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Home , Aaron Pierre, Aaron Wilbraham, Aiden McGeady, Alex Cairns, Alex Rodman, Alex Samuel

Contents Welcome

3-4 Opening Words Welcome to another groundshare may have and another little initial impact on 5-30 Club-By-Club season preview! the football team, if it Previews lasts longer than one It feels a long time since season, it is likely to 31-63 The Squad last season ended on a cause more damage. note of positivity with 64-65 Possible the increasing My personal excitement Formations likelihood that the club for the new season is was set to extend its likely to be down to the 66-67 stay at the choice of groundshare and was getting ready being convenient for 69 League One to put together a side to myself and thus being Predictions challenge for able to attend games. promotion. For others who simply 70-72 How Will We may be unable to get to It all served to make it Do? on a especially sickening regular basis, the when it was finally feeling will be different. confirmed that the club would be ground- It is a situation that sharing once again, this shouldn’t have time with Birmingham happened once, for it to City. have happened twice is beyond farcical while Just how the club can doing little to serve the move forward in a agendas of all involved. situation where there is That will only no realistic avenue back crystallise once the to Coventry for a long season kicks off and the time to come is difficult novelty of the situation to foresee, somehow, a wears off. level of excitement has been generated for the For now, it is time to new season due to Mark focus on the actual Robins’ swift and playing of football and decisive work in the looking ahead to transfer market. another season of Coventry City and The summer League One action. recruitment has highlighted that the

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 2

Opening Words This summer, Coventry City knows what is doing and about this season and the fans have had to hold two has been active in looking to longer-term future, only he images of the club in their improve in the transfer and owner, Joy Seppala, heads at the same time. market over the summer. know. However, we can surmise that what he has The first is the Coventry The first image is hard to heard he is encouraged by City that doesn’t appear to get excited about, the enough not to trade in the have much of a future. With second one is something credit he has earned at this a return to the Ricoh Arena everyone – regardless of club for a better move all but impossible while the whether they support the elsewhere. legal wranglings rattle groundshare situation or around the European not – wants to get behind. It Just how long that can last courts, interest in the club will only be when the remains to be seen but it is likely to dwindle away the reality of the team playing feels like with Mark Robins longer we remain outside of away from home in a big in charge, we have someone Coventry – no-one may stadium rattling around competent enough to keep notice after a while if we with a few thousand fans things ticking over and were to shuffle out of sinks in, that those two project the image of a existence. images will make sense as functioning club in a part of the same club. situation where we would The second is the Coventry otherwise look to be in City that has rallied from The owners are very lucky crisis. relegation to League Two, at the moment that Mark won its first promotion in Robins in charge as In a sense, the situation has over half a century, has a manager. Just what taken the pressure off Mark manager who looks like he assurances he has received Robins to build on what was

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 3 largely a productive end to feel when it should be last season – despite anything but. winning just two of our This illusion of normalcy final eight games. However, may last the whole season, the sense that the longer it may be shattered within the groundshare with the opening weeks of the Birmingham City lasts, the campaign, it is pleasantly harder it will make for the surprising that it has even club to compete financially gotten to this close before in this division possibly the new season for things makes it especially not to feel too different. important that if we are to achieve anything, it has to Before we get any further be this season. into the season preview, just a note that all statistics Before sinking my teeth too used in this guide as deeply into the preview of accurate as possible up to the other League One clubs, the 28th July 2019 and any this doesn’t look to be a ages referred to are as of season where we should be the start of the league overly afraid of too many, if season – 3rd August 2019. any, of our fellow clubs in this division. If anyone is aware of my track record of making Whether or not the side predictions, what is about Mark Robins has put to follow will look hilarious together this summer is any come May. better than the one that finished 8th last season, it is Enjoy! likely that there will be places towards the upper end of the division up for grabs. Starting well and finding some consistency will be important, which is why the level of overhaul to the squad over the summer should make anyone a little nervous about our hopes of challenging for the top six this season.

Nonetheless, being concerned about our hopes of challenging or not for the top six is a credit to just how normal Mark Robins has made this pre-season

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 4

Club-By-Club Previews

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 5 League One 2019/20

Bury Rochdale Accrington Stanley

2nd in League Two 16th in League One 14th in League One

Fleetwood Town Sunderland

11th in League One 5th in League One

Blackpool Doncaster Rovers

10th in League One 6th in League One

Bolton Wanderers Rotherham United

23rd in the Championship 22nd in the Championship

Tranmere Rovers Lincoln City

6th in League Two 1st in League Two

Burton Albion Peterborough United

th 9th in League One 7 in League One

Shrewsbury Town Milton Keynes Dons

rd 18th in League One 3 in League Two

Coventry City

8th in League One Ipswich Town

Oxford United 24th in the Championship 12th in League One

Bristol Rovers Southend United

15th in League One 19th in League One

Wycombe Wanderers Gillingham 17th in League One AFC Wimbledon 13th in League One 20th in League One

4th in League One

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 6

Accrington Stanley

Manager – John Coleman record in developing and improving players other clubs Has turned Accrington Stanley have discarded, there is an from League Two relegation Squad assumption that Stanley may contenders into a mid-table have unearthed a gem or two – League One outfit, allying some Pos Player former Leamington striker Colby attractive football with enough of GK Dimitar Evtimov Bishop and ex-Bolton and Spurs an edge to get important results. GK Toby Savin youngster Joe Pritchard looked to RB Callum Johnson Key Player – Sean McConville be among the more intriguing additions. LB Of Accrington’s core of Zaine Francis- experienced first-teamers, There will be a burden this season LB Angol McConville stepped up the most once again on the core of Accrington Stanley’s squad to pull CB convincingly to League One football, scoring 14 and assisting the team together and aid the CB eight from the wing. With younger new signings in their CB excellent delivery allied with good transition to League One football. CB movement, he’ll remain a key Wide-men Jordan Clark and Sean CM Joe Pritchard threat for Accrington this season. McConville will be vital players in attack given ’s absence Lamine Kaba CM Overview from the start of pre-season Sherif A difficult second half to last training, while defensive CM season appears to have been the and Seamus centre-back Mark Hughes will be CM signal to John Coleman to freshen Conneely the squad up in an attempt to key voices at the back. W Erico Sousa lessen the burden on the core of While Accrington’s squad looks W Jordan Clark players that carried the club from among the weaker at this level, Okera the lower-end of League Two into they have a manager who tends to W Simmonds the third-tier. get the best out of limited W Sean McConville As ever with Accrington Stanley, resources. They should avoid a struggle and perhaps could push Wilson they have had to shop for W on a little higher. Carvalho inexperienced players or those off the radar of more moneyed ST Andrew Scott League One clubs. Most of their ST Billy Kee new signings haven’t played in ST League One, many of them Verdict: Offrande haven’t even played in the ST Zanzala Football League. Comfortable Nonetheless, with a manager in John Coleman with a proven track Mid-Table Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 22 24.4 471 65 =11th in L1 21st in L1 20th in L1 8th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 7

AFC Wimbledon

Manager – Wally Downes the second half of last season, this is a squad that has been Pulled off one of the more weakened over the summer after remarkable ‘great escapes’ last the losses of key loan players such Squad season in guiding a doomed AFC as in goal and Wimbledon side to safety. Built a Pos Player Steve Seddon at left-back, while strong team spirit, brought Nathan Trott star youngster Toby Sibbick at organisation to the squad and GK right-back had to be sold to raise (L) made some astute loan signings, funds for Downes to work with. GK Nik Tzanev how he replicates it over a full RB Kyron Stabana league season remains to be seen. Team spirit and organisation can only take you so far for a club on RB Luke O'Neill Key Player – Nesta AFC Wimbledon’s budget. Having to turn largely to non-league and LB Guinness- A physical but mobile centre- forward with some excellent the loan market highlights the Walker finishes in his locker, Pigott’s struggles Wally Downes faces in CB Paul Kalambayi goals were one of the key reasons building upon last year. There is a CB Rod McDonald behind AFC Wimbledon’s lot resting on the likes of the CB Terell Thomas survival. In a side otherwise short untried Nathan Trott in goal and CB on goals, he is someone to build Nesta Guinness-Walker at left- back to step up, while Luke Anthony the team the around. CM O’Neill and Callum Reilly are the Hartigan Overview most proven additions to the Anthony CM As galvanising an effect that squad. Wordsworth pulling off a remarkable great With the goals of Joe Pigott and CM Callum Reilly escape will have had at AFC some useful counter-attacking Shane Wimbledon, the task at hand this CM options, AFC Wimbledon should McLoughlin season is simply to stay afloat be a frustrating team to play W Dylan Connolly again as the club prepares to against if their young keeper, W Egli Kaja enter a new era in its new Plough Nathan Trott, avoids too many Lane home in 2020. W Mitch Pinnock rookie errors. Safety seems an achievable target. W Scott Wagstaff The biggest question mark around AFC Wimbledon this ST Adam Roscrow season will be whether Wally ST Joe Pigott Downes has the attributes as a ST manager over the course of a full Verdict: Michael Folivi season or is simply a short-term ST (L) impact man. Looking Over ST Tommy Wood While performances were greatly improved under his charge during Their Shoulder Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 22 23.9 480 56 =11th in L1 24th in L1 19th in L1 12th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 8

Blackpool

Manager – base who have boycotted for several years. A popular former player and It is also a squad that has been Squad manager appointed to rebuild the club at the start of the post- improved via the injection of Pos Player Oyston era. A serial promotion- creativity that former Carlisle set- winner at League One level but piece whizz Jamie Devitt and ex- Christoffer GK his past two jobs with Sunderland Crystal Palace youngster Sullay Mafoumbi and Bradford City leave Grayson Kaikai provide. Kaikai in GK (L) with something to prove. particular is a player proven to be GK Mark Howard worth building a team around at Key Player – Curtis Tilt Michael this level and probably should be RB A dominant presence at centre- playing in the Championship. RB Ollie Turton back who has long been coveted Although Blackpool’s strike-force by bigger League One and James Husband looks far from prolific, a solid and LB Championship clubs. Continues to (L) physical defensive unit suits be linked with a move away but Simon Grayson’s qualities as a LB Nick Anderton would be a key building block for pragmatic manager who looks to CB Curtis Tilt a potential play-off bid. build from the back. Furthermore, CB Ryan Edwards Overview as a physically imposing side, CM Callum Guy they should thrive on the set- Blackpool head into their first CM piece delivery Jamie Devitt season without the Oyston family provides. CM Matty Virtue in charge for nearly three decades W Ben Tollitt and have cause to feel confident Whether the speed of the W Harry Pritchard about their hopes of starting a transition into a new era over the summer has come a little too soon W new era with a tilt at the play- offs. for the team to adjust to the W Sullay Kaikai change in expectations is the AM Jamie Devitt This was a side that challenged biggest doubt hanging over the Jordan for the top six for long spells of side this season. It may be a slow AM Thompson last season and has been start, but Blackpool are a side undoubtedly improved by the ST Adi Yussuf who should trouble the top six as appointment of an experienced the season progresses. Armand ST manager in Simon Grayson. After Gnanduillet Grayson’s success in his first stint Nathan in charge of the club, he is also a ST Verdict: Delfouneso popular appointment from new ST Ryan Hardie owner Simon Sadler intended to Play-Off re-connect the club with a fan- Challengers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 22 26.5 651 78 =11th in L1 5th in L1 5th in L1 1st in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 9

Bolton Wanderers

Manager – can secure a deal to own the hotel, which has pretty much Starts the season with little credit meant that there hasn’t been a in the bank over fan criticism of Squad pre-season to prepare for a his style of play despite having campaign in which they start with won promotion with the club and Pos Player a 12-point deduction. kept them in the Championship GK Ben Alnwick for more than a season amid The opening weeks and months of GK Remi Matthews absolute chaos off-the-pitch. the season are set to be about Phil CB Jordan Boon Bolton could do a lot worse than Parkinson attempting to pull a CB keep him in charge as new team together. It is likely that in CB Yoan Zouma owners attempt to re-build the the week or two after this season club. preview is published, Bolton’s CM squad will look very different, CM Luke Murphy Key Player – Jason Lowe making it hard to assess right AM Denis Politic Reported to be the only senior now how they might perform this AM Erhun Oztumer player in the squad that hasn’t season. AM Ronan Darcy handed their notice in to leave the With reports indicating that the ST Connor Hall club on a free, an experienced and likes of and Gary versatile player who can operate ST O’Neil are still training with the in central midfield and at right- club despite being officially out of back. contract, Phil Parkinson may have Overview a pretty strong team for this level to pick from the ownership of the As it stands, Bolton will barely be club has been resolved. able to put out a team from the 12 first-team players and third-year Bolton may have just enough scholars that they officially have about them to overcome the 12- on their books at the time of point deduction and ramshackle writing – it may be even less after pre-season to stay up. Simply suggestions of a mass player being in a state to compete next walkout after six months without season, whatever division they pay. are in, seems to be the chief ambition for the time being. A takeover deal remains in the balance while the administration process of the hotel near the Verdict: club’s ground is yet to resolve. Mooted new owners Football Looking Over Ventures are reluctant to put money into the club unless they Their Shoulder Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 12 24.7 192 6 23rd in L1 20th in L1 23rd in L1 24th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 10

