Retain or Release?

[CP Gull]

Seems like Daniel Leadbitter is on his way as he is already listed on the PFA transfer List! may have already been told by Knill that he is not needed or it may be a case of the player himself not wanting to spend another season with little first team opportunities. Either way, it seems certain that he is on his way.

Personally, I think it's highly likely that Leadbitter, Cruise, Baker, Easton, Halpin, Macklin, Stevens and Morris will be moved on and possibly Rice although I would 't be surprised if he got another year, it probably all depends on whether Knill has a keeper out there that he has in mind as competition for Poke.

I reckon Oastler (probably seen as back up next year), Jarvis, Howe, Saah and Downes will be offered new deals and probably Yeoman as well. I think Downes may well stay and possibly Saah as well but I reckon Howe will move on.

Not long now and we will find out.....

[Dave]

Pretty much agree with that Chris, other than Cruise, think Cruise could well be seen as number 1 starting left back next season, think the look on Nicho's face after the Rovers match said it all for me, looked like a player expecting his time as first choice left back was over.

The goalkeeping situation could be an interesting one though, this could well depend on the player budget, we actually have 5 keepers at the club right now. was at the rec ground newton yesterday watching the year 10 county schools cup final, directly after that game was TUFC development against Plymstock college, the keepers warming up were Aaron Ibbotson and another youth team lad which was not Connor Thompson.

I am wondering whether Alan Knill rather having 2 expensive no1 keepers, will choose to go with either Rice or Thompson as match day back up, and go into the loan market should Poke miss games through injury.

[royalgull]

Ricey's been given another year, Easton's gone.

[Richinns]

Ricey's been given another year, Easton's gone.

Seems about right so far for me

With your inside knowledge - any idea if we are talking as Brass as assistant or will Taylor continue in his current role?

[cambgull]

Happy with that so far. Ricey, despite not being a League 2 standard keeper by any means has been a good servant to the club. He seems happy in the position he's in and appreciative of where he could be. I doubt he's on big wages so I'm pleased with someone who won't be playing much and is happy with that.

Easton wasn't good enough and his leaving with allow the space for one of Knill's big, tall centre mids that he seems to like. I'll be interested to see if any other midfielders go though.

[royalgull]

Ricey's been told that 'he's too good to be sat on the bench' so if Pokey is doing well next season then expect him to go out on loan, could be quite early doors in the season as well. See what happens.

Trying to find out about others

[cambgull]

Could be just a boost to get him to compete with Poke too.

[RussianGull]

Rice is a good servant to the club, glad we've kept him on. I think Easton knew it was time, wish him well for the future.

[royalgull]

Macklin, Baker, Easton, Halpin. Gone.

[Dave]

Thanks for the updates Ian, no surprises so far, think Ricey did deserve to stay on, we all know he is a good servant to the club and his performances were pretty sound apart from Southend home.

[RussianGull]

Macklin, Baker, Easton, Halpin. Gone.

Not the biggest shock.

[Plymgull]

Halpin is brilliant on the left for my Bath team on Football Manager. Not disappointed with any of those leaving.

Any news on Howe yet?

[Richinns]

Baker? WTF!!!!!!

Knill really has no clue does he???!!!!

[jonnyfive]

Thanks for the updates Royal, it's great to have an insight.

Pleased about the Rice decision, and won't miss any of the 4 early departees. I suppose the likes of Craig, Jarvis and Yeoman are worth 6 months or a year, but I doubt very much that AK has seen enough from Morris or Stevens to keep them on.

Can't wait to hear that Saah, Downes and Howe have signed up, although the latter is probably wishful thinking!

[miltonkeynesgull]

With your inside knowledge - any idea if we are talking as Brass as assistant or will Taylor continue in his current role?

Knill has just announced in his press conference to unveil him as manager that he's looking to bring in Brass, according to the BBC's Brent Pilnick.

@brentpilnick:
Knill looking to bring in Chris Brass as his assistant