Happy for Lapslie

[Garawa]

I can't explain last season. We had very good players who didn't perform as a whole. Dieng came to life towards the end and showed us what he is capable of but only once the manager changed formation so I can only deduce that, collectively, they didn't function as a team and were not used to their strengths.

So in comes a new manager and he can hardly say he is happy with the players available to him given the inept scoring record. Players have to be got rid of and fringe players like Nadesan were an easy choice. It didn't leave much else and so Hawkins and Lapslie found themselves surplus to requirements. I like Lapslie. I don't think we saw the player he is at all so I am thrilled that he is getting a chance to show what he can do. The way he celebrated his goal and embraced James Russell showed the commitment and the togetherness in the squad. Joe Comper said at the Noircat presentation evening that we were targeting 4 players (who signed quickly) and others would make way for other new signings would hit the wallets of the Gallinson's if they didn't secure a new club whilst under contract with us - something Brad was happy to do. It means we still have Lapslie in a very competitive area of the pitch with E Williams, J Williams, Dack and Dieng all vying for that spot. I'm pleased he is taking his chance and showing us that he is still very much part of the squad - very helpful too given the level of injuries already!

[bunburygills]

Just because you might have some good players it doesn't mean they are going to shine and win the league. Look at the fortunes spent by Chelsea and Man Utd and look how they performed last year. Look at the squad available to Southgate at the Euros. I couldn't watch their whole games, they were so boring. I just watched the 25 minute highlights. Then look at Brighton under both Potter and Zerbi. They had a team of cheap unknowns and a mixture of hasbeens like Wellbeck, Lallana and Milner and they were one of the most attractive teams to watch. No one had heard of Postecoglu before last year and he got in players unknown in England and they won 8 out of their first 10 games. Conclusion? The manager is the most important member of the team and usually nowhere near the highest earner.