Sorry to interrupt all the “cast iron” rumours on transfers but more importantly can anyone confirm that our Thomas has gone for the Wayne Rooney Arse Crack Follicle Relocation Program and if so, who the donor was?
I really do not see that there is a lack of quality in the team - for me, there has been an extremely rare level of investmentfor a club at this level, leaving a team with huge quality. Yes, that team will need time to get itself together (see also Ipswich) and a bit of extra cover in places, but they were left in a difficult spot with an aging squad and have done incredibly well to bring in the players they have. I doubt that there is a single club in this division that would not bite your hand off for the likes of Fanewo, Kirk, MacGillivray, and Stockley to speak just of the new purchases this Summer.
I know it is early but so far we look no stronger or better than we did last season, as we all know we have lost a 15 goal striker and not replaced him.
We are lacking in depth for the squad, injuries and suspensions would cripple us at the moment and the quality of the players have not been enhanced as yet, Kirk may change that?
MacGillvray does not look any better than Phillips or Amos so that buy was a like for like swap, once again not an improvement.
Banging long balls up to Stockley will not get us promoted, its about the easiest tactic for the opposition to defend against.
Agree totally about the banging long balls up to Stockley it is not working. That is why I think the suggested been put on here a few times about dropping Albie and putting Washington in the 10 role might pay off. With Kirk on the left and DJ on the right Washington can hopefully play off of Stockley. Worth a try I feel until we hopefully get someone in to provide a more traditional 10 role
I really do not see that there is a lack of quality in the team - for me, there has been an extremely rare level of investment for a club at this level, leaving a team with huge quality. Yes, that team will need time to get itself together (see also Ipswich) and a bit of extra cover in places, but they were left in a difficult spot with an aging squad and have done incredibly well to bring in the players they have. I doubt that there is a single club in this division that would not bite your hand off for the likes of Fanewo, Kirk, MacGillivray, and Stockley to speak just of the new purchases this Summer.
I tend to agree with most of what you say. I think the problem is lack of quality in certain areas. CAM for example. We need a player that can pick a quick pass to open up the opposition, can get his shots off (preferably on target) and is switched on all the time. We haven’t got that player at the moment. We also need a CM who can dictate they play - maybe that will be Clare, I know it’s very early days, but he touched the ball 12 times Saturday. Maybe he just had an off day, but we didn’t have a player to replace him.
Sorry to interrupt all the “cast iron” rumours on transfers but more importantly can anyone confirm that our Thomas has gone for the Wayne Rooney Arse Crack Follicle Relocation Program and if so, who the donor was?
He bigged himself up and said we'd blow away the league, and expectations sky rocketed.
Now he's talking it down and talking about slowly building up and not spending too much and trying to temper expectations, but it's too late.
So now we stick to the build slowly and people are disappointed if we finish 8th, or he spends big and people say it's panic buying and he is just proving that we should have done it that way to start with.
Either way, he loses creditability
Maybe he should follow Roland's lead then and just say nothing. Then we'd get people moaning about no communication.
It feels like ever since the RD era every quote ever made by anyone is judged and held accountable by fans in a kangaroo court.
The recruitment team aren't stupid they know what we need, they know the fans know what we need. Everything said in public is all part of a game of poker and while the window remains open all we can do is trust the recruitment process.
The time for judging the window is after it's closed, until then I really think some need to stop hanging off every quote published.
I do not share your confidence in the recruitment team since they left us with a makeshift defence when Inniss and Famewo were injured last season. We would have made the playoffs with one more half decent centre back. And if it was not the recruitment team it must have been Tommy would not pony up the money. Either way a ballsup.
I agree we needed another CB last season but the wage cap didn't help, plus it was Bowyer who always said we didn't need another one so maybe that was more on Bowyer than anyone.
I really do not see that there is a lack of quality in the team - for me, there has been an extremely rare level of investmentfor a club at this level, leaving a team with huge quality. Yes, that team will need time to get itself together (see also Ipswich) and a bit of extra cover in places, but they were left in a difficult spot with an aging squad and have done incredibly well to bring in the players they have. I doubt that there is a single club in this division that would not bite your hand off for the likes of Fanewo, Kirk, MacGillivray, and Stockley to speak just of the new purchases this Summer.
I know it is early but so far we look no stronger or better than we did last season, as we all know we have lost a 15 goal striker and not replaced him.
