INS AND OUTS

Thursday 3rd May 2007
by Simon Skinner

John Gregory was as good as his word today as the list of players being released in the summer was made public. Truth be told nobody will be sitting at their computer screens shaking their heads in disbelief as the list is largely what had been predicted for most of the second half of the season.

Promotion stalwarts Kevin Gallen, Marc Bircham and Paul Furlong have all been shown the door as well as Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce, Paul Jones and the lesser spotted Armel Tchakounte. There was better news for two of the out of contract players though as skipper Marcus Bignot and striker Marc Nygaard were offered new 12 month deals. 

The release of Gallen and Bircham will doubtless cause much wailing and gnashing of teeth in certain quarters and much rejoicing in others. Rarely have two players split fans opinions like The Chuckle Brothers, love them or loathe them they have been loyal servants to the club and deserve to be remembered for the better times they enjoyed. Furlong similarly has done great things for the club and he will be fondly remembered by many. 

With two keepers on their way out of the door you would hope that a deal has already been done for a top class replacement and with a bit of luck that will be Lee Camp. Milanese’s departure heightens the need for a good first choice left back, something that we have lacked all season. 

I must admit to being a little surprised at the release of Lomas. He is a far better away than he is at home when the need to destroy outweighs the need to create. He has done well for us though and the way JG has spoken about him led me to believe he might get a year. Perhaps he was on good wedge though and the money could be better spent on younger more hungry players. As for Armel, don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out!

Bignot and Nygaard will be delighted to have earned new deals. Bignot was a shoe in for one given the way he came back in the charge for safety. Nygaard is a horrible player to watch at times but he can also be effective and create enough havoc to allow other people space in which to work. I am sure both will be giving their all in the coming season.