GRIMSBY TOWN FC DEPTH CHART
(as at 26th JANUARY 2015)
Assumes 4-4-2 formation
CAPITALS denotes starter, lower case; back-up in order of likely preference
Goalkeeper
MCKEOWN
Draper
Defenders (RB - RCB - LCB - LB)
PARSLOW NSIALA PEARSON MAGNAY
Robertson Parslow Parslow Robertson
Magnay Magnay Magnay Bignot
Walker Doig Doig McLaughlin
Bignot Bignot Bignot Winfarrah
Walker Humble
Midfielders (RM - CM - CM - LM)
MACKRETH DISLEY BROWN ARNOLD
Neilson Clay Clay Neilson
Jolley McLaughlin McLaughlin Jolley
Clay Parslow Parslow McLaughlin
Pittman Robertson Robertson Winfarrah
Strikers (CF - CF)
JOHN-LEWIS PALMER
Pittman Pittman
Hannah Hannah
Arnold Arnold
Jolley Jolley
Watson Watson
Neilson Neilson
How does it work?
The idea is that, given a predictable settled first XI, then when there are injuries or suspension, we can see if the manager shuffles his squad as expected.
Quick example; let's say Scott Brown remains injured for the next game - then Craig Clay would probably stay in the side. Easy.
When either starting striker is injured, I'd expect JP Pittman to come in - you could argue he is the starter, but loanee Palmer has stolen his shirt briefly. If Pittman himself was injured, I reckon either Arnold goes up front, or Hannah or Watson start, or we change formation and a midfielder comes in.
It is more complex in defence. We've guessed, post-Aswad, as to who may go where in the roles. Even the question of the Starters is controversial. I reckon Danny Parslow is, for now our starting right-back, but also our first choice back-up centre-half. So, if Toto was unavailable, the back four is likely to be Parslow and Pearson, Magnay, then either Bignot or Walker. Depends which side Magnay plays on. Bignot has briefly appeared for us on the left; would Paul Hurst prefer him there, or Magnay, or even Paddy? As I write this, the club have announced more cover in the form of defender Gregor Robertson, so I've added him in. Ditto with striker Christian Jolley.
Starters: I've taken the liberty of not putting certain players anywhere else in the chart. McKeown, John-Lewis, Nsiala, Pearson, Disley, Mackreth - if they are fit and selected, I think we know where they are going to play.
Doing a Depth Chart exposes any weaknesses in our squad. Example; unless Aswad returns fully fit and on top form, we are suddenly without a specialist left-back - hopefully this will be Robertson. The Chart shows the versatility of some players, although it also shows that the young professionals are a way down the pecking order.
What do you make of the Depth Chart - do you agree with the placings of the players? Does it confirm your personal views on transfer targets?
DH / CN