We are lacking in depth for the squad, injuries and suspensions would cripple us at the moment and the quality of the players have not been enhanced as yet, Kirk may change that?
MacGillvray does not look any better than Phillips or Amos so that buy was a like for like swap, once again not an improvement.
Banging long balls up to Stockley will not get us promoted, its about the easiest tactic for the opposition to defend against.
Agree totally about the banging long balls up to Stockley it is not working. That is why I think the suggested been put on here a few times about dropping Albie and putting Washington in the 10 role might pay off. With Kirk on the left and DJ on the right Washington can hopefully play off of Stockley. Worth a try I feel until we hopefully get someone in to provide a more traditional 10 role
Your plan sounds solid Andy but sadly you don't pick the team and select the tactics. No evidence so far of a plan B when Plan A is not working but we live in hope.
I tend to agree with most of what you say. I think the problem is lack of quality in certain areas. CAM for example. We need a player that can pick a quick pass to open up the opposition, can get his shots off (preferably on target) and is switched on all the time. We haven’t got that player at the moment. We also need a CM who can dictate they play - maybe that will be Clare, I know it’s very early days, but he touched the ball 12 times Saturday. Maybe he just had an off day, but we didn’t have a player to replace him.
I totally get what you are saying, but central midfield is quite a specific problem, because we already have that player in JFC. It was absolutely the right thing to do to give him a new contract, but it did leave them snookered because which good midfielder is going to come in on the basis that to get in the team right now they have to displace last year's Young Player of the Year, and even if they do that, quite possibly by Christmas they will be sat on the bench behind last year's Player of the Year? I don't say it could not happen, but I can see why it would be difficult.
I tend to agree with most of what you say. I think the problem is lack of quality in certain areas. CAM for example. We need a player that can pick a quick pass to open up the opposition, can get his shots off (preferably on target) and is switched on all the time. We haven’t got that player at the moment. We also need a CM who can dictate they play - maybe that will be Clare, I know it’s very early days, but he touched the ball 12 times Saturday. Maybe he just had an off day, but we didn’t have a player to replace him.
I totally get what you are saying, but central midfield is quite a specific problem, because we already have that player in JFC. It was absolutely the right thing to do to give him a new contract, but it did leave them snookered because which good midfielder is going to come in on the basis that to get in the team right now they have to displace last year's Young Player of the Year, and even if they do that, quite possibly by Christmas they will be sat on the bench behind last year's Player of the Year? I don't say it could not happen, but I can see why it would be difficult.
If a player didn't sign for us because he was worried about Morgan and a player who at best is probably 5 months off returning and at worst might not even be the same player again then i'd question his desire and probably wouldn't want him anyway.
I agree with your other post though, there is quality there, but the problem is there is just not enough of it and not in key areas. A new left back, Gilbey and Kirk may well change that though. But then there's no one to compete with Stockley (or play off him if we're chasing a game), no one to compete with DJ. If Inniss breaks down then Pearce is back in the side and a 17 year old is on the bench.
I for one would love to have a Chairman who publicly states he'll be looking for a new first team player to replace the one who's played 2 league games for the club. I think the constant feed of information from the internet has made people go literally insane when it comes to things Sandgaard said. His 'blow the league out of the water' comment, obviously meant as a bit of positive bravado is now apparently a promise, and if he doesn't publicly say we're replacing the entire team every time we concede a goal people start talking about Roland like he wasn't basically Satan. It is, as Katrien would say, weird.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
I think it's a 3 but only because we've had such a huge rebuild. By time the window shuts we will have 10-12 players that are actually ours, we want them and are multi-year deals. From next summer onwards I'd expect the bulk of the team to remain the same but maybe £1-2mil + transfer revenue invested on actual talent. Getting players like Jorge Grant early in a January window for example before he's on a big stage.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
I think it's a 3 but only because we've had such a huge rebuild. By time the window shuts we will have 10-12 players that are actually ours, we want them and are multi-year deals. From next summer onwards I'd expect the bulk of the team to remain the same but maybe £1-2mil + transfer revenue invested on actual talent. Getting players like Jorge Grant early in a January window for example before he's on a big stage.
We already have 8 (eight) of the current first team squad out of contract at the end of the season. If we use all 5 loans it's back to over half the squad, again. It would make perfect sense of we could get anywhere near break even but we can't.
