Just a few observations from the pre-season...... I know it about fitness, but its also about cohesion and for the youngsters playing, they probably see it as an opportunity to impress, and we may be calling on them.........
I didn't go to the Luton or Stevenage game......
Stockdale - Played well v Oxford, glad he is fit - 6
Maenppa - Difficult situation for him, has done okay, but we do miss Stocko - 6
Sanchez - Let in a howler v Fulham, handling dicey to say the least. Not sure he'll cut it ultimately - 5
Hunt - Although had a torrid time vs Fulham, he wasn't the only one and played well in the others. 6.5
Collar - Played very well against Oxford, but always thought he was a midfielder - 6
Rosenoir - Not a great pre-season, but an old head and is probably taking it easy. - 5.5
Bong - To be honest, has been awful in the games I've watched and slightly concerned - 5
Dunk - Has stood head and shoulders above others, but his old habits remain, chasing the ball and losing shape - 6.5
Bruno - Makeshift CB in most of the games - great job. 6.5
Hall - New signing, thought he'd make his mark a bit more. Think he'll benefit from the U23's. 5.5
White - Only saw him at Crawley and did okay. 6
Dallison - So disappointed he has gone out on loan. 6
Cadman - Wasn't pushed when he came on, but a little on the light side for a CB - 6
Stephens - Stroked the ball around, a few mistakes at Oxford and Lazio had the measure of him but okay - 6
Kayal - Good pre-season, leads by example and is class - 7
Ince - A bit in and out. Thought he did better today - 6
Sidwell - Similar to Rosenoir for me, just working himself into it. Would have benefitted from more games. 5.5
Molumby - A star in the making. Great on the ball. 6.5
Holla - Despite some on NSC stating he'd left, played okay in the match at Aldershot, still too slow though. 6.
Murphy - Another who was in and out, but that's the nature of him a little for me. 6
Knockaert - Moments of brilliance. Against Fulham switched off for 20 mins, when something didn't go his way. 6.5
KLL - What difference a year makes. Trying too hard, looks low on confidence. 5.5
Skalak - Again probably working himself into it and needs games. Touch and delivery a bit off. - 5.5
Tilley - Flattes to deceive a little and I wonder if a loan spell would do him good - 5.5
Hemed - Quite good in the games I've seen, has taken his goals well. - 7
Baldock - Where to start. I don't mind Baldock, but he hasn't done a lot, hopefully working himself into match fitness. 5.5
Murray - Exactly the same as the old Murray. Interested when he has the ball, languid and lifeless without. Good goal at Crawley, poor pen at Oxford, poor finishing today. 6
Manu - I don't rate Manu at all, but he has looked better than last season, but can't finish, isn't particularly quick and needs to leave. 6.
I know friendlies aren't for everyone and I've probably missed a number of players (particularly the ones at Luton and Stevenage), but interested to hear what others think.
I didn't go to the Luton or Stevenage game......
Stockdale - Played well v Oxford, glad he is fit - 6
Maenppa - Difficult situation for him, has done okay, but we do miss Stocko - 6
Sanchez - Let in a howler v Fulham, handling dicey to say the least. Not sure he'll cut it ultimately - 5
Hunt - Although had a torrid time vs Fulham, he wasn't the only one and played well in the others. 6.5
Collar - Played very well against Oxford, but always thought he was a midfielder - 6
Rosenoir - Not a great pre-season, but an old head and is probably taking it easy. - 5.5
Bong - To be honest, has been awful in the games I've watched and slightly concerned - 5
Dunk - Has stood head and shoulders above others, but his old habits remain, chasing the ball and losing shape - 6.5
Bruno - Makeshift CB in most of the games - great job. 6.5
Hall - New signing, thought he'd make his mark a bit more. Think he'll benefit from the U23's. 5.5
White - Only saw him at Crawley and did okay. 6
Dallison - So disappointed he has gone out on loan. 6
Cadman - Wasn't pushed when he came on, but a little on the light side for a CB - 6
Stephens - Stroked the ball around, a few mistakes at Oxford and Lazio had the measure of him but okay - 6
Kayal - Good pre-season, leads by example and is class - 7
Ince - A bit in and out. Thought he did better today - 6
Sidwell - Similar to Rosenoir for me, just working himself into it. Would have benefitted from more games. 5.5
Molumby - A star in the making. Great on the ball. 6.5
Holla - Despite some on NSC stating he'd left, played okay in the match at Aldershot, still too slow though. 6.
Murphy - Another who was in and out, but that's the nature of him a little for me. 6
Knockaert - Moments of brilliance. Against Fulham switched off for 20 mins, when something didn't go his way. 6.5
KLL - What difference a year makes. Trying too hard, looks low on confidence. 5.5
Skalak - Again probably working himself into it and needs games. Touch and delivery a bit off. - 5.5
Tilley - Flattes to deceive a little and I wonder if a loan spell would do him good - 5.5
Hemed - Quite good in the games I've seen, has taken his goals well. - 7
Baldock - Where to start. I don't mind Baldock, but he hasn't done a lot, hopefully working himself into match fitness. 5.5
Murray - Exactly the same as the old Murray. Interested when he has the ball, languid and lifeless without. Good goal at Crawley, poor pen at Oxford, poor finishing today. 6
Manu - I don't rate Manu at all, but he has looked better than last season, but can't finish, isn't particularly quick and needs to leave. 6.
I know friendlies aren't for everyone and I've probably missed a number of players (particularly the ones at Luton and Stevenage), but interested to hear what others think.
