New deal…or no deal?
Following on from the release of Alan O’Brien and Thomas Dossevi, there are nine other Swindon Town players out of contract at the end of the season.
We all know about Alan Sheehan’s lack of commitment to the club after going without permission to play for Preston North End in a trial match, but what about the rest, do they deserve a new contract at Town?
Scott Cuthbert – So often lost in the centre of defence since the departure of Gordon Greer, Cuthbert has certainly made his fair share of mistakes this season, but of course he isn’t the only one in the team to suffer that fate. What can you put that down to? Well an unsettled back four throughout the season hasn’t helped. Cuthbert is certainly a player for the future and one to build the team around. Also given that we paid £100,000 for him, this is money the club need to recoup if he were to go, so can’t see the board not exercising their option for an additional year. NEW DEAL
Jonathan Douglas – By his own admission hasn’t played his best this season. Douglas has been asked to play too deep, often the sole outlet for a pass from our panicking defenders and quickly closed down by the opposition, leading to possession being given away in our own half. Despite all this I couldn’t imagine the team without him and if he doesn’t stay at Swindon many Championship and League One teams will be tracking his progress. NEW DEAL
Lecsinel Jean-Francois – The Haitian is a very useful and versatile defender, who on the rare occasion, puts in a stella performance and shows his quality. I like Lecsinel, he’s professional, gets on with the job and never gives up. Aparently Swansea were interested in signing Lecsinel earlier this year, which shows he has ability to possibly play at a higher level. A good League Two player and a worthwhile squad player for the new season. NEW DEAL
Jakub Jesionkowski – With David Lucas and Phil Smith (why?) signing new contract extensions, I’d be surprised if the Polish keeper stays around for another season of reserve football and loans to Oxford City. He cam to Swindon with great promise having been called up for the Polish u21 squad. Deserves first team games, but isn’t going to get the opportunity here. NO DEAL
Vincent Pericard – Where do we start with Big Vince… immobile, can’t jump, can’t score, painful to watch etc. to name only a few failings. I can’t really see Vinny making a mark on League Two and we really need a better option upfront to hold up the ball. Vincent’s wages can be better saved or spent elsewhere such as on a sack of spuds or a bag of cement. errrr… NO DEAL!
Mark Scott – Of the two out of contract keepers, Scott gets my vote for a new contract. Still to make his league debut for Town, I was very impressed with his superb performances for Swindon Supermarine in their FA Cup run earlier this season. Excellent shot stopper and a local lad who came through the youth team. NEW DEAL
Nathan Thompson – Nathan was finally given his chance against Torquay United in the FL Trophy after coming on as a substitute. An excellent attacking performance in the cup secured a start at home to Charlton a few weeks later, however whilst Nathan didn’t discredit himself, the match highlighted the need for Nathan to get more first team football under his belt. Various injuries held him back from being sent out on loan, so deserves the chance to impress and a season in League Two provides that. NEW DEAL
Michael Timlin – Our second longest serving player at the club (behind Phil Smith), who played an instrumental role in the second half of our last campaign in League Two. With opportunities limited earlier this season I expected him to be sold, however he’s forced his way back into the reckoning, but failed to impress with an inconsistent campaign. If Douglas signs up and Prutton stays, is there really a need for another defensive minded midfielder? With the two youth graduates (Matt Clark and Abdul Said) providing further midfield options next season, I’m afraid you’re surplus to requirements…NO DEAL
The Washbag 
I totally agree with your assessment, im very curious what the squad will end up being next year, a good season would obviously be us gaining promotion, and if we have a strong back bone to the team which i believe with the addition of that commanding centre half and a centre forward who can hold up the ball we could have the basis of the squad already in place…
Lucas is slightly weak at times and worries me but he is still a decent keeper so gets my shout to stay in, caddis is a solid RB id assume Amankwaah will move on so Thompson is an able deputy and will surely get game time, Cbs Cuthbert and Lesc would be the obvious choice but would prefer a strong older head in with them, id also be happy to see Misun and The big young lad Flint covering cb, so age wise these lads could all go on to do well for us, also left back im happy if Rose stays put, and we have the young left back Kennedy who i think is an able deputy too, so Sheehan can defo jog on!
Midfield Prutton and Douglas Ferry are all good players, question is what is the best mix of the 3? what formation will we be playing too, wingers we really need a right winger as Mcgovern dont do it for me, even when he was real good last year he still for me lacks anything a winger would have, no pace, cant beat a player, and although is a decent crosser of the ball which i agree is important he is just not a winger!, id let him go, Ritchie if we can keep hold of could be the key to everything going forward from midfield next year, we could do with more cover on the wings on both sides, wing is for me the key for us next year, Benyon will score goals up front, we obviously need another 2-3 strikers as for me Benyon and probably Bodin the only strikers at the club left who will be here next year….
Overal if we keep all these lads above and add 4 – 5 first team squad players to it then i can see no reason why we cant come back up!
COYR!
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I agree with all but one of your choices…
I would personally keep Timlin. He’s generally solid, always tries to put in a good performance and cost effective – from a wage point of view.
Prutton out – Been lost in most of the home games I have seen. I don’t see what he gives to the team, isn’t defensive and isn’t attacking – also a high earner. Sorry Prutt’s, but for me you are akin to Perricard!
Ferry in – Bring back the JD and wee Simon Ferry combo. Timlin can be a good tactical change to the team when needed (starting line-up or sub).
I think we could do with a more experienced central defender, hopefully this will give Cuthbert confidence and help grow Flint.
Incidently – Why hasn’t anyone picked up on the fact that our players are unfit??? Shouldn’t we be looking at our coaching staff???
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I agree with what you say about Prutton, however he still have another year left on his contract and if Douglas were to leave this summer, I’ve no doubt Prutton will be a very useful player in League Two and will fill that void.
The only reason I’m suggesting to part company with Timlin is the number of midfield options available already (if Douglas stays). In an ideal world and if we could afford it his loyal service should be rewarded with a contract extension.
I’m not sure about the fitness comment. I think it is down to lack of fight and desire rather than fitness being a reason why we’re down.
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I agree with all except the first 2.
Sweeping changes are required. I don’t believe Cuthbert has the potential to develop, and think that Douglas is moving on anyway.
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Cuthbert has the potential to develop further, he’s still young and as a defender has many years left in his game so I wouldn’t write him off just yet.
I suspect Douglas is moving on as well. I’ve heard Portsmouth or Brighton are set to take him to the south coast…
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