smith and sawyer

[gloucester4life]

will we sign them and what is the fans view do or dont you want them 2 sign

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

We have to remember that there will be a limited budget and focus on areas where we need to be stronger.

Ray Johnson has done a good job for us in my opinion, so while Kev Sawyer is often quoted as the best keeper in the league this might not be a priority area unless Rayzor chooses not to hang around.

Defence is another matter. I think Lyndon is class, and Luke Buttery is also a good signing. Would like to see Hodnett and Smith signed up.

The rest of the pitch looks promising as long as Welshy stays with us. Imagine the impact he could give us if he stayed injury free. We may end up losing a midfielder and a striker to accomodate strengthening at the back.

Early thoughts straight off the top of my skull

[Neil]

I think if we really want to get some higher calibre players in then maybe we could pledge to pay towards it like they do at FGR. I know there are other fans that are happy to help.

[pylonsider]

Smudger is electric and after a difficult start with us has endeared himself to the speccies. While he is an incredible athlete I'm sure any manager would be looking to see how he'd gell with the team he is building.

Smudger still ain't the best header of a ball I've seen, sometimes his crossing leads to frustration rather than a killer chance, and he needs to think about his positional play to become a top drawer non-league player.

Maybe his trip up the hill has come to an end - he is on contract and still below the age boundary so there may well be a fee involved.

Carlsberg Kev is our only other player on contract and there certainly would be a fee. For him, even more than for Smudger, I think he'll want to play where he can enjoy his footy.

He's done a great job for us this year but I can't swear he's actually enjoyed some of the defending he's seen in front of him :rolleyes:

[gloucester4life]

does'nt sawyer contract run out at the end of this season then pylonsider and smith is a city favourite and hes improved since hes been at ciren but id love him 2 grace meadow park again in a city shirt that is,but oviously chipps mangos weston and teams like that r going 2 be sniffing so who knows

[joycie]

need to keep the attackers at gloucester. to have jason welsh, alex sykes, scott griffin still at the club would be good for next season. syko has got about 13 goals this season and welsh has also scored around the 15 mark i think. griffin will score goals and so will jimmy cox but there is also still jody bevan and there will be a lot of competition for the attacking places next season when everyone is fit and competition is always good. :) not forgetting matt shaxton but it all depends on who tim harris decides he wants to hold on to. with syko working as a sort of link between the strikers and midfielders works brilliantly. he scores goals and is the perfect set piece taker. in midfield you also have marc richards, tom webb and neil mustoe. webby for me is brilliant and could be playing at a higher level, he always gives 110% and when he came on against rugby he was influeintal. the defence is also looking strong but maybe needs strengthening. smith from cirencester would be a great signing and your always promised a performance from him. thats why FGR went in for him a couple of seasons back. also to hold on to the youth team players. at gloucester there is a great youth set up and to produce the likes of jamie reid is very good and a cheap and good option to get players in to your first team squad. one of the main targets is to hold on to jason welsh probably because there are probably a few clubs sniffing around for him but hopefully he is dedicated to tim harris and the rest of the squad.

[Tiger Andy]

Happilly have Smithy, but think Sawyer is overrated. All the save he made on Saturday were straight at him. Stick with our current keeper, as long as he can sort his kicking out...

[gloucester4life]

well lets hope tim does he best 2 get them in as there surely not gonna play in the league below and be a shame 2 miss out on quality players when they pop up,if we sign a few could be a special season 4 the city faithful next term

[bully74uk]

does'nt sawyer contract run out at the end of this season then pylonsider and smith is a city favourite and hes improved since hes been at ciren but id love him 2 grace meadow park again in a city shirt that is,but oviously chipps mangos weston and teams like that r going 2 be sniffing so who knows

Yes, Kev's contract does run out at the end of this season so NO there would not be a fee involved.

Oh and a msg for Neil, Good to meet you yesterday and put a face to the many names.

[Neil]

Sorry if I was a little furtive when you said hello because I normally wonder whether I have to put my guard up when introducing myself :D

[yuffie]

is smith a left-back? - we could do with a natural left-back next season

[gloucester4life]

na a right sider yuffie wing back/winger

[Pablo]

It would be great to have Smithy, we don't need a new 'keeper, since he has joined, we have W6 D4 L3 which is much better than what was happening at the start of the season. The defence have really organised a lot this last half of the season. I would also like to see Hodnett join more permanently.

