So what happened to the "we're going to be doing our business early this season "....and some of you laughed at me when I started moaning in mid-June saying "wait until the players are back in training£ and "the season doesn't start until August"
Well, the players ARE back in training, and guess what, we've lost 3 since then and gained none and KR is now saying we may not get the players we need until AFTER the season starts...........does that mean starting the season with just Phillips & Beeney - if so, that's madness.
Also still reporting we're after Reeves........really ??? The guy's had 2 months to decide & knew of our intention back in January, so what's he holding out for, a Championship club ? Get real mate.
So what happened to the "we're going to be doing our business early this season "....and some of you laughed at me when I started moaning in mid-May saying "wait until the players are back in training£ and "the season doesn't start until August"
Well, the players ARE back in training, and guess what, we've lost 3 since then and gained none and KR is now saying we may not get the players we need until AFTER the season starts...........does that mean starting the season with just Phillips & Beeney - if so, that's madness.
Also still reporting we're after Reeves........really ??? The guy's had 2 months to decide & knew of our intention back in January, so what's he holding out for, a Championship club ? Get real mate.
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
I see what you mean, but when your first choice wingers are holmes & Marshall I don't think we are going to conceivably to improve on those 2 whilst we are in league 1, so any new wingers incoming are going to be back ups, as it goes I think Stewart is an excellent player especially in league 1
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
In some areas yes. And in an ideal world yes. But with a limited budget and other areas to prioritise (a starting LB GK and 10) our 4th winger can be a bit of a risk/long shot. You still need players to have a squad even if they're not guaranteed starters.
Mate of mine who is a reading fan has suggested that Yann will be made available for loan when he recovers from injury. Apparently over the summer they weren't sure how long he would be out for and so started planning for the season without him. They now seem to think he may be surplus to requirements.
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
At the end of the day, we are not going to have 22 quality players. We didn't have that when we romped the League last time and we don't need it to get promoted. We had some key players, some other quality players, decent players and then adequate back ups (some did better than expected like Pritchard, others not so well like Green).
I'm not expecting us to fight hard for a 4th choice winger, I am for an attacking midfielder, a GK and a LB.
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
At the end of the day, we are not going to have 22 quality players. We didn't have that when we romped the League last time and we don't need it to get promoted. We had some key players, some other quality players, decent players and then adequate back ups (some did better than expected like Pritchard, others not so well like Green).
I'm not expecting us to fight hard for a 4th choice winger, I am for an attacking midfielder, a GK and a LB.
Agree on the first part though Robinson's system needs wingers. It completely changes if you put a CM or full back out wide.
I don't think that Stewart or Wright are the answer.
I don't know how much Robbo rates Fosu, whether he is 3rd or 4th choice winger, but clearly Holmes and Marshall are the starters. I know we don't want to rely on two, but if Fosu is rated as being capable. then I can't see why Stewart on a free for a year couldn't do a job as a squad player.
Exactly. As squad players they are fine. Of they were coming in as first choice then may be not. They don't solve our LB GK 10 or striker issues though.
I understand where you're coming from, but surely recruitment should be aimed at improving the first 11 or players that could develop in to better than our first 11? I'm not convinced Stewart fits either of those brackets.
At the end of the day, we are not going to have 22 quality players. We didn't have that when we romped the League last time and we don't need it to get promoted. We had some key players, some other quality players, decent players and then adequate back ups (some did better than expected like Pritchard, others not so well like Green).
I'm not expecting us to fight hard for a 4th choice winger, I am for an attacking midfielder, a GK and a LB.
Agree on the first part though Robinson's system needs wingers. It completely changes if you put a CM or full back out wide.
not disagreeing at all, just saying we have the 2 starters in Holmes and Marshall. If Stewart and Fosu are waiting to step in, are you going to get a better set than that in this League? Certainly a lot better than last years, where we lacked width, especially when Holmes was out injured.
The excuses look as if they're being lined up like the proverbial ducks. We have heard them before. If we have to wait until after the start of the season when potential recruits have exhausted other more appealing options and eventually sign for us, how does that square with Robinson saying he only wants players who want to be here? We are entering Roger Johnson type territory now.
Mate of mine who is a reading fan has suggested that Yann will be made available for loan when he recovers from injury. Apparently over the summer they weren't sure how long he would be out for and so started planning for the season without him. They now seem to think he may be surplus to requirements.
Martin, Reeves, Stewart, Da Silva on loan, who wouldn't be happy with that? That won't cost a penny but obviously will impact the wage budget. If they cannot afford Reeves demands, they should have fucking kept Ceballos who couldn't have been on too much and who couldn't have done more in pre-season.
