Should they stay or should they go?
OOH YEAH DUFFMAN WILL RELEASE PLAYERS.
Matt Shaw, Founder.
Twitter: @TTCMatt
Duffman, you got to let us know
Should they stay, or should they go?
If Cartwright says that they are ours…
Just remember last season’s shower
So you got to let us know
Will they stay, or will they go?
Let’s begin!
Ok, so if you’re reading this then you’re not just any old pillock off the street. You’ll be aware that Michael Duff has been appointed as the new Town boss and that we’ll be playing in League 1 next season. If you listen to the podcast and pay attention, you’ll no doubt have heard me say that “I fucking hate League 1” on several occasions over the last year, and it’s true. I fucking hate League 1.
The pizza trophy, the early rounds of the cup, the 50 away fans in the corner sat on their hands, the 60 odd games if you have a good season, the players who can’t pass a ball 5 yards, wait… We’re used to that one! Playing during international breaks. It can all be put into a metal American trashcan and be set alight - just like Town’s season just gone.
League 1 is the league that Town just can’t ever win and have spent too much time toiling within since I started watching as a wee pup back in 1989. Let’s make it quick and painless for this old dog this time, eh?
Speaking of pillocks, it’s that time of year when I start to write again, and write I shall about this group of Huddersfield Town players. “Pillock” is probably not the noun that previous manager Andre Breitenreiter chose to use when haranguing the Town squad after their capitulation to Swansea last month. Breitenreiter spoke of unprofessionalism, cliques within the dressing room and savagely questioned the players fitness and motivation. I’m sure that if you candidly spoke to Darren Moore, Mark Fotheringham and Danny Schofield, they would all have similar stories to tell about a group of players who haven’t particularly endeared themselves to supporters over the last couple of years.
ENTER THE DYCHESCIPLE
On our season review episode for the 2022/23 season, I made no secret of that fact that I wanted Michael Duff to succeed Neil Warnock. Duff, a pragmatic ‘Dychesciple’ is one of the finest defensive and out of possession coaches below the Premier League. His high press coupled with supreme defensive organisation and throttling of space would have meshed well with the likes of Tom Lees, Jonathan Hogg, Michal Helik and Matty Pearson. To me, Duff felt like a natural match, but Town went with Warnock, and let’s be honest, not one Terrier complained at the time, including me.
Roll forwards 12 months and Duff finally takes the Town hotseat after missing out to Andre Breitenreiter back in February. The timing of Duff’s appointment and his experience in a similar situation 2 years ago at Barnsley could indicate that Kevin Nagle and co could finally have got the right manager at the right time. The excellent Leon Wobschall writes in the Yorkshire post that Duff arrives at Huddersfield in a familiar position and his first job at Barnsley was to find out exactly who wanted to be at the club. The same thing needs to happen and happen quickly down at Canalside. To quote Leeds Utd captain Liam Cooper upon their relegation from the Premier League 12 months ago, “if you don’t want to be here, then f*** off”. Certainly, some of the Town squad will want to be away to continue their career at a higher level whereas others will be told that they no longer have a future at the club, either way Town can not afford to carry any bad eggs, resentment or players that do not want to represent our football club. Before we take a look at what we would do with the squad, let’s have a look at some things to consider before making our decisions.
Systems
We’re going to presume that Duff will want to implement the 352 deployed at Barnsley and Cheltenham, but in truth he is a flexible coach who is equally as happy selecting a back 4 as he did more often than not in his latest role at Swansea. Flexibility and adaptability will be the key to Town’s selections and whilst it could be pretty turgid at first, once the squad get used to Duff instructions (Sorry, I’ll work on that) then the performances and results should follow, providing Town get the correct personnel.
