Episode 437 of the number one Lincoln City show, the Stacey West Podcast, saw me and Chris take questions from our Patreons.
Many centred on what might happen if we go up. Would we hold on to Skubala? How would our young players fit in? Who would make the cut, who might not? It was fun to answer, but one caught us a little off guard.
We were also asked, “If you could steal one opposition player you’ve seen this year to improve our squad, who would it be?” It’s a great question, and one that we didn’t get a lot of time to think about. It was a gut answer, and perhaps it might surprise everyone to know we picked different players.
Here are the three players Chris and I picked, and why.
Gary’s Picks
Firstly, I fell foul of recency bias by picking one who stood out recently against us playing for Peterborough in our 5-2 win.
“I really liked Matt Garbett for Peterborough. Thought he really got on the ball. He really affected things. He really changed things.”
My second pick goes back to earlier in the season, as we faced Burton Albion twice. I liked a couple of their lads, but one stood out, one who may well be leaving the Pirelli this winter, as Championship clubs circle.
“I really like Charlie Webster, Burton. I think if we had him, he would have to probably play in the ten, but he’s that kind of Jack Moylan-esque. I think he’s got that ability to play there. Really talented. He’ll be in the championship really soon.”
Finally, it’s time to go back to the beginning of the season. I may have been influenced by the EFL Fantasy League here, because he’s the only player I pick who doesn’t let me down! I also know he’s a class act and has no business in this division.
“Then an obvious pick, and again, It wouldn’t matter what system you play. You’d fit this player in. It’d be Lewis Wing at Reading because he’s miles and miles ahead of anybody else in this division.
“Now, bearing in mind that in the past I’ve picked Johnny Smith and Mark Helm, who are both playing in League Two, that could be the kiss of death for those three players.”
Chris’s Picks
Chris’s first pick is one I kinda wish I’d come up with. It’s hard, when put on the spot, to evaluate things properly, and obviously, this guy has a big future.
“The first one’s going to say is Cozier-Duberry,” said Chris.
“I know he’s on loan at Bolton and he’s just looked to he’s looked to cut above the level ever since the opening day of the season, really
“I think everyone knows he’s good, so he gets a double mark now. But ultimately, he’s clearly, clearly an outstanding footballer at this level.”
Opposition do come from all levels, and while we stopped short of naming Chelsea players, Chris did pick another team we’d played, Salford City, from the FA Cup game. It was one that not many got to see, as it wasn’t on the Imps+ player, but N’Mai did stand out.
“I really, really liked Kelly N’Mai at Salford. Thought he was a really clever little player. Whether he fits us completely, don’t know, but just really liked him.”
Finally, Chris backs himself! He did a piece on players he rated who might be within our budget a few seasons ago, and picked a Swiss striker playing for Aldershot, who moved to Port Vale. Now, £1m of Plymouth’s money have secured his services, and he’s the final pick by Chris.
“Laurent Tolaj up top, obviously. I really liked him in the National League and kind of spoke quite heavily on him at the time
“I’m pleased to see him do well because it means I’ve got at least one thing right
“It’s not just he scored goals, it’s his style because he’s been all actio,n albeit a little bit hot-headed at times, but all action. He can run in behind, but he can hold the play up, he can link up, he can finish.”
“He’s looked every inch a top league one player in a struggling team, by the way, a struggling Plymouth team that doesn’t really offer him too much service.“Without them, they’d be really, really struggling.”
What do you think of our picks? Who would you like? Let us know in the comments.