In the second of a two-part series, JAMES SHIPLEE looks at the players who may be loaned out as Paul Lambert looks to trim down his squad ahead of the Premier League season.
Since the season ended Paul Lambert has been working nonstop to bring in reinforcements to ‘help out’ the current squad of players.
We`ve seen 6 of his stated 7 arrive with only 3 heading the other way; Matthew Gill and Jens Berthel Askou both featured rarely last year and Sam Habergham who unfortunately never made it from the academy.
Due to the 25-man squad rules in place in the Premier League there are likely to be a few heading through it soon so I thought I`d take a look at the players who are most likely to leave, who might be sold, who might leave on loan and my opinion on them.
Part Two – The Loans and Undecided?
The Loans
Tom Adeyemi
Came through the club`s academy system, was sent on loan to Bradford last year and didn`t set the place alight. Had a few good games and got a couple of goals but that`s it.
His age might buy him another season loan in a higher league for Lambert to see if he matures much more but if not then the 2010 Apprentice of the Year may leave next summer.
Chris Martin
One of the best strikers of the ball I`ve seen but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired for me. Another product of the academy he failed to make much an impression after two impressive previous seasons, one with Luton Town in League Two and the other in the League One Title year.
Whether he will make much of an impact in the Premier League remains to be seen but with the additions of Steve Morison and James Vaughn to the pairing of Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson I think he will struggle to get into the side.
Personally I`d look at a season long loan at a decent Championship club (Watford, Bristol City or Portsmouth for example) and add in a recall clause in case we need him back.
A full season at that level could give him the experience and confidence he needs to come back and challenge for a starting place.
Korey Smith
An integral part of the League One season, he only made 19 starts in the Championship even though he never really set a foot wrong.
Needs football if he is to continue to develop and he has all the attributes of a fantastic player. With the addition of Bradley Johnson he is likely to slip further down the pecking order so, like Martin, could also benefit from being sent out on loan to a Championship club to get games.
He`s definitely a huge prospect, and for me, he could be a future captain of the side.
George Francomb
Looked impressive to me in his few games in League One but is unlikely to compete against Russell Martin.
A season loan would do him the world of good but I wouldn`t look at selling him. Great potential just needs games.
Declan Rudd/Jed Steer
Two great young ‘keepers, they need games though. If Lambert signs a back-up/new no. 1 goalkeeper then he will be looking to get these two out on loan.
Both have huge futures ahead of them and I for one am very excited to see them develop.
The Undecided
Cody McDonald
The one who has split fans into many different groups. Some say he should stay and given a chance, some think he should be sold, others think he should be given a new contract and sent out on loan.
For me, it`s the last option, I think he should be given another contract and loan to a Championship side and given a chance. Many have used his age against him but City fans must remember that Grant Holt didn`t make a successful step up from League Two until he joined the club in 2009.
He`s 25 but could still end up being a class act for the club. A season at Championship level will enable us to see how good he is and give him a chance to develop.
I think he could end up being similar to Holt in terms of his rise through the leagues. Of course, this depends on whether he is happy to sign a new contract and then be sent out on loan. If he isn`t then now is the chance to cash in on him and if Peterborough are moaning about £550k then they don`t know this transfer market.
Personally I`d be looking for £650k plus a decent sell-on clause for him but he`s well worth another loan season.
You can follow James on Twitter via @James_Shiplee
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