Transfer News and Gossip Transfer Rumours Thread 2024/25 - Time to Cook 👨‍🍳

[Jack_23]

I notice radio silence from the ITKs - not sure what that means for the speculation around Bonne..

Was the same around Moncur i believe

 

[WestyReturns]

Is Bonne training with anyone to keep fit? I'd of thought if both parties were interested he'd be with us even just from fitness point.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I notice radio silence from the ITKs - not sure what that means for the speculation around Bonne..

I think you do know what that means…

I think our main need is an alternative for Cardwell as we’ve no-one who can fill in for him so is he someone who can lead the line? I assume he has the play strength to do so as he’s played Championship but he’s not a player I’m particularly familiar with. I’m imagining someone in the style of Marc-Antoine Fortune or Aaron Cosgrave from the descriptions so far.

We also lack alternatives at left wing-back. If Bridge gets clattered and we’re trailing we really don’t want to be bringing on Gubbins as his replacement. Could Bonne play left wingback?

The other “need” is for players to develop for the future. We’ve been linked with a lot of up and coming players from lower down (Finlay Wilkinson, Marcus Wyllie, Harvey Sayer, Josh Anifowose, Siju Ofulise etc) but so far have only added Wind for the future. I get that we have immediate needs but I really hope the future doesn’t become an afterthought.

 

[Hadleigh-shrimper]

I think you do know what that means…

I think our main need is an alternative for Cardwell as we’ve no-one who can fill in for him so is he someone who can lead the line? I assume he has the play strength to do so as he’s played Championship but he’s not a player I’m particularly familiar with. I’m imagining someone in the style of Marc-Antoine Fortune or Aaron Cosgrave from the descriptions so far.

We also lack alternatives at left wing-back. If Bridge gets clattered and we’re trailing we really don’t want to be bringing on Gubbins as his replacement. Could Bonne play left wingback?

The other “need” is for players to develop for the future. We’ve been linked with a lot of up and coming players from lower down (Finlay Wilkinson, Marcus Wyllie, Harvey Sayer, Josh Anifowose, Siju Ofulise etc) but so far have only added Wind for the future. I get that we have immediate needs but I really hope the future doesn’t become an afterthought.

Cosgrave I hope not that name sends shivers down my back , also don’t think we do think Ralph can play there excellently if need be with either gubbins or crowther playing.

 

[kentblues]

I think you do know what that means…

I think our main need is an alternative for Cardwell as we’ve no-one who can fill in for him so is he someone who can lead the line? I assume he has the play strength to do so as he’s played Championship but he’s not a player I’m particularly familiar with. I’m imagining someone in the style of Marc-Antoine Fortune or Aaron Cosgrave from the descriptions so far.

We also lack alternatives at left wing-back. If Bridge gets clattered and we’re trailing we really don’t want to be bringing on Gubbins as his replacement. Could Bonne play left wingback?

The other “need” is for players to develop for the future. We’ve been linked with a lot of up and coming players from lower down (Finlay Wilkinson, Marcus Wyllie, Harvey Sayer, Josh Anifowose, Siju Ofulise etc) but so far have only added Wind for the future. I get that we have immediate needs but I really hope the future doesn’t become an afterthought.

I think Ralph is cover for Jack- especially as we have another LCB option. With a small squad two players to cover each position is as far as it goes.

Agree re from lower down- generally cheaper option and no NL window so like you I hope there may be one or two for the future.

Bonne can play on the wing (but not WB)- really a CF or suited to a front three also.

 

[BoyWonder2]

We also lack alternatives at left wing-back. If Bridge gets clattered and we’re trailing we really don’t want to be bringing on Gubbins as his replacement. Could Bonne play left wingback?

I’d suggest that Ralph was the alternative at LWB, with Gubbins at LCB, as opposed to Gubbins being the LWB.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Cosgrave I hope not that name sends shivers down my back , also don’t think we do think Ralph can play there excellently if need be with either gubbins or crowther playing.

As the first two games proved, Ralph can't play there excellently. We certainly don't play excellently as a team with him there. I think YB was thinking we need a player more in the mould of JB so we don't lose our attaching intent like we did in the first two games.

