Retained List News

I think Chas has become a firm fan's favourite but this is the problem at this level. Work will always come first and not all employers are tolerant of conflicts with attendance

No surprises. All depends on the calibre of the recruits.

Very sad to see Chas leave, damn useful player for his versatility and genuinely seemed to enjoy playing for City.

I'm more than a tad concerned that we "are in discussions" with Morgan though, I can't face another year of watching him struggle to control the ball, he played two good games at the end of the season, and that was it (not ignoring the goals at the start of the season, but I don't think he was playing well as such, but at least he was scoring.)

In most of the games I watched (only about 10 I'm afraid) Morgan did pretty well I thought. I think he gives the impression to a lot of people that he isn't trying that hard which I think is mainly due his ungainly appearance when running. Back in the 80s and 90s Graham Withey used to suffer from the same criticism but in my opinion was one of the best centre forwards we've had. I'm not suggesting Morgan is as good as Withey though.

Looks like we are losing Steve - @stevephillips78 Thanks @BathCity_FC had a great couple of seasons, wish the club, players and fans,all the very best in the future.- pity but he says he still wants to play but has nothing lined up.  Who do City have lined up?

Disappointed that we are losing Chas - I think we generally looked at our strongest when he filled the 'holding midfield' role just in front of the back four, although the formation that Gary played towards the end of the season made it hard to fit him, Frankie and Billy Murphy in.

Marvin was a bit of an enigma really - if he could have played the way he did in the last few games over the whole season people would I think have had a different opinion of him. As for the Graham Withey comparison, if he could have scored as many goals as him his apparent lack of effort on occasions would have been overlooked.

Will be interesting to see what happens on the goalkeeper front - not really surprised that Steve Phillips was released, he was 39 a couple of days ago so would be 40 if we got into the playoffs next season.
Will Puddy has been released by Rovers, and although his debut at Chelmsford a few seasons ago was pretty traumatic he has, frustratingly, always played well against us. I think he finished the season on loan at Sutton after the 'pie-eater' resigned.

On the goalkeeper front, I would like us to go for Luke Purnell at WSM, think he's a very good keeper at this level and would do well with our defence....good talker too.
Only issue is I think he was on a two year contract, so tied in for another season with WSM.

No real surprises. Sad to see Chas go of course.

Hope Marv does manage to find a club "nearer to his Watford residence"! He picked up his performances towards the end of the season but we need more consistency up front.

Will be surprised if Shaq signs on for next season. Think Diallo would be a useful signing.

Exciting times with the bigger budget for next season!

I would like to have seen Lee Marshall in the team more often last season. Is a pity he was released, but understandable.

Yeah, seconded on sorry to see Chas go and, for quite a while after he started, never thought I would say that. Phillips makes sense but we must have a replacement lined up. Marvin must go, surely.

I thought Marshall would play the Naby role but whenever he came on he looked lost. May have been a lack of confidence but he needed to grasp opportunities when they came along.
Shaq needs to learn the game. His positional sense is poor and his usefulness when we don't have the ball is nominal. He seems to want to make amends but will GO be prepared to take another punt on him coming good? I wouldn't be disappointed if he stayed as he offers something different especially as seems likely Josh H will go.
Max Oleary made a big impact and that wouldn't have been the case if Steve Philips was on top of his game. Does more shouting than goalkeeping now. Wish we had had him three or four years ago.
With Chas not staying we lose a lot of our aerial presence. Could this be a case for retaining Marvin? We would need to bring in someone else of the same stature if not.

Given how GO chased Marshall last summer he must have been disappointed at his play. Seemed to lack the physical presence for this level.
Excellent point about our aerial strength. We looked a lot stronger at the back and offered more up front this season. GO must be looking to replace like with like if we lose both Chas and Marvin.

There should be the odd player free from FGR duties now.

Were they full time?

From Frome Town twitter:-

Frome Town FC‏ @frometownfc 3h3 hours ago
Fantastic news, we have beaten off stiff competition to agree terms with Chas Hemmings from Bath City, great work @JoshJeffries7

A great signing for Frome as Chas will really stand out at that level. But considering the travelling involved in that league I can't see how fitting football around his job will change.

Does seem a little odd, but I suspect Frome have said something like he only has to go training once a week and no training if there is a midweek game.

Bath City FC‏ Verified account @BathCity_FC  Today from Twitter:

NEWS: We're pleased to announce that Andy Watkins (@watto85) has signed a new deal for the 2017/18 season! #Romans

I can't recall or find out what is happening / has happened regarding Naby and Dan?  Are City still interested in retaining them?  Both, I feel, are players city ought to want to keep.