Experienced Professionals
With Andre Breitenreiter’s rant about cliques, divisions and unprofessionalism still ringing in my ears, I can’t help but look towards Town’s core of experienced professionals with a raised eyebrow. If Sorba Thomas and Delano Burgzorg (as alleged) are running amok at Canalside then where are the dressing room leaders? Why are they not being kept in check by the leadership group? This is of course that we treat Breitenreiter’s words as gospel and presume they’re not the actions of a coach trying to keep their own reputation in check by putting his hands apologetically in the air akin to a messy teenager and claiming “it was like that when I got here, honest!”. However, the team has often looked rudderless, quiet on the field and devoid of leaders barring Jonathan Hogg, Tom Lees and Michal Helik. Experience and togetherness are two critical components of what makes up a side aiming to win promotion, do Town have that? If your answer is yes, then ask yourself, do they have enough of it?
The Great Reset
No, not that one which had Dale Marsden go full conspiracist on twitter wearing his tinfoil hat and living in a bunker at the bottom of the garden, but the one where we get to rebuild the squad.
With several players still under contract for a further 12 months, perhaps this summer doesn’t offer the chance for a full overhaul of the squad in one window, but if players can be moved on, it does represent an opportunity to spend wisely and get the squad into a much better position in the summer of 2025, no matter what division we then find ourselves in. Town and the other two relegated clubs do have the benefit of being able to spend 75% of their turnover on wages next season compared to 60% for the rest of the league, so season 1 represents a big opportunity to bounce back at the first time of asking. Owners can also fund the clubs to top up turnover, so providing Kevin Nagle is willing to invest in Huddersfield Town and not in the way of the standard director’s loans, then Town should have a big advantage.
Visa Rules
Under the EFL’s VISA rules, Town are only allowed two players in the squad who don’t pass the GBU rules for a visa. Town utilised the rule last season to sign Delano Burgzorg, Radinio Balker, Bojan Radulovic in The Championship where you can bring in 4 players. But the reduction to two in League 1 would mean that unless Balker and Radulovic were to leave, then Town would be unable to sign any foreign players that didn’t pass the GBU Visa process. Food for thought when making decisions upon futures.
I f*@~%ӣ% HATE LEAGUE ONE!
I know, I’ve already made this abundantly clear, but I’m not the only one. Players tend not to like it too much either, it’s relentless. If you make the top 6, get to the playoff final, have a good run in the FA Cup, League Cup and Pizza Cup then you’re looking at 60+ games over the season which is way too much for a small squad and players that struggled with the physical aspect of The Championship will not want to hear that piece of news. Town need to be going into next season with not only players that want to be there and play for the club but also physically robust players capable of playing through saturated game periods without breaking down. It’s going to be a rough ride for some of them.
Culture Change
I’ve touched on the senior players earlier but the entire culture at this club needs to change. Kevin Nagle in fairness identified early on that ‘winning’ is not something in this clubs DNA. I mean, take a look at the tweets from below which show you that supporting Huddersfield has hardly been a barrell of laughs apart from a couple of outlier season. As fans, we don’t always expect much and we’re rarely disappointed on that, but perhaps it’s now time to expect more from a football club that showed its true potential very briefly from 2016 to 2018. Town’s personnel on and off the field needs to start matching this; we want to win games now - we’re fed up of losing.
The Retained List
The chances are that you’ll have read the retained list article before this so a lot of what we would do below could have already happened or is in the process of happening, but here we go!
GOALKEEPERS
Lee Nicholls
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Reluctant Sell. I’d love to keep Nicholls; he’s been a solid and reliable presence between the sticks for us for the past 3 seasons and we would miss him should he move on. Having said that, Town will need to cut their cloth somewhat and I’m not sure having two senior keepers on the books is manageable under the SCMP (Salary Cost Management Protocol) rules that Town now find themselves adhering to and Nicholls is one of our most saleable assets.
Killer says: Sell. A good Championship keeper is a great League One keeper. The problem with Nicholls is that he isn’t likely to be cheap, and we need to strengthen in more expensive areas. Someone will fancy him at a higher level than us, but not at a price many expect. A proper number 1 who’ll be fondly remembered.
Brady says: Sell. Would love to keep him but having been in the PFA Championship Team of the Season 2021/22, think he’ll attract interest.
