Here is the second instalment in my ‘Winners and Losers’ series. This week was much tougher than last week, as less business went on, but none the less some very impressive signings were made. I did have this article written and ready to go last night but some late transfers threw that out of the window.
Winners
Chesterfield
Earlier in the week, Chesterfield established themselves as one of the transfer winners, bringing in two highly rated players from the EFL. First was the signing of Albanian midfielder Armando Dobra, who’s move to the Spirerites had been rumoured for some time. Dobra was called up by his National Side just last month for a game against Iceland, showing how highly rated he is as a midfielder. Just 21, Dobra is an extreme talent for his age, and his potential is thought to be extremely high. Whilst he didn’t fulfil it at Portman Road, there are rumours to suggest that Ipswich once turned down a fee from Brighton for the Albanian; making this even more of a coup for Paul Cook.
In fact, it is his relationship with former boss Cook that has drawn Dobra to the Midlands, in a similar fashion to left back Bailey Clements, another new arrival. Dobra is a creative midfielder, one who made 0.38 key passes per 90 in League One in 20/21 (Brennan Johnson made 0.4 per 90 in the same season for Lincoln City). He also made 0.76 smart passes to Johnson’s 0.5, reinforcing his ability as a creator. The fact that he has cut it 2 divisions above, and that he is still very young, makes this an extremely impressive signing for Chesterfield.
Chesterfield also brought in former Torquay stopper Lucas Covolan from Port Vale on loan. Covolan gained fame for THAT play off final goal in 20/21, and whilst Torquay didn’t manage promotion, Covolan did jump up a division with Vale. He started well, before falling out of favour, and a drop back into the National League seems a good move for both parties. Chesterfield have addressed a weakness, as the ageing Scott Loach is perhaps past his best, and in Covolan Chesterfield are signing a keeper who is the best reflex save percentage in the league during his time at Torquay (67.16%).
Dagenham
The Daggers started the week immensely well, by adding 21 year old Belgian midfielder Omar Mussa to their ranks. A well rounded midfielder who performed well for relegated Weymouth, Mussa is athletic, but also has an eye for a pass. He registered 3 assists (or 4, there is a contentious one against Southend), and made 4.76 progressive passes per 90, not bad for a player in a very poor Terras side. He can also break up play, and he represents some very smart business. Dagenham also put a dent in fellow promotion hopefuls Southend by securing this signing. Southend were closely linked with the midfielder, and by beating them to his signature the Daggers have made a real statement.
Dagenham also addressed another problem area, by adding centre half Longe-King to their ranks. A towering figure, Longe-King will slot right into the defence. Signing for an undivlosed fee from promoted Grimsby, Dagenham have managed to address one of their weaknesses. Along with the signing of Nikola Tavares, Dagenham have really strengthened in defence ahead of the new season
Wealdstone
Later in the week the Stones pulled of one of the coups of the summer, with the additions of Max Kretzschmar and Lewis Kinsella. A shock double signing, few sides in the league will add two players of this quality in one fell swoop, especially not ones who are favourites with the bookies to be relegated (lowest odds to win the league: 150/1). Kinsella is an extremely dependable left back, and he will be a huge loss to divisional rivals Aldershot. Kinsella won 56.25% of his defensive duels, a fairly mediocre number, but he also made 4.69 interceptions per 90.
Kretzschmar is certainly the start signing tbough, with his 0.69 xG+xA per 90 the third highest in the division. Kretzschmar was a creative force in a very mediocre Woking side, and his absence will certainly felt by the Cards this season. An attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, he made 0.6 smart passes per 90, whilst also taking 2.03 shots per 90, 40.98% of which were on target. For my money, there aren’t many better than Kretzschmar in his role in this division; Wealdstone have played a blinder here.
Losers
Southend
From winners to losers in the space of a week, the National League is unforgiving, even in the transfer market. Whilst Southend haven’t lost any key players this week, their failure to land the aforementioned Omar Mussa places them here for me. Not only have they missed out on a top young talent to a direct rival, but they have also been the source of embarrassment as a result.
Many fan sites had been tweeting about the arrival of Mussa in Southend, with some even reporting he had been training with the Shrimpers. Not only would have Mussa been a fine addition to Southend’s midfield, but losing him to a direct rival makes life more tricky for them. And with several strong sides vying for few play off spots, Southend will probably view this as a missed opportunity.
Torquay
This one seems very harsh, and I want to assure everyone that I don’t hate Torquay, as they find themselves in the losers bracket for a second week in a row. In fact, I’ve actually been very impressed with some of their business this summer, with Gary Johnson having to re build the majority of the squad. They even have ex-Wimbledon striker Corrie Andrews on trial, which would be a very shrewd bit of business. However, no teams have really done ‘bad business’ this week, and I had to include someone.
The main reason for them being here is the departure of keeper Shaun MacDonald, which was finally confirmed this week, with the stopper joining League One outfit Cheltenham Town. MacDonald is a huge loss for Torquay; he is one of the finest keepers in the division, as is shown by him jumping up 2 leagues. He is yet another big name to have left the Devon side this summer; Johnson needs to stabilise this season.
xN: Expected Nonsense 