2014/15 squad numbers

Squad numbers have always intrigued me. I think most modern coaches allow players now to pick their own number, within reason, although you would think if players couldn’t agree or the number was a ‘key positional’ number, then the manager would intervene and decide.

Footballers are a superstitious lot, but I find it funny that the modern day professional would rather pick no.36 than no.8 because it is lucky.

Charlton’s squad numbers for the new season were revealed today. A 27-man squad that includes Jack Munns, Kadell Daniels and Zac Ansah. The main talking point however being that no.9 has been left unoccupied fuelling more rumours of an immediate striker signing. No’s 12 and 15 are also blank, and Reza continues as no.8, but many will be surprised if we see him wear it.

Andre Bikey is given the no.6 shirt, yet Ben Haim wore 26 at Standard Liege, so no clues as to who will start alongside Michael Morrison. Chris Solly remains first choice right back, although it is clear we shouldn’t expect more than 25-odd games from him, so with Lawrie Wilson taking over Andy Hughes no.2 shirt, it would suggest that Peeters will look to Wilson to share right back duties.

Joe Gomez’s reward of a first XI shirt says more about his potential and how much Peeters and his staff value him, than any left back abilities or expected appearances there, although Peeters has commented that Joe can play anywhere across the back. First choice Rhoys Wiggins has worn 16 since joining and Morgan Fox preferred the No.21 shirt when given the option.

Simon Church has been torpedoed out of the no.9 shirt, but he has always favoured no. 18, and may feel less pressure without the target man shirt on his back. Igor Vetokele wore no.9 at FC Copenhagen but will be no.14 this season at The Valley and George Țucudean will wear 29.

Captain Johnnie Jackson rightly remains in the no.4 shirt, the hardly yet seen Franck Moussa will wear no.10, Yoni Buyens 17 and to my mind the unrivalled no.7 shirt will belong to Johann Berg Gudmundsson. I try to forget that once upon a time Marcus Bent soiled what will always be Colin Powell’s jersey.

One squad number Bob Peeters would’ve had some say in is no.1, and that will belong to Stephen Henderson, who will start at Brentford on Saturday. Nick Pope who was allocated 30 last season and wore 31 in a memorable half season at York City, will have to prove himself to Peeters and Ben Roberts. Dillon Phillips will wear 13.