Let's hope that the new blood is as successful as last year's intake, with the Baguley brothers, Bradley Howard, Adam Turner and Nick Robinson all staking a claim. I think a decent understudy for Sam Ashton needs to be found, although from what I hear the young lad who played in Germany last week was pretty impressive. It's going to be another step up for us all in the Unibond Premier but I'm sure the players will be looking forward to it as much as we fans are. I know I'm suffering from withdrawal symptoms already, such is the sheer enjoyment of the F.C. experience. Roll on the new season !

We don't need an understudy for Sam, we need a replacement. Aaron Grundy has been released by Bury. I really believe he's the guy who turned our fortunes round when he stepped-in to cover when Sam was injured. I think Sam has reached his playing potential.

Can't really give you an argument re Aaron Grundy, Pushkin. I thought he was superb. Confident, athletic, commanding in the area, and one thing we've not had so far with F.C. keepers - he's a big lad. Only worry is, would he go part - time ? I was amazed that Bury let him go and feel sure he's worthy of full-time somewhere. I'd love us to get him though.

The young FC United keeper who played in Marburg was Jake Edwards who has said he hopes to become as good as Sam Ashton one day. For his part Sam has spoke highly of Jake and thinks he could eventually take his place. Anyone who saw his pen save and other point blank saves at the Marburg game could not fail to have been impressed. In my opinion if it wasn't for Jake we would have come away with a draw or even lost. One to watch methinks.

I'm sure Sam will still be good enough at this level. He's a fine keeper if not quite as good as Grundy looked in his time at FC. I would expect Aaron will play at a higher level than Unibond next season but you never know. Sam made a couple of good saves against Skem which could have made the difference before they imploded so he still has my vote. Maybe he makes the odd mistake but so do most keepers even at the highest level and he's still a young lad. I'd prefer to bag another quality striker to play alongside Rory (presuming he stays) as big Stuart never looked the same player he was after coming back from his injury problems.

Geeo, you are spot on re. Stuart Rudd. He never quite looked himself following his two injury lay-offs did he ? However, going off his first season I feel he is worth a run early season to see how he performs. If he gets back to his best then he'll be good enough for the Unibond Premier. Another quality striker as back-up to Rudd and Rory wouldn't go amiss though. As for Rory, I was amazed nobody came in for him this time last year, yet he is still with us. Let's hope things stay that way.

It is on the BPA site and on the fc forum that Rory has gone over t'pennines. Nothing official as yet though.

Bad news if Rory has gone, we have lost our best player and best song (the Man with No Name)
Can`t understand why he would take a sideways move footballing-wise leaving behind such passionate suuport that he appeared to thrive on for a smaller club. They must have offerd him a lot of money.

Josh Howard one of the first season originals left yesterday. Looks like Margy is building a new team.