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Went to the Vale away game last season when we were pretty much mullered but MacKenzie had to play centre back due to injuries and he was immense for such a young lad making his debut. I wouldn't want to rely too heavily on him due to his massive inexperience but I've no worries he could be an able short term solution at the back if required.

Richinns wrote:
If this is true then surely we will be looking for two CB's as if the one we are trying to get in (will be first choice) has to go to right-back then we will have only 2 kids in reserve?

In fact - we might need 2 anyway as are McKenzie and Hutchings ready to play this important back-up role when injury's and suspensions hit?

Good point Rich, and I was told this before Saah left, so things may well have changed. However, going on Knill's comments when he was appointed that he was aiming for a squad of "14-15 senior players plus 'development players' ", perhaps we are going with McKenzie and Hutchings back up?

miltonkeynesgull wrote: Interesting all this talk of Tully. I was told that we're chasing a centre-back who can cover right-back (a la Chris Robertson), as it utilises the budget better than having two specialist right backs.

Could of course be very wrong, and I wouldn't totally be against Tully coming in if that is indeed Knill's plan, but a CB who can also cover RB makes more sense to me.

That's what i would do personally, and as much as he hates it we have Mansell who if needed for a game or two because of injury or suspension could and should fill in there. I'd rather see us utilise our money on midfielders and strikers than 2 full backs.

im sure mckenzie would be more than up to the job and lets face it match practice is the best practice, he has to gain the experience somehow, i dont know much about hutchings but im told he is highly rated and destined for bigger things.

We have to utilise our young players, otherwise we should just scrap the youth setup. I can see us bringing in one experienced centre-half to play alongside Downesy and then a young utility player to cover centre/right back.
I think Knill originally said he wanted to bring in 6 players, with Saah and Morris going I guess this is now eight. Another two defenders a centre mid, couple of wingers and another striker is what I expect to see. And at least 4 of the remaining 6 to have some real quality about them.

PhilGull wrote:We have to utilise our young players, otherwise we should just scrap the youth setup. I can see us bringing in one experienced centre-half to play alongside Downesy and then a young utility player to cover centre/right back.
I think Knill originally said he wanted to bring in 6 players, with Saah and Morris going I guess this is now eight. Another two defenders a centre mid, couple of wingers and another striker is what I expect to see. And at least 4 of the remaining 6 to have some real quality about them.

Agreed with this, although I have a feeling we might add a season loan of a young striker to the 6 permanent additions. Wishful thinking perhaps!

So that's the expected signings, rumored for a while now, but who will be next..?

Do we have any names for centre-halves? I keep seeing midfielder, wingers, strikers being suggested but none at the back?

I'd echo the above - McKenzie was plenty good enough in his one and only game at vale, to the point where I don't think McDonald did any better which made that a wasted signing. McKenzie will do a fine job as back up so we only need to bring in a first choice - although having players with versatility is always a bonus

Just seen akinfenwa has signed for Gillingham

Also according to twitter Plymouth Argyle have a massive announcement coming up on there website in the next 20 minutes

godfather_tufc wrote:Also according to twitter Plymouth Argyle have a massive announcement coming up on there website in the next 20 minutes

So?

Was nothing to exciting they have just announced a new chief executive or something!! thought it was gunna be a new player

I see Ryan Dickson is back at Plymouth on trial - I'd really like to see him back at Plainmoor.

Benyon and tonge to do their medicals today, hopefully there'll be some more signings joining them?!