Bristol Rovers

Manager – Graham Coughlan figures from last season in Jack Bonham in goal and Re-energised a demoralised in central defence have moved Bristol Rovers unit mid-way Squad onto new clubs while the through last season during an recruitment of attack-minded initial caretaker. Made a few key Pos Player full-backs in Mark Little and Luke changes – other than the signing GK Alexis Andre Leahy potentially upsets the of Jonson Clarke-Harris in attack defensive shape they had last GK – but it is impossible to deign Jordi van season. GK from his performance as a short- Stappershoef term appointment how he might Further forward, there is pressure RB Josh Hare cope over a full campaign. on Jonson Clarke-Harris to build RB Mark Little on his individual form over the Key Player – Jonson Clarke- LB Luke Leahy second half of the campaign. The Harris low percentage nature of many of LB Michael Kelly his finishes suggested he was on a Tareiq Holmes- The former Sky Blues forward LB hot streak and his inconsistent Dennis really found his mojo after his career thus far leaves him with a CB Alfie Kilgour January transfer deadline day move to the Memorial Stadium. lot to prove still. Loanee forwards CB Rollin Menayese At his best, Clarke-Harris’ Tyler Smith and Victor Adeboyejo CB Tom Davies physicality, mobility and powerful have considerable potential but CB Tony Craig strike make him a leading striker are raw talents at this stage in CM Abu Ogogo at this level, however, he is yet to their development. CM Ed Upson produce his best over a full With an inexperienced manager CM Luke Russe season. and key elements of the squad CM Overview that have changed over the CM Sam Matthews summer, it is hard being all that There was some hope after the confident about Bristol Rovers’ W end of last season that Bristol hopes this season. Although they W Kyle Bennett Rovers could kick-on from a may have the potential to do a lot AM second half of the campaign better, I can see them finishing ST Deon Moore revival and an impressive towards the lower end of mid- ST Gavin Reilly defensive record – keeping the table. 6th-most clean sheets in the Jonson Clarke- ST division – to push on towards Harris better things this season. ST Verdict: ST Tyler Smith (L) The key concern for Bristol Victor Adeboyejo Rovers heading into the new Looking Over ST (L) campaign is focused on a remodelled defensive unit. Key Their Shoulder Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 26 25.8 668 68 =3rd in L1 13th in L1 2nd in L1 6th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 11

Burton Albion

Manager – intriguing additions, Richard Nartey in central defence arrives A manager who seems to prefer without any first-team experience being the underdog, Clough has Squad while John-Joe O’Toole in midfield gotten Burton playing some appears to be long past his best. Pos Player excellent, effective football under his charge but perhaps lacks the For all the doom and gloom, GK Callum Hawkins mentality to take his teams to the Burton are unlikely to drop-off Kieran O'Hara GK next level. too much under Nigel Clough’s (L) management. Despite losing some Key Player – Lucas Akins GK Stephen Bywater key players, Burton still have one RB Can play pretty much any outfield of the more settled squads in the division with some key LB position effectively, the powerful and hard-working Akins found his lieutenants – in John Brayford LB best form playing in Burton’s and at the back, Reece LB forward-line last season, scoring and Scott Fraser Hutchinson 13 and assisting 9. His quality as in midfield, and Lucas Akins and CB Jake Buxton well as versatility make him Liam Boyce in attack – still CB Jevan Anderson Burton’s key player this season. around to provide the platform Richard Nartey for Burton’s new signings to CB Overview adapt to their new surroundings. (L) Based on performances towards CM The opening few weeks or so of the end of last season, Burton CM Ethan Vale the season may be difficult as Albion were a side many were Clough finds the best CM Scott Fraser looking upon as potential dark combinations out of his available CM Stephen Quinn horses this time out. However, options but is hard to see Burton David they have lost four key players dropping off too much from the W Templeton from last season in Bradley mid-table finish they secured last Collins in goal, Kyle McFadzean in W Lucas Akins season. The disappointment is defence, Jamie Allen in midfield AM Joe Sbarra that they could have been looking and Marcus Harness out wide, forward to much better. John-Joe AM which renders the squad much O'Toole weaker than it was back in May. AM Ryan Edwards Furthermore, Burton’s budgetary ST Liam Boyce constraints have been highlighted by the calibre of replacements Verdict: they’ve had to source. While Kieran O’Hara in goal and the Comfortable versatile winger/central midfielder Ryan Edwards are Mid-Table Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 20 26.3 483 45 =21st in L1 8th in L1 18th in L1 18th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 12

Bury

Manager – Paul Wilkinson Beginning the season with a 12- point deduction and having An experienced assistant manager possibly fewer than seven first- but has only picked up Squad team players contracted at the management experience in time of writing, relegation this caretaker roles. Seemingly the Pos Player campaign is all but guaranteed. only person desperate enough to Identity of players The test will be how Paul want to take the Bury job with Wilkinson and the squad he might under contract isn’t severe doubts as to whether the be able to throw together copes clear. club will be able to begin the longer-term with the impact of season. losing week in and week out. Key Player – Not Applicable It would almost seem that the As it hasn’t been confirmed which best thing for Bury right now players are under contract, it is would be to re-start as a phoenix impossible to comment on who club in non-league. The club has might be Bury’s key player this been in a cycle of over-spending season. and financial ruin for much of its modern history, highlighting how Overview Football League clubs attract At the time of writing, there is chancers who are driven by their doubt as to whether Bury’s own ego rather than keeping opening game of the season will traditional community assets go ahead, which would likely going. signal the beginning the process The continued existence of a of expelling the club from the football club should something Football League. that should be taken for granted. Even if Bury are able to assure the That Bury can go to the wall may EFL that they can fulfil their seem insignificant to many fixtures this season, their football fans in the country, but prospects for this season, and they underline what is wrong several to come, look very bleak with the way the game is set up in due to the obscene levels of over- . spending under previous owner Stewart Day and the failure of his successor Steve Dale – who is yet to pass the ‘fit and proper Verdict: persons’ test – to have understood the scale of debt he had inherited. N/A

Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19

N/A N/A N/A N/A

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 13

Doncaster Rovers

Manager – and at a different level to his previous experience. Perhaps harshly sacked by West Leaving aside the departures, Squad Brom towards the end of last season with the club in the Doncaster retain a strong-looking Pos Player Championship play-offs, the jury starting XI with the energy of on Darren Moore as a manager Reece James and Brad Halliday at GK remains out nonetheless, full-back, the industry and GK although he appears to boast creativity of Ben Whiteman and GK Seny Dieng (L) excellent motivational skills. in midfield along with in attack RB Brad Halliday Key Player – John Marquis LB Branden Horton – although Marquis may leave before the end of the transfer LB Danny Amos A physical and energetic centre- forward in the mould of a lower- window. The concern heading LB Reece James league . Widely linked into the new season is over squad CB Joe Wright with a move away, his loss would depth, with many of Doncaster’s CB Rian McLean exacerbate the blow of losing back-up players untested CB Shane Blaney manager Grant McCann this youngsters. CB Tom Anderson summer. In a worst-case scenario of John CM Ali Crawford Overview Marquis leaving and Darren CM (L) Moore failing to get a grip of the Having lost a whole host of squad at his disposal, Doncaster CM Ben Whiteman players after last season’s sixth- could well struggle towards the CM Lirak Hasani place finish, what already looked lower end of the division. If CM Madger Gomes set to be a transitional season for Moore can retain what was good Doncaster Rovers looks especially W Alex Kiwomya about the side last season while so after the relatively late W Kieran Sadlier adding a little more strength in departure of Grant McCann as depth before the end of the W Matty Blair manager just over a month ago. transfer window, mid-table AM James Coppinger Darren Moore, a former player, is should be the minimum ST Alfie May a highly popular appointment expectation. ST John Marquis who arrives with considerable ST Max Watters credit in the bank. Whether he ST Will Longbottom has the tools to succeed as a manager remains to be seen after a mixed spell with West Brom Verdict: where he was clearly still learning on the job. Arriving relatively late Comfortable into pre-season will hardly have helped him adapt to a new club Mid-Table Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 24 24.0 467 61 =9th in L1 23rd in L1 21st in L1 10th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 14

Fleetwood Town

Manager – and possibly the stand-out piece of summer transfer business that Built a solid and, at times, very also involves the captures of set- effective Fleetwood Town side Squad piece expert at last season that fell short left-back, the goals of Josh Morris whenever the prospect of the Pos Player out wide and Rangers loanee play-offs flashed into view. With a GK midfield tyro . The summer to further build his own only complaint Barton can have GK side, this season is likely to be a about the summer thus far has RB Gethin Jones stronger indication of Barton’s been the seeming failure to secure managerial qualities. RB Lewie Coyle (L) a return for last season’s Macauley RB Key Player – attacking figurehead . Southam Billed as a typical lower-league Nonetheless, this is now a LB Danny Andrew ‘fox in the box’, Madden Fleetwood side boasting proven LB Ryan Rydel demonstrated a more complete quality all over the pitch from CB side to his game last season, Alex Cairns in goal to Paddy CB Craig Morgan operating mainly from a wide Madden up front. There is Harry Souttar position. Although his strongest experience, there is quality, there CB is creativity, there is physicality, (L) qualities remain in getting in and scoring from good positions, Fleetwood have to be considered CB James Hill Madden is more involved in the to have one of the strongest CM Dean Marney build-up play in Barton’s system. squads in the division currently. CM Harrison Biggins Overview It is all on Joey Barton’s shoulders CM Jack Sowerby now to meet the expectations that Jordan Rossiter Failing to have put together more CM the strength of his squad (L) of a challenge for the top six last demands. A pending court case CM Nathan Sheron season at Fleetwood Town carried over an alleged assault during a the excuse that Joey Barton was a CM game against Barnsley last season young manager in his first season potentially risks taking his focus W on the job. This season, Barton’s off the football, but it presents the W Josh Morris inexperience is much less of an only excuse for Barton not taking W Ross Wallace excuse, particularly after being this Fleetwood side into top six W Wes Burns backed in the transfer market to contention. bring in a number of experienced AM and proven performers at League ST Conor McAleny One level. Verdict: ST Paddy Madden If he can be kept fit, Paul Coutts Play-Off in central midfield is arguably of top-half Championship quality Challengers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 24 25.6 630 52 =9th in L1 14th in L1 7th in L1 =14th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 15

Gillingham

Manager – Steve Evans Alex Jakubiak and Mikael Mandron who mustered just five Billed as a serial promotion- goals between them last season. Squad winner, Steve Evans track record has dried up in recent years. A Gillingham will be a more Pos Player fiery and combustible character physically imposing team this who likes to chop and change his season after the additions of GK Jack Bonham squad, it remains to be seen Ousseynou Cisse, the industrious GK Joe Walsh whether he is suited to managing Stuart O’Keefe and the RB at a club of Gillingham’s smaller aforementioned Mandron, RB Lee Hodson resources. whether that translates to being Bradley more forceful at both ends of the LB Key Player – Jack Bonham pitch is debatable. Gillingham Garmston Recruited from Brentford after an look to be side that will have a lot CB Alfie Jones (L) impressive campaign with Bristol of energy but look to be lacking in CB Rovers last year – keeping 18 attacking quality and defensive CB clean sheets – Bonham’s addition solidity, which isn’t a good CB Max Ehmer looks to be a coup for Gillingham. combination at all. CM Darren Oldaker An excellent shot-stopper whose With Steve Evans the kind of CM Josh Rees distribution and command of his character to throw players under penalty area can be lacking, CM Mark Byrne the bus after poor performances, Bonham is the kind of keeper that things could turn ugly at CM Matty Willock can completely shut up shop. Gillingham fairly quickly if the Ousseynou CM Overview team starts poorly. It is hard to be Cisse overly optimistic about CM Stuart O'Keefe Steve Evans has had to go on the Gillingham and Steve Evans’ W Elliott List charm offensive this summer as hopes this season. an unpopular appointment at W Gillingham after the ditching of a Mikael Ndjoli W former player in Steve Lovell, (L) who had been doing a good job on Regan Charles- relatively meagre resources. AM Cook As is typical with Steve Evans, it Alex Jakubiak ST has been a huge overhaul of the (L) squad over the summer involving ST Brandon Hanlan 10 incomings and 12 outgoings Verdict: Mikael from the squad that ended last ST Mandron season. Most notably, star striker Relegation has left the club and his replacements have included Battlers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 22 25.5 594 35 =11th in L1 15th in L1 10th in L1 21st in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 16