Chris Maxwell
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. I’ve not been as sold on Maxwell like a lot of the fanbase were following his 10 appearances last season. He instils a bit more panic than the calm exterior of Nicholls, but he does come with plenty of League One experience including a promotion.
Killer says: Keep. 134 Championship and 144 League One apps show the quality Maxwell has. Contracted until 2025, the perfect senior keeper to build from.
Brady says: Keep. Looked rusty against Ipswich but deputised well earlier in the season, I’d have him as our number one if Nicholls goes.
Jacob Chapman
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. He’s just signed a new deal so it looks like he’ll stay on as next seasons no2 (or 3 if Nicholls stays). If Nicholls does leave then I do have a reservation about going into the new season with two “smaller” keepers in what can be a direct league. This might be an area to keep an eye on.
Killer says: Sell. 23 and never really played first team football since his loan to Gateshead. Looked a bit Ryan Schofieldy to me in his few Town appearances. A long way off being ready for first team football, even at League One level.
Brady says: Keep. Signed a new deal this week, expect him to be our back-up keeper.
Gio Bellagambi
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Release. After Mark Cartwright’s comments about the B Team bloating the squad, I imagine that there will be numerous releases from that system as Town look to build back up the academy. With Chapman’s new 2-year contract I’m not sure it leaves anywhere for Bellagambi to go other than either out on loan or to try his hand elsewhere.
Killer says: Release. 22 and another with little experience of a run in first team football other than 13 games at Spennymoor. Needs to find his level and prove himself away.
Brady says: Release.
DEFENDERS
Josh Ruffels
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. Missing 34 league games through injury last season doesn’t bode well after I mentioned robustness earlier in the article. Having said that, I think Ruffels is a decent enough squad option to either play left back or left centre back in a 3, although his wing-back days are probably over as his pace declines but positional strength grows.
Killer says: Keep. Contracted for another year, and on the road back from injury. Pretty versatile in a back 5 or 4, and experienced at this level (179 apps).
Brady says: Keep. Looked pretty solid under Warnock and has League One experience, plus he can play at left back or in a back three.
Matty Pearson
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Sell. WHAT!? I hear you cry? I would be quite comfortable if he stays, I like him. But I feel like there has been a drop off and decline in both his and Tom Lees’s performances over the last 12 months. I want to see new leaders emerge at Huddersfield Town and for that to happen the old guard needs to be broken up and I don’t think you can keep both Lees and Pearson, and I would choose to keep Lees. On the other side of the coin, if he stays then Pearson is likely a hand to the glove of a Duff system.
Killer says: Keep. About as solid a League One CB as you can get. Will be happy to see him not play as a FB again, but will be a huge asset in Duff’s system.
Brady says: Keep. Grit and determination needed for the third tier, just don’t play him as a right back!
Michal Helik
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Sell :-(. I don’t want to see the back of Helik. For me he’s been a shining light in the bowels of the last two seasons. However, you have to be realistic. With 12 months of his contract remaining and an international future to fight for, I don’t think we’ll see him in a Town shirt again, but I really hope we do because he’s a class act.
Killer says: Sell. Any centre back who bags nearly double figures will be sought after – Helik will be no different. Left Barnsley following their relegation to League One, and I expect the same to happen here. I don’t think he’s as great during open play as other CBs we have.
Brady says: Sell. Would keep but will attract interest and I think Town will make their money back.
Jaheim Headley
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Sell. I’m torn on this one. There was a reason why Andre Breitenreiter was reluctant to play Headley towards the end of last season and I’m keen to extinguish all potentially bad eggs from the squad to move forward. Was he really a bad egg? Was he just out of form? Was he under the influence of other members in the squad? We don’t know in truth. With Town needing to freshen up their wingback roles, I can see either Headley or Jackson departing and if Headley was part of the dressing room shenanigans last season, then he’s the one to make way for me. If not, then swap the sell to a keep.
Killer says: Keep. A real prove it season for Jaheim in a contract year. I can’t say I’m his biggest fan as he’s a player that seems to get the ball in the right places but then fails to make the most of it, but dropping a level and playing as a wingback in a 352 should give him ample opportunity to prove if he is good enough. One to watch.
