How is the poor guy's name pronounced - is it as in s*** or as in as dead as a .. ? Either way it doesn't seem very fair to place as much reliance on a young inexperienced player as we might be doing here. Difficult to believe that KR has been given what he was looking for - points much more to RD trying to save cash, hopefully before selling the club.
So compared to last season - we have signed 7 players (Fosu, Dodoo, Clarke, Marshall, Reeves, Amos and Dasilva (plus Kashi + Sarr returned)), how many have we seen out the door?
7 Strikers: Ajose, Watt, Hanlan, Umerah, Vetokele, Novak and Mavididi
Am I the only one who thinks it's been a great window? We've not lost any player that we were worried about losing. We've signed some really exciting players, if the first few games are anything to go by.
We are playing really well, and we have two players for every position in the team (allowing the fact we don't know about Dodoo yet) but let's be honest Novak was sh*t! There was almost a protest in itself when it was discovered he was starting the first game of the season.
I really believe we're in a strong position in this league. 100% still want our Belgian legion out but today is not the disaster people are claiming it is I don't think.
We've got massive strength in depth at CB, a lot of depth in midfield when Marshall returns, but no depth up front. Dodoo is fine to bring off the bench, or if we need to switch to 4-4-2, but can't play as a lone striker, so there's no cover for Magennis who's a key player
It's kind of weird. And there's no longer an emergency clause allowing us to buy if say Magennis was injured.
But haven't there been other sides who have played a fluid system, who haven't had a great big fella up front to hold the ball up?
In the English third division? Doubt it.
Who did Swansea have up front when they were promoted playing a passing game?
It's a bit of a myth to say you need to play third division football to get out of the third division. Yes, you don't want to get bullied, but play football.
Agree but at the same time I think there's a reason teams at this level don't play with "false 9s" or some of the set ups you see at the highest level.
So compared to last season - we have signed 7 players (Fosu, Dodoo, Clarke, Marshall, Reeves, Amos and Dasilva (plus Kashi + Sarr returned)), how many have we seen out the door?
7 Strikers: Ajose, Watt, Hanlan, Umerah, Vetokele, Novak and Mavididi
2 Keepers: Rudd, Mitov
4 Defenders: Chicksen, RJ, Thomas, Tex
3 Midfielders: Botaka, Ulvestad, Byrne
Am I missing anyone?
unfair comparison though as we didn't see Vetokele last signing. If we could add either him or Mavididi to this squad then I would be excited.
So compared to last season - we have signed 7 players (Fosu, Dodoo, Clarke, Marshall, Reeves, Amos and Dasilva (plus Kashi + Sarr returned)), how many have we seen out the door?
7 Strikers: Ajose, Watt, Hanlan, Umerah, Vetokele, Novak and Mavididi
2 Keepers: Rudd, Mitov
4 Defenders: Chicksen, RJ, Thomas, Tex
3 Midfielders: Botaka, Ulvestad, Byrne
Am I missing anyone?
Much better balance though wouldn't you say?
All in all I think we have had a fairly decent transfer window. We have a very strong looking midfield and our defence looks good, barring injuries to Dasilva/Solly (although Dijksteel looks very good from what I have seen of him).
I am not convinced on the keepers yet, but at least we didn't let phillips go without a replacement.
Striker wise I think we are way off. I really like Mag, he puts himself about, is very strong and does contribute some important goals. We need more than one striker that can score though and I am amazed we have reached the end of the window in this position considering how well we did in recruiting for the midfield positions. I worry about what happens if/when Mag gets injured or is on international duty.
I thought we needed two strikers in today , then Novak left and we only got one.
So compared to last season - we have signed 7 players (Fosu, Dodoo, Clarke, Marshall, Reeves, Amos and Dasilva (plus Kashi + Sarr returned)), how many have we seen out the door?
7 Strikers: Ajose, Watt, Hanlan, Umerah, Vetokele, Novak and Mavididi
So compared to last season - we have signed 7 players (Fosu, Dodoo, Clarke, Marshall, Reeves, Amos and Dasilva (plus Kashi + Sarr returned)), how many have we seen out the door?
7 Strikers: Ajose, Watt, Hanlan, Umerah, Vetokele, Novak and Mavididi
I think this is the strongest squad we've had since Powell, In previous seasons we were easy to work out, with only one or two lines of supply (last year, stop Holmes or lookman you stop Charlton). This year we have goal threat all the way through the team.
That said, I'm surprised we let Hanlan go out on loan today with Novak going out. Karl must have faith in KAG & RHF
1. Keep Holmes 2. Keep Magennis 3. Keep Konsa 4. Sign Reeves 5. Sign Marshall 6. Get Dasilva back again 6. Sell Watt
Most would have taken that in a heartbeat.
We may not have ended the window well, but we look better than last year. Just 3 months ago I figured none of that would happen and we might be on our way to L2. Instead, I feel me might make top 6. We are improved, imho.
It seems like relative progress.
To hope for any more with RD as owner is simply not being realistic. I am all for pressuring him to sell, but given he is here now we are stuck with him, I think this was a good window. Frankly, I can't wait for this thread to be closed.
Comments
If that stat is true then I'm more than happy that he's gone. For £6k a week we should be winning 10 out of every 16 games he starts, should we not?
I am not convinced on the keepers yet, but at least we didn't let phillips go without a replacement.
Striker wise I think we are way off. I really like Mag, he puts himself about, is very strong and does contribute some important goals. We need more than one striker that can score though and I am amazed we have reached the end of the window in this position considering how well we did in recruiting for the midfield positions. I worry about what happens if/when Mag gets injured or is on international duty.
I thought we needed two strikers in today , then Novak left and we only got one.
This will be magnified every time Magennis goes down...
I didn't particularly rate him and it goes without saying that Meire overpaid him, but you need experienced players in your squad.
Hackett and KAG will have to step up
Would have given odds against that happening 3 months ago.
That said, I'm surprised we let Hanlan go out on loan today with Novak going out. Karl must have faith in KAG & RHF
1. Keep Holmes
2. Keep Magennis
3. Keep Konsa
4. Sign Reeves
5. Sign Marshall
6. Get Dasilva back again
6. Sell Watt
Most would have taken that in a heartbeat.
We may not have ended the window well, but we look better than last year. Just 3 months ago I figured none of that would happen and we might be on our way to L2. Instead, I feel me might make top 6. We are improved, imho.
It seems like relative progress.
To hope for any more with RD as owner is simply not being realistic. I am all for pressuring him to sell, but given he is here now we are stuck with him, I think this was a good window. Frankly, I can't wait for this thread to be closed.