Ipswich Town

Manager – expectations, doesn’t feel an encouraging sign. Has built a strong rapport with As big as the job is at Ipswich this Squad Ipswich Town fans despite presiding over the majority of a season in terms of ingraining a Pos Player relegation season, having a poor winning mentality, it has to be recent track record, and whose said that a squad boasting Bartosz GK Bartosz Bialkowski last success as a manager came Bialkowski in goal, Luke GK Tomas Holy with their arch-rivals, Norwich Chambers and Toto Nsiala in RB Janoi Donacien City. That patience in Lambert is defence, a wealth of options in RB Josh Emmanuel likely to be tested if Ipswich have midfield including , LB Myles Kenlock a hard time of it this season. Andre Dozzell and Gwion CB Corrie Ndaba Edwards, with League Two’s top- Key Player – CB scorer from last season, James CB Luke Woolfenden Fired Tranmere, almost single- Norwood up top, provides Paul Lambert and Ipswich Town with a CB Toto Nsiala handedly, out of League Two last season. A mobile and powerful fair margin for error even if they CM centre-forward and an excellent don’t reach their very top levels. CM finisher of an array of different CM Starting the campaign with an types of goals. May be stepping up injury list at eight players long, CM Jon Nolan to his first season in League One the adaptation period for Ipswich CM Teddy Bishop but looks to be kind of striker is going to be especially tough CM Tristan Nydam who can decide tight games at unless James Norwood can hit the W Alan Judge this level. ground running to ease the team W Armando Dobra Overview into the season. All signs point W Danny Rowe towards an awkward opening few Having settled into a losing W months to the season, if they can mentality in recent years, the W Jordan Roberts learn some important lessons process of reversing the long- W Luke Garbutt (L) during that time, this is a squad term decline at Ipswich Town is with the potential to play some AM Andre Dozzell going to be the biggest task at very exciting football and win AM Idris El Mizouni this season. promotion. ST Aaron Drinan With Paul Lambert in charge, ST Ben Morris with a recent managerial track ST record that suggests he is on a ST Jack Lankester similar trajectory, if Ipswich are Verdict: ST James Norwood to turn things around this season, ST it will be a double redemption Promotion story. That the Scot has spent the summer playing down Contenders Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 29 24.8 666 70 1st in L1 18th in L1 4th in L1 =4th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 17

Lincoln City

Manager – making Lincoln a more attractive team by adding more technicians Alongside his brother, Nicky, to the squad in the forms of Danny Cowley has completely Squad attacking Jorge Grant transformed Lincoln City from and Jack Payne while making the National League no-hopers to one Pos Player symbolic decision to offload the of the eminent forces below the GK Grant Smith hulking target-man . Championship. Has a reputation GK Josh Vickers for direct and physical football The concern around Lincoln RB Neal Eardley although showed last season that heading into the new season is LB Harry Toffolo he can integrate more technical the lack of a goalscorer, with the LB players into his system. hard-working penalty king John Akinde their only senior striker – CB Cian Bolger Key Player – Jack Payne although there are high hopes CB Jamie McCombe His addition symbolises the around youth-team product CB Jason Shackell Cowleys’ attempts to evolve the Jordan Adebayo-Smith. Although, Michael style of play at Lincoln. A with Andrade, Payne and Grant in CB Bostwick diminutive playmaker who likes midfield, the goals may well be CM Alex Bradley to go on mazy runs where it looks spread around the team rather than resting on the shoulders of CM Ellis Chapman as if the ball is tied to his foot, Payne could really excel at a the strikers. CM Joe Morrell (L) settled home and regular starting While the change in emphasis CM Lee Frecklington place after a series of loan spells may disrupt Lincoln’s momentum Michael in recent years. CM somewhat, this is a side that now O'Connor Overview has several individual match- W Bruno Andrade winners to call upon while W Harry Anderson If there is a promoted side from looking solid further back. Lincoln League Two that can replicate AM Jack Payne City looked to have a lot of the Town’s feat from last ingredients quite a lot of other AM Jorge Grant season of securing double sides at this level currently don’t AM Tom Pett promotions into the have. ST John Akinde Championship, Lincoln City seem Jordan Adebayo- the best bet to do so. ST Smith Having evolved their style slightly last time out to cruise to League Two promotion by bringing in Verdict: flair players such as Bruno Andrade, Tom Pett and Shay Promotion McCartan, the Cowleys have furthered their ambition of Contenders Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 21 26.9 565 66 =16th in L1 3rd in L1 12th in L1 7th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 18

Milton Keynes Dons

Manager – Paul Tisdale season in Chuks Aneke is a blow, but the bringing the energetic Achieved par for the course in forward Rhys Healey back to the achieving promotion last season Squad club after a successful loan last with a strong MK Dons squad, year is a boost, along with the this season is more of an Pos Player drive from central midfield Hiram opportunity for Tisdale to GK Boateng provides after his demonstrate what he can build addition from Exeter City. GK Stuart Moore away from Exeter City. A patient, RB process-oriented manager, is Although MK Dons’ recruitment RB George Williams likely to be more interested in the this summer suggests that LB Dean Lewington style of play rather than results. consolidation is the aim, the momentum behind them after CB Baily Cargill Key Player – Jordan Moore- last season may help elevate them CB Joe Walsh Taylor further than expect – along with Jordan Moore- Paul Tisdale’s methods having CB A trusted lieutenant of Tisdale’s Taylor having brought the defender had time to be further ingrained CB Regan Poole through at Exeter City, Moore- in the squad. Solid at the back, CB Russell Martin Taylor isn’t the tallest of centre- the ability of Healey and Boateng, along with Kieran Agard and Joe CM Alex Gilbey backs but is composed and adroit on the ball, making him Mason, to provide telling Conor CM important in MK Dons’ possession moments at key intervals will be McGrandles game. vital to take this side to the next CM Hiram Boateng level. Jordan Overview CM As a solid defensive unit that Houghton With Paul Tisdale’s feet firmly should keep games low-scoring Brennan behind the desk at MK Dons, affairs, MK Dons may not need W Dickenson having met the expectations of too much flair to keep the points AM Ryan Harley last season in winning promotion, ticking over regularly this season. he should be able to plot a longer- ST Dylan Asonganyi I would view them as outsiders term course for the club to have for the play-offs this season. ST Joe Mason another tilt at the Championship. ST Jordan Bowery Last season’s promotion was built ST Kieran Agard on the foundation of a solid but ST Rhys Healey technically-composed defence ST Sam Nombe who helped hoard possession Verdict: along with attackers of individual quality to provide inspirational Play-Off moments to decide games. Losing perhaps their key player from last Challengers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 22 26.1 610 58 =11th in L1 9th in L1 9th in L1 11th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 19

Oxford United

Manager – Marcus Browne, Jordan Graham and Jerome Sinclair further A highly idealistic manager who forward, along with the expected likes to play possession football, a Squad one of winger to poor start to last season made leaves Oxford short on Robinson adopt a more pragmatic Pos Player numbers in several key areas. approach to keep Oxford afloat GK Jack Stevens and he’ll be required to do the The problem with the incoming GK same after a difficult summer in transfer business is not so much RB Sam Long the transfer market. the quality of those brought in, with the versatile Chris Cadden, RB Tony McMahon Key Player – Alex Rodriguez LB Josh Ruffels defensive midfielder Alex Gorrin Rodriguez Gorrin and winger CB Nico Jones The Spanish defensive midfielder Tariqe Fosu all very good signings CB Rob Dickie starred last season for Motherwell for League One, but that the Alex Rodriguez squad still looks to be missing key CM and drew the interest of several Gorrin Championship clubs, making elements with a few weeks left of Cameron Oxford’s signing of him a coup. A the transfer window. CM Brannagan hard-working and intelligent Still, with Karl Robinson having CM Jamie Hanson defensive screener, he adds adopted a more pragmatic CM much-needed balance in midfield approach in response to last to provide the platform for Shandon season’s struggles, the hope is CM Oxford’s more technical players to Baptiste that Oxford will have the excel. wherewithal in the opening Chris Cadden W Overview weeks to keep things ticking over (L) while they finish their business. W Gavin Whyte Having been a top six side over As it stands, mid-table would be a W Malachi Napa the final 36 games of last season, good finish for the U’s. W Robert Hall the suggestion that Karl Robinson’s side could challenge W Tariqe Fosu for the play-offs or better this AM James Henry campaign seems a perfectly AM Mark Sykes realistic ambition on the face of ST things. However, it has been a poor summer in the transfer market Verdict: for the U’s, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. The Comfortable departure of in central defence, and key loanees Mid-Table Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 20 25.3 516 41 =21st in L1 17th in L1 16th in L1 19th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 20

Peterborough United

Manager – Importantly, in retaining the key figure of playmaker and set-piece Brought in mid-way through last taker extraordinaire Marcus season for a third spell in charge Squad Maddison, they have the to bring the club back to the division’s best player to build a attacking, free-scoring, Pos Player team around, along with the goals promotion-winning side they had GK Aaron Chapman and physical presence of Ivan been famed for being. After mixed Toney in attack. GK Christy Pym results since returning to the GK Conor O'Malley club, he has been well-backed to The problem with being confident RB Jason Naismith build a promotion-winning side about Peterborough is that they RB this season. always seem to ‘win’ pre-season, only to underwhelm once the LB Dan Butler Key Player – Marcus league action kicks off. The key Frazer Blake- Maddison LB concern is whether Darren Tracy Clearly too good for League One Ferguson is a good enough CB Frankie football, it has perhaps been manager to get the best out of the CB Maddison’s individualism – as squad at his disposal. There are CB well as Peterborough’s asking also question marks over the balance of the midfield, which CM price – that has kept the could make for an over-worked CM Callum Cooke mercurial forward at this level. Not only an exceptional defence regardless of what appear CM Louis Reed technician with a powerful yet to be considerable upgrades in CM Mark O'Hara accurate shot but allied with that area of the pitch this W George Cooper excellent off-the-ball movement summer. W Idris Kanu to get into dangerous positions Having been burned in previous Isaac Buckley- constantly. years backing Peterborough to W Ricketts Overview finally break their cycle of W Joe Ward underachievement, I’m reticent to Peterborough United have drawn tip them for automatic W Siriki Dembele the attention this summer with a promotion. It is hard though not AM number of impressive signings to see Peterborough being at least Marcus made early doors. Christy Pym in in the race for the top six. AM Maddison goal, centre-back pairing Mark Serhat Beevers and Frankie Kent, Dan AM Tasdemir Butler at left-back, and Mohamed Eisa up front complement an Verdict: ST already talented squad that could, Play-Off ST and perhaps should, have made ST Mohamed Eisa the top six last season. Challengers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 25 24.7 763 77 =6th in L1 19th in L1 1st in L1 2nd in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 21

Portsmouth

Manager – and leadership to replace Matt Clarke, the destroyer Ross Has transitioned Portsmouth McCrorie in midfield on loan from from a promoted League Two side Squad Rangers has caught the eye in into one of the top dogs in the pre-season, Ryan Williams and division with relatively little Pos Player Marcus Harness should allow investment in the squad. Perhaps GK Alex Bass Kenny Jackett to rotate his wide a little too cautious at times, options, while adds GK Craig MacGillivray which played a role in falling pace up front. GK Luke McGee short of promotion last season. RB Anton Walkes Although Kenny Jackett can be Key Player – RB James Bolton overly cautious at times, he is still one of the canniest operators at Brandon Transitioned seamlessly into LB this level in the dug-out. As Haunstrup English football from Ireland last someone who is happy to take a 1- LB Lee Brown season, reaching 11 goals and 10 assists from a wide position. A 0 win over risking pushing CB Christian Burgess direct and skilful winger with further on, Portsmouth should CB Jack Whatmough excellent delivery and an eye for keep the points ticking over with CB Paul Downing goal, Curtis should be even better what looks still to be a solid CB (L) this season despite tailing-off defensive unit this season. CM Andy Cannon over the second half of last year. Having one of the more settled CM Overview squads in the division allied with CM a safe pair of hands in the dug-out Having missed out on promotion should see Portsmouth at least Ross McCrorie CM last season both in the automatic maintain their position in the (L) race and via the play-offs, promotion equation this CM Portsmouth are gearing campaign. W themselves up to go one better W this season. W Marcus Harness Although they have been W Ronan Curtis weakened by the loss of ball- W Ryan Williams playing defender and leader Matt Clarke in central defence to AM Gareth Evans Brighton, with ST star winger Jamal Lowe ST Ellis Harrison seemingly close to leaving too, the Verdict: ST Oliver Hawkins squad is still among the strongest in the division. Promotion The addition of Sean Raggett at centre-back should add power Contenders Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 25 25.4 642 76 =6th in L1 16th in L1 6th in L1 3rd in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 22