[bully74uk]

Happilly have Smithy, but think Sawyer is overrated. All the save he made on Saturday were straight at him. Stick with our current keeper, as long as he can sort his kicking out...

As someone who has been following Kevs football for quite a few years I would be interested to know what your basing the overrated statement on ?

Hopefully its not just the two games against you guys ? At your place recently where he without a shadow of a doubt cost you all 3 points, and yesterday where yes they were quite straight forward saves but he still played a big part in keeping the score to a semi respectable level.

I will not get too involved in a big "just how good is he" argument because if Im not biased (which I probably am a little) then id certainly get accused of it so no point really.

All I can say is that there have been many people that see Kev as one of the best keepers at this level (maybe even Mr Harris) and they cant all be wrong. Personally, biased or not I think at the very least where shot stopping is concerned he is in with a shout.

Oh and Neil, Sorry if I startled you with my "You must be Neil" introduction, didn't realise you had created enough forum enemies to have be on your guard all the time ! :)

[Neil]

Looking at Kev you'd think that shot stopping and getting down to the low ones would be a real weakness with him but not so. In fact I think he looked less assured in the air at times yesterday that I've come to expect but his shot stopping was almost flawless.

[bobcarolgees]

Having never seen him before I was a little shocked when he came on to the pitch before the game witnessing his rather rotund appearance and that he started stopping shots using his feet and not his hands.

For me he was only a can of stella and a fag away from sunday league goalies.

Fair to say he kept the score to a minimum with some good relex saves so looks can be decieiving.





He's still a fat git though! :)

[gloucester4life]

yeah hes fat but hes a good keeper but we should give razor a chance but the other lad in the topic we should do what we can 2 get smith back running up the right 4 city again we chanted a song 4 him so we did r bit and he heard he clapped at the end which was out of respect 4 us lot and a sign hes missd the meadow park roar

[Joe]

I think Smith is the best right winger in the league and Sawyer is the best keeper. I would consider both, if the price is right.

[joycie]

i think you have to bring in smith but as others have said the likes of chippenham, bath may be thinking along the same lines. i don't see a reason to get rid of johnston as from what i have seen of him he hasn't done a lot wrong but sawyer (and what i have seen of him) was impressive in the 0-0 draw at meadow park a couple of weeks back. i thought matt bath did nothing wrong but maybe its sometimes best for changes???

[Darran]

As everyone seems happy with our current keeper why on earth would we need another one? There are other areas of the pitch that we need to concentrate on first. I'm not even sure getting Smithy back should be a priority either as we need defenders.

[Joe]

As everyone seems happy with our current keeper why on earth would we need another one?

Razor's quality, make no bones about it. And if Tim does move in for Sawyer, you'd have to feel for Ray. He's done a great job and has really led to an improvement in form.

But at the same time, you'd understand Tim's logic. To win promotion, you have to have the best players. Look at Bath- they've always had a decent team with decent strikers. Martin Paul has over 100 goals for them. But to win the league, they splashed out big money for Darren Edwards from Yate, and now they're reaping the rewards.

Sawyer truly is the best keeper in the league. I've seen him 4 or 5 times now, and he's yet to make a mistake. He's a better shot stopper than Bathy was circa 2003. And he's only 26 (years, not stone :p ). I haven't really noticed him organising his defence too often, but that might just be an oversight by me.

I'll be happy with whichever is pulling on the number 1 jersey come August.:thumbsup:

[DCD]

Spoke to Lee Smith last week when he was playing darts ina pub he now frequents some times and he said that he misses city and would love to come back but there is a problem that he is on a 24 month contract and if city wanted him he would have to be bought out also on the plus side Lee still has not passed is driving test so he wont be going to places to far away.

[bully74uk]

Spoke to Lee Smith last week when he was playing darts ina pub he now frequents some times and he said that he misses city and would love to come back but there is a problem that he is on a 24 month contract and if city wanted him he would have to be bought out also on the plus side Lee still has not passed is driving test so he wont be going to places to far away.

mmm, not so sure about the 24 month thing, I got the impression on Monday that his contract runs out at the end of this season the same as Kevs !

