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Bonne, Walker & Hopper - What if?

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RHB

RHB

Return to Modnomor Mountain⭐⭐🦐
There has been reams and reams posted about these three, some in favour, some against. Well, just suppose Macauley Bonne does sign up for more torture, then that will mean that all three will be a part of the full pre-season, including the proposed tour, and they will also have the benefit of being known by the vast majority of the squad from the off. Now, if I recall, neither Tom Hopper or Macauley had the benefit of that last season, and Josh Walker did, but copped an early season injury. I'm not, for a moment, suggesting that these three will score sheds loads of goals, but with the right pre season conditioning, and knowing the other players, they may just surprise a few on here by scoring a lot more frequently. Confidence and acceptance by a squad is a valued commodity by a professional footballer, and they have already tasted the 'Southend way' at Wembley, and will want more, and confidence can breed goals. Will they be enough on their own, unlikely, but the rotation of forwards, and a full season for Charley and Slavi could well produce far more goals than last season.

I accept that there will be a few on here that will disagree with this, but only time will tell.
 
Got some fire power in this lot at this level, hard thing is keeping them all happy which won’t happen, I expect at least one to go out on loan at some point to get games but who will start the season up top.
 
At one level even without a pre season you could argue they couldn't possibly do worse, Partly because they have got fitter and got used to the squad but also because you cant help wonder how many more gilt edged opportunities could you continue to simply miss again
 
I think in Walkers defence during last season's pre season friendlies he was getting on the score sheet and was looking good, then picked up the early season injury and never seemed to be able to find any consistency through the rest of the season. There were some glimpses of what he is capable of, both in the box and outside. The run and shot from the halfway line certainly showed he has something about him.

So for me steer clear of injuries start well and there is definitely potential in him to get double figures next season.

Onto Kendall. Again good age and pace, looks lively and scores with both head and feet. Has that needed ability to force defenders into mistakes by pressurising well. Woking fans were disappointed with him and not too sad by him moving on. I think we have got him at the right time and he is coming into peak. The coaching team do well in developing players and I think Kendall is another that is capable of 10-15 goals with an unhampered full season, with the right summer preparation.

Bonne, been there and done it at this level. Can he do it again? As many have said, he certainly has the nouse and ability, but again maybe initial fitness and falling out of love with the game held him back initially with us. For me there is no doubting he is a trier and commits. He himself said he feels he has found a home here. If we can strike a deal to keep him, I won't be disappointed and another who if fully fit, confident and given the right backing 10 goals a season in him.....at least.

Hopper... We need a target man and a "focal point" forward to hold the ball up and link with the midfield. Hopper can do that role, but is age catching up with him? We keep saying there is not much difference in levels between the top of the NL and L2. Hopper was released by Col U, so will he be good enough over a sustained period week in week out this coming season? To be honest, I'm not sure, but would love him to be. Never going to be prolific, but if he puts in a good season those around him could be.

Spasov is our unknown at this level. right age, good season at a lower level before signing we have seen the ability of LCP to step up. With Hopper and Bonne if they both stay, then great experienced pros to learn and develop under. I am betting he will have a good prospect on our hands, who knows where the net is, may start slowly, but could well get around 10 in the season.

I think it has been said that Barnet didn't have a stand out striker, but 2 or three that got 10-15 goals. For me we have that potential, but it's about developing it and as fans helping and encouraging from the terraces so to speak, as we may possess that this season.

I'd now be looking for that dominant ball playing CB, leader in midfield, creative midfielder and proper LWB to give better service than this season to the front players, whoever they are. Do that and we have a chance of improving on last season and not relying on a defender to be our top goalscorer.
 
Last edited:
RHB said:
There has been reams and reams posted about these three, some in favour, some against. Well, just suppose Macauley Bonne does sign up for more torture, then that will mean that all three will be a part of the full pre-season, including the proposed tour, and they will also have the benefit of being known by the vast majority of the squad from the off. Now, if I recall, neither Tom Hopper or Macauley had the benefit of that last season, and Josh Walker did, but copped an early season injury. I'm not, for a moment, suggesting that these three will score sheds loads of goals, but with the right pre season conditioning, and knowing the other players, they may just surprise a few on here by scoring a lot more frequently. Confidence and acceptance by a squad is a valued commodity by a professional footballer, and they have already tasted the 'Southend way' at Wembley, and will want more, and confidence can breed goals. Will they be enough on their own, unlikely, but the rotation of forwards, and a full season for Charley and Slavi could well produce far more goals than last season.

I accept that there will be a few on here that will disagree with this, but only time will tell.
Click to expand...
I am happy to go along with your thoughts. I have been pondering this myself.
I would give it a go, speak to the players first, advise them what is required see their reactions and thoughts create the team spirit to succeed. I don’t think we are to far away already. Can,t be worse than last season’s goal tally.
 
The current front players we have only work with three up top. Kev will probably play Hopper/Slavi with Kendall to start then revert to 3 when we need to with Walks and Bonne in the wide positions.
 
RHB said:
There has been reams and reams posted about these three, some in favour, some against. Well, just suppose Macauley Bonne does sign up for more torture, then that will mean that all three will be a part of the full pre-season, including the proposed tour, and they will also have the benefit of being known by the vast majority of the squad from the off. Now, if I recall, neither Tom Hopper or Macauley had the benefit of that last season, and Josh Walker did, but copped an early season injury. I'm not, for a moment, suggesting that these three will score sheds loads of goals, but with the right pre season conditioning, and knowing the other players, they may just surprise a few on here by scoring a lot more frequently.
Click to expand...
what exactly does this bit mean?
 
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