Picking thro the various responses to the Qs I posed, before it was derailed by the usual Rovers v FC squabbling
, there appears to be a consensus* that Rovers 2013 squad is weaker, and will struggle to reach the play-offs.
The main concern is the lack of depth in the squad, and in particular the lack of experienced leaders. This last point underlines a concern that perhaps there is too much reliance on youth.
With regards to improvements, most posters have flagged the defence and would (perhaps) see Rovers prospects for next season improved if they were to sign an experienced prop and a full back.
In conclusion, then, this is probably the first time I have felt a wave of negativity from Rovers supporters. Perhaps this is understandable considering the NH/RC-led debate on Rovers future and the selling of two of the clubs prize assets. However, and accepting the strength of argument about the lack of depth in the squad, the spine of the team has been retained which is somewhat overlooked IMO. Also, Rovers replacements for Clinton and Webster are a vast improvement although it remains to be seen if Burns and Paterson will be the impact players CS hopes they will be.
I am actually confident and positive about Rovers 2013 squad.
On paper it doesn’t appear to be skewed to the left, which is a huge positive, and whilst I agree great expectations are being placed on youth, the SL experience they gained last season cannot be discounted (a point I was trying to put across in my response).
Even though I am hopeless at predictions I feel 7/8th is a realistic target, but I would be a lot happier if the squad were bolstered by at least 2 experienced players.
*the consensus is not what one would safely call a representative sample although IMO the ‘respondents’ are of the more learned type
compared to others on these threads
.
