Which of the current squad do you think might surprise us next season?

[Weststander]

I'm having 2 sides of the same conversation, with myself, across 2 threads (£50k)

Not only would it be stupid to offload contracted players when the club already has to pay comparatively massive wages to the players it needs to buy.

What's the current value of Hemed, Skalak & Norwood verses the future value any 1 those players should they be able to produce anything next season?
Sorry I'm going to back away from each will terrorise their PL opponents but with the mean standard relatively low when compared to the sums of money on offer, all the current players ought to be allowed to try and prove themselves.

In your experienced opinion, would you expect that if our first eleven next season usually includes Hemed, Skalak, Bong, Norwood and March, that we survive with some ease?

I had a look online at Southampton, Bournemouth and Palace's first summer transfer activity after their PL promotions, and each invested heavily bringing in many bodies at considerable expense. In contrast many on NSC and the Club appear to favour a different route of our unique team spirit and just a couple of buys seeing us safe. Digressing to the Stephens and Stockdale situations, quite a few on NSC seem of the view especially with Stephens that "he's not all that, he's a negative passer and not sad to see him go". I rate DS highly, but I bow to those who seem vehement about the player.

Interested in the thoughts of others.

 

[Stat Brother]

In your experienced opinion, would you expect that if our first eleven next season usually includes Hemed, Skalak, Bong, Norwood and March, that we survive with some ease?

I had a look online at Southampton, Bournemouth and Palace's first summer transfer activity after their PL promotions, and each invested heavily bringing in many bodies at considerable expense. In contrast many on NSC and the Club appear to favour a different route of our unique team spirit and just a couple of buys seeing us safe. Digressing to the Stephens and Stockdale situations, quite a few on NSC seem of the view especially with Stephens that "he's not all that, he's a negative passer and not sad to see him go". I rate DS highly, but I bow to those who seem vehement about the player.

Interested in the thoughts of others.

My point is the club has to invest heavily in many bodies just to fill the gaps, in every position, with the exception of centre back.
Even there I wouldn't say no to an experienced head not called John Terry.

As for Stephens I thought I was last on that bus!

 

[KZNSeagull]

The myth about Norwood's passing is the one I do not get. He gives the ball away CONSTANTLY. His passing accuracy is actually shocking.

Is it? Stats I have seen suggest he has a passing accuracy of 84%, only bettered in the side by Dale Stephens (I defer to Mr Harry Wilson's Tackle on that one) and Nikki Maenpaa. Shocking.

 

[el punal]

Elvis Manu . . . . .

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

Skalak. I think his skills are well-suited to the premier league.

and maybe Bruno, who many are writing off

 

[GoldWithFalmer]

Interested in the thoughts of others.

So so difficult-we have worked so hard to get up that it would seem almost criminal not to invest and do everything to stay up,however we are going to be among the lower reaches in financial terms....

i'm in the keep the squad together and trust the club..

If we somehow get some younger players in they will learn and if we do come down,keep Chris and go again.

Might change my mind as summer progresses,but i think i'd still feel the same..

 

[*Gullsworth*]

Baldock will have good games but be injured a lot. Skalak will only play a handful of matches but create a few goals. Murphy will be used as much as this season but score a few good goals....like Reading. Murray will be second choice, Tomer will get a handful of games. Knocky will be ever present baring injury and have an ordinary season with a couple of cracking games...Dale,for me is the key for me, I think he will shine. Kayal inconsistent like this season. The defence used as this season but obviously not as watertight.......A lot of thrashings coming our way. March will progress but not in a spectacular fashion.....opposition defences will be tougher. The new signings are key to state the obvious and we need two strikers a midfielder and a winger. Maybe cover for Bruno or even a replacement.

 

[Weststander]

Skalak. I think his skills are well-suited to the premier league.

and maybe Bruno, who many are writing off

Along with Hemed and Bong, they have the pace and experience to worry / beat the likes of Ryan Bertrand, Clyde, Matip, Van Aanholt, Coleman, Fuchs, etc. Add the fact that they are not known to PL oppositon and the unprecedented team bond, it adds up to a personally great season ahead for Bong, Bruno, Hemed and Skalak.

 

[Weststander]

Baldock will have good games but be injured a lot. Skalak will only play a handful of matches but create a few goals. Murphy will be used as much as this season but score a few good goals....like Reading. Murray will be second choice, Tomer will get a handful of games. Knocky will be ever present baring injury and have an ordinary season with a couple of cracking games...Dale,for me is the key for me, I think he will shine. Kayal inconsistent like this season. The defence used as this season but obviously not as watertight.......A lot of thrashings coming our way. March will progress but not in a spectacular fashion.....opposition defences will be tougher. The new signings are key to state the obvious and we need two strikers a midfielder and a winger. Maybe cover for Bruno or even a replacement.

Why won't Skalak play every game on the opposite wing to Knockaert?

Stephens - quite a few NSCers think he's gone and won't be sorry to see him go. I'd be very disappointed.

 

[ac gull]

Goldson for me - he will appreciate everything he has got in his life after last few months - and perform accordingly

 

[*Gullsworth*]

Why won't Skalak play every game on the opposite wing to Knockaert?

He is a bit of a one trick pony isn't he. He couldn't hold down a regular place this season.....how on earth will he be more effective against a higher class of opposition? Having said that I like Skalak and he may produce a few good performances but I don't think CH would what to keep him as a pencilled in starter. Hope I am wrong.

 

[spanishdave]

100% March. I think he can be off to a top 10 side next season, him and Knockaert will be remembered as the two key components to our survival.

 

[Weststander]

Born and raised in Glasgow, so there's every chance.

Would be fuming at that slur on the good dealers and users of Glas-gee.

 

[*Gullsworth*]

View attachment 85020

Would be fuming at that slur on the good dealers and users of Glas-gee.

Is that Steve Sidwell?

 

[DavePage]

No idea why really, but can see Hemed coming in due to injuries to our first choice strikers and banging in 20 goals to keep us up

considering there are only two players with 20+ premier goals this year I would be happy if he scored 10. Or as a team one more than our opponents each week

 

[Weststander]

Is that Steve Sidwell?

Well spotted.

And another one from the same family album, this time on holiday in Spain.

 

[GoldWithFalmer]

Hemed could do alright higher,a lot will be confidence and a good start but no reason why i'd think about replacing him..

 

[Arkwright]

I can see us playing three centre backs with two wing backs, So I think Dunk, Duffy and Uwe will be ones to watch and Bruno and A N Other pushing on.

Obviously March and Knocky will play a big part and I'm confident both will step up to the plate.

 

[Weststander]

considering there are only two players with 20+ premier goals this year I would be happy if he scored 10. Or as a team one more than our opponents each week

With a good run of games Hemed could score 20 PL goals a season, especially if Skalak plays every game. They have an almost telepathic chemistry between them that could terrorise the likes of Baillee, Matip, Cahill, Van Dijk, Alderweirald etc.

 

[Weststander]

I can see us playing three centre backs with two wing backs, So I think Dunk, Duffy and Uwe will be ones to watch and Bruno and A N Other pushing on.

Obviously March and Knocky will play a big part and I'm confident both will step up to the plate.

The A N Other should be Bong. Top flight quality.