We had 19 including 3 goalies before but our youth was nowhere near as good. In fairness, the current squad is thin and that will likely lead to a lack of progress this season. However, barring an injury crisis (don't rule it out!) We will stay up and probably be mid table or thereabouts. A couple more decent players, however, and we probably could break into the hallowed territory of the top half. Tight margins.

Red and Blue Army!

I think the loan market is the way forward this season, a couple of experienced loan players, so our promising young players have a years playing 1st team football under their belts.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

We always get at least one loan in and last years was a peach!

We have cover in all positions and our squad quality and depth has never been better.

We also have players that are versatile. And provide no good squad player go at the last minute then we will be challenging for a top 10 spot.

We are in better shape than ever. We can always get a couple of over the hill players, but have instead gone for quite a few younger players with a lot of potential.

I'm not worried at all. We have cover in most areas, have a younger squad (not as many injuries, hopefully) and have U-23s that can make their way on to the bench.

Remember a few years ago when we had half the first team out with injuries, that was when I was worried.

Normally at this point in the season I'm frantically looking for news of incoming players. I honestly dont think we have any huge gaping holes. Unlike previous squads, this one is young, so not likely to be hit badly with injuries. I wouldn't mind a couple of players - still think we need a another leftback and a box-to-box midfield would be good.

That hole is not as gaping as the lack of a ball holding midfield 'general' - a very rare and expensive bird but without which we will never aspire to a Europe place.

Man and boy Palace since my first game in 1948 sitting on my dad's shoulders