jp
Full Member
Posts: 122
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Post by jp on Jul 9, 2011 12:13:11 GMT 1
We have gone out and signed players, all credit to Scally for finding the money and spending it on what will hopefully be a promotion challenge.
The only concern for me is the signing of non-league players.
Remember when Stimson did this, people couldnt wait to jump on his back about signing non-league shite so why should it be any different when Hess does the same?
We have signed a non-league keeper, a non-league striker and being honest about DK, if it has taken him this long to reach the heights of league football then surely there must be some cause for concern there.
We are also looking at signing a second striker from non-league, again a real cause for concern for me.
Signings like Lee and Whelpdale give me massive confidence however, and it goes to show the regard in which this club is held that those players would choose to come here.
I think this coming season is going to be a roller-coaster ride thats for sure.
UTG
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Post by nickthehoover on Jul 9, 2011 12:47:19 GMT 1
It does not matter at all whether we sign all our players from non-league or not. It is about getting the best possible player available to the club, and often with the amount of talent that there is in non-league football it means it is often the best way to go. Look at the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith, Freddy Eastwood, Michael Kightly, Aaron McLean, Simeon Jackson, Steve Morison, Lee Tomlin, George Boyd etc. They have all proved to be successes in the Football League and the back-to back promotions in recent years or Exeter and Stevenage go to show that there is no gap between League 2 and The Conference. Hence, in order to save money buy non-league strikers as so many have been successes, and I think that Kedwell and Birchall could both add to that list of successful non league players.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2011 13:46:54 GMT 1
Welcome to the forum JP.
I've got to say, I never liked the nonsense about non-league players when Stimson was in charge, and don't like it any more now. The issue is solely whether the players are good enough or not. In the case of Stimson, the vast majority weren't.
The other big difference is that when Stimson signed the players from Stevenage/Grays, we were in league 1. Many of those players did much better when we were relegated, but struggled in league 1. I've always been of the opinion that there is very little gap between the conference and league 2, but a decent gap between leagues 2 & 1. Just look at how many teams who come up from the conference do well. Very few struggle (the favourites for this year are promoted Crawley).
If you look at the striker situation in particular, I've not seen much of Kedwell, but his record in the conference was excellent. He's big, strong and knows where the net is like a poor man's Grant Holt. I think he's made for league 2. If you look at Birchall, very quick, can score from all kinds of angles and anyone who scores the sheer volume of goals he has can't be hopeless, at whatever level. Remember he was at Arsenal as a kid and represented Wales U21, so he's obviously got something. He admits he lost his well and fell out of love with the game (a certain Ian Hendon didn't help), but remember as well, he was often played on the wing and not in his natural position. Both Kedwell and Birchall will be desperate to succeed at this level Both have points to prove and both would be playing at their local clubs. If we sign Birchall (please don't go to Swindon), I think we'll have the most exciting side we've had at the club for almost 10 years
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Bert
Junior Member
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Post by Bert on Jul 9, 2011 13:46:55 GMT 1
Maybe its the quality, or percieved quality, of the signings in question. Jackson was an outstanding signing, and I don't think anyone gave Stimmo stick for that one. Lance Cronin was thought to be the best non-league keeper at that time, maybe there shouldn't have been much stick about that signing. As for all the rest of Stimmo's non-league players, I can't remember if any others were thought to be particularly good before they arrived. And most turned out to be 'shoite' as you say, so can't blame people for moaning  As for Hess's non-leaguers. Well he has recieved some flack already concerning Flitney & Fish, maybe not as much as Stimmo did. If those players don't fare too well, I think he will be in for a lot more. As for Kedwell, I think most people see the signing of Kedwell as a coup rather than a dud buy. But again, time will tell and the same people who got on Stimmos back will get on Hess's if Danny doesn't deliver the goods. Can't see that happening tho' myself. Fingers crossed |
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jp
Full Member
Posts: 122
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Post by jp on Jul 9, 2011 13:53:44 GMT 1
I think Hessisgod has a point about the lack of distance between L2 and the Conf Premier.
The conference clubs are virtually all full-time professionals aswell so I suppose that is the principle factor as to why the margin is so little. Another indicator is how often conference sides go into L2 and straight into L1 the following season.
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Post by sunnyboy on Jul 9, 2011 14:33:55 GMT 1
It's true we've had some clunkers here but I wouldn't agree that non-league players are not worth a look. Here in the USA they have a vast minor league baseball system full of college and high school players plus some old pros hired for their experience and to show the youngsters how to get better. Many of these young players get called up to the big club for a few games, half a season etc to 'blood' them for the bigs. If they don't cut it they go back down and toil at the lower level until another chance comes their way or they get released. The non-league teams - some of whom were league teams remember - are the incubator of talent for our sport. There are many examples of unexpected gems coming from non-league teams but 2 stand out for me; Peter Osgood who was a brickie playing sunday football until Chelsea gave him a shot and Tony Cascarino a pipefitter with Crockenhill FC who The Gills bought for a set of tracksuits. Trust our scouts - give these players a look.
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Post by philthegill on Jul 11, 2011 1:14:32 GMT 1
I'd add Geoff Horsefield to the list. Saw him play for Halifax a few times and thought he was no more than the average big strong boy. Keegan picked him up for Fulham and turned him into a very classy big strong boy. There are certainly gems out there,they just might need a bit of nurturing to bring out their best.
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Post by Big_Al on Jul 11, 2011 10:04:14 GMT 1
It's all about having a balanced side and like thrusting too many yougsters into the team playing too many straight out of the non-league can have a detrimental effect not just on skill levels but fitness as well
Gills have added some brilliant players from the non-league circuit, Tony Cascarino, David Smith, Pat Gavin, Nicky Forster, Fortune-West, Jacko & Cody plus others.
Some have dropped out of the League to become better players and given a second chance. I'm following the progress of Alex Rodman at Aldershot as I believe he's destined for higher things
Also thought Callum Willock might have added something up front for Gills
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