Here We Go Again!!

Here we are again, on the eve of the season, awaiting the big kick off.  I for one cannot wait for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) first game at home to Barrow.

It has been a busy close season and the Daggers have strengthened the squad with some very interesting signings.    Michael Cheek is obviously the biggest of these signings, following his impressive goal tally last term for Braintree Town.  Cheek banged in 19 goals for a team that ended up getting relegated last year, a good return for a striker in a struggling team.  Hopefully he can adjust to the rigours of full time football and continue his goal scoring form in a team that should by rights create a few more chances.

After losing the likes of Jordan Maguire-Drew and Luke Guttridge, it was important that John Still moved quickly to bring in replacements in those attacking areas.

The signing of some wide midfielders added to the quality we already have in the attacking third, makes me think that our Forwards this season will have plenty of opportunities to find the net.

Daniel Sparkes from Torquay United looks like a decent acquisition, as does Nick Wheeler from Tonbridge.  These two, plus a fully fit and firing Jake Howells provide great competition for places.  It also gives us options in what formation to play, with actual wide midfielders there will be a chance to play a 442 without having to play anybody out of their  position.

I do however expect us to keep the 4231 formation that at times was so successful last season.  This could mean that these midfielders will need to play higher up the pitch, again though these areas are well covered, with the likes of new signing Morgan Ferrier, last years player of the year Corey Whitely, Fejiri and of course Elliott Romain, who can play in a number of positions up top, that’s not even mentioning last seasons top marksman Ollie Hawkins.

We have also brought in a new man in midfield, Charlee Adams has signed on a free from Birmingham.  The 22 year old has played in Scotland for Kilmarnock and will help our cause in that area.  Last year with the long term injury to Matt Robinson and the International call ups for Andre Boucaud, we were found wanting in the centre of the pitch.  This year hopefully we have a way to combat this problem.  Tarique Hyde has come through the ranks and could have more appearances this season and also Craig Robson will be ever ready to stand in if needed.  Jake Howells can also help out in there and hopefully we can see a bit more of Luke Howell this term as well.

Benn Nunn is our new right back from Boreham Wood, replacing Curtley Williams and Bondz Ngala brings a bit more experience to the back four and he could be a great foil for both Doe and Robson.  Luke Pennell who was out for all but the last few weeks of last season looks to be our first choice left back, he also can give us cover in the centre of defence.  Likewise our new loan signing Kevin Loko can give us extra cover at the back on the left and in the centre.

All in all it looks like it could be another exciting season full of goals and attacking football.   The squad looks much improved on last season with more players brought in to play certain positions, whereas last year we had a few utility players.  The depth in the squad is no doubt greater and who knows with a bit of luck on the injury front, we could all be celebrating come the end of April.

Hopefully this year as well we will have a better go at the FA Trophy as well, I was very disappointed with our early exit last year.  It was a competition I was looking forward to after a 10 year break from it.

Here are a few predictions I have made for the upcoming season

 

National League Champions: Tranmere

Final Position: 2nd

Fa Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

Essex Senior Cup: Qtr Finals

Player of the Year: Matt Robinson

Top Scorer: Michael Cheek

Top National League Scorer: James Alabi, Tranmere.

Player to Watch: Mason Bloomfield

 

 

If you haven’t heard it please also give a listen to this:

https://soundcloud.com/choochoofilms/sets/a-game-of-headers-volleys-series-one

This is mine and Dr Monkatron’s preview for the upcoming season, about Daggers and the National League.

 

Up the Daggers!!