Gloversblog: Who should we sign this summer?

Centre back is one of the few places we’re reasonably well stocked at currently, with 3 players signed for at least 1 more year. However, for depth alone if we’re continuing to play 3 at the back then I believe 2 signings would be needed, especially another left footer who can cover for Wannell if he’s out of the squad. With that in mind this is the one position I’ve made 4 suggestions, rather than 3, 2 right footers and 2 left footers, you can also consider Declan Skura my unofficial 5th pick, but he’s been mentioned everywhere else, so I wanted to be different.

Rollin Menayese – A more experienced suggestion at 28 years old, the current Macclesfield defender has history playing in the Southwest, having previously played for Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Rovers and Swindon and was also at Aldershot when our current head of recruitment was there. With almost 100 League Two appearances under his belt and his very physical style, Rollin could be the sort of signing needed to bring some grit and nous to a team that likely will otherwise consist of younger players.

Dynel Simeu – Released by Oldham after signing a short term contract, this ex-Chelsea and Southampton youth lad just screams of someone who needs to drop into the national league and find a home. From his youth days he’s used to playing on the right of a back 3 and the thing that stands out about him from highlights is his athleticism, particularly his high jumping, which makes him appear bigger than his 6’1” frame, combine that with his strength, lots of highlights show other players bouncing off him when jostling for the ball, and he could add steel to our back line. He has played a lot in the north since leaving The Saints but in interviews he said Southampton was his home and he may wish to live a bit nearer to home, I think he could be a solid squad player.

Cain Harries – Current Forest Green and ex-Woking and Aldershot player, Harries seems to have fallen out of favour, despite previously being almost ever-present and I think he could be a cheeky loan pickup with an eye for a contract at the end of the season if it suits both parties. Harries is the epitome of a modern ball-playing centre back, very comfortable stepping up into midfield and helping to dictate play from deep and at 29 he could be another experienced head to slot into the back line and bring a calm head in pressure situations.

Shadrach Ogie – Another ex-Aldershot player, albeit prior to when Jamie Hedges was there, who just got released by Gillingham. This is one of my shots in the dark in terms of prediction, but having been a bit on the fringes of the Gillingham team for a couple of seasons, he may be one who wishes to drop down to try and get more regular minutes. The two things that stand out about him are his aggressiveness, he always seems willing to step out and tackle players, and he often comes away with the ball, as well as his explosive speed, when allowed to run up the wing or support the midfield he tracks up and back lightning fast. He also has the added benefit of being versatile, having also played left back in a back 4 and left of a back 3, so could help out squad depth and cover for a couple of positions.

A position really up for grabs with Josh Sims being let go and only really James Daly being able to play in this position, albeit one that no one would describe as his best position. Therefore this is an area of the pitch someone could stamp their authority on and help in implementing Billy Rowley’s tactical style.

Zico Asare – Currently at Harrogate, but would have been at Fulham at the same time as players like Jonathan Page, so may well have an existing relationship with Billy Rowley and possibly with James Daly, as they would’ve been teammates, so this one definitely could be a possibility. Despite only being in his mid-20s, he’s played over 100 games at National League and League Two level, so would be a more established player than some other suggestions in this article. Looking at Harrogate fan posts and highlights, the big thing that stands out about him is his pace and ability to recover ground and if we are going to play very high wing backs then I feel that this type of physical attribute could be massive.

Mitch Clark – This one’s a bit of a stab in the dark, as he’s mostly been based up north, but I think with his agency on twitter advertising him as being willing to step down, we could pick up an experienced and versatile player. Clark has played in both wing back positions and one thing that separates him from other options is his versatility to play on both flanks and both score and cross with both feet as he marauds down the wings, also seems to love a crunching slide tackle. With over 200 appearances at League One and Two level, including a promotion from League Two with Port Vale, he could be a great experienced head to bring into the dressing room.

Jacob Pinnington – Another Braintree player than we could look at snapping up following their relegation, described on multiple Braintree fan forums as their one bright spark, and often deployed as a high pushing wing back in a 3/5 at the back formation, much like Yeovil have played. JP is comfortable on the ball and a strong attacking threat, especially when whipping in crosses deep from the byline, his season unfortunately ended early due to injury, but he could be a serious young talent for Yeovil to snap up with an eye to potentially selling on later should his upward trajectory continue.