Rochdale

Manager – Brian Barry- The experience of club stalwarts Murphy Ian Henderson in attack and Jimmy McNulty in defence is Squad Provided the change in emphasis likely to be crucial this season late into last season after the even if ball-playing centre-back Pos Player sacking of club stalwart Keith Eoghan O’Connell and left-back GK Brad Wade Hill. A young manager now Rhys Norrington-Davies are entering his first full campaign GK Josh Lillis potentially intriguing new and in charge of a club with one Robert Sanchez recruits. GK of the smallest budgets in the (L) division, keeping Rochdale up Brian Barry-Murphy built survival RB Luke Matheson again will be a significant last season around defensive Ryan achievement. organisation and team-spirit, RB which may be qualities hard to McLaughlin Key Player – Ian Henderson sustain over a longer-term period. Rhys The loss of key physical presence LB Norrington- A forward with a bit of everything – pace, skill, physicality – at the back in Ethan Ebanks- Davies (L) Henderson is Rochdale’s talisman. Landell makes such a focus on Eoghan building from a solid defence CB Has reached double-figures in his O'Connell past six seasons while also being especially difficult, while there CB Jimmy McNulty a key source of creativity, once doesn’t look to be too many goals CB Ryan Delaney again, a lot rests on Henderson’s at the other end to account for a less stable back line. CM Aaron Morley shoulders heading into this campaign. CM Callum Camps Rochdale look to be overdue a return to League Two and this CM Jordan Williams Overview may be the year that happens. For CM Oliver Rathbone Having escaped relegation by Brian Barry-Murphy’s sake, any W Matt Done relatively narrow margins in the battle against the drop has to be W Stephen Dooley past two seasons, it feels as if with character and some key AM Ian Henderson Rochdale are living on borrowed results and performances to AM Jimmy Keohane time as a League One club. ensure he has a career as a Aaron With an inexperienced manager manager longer-term. ST Wilbraham in charge in Brian Barry-Murphy ST and one of the smallest budgets in ST Matty Gillam the division with a squad that is probably due a refresh, it is hard ST Rekeil Pyke (L) Verdict: to be overly optimistic about Rochdale’s chances of avoiding Relegation getting sucked into another relegation scrap. Battlers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 20 25.9 524 53 =16th in L1 12th in L1 14th in L1 13th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 23

Rotherham United

Manager – years ago to win promotion a year later, before then fighting Initially a very reluctant manager, manfully against the drop. Paul Warne has impressively Squad Despite losing some key stamped a high-intensity and performers in Marek Rodak in imposing playing identity since Pos Player goal, Will Vaulks in midfield and taking over Rotherham United Daniel Iversen centre-back/defensive-midfielder GK full-time two seasons ago. With (L) Semi Ajayi, Rotherham’s just a little more luck last year, he recruitment has renewed the GK Laurence Bilboe would still be a Championship squad with fresh energy. GK Lewis Price manager with the club. RB Billy Jones Daniel Iversen should be a strong Key Player – Michael Smith Matthew addition in goal after his exploits RB on loan at Oldaham last season. In Olosunde With the target-man role an important element in Paul midfield, Jamie Lindsay, Daniel LB Akeem Hinds Warne’s style of play, the giant Barlaser and Shaun MacDonald LB Joe Mattock centre-forward is an important add further options to CB Clark Robertson figure at Rotherham. Not the complement the box-to-box play CB Michael Ihiekwe most mobile of forwards, Smith’s of . Although Freddie CB Richard Wood physicality is his key asset, Ladapo may struggle to replicate his form last season for Plymouth CM Ben Wiles especially during Rotherham’s set-piece routines. in front of goal, in Daniel Barlaser CM and Michael Smith, Rotherham (L) Overview have very good League One CM Jamie Lindsay Rotherham United have to go strikers to fall back on. The only CM Matt Crooks again after their second area Rotherham look to be lacking Shaun relegation from the second-tier in is in wide areas. CM MacDonald the past three seasons – with a With one of the stronger squads W Julien Lamy promotion in between. While it and a clear sense of purpose, may be hard to find the Carlton Morris Rotherham are likely to be ST motivation to return to a level the (L) challenging once again for club is out of its depth financially, another tilt at the Championship ST in Paul Warne, Rotherham have this coming campaign. ST one of the best motivators in the ST Kyle Vassell Football League. ST Michael Smith It has been Warne’s motivational Verdict: style and clear sense of purpose that saw Rotherham recover from Promotion one of the worst-ever Championship seasons three Contenders Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 21 25.9 464 52 =16th in L1 11th in L1 22nd in L1 14th in L1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 24

Shrewsbury Town

Manager – and Ethan Ebanks- Landell should be an asset in both Achieved par last season in boxes, while the talented young keeping Shrewsbury Town up, Squad Bristol City loanee keeper Max but frustrated fans with constant O’Leary has able back-up in the tinkering of his starting XI. Has Pos Player vastly experienced Joe Murphy. In made some big changes on and GK Joe Murphy addition, the veteran Steve off the pitch, he now has to prove Morison adds a physical GK Max O'Leary (L) that the team is in better shape spearhead to a youthful forward RB now that his feet are firmly line. RB Ryan Sears behind the desk. With the exception of the LB (L) Key Player – Fejiri LB Scott Golbourne wantaway Anthony Grant in Okenabirhie defensive midfield, Shrewsbury CB Aaron Pierre A pacey and skilful forward who have retained their key Ethan Ebanks- CB can also operate out wide who performers from last season in Landell enjoyed a hot streak last ball-playing midfielder Ollie CB December to steer Shrewsbury Norburn, dribble master Shaun CB out of relegation danger. After the Whalley and the skilful forward Ro-Shaun Fejiri Okenabirhie. Furthermore, CB departure of loanee Tyrese Williams Campbell, Okenbirhie will be Chelsea loanee Luke McCormick CM Anthony Grant Shrewsbury’s main man for goals and wing-back Ryan Giles are CM Brad Walker this time out. potential ones to watch. CM Dave Edwards Overview The jury remains out on Sam CM James Rowland Ricketts as a manager, with a Just where Shrewsbury Town’s CM Josh Laurent large squad and a reputation as a expectations and status in this tinkerer, it is a potential area Luke McCormick CM division sits after a third-place where things could come a (L) finish followed by a year spent cropper for the former Sky Blues CM Ollie Norburn struggling against the drop is captain. A mid-table finish should CM Romain Vincelot hard to assess. Furthermore, in be eminently achievable, with the W Abo Eisa making so many changes to the right wind behind them, better is W Shaun Whalley playing squad and coaching staff possible. over the summer, Shrewsbury are AM Ryan Barnett now a very different club to the ST one that made the play-off final ST Fejiri Okenabirhie two years ago. Verdict: ST Lenell John-Lewis The recruitment has largely been Comfortable ST focused on the defence, where the (L) significant physical presences of Mid-Table Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 26 26.4 626 64 =3rd in L1 6th in L1 8th in L1 9th in L1

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Southend United

Manager – Kevin Bond been freshened up in the intervening period. Arrived very late last season and In in goal, the Squad did just enough to keep a sinking Southend United in the division. addition of Australia captain Mark Pos Player An experienced assistant manager Milligan to an already solid- with little managerial experience looking defence, the midfield GK Mark Oxley on his own, enters the campaign industry of Sam Mantom and GK Nathan Bishop as very much an unknown Timothee Dieng, and the RB Elvis Bwomono quantity. experienced Simon Cox in attack RB Jason Demetriou along with the physical presences Key Player – Simon Cox LB Harry Kyprianou of Stephen Humphrys and Tom Hopper, Southend look a solid LB The experienced forward has become a talisman for Southend side but one lacking much by the CB Harry Lennon over his three years at the club, way of dynamism and creativity. CB John White hitting double figures each season Although Southend fans may have CB Mark Milligan while also chipping in with a been hoping for more changes CB Rob Kiernan handful of assists. With other this summer, having a settled CM Dru Yearwood forwards returning to fitness over squad is probably the biggest the summer, there will be less of CM Luke Hyam advantage the club has over a burden on Cox to carry the side. CM Michael Klass others heading into the new season. However, it is hard to CM Sam Mantom Overview shake the feeling that Southend CM Timothee Dieng Having scraped survival amid an are a club that has lost a sense of W Michael Kightly injury crisis that derailed what purpose in recent years and is W Sam Barratt had threatened to be a play-off likely to drift into another bid, there may be expectations at Stephen relegation battle. W Southend that, with players McLaughlin returning from injury, they may Isaac AM not have to worry themselves Hutchinson about a repeat of the final months Brandon of last season. ST Goodship However, this looks to be a ST Charlie Kelman Southend squad that has grown a ST Simon Cox little stale over the past few years. Stephen In particular, this still looks to be ST Verdict: Humphrys a physical and hard-working ST squad similar to the Phil Brown Relegation era – which ended over 18 ST Tom Hopper months ago – which is yet to have Battlers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 25 26.0 531 52 =6th in L1 10th in L1 13th in L1 =14th in L1

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Sunderland

Manager – Jack Ross the injection of pace in defence in the form of Jordan Willis. The A lack of playing identity or a hope is that keeping things as sense of his strongest XI based on Squad settled as possible avoids last season are the biggest doubts furthering the turmoil the club against Jack Ross as Sunderland Pos Player has been through in recent years. GK Jon McLaughlin manager. Did enough to get his Still, Sunderland’s squad looks GK side into the play-off final last unbalanced and lacking a sense of Conor season but enters the new season RB cohesion. While there are McLaughlin with plenty to prove. individual match-winners in the LB Denver Hume Key Player – Aiden McGeady forms of and Aiden CB Alim Ozturk The skilful winger became a key McGeady, that perhaps comes at CB player by supplying moments of the cost of service to whoever CB Jack Baldwin magic in games Sunderland were starts up front. Furthermore, the CB Jordan Willis otherwise struggling to make the additions of Marc McNulty in CB Tom Flanagan breakthrough in. Secured on a attack and George Dobson feel CM Bali Mumba longer-term deal this summer, somewhat unnecessary given the CM Dylan McGeouch Sunderland will be hoping age abundance and quality of other CM Ethan Robson doesn’t start to slow him down. options in the positions they have CM George Dobson been recruited for. Overview CM Grant Leadbitter Sunderland enter the new CM Luke O'Nien Although they lost just five times campaign with a sense of anxiety CM last season, something didn’t around the place and with the W Aiden McGeady quite feel right about Sunderland manager’s position looking fairly Benjamin as a collective unit. W insecure. A slow start could Kimpioka Manager Jack Ross shoulders a lot ratchet up the pressure to W of the responsibility for an unbearable levels, it will take a AM Chris Maguire apparent lack of a playing style strong mentality to be able to AM Elliot Embleton last season, albeit with the caveat maintain a promotion bid through AM that it was the beginning of a that. ST Charlie Wyke rebuilding job after years of ST Duncan Watmore overspending and underachieving ST Marc McNulty (L) had allowed a losing mentality to ST seep into the foundations of the club. Verdict: Things don’t feel much different after a summer where the most Play-Off notable changes are the departure of in midfield and Challengers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 27 26.4 682 70 2nd in L1 7th in L1 3rd in L1 =4th in L1

