PNE's schroedingers cat

[pne_monster]

Inspired by the five players in the oppositions squad today - a thought exercise. If we'd kept hold/bought all players we'd had playing for us recently, that are still playing we could have had a squad looking something like this. Please feel free to add any I've missed. But would this have got us to the PL?


GK
Iverson
Johnstone
Rudd

Def
Fisher
Sepp
Bauer
Davies
Storey
Clarke
Cunningham
Earl

Mid
Johnson
Brownhill
Pearson
McCann
Whiteman
Ledson
Browne
Johnson
Reach

Fwd
Barkhuizen
Riis
Sinclair
Hughill
Robinson

 

[pnewortham]

Interesting, but in 2017/18 we finished 7th, and if Browne hadn't missed the penalty against Derby we would have been in the playoffs.

 

[sedgwick__7]

I thought Johnstone looked every inch a Premier League keeper, especially with his distribution. Was priced out of a move this summer but I'd be surprised if he isn't in the Prem next season when he can move on a free. Not surprised Southgate is keeping him around in the England set-up because he really is that good.

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

Inspired by the five players in the oppositions squad today - a thought exercise. If we'd kept hold/bought all players we'd had playing for us recently, that are still playing we could have had a squad looking something like this. Please feel free to add any I've missed. But would this have got us to the PL?


GK
Iverson
Johnstone
Rudd

Def
Fisher
Sepp
Bauer
Davies
Storey
Clarke
Cunningham
Earl

Mid
Johnson
Brownhill
Pearson
McCann
Whiteman
Ledson
Browne
Johnson
Reach

Fwd
Barkhuizen
Riis
Sinclair
Hughill
Robinson

Yes I think so.

 

[pne_monster]

Interesting, but in 2017/18 we finished 7th, and if Browne hadn't missed the penalty against Derby we would have been in the playoffs.

You’re suggesting we might have got there anyway?

 

[pne_monster]

Yes I think so.

I had this hunch as well have the post. Suggests it might not be recruitment that’s the issue, but retention.

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

Yes I think so.

And if Burnley, Bournemouth etc. can stay there for a few seasons, then so could we.

 

[pnewortham]

You’re suggesting we might have got there anyway?

Fine margins. We didn't necessarily need loads more individual talent. A bit of extra luck was all it needed. (possibly)

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

I had this hunch as well have the post. Suggests it might not be recruitment that’s the issue, but retention.

Agree.
The problem of course is that we are selling club and will remain that way until there's a change in direction at the top.

 

[pne_monster]

Agree.
The problem of course is that we are selling club and will remain that way until there's a change in direction at the top.

Frustrating isn’t it when you look at the potential of that squad.

 

[MrHodgeheg123]

Frustrating isn’t it when you look at the potential of that squad.

And the rest.

 

[Pne_Gaz]

Surely you'd have Pickford in over Rudd?

 

[pne_monster]

Surely you'd have Pickford in over Rudd?

😂 I did actually think Pickford and then thought no, let’s be realistic, but then what’s the point of the conversation?!

 

[the12thman]

Aiden?

 

[pne_monster]

Aiden?

Ah balls. Who misses out then?

 

[the12thman]

Ah balls. Who misses out then?

Sorry mate. I had to mention him. I am 42 years old and he is the most talented outfield player that I have seen in a North End shirt. That includes Ricardo. Becks is exempt, as he only played about 5 games.

 

[the12thman]

Who misses out then?

Easy - you put Johnson twice. Unless that was deliberate and you mean Jermain Johnson or whatever his name was.

 

[pne_monster]

Easy - you put Johnson twice. Unless that was deliberate and you mean Jermain Johnson or whatever his name was.

Ducks sake. Ok McGeady in for Johnson (1)

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Inspired by the five players in the oppositions squad today - a thought exercise. If we'd kept hold/bought all players we'd had playing for us recently, that are still playing we could have had a squad looking something like this. Please feel free to add any I've missed. But would this have got us to the PL?


GK
Iverson
Johnstone
Rudd

Def
Fisher
Sepp
Bauer
Davies
Storey
Clarke
Cunningham
Earl

Mid
Johnson
Brownhill
Pearson
McCann
Whiteman
Ledson
Browne
Johnson
Reach

Fwd
Barkhuizen
Riis
Sinclair
Hughill
Robinson

The thing that team misses is a 20 goal a season striker.

Hugill was on course but has never put those numbers up.

 

[pne_monster]

The thing that team misses is a 20 goal a season striker.

Hugill was on course but has never put those numbers up.

Sure. But there’s the potential for goals from all over in that squad. Riis, Robinson, Barky, Johnson, Sinclair. Maybe we didn’t need a 20 goal man? Just a better squad?