While off the pitch things are clear as mud, on the pitch we have so many options at the moment
Casting eyes back to last season, it was clear that Neil Lennon and subsequently Jimmy Phillips had very very little to work with.
Lennon was forced into last minute signings such as Shola Ameobi and Francesco Pisano – both of whom, to be fair, showed glimpses of competence, it was clear that they were both signed out of desperation. They were both signed because no one better was available to us.
Look at our squad now. Sure, Mark Howard our first choice goalkeeper is injured. However, we`ve got Ben Alnwick amongst our ranks, and he`s stepped up admirably, winning the League One Player of the Month award in the process. As our third choice if things get desperate, we`ve got England youth international, Jake Turner, highly thought of and reportedly monitored by Everton.
At right back, Lawrie Wilson has played the majority of games of late. Wilson is a seasoned pro at League One level, and well proven in this division. He has also played over 100 games in the Championship. His back up is Lewis Buxton who, too, has proven himself at a higher level. All looks very encouraging so far.
Our centre backs have been, in my opinion, among our best players. Ex-England man David Wheater must be the best defender at this level, very closely followed by new recruit Mark Beevers. These two colossi have laid very solid foundations which see us hold the highest clean sheet / game ratio of any club in the top seven divisions of English football. What a contrast from last year. Should they not be available, ex-Real Madrid man Derik Osede, and ex-Man Utd man Tom Thorpe both started out as centre backs.
If things actually get desperate, then Dorian Dervite is still at our club, believe it or not.
At left back, Andrew Taylor has been playing very well. Another seasoned pro, having plied his trade mainly in the Championship, he`s been a fantastic addition to the squad. He`s managed to keep Dean Moxey out of the side which is always a positive.
Central midfield is a crucial position on a football pitch. Some say it`s the most important, and the source of the game`s direction. Good thing we`ve got good players available here. Jay Spearing`s pedigree speaks for itself: he`s way too good for this level. Phil Parkinson has also seemed to get the best out of Josh Vela, who`s already netted five goals this season. Liam Trotter has also come into the team and earned plaudits for his assured performances.
Meanwhile, the holding midfielders, Tom Thorpe and Derik Osede have both impressed with confident displays when called upon. We`ve got decent options in this department, which is particularly impressive when you remember that two of our most senior players: Mark Davies and Darren Pratley, both centre midfielders, are injured.
Going forward there`s even more. Chris Taylor and James Henry, both of whom have impressed at Championship level are both struggling to get game time. While maybe we might have expected a bit better from them, I think this speaks more to the quality of those playing ahead of them. Zach Clough out on the left is in phenomenal form – he`s scored seven already this season despite not really playing as a striker, and when he doesn`t score, he`s most likely assisting.
Meanwhile Sammy Ameobi (whom I`m still shocked we me managed to sign) has provided real moments of brilliance: be it a rainbow flick, a long ranged goal, or an incredibly poorly weight pass which completely defies his team mates, he always keeps us on our toes. The now fit-again Max Clayton has been having to bide his time due to their form. This`ll probably do him good. We need to get him back to 100% and get his injury nightmares behind him. Had this been last year under Lennon though, Clayton will probably have been plunged in due to there being no other options, and wil probably have played three games before injuring himself for another year.
Gary Madine has been playing as the sole front man for most of the time. While he hasn`t been scoring week in week out, his attitude has been impressive and every game he genuinely does run himself into the ground. I think we can be pleased with his contributions.
Jamie Proctor looks to me to be somewhat of a Madine-lite who`s better on the ball. I`d like to see him given a proper chance, because from what I`ve seen, I think he could be a very useful player for us. He`s not doing badly right now, but he`s barely getting more than 10-15 minutes each game. I`ve also been surprised by the lack of game time Keshi Anderson has been getting, but then again, it speaks volumes about our squad doesn`t it.
I`m not sure what`s going on off the field, but my goodness doesn`t our squad look good for a League One club?