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Tranmere Rovers

Manager – season preparations. The forward scored 28 goals last season, the Has fully justified his decision to squad currently available to join Tranmere – then in non- Squad Mellon registered only six more. league – from League One Pos Player Shrewsbury just under three It is hard to foresee new signings years ago after securing back-to- Jordan Ponticelli or GK Luke Pilling back promotions via the play-offs. coming close to replacing GK Scott Davies A pragmatic manager not Norwood’s goals, the key looks set RB Calum Woods particularly allied to a style of to be on existing options such as RB Evan Gumbs play but has proven effective in Paul Mullin or Connor Jennings RB Jake Caprice getting teams where they need to stepping up, or at least finding enough goals spread through the LB Liam Ridehalgh be. rest of the squad. CB George Ray Key Player – Connor CB Manny Monthe Jennings Further back, Tranmere should be solid with the powerful Manny CB Mark Ellis Naturally a striker, Jennings has Monthe leading the defence with CB Sid Nelson had to become a more creative the experienced and versatile CM player in recent years due to the Calum Woods likely to be a key CM David Perkins form of Andy Cook and James addition in spreading calm at the Norwood as goalscorers. With CM Harvey Gilmour back, along with Darren Potter in Cook and Norwood having defensive midfield. CM Ollie Banks departed in successive summers, W Connor Jennings Jennings will either step up to the While promoted teams from Corey Blackett- plate or have a key role in League Two generally have a W good track record in avoiding Taylor bringing the best out of the next scorer to step up. relegation, Tranmere will have to W rely on every ounce of ST Ishmael Miller Overview momentum they have built up. Jordan They may be fairly solid in ST Tranmere Rovers have reversed Ponticelli (L) the pain of back-to-back defence, but the seeming lack of ST Paul Mullin relegations four years ago to creativity and goals looks to be a major concern. ST Stefan Payne return to League One via back-to- back promotions. Having progressed so quickly in recent years, the focus now will be on maintaining their current status. Verdict: The loss of star striker James Relegation Norwood, on a free transfer, hangs over Tranmere’s pre- Battlers Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 21 27.1 489 34 =16th in L1 1st in L1 17th in L1 22nd in L1

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Wycombe Wanderers

Manager – bring in proven quality to freshen things up and is instead placing Although famed for a brutal style faith in his ability to bring of football, there can be no doubt Squad through less-heralded players to that Gareth Ainsworth has done reach heights other clubs thought an excellent job at Wycombe Pos Player them not to be capable of. Wanderers on limited resources. GK Cameron Yates With a clear sense of identity and QPR loanee is GK ability to spot talent other clubs potentially the key addition that RB have passed over, Ainsworth is could make a huge difference at RB Jason McCarthy the perfect man for the Wycombe this season. The LB Jamie Mascoll job. pacey and industrious Northern Ireland forward is capable of LB Key Player – Dominic Gape playing anywhere in Gareth CB Adam El-Abd An energetic and technically- Ainsworth’s front three and adds CB Anthony Stewart adroit midfielder who provides a different dimension compared Giles Phillips to the work-rate and physicality CB quality both with and without the (L) ball, Gape has become a key of Adebayo Akinfenwa, Craig CB Sido Jombati presence in midfield for Wycombe Mackail-Smith and . Curtis in recent years and importantly Although they still look to have CM Thompson was secured to a longer-term deal one of the weaker squads in the this summer. CM Dominic Gape division, having a settled manager Jacob Gardiner- Overview in charge with a clear sense of CM how he wants to play in Gareth Smith A tumultuous summer for Ainsworth feels like the CM Wycombe Wanderers involving a advantage Wycombe have on the W Nick Freeman failed takeover bid before the other weaker sides in the division. AM Alex Pattison arrival of the American investor They may flirt with the relegation Rob Couhig in July appears to Adebayo places, but they should have ST have hindered Gareth Ainsworth’s enough about them to stay up. Akinfenwa pre-season preparations ST Alex Samuel somewhat, although it has at least Craig Mackail- belatedly provided the manager ST Smith with funds to add to a thin squad. ST Paul Smyth (L) A squad refresh was much-needed ST Scott Kashket with the key stalwarts of the Verdict: League Two promotion-winning side reaching advancing years or Looking Over moving on. As ever, Gareth Ainsworth hasn’t been able to Their Shoulder Bold denotes new signings

Squad Size Average Age Apps 18/19 Goals 18/19 21 26.9 522 40 =16th in L1 2nd in L1 15th in L1 20th in L1

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Highest Lowest

Squad Size 29 12 Ipswich Bolton Town Wanderers

Average 27.1 23.9 Age Tranmere AFC Rovers Wimbledon

Apps 18/19 763 192 Peterborough Bolton United Wanderers

78 6 Goals 18/19 Peterborough Bolton United Wanderers

Squad 27 13 Lincoln City Bolton & Southend Turnover Wanderers United

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The Squad

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 31

Coventry City Division Ave. Rank

Squad Size 26 23 =3rd

Average 24.0 25.6 22nd Age

Apps 18/19 572 558 11th

Goals 18/19 47 55 17th

Squad 24 19 4th Turnover

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Corey -- Addai

2018/19 The closest Corey Addai came to getting a chance with the Appearances 0 senior team was back in February when both Lee Burge and Liam O’Brien were injured. Instead of risking the untested Starts 0 youngster, Mark Robins opted for an emergency loan. With two new first-team goalkeepers brought in this Minutes 0 summer and having been sent out on loan for the first month of the season to side Telford Conceded 0 United, it appears that Corey Addai will not be in the first- team picture as he enters the final year of his contract. Clean Sheets 0 An exceptionally tall goalkeeper and an excellent shot- stopper when on form while having confidence with the ball at his feet, Corey Addai’s biggest weakness appears to be maintaining concentration over 90 minutes. Position Map Although 21 is still a young age for a goalkeeper, it feels as if Addai hasn’t broken through by now, he never will do. The loan move to Telford United looks to be to help get his name out there as he looks elsewhere to get his career up and running.

Age 21

At Club Since Academy Product

Club League Appearances 0

Club League Goals 0

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Marko 1 Maroŝi

2018/19 There has been an assumption in many quarters of the Appearances 38 Coventry City fanbase that the presence of Lee Burge in goal has been holding us back. Thus, there is a belief that the Starts 38 squad is automatically stronger now that Burge has departed.

Minutes 3,443 Marko Maroŝi as the choice for Lee Burge’s replacement is a curious one as he is another relatively young goalkeeper in Conceded 47 need of rounding off his game. With around half as many career league appearances under his belt than Burge, Clean Sheets 8 Maroŝi doesn’t arrive providing a guarantee that he will make fewer errors.

After being spotted by Wigan Athletic playing for non- league Barnoldswick Town, Maroŝi’s big break came at Position Map Doncaster Rovers – where he had initially been signed as cover. Despite playing 25 times in a League Two promotion- winning season in 2016/17, it took until last season for Maroŝi to truly establish himself as Doncaster’s number one – even then, his opportunity came via an injury to his main competition, Ian Lawlor.

That Maroŝi has been entrusted with the goalkeeping berth at the Sky Blues represents something of a gamble, particularly as the back-up goalkeeper, Ben Wilson, is unlikely to challenge for the starting spot. If Mark Robins has got this decision wrong, it could leave the team looking very weak in probably the most important position to get right.

Age 25

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club Clean Sheets -

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Key Player

Reportedly brought in for his ability with the ball at his feet, Maroŝi will have to first and foremost command confidence in the more rudimentary tasks of a goalkeeper – shot- stopping and commanding his penalty area. That he is not Lee Burge may deliver him a period of initial grace, however, that expectation that any other keeper than Lee Burge is an improvement in goal could put him under pressure if he starts off shakily.

While Maroŝi has been signed after a season as the number one goalkeeper at this level at a top six side, he has also been brought in because he is young and, in theory, still to reach his potential.

Although the ambition this season is seemingly to kick-on and challenge for the play-offs, the signing of a relatively young goalkeeper such as Marko Maroŝi underlines that there is still an emphasis on developing players who aren’t quite the finished product.

Whether Maroŝi is a good goalkeeper or not will take a while to become apparent but this is a signing that will not only define this season but years to come.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 35

Ben 13 Wilson

2018/19 Still to reach 50 league appearances by the age of 26, the Appearances 4 addition of Ben Wilson just a day after that of Marko Maroŝi was as big an indication possible that the latter was set to Starts 4 be the number one goalkeeper this season. A product of the Sunderland youth academy before being Minutes 360 signed to fill out Cardiff City’s development squad, most of Ben Wilson’s playing experience has come via short-term Conceded 5 loan spells. Those experiences on loan have largely been negative, which makes it a surprise to those that have seen Clean Sheets 1 him play regularly that he remains on the books of a Football League club.

The wisdom of signing a second-choice goalkeeper who isn’t intended to challenge for the number one spot seems odd. Position Map Ben Wilson is neither a young and improving goalkeeper who could benefit from the experience of being close to a first-team, nor is he an older and experienced campaigner who can pass on knowledge to his fellow keepers.

Although Wilson looks to be someone brought in to make up the numbers in the squad, he has had a reasonably impressive pre-season. A vocal presence in goal, confident coming off his line in one-on-one situations and a good distributor of the ball, he at least looks like he may fit into the new emphasis on playing out from the back. However, any positivity about him has to come with the caveat of poor reviews from previous clubs.

Age 26

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club Clean Sheets -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 36

Fankaty 23 Dabo

2018/19 A 23-year-old right-back with recent experience of Dutch Appearances 21 top-flight and Europa League football, Fankaty Dabo is an intriguing choice to replace one of last season’s key Starts 18 performers in Dujon Sterling. Like Sterling, Dabo is a product of the prodigious Chelsea Minutes 1,505 youth academy. Unlike Sterling, Dabo arrives at Coventry City as an older, more experienced player, albeit someone Goals 0 who is having to get their career going in League One rather than the higher level he might have been hoping to be at by Assists 2 the age of 23.

An attack-minded full-back who plays with a fair degree of commitment both defensively and going forward, it is the defensive side of his game nonetheless that he still needs to Position Map develop.

Although Dabo has played in League One before with Swindon Town, it was as a wing-back rather than full-back, which meant he had less defending to do. Without a natural right-back competing for his place in the squad, we could be left very exposed if Dabo becomes targeted as a weak point in our back four.

Cited by Mark Robins as a key character in the dressing room during the first few weeks of pre-season, Dabo importance to the side may stretch beyond his impact on the pitch this campaign.

Age 23

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 37

Josh 16 Pask

2018/19 Having been rated highly enough at West Ham to have been Appearances 0 close to the first-team at various points during the past two seasons, Pask has plenty to prove in men’s football Starts 0 nonetheless, with his last game coming just over three years ago during a mixed loan spell in League One with Minutes 0 Gillingham. Naturally, a confident, mobile, technically-adroit centre- Goals 0 back, Josh Pask has seemingly been signed to primarily provide cover for Fankaty Dabo at right-back. Although it Assists 0 isn’t his natural position, Pask has shown in pre-season that he is at least competent filling in on the right side of the back four.

As we saw last season with Jack Grimmer, it can be very Position Map tough for a back-up defender to gain first-team opportunities, Pask’s versatility means that he has the ability to play elsewhere if Fankaty Dabo’s status at right- back proves unassailable.

Arriving initially as a back-up player, Pask is under little immediate pressure to make an impact – which seems sensible given his lack of first-team experience. He needs to make an impact when he is called upon if he wants to progress further, but he looks like being a useful squad member at the very least this coming season.

Age 21

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 38

Junior 12 Brown

2018/19 Described as the ‘best left-back in League One’ by his Appearances 22 former team-mate at Shrewsbury Town, Jon Nolan, upon signing for the club last summer, Junior Brown is seemingly Starts 17 the third-best left-back at Coventry City a year later. That Brown didn’t nail down the starting spot at left-back Minutes 1,557 over the course of last season was perhaps a harsh assessment of the standard of his performances. Despite his Goals 0 tendency to make rash challenges in dangerous areas of the pitch, Brown generally put in steady performances Assists 1 defensively and going forward.

Furthermore, it wasn’t as if and Sam McCallum were clearly much better than Brown. One of the conclusions that could be drawn from that is that Mark Position Map Robins saw something in Brown that us fans didn’t or couldn’t see that saw Brown’s status in the squad diminish to third-choice status.

It would be a surprise were Brown to still be at the club come the end of the summer transfer window. It would be something of a shame as he still appears to be a perfectly serviceable option at left-back for League One who was perhaps just still recovering from a long-term injury upon his arrival at Coventry City.

Age 30

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 22

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 39

Brandon 3 Mason

2018/19 Having been surprisingly handed the starting spot at left- Appearances 25 back on the opening day of last season ahead of the vastly more experienced Junior Brown, a series of niggling injuries Starts 25 meant that Brandon Mason had to bide his time before eventually nailing down the left-back position.

Minutes 2,111 An athletic and technically composed full-back, there is a sense that the best is yet to come from Mason after his first Goals 0 season of regular football at senior level. However, both his defensive and attacking game needs to improve. Assists 3 Defensively, Mason’s short stature is clearly an area in which he is targeted by the opposition. More generally, Mason positioning and timing of challenges looked questionable but generally improved as he gained further Position Map first-team experience.

Going forward, while Mason generally looks confident with the ball at his feet and has a decent cross on him, he appears reticent at times to fully commit to attacks – perhaps another indication of a lack of confidence in senior football which you would hope would improve with more game time.

