Who do you expect and want to be realistically starting on the first match next season?

Heaton
Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork McNeil
Barnes Wood

No way will we be able to do such a big overhaul in one window but if we could id like the following

Heaton
Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
New New Cork McNeil
Wood New

Need 2 backup fullbacks to challenge Lowton and Taylor
If we could offload Defour get a good young promising Midfielder as one for the future
Replace Lennon with a new winger
Decide whether to stick or twist with Vydra as our 4th choice striker but if Dyche really doesnt rate him get rid and replace
Hart, Bardsley, Ward and Crouch can all go

Key signings for me is a top quality midfielder and a striker in the mold of Ings at his best for us. Need to push the boat out a little on these signings

I’d like to see the Player of the Season in the line up personally.

Heaton
New Tarks Mee Taylor
JBG Westwood New McNeil
Wood/Barnes New

Quick/nimble striker to partner either Wood or Barnes, box to box centre mid and athletic right back.

Saw we are linked with Reece James on loan who has got incredible reviews at Wigan this season, would be a good start.

Westwood has been excellent this season, 2 goals and 8 assists from a defensive midfielder. Twice what Defour managed without set pieces. Proper engine room stuff just not sexy enough for people to notice.

CombatClaret wrote:Westwood has been excellent this season, 2 goals and 8 assists from a defensive midfielder. Twice what Defour managed without set pieces. Proper engine room stuff just not sexy enough for people to notice.

Westwood is certainly not on the "should upgrade" list. He's almost always solid and often much better than that. There is an upgrade that would be beneficial in central midfield - just not him.

Heaton
Lowton Tarkowski Mee Taylor
New New Westwood McNeil
Barnes Wood

With two new bench players to challenge the front two and right back.

A few weeks ago I would have wanted 3 maybe 4 new in first 11. But that wouldn't happen.

We definitely need to improve where we didn't last year - first 11!

Pope
Lowton
Gibson
Mee
Taylor
New Westwood Defour McNeil
Vydra Barnes

I expect to see
Heaton
Lowton/new Tarks(if he stays,Gibson if he goes) Mee Taylor
New New Westwood McNeil
Wood Barnes

I'd keep JBG, Hendrick and Cork but I'd like them to have far stiffer competition for their starting place
I'd get rid of Brady, Defour, Bardsley (age), I expect Vydra will want out as will Hart

Would love 1 or 2 more of our under 18/23's to be able to make the step up to the 1st team squad. Would enable us to offload an extra player and give us an extra few pounds to buy a player who is ready to step into our first 11.

Lets just say Anthony Glennon or Ali Koiki stepping up would allow us to release Ward. Just hope there is another also, maybe Benson or another.

I think since xmas we have shown not much needs changing. It is more getting bodies out the door.

I'd like to see a couple of quality additions to go straight into the starting 11. We also need to seriously look at the average age, if this isn't addressed in the next 2 or 3 windows we're going to be left with a huge overhaul with players well beyond their peak.

So let's say 4 players. 2 to start and 2 promising youngsters similar to the Taylor signing. What's that going to cost including wages?

60m? Can we realistically expect that as our budget?

Realistic starting eleven for the first match of next season is the one that played yesterday, regardless of any arrivals.

Personally, I'd like to see a holding midfielder arrive with a bit of a range of passing to help us move the ball quicker, provided they're good enough in the air to be a partner for either Westwood or Cork, so those 3 can genuinely compete for the 2 roles; plus a right back to compete with Lowton and a wide player/forward with some pace.

But for any of these players to go straight into our first eleven, they're going to be damn good. It's more about beginning the process of transition that's required over the next 18 months.

Westwood has been 100% more effective than Cork this season. Cork would be decent back up but that’s an area I’d definitely strengthen. Replace Vydra with someone who Dyche has a little more faith in too.

