Day 31

David Fernández joined us on trial today. I'm trying to get him comfortable with playing as a striker, since that is where I'd likely put him in most matches. He's currently considered "competent" in the role; I need him to be "accomplished."

The decision then, assuming he can fit comfortably in a role as striker or as an attacking midfielder sitting behind the strikers, is whether to sign Fernández or young striker Omar Koroma. My coaching staff, with the exception of Assistant Manager Curtis Woodhouse (who couldn't reliably tell if a cat is good at sleeping), believe that Koroma is better than any of the strikers currently under contract at the club. He looks likely to improve significantly as the season progresses, too.

But Fernández can offer more versatility, and loads of experience. And if you compare them, attribute by attribute, the veteran comes out on top. Koroma is only noticeably "better" on determination, aggression, pace, agility, and acceleration, whereas Fernández easily wins on corners, crossing, marking, passing, tackling, technique, bravery, composure, creativity, decisions, flair, influence, teamwork, work rate, balance, and strength.

On a pure numbers approach, Fernández is the better choice. Taking the future into account—beyond this season—Koroma is preferable. Considering them as striker versus striker, Fernández looks like he'd edge it out, but Koroma is a natural and can bring a bit of pace. I don't know what to do.

I scheduled a friendly match for the Reserves against Bury Town on Sunday. I'll take control of that game, and with a bit of luck it'll tell me who to sign. (Assuming that Koroma agrees to re-join us on trial before then, since he was scheduled to leave on Saturday—two days from now.)