This season should be an opportunity for Mason to kick-on and further assert his credentials in the men’s game, but if he doesn’t improve, Mark Robins is not a manager who will patient in allowing him further opportunities.

Age 21

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 25

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 40

Sam 31 McCallum

2018/19 Signed from the depths of non-league last summer to initially play in the under-18 squad, Sam McCallum made Appearances 7 his Football League debut as soon as last December.

Starts 3 It is an incredible level of progress even though McCallum has understandably looked a very raw talent during the Minutes 302 handful of games he has played for the first-team. A shaky performance against Bradford City’s Goals 0 towards the end of last season lingers in the memory most, however, those are the kind of performances you would Assists 0 expect from a young defender and McCallum should be better for the experience.

Although McCallum is clearly still to round-off his game, the most impressive element of his performances with at first- Position Map team level thus far has been his commitment and ability not to let bad individual moments for him in games to deter his focus defensively or going forward.

As someone who won’t even be 20 by the end of the season, McCallum has time on his side even if Brandon Mason retains the starting spot at left-back over the course of the campaign. There is a risk that being in a position to be exposed at first-team level is detrimental for his development, but he looks to be a decent prospect he will get better once he gets to grips with men’s football.

Age 18

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 7

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 41

Dominic 15 Hyam

2018/19 Dominic Hyam would have been an unlikely choice for Appearances 38 player of the season heading into last year, when he wasn’t even guaranteed a regular starting spot in the side, Starts 37 however, Hyam’s consistent and confident displays at centre-back soon became apparent to those who had been Minutes 3,310 watching regularly. There are two types of ball-playing defenders, those who Goals 1 like to ping long cross-field passes and those who can carry the ball out of defence, Hyam is the latter. Alongside either Assists 0 Kyle McFadzean or Michael Rose, who fit into the former category, Hyam looks set to provide useful balance in central defence this season.

With the additions of McFadzean, Rose and Josh Pask over Position Map the summer, Hyam cannot take his place in the side for granted this season. Especially as Mark Robins has shown himself in the past to be a manager with little sentiment for previous performances.

Provided he can retain his place in the side, Hyam’s confidence, consistency and composure are qualities that should see him develop further as a centre-back. Entering into the final year of his contract, he should be someone we may worry about keeping if he builds on his form from last season.

Age 23

At Club Since Summer 2017

Club League Appearances 52

Club League Goals 1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 42

Kyle 5 McFadzean

2018/19 Although the individual quality of our defenders last season Appearances 35 wasn’t necessarily in doubt, as a collective there tended to be a general sloppiness that led to a number of avoidable Starts 35 goals being conceded. The addition of an experienced defender of proven quality at League One and Minutes 3,111 Championship level in Kyle McFadzean is a clear attempt to cut out that sloppiness.

Goals 4 A player who has cut his teeth in the rough and tumble of non-league and lower league football, McFadzean is Assists 1 primarily an authoritative figure in defence to add aggression and organisation to the back-line. However, he has also shown in spells with MK Dons and Burton Albion that he has a little more to his game via his ability to play accurate passes out of defence and even as a ferocious free- Position Map kick taker.

As such, McFadzean not only addresses the deficit in leadership that we have suffered from across the back-line in recent years but he also fits in well with the change in style that Mark Robins has looked to implement this season, with his accurate long passing ability likely to be especially useful in springing our pacier players behind the opposition defensive line.

The main concern with Kyle McFadzean coming into the defence is that we have lost a lot of pace in the wake of Jordan Willis’ departure over the summer. Although there is an extent to which McFadzean’s reading of the game

Age 32

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 43

Key Player

accounts for not being the fastest of centre-backs, he has a tendency to heavily commit to challenges high up the pitch, which can leave gaps if he is caught out.

Nonetheless, on the balance of things, the requirement to add a leader at the back was probably greater than the risk of losing defensive pace. Moreover, with the dearth of leaders and experience in the squad following Michael Doyle’s departure, Kyle McFadzean looks a particularly crucial piece of business who will help lead the younger players in this squad through the coming campaign.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 44

Michael 4 Rose

2018/19 Michael Rose is a player that the club thought worth waiting Appearances 34 for, having been signed on a pre-contract in January. Subsequently named in the team of Starts 34 the season, that achievement further underlined Rose’s calibre as one of the better young defenders in his home Minutes 3,016 country. Part of an Ayr United side that overcame relegation to the Goals 2 Scottish third-tier and challenged surprisingly strongly for a place in the Scottish top flight last season, Rose has played Assists 1 plenty of football at a relatively young age and knows what it takes to win games on a regular basis.

A powerful centre-back, yet mobile and comfortable with the ball on his feet, Rose is someone who looks a good all- Position Map round fit into this new-look side and to League One football in general.

While starting as third-choice takes the pressure off him to adapt early on, as someone with nearly 100 career league appearances to his name, he is unlikely to be content with playing a back-up role for too long.

The feeling in Scotland is that Michael Rose is a player more than good enough for League One football who will only get better the more he plays. While he has a job on to get past Dominic Hyam or Kyle McFadzean to get into the side, Rose could well prove to be a fantastic signing on a free transfer.

Age 23

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 45

Morgan 37 Williams

2018/19 Brought in from non-league Mickleover Sports last summer Appearances 1 to add numbers to the under-23 side, Morgan Williams has progressed to being the likely fourth-choice centre-back for Starts 1 the first-team this season. Williams’ one league appearance for the club thus far came Minutes 83 back in March when a defensive injury crisis saw the youngster thrown into the deep-end against an experienced Goals 0 and physical Fleetwood Town front-line. Amid that big test, Williams held his own both physically and technically with Assists 1 League One football demonstrating he should be a viable option if called upon this season.

The pathway to further first-team experience is blocked by the presences of Dominic Hyam, Kyle McFadzean and Position Map Michael Rose, along with Josh Pask (who was nominally recruited as the back-up right-back), which will likely mean that Williams will either have to go out on loan or wait for another injury crisis to pick up league minutes this season.

Furthermore, with Declan Drysdale and other talented young centre-backs on the books, Williams cannot rest on his laurels having made the step up to the senior squad in recent months.

Age 19

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 1

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 46

Jamie 8 Allen

2018/19 Along with Kyle McFadzean, Jamie Allen is the only other Appearances 42 summer signing of proven League One quality, having been part of a Burton Albion side seen by many as potential play- Starts 41 off material after a strong end to last season. Allen looks to be a prodigiously hard worker out of Minutes 3,496 possession, capable of covering a lot of ground but in an intelligent rather than headless chicken manner. Allied with Goals 6 good technique on the ball, Allen looks to have the qualities to make him a hit with the fans this season. Assists 3 Just where Jamie Allen fits in wasn’t immediately apparent given that there were already four senior central midfielders on the books upon his arrival. However, without a natural number 10 in the squad, Allen’s addition Position Map appears to be an indication of a move towards a 4-3-3 rather than 4-2-3-1.

A midfield three of Jamie Allen, Tom Bayliss and Liam Kelly looks as strong as any other League One side could name this season. With Liam Kelly sitting deep, Tom Bayliss given licence to drive forward and Allen supplying the legs to win the ball back and to get on the end of moves, there looks to be a good balance between the trio.

Not only for the quality he adds to the squad but for the impact of his departure on a potential top six rival, bringing in Jamie Allen looks to be a shrewd piece of business.

Age 24

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 47

Tom 20 Bayliss

2018/19 After bursting onto the scene two seasons ago to deliver the Appearances 38 drive and creativity in midfield to inspire the side to promotion following ’ season-ending injury, last Starts 37 year was perceived to be a quiet one for Tom Bayliss. Just three goals and two assists felt a paltry return for Minutes 3,182 someone talked about as the biggest talent to emerge from the academy since James Maddison. However, there are Goals 3 several mitigating factors.

Assists 2 Firstly, as a deeper-lying midfielder than Maddison, Bayliss’ impact on games shouldn’t necessarily be measured by goals and assists. His ability to glide past defenders in the congested area of central midfield has a huge impact on our ability to open games up, creating space for players further Position Map forward to create and score goals.

Secondly, Tom Bayliss has played just about every league game in which he has been fit since making his debut back in December 2017. It is natural for any young player to experience a dip in form against opponents become more wary of the impact he can have on games.

Finally, Bayliss’ output last season would probably have been greater had his team-mates been able to read the kind of passes and runs he looks to make. Although, there is an argument that Bayliss himself has to better anticipate what he team-mates were looking to do and were able to do, his ability to what might be seen as impossible adds an important element of unpredictability to his game.

Age 20

At Club Since Academy Product

Club League Appearances 62

Club League Goals 8

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 48

Key Player

The experience of last season will undoubtedly make Bayliss a better player over the longer-term. Learning how to play himself into form and how to make better decisions in the final third can only come from the experience of playing more football. Having had an injury-enforced rest over the final month of last season, Bayliss has had plenty of time to mentally prepare himself for the season ahead.

There are suggestions that playing Bayliss further forward would see him make more of an impact, however, whenever it has been tried, Bayliss has struggled to get into the game. Not only do Bayliss’ driving runs suit playing deeper but he isn’t a player who shirks defensive duties as he seems to be perceived as, meaning that he is an effective all-round operator in in a deeper central midfield position.

While there continues to be talk linking Bayliss with a move away, my own opinion is that he is better off staying at a level he can play regularly and dominate games for one more season than taking a step up. Money, of course, may convince Bayliss otherwise.

This season is an opportunity for Bayliss to take the next step forward in his development. In a side in need of a creative spark, Bayliss is a particularly important player for the coming year.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 49

Josh 38 Eccles

2018/19 Having been involved with the first-team squad for much of Appearances 0 pre-season, if any academy player is going to make their league debut for the club this season, it looks likely to be Starts 0 Josh Eccles. A deep-lying midfielder who keeps things ticking over in Minutes 0 possession, Eccles looks to be the most natural back-up to Liam Kelly in the squad – although Jamie Allen and Jordan Goals 0 Shipley could well be deployed in a deeper role if required.

Assists 0 After making his competitive debut for the club last season in the EFL (formerly the Checkatrade) Trophy, Eccles has at least demonstrated to Mark Robins that he is capable of holding his own in men’s football. Further opportunities this season for the youngster are likely to be primarily in Position Map the same competition.

It will be a tough ask for Eccles to play in more meaningful games, but it may only take one opportunity for him to earn a bigger role in the squad.

Age 19

At Club Since Academy Product

Club League Appearances 0

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 50

Liam 6 Kelly

2018/19 If there was one player who embodied the difference Appearances 30 between the first and second halves of last season, it was Liam Kelly.

Starts 25 Virtually a bit-part player during the opening months of 2018/19, Kelly was not only more involved from December Minutes 2,304 onwards but took the place – both tactically and symbolically – of Michael Doyle. Goals 0 Based on the year before, it had been hard to picture just Assists 2 how Kelly could step into Doyle’s place. During a brief spell when Doyle had picked up an injury and Kelly was thrust into the role of captain, the team’s form nosedived and nearly derailed our promotion bid.

Kelly is clearly a calmer and more measured personality Position Map than Michael Doyle, his lack of aggression may not be conducive to stamping his authority on tight games when the team is playing poorly. However, Kelly is a different kind of leader, more patient, able to provide others with the platform to play at their best.

As a footballer, it also took until the second half of last season to see what Liam Kelly could offer as the deepest lying central midfielder. Previously, Kelly’s best form for the club had been when he was given licence to push forward in a box-to-box central midfield role.

Kelly’s physical presence, positional understanding and range of passing have proven to be an asset at the base of

Age 29

At Club Since Summer 2017

Club League Appearances 63

Club League Goals 1

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 51

Key Player

midfield. In particular, his ability on the ball allows the team to play out from the back with more smoothness and variety compared to the slower, more deliberate build-up play that having Michael Doyle engendered.

Heading into the new campaign, all that is asked of Liam Kelly is to provide more of the same. While the average age of the squad has dropped slightly compared to last season, in Jamie Allen and Kyle McFadzean there will be other leaders on the pitch than Liam Kelly.

With his burden as a leader set to be shared this season, Kelly has the opportunity this season to flourish as a player. At the age of 29, he is a player in his peak years who has the platform to be the beating heart of our midfield.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 52

Callum -- Maycock

2018/19 Having played 27 games out on loan in the division below Appearances 27 for Macclesfield Town last season, Callum Maycock should be returning to Coventry City as ready as ever to challenge Starts 21 for a regular place in the side. However, it doesn’t appear to have been a particularly productive time away from the club Minutes 1,917 for Maycock, who struggled amid a season-long relegation battle.