Walt wrote:I'd like to see a couple of quality additions to go straight into the starting 11. We also need to seriously look at the average age, if this isn't addressed in the next 2 or 3 windows we're going to be left with a huge overhaul with players well beyond their peak.

So let's say 4 players. 2 to start and 2 promising youngsters similar to the Taylor signing. What's that going to cost including wages?

60m? Can we realistically expect that as our budget?

I don’t think the first team is actually that old.

Heaton 33
Lowton 29
Tarkowski 26
Mee 29
Taylor 25
Hendrick 27
Cork 29
Westwood 29
McNeil 19
Wood 27
Barnes 29

And with the backups we have at centre back and striker, age is only really a problem at centre mid and this should be addressed this summer.

I just hope that SD realises the advantages of youth and creativity with the introduction of McNeil and the change he made to our season. We have plenty of experience and we need a bit more pace and creativity.

I think 3 signings is realistic. Right wing, midfield and a forward with pace, something a bit different to Wood/Barnes.

Iloveyoubrady wrote:I don’t think the first team is actually that old.

Heaton 33
Lowton 29
Tarkowski 26
Mee 29
Taylor 25
Hendrick 27
Cork 29
Westwood 29
McNeil 19
Wood 27
Barnes 29

And with the backups we have at centre back and striker, age is only really a problem at centre mid and this should be addressed this summer.

It's not too old but I feel we definitely need to add more youth and energy to the side. 5 of the starters will hit 30 next season. If we dont gradually address it then we'd be left with an ageing team and wholesale change at the same time isn't likely to be effective.

Concentrate on bringing youth into the first team when ready, which some seem to be (almost). Will be sad to let Ward go but he deserves a first team regular place somewhere.

Lennon to move on or possibly to be loaned out.

Would love us to sign a striker of the natural finisher type.

Also, hope to see the best of Brady again.

LIve in hope that Defour will rise again!

Im_not_Robbie_Blake wrote:Lennon to move on or possibly to be loaned out.

Don't really get this to be honest, and I see it a lot.

Lennon may not be the best player we have - and no one would genuinely say they expected him to be a first team regular next season - but as a squad player, capable of stepping into the team in the case of injury, or coming off the bench to add a different, pacey threat, I think he could be a hugely valuable asset next season.

I’d like to see Hendrick and Westwood partnered in CM for the last two games.

I think Hendrick possesses a lot of the attributes people seem to be crying out for in a new midfielder but his ability in there seems to have been forgotten while he’s spent much of his time as a number 10 or on the right wing.

Vegas Claret wrote:I expect to see
Heaton
Lowton/new Tarks(if he stays,Gibson if he goes) Mee Taylor
New New Westwood McNeil
Wood Barnes

I'd keep JBG, Hendrick and Cork but I'd like them to have far stiffer competition for their starting place
I'd get rid of Brady, Defour, Bardsley (age), I expect Vydra will want out as will Hart

Agree with all the above except Gibson not a great replacement for Tarkowski. We could do with pacy option up front if this isn’t Vydra. Think we need some real quality in the positions highlighted.

Expect 4-4-2 Would like 4-3-2-1 at times

4-4-2
Heaton
Lowton NEW Mee Taylor
Hendrick Cork Westwood McNeil
Barnes Wood

4-3-2-1

Pope
Lowton Tarkowski Mee Taylor
NEW NEW Westwood
JBG McNeil
ummmmm...NEW

Goobs wrote:Heaton
Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork McNeil
Barnes Wood

Unless we sell any of these I expect that's what it will be because even if we signed Messi in Summer he wouldn't be 'Dyche fit' for at least 4 months.

We need strength and height in CM
We need pace on the flanks
We need pace and ball control up front

We don't need any more "squad" players unless they are young and have been bought for the future

Starting games next season with 8+ players from Sundays team means we will have gone backwards

Heaton
NEW Tarks Mee NEW
NEW Defour Westwood Brady
Wood Barnes

Some people try too hard.