If they don't want to spend any money, why bother at all with all the bullshit (season ticket sales I understand that). Fans will see through it anyway now as its just bloody deja vu.
Another thing concerning new signings. If you are playing 4 4 2 most players can play that system blindfolded as they have been doing so since they was at school. With Robinson's system it takes time to get to know exactly what is expected of you. That is why we needed to make our signings early so that they could get used to his system before the season starts. Last season Robinson said he did not have the players to play 4 2 3 1.not that it stopped him trying mind. So if we are going to sign a number ten or a striker or whatever I suggest that we do it now and not at the end of August ffs
I don't think we are (unless a couple more go, of course).
IF Kashi plays, then I'm not so sure of the absolute need for a specialist No.10 because we'll be much further up the pitch. Plus IF we are fitter than last year, we'll be further up the pitch with or without Kashi.
IF Wright comes, then he's cover for Kashi and means Jackson can be an occasional midfielder or left back.
Granted, two full-backs and a keeper needed but I like the look of the others, especially with good youngsters coming through.
Another thing concerning new signings. If you are playing 4 4 2 most players can play that system blindfolded as they have been doing so since they was at school. With Robinson's system it takes time to get to know exactly what is expected of you. That is why we needed to make our signings early so that they could get used to his system before the season starts. Last season Robinson said he did not have the players to play 4 2 3 1.not that it stopped him trying mind. So if we are going to sign a number ten or a striker or whatever I suggest that we do it now and not at the end of August ffs
its fine Chelsea played 4231 2 seasons ago, we'll go for Oscar and Filipe Luis
Martin, Reeves, Stewart, Da Silva on loan, who wouldn't be happy with that? That won't cost a penny but obviously will impact the wage budget. If they cannot afford Reeves demands, they should have fucking kept Ceballos who couldn't have been on too much and who couldn't have done more in pre-season.
If they don't want to spend any money, why bother at all with all the bullshit (season ticket sales I understand that). Fans will see through it anyway now as its just bloody deja vu.
Ceballos came from Spurs, he would have been on 8-10k a week. Robinson would have wanted that off his wage structure. Maybe this paves the way to pay for Reeves.
Mate of mine who is a reading fan has suggested that Yann will be made available for loan when he recovers from injury. Apparently over the summer they weren't sure how long he would be out for and so started planning for the season without him. They now seem to think he may be surplus to requirements.
#pleasecomehomeYann
#wishfulthinking
He could play No.10.
Played that position at Bournemouth superbly. Helped Bournemouth score lots of goals in their Premiership promotion season. Can't seeDuchatelet or Meire sanctioning it or paying the wages needed to make it happen.
Martin, Reeves, Stewart, Da Silva on loan, who wouldn't be happy with that? That won't cost a penny but obviously will impact the wage budget. If they cannot afford Reeves demands, they should have fucking kept Ceballos who couldn't have been on too much and who couldn't have done more in pre-season.
If they don't want to spend any money, why bother at all with all the bullshit (season ticket sales I understand that). Fans will see through it anyway now as its just bloody deja vu.
This is my biggest fear. It's clear DaSilva is going to sign and that the delay was him winning the U19 Euros (a good problem to have). I don't think we'll have too hard of a time finding a goalkeeper--it seems Martin is out of favor for whatever reason. But given how long he has held out, Ben Reeves, will now be 3 weeks behind in terms of fitness, and I fear he is demanding a lot of money given he would be joining on a free. I suspect the difference in wages between him and CC isn't great.
Reeves had a good season last season, but has had injury problems and has rarely played above League One level. He's someone I've been saying we should sign since before it was in vogue, but where we are now, I'm starting to worry he might end up being a bit of a busted flush. We're going to have to pay a decent chunk in wages and probably offer him a long term deal, and I'm not wholly convinced he 1) would be hugely successful above this level, or 2) has much resale value. I think the opposite is true of CC, although how well suited he was to League One was the huge question.
One more thing while I'm writing rambling nonsense: we aren't too far off 22 senior players, and as has been pointed out, 2011-12 we didn't have that big of a squad, and I'd argue we have more strength in depth now than we did then. If we add 3-4 we're going to have a big squad. And that's by-and-large a good thing, but it can be hard to keep everyone content, and you have some clearly talented youngsters who, because of the no emergency loan rule, may have to stay here and play for the U-23s when they would be better served playing senior football (RCC, KAG, Dijksteel, Lapslie).
