Neal Eardley’s injury has highlighted an issue with our squad and, if I’m being honest, an issue Danny has been happy to carry for the last few seasons.
The one area we rarely seem to have adequate cover is full back. For every other position we have a like for like replacement, but rarely have we had full back cover. Think to the National League, Sam was pretty much alone at left back, but we did have Sean Long and Bradley Wood on the right. Last season we had Neal Eardley on the right, Sam on the left and Sean Long as the only cover.
This season Adam Crookes is classed as left back cover but I’d be nervous if he was forced into action over Harry Toffolo and as we’ve seen recently, neither James Wilson nor Kellan Gordon are defensive right backs. Gordon might have played wing back for derby Under 23s, but the two positions are very different.
It means when an injury occurs to Neal or, God forbid, if Harry Toffolo gets a knock, we’re pushing round pegs in square holes. James Wilson is a good pro and someone who can be relied upon to put in a solid performance, but he isn’t a right back.
I’ve had a trawl through the free agents, just for fun, and identified a handful of full backs who could currently sign a short-term deal, if we needed them to. We know that isn’t Danny’s style, but are there any on the list you’d like to see come and cover for the Imps?