JimMcDonald wrote:Heaton
NEW Tarks Mee NEW
NEW Defour Westwood Brady
Wood Barnes

So you think that McNeil and Taylor are not good enough for us next season ?
Without these 2 players we would be back in the Championship......McNeil is the highlight of a very difficult season and the improvement in Taylor has been brilliant.
I know its all about opinions but I am guessing you are a big WUM as nobody could be that stupid to think Defour and Brady are the future and McNeil and Taylor aren`t.

Goobs wrote:Heaton
Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork McNeil
Barnes Wood

Sounds good to me,and a fit again Defour will be like a new signing:)

Vegas Claret wrote:I expect to see
Heaton
Lowton/new Tarks(if he stays,Gibson if he goes)

I’m sick of pointing out that Gibson can’t replace Tarks as they don’t play in the same position

At the very minimum we need a central midfielder, a right sided midfielder/winger and a centre forward. Also, probably a right back. Most of these need to be relatively young with sell on potential.

We cannot 'go again' with the same XI we have essentially had for the last 2 years now. That is a dangerous (and silly) game to play and will eventually come back to bite us.

I've heard it suggested from a very credible source that our management team have not given up on Steven Defour, and saw him as the pivotal player during the best spell we had in the first half of last season.
Question remains, can he get fit.
Proper Burnley pre-seasons for the likes of him, Vydra, Brady and Gibson could make us a lot more threatening going into the new season than a year earlier, and with a lot less competitive matches to play in the opening couple of months.
I know its a big 'IF' with Defour, but fitness depending, it could just be a right-back and a veteran forward who is happy to play from the bench. Unless of course, we are happy to trade one or two for 'upgrades' but the only players I see us potentially letting go are Stephen Ward and Phil Bardsley, on account of their age and the fact that they could be playing every week in the Championship.

MRG wrote:I’m sick of pointing out that Gibson can’t replace Tarks as they don’t play in the same position

If it’s making you ill it’s probably best to stop then.

I reckon Gibson will be off unfortunately. Shame he didn't get his chance. If Tarkowski leaves, it is very unheard-of to have a centre back partnership with two left footed players. Anyone who has played the position at a good level will know that playing a left footed centre back on the right side restricts your play down that side. I doubt Gibson will wait around on the bench for another season at 26.

Goobs wrote:Heaton
Lowton Tarks Mee Taylor
Hendrick Westwood Cork McNeil
Barnes Wood

Bloody hope not

BOYSIE31 wrote:Bloody hope not

Yeah, Heaven forbid we put out a team that over the last 5 months has been bout 5th or 6th in the form table.

As much as I'd love to see the current team start again next season, we've seen in the past that teams get punished for standing still. Nothing wrong with 1 or 2 KEY additions to the starting 11.

for a start we need to get the average age down not just for the squad but the first 11

It isn't broken. Just a return of some, to active contention, one or deo gone, owing to limited chances upgrading of at least one from younger ranks and maybe a signing or two.

Goobs wrote:Yeah, Heaven forbid we put out a team that over the last 5 months has been bout 5th or 6th in the form table.

all players will be older next season plus remember pre january please

BOYSIE31 wrote:all players will be older next season plus remember pre january please

They’re obviously getting better with age.

Walt wrote:I'd like to see a couple of quality additions to go straight into the starting 11. We also need to seriously look at the average age, if this isn't addressed in the next 2 or 3 windows we're going to be left with a huge overhaul with players well beyond their peak.

So let's say 4 players. 2 to start and 2 promising youngsters similar to the Taylor signing. What's that going to cost including wages?

60m? Can we realistically expect that as our budget?

Exactly this! If we don’t address the ageing squad we will end up in the Stoke boat!

We need to keep hold of the majority of this squad then add 2/3 quality signings this summer. Personally think centre midfield and right wing are the areas to be looking at with maybe another striker so we have 4.

