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Who could fit the bill? Part 2!

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Last week we took a look at some of the players who have been released, and some that could fit in with Darrell Clarke and the current crop of Walsall players. This week, we take a look at those from Colchester, Grimsby and Bradford to see if any would fit the bill. These are players that I feel could fit in, and a couple that I would like, but feel it may not work out.

Jake Hessenthaler – Jake is 26 years old, and plays as a centre mid. He usually is a defensive midfielder, and played the last two seasons with Grimsby. Before this, he spent 5 season in League 1 with Gillingham. We need a consistent defensive midfielder, as it is a position we have not exactly filled well. He is highly experienced, with 159 matches in League One, and 72 in League Two, and could be a player that really bolsters our midfield. He did end the season injured, after suffering a punctured lung, ligament damage, and injuries to his collarbone, after a collision with former Saddler, Simeon Jackson. How close to fitness would normally be a concern, however with a start date not in mind, I cannot see it being an issue.

Jordan Cook – People will see he was released, and think about him. He is one of the players that was in our first Wembley appearance, and the team that made it to the play-offs. Since leaving, his form hasn’t been anything to shout about. He has been in and out of teams, and never really found anything in terms of consistency. I would love to have the old Jordan Cook back, but I fear those days are behind him. He would be a good attacking utility player, he can play up top, or behind the striker, he has featured on both wings, and as an attacking midfielder, something we have been looking for. However I can’t help but think that him signing would be purely a sentimental happiness, not because he would improve the team.

Jermaine Anderson – I am not sure whether I think he would be a good fit or not. Jermaine has played mainly in League One, and has featured all over the field. His best spell has been as a defensive midfielder, where he seems to be able to chip in with a goal or two, and assists. He played for Peterborough for a number of years, and was a fairly consistent player for them. The reason I feel he could fit in is due to his versatility. Being able to play out wide too gives us someone who could be a solid utility player, much like Kinsella.

The Colchester 4 – Early on, before any decisions had been made about whether the league would be playing on or not, Colchester decided to release 4 players, all of which had featured heavily throughout the campaign so far. There is the case for all four to be made, and obviously we are not going to sign all four. But we all know that any players coming in will have to be worthy of a play-off/promotion push, and all four of these players have been key in getting Colchester into those spots.

First up, Frank Nouble. I expect that he would command a higher wage. A player that did not really live up to his full potential higher up the leagues, but one that has been been a regular lower down. He is an inconsistent player, but as someone who gets a handful of goals and assists every season, he is one that will always add something to a team in our league. He has 5 goals and 7 assists this season, mainly from the Left wing, but he also has featured, and chipped in from the right wing too, so as someone competing with Nolan, he could be a signing that improves our team. Defender Luke Prosser is an interesting one. He is 31 years old, and vastly experienced at this level. Unless players leave, I cannot see us adding a centre back, but if we did need one, the captain of a team that have finished in a play-off spot is a good way to go. He has over 250 league two appearances in his career, and has achieved promotion with Southend, and 2, 8th place finishes in league two with Colchester, as well as this season. So if we need a new CB, he could be a solid choice. Brandon Comley is 24 years old, and is a defensive minded Centre-Mid. Our options in that sort of role, for a physical defensive midfielder this season have been Liddle and Sheron. So it is a role we do need filling. He has a lot of appearances under his belt with 120 in league 2. Finally Ryan Jackson, I have to say, I would rather keep Norman and Facey rather than replace one.

Other Notable Mentions

Hope Akpan – Hope is a player that has played throughout the leagues, and as a centre mid who is more attacking, could be on the radar. However I feel that his wages would be much higher than we are willing, and wanting to pay.

Adam Henley – Similar to Hope, I feel Henley would command too high of a wage. He has played a lot of Championship football, but being released by Bradford, who didn’t hit the heights they wanted, gives an indication about these players.

There we have it. Be sure to keep an eye out for more of these as teams release their retained lists.

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