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Would love Fitzpatrick back. Him and Sparkes on the wings would be fantastic.

Fitzpatrick would be the ideal replacement for Lee on the right mid/wing position!

DO IT NICHO.

The unfortunate truth is that (as has always been the case), we have to get the players here. It's all very well dangling the opportunity of full-time football in front of players - but if to accept it results in a pay-cut (as well as relocation away from family and friends), it isn't quite as easy as it seems.

A decent-level part-time player, with a second job will likely be earning more than we can afford to give them to go pro. And their chance of being 'spotted' in the flesh Is probably better where they are, than here.

Fonda wrote: ↑03 May 2017, 15:43 A decent-level part-time player, with a second job will likely be earning more than we can afford to give them to go pro. And their chance of being 'spotted' in the flesh Is probably better where they are, than here.

I know of one part-time player at one of the relegated NL clubs who has been the subject of the manager's enquiries and he requires a minimum £1,000 pw and a two year contract to justify re-locating and going full-time.

He's a guy who graduated from a Premier club's academy yet failed to secure a full-time contract anywhere and then trained as a London cabbie which gives him the freedom of hours to tailor his hours around the demands of part-time football in the National League. These are the sort of players who were running rings around Torquay United's so called full-timers for much of the season; just as well (if not better) prepared and better remunerated.

But don't get excited; because within the budget as it will be; that ain't gonna happen!

You're both correct of course but with some players the lure of the status of 'Professional Footballer' is what gets their signature. Sometimes good, sometimes bad as we all know.

Thanks to the BBC, my job here is now done.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/39708953

I see Lee Mansell has been offered the role of Rovers academy coach - I wish him good luck.

Christ, the way people go on you would think nobody south of Bristol ever kicked a football before

chunkygull wrote: ↑04 May 2017, 19:13 Christ, the way people go on you would think nobody south of Bristol ever kicked a football before

Barrow players train in Manchester, and no doubt live in the vicinity of Manchester, travel by coach to barrow on match days. That to me is wrong, there is no community attachment, but in hindsight this is not a good example as who in there right mind would want to live in barrow. Whereas living in the bay, has more of attraction..

lucy6lucy wrote: ↑05 May 2017, 00:20 Barrow players train in Manchester, and no doubt live in the vicinity of Manchester, travel by coach to barrow on match days. That to me is wrong, there is no community attachment, but in hindsight this is not a good example as who in there right mind would want to live in barrow. Whereas living in the bay, has more of attraction..

Football has changed though, and if it's something other clubs are doing to their advantage it's something that would have to be considered.

You have to think what would the fans want more - the chance of bumping into one of the players in town, or a successful football team? I think we all know it's the latter that would put numbers on the gate

Sunderland have apparently been considering basing their players in London to train and only flying in for matches, so even at the top level it is something clubs are considering.

TU players told their fate today!

nothing wrong with living in the lake district, I know barrow is a dump but the surrounding area is lovely.

yes it is happening as we speak.

the retained list I meant to say.