Brady says: Keep. Won our breakthrough player of the season last year, hasn’t kicked on as much as I thought and left out of the squad towards the end of season. Assess in pre-season and make a call under Duff.
Brodie Spencer
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. Easy one this. Keep him, offer him an improved contract and build your backline around him. The contract situation for Spencer needs resolving as quickly as possible and so does his role in the team. If Duff plays his 352 system does Spencer fit in as a centre back or wing back? Ideally, he’d play right back in a 4 but his flexibility to play any role in that backline is another reason why Cartwright and co need to tie the Northern Ireland international down to a long-term deal.
Killer says: Keep. Dropping to League One could really help Spencer’s development. Initially looked a breath of fresh air when rejoining in January, but performances dropped away with the rest of the team’s come the end of the season. Playing in a team who attack a bit more and control games will help Spencer to learn how to transition and to balance his attacking game with his defensive responsibilities.
Brady says: Keep. One of the few players who can hold their head up high from this season. Think we’ll get interest.
Ollie Turton
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. I’m not as big of a Turton fan as Steven Chicken (Boy, does he love Ollie Turton…) but what we have here is the perfect experienced rotation option for Brodie Spencer. Turton is best as a defensive right back and should be kept away from the wing-back role at all costs, but he also has the ability to slot into a right sided centre back covering role or as a defensive midfielder should the need arise. Throw in that Turton is a model professional and this is an easy decision.
Killer says: Keep. Turton’s 90 minutes against Ipswich was the highlight of the game. Another (like Ruffels) who’s proven in League One. Contracted until 2025, and an option for Town through 2026, Ollie should be a big part of the next campaign.
Brady says: Keep. Another player with versatility and name checked as a professional regularly.
Radinio Balker
Contract Expires: 2027
Matt says: Keep. I’m not sure of the chances of keeping Balker, but he would be a very useful weapon should he stay. Defenders with pace and the ability to play out from the back are rare in the lower leagues, but his aerial ability will be tested should be stay.
Killer says: Keep. The Championship was obviously a huge step up for Radinio in terms of physicality, and whilst League One will offer no let up, his ball playing ability should hopefully be a level above. A full preseason will also help.
Brady says: Keep. Has pace which our backline needs, I would keep but only if he’s committed to staying.
Ben Jackson
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. It’s him or Headley and whoever has the better attitude stays for me. Jackson’s versatility should be useful from the bench.
Killer says: Keep. A victim of versatility has had Jackson moving all around the field and his form suffered. Hopefully he gets a chance to earn a place in his favoured position (whatever that may be), and that he starts to enjoy playing again.
Brady says: Sell. Leaning towards sell but has admitted he’s been suffering off the pitch this season. Assess in pre-season and make a call under Duff.
Tom Lees
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. I’ve always felt that Tom Lees’s performances fly under the radar a little bit. Positionally and organisationally he’s very good and his professionalism has always been lauded. Lees should be good enough to play in the middle of Town’s back 3 next season or alongside a partner in a 4. There did seem to be a bit of a decline in the last few months of the season but providing he can get back to fitness in pre-season then Lees should be an important cog on and off the pitch next season.
Killer says: Keep. For me, Tom Lees is the most important part of our defence. Positionally great and is clearly the guy who organises everyone else. Another who’s succeeded at this level. He has to stay.
Brady says: Keep: Another professional this team needs but wouldn’t want to have him start 46 games, useful cover.
Yuta Nakayama
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Release. By the time you’ve read this I am expecting Nakayama to have been released. Unfortunately, we’ve not seen the best of the Japanese international and as much as I’d like to see him line-up on the left side of a back 3 next season, the SCMP, number of foreign players allowed and finances indicate that he will have played his last game with the club. Pity.
Killer says: Release. A player often undervalued by the Town faithful, and played out of position by more than one manager. Too good for League One and too expensive for what the squad we need to build (See Nicholls).
