Likely a Centre Back will be added

[Richinns]

Ling has said that when he looks at the squad - the area we were a little light is in central Defensive. I think this indicates he would worry using Cruise in this position and McKenzie is not ready yet. Likely we will add a body in that area (on loan initially) and will probably have a triallist in the squad for tomorrows friendly.

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Having seen Thompson play upfront against Exeter - we may already have a further attacking option ready to go at the club so this could be the reason Ling does not feel we need to add in this area.

[Dave]

Pretty much agree with that, thought McKenzie looked very raw indeed against Exeter, and Cruise is a full back not sure how long you would get away with him playing as a centre back.

A fair bit has been said about the lack of attacking options on this site during the close season, don't think thats a problem at all with what I have seen against Leeds and Exeter, again if Lloyd Macklin can keep his focus and take his pre-season form into the league campaign along with Nial Tompson who has shown he is confident, and with that curling shot from the edge of the penalty area against Exeter that hit the post he has also shown he is not scared to have ago and has some abilty aswell.

[nicktufc]

I heard on Friday, that McKenzie is actually rated higher by Ling as a first team prospect than Tompson, which if true, makes him VERY highly rated, as they think Tompson will be a very good player.

[Richinns]

I heard on Friday, that McKenzie is actually rated higher by Ling as a first team prospect than Tompson, which if true, makes him VERY highly rated, as they think Tompson will be a very good player.

Wow - who from Nick?

He cannot think he is ready yet as don't think he would be looking to bring someone else in if this was the case.

[Dave]

Not doubting that for a second Nick, from what I have seen in the last two P-S-F'S McKenzie does look a real prospect, to be fair both McKenzie and Thompson have looked raw, however McKenzie's inexperience has probably been highlighted more as a defender.

In my opinion purely as a fan, I can see Thompson being more able to offer something to the first team from the bench next season, where as McKenzie again down to him being a defender might have wait a bit longer, will be interesting to see with seven subs this coming season whether Martin Ling does put Thompson on the bench.

[Richinns]

Not doubting that for a second Nick, from what I have seen in the last two P-S-F'S McKenzie does look a real prospect, to be fair both McKenzie and Thompson have looked raw, however McKenzie's inexperience has probably been highlighted more as a defender.

In my opinion purely as a fan, I can see Thompson being more able to offer something to the first team from the bench next season, where as McKenzie again down to him being a defender might have wait a bit longer, will be interesting to see with seven subs this coming season whether Martin Ling does put Thompson on the bench.

Yeah - agree with that. Mistakes are often more costly when you are a central defender so I think we are likely to see Thompson in the first team before we see Mckenzie. Great we have two so highly thought of prospects coming through however!

[nicktufc]

From someone at the club, who you all would definitely know. I can't go further than that for obvious reasons, but a defender making mistakes, as you have already said, are far more obvious than those of a forward.

That said, I am looking forward to seeing what both lads have to offer, probably in the JPT first of all, and off the bench. I'd still expect another CB to be added as Ling has alluded to, but don't rule out McKenzie getting a few games too.