13 Jul 2026 22:28:26
I had a thought earlier coukd Macconnell be turned into a right back? For me he has the aggression and ball ability to play right back. It is whether he has the positional sense and stamina to go up and down all game.
Ed001 do you think he could be moulded into a RB and save the clib money?
{Ed001's Note - interesting idea, I am not sure how quick a learner he is but it is quite common these days for midfielders to cover at right-back, so I don't see why not.}
13 Jul 2026 22:51:40
I think it might be worth trying, especially if we’re bringing in both Kone and Gomes. I don't see them getting game time in midfield. RB is one of those positions where, if you do the basics well, then that is kind of good enough as long as you are consistent.
14 Jul 2026 00:02:29
I'm all for giving the kids opportunities, but I hope you're not suggesting we use a 21-year-old midfielder with no Premier League or RB experience as our starting RB for next season.
14 Jul 2026 06:05:57
Chewy, we have Bradley and Frimpong and even Gomez. Why not try and bleed through Macconnell, the RB market is not great, so let's promote within.
14 Jul 2026 06:38:18
Still got Ramsey as well. He had quite the fan base push on here last season for him to be starting games.
14 Jul 2026 07:12:56
Wasn't Trent a midfielder? And did well as RB without Premier League experience?
Macconnell could easily be a success at RB, if anything, it's worth looking at.
14 Jul 2026 07:13:58
I am going to sound contradictory here but I don't think Ramsay will make it.
14 Jul 2026 07:47:12
Frimpong has clearly demonstrated that he can't play right back in this league. And we don't have Bradley - just be grateful if the lad can walk without a limp by Christmas.
14 Jul 2026 09:43:44
It's pointless trying to shoehorn a player into a position that is not natural to his playing attributes. It may work, it more than likely won't. The time to try such ideas is pre season, which bears zero resemblance to the cut and thrust of the EPL. We cannot afford passengers or make-dos if we're going to challenge for the top titles. We tried that last year with zero effect. Just go and buy a proper top level RB.
God knows we need one as there's nobody at the club currently that fits that description. We're not short of money so we don't need to do this or scrape the bottom to try find one. Get the best available whomever that may be. Remember we're trying ultimately to replace the efficacy of both Salah and TAA on the RHS of the pitch so we cannot settle for mediocrity.
{Ed001's Note - Trent was a midfielder until thrown in at right-back.}
14 Jul 2026 10:37:50
I don't think Frimpong played much at RB last season, actually. He initially did, and I thought he looked alright there. But he mostly played at RW and he was absolutely hopeless there. I still think there is value in trying him out as an RB again this season. Never know what he can do with proper coaching.
14 Jul 2026 11:19:27
I'm 100% with you, Shanklys Ghost.
14 Jul 2026 12:49:11
@ Dracred, Frimpong is horrendous as both a RW and as a RB. Possibly one of our worst purchases ever. Totally ineffective player. No coaching is going to change that.
14 Jul 2026 12:46:30
With respect ED01, I'd suggest that Trent was an exception to the rule. I'd also suggest that McConnell has shown little attributes to be considered as a RB. We'd have tried that before now if he did. We require a top level RB and we require him now. Go spend the money that's in the bank. It's a priority position.
{Ed001's Note - I agree, but just pointing it out as you mentioned him.}
14 Jul 2026 16:36:21
Ed, I think MacConnell already played RB in a game a couple of seasons ago before he got loaned out.