The Retained List Debate

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 04/08/2000

The Retained List Debate

David Peasgood this week finds Bert and Fred reckon the latest draw means the season is safe for GTFC and are looking ahead to the retained list.
Hear their views and YOU decide in our latest 'fishy' poll.

The Retained List Debate

BERT:
Well we've scraped another year in Division one but we need some fresh faces next year to do it again

FRED:
Maybe we do and maybe not. Who's to say what could have been achieved this year if the squad had been fully fit.

BERT:
You mean Handyside and Richard Smith at centre backs?

FRED:
Without doubt. I'd keep both them and hope to see them start next year.

BERT:
What about full backs then? Gally has wobbled and do you need Macca with Butterfield coming on so fast?

FRED:
I'd keep Gally and Macca for their experience. I think Butterfield has more chance of being sold then becoming our regular right back.

BERT:
Well in midfield I see Pouton and Stacy as certs with Groves as a spare and I like Dave Smith too.

FRED:
Yes me too. But I'd let Kingsley go, and Donovan too. Dono hasn't hacked it in the last 2 years at this level. Groves would be good for coaching and as a spare centre back. I'd keep him and lose Lever.

BERT:
Lever has had a good year, albeit unexpectedly. He has to stay another if only as a 'just in case'.

FRED:
We need all the strikers though. Ashcroft, Clare and Allen. I'd let Livvo go.

BERT:
OK so to free up some cash you'd lose Lever, Livvo, Donovan and Kingsley. is that it?

FRED:
No I'd also lose Burnett. He was a star at Wembley but this groin injury is costing us and I'd rather someone playing than another half year of recuperation, even if I do like him.

BERT:
You'd leave us a thin squad for next year.

FRED:
Thin unless we bought in. I'd hope from 5 sales we could afford to take on at least 3 new players, plus we have Bloomer, Osman, Chapman and Buckley jnr. as possibles too.

BERT:
You like Buckley junior?

FRED:
He crosses a good ball from the left but needs more experience and the crowd off his back. Don't forget we off-loaded Love and that other centre back to Ilkeston so the wage bill MUST have gone down a bit already.

BERT:
It'd be a shame if Burnett went but I see your point of view. I'd agree on Kingsley and Donovan though Buckley wouldn't, I'd keep Lever and Livvo as they are too useful and I doubt we'd get as good again on a free or for a song, which is probably all we can afford.

FRED:
I wonder what others feel?

BERT:
We'll ask them, but they must realise we haven't any money apart from what we get for those who go, and that may not be all that much.

Now for the vote...