Brady says: Release. Writing this after the retained list has come out so we all know he’s no longer with the club.
Loick Ayina
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. Next season could be a big opportunity for Ayina. Town need squad players for the cup competitions and adequate cover in defence. Ayina is likely to be a regular in the Bristol Street Motors Cup and he could use this platform to push his own agenda for a starting berth on the right side of defence.
Killer says: Keep. Yeah, keep him.
Brady says: Keep. Praised regularly by those within the club and has made matchday squads, give him a run in the team if he impresses in pre-season.
Midfielders
Jonathan Hogg
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Keep. Oh boy, here we go. The controversial topic. I’ve said countless times on the podcast since 2021 that it’s been a large recruitment failure that we haven’t yet been able to replace Jonathan Hogg. He’s 36 next season, come on. Had we stayed up last season, I’d suggest an amicable parting of the ways on the playing side. However, considering how Town need to rebuild a culture of hard work and how glowing in their praise the last several managers have been about Hogg’s work ethic, and that he has already been name checked by new boss Michael Duff, then I would have offered him a further 12 months on the proviso that he is now the man you look to bring on to close games out and fill in for injuries and suspension ala Dean Whitehead 2016/17.
Killer says: Release. A true Town legend, one who’ll always be loved. My problem is CMs drop off quickly, and it looked like it was happening to Hogg at times through this past season.
Brady says: Keep. I think a one year deal suits everybody, leadership needed but Town cannot rely on him to play a full season, need cover.
Jack Rudoni
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. It’ll be a very tough and possibly unlikely keep, but if Town are to bounce back then they need to do what they can to keep an up-and-coming young player like Rudoni. A step back, some goals and assists could lead to a big step forward in his career, but it’ll be a tough sell should the vultures circle.
Killer says: Keep. Hopefully we can all forget what happened against Ipswich, as Rudoni was a positive when it comes to player development over the past 12 months. Warnock made a difference to Jack’s performances. I think other teams might come sniffing for Rudoni, but it would be a big plus if we can keep hold of him and get him on the ball more this year.
Brady says: Keep. I would keep but only if he’s committed but if not then sell. Still think there’s a player there but need to make sure our midfield is balanced to bring out more in him.
Brahima Diarra
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Sell. From watching Diarra’s body language this season he has long held the demeanour of a young man who doesn’t want to be here. If you don’t want to be here, then off ya pop. If you do then let’s see it. Town should receive a nominal training fee if he finds another club.
Killer says: Keep. Is Diarra one of the bad eggs? If so, then it’s time to go. But underneath everything, there is something Diarra has that others don’t. When he’s running with the ball you expect the unexpected. The problem is that it normally ends horrendously, but it would be no surprise if he left and developed into a class player elsewhere. A player I would like to see in a Town team who dominate games, as he’s never really had that with us.
Brady says: Sell.
Sorba Thomas
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Sell. I’m disappointed in Sorba. Pre Swansea-I was on the Sorba hype train ready to push him as Town’s player of the season, and then he let himself and us down. Whether you believe Breitenreiters comments or not, his lack of effort against Swansea and then as a sub against Birmingham was a disappointing way to bow out after he burst onto the Town scene full of energy, hard work and promise. He creates goals, teams will want him, and he’ll want to go.
Killer says: Sell. I don’t think it matters what any fan wants with Sorba; being dropped for Ipswich suggests he may be a part of the bad atmosphere and for that alone I’d move him on. Then you can look at him being #1 on chance creation in the division and you know there will be interest elsewhere. Of all Town players under contract for 2025, he’s the least likely to be there for preseason.
Brady says: Sell. I’m disappointed with how his career is ending with Town and you don’t have to be a detective to work out about whether he was one of the players Breitenreiter was talking about.
David Kasumu
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. I was a little disappointed in Kasumu last season, but he is proven at League 1 level where his defensive numbers were incredible for MK Dons. Get him fit and a natural passing player alongside him and we could see a much-improved Kasumu next season.