I don't think it's a priority right now though, a striker most certainly is top of the shopping list. Followed by an extra CAM, GK and then maybe a LWB.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

I think he is more of a poacher in the box. We dont have trouble creating its just the finishing that has left a lot to be desired under Kev.

 

[Thundersley Blue]

If he does not cost our club a huge fee, my vote would go to Sean Adarkwa. He would provide cover and competition for Harry Cardwell where as Macauley Bonne and Kabongo Tshimanga would seem to be mainly vying for the second striking spot where Southend already have Walker and Waldron. However, I just noticed Bonne is apparently 5'11"so maybe he could be considered as cover and competition for Cardwell's striking role after all.

Depends how hard he is prepared to work when the opposition have the ball.

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Depends how hard he is prepared to work when the opposition have the ball.

Happy to sign any forward that does funk all during the match ............. as long as they put the ball in the net a couple of times each game. [thinking face]

 

[palexander]

I’d suggest that Ralph was the alternative at LWB, with Gubbins at LCB, as opposed to Gubbins being the LWB.

Absolutely, think for once, we have a genuine "2" at LWB in Ralph and Bridge. Slightly different players of course and suspect will be a bit horses for courses, if we in a trickier game, may go with Ralph now and Gubbins at LCB, but I'm pretty happy with the LWB cover.

Last season felt a bit more like Ralph _could_ play there if needed, but meant upheaval at the back to make it work. Now with Gubbins, its pretty non-impactful which way we go.

 

[Hadleigh-shrimper]

I

As the first two games proved, Ralph can't play there excellently. We certainly don't play excellently as a team with him there. I think YB was thinking we need a player more in the mould of JB so we don't lose our attaching intent like we did in the first two games.

I don't think it's a priority right now though, a striker most certainly is top of the shopping list. Followed by an extra CAM, GK and then maybe a LWB.

i disagree would obviously start jb. But think Ralph is slightly quicker and a better crosser I’d take him there any day.

 

[Smiffy]

'It's got all the makings of a good game' - Blues boss Maher previews Barnet clash

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is certain Saturday’s clash at Barnet has all the makings of a good game.

www.echo-news.co.uk

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

I

i disagree would obviously start jb. But think Ralph is slightly quicker and a better crosser I’d take him there any day.

Ralph at LCB doesn’t just cover defensive duties he plays balls up for Bridgey and works the line, linking and overlapping with JB. I didn’t see evidence Gubbins can do the latter part at all, which meant we had no outlet and Ralph at LWB was therefore restricted going forward. Shame it didn’t work out with Brooklyn but would say we need similar as cover, maybe a young up and coming player. Not priority.

 

[Floval Flyer]

If we can get Bonne that would definitely be a good day !

 

[GNH]

If we can get Bonne that would definitely be a good day !

Bonjour indeed

 

[HML]

My Gills mate said he is awful.

Gills fans also said Walker was awful, and he’s looked very good so far

 

[londonshrimper.]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1826990605676794208

 

[HML]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1822716200754790709

This lad would be perfect, someone to bring on once Moncur has done his 60 minutes, or an attacking wingback as backup for Bridge so Ralph can focus on his best position

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I’d suggest that Ralph was the alternative at LWB, with Gubbins at LCB, as opposed to Gubbins being the LWB.

Yes, Ralph would move from LCB to LWB but the substitution would still be Gubbins for Bridge.

That’s fine if we have the lead but if we are chasing the game that’s far from ideal as it makes us less attacking in two positions.

I get that we can’t have an unlimited squad but I really think we’re lacking alternatives to change the game off the bench. Maybe we go for someone who can also play wide left up top in a 3-4-3 as well as an attacking LWB. Maybe it’s someone who is LCM or LWB but I think we need someone on the bench who can provide some impetus down the left if it isn’t working for Bridge/he’s picked up a knock etc.

You don’t need just a starting XI you need a bench as well to give you tactical options. I think the right player would get 15-20 appearances a season easily.