With the 2016/17 Sky Bet League One campaign just under a month away, Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to the local press and discussed his recent new recruits; Joe Edwards, Jason McCarthy, George Dobson, Flo Cuvelier and Erhun Oztumer, going on to outline what each will bring to the team.
Jon, who was speaking via the Express & Star before the club completed the signing of ex-Oldham Athletic defender Theo Vassell, said; "I have analysed all the players to find their weaknesses and there hasn’t been many. Joe Edwards is someone I’ve looked at to try and work on his weaknesses, but there wasn’t one. As soon as I knew he was available, I went for him. He is a leader. He is a captain and a really good, sound kid."
“Jason McCarthy is one that has been with my best friend Gareth (Ainsworth) at Wycombe so that was a difficult phone call to make. I had to let him know I was taking one of his main players. But he was happy for Jason because Southampton wanted him to progress. I can see a bit of me in him. He is technically better than I ever was. But his will to win is infectious. He will be a big, big plus."
Moving on to the midfielders, Jon discussed West Ham United prospect George Dobson, before going on to talk about Flo Cuvelier, he said; "George is going to come into the team and I think Adam Chambers is a great role model for him. I have buddied them up. If he can get Adam’s discipline and professionalism into his game, with the technical ability he has got he will be a special, special player.
"Flo is a character, full of potential but he hasn’t played enough games. He is a really interesting prospect for me. If I can get him fit he will be well sought after. We have done really well to get him."
Jon finished by discussing Erhun Oztumer, and immediately praised the former Peterborough United midfielder, he said; "Erhun we know all about. He has always been a thorn in our side. He is very difficult to mark. He drops the shoulder and is very fluid. He retains the ball better than any other player in the division. That is very important for us. We need players who can look after the ball, create chances and score goals."
SOURCE | EXPRESS & STAR | EXPRESSANDSTAR.COM | @EXPRESSANDSTAR