Killer says: Keep. Proven at L1 and solid if not great at DCM in the Championship. He’s a guy who can do a job and is under contract. High floor, low ceiling guy but if Hogg goes then he becomes more important.
Brady says: Keep. Would like to keep again if he’s committed, if not sell. Think he could be good in League One.
Ben Wiles
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. I’ve heard a little whisper that Ben Wiles was struggling with his ankle for the majority of last season but there are hopes that he could be fit and fixed for next season. I’ve seen a fully fit Ben Wiles in action for Rotherham and he’s a box-to-box pest of a midfielder who can do bits of everything, he’s good. If Wiles can get to 100% fitness, then the Town fans will see a new Ben Wiles next season and be very pleasantly surprised.
Killer says: Keep. Hear me out; I like Ben Wiles. He’s a bit Michael Collinsy in that there’s flashes of something and then games of nothingness, but he’s always putting the effort in. It looked to me that he was overworking in a role that he’s not accustomed to (off the ball pressing), instead of being the guy whose job it is to unlock defences. Won the game against Sheffield Wednesday at home when being subbed on before doing not much for the rest of the season. Kasumu, Wiles and Rudoni might be the midfield trio we see for the first game next season.
Brady says: Keep. We haven’t seen the best of him yet but I think a full pre-season will do him good. One to watch.
Scott High
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. Ah Scotty, bless him. I make no apologies for being a Scott High apologist in the past and I think there is sense in keeping him on next season. Town need players to play in those Bristol Street Motors/League Cup rounds where they’ll want to protect some of the senior players for important league games. Throw Scotty into those games and let him run his contract down. If we finally see him break through then great, if we don’t then he’s served a purpose as a squad player. He’s got 12 months to prove himself. Very last chance.
Killer says: Sell. It’s hard to describe what kind of midfielder Scott High is as every time I’ve seen him, he’s looked alright but beige. Being loaned to Dundalk at 23 doesn’t really suggest he’ll make it in the upper divisions of the English League. Time for Scott to move on and find a permanent home elsewhere.
Brady says: Keep. He gets a lot of stick from the fans for not doing much wrong. I’d give him a run in the team if he impresses in pre-season but think some of the fan base will be waiting to criticise his first mistake. Keep but maybe better for him to sell.
Connor Mahoney
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Release. Failed experiment, time to shake hands and go in another direction.
Killer says: Release. Mahoney likely goes down in Town folklore with Rolando Aarons et al as a “did he exist” player. Having the majority of his playing career in the Championship, I find it strange he never really got a chance with us. If he’d have another year in his contract, I’d be looking forward to him coming back from a decent loan at Gillingham to see how his versatility could work in a Duff side. As it is, he’s out of contract so has to move on.
Brady says: Release.
Josh Austerfield
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. I’ll always champion the academy prospects, although I’ve yet to really see it with Austerfield. At 22, he still has some time on his side and 24 months on his contract. Another for the Bristol Street Motors and League cup squad which should present an opportunity to step up and push forward.
Killer says: Keep. Another Scott High on the eye for us, but his loan at Crewe has gone pretty well with him being around the first 11 since joining. Another couple of years on his contract to prove if he’s good enough for us.
Brady says: Sell. It’s all down to pre-season. Assess in pre-season and make a call under Duff. If he goes out on loan after that then we’re better selling.
Tom Iorpenda
Contract Expires: 2027
Matt says: Keep. If in 12 months we’re not here hailing Tom Iorpenda as the big breakthrough star of 2024/25 then something will have gone badly wrong. One of the only positives of relegation is that the backwards step shortens the path to the first team for the likes of Iorpenda. I expect that Iorpenda will push through and make himself a viable and valuable first team member next season.
Killer says: Keep. Tom Iopenda has to spend preseason with the first team as he could be a difference maker. Big yet mobile, he has to be one of the best prospects of our current crop of youth players.
Brady says: Keep. Highly praised and tall, which our midfield sorely lacks! I’d give him a run in the team if he impresses in pre-season and let him develop here rather than out on loan.
Aaron Rowe
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Release. Failed experiment, time to try advance his career elsewhere.