[gloucester4life]

lee smith contract runs out in 3 weeks time definetly cause spoke 2 few ciren fans they were saying they wont hang on 2 smithy and sawyer when the deals run out in may

[Graham]

It looks as if we are trying to pick the team for Tim, let him make his own mind up, as he has not let us down, he will know if he wants Sawyer and Smith next year stop the hype about these two players Razor has done brilliantly for us since he has been in and this talk will only effect him and with Smith, if he comes back will he only leave us again for a bigger pay packet!!

[gloucester4life]

harsh but yeah your right about picking the team its tims job,and the pay packet thing was more he leftd more because of chris burns than money but who knows i know its tims job but surely he sees smith and sawyer as great players,

[bobcarolgees]

The one thing we have lacked at times this season is natural width and to have a line hugging winger like Smithy who is able to cross as well as take and beat players would obviously be beneficial. The general buzz and feeling his signing would bring to the fans would be perhaps the biggest we've had in many years. A sure sign that the club is heading in the right direction.:thumbsup:

I have already said that I think Razor is doing a sterling job, so I dont think chasing Sawyer is a priority. We need to try and get Hamblin in and another defender as well, just as long as its not Khan:rolleyes:

As for Whittington, if he was to join utimately I think we'd have to lose Shaxton and/or Bevan. I think Randall will be on his way, wouldnt suprise me if Wilko is as well.

[DCD]

lee smith contract runs out in 3 weeks time definetly cause spoke 2 few ciren fans they were saying they wont hang on 2 smithy and sawyer when the deals run out in may


Only repeating what Lee said to me thats all I could have heard it wrong but im sure i didnt.

more he leftd more because of chris burns than money but knows

He did mention that to and you are on the right lines there

[Neil]

As for Whittington, if he was to join utimately I think we'd have to lose Shaxton and/or Bevan. I think Randall will be on his way, wouldnt suprise me if Wilko is as well.I think among Cox, Shaxton, Welsh and Griffin we have four strikers who could easily do a job in this league and would be a real asset to this club.

[Badger]

I have to say i agree with Neil, both Noah and myself are becoming Shaxton converts. I thought during his 10 minute role on Monday he showed some excellent ball control and awareness of what was going on around him.

[RedShift]

Where is Lee Randall now - is he playing at the moment?

[Simon]

Where is Lee Randall now - is he playing at the moment?

The last I heard he is at Cirencester United.

Could anyone broaden this for me?

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

Could anyone broaden this for me?

T h e l a s t I h e a r d h e i s a t C i r e n c e s t e r U n i t e d .

[Neil]

T h e l a s t I h e a r d h e i s a t C i r e n c e s t e r U n i t e d .:D :notworthy:

[Simon]

T h e l a s t I h e a r d h e i s a t C i r e n c e s t e r U n i t e d .

:notworthy:

[Graham]

I see Shaxton as a big signing in the future

[gloucester4life]

we may even sign steve cowe from ciren but out of the ciren team i think only 4 will leave and the rest will stay jackson is proven at this level as is cowe smith and sawyer but if ciren went down and kept them they would bounce back i feel,but i hope they dont stay what a waste that would be,

[bully74uk]

Not sure about Cowe, He's 32 years old so not sure if he'd stay in which case he would be more or less be guaranteed a game, or stay at this level and move to a club where he may or may not be a regular starter.

Id be prepared to have a pint bet with anyone that the other 3 mentioned will not be playing lower league football next season. (well maybe not with everyone as im not that flush !)

Wouldn't want to take bets on who they might be playing for though as there may be interest from a few of the more local sides.

[gloucester4life]

yeah i understand what you mean about the other local clubs there all b tryin 2 get smith sawyer and jackson the likes of chipps mango bath weston and a few others but we have gotta b in with a shout we have started 2 become a team players are wanting 2 come 2 so fingers crossed,i think we WILL sign mayb 1 of them in the topic but not BOTH

[bully74uk]

yeah i understand what you mean about the other local clubs there all b tryin 2 get smith sawyer and jackson the likes of chipps mango bath weston and a few others but we have gotta b in with a shout we have started 2 become a team players are wanting 2 come 2 so fingers crossed,i think we WILL sign mayb 1 of them in the topic but not BOTH

So which one do you think you will sign ? Smith or Sawyer as Im sure you think its out of them two ?

