Seems like Denton is enjoying playing wing back!  Any other comments from those who watched the stream on how things worked or where we looked like we needed other options?  Also does anyone know who the keeper was and whether he is an option or was just helping out last night?  I still think we are at least an attacking midfielder and forward cover short but hopefully we can pick up two or three more to bolster the squad, possibly season long loanees from the EFL?  I know Dilly seems to think loanees were Marriotts problem last season but given we only had two and one of them was a keeper I would beg to differ - pre-furlough I would guess we must have had the lowest number of loanees in out squad throughout the NL.

Speaking from a position of ignorance, as I haven’t seen any of the newcomers.  Still, that position doesn’t often harm some big-noises in some workplaces, so I’ll continue….  I’m still a bit concerned.  From what I’ve read, I can’t be confident that we have pulled in the category of player that will make us a much improved team from last season. It is a much improved team that we shall need, to survive this term.  I also have a nagging feeling that we demolished our last successful team a little too hastily. as I recall a team with Marriott, Fox and Pedro still included, that beat Maidenhead away.  Fingers remain crossed that improvements still to come, essentially in the attacking half of the team.  And, is it safe to go to the game ?  No one can answer that with confidence.

Dilly, I think most peoples assessment of the signings (given that none of us have seen them in a proper game against anything like what we will come up against in the league this season) is that we have 'upgraded' on what we had last year, although like you I still think we are a bit short of attacking options, particularly given King's previous fitness record. 

Good to see you talking of survival for this season, looking at some of the signings made by those in and around the playoffs last year the league is going to be stronger than ever at the top end (Mullin has just joined Wrexham from Cambs Utd) and I think we need to set expectations at a realistic level - if we can finish mid-table without the drama of a relegation battle that would be success for me. 

My biggest concern is that if it does all go wrong we have signed a lot of these lads on multi year deals and can we really afford to stay full time if we drop back into the NLN?  As for the previous squad, I think some could have maybe held their own at NLN level but I think NL would have been a step too far for the likes of Pedro and Fox as it proved for some who were retained last year.

I think the squad reflected the importance of the game rather than any other issues - no trialists either as very little to be gained in terms of assessing them against Gorleston.  Only real positive for me was that we went with the three centre halves whilst being positive although would be interesting to know how they fitted Gyasi into the formation first half and then who was the attacking midfielder after the break?  Obviously Barrows and Denton would be able to press further forward against Thurlow Nunn opponents but can that be maintained as the level steps up?

KES I can imagine that Dilly and WLM will be concerned at IC’s comments about playing a different way with no wide players.

Will this mean we will be Nipsterless ?  And who is going to be there to collect those overhit crosses.  In fact who is going to put these overhit crosses in.  Maybe problem solved 

Much as Dilly and WLM might be concerned, I for one was really heartened by IC's comments about going away from the mistakes of last season where 'speed out wide' seemed to be the mantra.  If you look at the successful side IC built at step 3 it was far more about intelligent footballers moving the ball as a team than a reliance on an individual spot of magic, we got away from that after Christmas in the NLN campaign when Power joined on loan and it nearly cost us promotion (just check PPG for he started games vs the rest).  Last year we just didn't look like we ever had a gameplan or a side that had a 'style' which was all the harder to take given what had come before.

So now IC seems to rebuilding a squad of players who can play his preferred style but at NL level so I am hoping we see 3-4-1-2 (still think this is favorite as it solves two big problems - an extra defender to help when we concede set pieces and also frees up King to go and play) at least as our preferred option and flex it from there if need be. 

Interesting also to hear him talk about bringing in a coach to help out, wonder if there is a player/coach option to give us a bit of cover either up front or as cover for King as the likelihood of him being able to start / finish the majority of games this season isn't great

I think people are trying to make things harder than they really are.  The rules regarding those who are infected (positive test) are pretty much unchanged ie they have to isolate, and this will continue.  What is being proposed is that from the 16th August, those who are double jabbed (not sure if this would include some or all of our squad) would not have to isolate if they have come into contact with a positive case but instead can test regularly to remain at work.  Obviously if they then produce a positive test they would then have to isolate but this easing of 'unnecessary' isolations should mean less fixtures being lost.

I'm going for 1-0, 1-1, 0-2,0-1 tonight

I know we seem to have strengthened the defence but even so I would hope for a few more goals in two hours of football for those going to watch this eveing

What is still to come?  Hopefully there will be more changes to the squad, both in personnel terms and in balance but need to see an update on the existing 2020-21 squad to get a better view what we are really missing. 

Of those 9 defenders, Jones and McFadden are currently injured and I wouldn't expect to see Brown or Fleming (or McAuley if he is in your numbers) in the squad come the start of the season.  Midfield is a bit of a worry, particularly if we are relying on King being one of the mainstays this season given his previous injury record (not just last season but throughout his career).  Probably still need another striking option (or two) as I don't think Southwell has shown enough to warrant a return.  All in all still plenty of work to be done in terms of building a competitive squad but still time although if we are hoping of attracting season long loans they might need to be finalised sooner rather than later.

So, opening day at home to Southend should put a smile on SC's face as you would expect them to bring a fair few to the Walks, as you would for Chesterfield on Bank Holiday Monday.  Christmas looks tough - home to Notts County then away to Grimsby and Chesterfield but have to play everyone during the season so a couple of attractive games for the travelling contingent to look forward to if away fans are still allowed then.

Full fixtures here https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/fixtures/24083311/2021-08