Pre-season matches

At this time last season I was devoid of hope and thought that we looked dis-jointed and were certainties for relegation. This season despite not winning or even scoring in our last 4 friendlies I think there are still lots of positives.   Only Fulham really did a job on us and against both Spurs and Brighton we came up against well organised teams. Against Reading we had lots of possession but just couldn't finish.

Marti's tactic  of playing out slowly from the back is going to take a bit of getting used to but if it keeps us out of the relegation zone then it's worth a try. From what I've seen in pre season I think,

Nardi - has had plenty to do in pre season and looks an improvement on Begovic
Dunne- gives us more height in defence and whilst he's not a natural right back he's better than Cannon
Cook- Solid and dependable if not blessed with pace
JCS- Has made mistakes but might have his mind on a transfer to the Premiership
Paal- like JCS he's looked a bit out of sorts and could have his mind on a move away.
Field - rarely let's the team down and whilst I'd like to see him getting forward more his main job is to help protect the defence
Colback- now that Varanne has joined it will provide some much needed competition to Jack who has looked a weak link.
Andersen - is our only real creator, and without Willock or Chair in the team, he has to be the first name on the team sheet.
Smyth-does get forward and does cause issues to defenders but lacks a finish and he rarely finds a  threatening final ball.
Kolli - is a work in progress and is full of potential. Hopefully, we don't break his spirit like we did with Sinclair Armstrong. He could be our next number 10 if they handle him right. 
Frey - seems fitter and works hard but hasn't threatened the goal too often and I question whether Lyndon
Celar-his movement in and around the box is something we don't have with Dykes and Frey. Hopefully, he will be our missing goal scorer because if he's no better than Dykes or Frey we will struggle. So much will depend on the service he gets from the midfield and whether his movement is spotted.
Dixon Bonner struggled in the games against Spurs and Fulham and looked out of his depth against quality players.
Dykes getting another injury is disappointing because his experience and work rate is a plus in the Championship. 

Of the others Morrison, Hevertton and Bennie and Lloyd all look good prospects and I'd imagine Marti will start at least a couple of them against Cambridge in the cup. 

Overall the defence looks reasonable although the likely sale of JCS and possibly Paal could change that.  Going forward we've looked weak in the attacking roles and without Chair and having lost Willock the team is struggling to threaten the opponents goal and we need some more fire power.

It would be nice to think that in the next few weeks we could bring in an experienced player who can get a few goals and create chances that will help the front men.