
I agree with all of them and would add Kone.
I also don't think Atsu or Lennon are ideal long term and need replacing.
He also needs to look at the under 21s and make some decisions, can't just keep loaning them out forever.
I expect Mirallas will leave and I'd be tempted to cash in on Baines while he still has value as we have Garbutt and Oviedo as cover there.
Think Stones, Garbutt and Browning will become 1st team regulars next season. Will need to find quality wide men with a bit of pace.
I'd estimate that all but Distin on that list will be here next season.
Lol at us
Howard, Hibbert, Pienaar, Distin, McGeady, Barry, Alcaraz - and send Atsu packing (probably Lennon at the asking price as well).
Only Pienaar - if he ever recovers his fitness - is worthy of a place in the squad.
Robles (or better), Coleman, Jags, Stones, Baines, Mirallas (if staying), Naismith, Barkley, Gibson, Osman (for now), McCarthy, Besic, Kone (maybe), Lukaku, Oviedo (perhaps), Garbutt, Pienaar (maybe), 3-4 good signings and a few younger players.
After this season I can imagine Martinez having a big shape up so the article's probably not far off. We need rid of the dead wood in our squad - there's no way I'd have Hibbert instead of someone like Browning in the first team
It's worrying that you're probably correct, mainly because there each of those names has very little (if any) value where we can gain capital.I'd estimate that all but Distin on that list will be here next season.
Lol at us
....I agree with the sentiment, I was very surprised when Hibbert was awarded another contract. The only reason I can think of is his influence around FF but whilst it is important to have good characters it's a lot of money to pay for being a good fella.
When mentioning youngsters, though, they need to be ready for the step up.
Why Baines?Players I'd get rid of:
Howard, Distin, Alcaraz, Lennon and Atsu also reluctantly Mirallas and Baines(as long as Garbutt signs his new contract).
We need:
Goalkeeper, Left Centre Back, Right Winger, Left Winger, Striker.
Why Baines?
What has he done to be binned?
Garbutt isn't a better player now and Baines stood with us and was loyal when clubs offered big contracts.
I'm all for signing up Garbs but don't see why that should means Baines leaving.
Baines's game is based around intelligence and reading of the game, not his physical attributes. He can play at the top level for quite a few years yet.If we sold Baines we would get 10-15 million whereas Garbutt we would get maybe 5 million if we are lucky and probably a similiar figure for Oviedo. We can't keep 3 of them happy so one has to go. Realistically we'll get 2 or 3 more years out of Baines then his value will be completely gone whereas we could get 10 years out of Garbutt and maybe 8 years out of Oviedo. I agree Baines is our best left back at the moment but sometimes you have to allow a player to leave which in the short is detrimental but in the long term could work out better for the team. Next season we won't have European football so Garbutts opportunities will be limited if Baines stays.