This position I feel is Ryan Jones’ and we would be recruiting for a backup/rotation option, so one where giving a younger player or a player stepping up a level a chance is our best option.

Elijah Morrison – He’s struggled to get consistent game time at Forest Green this season, but is massively rated by Bristol City fans, even if not by the manager, as 6 other players were played in the left back position this season without him being recalled. Has all the attributes you’d want from a wing back, runs his backside off, and doesn’t shy from a tackle or header. He may want to step up a level, but my hope is the lack of game time at FGR means other clubs won’t be sniffing around as much and we can snap up a talented local young player who improves our squad depth.

Jordan Norville-Williams – A player without direct links to our current recruitment team, but has played against Billy Rowley in the Surrey cup multiple times, so I’m sure he’s at least aware of him. His bombing runs up the wing played an integral part in Dorking’s impressive NLS season, he also can operate in both wing back and as the left of a back 3, so could provide solid cover for two positions in one, at 26 he’s at a great age to take up to the next level and see if he can shine.

Jordan Ragguette – Maidenhead had the best defensive unit in the National League South this season and JR is one that I think we should take a look at. He’s previously played for Salisbury, so he has links to the local area and if Ryan Jones is first choice next season, I think bringing in Raguette as a backup allows him to rotate and adjust into full time professional football and hopefully continue his decent record of goals and assists that he’s had so far.

This position has been a mess this year, despite seemingly recruiting only central midfielders for a short time, Page, Tobin, etc. we still had to massively rotate this position all the time, when arguably it’s one of the places where you benefit from stability, which hopefully 1 or 2 of these players can offer. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we see the likes of Page and Tobin as trialists in pre-season to be offered a chance to prove their fitness and potentially earn a contract, but I would like to offer some suggestions who I think represent a more immediate upgrade.

Lloyd Humphries – ex-Weston-Super-Mare midfielder who’s just been released by Eastleigh, Lloyd always impressed me when playing for the seagulls and was a player I thought he should’ve been looking at when he left for the Spitfires. A midfielder who mops up everything and never makes it look difficult, him mucking in and doing the dirty work would be the perfect compliment to players like McGavin. He’s never played further afield than Cardiff, so likely wants to stay in the area, at 28 he’s a good age and was almost ever-present for several seasons in Weston and his first season at Eastleigh, could be our Mr Reliable in the middle of the park.

Tyrese Francois – Released by Wigan, but was in the Fulham youth ranks for 10 years, so likely one that would’ve crossed Billy’s path at some point. He was highly rated enough to make a few appearances for Fulham and then after his release to be immediately snapped up by The Latics, however he only got around 20 games over 2 seasons, so at 25 he’s likely to want to drop down and play more regular football. As a player he’s small but very technical, equally comfortable sitting deep and shielding the defence before pinging passes further forward, but also willing to push up into a more box-to-box role where he can take a dish out quick passes, could be a lovely replacement for Mafico should he decide to go up a league into the EFL.

Korey Smith – A familiar face to those who’ve been around a while, but he’s changed a lot since he was a fresh faced Norwich loanee several years ago. Since leaving Norwich KS has captained Bristol City to a League One title and promotion in the same league with Derby a few years after that, to top that off he’s been a captain almost everywhere he’s been for the last 10 years and It’s this level of experience and leadership that I would want to bring to Yeovil. At 35 he’s hardly one for the future, but I think his style of play would compliment McGavin perfectly in our midfield, there is a question over his fitness, playing less than 30 games in each of his last two seasons, but I think bringing him in alongside a younger player he can rotate with, mentor and possibly offering him a coaching role as well and you’re looking at adding the sort of leadership and experience that we have been missing in recent seasons.

Another position where we arguably have our starters nailed down in Daly and McCormick, so potentially hard to recruit for. With this in mind I’ve again focused on younger players or up and comers who could be used off the bench or in rotation, but still offer enough to impact the team, Will Merry is also an unofficial number 4 for this list, but I felt it was boring to just suggest someone we’ve just had on loan.