Killer says: Release. Also played a part in Crewe’s somewhat successful season, but I’m not sure whats happed to a player who looked to have a future at Town. Having made 27 apps, to see him develop the way he is doing isn’t great and probably needs a permanent move elsewhere.
Brady says: Release.
Attackers
Josh Koroma
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Sell. Wait, what? The founder of The Josh Koroma Fan Club says… SELL!? Yes, afraid so. Koroma had a great spell of form from October to December 2020 but it was not until Neil Warnock came in that we saw a glimpse of this ability again from March-May 2023. There is no doubt that on his day, Josh Koroma is a big talent, but when his day is so infrequent, the admiration turns to frustration in the stands. To get promoted you need consistency above all and Koroma hasn’t shown that he can play well for a full season in his 5 years at the club and we need more. I’m sorry Josh but we’ll always have 2020.
Killer says: Keep. Matt’s ready on the conch; Koroma would be an asset for any League One club. Gets in the right places at the right times, and scores when it matters. If he gets 40 games+, he bags double figures. Not entirely sure where he’d fit in a 352 but that’s for Duff to sort out.
Brady says: Unsure. Has one year left, but quite inconsistent too. We’ll be very short on wingers but another who’d I assess in pre-season and make a call under Duff.
Pat Jones
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Keep. I’m a big believer in The Postman and think that if his hamstring issues are behind him he could really prosper in League 1. How he’d fit into a 352 system would be a different kind of problem for Michael Duff but I’ve hopes that Jones could break through next season and earn a new contract.
Killer says: Keep. The club seem to have great expectations for Pat Jones, although I’m yet to see it myself. Injuries my have hampered his development but I’m sure he’ll get opportunities in League One to impress.
Brady says: Keep. Keep but can’t rely on him to have a full season because all evidence suggests that’s not going to be the case with injuries. A bonus to the squad if he can play.
What did he say **** me for?
Bojan Radulovic
Contract Expires: 2027
Matt says: Keep. When I used to play Sunday League, we had a midfielder who used to chelp “Get on t’weights” every time someone used to get knocked off of the ball. The irony being that he was a bit of a wimp himself, but that’s Bradford fans for you… Bojan needs pre-season like we need a new podcast sponsor. If I was Duff, I’d send Bojan to do some high-altitude training, buy him 10kg of whey protein and hire Eddie Abbew as his personal trainer to constantly tell Bojan to “wake the **** up”. If Bojan wants to work hard for the club and improve his physicality then Town could have the best striker in the league on their books. If he doesn’t then he’ll be nothing more than dead weight - it’s up to you Bojan!
Killer says: Sell. I’m sorry but I just don’t rate Radulovic. Lightweight and a bit of a shirker, but did improve by the end of the season and scored a good goal at Stoke. A preseason may help and I genuinely hope that I’m wrong, and would be the first to own it if so, but League One is tougher than the Championship for strikers and their physicality. He’s likely to be here come August and could turn it around and score 20, but if a decent offer came in then I’d be listening to it.
Brady says: Keep. I’d give him a full pre-season and let him bulk up over the summer. Has shown glimpses
Jordan Rhodes
Contract Expires: 2024
Matt says: Release. I was genuinely torn on this. If you’re looking for experienced pros to build a culture around then who better than Jordan Rhodes? Jordan could have been a useful backup/rotation for Rhys Healey should we be playing two up front, but with Town’s frontline lacking pace, the wage could be better used elsewhere on a different type of player.
Killer says: Release. A Town great who did well at Blackpool, but a season ending injury and high wages mean it’s time to look at the future.
Brady says: Release.
Kian Harratt
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. There is some raw ability there but he needs to improve massively outside of the box. I’d loan him out but also on the proviso that any more misdemeanours and it’s a third strike and he’s gone.
Killer says: Sell. Playing wise he’s alright; a lot of effort and the time of industrial running that does ok at lower levels. The off the field stuff is something I’m not a fan of, especially considering the recent rumours of a poor dressing room. Young and managers seemed to like him, so there must be something there but the club needs a cultural reset.
