Squad change

[Shepperton Supporter]

Didn’t think Babajide was the same player on his return.

[TW10]

Absolutely astonishing Campbell has left, he is a great player and a fans favourite. I agree re Page, to me he is a liability. No athleticism. Very disappointing

[EastTerracer]

Campbell did well for us so quite surprising to me he has gone.

[Shepperton Supporter]

Agree there are some points of debate. It may revolve around the players wages and whether there is sufficient cover to let them go. If it about cover, then the point about Page is interesting. With the arrival of Allen, we now have Page plus Keeya, Atkinson, Hunt for midfielders plus Gray, Williams and Vilhete who can also play centrally.

[HamptonLifer5]

It is a shame about Campbell, thought he has been brilliant for us this season. But it does make sense to potentially be a financial decision, with Masampu also playing in that position. If the club website is correct about Billy French also leaving (with his name no longer listed), with his injury record and having Archy Taylor as 1st choice then it would fit. As we saw for a short period on Saturday, Taylor did cover at left-back after Campbell was taken off, with Revan and Wiltshire also capable of playing at right-back. It does leave us a little light, but I think we are probably only 2 wins from safety, if not safe already, so maybe the thought is to start looking at the summer and next season already.

[Tony]

We'll just have to wait and see if the club gives an explanation for the departure. If it is all to do with managing finances and planning for next season then fine, but most supporters would say that Campbell was someone we would want to retain if we could manage that. It could easily be down to other factors, being played out of position, contract renegotiations, approach from another club, who knows?

[The Burrow]

I wouldn’t say we are safe as yet many points to play for and few clubs scrambling to get out of relegation picking up points recently, until the maths say otherwise we are at risk.
Rather then signing Page and now Allen for CM roles that are well covered as mentioned a CF was the needed requirement and still is!

[JimS]

It would be nice if the club officially told us about departures as they do with signings. They don't need to go into details as to why players have left if they don't want to. Just tell us for goodness sake.

[Josh2002]

Chairman's update. Confirms French has departed, Babajide is dual registered at Carshalton, and Campbell's departure was the manager's decision as part of playing a different way. Makise Evans has also been recalled by Stevenage. https://x.com/HAMRICHFC/status/1894051371676062150

[HamptonLifer5]

Fair play to him, was a much needed update. Makise struggled unfortunately so that also makes sense.

[Tony]

A good update with Ben's usual clarity on issues. My main take is that Campbell no longer fits with the system the manager now now wants to play. That could do with some explanation. Are we moving to a back three for example? Campbell has a pretty good all round defending and attacking game, better than a few I could mention if goals and assists count for anything. Evans going back to Stevenage is no loss from what I have seen. Babajide may get a chance again when he has played more regularly.

[Shepperton Supporter]

Interesting update from the Chairman as already noted. He skirted around next season expectations and team but that is to be expected.
Would be interested to see the formation changes that Alan wants to go to. Tony’s thought might be going to three at the back? We have lots of midfield players so perhaps there might be a clue there?
It might be a topic to look at as to which players folk would like to retain and what positions we would like to recruit.