Ostbahner - Austrian Road to Glory

Squad Review

Goalkeepers:



Dioudis is the starting keeper and did well, and will stay number one next year. Van der Linden played less but got a higher match rating, but he did play in the cup, so I won't pay much attention to it. Dotter has been here since the start, he don't have a contract and has only played one game, and that was in the first season

Right Back



This is a position I am considering improving. Mathis has been incredible, but he isn't as able as the rest of the team. Coussement will stay as he can play anywhere on either flank. Loof can also play anywhere in defence. Coussement and Mathis both got really good match ratings as well

Left Backs:



Sergi is the starter, and has improved drastically over the year. Lykogiannis is a very capable backup, so I am happy with the left side. Coussement and Loof can also play there, although they didn't do much over the season.

Centre Backs:



The 22 year old Ogbonna Adeleye has had a better year than last, Noel Soumah has also had a good debut year. Augustine Loof got the worst match rating of the centre backs but is only 23 and can play across the back. Hammouti is leaving to the league below the Landesliga (5th tier), and Gramman may be in his last year, as everytime he starts, he doesn't fill me with confidence.

Defensive Midfielders:



Ismail H'Maidat came in, in January, and had a solid start. Cy Goddard, generally plays backup, but isn't great defensively. Diadie Samessekou was decent when called upon, although that wasn't too often. Noel Soumah played DM a couple of times, and did a job

Central Midfielders:



Novarone Foor and Floriano Vanzo were the starting central midfielders. Foor has had some interest from FC Twente, which is understandable considering his form. Arthur really impressed me when he played, which is why I am not too concerned about losing Goddard. Checchin was a pretty pointless signing, only playing 4 times off the bench.

Right Wingers:



A position which I have had a lot of variations in. Gerritsen was the starter, however with his two serious injuries, Priso played, but he also had injury problems, so Bearzotti rotated with Koglbauer. Despite my criticism of him, Priso had a solid year, but Gerritsen was the real shining light. At 19, he scored 15 assisting 8. Bearzotti and Priso will be leaving, but I may try Tajouri out on the right wing this year.

Left Wingers:



Jhoao Rodriguez started mostly, however I am not convinced, however going by his statistics, I probably should be. I will look to bring in a backup, as Gerritsen used to fill that role.

Strikers:



Bill Barnett and Jermaine Hylton were the starters, however Hylton's form tailed off towards the end of the season. However it didn't help that we kept getting injuries in this position, so nobody could keep their consistent starting spot. Yousfi is leaving at the end of the year, and I may try to bring in a top quality striker, if not, there shouldn't be any significant arrivals in this position

Ins:



A signing that was arranged in January. Amine Monnin comes in as the third choice. Looks very solid and at only 17, he has a very bright future.



The Nigerian, John Thomas, is someone I have been looking at for a while. He is only a backup, but is 21 so another one that can improve



Zwischenbrugger comes in as the second choice DM, in on loan from Altach. Looks solid, and I'm not sure why Altach would loan him out..



The ex-Schalke youngster comes in on a free. He is our best right back at the moment but I'll probably look to get a better one. He can play DM, right back and also right wing.

Out:



Sergi leaves for Germany, with Bochum for £300k. He developed very well last year, so it's no surprise that he was in demand. I haven't been able to replace him as of yet, but I am still actively trying to do so

Ins:



Firstly, the new left back. Cantrel is 20 and is about as good as Sergi was when he left. There wasn't much choice in this area, but I think this was the best bet. He comes in for £76k and will start.





I needed some back up wingers, so I went and signed 3. Sahin and Okugawa are both permanent free transfers, whilst Lores is only a loan. Sahin is the best of the bunch, but all three can play on either wing, so it doesn't matter who plays really. Okugawa used to play for RB Salzburg.



Finally, Mihaiu comes in on loan from Club Brugge. Similarly to Lores, I just needed some cover, and he was available for the cheapest fee. He might play but will have to compete for the backup DM role with Zwischenbrugger

Outs:



We might have to prepare for life without Vanzo, as the chairman has accepted a deal, potentially, worth £950k. If he is to leave, I already have a replacement in mind...