I definitely don't think this squad is far behind, if it all, our title winning squad under Powell. The big difference as has pointed out, was the leaders, the likes of Kermorgant, Morrison and Taylor all led by example. We had a quality keeper, 2 great full-backs and most of all, a goalscorer in BWP with Kerms and Jacko chipping in.
The squad itself was not that great, but the team was. You could argue a case for at least 8 of them being in the team of the year that season, indeed our POTY didn't make it despite being chosen ahead of the 4/5 who did.
We're not going to get close to that season. I fear we might need to sell Konsa, even then it will probably go in the pricks pocket so I have lost a lot of interest in the past week. A shame given the early promise this year.
Martin, Reeves, Stewart, Da Silva on loan, who wouldn't be happy with that? That won't cost a penny but obviously will impact the wage budget. If they cannot afford Reeves demands, they should have fucking kept Ceballos who couldn't have been on too much and who couldn't have done more in pre-season.
If they don't want to spend any money, why bother at all with all the bullshit (season ticket sales I understand that). Fans will see through it anyway now as its just bloody deja vu.
Ceballos came from Spurs, he would have been on 8-10k a week. Robinson would have wanted that off his wage structure. Maybe this paves the way to pay for Reeves.
I didn't think he would be on that much. I know he came from Spurs but his lack of appearance in senior football in general made me assume his wages wouldn't be too high, I was thinking more like 5/6k, perhaps I was wrong.
Comments
So what happened to the "we're going to be doing our business early this season "....and some of you laughed at me when I started moaning in mid-June saying "wait until the players are back in training£ and "the season doesn't start until August"
Well, the players ARE back in training, and guess what, we've lost 3 since then and gained none and KR is now saying we may not get the players we need until AFTER the season starts...........does that mean starting the season with just Phillips & Beeney - if so, that's madness.
Also still reporting we're after Reeves........really ??? The guy's had 2 months to decide & knew of our intention back in January, so what's he holding out for, a Championship club ? Get real mate.
#pleasecomehomeYann
#wishfulthinking
I'm not expecting us to fight hard for a 4th choice winger, I am for an attacking midfielder, a GK and a LB.
We have heard them before.
If we have to wait until after the start of the season when potential recruits have exhausted other more appealing options and eventually sign for us, how does that square with Robinson saying he only wants players who want to be here?
We are entering Roger Johnson type territory now.
If they don't want to spend any money, why bother at all with all the bullshit (season ticket sales I understand that). Fans will see through it anyway now as its just bloody deja vu.
If you are playing 4 4 2 most players can play that system blindfolded as they have been doing so since they was at school.
With Robinson's system it takes time to get to know exactly what is expected of you.
That is why we needed to make our signings early so that they could get used to his system before the season starts.
Last season Robinson said he did not have the players to play 4 2 3 1.not that it stopped him trying mind.
So if we are going to sign a number ten or a striker or whatever I suggest that we do it now and not at the end of August ffs
IF Kashi plays, then I'm not so sure of the absolute need for a specialist No.10 because we'll be much further up the pitch. Plus IF we are fitter than last year, we'll be further up the pitch with or without Kashi.
IF Wright comes, then he's cover for Kashi and means Jackson can be an occasional midfielder or left back.
Granted, two full-backs and a keeper needed but I like the look of the others, especially with good youngsters coming through.
Reeves had a good season last season, but has had injury problems and has rarely played above League One level. He's someone I've been saying we should sign since before it was in vogue, but where we are now, I'm starting to worry he might end up being a bit of a busted flush. We're going to have to pay a decent chunk in wages and probably offer him a long term deal, and I'm not wholly convinced he 1) would be hugely successful above this level, or 2) has much resale value. I think the opposite is true of CC, although how well suited he was to League One was the huge question.
One more thing while I'm writing rambling nonsense: we aren't too far off 22 senior players, and as has been pointed out, 2011-12 we didn't have that big of a squad, and I'd argue we have more strength in depth now than we did then. If we add 3-4 we're going to have a big squad. And that's by-and-large a good thing, but it can be hard to keep everyone content, and you have some clearly talented youngsters who, because of the no emergency loan rule, may have to stay here and play for the U-23s when they would be better served playing senior football (RCC, KAG, Dijksteel, Lapslie).
The squad itself was not that great, but the team was. You could argue a case for at least 8 of them being in the team of the year that season, indeed our POTY didn't make it despite being chosen ahead of the 4/5 who did.
We're not going to get close to that season. I fear we might need to sell Konsa, even then it will probably go in the pricks pocket so I have lost a lot of interest in the past week. A shame given the early promise this year.