Hemel latic

30 v. Nearly 33, no he doesn't

Doesn't fit the profile of our other signings. We also have more strength in depth there than any other position on the pitch. Agree that Willoughby looks fourth choice but it's a long season, four in that position feels right.

Just bought mine. Big thankyou to the Southend fans and staff for doing their best to get the game on. We know what you're going through. Hope you find your Frank and get your club back before too long.

I know it's not ideal but they are options. Sutton was pretty adept in the position from a defensive perspective after playing a number of games there. I'm not sure he's played there but I've heard Shelton played FB at Hartlepools. So, based on what we've got and a 46 game season I'm happy they're spending the time to recruit the right player rather than any old cast off. You never know, perhaps McLaughlin will trial tomorrow?

You can see why they'd be having a good look at these guys rather than snapping them up. Will be interesting to see if any feature on Saturday. If I'm honest I'm surprised we haven't signed a RB, but I'm taking that as we're waiting to sign the right player rather than rushing in, particularly given we have options for this position in the existing squad.

He doesn't fit the template of players we've signed so far, most have been Northern with good fitness records.

Did you see a keeper in the National League last season that you'd take over Magnus Norman? I didn't and on that basis among others I'm dead happy with our number one.

9 month season, at least 48 games. So at least 8 weeks where we will play midweek, even if we fail to progress in either cup, or with no postponements. Given we're hoping for a run in both cup competitions and last season tells us there will be postponements, because of weather and because opponents are unavailable because of cup fixtures, it's going to be a squad game this season.

I liked Unsworth's rationale that if he's going to sign a loan he needs a player he's confident can come straight into a promotion seeking team.

I had a crap day at work and it has really cheered me up listening to that, well done Matt and Andy. Unsy sounds quietly confident and what's going on around the club and the ground just sounds brilliant. I am so excited about the new season, I'm bought into the potential for something special happening. Only 12 more sleeps to go.

I haven't seen any of the friendlies but Nuttall hasn't become a bad player over the pre-season. Form is temporary, sounds like he's out of form. Perhaps it's just taking him longer to find form and fitness than some of the other lads? Give him a chance, great thing with this squad is we have options

Doubt it, persona non grata.

Same here Dave, I did it a couple of times last year at £25 a month but interestingly that extra fiver just pushes it into silly money for me.

Shez. Sounds like a pay off. Just Rooney to move on now?

I thought it looked as though Nuttall and Reid were beginning to form a promising partnership towards the end of the season. Reid looks like one of those guys that's only really at his best when 100% fit so I think the options up front will benefit him, we don't have to run him into the ground. Having his pace and skill in the team causes panic in the opposition. Timmy had lovely raw pace but Reid has greater skill and finishing ability to go with it. I think we'll start 442 with those two up top, although recognise things could change over the next three weeks.

Couldn't agree more with your final sentence. From our perspective we want a winning start on the opening day but more important that their club survives and continues under fit and proper ownership.

Kofi Moore on loan to Workington Town until 7 January 2024 (NPL premier division)

The closer we get to the season kicking off, the more pragmatic I become about our prospects. I was swept away with the euphoria and optimism of retaining a squad and adding some good players to it which is a novelty for us. However, looking around other teams have also had a good pre-season in terms of retention and additions. I too suspect it will be harder than perhaps we expect. But there's still reason to believe we should be a top 6 side with top 2 potential.

Thanks for the info. Is that Ellis Chapman at RB, or a young lad?

Aye, I could get behind that (your shirt design, for the avoidance of doubt).

Like it, could do with removing the third kit typo.

((Echo which covers Basildon, Canvey, Southend.))

Southend away, opening day, is a good opportunity to replicate the massive travelling army we took to Torquay last season.

I really enjoy the message board, particularly as an exile. I don't mind twitter either tbh, I just walk past the stuff I don't like and ignore it. The board, the pod, the blog and the call-in mean I've got as much Latics content as I could want and agree, much of the content across all four is interesting and well informed. I'm getting soft in my old age but I do wish we could be kinder to each other when we disagree. So big up to everyone on the board, looking forward to sharing the highs and lows of what should be an exciting season with all of you.

Good news that he's off the staff, hopefully his former wage contributes to the playing budget going forward.