Brady says: Sell. I’ve been disappointed with his off-the-field stuff and not sure his performances have made it particularly convincing to try and make the case for him on the pitch.
Danny Ward
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Sell. An experienced member of a dressing room riddled with cliques and alleged unprofessionalism who has only been available for 63% of league games over the last four seasons. Town need a new group of leaders and require robust players who will be available more often than not.
Killer says: Keep. I don’t think there’s any option with Danny Ward; he’s contracted and will be on a decent wage so takers wouldn’t be aplenty either. He’s a good 9 when he’s fit, so hopefully we can help him to stay on the pitch more this season.
Brady says: Keep. I like Wardy and he’s the best striker at the club in terms of work rate but not the most prolific, I’m not sure he’s going to be a guaranteed starter, although he could be useful in a 3-5-2 and is a local lad.
Kyle Hudlin
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Sell. Loans to Burton and Wimbledon haven’t really worked out and Hudlin has struggled for gametime and goals at a lower level. He showed a couple of flashes of potential last summer but with the big man being 24 next month, I’m not sure how much more improvement he’s got left in him so I have to say sell even though him leaving would disappoint my 6-year-old who thinks Hudlin is great because he’s as tall as The Undertaker in the WWE.
Killer says: Sell. Signings like Hudlin’s are always a risk, and most don’t pay off. Hudlin doesn’t look to be ready for this level and we need a thinner squad.
Brady says: Sell. Again, it all comes down to pre-season. Assess and see if Duff fancies him. If he goes out on loan after that then not sure he has a town career, so sell.
Rhys Healey
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. Hopefully Healey can stay fit next season as he has the potential to be the first Town player to score 20+ goals in a season player since Jordan Rhodes in 2012. The fox in the box could play in several different types of striking role including poacher, pressing forward and inside forward and as a 10 if needs be. Healey’s fitness will be crucial to Town’s chances next season and Duff and Cartwright’s biggest challenge would be to pair him with someone who gets the best out of him.
Killer says: Keep. The best #9 at the club in my opinion. Fitness is an issue but is also why he’s with us. A goal every 100 or so minutes striker is hard to find, and Healey looked to be more than good enough for the Championship never mind the division below. I reckon if he stays fit he’ll likely challenge for the division’s top scorer.
Brady says: Keep. Quietly confident he could be amazing in League One with a full-season behind him.
Tyreece Simpson
Contract Expires: 2026
Matt says: Keep. Simpson is still a young, developing player and despite only scoring 3 goals in 40 appearances at a goal every 587 minutes on loan at Northampton last season, he could have a use this season. So, I wouldn’t end this particular project just yet. Simpson could be utilised as a battering ram type forward in certain circumstances and to run down the clock in others. I’d start him in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, but if that’s not enough for his development then a loan might be needed.
Killer says: Keep. Simpson is a unit, and one who could be useful next season. A difference kind of striker to what we have. I wouldn’t be expecting him to start every week, but the League One season is a long affair and when the pitches get heavier moments were having a striker like Simpson available could be beneficial. Scored 3 in 40 games for Northampton this season, so another who has substantial League One experience.
Brady says: Sell. Hasn’t set the world alight on loan at League One side Northampton but all down to pre-season, if not sell him.
Kieran Phillips
Contract Expires: 2025
Matt says: Sell. I’m torn because there would be nothing better than a Huddersfield born lad firing goals in for his local team. But those knees and those injuries… He had a promising spell at Morecambe in League One in 2022/23, but again injuries curtailed the progress. Had it not been for the injuries I think he’d be a starter for his home town club. But alas, I’m not sure he’ll ever be able to shake off these issues. Shame.
Killer says: Keep. Finding form in the USA. It’d be stupid to not give a proven scorer a go regardless of level.
Brady says: Keep: rinse and repeat what I’ve said with Pat Jones. Keep but can’t rely on him to have a full season because all evidence suggests that’s not going to be the case with injuries. A bonus to the squad if he can play.