This is the kind of thing the recruitment team and TS are up against.
Expectations have been set so high, no matter what good business we do, it will be seen as “being done on the cheap” by a vocal section of the fan base.
Not digging out this specific poster but it does show how some fans are living in a completely different reality.
opinion from my souurce is that its a matter of him being tight as we should't be struggling as our club is massive yet for some reason were struggling to attract players
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
sounds like number 2 re won't pay/won't budge on players could be the reason....which impacts on number 1
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
As you say, I think it's a mixture of 1 & 2
How does this strategy jive with TS saying the PL in 5 years? 47 months left. We are guessing why we have not signed people and yet we know what he claimed he planned in terms of promotion. How does one square our actions with the plan of promotion to the PL by 2025-26?
This is the kind of thing the recruitment team and TS are up against.
Expectations have been set so high, no matter what good business we do, it will be seen as “being done on the cheap” by a vocal section of the fan base.
Not digging out this specific poster but it does show how some fans are living in a completely different reality.
Charles & Dale are highly sought after and if they came to SE7, I would be a very happy bunny.
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
As you say, I think it's a mixture of 1 & 2
How does this strategy jive with TS saying the PL in 5 years? 47 months left. We are guessing why we have not signed people and yet we know what he claimed he planned in terms of promotion. How does one square our actions with the plan of promotion to the PL by 2025-26?
Dale is highly likely to go to a Championship club
Tucker and Charles are rumoured to have valuations twice that price (albeit who really knows)
We've spent the best part of £2m on transfer fees alone this calendar year (perhaps more) so need to take that into account when considering future spending capacity
We have 4 matchday loan places left
Lowery is effectively out to pasture and won't be match fit... do we need immediate promotion or can we wait 6 weeks to get him in and firing
There are 4 possible explanations for the current state of affairs.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
There’s a fifth: 5) Things aren’t *quite* as bad as some think they are, after just two games this season; Possibly some decent players in the pipeline, loan or otherwise. Gilbey to return. Kirk about to join the party. Clare and Dobson still bedding in. Morgan may be about to find that killer pass, or maybe even launch one into the top corner, which would be a boost to his fragile self confidence. Hope so anyway.
Comments
I agree with your other post though, there is quality there, but the problem is there is just not enough of it and not in key areas. A new left back, Gilbey and Kirk may well change that though. But then there's no one to compete with Stockley (or play off him if we're chasing a game), no one to compete with DJ. If Inniss breaks down then Pearce is back in the side and a 17 year old is on the bench.
1) We have been picky and only signed players we really want, not anything that moves, and held our nerve. This may or may not stay the same as the deadline looms closer.
2) We can't/won't pay what we need to to get the players we need in and can't/won't budge.
3) It's deliberate and the "plan" is to add 2 or 3 quality players each window and build over a number of seasons.
4) No one can be arsed and they just haven't bothered or they were too busy in the recording studio, on holiday, or enjoying the hospitality at QPR.
I think in all honesty we can rule out 4. I suspect its 1 with maybe a tint of 2. If its 3 someone is going to get a short sharp shock when the bills start piling up.
Our only hope of making any decent signings is if I cash out my promotion and top 6 bets.
How does this strategy jive with TS saying the PL in 5 years? 47 months left. We are guessing why we have not signed people and yet we know what he claimed he planned in terms of promotion. How does one square our actions with the plan of promotion to the PL by 2025-26?
Charles & Dale are highly sought after and if they came to SE7, I would be a very happy bunny.
Napa, waiting for an answer.
Tucker and Charles are rumoured to have valuations twice that price (albeit who really knows)
We've spent the best part of £2m on transfer fees alone this calendar year (perhaps more) so need to take that into account when considering future spending capacity
We have 4 matchday loan places left
Lowery is effectively out to pasture and won't be match fit... do we need immediate promotion or can we wait 6 weeks to get him in and firing
It's all a lot harder than it looks...
There’s a fifth:
5) Things aren’t *quite* as bad as some think they are, after just two games this season;
Possibly some decent players in the pipeline, loan or otherwise. Gilbey to return. Kirk about to join the party. Clare and Dobson still bedding in. Morgan may be about to find that killer pass, or maybe even launch one into the top corner, which would be a boost to his fragile self confidence. Hope so anyway.