Heaton
Lowton & Taylor (new left back for cover and one year new contract to Bardsley)
Mee & Tarks
Westwood McNeil Hendrick and Cork - plus one new midfielder who can go straight into first eleven / compete with Cork.
Barnes & Wood...plus one new striker who could replace either...possible no 10 more creative player if any are about in the £20m to £25m price bracket.

Leaves :
Vydra - up to Dyche / the player whether he stays or goes. Hard to have an opinion given we have seen so little of him.
Lennon & Brady - I would let one go if we can.
JBG - definitely keep. A fit and confident JBG will be a 50/50 call between him and Jeff and i’m sure McNeil will at some point lose form or just need a break.
Defour - no choice but we are stuck with him for another year. We have to make plans without him rather than hope we are going to see the player from more than 12 months ago.
Ward apparently wants to leave and go back to the midlands.
Crouch, Wells, Walters all to go.
Hart to go.
Pope might want to go.

So at least 2 “big” signings for me and a 2 or 3 new squad players / players for the future....depending on keeper situation

TVC15 wrote:
Leaves :
...
Crouch, Wells, Walters all to go.

You mean the guy who retired from football over a month ago, that Walters?

nyclaret wrote:Anyone who has played the position at a good level will know that playing a left footed centre back on the right side restricts your play down that side.

Scott Sellers, Head of Academy at Wolves and ex Academy coach at Man City reckons that's nonsense in an interview I saw a couple of weeks back. He wasn't a centre-back but seems qualified to give an opinion.

Cubanclaret wrote:I've heard it suggested from a very credible source that our management team have not given up on Steven Defour, and saw him as the pivotal player during the best spell we had in the first half of last season.
Question remains, can he get fit.
Proper Burnley pre-seasons for the likes of him, Vydra, Brady and Gibson could make us a lot more threatening going into the new season than a year earlier, and with a lot less competitive matches to play in the opening couple of months.
I know its a big 'IF' with Defour, but fitness depending, it could just be a right-back and a veteran forward who is happy to play from the bench. Unless of course, we are happy to trade one or two for 'upgrades' but the only players I see us potentially letting go are Stephen Ward and Phil Bardsley, on account of their age and the fact that they could be playing every week in the Championship.

I hope to god this doesnt happen

criminalclaret wrote:You mean the guy who retired from football over a month ago, that Walters?

No I mean the guy who is still getting paid by the club till the end of his contract will be leaving so will be off the wage bill and we will have a spare place in the squad.

What’s your point exactly ?

claretspice wrote:Don't really get this to be honest, and I see it a lot.

Lennon may not be the best player we have - and no one would genuinely say they expected him to be a first team regular next season - but as a squad player, capable of stepping into the team in the case of injury, or coming off the bench to add a different, pacey threat, I think he could be a hugely valuable asset next season.

Realistically we ought to have 2 players for each position. Our wide options are McNeill, JBG, Brady and Lennon, and Hendrick has shown that he can play there in a more utility role. I think it's fair to say that we could do to improve in that department which would almost certainly mean someone making way. It's not going to be McNeill or JBG, nor will it be the more versatile Hendrick, so that leaves Brady or Lennon. Brady is 5 years younger than Lennon so I think this would be the obvious upgrade.

Heaton/Pope
Lowton/New Tarks/Gibson (if Tarks goes) Mee Taylor
Mendez-laing (Cardiff)/JBG Westwood/Cork Cairney (Fulham)/Mooy (Huddersfield) McNeil
Babel (Fulham)/ Rodriguez (West Brom)/Barnes

I can dream!

Flat Stanley wrote:Heaton/Pope
Lowton/New Tarks/Gibson (if Tarks goes) Mee Taylor
Mendez-laing (Cardiff)/JBG Westwood/Cork Cairney (Fulham)/Mooy (Huddersfield) McNeil
Babel (Fulham)/ Rodriguez (West Brom)/Barnes

I can dream!

Honestly that team doesn’t look any better than our current first team