skill, pace, versatility (can play up and down either wing equally well) and the fact that, along with Forino, he's been outstanding in all 3 play off games.

But, we can't rewrite the entire season.  Haven't we all been tearing our hair out that he gets the ball say 10 yards inside our half and has 90% of the time just turned and passed it to a CB, or even the keeper?  We've been willing him to show the drive and skill to get forward like he did in the play offs, and he's looked a bit like he couldn't be arsed, or as someone said on here he looked like he was in a bit of a sulk because he was no longer classed as a winger and forced to play out of position, getting lots of pelters off folk on here for his lack of defensive nous (in contrast to Christie).

None of us knows which version of Tutu will turn up in August and that's the dilemna compared to signing a bone fide championship standard right back, eg that guy at Huddersfield that looks quality when I've seen him.

Think he maybe got some shit from the stands, remember ss saying he would come back stronger from it.

Buy Kenny

Do what we can to get ACD back on loan

Thank the rest for their services but that’s your lot - we’ll need better.

As for those out of contract.

Tutu sign up

Dempsey leave with very best wishes

GJ I’m completely on the fence about. If he stays then we’ve got to be starting the season with him as the 3rd / 4th choice of our centre back options - up to him then to take a chance he gets if those ahead are injured.

1 hour ago, Ani said:

I think SS deserves some credit here, players have not been rushed back after injury giving them time for full recovery, as frustrating as it was when ACD was out and nearly back got to think that bit of extra time helped him and others like Tutu to recover.

CBT does come with risks and there maybe be better alternatives out there but fuck me he is fast. 

One of the first things SS identified from what he inherited was an 'availability' issue, and that a priority for this season would be to reduce that amount of unavailability across the squad.

We've still had some unfortunate and fairly lengthy absences (and we've done really well to withstand CBT's sudden end of season and then Kenny's), but there's evidently been some good work done behind the scenes, certainly in Tutu's case. 

i hope the club are preparing a new 3 year deal for mcatee after his performance over the last 48 hours