Is the team/squad stronger now than last year?

First thing is all but the most negative would say Thorup is an upgrade on Wagner, that should mean with the same players we'd be better anyway (although some may debate that) but definitely if we've signed players who are more suited to his style of play we should be. Maybe even worse players who are more suited will be better? Guess time will tell on that.

Based on the below role by role comparison I'd say the staying XI is better but the squad is weaker. Need to cross our fingers on injuries.

Goalies same two, no change (backup weak which cost us points last year).

Left back Doyle upgrade on Giannoulis but Chrisene downgrade on McCallum

Centre backs Cordoba upgrade on Hanley but Hills downgrade on Gibson (for now, he may develop to be better in the season).

Right back same, maybe Fisher is better than last season so slight upgrade.

Midfield Forson worse than Sara, Oscar better than Nunez and Slimane at least an upgrade in this new system than McClean. Gibbs hopefully improves as back up otherwise the same.

Wingers - Sainz and Fassnacht the same. Gordon massive downgrade on Rowe. Forsyth upgrades the squad options.

Striker - Sargent and Barnes the same. Crnac looks like an upgrade on Idah as a backup but probably too early to tell.

Posted By: Kangol Canary, Aug 31, 07:36:42