Cod Almighty | Diary

It's not all black and white – except those times when it is

28 June 2019

Michael Jolley has done some excellent business this summer, but John Fenty and the board have the potential to do even better business if everything goes as we hope. But while the takeover talks continue, let's focus on the here and now.

As you no doubt already know, Moses Ogbu and Elliott Hewitt joined the Mariners earlier this week and the players have reported back for pre-season training. The squad that's taking shape looks versatile and well balanced – so much so that it's really quite difficult to determine what formation the team will line up in come 3pm on Saturday 3 August at Morecambe's rectangular Globe Arena.

Three centre-backs? A flat back four? A holding midfielder? A traditional midfield four in a 4-4-2 with genuine wingers? A front three with wide forwards? Two up top? Someone playing just behind? Your West Yorkshire Diary, for one, hasn't a clue.

Versatility is a sought-after quality when budgets are tight and squads are small. Town's newest recruit – who is surely destined to be known as 'Hewitts' in the stands and on the Fishy – is a player who, as the media will put it, gives Jolley 'options'.

However, it's clear from Notts County fans and the player himself that Hewitt prefers playing in midfield – so we could yet have a scenario where Town line up with three midfielders all called Elliott. But that's not a tease in any way, as I'm possibly the least informed when it comes to Jolley's transfer dealings. As far as I'm aware, Elliott Embleton is still a Sunderland player, and signing him seems unlikely (but not necessarily impossible). We just don't know how many clubs were alerted to his talent when we put him in the Mackems' shop window with that impressive loan spell last season.

But, revisiting the theme of versatility for a minute... I'm certain they exist, but I struggle to think of someone from Town's recent history who regularly played in two different positions and excelled in both. It is of course polite to assert in interviews that you're happy to play wherever the gaffer wants you to play but, you know, if someone in my office suddenly started asking me to perform certain duties while I watched the person sat next to me doing the stuff I wanted to do, that'd eat away at me. 

If you know of a Mariner who played in two different positions regularly and impressed in both, please do get in touch and let us know your candidates.

You've got to be careful with versatility, though. Done incorrectly, it can look a right shitshow; players everywhere, inconsistent line-ups, constant tweaks and changes that inhibits the growth of partnerships and understanding. Done correctly, however, the players stay fresh, the opposition can never work us out and the manager looks like an absolute genius.

The four new signings have added a little more height, a little more quality and a lot more experience, which perfectly complements our existing players. Jolley appears to be achieving a better all-round balance this season.

Right, it's entirely probable that the club has got a fifth summer signing up its sleeve and is simply waiting for this diary to be published before announcing it. Last Friday, although admittedly not under the club's control, it was only after your weekend diary went live that the takeover story broke. I'm kind of glad it didn't break any earlier as I simply wouldn't have had time to write what I wanted to write.

So here's to some interesting stuff happening this afternoon. Enjoy the weekend weather and UTM!