Goals 0 As a tall and sturdy defensive-minded central midfielder, Maycock is the most natural back-up for Liam Kelly. Assists 3 However, he looks to have been surpassed in the pecking order by Josh Eccles in what is already a congested battle for starting places in central midfield.

Instead, Maycock seems likely to be set to take a step back – Position Map by going out on loan to a lower level than League Two – to take the next step forward in his career.

Although there are two years still on his contract, it is hard to see him breaking into the first-team unless he improves spectacularly over the next 12 months.

Age 21

At Club Since Academy Product

Club League Appearances 4

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 53

Jordan 26 Shipley

2018/19 After enjoying a run in the side towards the end of last Appearances 33 season in central midfield, further opportunities for Jordan Shipley to play in his preferred position are likely to be Starts 22 limited with Tom Bayliss still at the club and the addition of Jamie Allen over the summer.

Minutes 1,937 Having played most of his football for the club in a wide position, Jordan Shipley’s lack of pace and skill to beat Goals 3 defenders means that more natural wide players are always likely to be preferred to him. Assists 1 As a central midfielder, Shipley’s industry and technique with his left foot makes him more of an influence on games. With a willingness to get shots away and push into the box, he has shown an ability to score goals from the centre of the Position Map park.

With Tom Bayliss the most obvious player blocking Jordan Shipley’s pathway, it looks set to be another season of playing a bit-part role – although there will be more opportunities if we stick with a three-man midfield.

Having been part of the first-team squad for two seasons now, this season is an important one for Jordan Shipley to demonstrate that he is someone who can impact games consistently when called upon and make it impossible for the manager to ignore him.

Age 21

At Club Since Academy Product

Club League Appearances 64

Club League Goals 7

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 54

Zain 25 Westbrooke

2018/19 Earmarked as Tom Bayliss’ replacement when he was Appearances 7 brought in last summer, the technical and physical similarities between the two made it apparent why Zain Starts 3 Westbrooke was tipped for such a role upon signing for the club.

Minutes 293 A tidy operator on the ball and an excellent set-piece taker, Westbrooke would have had much more of a role to play Goals 0 last season had Bayliss departed.

Assists 0 Heading into the new season with Bayliss still on the books, it is hard to see Westbrooke advancing further than the bit- part role he played over the second half of last season, even though he has shown he would be a perfectly serviceable player if he were to be involved more regularly. Position Map Compared to his most direct competition for the main back- up role in central midfield, Jordan Shipley, Westbrooke is a more composed presence on the ball while Shipley is a little more direct and energetic.

Having spent much of his career as part of youth and reserve squads, Zain Westbrooke has reached an age where only regular football will advance his development. If he can’t even be guaranteed a place on the bench here, a loan or permanent move should be a priority for him.

Age 22

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 7

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 55

Reise 14 Allassani

2018/19 One of the more impressive players last pre-season, Reise Appearances 22 Allassani looked set to play a handy role for the side during the opening months of 2018/19, only for those opportunities Starts 11 never to really come. A skilful operator out wide with a real eye for goal, Allassani Minutes 971 perhaps could have had a bigger role to play last season had he been given more of a chance. However, it appears to be a Goals 5 case that the player just isn’t Mark Robins’ cup of tea.

Assists 0 Having gone out on loan to non-league last season and been largely involved with the under-23 squad in pre-season, it seems unlikely that Allassani will be given the opportunity to fight for a first-team place that he could be better ready for after a year to build up his fitness back in full-time Position Map football.

As someone whose career was nearly ended by a serious injury as a youngster, Allassani is unlikely to be content to play under-23 football for another year. It may be best for all parties for him to depart on a permanent basis this summer, even if it feels as if we’re letting a potential gem slip through our fingers.

Age 23

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 5

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 56

Wesley 10 Jobello

2018/19 The first of two overseas signings for the wide positions, Appearances 37 Wesley Jobello arrives at Coventry City and in League One this season as an almost complete unknown.

Starts 25 Having played most of his football in the notoriously rough- and-tumble French second-tier, Jobello should be physically Minutes 2,171 capable of standing up to the rigours of English lower league football, although a serious injury sustained around Goals 2 two seasons ago is a potential area of concern.

Assists 0 A flying winger who likes to stay wide and fire in crosses, Jobello adds a different option to our array of wide options – whether as a starter or as an impact sub. A lack of end product based on his past few full seasons is an indication not to get too excited over some decent pre-season Position Map performances.

Furthermore, as someone who speaks very little English, the language barrier adds to Jobello’s task of adapting to life at a new club in a new country. As such, it is going to take a little longer to assess whether this is a signing that will pay off or not.

Handing a player with no experience of English football and unable to speak the language a three-year deal seems a risk given how few overseas players succeed in the lower leagues in this country. Even if we have done our homework thoroughly on him, there is no guarantee he will adapt successfully.

Age 25

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 57

Jodi 7 Jones

2018/19 For Jodi Jones, the coming season is an important one, but it Appearances 8 is about purely about demonstrating he has recovered properly from a serious injury this time round rather than Starts 0 any impact he might make on the pitch. After successive season-ending injuries, there are inevitably Minutes 131 concerns as to whether he is capable of getting back to full fitness and if he can, how close he can get to the devastating Goals 0 force down the wing that he was before that fateful November night in Stevenage. Assists 1 With his contract expiring at the end of this season, Jones may find himself under extra pressure to get back on the pitch in order to secure his future, however, it would likely be a mistake to force himself back before he is fully Position Map confident in his physical condition – which may have led to last season’s relapse.

It may be helpful for both Jodi Jones and the club for him to be given another year on his contract just so he doesn’t rush himself back in desperation to secure his future here or elsewhere – although, finances are likely to play a role in such a decision.

Any hopes of having a fully-fit and firing Jodi Jones to unleash at some point this campaign have to be treated as a bonus.

Age 21

At Club Since March 2016

Club League Appearances 67

Club League Goals 6

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 58

Gervane 33 Kastaneer

2018/19 The second overseas addition to our ranks of wide players, Appearances 21 Gervane Kastaneer is someone that the club is hoping can elevate the club having been recruited off the beaten track Starts 10 for League One clubs. A former Netherlands youth international before recently Minutes 970 committing to the Curacao senior team, Gervane Kastaneer is someone who has been perceived as potentially a big Goals 2 talent but has yet to demonstrate it consistently in the club game. Assists 1 Kastaneer’s best spell came during a loan stint in the Dutch second-tier with FC Eindhoven, where he scored four times in 14 appearances, which earned him an ill-fated move to FC Kaiserslautern amid interest from England. Position Map A physically powerful yet skilful wide-forward who can operate centrally, Kastaneer has picked up a reputation as a lazy and inconsistent player occasionally capable of moments of brilliance. The challenge for Mark Robins will be in coaxing those brilliant moments on a more consistent basis and ensuring Kastaneer does a job for the team when he isn’t on top form.

Like Wesley Jobello, expectations with Kastaneer have to be set fairly low as he adapts to a new country. Both signings represent a gamble that we have to ensure we aren’t left too exposed if they neither comes off.

Age 23

At Club Since New Signing

Club League Appearances -

Club League Goals -

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 59

Charlie 44 Wakefield

2018/19 A January signing from Chelsea, Charlie Wakefield has Appearances 8 mustered just 46 minutes across the eight substitute appearances he has registered for the club thus far.

Starts 0 A tall and ungainly-looking presence out wide, Wakefield has had little opportunity to make an impression to Sky Minutes 46 Blues fans, even though there is an underlying sense that he is unlikely to break into the first-team. Goals 0 Seemingly a low risk signing made late in a window where Assists 1 other targets fell through, Wakefield already feels like something of an afterthought. That impression hasn’t been helped by an underlying injury issue which has limited his involvement in pre-season.

It seems likely that Wakefield is part of the group of players Position Map Mark Robins has earmarked for a potential loan or permanent move before the end of the transfer window rather than someone who may kick on and trouble the starting line-up.

Age 21

At Club Since January 2019

Club League Appearances 8

Club League Goals 0

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 60

Amadou 21 Bakayoko

2018/19 Amadou Bakayoko felt like an unnecessary and Appearances 31 underwhelming signing last summer. A big striker who was less effective as a target-man than Maxime Biamou or Starts 18 Jonson Clarke-Harris, nor someone with a track record of scoring goals. Even as he began to play for the team, it was Minutes 1,634 hard to identify what he added to the squad. The January departure of Jonson Clarke-Harris was a Goals 7 demonstration of faith in Bakayoko from Mark Robins. Finally handed an extended run in the side, Bakayoko Assists 5 provided energy, mobility and an, often manic, presence as the lone front man ahead of a pacey line of three in a 4-2-3- 1 system.

Bakayoko is far from being the most technically refined of Position Map players but seems to have a happy habit of making things happen. Whether deliberate or not, Bakayoko’s willingness to put himself about can often ask questions of defences they were not expecting to be posed.

Heading into the season as the centre-forward likely to lead our line – although that may change if and when Mark Robins adds another striker to the squad – Bakayoko has a further opportunity to prove his naysayers, myself included, wrong.

Provided there are players out wide and in midfield capable of creating and scoring goals, Amadou Bakayoko could prove to be an effective attacking foil. The concern is whether he can lead the line if given less support.

Age 23

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 31

Club League Goals 7

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Maxime 9 Biamou

2018/19 As with any player recovering from a long-term injury, it Appearances 4 will only be when they have proven they can start a run of games without breaking down again that there can be full Starts 2 confidence in their return to full fitness. Nonetheless, Maxime Biamou has had a full pre-season in Minutes 138 the tank without any further set-backs, suggesting that he is ready to be involved in some form during the opening Goals 0 stages of the new campaign.

Assists 0 Biamou’s biggest problem in getting back into the side, it seems, is that the team has evolved away from needing the kind of player that he is. A hard-working and effective target-man who brings the best out of his strike partner, Biamou is perhaps too slow and not prolific enough to start Position Map regularly as a lone striker.

However, there could still be a role for the Frenchman this season as an option from the bench. Biamou’s physicality could be useful against tiring defenders, either in helping protect a lead or to change a game that is going against us.

As big a fan favourite as he is, expectations of a player who struggled to get on the scoresheet in League Two before spending most of last season out injured have to be set fairly low.

Age 28

At Club Since Summer 2017

Club League Appearances 44

Club League Goals 5

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Jordy 11 Hiwula

2018/19 For someone who ended last season as our top-scorer, there Appearances 39 is surprisingly little fanfare around Jordy Hiwula heading into the new campaign.

Starts 35 A lightning fast forward capable of moments of devastating brilliance, there is a sense with Hiwula that he can go Minutes 3,015 missing on a fairly regular basis. Interestingly, Hiwula had the highest number of lowest match ratings on the Sky Goals 12 Blues Talk forum last season despite his status as top- scorer. Assists 3 After the additions of Wesley Jobello and Gervane Kastaneer this summer, as well as the departure of , Hiwula may have more opportunities to play through the centre than out wide. While Hiwula lacks the ability to hold Position Map the ball up, he could succeed as a central lone striker if we play quick balls over the top to utilise his pace

At the age of 24, Jordy Hiwula should have plenty of scope to get better over the next couple of seasons. He should be good for another 10-15 goals next season but his ability to achieve better may well rest on the kind of service we can provide him rather than chances he can create for himself.

Age 24

At Club Since Summer 2018

Club League Appearances 39

Club League Goals 12

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 63 Possible Formations

Although the squad is lacking a natural number 10, 4-2-3-1 4-2-3-1 feels like the system Mark Robins is ideally looking to play if the final pieces of business in the transfer market fall into place. Were we to recruit a number 10, the drawback of playing a 4- 2-3-1 with this squad is that it would likely involve leaving Jamie Allen’s industry or Tom Bayliss’ driving runs from central midfield out of the side. Bakayoko With the squad as it stands, there isn’t really anyone who

would seem comfortable in a central attacking midfield role, Hiwula Allen Jobello although Jamie Allen may be useful further forward as someone to press the opposition high up the pitch.

The advantage of 4-2-3-1 is that there is a nice balance Kelly Bayliss between having plenty of numbers forward but with a level of protection to the defence that having two deeper-lying central midfielders can provide. That should allow freedom Mason Dabo for the two full-backs to push forward and develop deadly combinations down the flanks. Hyam McFadzean At the moment though, without someone who is natural at interpreting the number 10 role, it doesn’t feel viable for us Marosi to play 4-2-3-1.

Having signed Jamie Allen this summer and a natural 4-3-3 number 10 yet to be brought in, 4-3-3 feels the most natural system to play our best players – or at least, our best midfielders. There looks to be a nice balance between Liam Kelly’s ability to shield the defence, the energy of Jamie Allen and the creativity that Tom Bayliss can provide. The trio are probably Bakayoko among the best in their positions at this level.