Noah Coppin – He’s a name that’s been mentioned before and after another productive season in Salisbury, he’s made over 30 goal contributions in the last 2 seasons combined, I think he’s proven he’s ready to attempt to take the next step up. NC plays his best football in the pocket behind a striker and loves to drift inside and wide to pick up passes and link play, the exact sort of thing which could compliment a big lad up front and a wing back overlapping on the outside and his ability to burst forward at speed could mean he’s the lad to get on the end of crosses or pick up scraps to score.

Leo Pecover – He’s only just turned 18, but I’ve really rated this lad on loan at Weston-super-Mare from Bristol City, despite being so young he’s physically well developed and doesn’t get bullied by non-league defenders, which is often an issue when talented technical youth players step up to men’s football. His vision, passing range and ability to turn a player marking him tightly has won points for Weston this season on more than one occasion, so a loan where he can join a solid squad and impact games at the next level up seems like a sensible next step for him.

Lewys Twamley – I’m usually of the attitude to leave the memories alone when it comes to signing ex-players, but LT might’ve been the least Mark Cooper player we signed around that time, couple that with being played out of position and he predictably struggled. Having returned to Merthyr he’s managed 30 goal contributions, one every 135 minutes this season and I think giving him the option to tuck in behind a striker in a team encouraged to press and attack would play to his ability with his feet and passing vision, plus who doesn’t love a good redemption story?

Possibly the most important position to get right this season, what with Yeovil being one of the lower scoring teams in the whole division this season. Rowley’s tactics are good at making scoring opportunities, but ultimately we need someone capable of putting the ball in the net, which could be the difference between another bottom half finish and a play-off push. According to rumours we have already bid for Shaquille Gwengwe, which means he won’t feature here, although I do think he would be a solid addition should we pick him up.

Fletcher Holman – This is dependent on the lad wanting more game time than he’s had this season, having made mostly 30-45 minutes appearances from the bench, this could especially be the case if Swindon do reinforce their front line. Even with limited playing time, he still managed to bag 5 goals and 5 assists in just over 1,000 minutes of game time, almost 1 contribution every 100 minutes, which is an exciting stat for a fringe player. Profile-wise Holman is a classic quick number 9, always playing on the shoulder and looking to break beyond the last defender by taking the ball on the turn, but I also think his passing isn’t talked about enough, he’s frequently been willing to drift wide and whip in crosses that cause havoc in the opposition box and I think that could pay off massively for our number 10s, box-crashing midfielders and high wing backs.

Jonny Stuttle – Highly rated for his exploits in the Bournemouth youth team, scored 10 goals in 19 games in a loan spell for Farnborough in the NLS and had a short spell at Aldershot when Jamie Hedges was there. Unfortunately his rise was seriously derailed after he joined Walsall on loan this season and went down with an ACL injury which ended his season early. However, I would hope that Yeovil can capitalise on this and be the club where he gets his mojo back. Watching his highlights he consistently runs at and presses opposition defenders, has good footwork and is a confident finisher, the exact sort of striker who would massively benefit from the passing ability of McCormick and McGavin.

Kieran Wilson – Exeter have all but admitted that they have no cash to offer contracts, therefore this could present an opportunity to pick up a promising young striker for little to no cost, and that’s why I’d look at Wilson. He stands at almost 6’6”, so physically he’s massively imposing, but despite this the thing that stands out for me is his control of the ball and willingness to beat defenders, good touch for a big man is a cliche, but this lad definitely has that. He doesn’t appear to have any links to our current team, but with him having gone on loan to both Torquay and Truro this season, he could be tempted to take a step up into the National League full time whilst still staying reasonably local.

Will we see any of these players holding up the scarf? Unlikely, but it’s fun to speculate and I genuinely think that some of these players should be on our radar. Ultimately though I will say In Billy We Trust and I would ask for some Calmness from the fanbase and time being allowed for recruitment to be done properly. I believe we could be at a turning point in our fortunes for the first time in years, we as fans need to play our part and, as always, Achieve by Unity.