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Greyfriars Bobby · 12-14-2014, 02:55 PM

DEFENDERS

Senior Team

Depending on the formation, Sanderson's wide defenders play as either wing backs or full backs.

Left Back
Sanderson's connections with Everton enabled him to secure an agreement that brings Danny Clements (age 21) in for a year-long loan. He should immediately give Rochdale a dynamic presence on the left side, who can contribute to the attack or drop back and cover opposing wide players. Ger Dykes (age 19) returning for another year on loan from Reading, provides cover both on the left side and in the central defense.

Center Back
Graham Somers (age 22) and Andy Carr (age 22), last year's first team pairing, are back for another season...at least for now. Cliftonville (Championship) has offered £600,000 for Somers and Sanderson is tempted by the offer. Jamie Bennett (age 19), formerly of Everton, would step in if Somers is sold, and he'll play a lot at any rate. Keep an eye on Adam White (age 20), a promising future stopper.

And say "so long" to Ronique Linton, who was allowed to go to Cliftonville on a free. There, he's pulling in £24,500 a week...almost TEN TIMES as much as Rochdale's top earner. At age 41, could Roni really be worth that salary?

Right Back
After a torrid start at Spotland Stadium last winter, Lars Nielsen (age 25) was less spectacular over the season's final weeks. And, instead of being the leader that a player of his quality should be, he's recently become involved in a conflict with Ollie Mallinson, a 16-year-old lad who plays the same position. Nielsen is still an outstanding player, but he's "considering his options," so could a sale be in the works? Craig Robertson (age 21) would be Sanderson's next choice here, and he was good enough to make 25 appearances last season. Losing Lars, therefore, wouldn't be the catastrophe it might otherwise appear to be.

Reserves/Youth

Dave Gill (age 20), who was impressive in a loan spell at Chester last year, is the most ready to step in on the left side. Anthony Murphy (age 16) has more long-term upside, however. In the middle, Hungarian Laszlo Vass (age 18), Stuart Maguire (age 16), Francis Green (age 16), Kevin Jones (age 16), and Jamie Barker (age 18) give Sanderson a number of prospects with League One potential. On the right, Ollie Mallinson (age 16), Richard Pickering (age 18), Switzerland's Daniel Salis (age 18), and Ireland's Barry King (age 17) are the most promising youngsters. Pickering is almost ready for senior duty.

12-14-2014, 02:55 PM	#35
Greyfriars Bobby College Prospect Join Date: Sep 2013	DEFENDERS Senior Team Depending on the formation, Sanderson's wide defenders play as either wing backs or full backs. Left Back Sanderson's connections with Everton enabled him to secure an agreement that brings Danny Clements (age 21) in for a year-long loan. He should immediately give Rochdale a dynamic presence on the left side, who can contribute to the attack or drop back and cover opposing wide players. Ger Dykes (age 19) returning for another year on loan from Reading, provides cover both on the left side and in the central defense. Center Back Graham Somers (age 22) and Andy Carr (age 22), last year's first team pairing, are back for another season...at least for now. Cliftonville (Championship) has offered £600,000 for Somers and Sanderson is tempted by the offer. Jamie Bennett (age 19), formerly of Everton, would step in if Somers is sold, and he'll play a lot at any rate. Keep an eye on Adam White (age 20), a promising future stopper. And say "so long" to Ronique Linton, who was allowed to go to Cliftonville on a free. There, he's pulling in £24,500 a week...almost TEN TIMES as much as Rochdale's top earner. At age 41, could Roni really be worth that salary? Right Back After a torrid start at Spotland Stadium last winter, Lars Nielsen (age 25) was less spectacular over the season's final weeks. And, instead of being the leader that a player of his quality should be, he's recently become involved in a conflict with Ollie Mallinson, a 16-year-old lad who plays the same position. Nielsen is still an outstanding player, but he's "considering his options," so could a sale be in the works? Craig Robertson (age 21) would be Sanderson's next choice here, and he was good enough to make 25 appearances last season. Losing Lars, therefore, wouldn't be the catastrophe it might otherwise appear to be. Reserves/Youth Dave Gill (age 20), who was impressive in a loan spell at Chester last year, is the most ready to step in on the left side. Anthony Murphy (age 16) has more long-term upside, however. In the middle, Hungarian Laszlo Vass (age 18), Stuart Maguire (age 16), Francis Green (age 16), Kevin Jones (age 16), and Jamie Barker (age 18) give Sanderson a number of prospects with League One potential. On the right, Ollie Mallinson (age 16), Richard Pickering (age 18), Switzerland's Daniel Salis (age 18), and Ireland's Barry King (age 17) are the most promising youngsters. Pickering is almost ready for senior duty.