There is a question though whether that trio provides enough Hiwula Jobello support for a front three that could struggle if left isolated. With Amadou Bakayoko leading the line, we need to get players around him to avoid his technical deficiencies being exposed, while Jordy Hiwula is a player who relies upon Allen Bayliss service to score and it is unknown whether Gervane Kastaneer or Wesley Jobello will add creativity or goals to our front-line. Kelly Mason Dabo Further back, playing 4-3-3 risks leaving our defence exposed

in two ways. Firstly, the full-backs have slightly more space Hyam McFadzean in front of them in a 4-3-3 rather than 4-2-3-1. Secondly, the full-backs being stretched risks leaving our slower centre- backs especially prone to pacey opposition forwards. Marosi

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 64 Possible Formations (Continued…)

Playing a 4-4-2 could become attractive over the course of 4-4-2 the season were we to struggle for goals. With concern over goals and creativity heading into the new campaign, playing a strike pairing may become more attractive if those concerns prove to be merited.

Most notably, having Maxime Biamou up front alongside a strike partner should open up space for whoever he is paired Biamou Hiwula with, most likely Jordy Hiwula, while placing less pressure on Biamou himself to be a goalscorer. The two big reasons why it may be difficult for us to play 4- Shipley Jobello 4-2 is that most of our wide players are wide forwards rather than wide midfielders and may struggle with the defensive Kelly Allen side of playing wide in a four-man midfield. Additionally, four in midfield involves dropping one of Liam Kelly, Jamie Allen or Tom Bayliss in the centre, who are probably our Mason Dabo three best players.

Hyam McFadzean As such, it is hard to see Mark Robins going for a 4-4-2 in anything other than an injury-induced emergency or if we struggle for form for an extended spell. Marosi

A 3-4-3 system could resolve some of the issues in our 3-4-3 current squad while bringing the best out of certain individuals.

With three good central defenders who are all comfortable on the ball in Kyle McFadzean, Dominic Hyam and Michael Rose, playing all three together wouldn’t detract from our attempts Bakayoko to dominate possession.

Hiwula Kastaneer That security blanket of a back three would allow Brandon Mason and Fankaty Dabo to push forward with more

abandon. While that natural width from wing-back should allow the two wide forwards to play more narrowly to Bayliss Allen provide support for Amadou Bakayoko.

The main conundrum though would be the central midfield Mason Dabo pairing. A 3-4-3 system risks leaving the central midfield outnumbered if they lack the mobility to cover large portions of the pitch. With that in mind, it would likely be Liam Kelly Hyam McFadzean Rose who would be the prime candidate to be excluded in such a system as Jamie Allen and Tom Bayliss provide greater energy levels and there is less of a need to have a holding Marosi midfielder due to the back three behind them.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 65 Mark Robins

Mark Robins’ status as an icon in the club’s Contrasted with the summer after Tony recent history was underlined by his Mowbray’s full season in charge where there statement in reaction to the news that we were ambitions to improve the squad after an were to groundshare with Birmingham City 8th-place finish, Robins’ understanding of the at St Andrew’s this coming season. market and available players saw the squad replenished prior to the start of pre-season His branding of Wasps ownership of the training, compared to Mowbray’s holding out Ricoh Arena as ‘a complete and utter for preferred targets that saw the season disgrace’ and Coventry’s status as the City of start with massive gaps in the squad. Sport in 2019 as ‘absolute joke’ rang true with a large section of Coventry City Starting the season in a ramshackle fashion supporters and may have even motivated a under Mowbray three seasons ago quickly fair few of them to travel to support the team created the impression that all wasn’t right at in Birmingham. the club and set the tone on and off-the-pitch for a disastrous season. Whether Robins has Mark Robins’ achievements as manager of improved the squad or not this summer is the club rank him as one of the best in the debatable at this stage, however, the transfer club’s modern history, possibly more activity has at least made things feel like they importantly at this juncture, he is a rare case might be okay this season which means the of a Coventry City manager who has been in club doesn’t start the campaign on the back- charge for more than one full season who foot. still commands the confidence of almost the entire fanbase. The impact of being so quick and active in the summer transfer window is that expectations Perhaps his biggest achievement ahead of the may be higher than they should be. Most fans coming season will come to be seen his are expecting at least a play-off challenge, ability to keep things feeling as ‘business as which could create an unease if we don’t normal’ as possible over the course of the start off in a reasonable fashion. summer. Getting on with the business of signing players in a typically swift and However, that it is Mark Robins in charge – decisive fashion. the man who delivered our first promotion in half a century – and that we are playing away

Managerial History

Rotherham United Mar 07-Sep 09 Huddersfield Town Feb 13-Aug 14

Barnsley Sep 09-May 11 Scunthorpe United Oct 14-Jan 16

Coventry City Sep 12-Feb 13 Coventry City Mar 17-Present

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 66

from home for the entire campaign, provides the manager with a degree of lee-way other managers wouldn’t benefit from.

Just how much Mark Robins’ credit in the bank lasts for were this season not to turn out as expected remains to be seen. There is a belief that things will continue to improve with Robins at the helm, but his track record at other clubs indicates that things will turn sour at some point.

There are signs as to what that might look like, from Robins’ struggles in turning a game going against him, the freezing out of otherwise useful players, to the several poor runs of form we have endured during the past two seasons.

Those weaknesses in his management have been ignored because Robins has a tendency to get wins and runs of form just before the pressure truly mounts.

It would be foolish not to think perceptions can change in football over a long season, but Mark Robins feels, looks and sounds like the exact manager this club needs right now.

Record (2nd Spell)

Wins Draws Losses 52 24 45

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Predictions

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 68 League One Predictions Pos Team I’m not too convinced by Mid-table but hoping for 1 Rotherham United any of the leading the play-offs I can foresee 2 Portsmouth promotion candidates being a revitalised heading into the new Blackpool, Oxford 3 Lincoln City season. Ipswich Town United, the Sky Blues, and Sunderland are the and Shrewsbury Town – 4 Ipswich Town big names but look to be and possibly Bristol in midst of big rebuilding Rovers as well, who I 5 Fleetwood Town jobs and may fall short of have marked a little lower 6 Peterborough United their ambitions. due to concerns I have other their manager. 7 Sunderland Peterborough United have caught the eye in the Burton Albion, 8 Milton Keynes Dons transfer market, but they Accrington Stanley and always do. Even Doncaster Rovers seem 9 Blackpool Rotherham United and likely to be hanging 10 Coventry City Portsmouth, who I have around in mid-table in those top two positions, neither troubling the top 11 Oxford United I’m not 100% keen on. six nor bottom four.

12 Shrewsbury Town This could be another Despite the points year where a relative deduction, I fancy Phil 13 Burton Albion outsider is right among Parkinson to keep Bolton the promotion places. I Wanderers’ heads above 14 Accrington Stanley really like the look of water. Wycombe Wanderers and AFC 15 Doncaster Rovers Lincoln City after the additions of Jack Payne Wimbledon seem likely to 16 Bolton Wanderers and Jorge Grant this be troubled by the drop summer and with the but unlikely to actually go 17 Wycombe Wanderers momentum of a recent down. promotion behind them. 18 AFC Wimbledon Tranmere Rovers losing Similarly, Milton Keynes James Norwood seems a Dons’ momentum has the 19 Bristol Rovers big blow which could see potential to put them them struggle. Southend 20 Tranmere Rovers towards the upper end of United seem to be in a the division. 21 Southend United rut, while Gillingham The other side I would despite an active summer 22 Gillingham have towards the upper in the transfer market. end of the division is 23 Rochdale In addition to Bury, who Fleetwood Town. Joey may fold before the Barton looks to be a season begins, Rochdale reasonable manager and seem a very likely has a very strong squad at candidate for relegation. his disposal.

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 69 How Will We Do?

An 8th-place finish last defensive leadership has this team can provide that season sets the benchmark been provided via the creative spark to break for where most are basing addition of McFadzean. down determined their expectations for the opponents. Compared to the side that team this season. As such, ended last season, having In wide areas, it is the question has to be lost a key creative spark in impossible to say whether asked, are we any better Bright Enobakhare looks to Wesley Jobello and Gervane than last season? have reduced our ability to Kastaneer are effective Compared to the side that link the attack and the rest replacements for Luke began last season, Jordy of the team, although it has Thomas. Hiwula and Amadou been forgotten that Jobello looks to be a willing Bakayoko look ready to hit Enobakhare was just as runner who can provide an the ground running this lacking in ideas against outlet, the doubt with him year, Liam Kelly is an defensive opposition as the looks to be over end upgrade as our deepest- rest of the team were last product. Kastaneer’s lying central midfielder season. combination of physicality over Michael Doyle, while While Jamie Allen’s industry and skill looks to be we have central defenders in midfield provides intriguing, although he also in Dominic Hyam, Kyle something different to what has question marks over his McFadzean and Michael we had last season and Tom output. While Luke Thomas Rose who are much more Bayliss should have the himself struggled to get composed on the ball than platform to reach new goals and assists to his Jordan Willis or Tom heights this year, there is name, going down the Davies, while the element of still a question as to who in foreign route to upgrade

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 70 our threat in wide areas is a exploited. This is especially guaranteed his place in the gamble – even if they are a concern given that our side due to the standard of likely only competing for full-backs are better going the back-up keeper Ben one spot in the team, on the forward than defensively, Wilson, means the club has right of midfield. which could leave even little alternative than to more space for our back- stick with Maroŝi even if he Should neither Kastaneer or line to cover. struggles. Jobello prove to be up to the standard of League One Despite the change in Whether our squad is football, it leaves us looking emphasis towards keeping stronger or not than last short in wide areas, with the ball and playing through year, possibly the bigger the unconvincing Charlie teams, it appears at the concern is the sheer Wakefield the only back-up moment that this team will number of changes that at the moment. suit focusing primarily on have been made over the counter-attacks. summer. As we have seen in More generally, across the the past two seasons, it forward line, there are With pace in forward areas takes time for a new team doubts as to our creative but a slower defensive line, to come together. Despite and goalscoring ability, with inviting opponents onto us being together for most of our most key forwards at a little presents the pre-season training, the the moment – Amadou opportunity to hurt them on indications from the Bakyoko and Jordy Hiwula – the counter-attack – friendly matches that we both players who looked especially as Kyle have played is that the better when given the McFadzean and Michael fluency and familiarity is service Bright Enobakhare Rose look to be good at yet to develop. and Luke Thomas provided. picking out accurate long- range passes. Just how much of an impact With Maxime Biamou the playing at St Andrew’s other option in attack, Of course, relying in the makes remains to be seen. another player who counter-attack requires Whether playing in front of requires service to provide a opponents to leave space at smaller crowds – likely to goal threat, adding depth the back to be exploited. It be outnumbered by away and a further dash of still presents the team with fans on several occasions – quality in the remaining the issue of how it breaks provides less motivation to weeks of the transfer down determined, defensive go that extra 10-15% to eke window looks to be opposition. out results is probably especially important. With The other area of intrigue in down to the kind of plenty of numbers in the our recruitment this mentality Mark Robins can squad, the focus should be summer is in goal, where ingrain in the squad, but on quality over quantity. there is a lot resting on the there is a risk that it Further back, while we look shoulders of the relatively becomes an excuse for stronger both physically inexperienced Marko some. and mentally in central Maroŝi to represent an On the flipside, what is defence via the addition of improvement on Lee Burge. likely to be a better Kyle McFadzean the lack of Not only is Maroŝi less standard of pitch than the defensive pace looks to be experienced than Burge, Ricoh Arena should help us an area where we could be that he is more-or-less play the kind of game that

The Sideways Sammy 2019-20 Season Preview 71 Mark Robins wants us to. campaign, anything to come Just how much of a out of this campaign on the difference that could make, pitch will all be for naught. I’m not so sure.

Overall, the squad as it stands looks to be slightly weaker than when we found our best form last season, in particular, it is hard to see this being a particularly prolific side in front of goal.

Having made so many changes over the summer – albeit, many of which were enforced by the end of loan spells – we’ll do well to hit the ground running, which could where we may fall short in putting together a stronger bid for the play- offs than last year.

With Mark Robins in charge, it is hard to see the team falling too far away from the top half. In this division, being solid and keeping points ticking can count for a lot. As long as we can stay reasonably close to the top six, all it will take is a hot streak of form to close that gap.

Let’s hope that in 12 months’ time, not only are we looking back on a successful season but there is greater hope for the future than there is now.

Whether or not we achieve success on the pitch this season, if the club doesn’t have a route back to Coventry by the end of the

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