[gloucester4life]

I Think Sawyer

[bully74uk]

Thats a good shout.
And as ive said in previous posts as a follower of Kev's football I would certainly enjoy coming to Gloucester to watch him play.
Not quite the atmosphere of Salisbury's Ray Mac (sorry guys) but many times better than the atmosphere at Ciren. (apart from the entertainment provided by the group that your video man had the pleasure of listening to on Monday)

At the end of the day im sure Tim Harris will make the correct decisions on who he brings in to strengthen the team.

[SHANDY LOVE MACHINE]

What amazed me about Salisbury's ground was when we went there and they won the league but beating us. Not only did many fans not stay behind to acknowledge the team or join in post match celebrations, but there was not a great deal of noise by those who did.

If City won the league I'd be on the pitch bouncing higher and happier than Zebedee on Ecstacy.

[Neil]

Not quite the atmosphere of Salisbury's Ray Mac (sorry guys)You obviously never saw them at the old place then!

Still, thinking of that place it makes me realise why they're happy to have half a stadium now....

[gloucester4life]

but i hope we sign lee smith 2 but its tim who will bring players in :thumbsup:

[bully74uk]

You obviously never saw them at the old place then!

Still, thinking of that place it makes me realise why they're happy to have half a stadium now....

No, I never visited Salisbury's old ground.
Surely it wasn't as bad as Cirens old ground though ?

[Neil]

Worse!

[city supporter]

I Think Sawyer

We don't need him...Razor if great and things have been better since Matt departed and he stepped in. Plus the fact that the sort of money Sawyer would require, is too rich for us !
As forLee, well everyone knows I would like him to return and in the conversations I have had with him, he would love to be back at MP. Whether Tim feels he needs him is another matter. As I understand things there will be no fee involved once Lee reaches his next Birthday, which I believe is in September.

Jason Welsh DEFINITELY wants to be in a City shirt next season, he loves the Club. Hope Sykes will stay with us as well, I feel he is one of the most energetic players we have and hungry for success.

Player of the season for me has got to be Lyndon....hope he is okay after Saturday's game.

[gloucester4life]

good call but if we want more success and tim oviously knows this 2 you have got 2 add 2 your squad and if we dont try and sign smith and sawyer there only go and make some other team stronger in this league and maybe league above,but time will tell,come on the tigers

[Pablo]

If City won the league I'd be on the pitch bouncing higher and happier than Zebedee on Ecstacy.

Yes, there would be a full scale pitch invasion!

[darrenb]

Signing Smithy would be brilliant and everyone knows he loves the club so hopefully that would be enough to tempt him back.

I don't think we need Sawyer - stick with Razor and try to get a consistent back 5 next season.

[nigel]

Take todays game, no natural width on either side, an on song Smithy could have made a real difference

[Pablo]

Take todays game, no natural width on either side, an on song Smithy could have made a real difference

There was nothing on the right at all, Reidy had to come right into the centre to even get into the game...

[gloucester4life]

be honest smithy is good and hes 3 in the summer we have got 2 get him

[Simon]

be honest smithy is good and hes 3 in the summer

I thought he was 24 this year.

:thumbsup:

[Dr Wart Hoover]

we have lacked width at many times this season - Lee Smith would sort that out overnight. Of all the no-brainers I've seen, this is the ultimate... bring him back!

[gloucester4life]

thats a good quote and lets be honest we need 2 sign him,like you say he will give us width hes fast and gets up and down its weird that bringing a past player back would seem 2 give the club a buzz i think he would love 2 grace meadow park again,

[gloucester4life]

ciren are relegated unless every team in the mix fail 2 win and they win there games bye bye 2 the windy stadium then

[gloucester4life]

theres talk of these 2 players on a few other forums bad news as was hoping we could sniff them from below other teams nose

[IJD]

theres talk of these 2 players on a few other forums bad news as was hoping we could sniff them from below other teams nose


But it's always the same at this stage of the season when people start looking towards next season and the players they'd like to see in their sides next season.

Personally I think that Ray Johnston should be kept on as he has done well since stepping up to this league. Smithy is the one that I would want to see back to give us that outlet out wide, which as many other have said on this thread, has been missing all season

[Neil]

If it came down to a choice out of the two then I'd go for Sawyer. Just remember how frail we've been defensively this season and how inconsistent Smithy was in his last season with us.

And besides, with Sawyer he's huge and puts fear into strikers. When I think of him I think of Stir Crazy and Groceburger sat alone at his table in the dining hall :D

[gloucester4life]

neil but remember hes 2 years wiser now and you can tell hes improved