To those saying they hope we don't get left behind, in our promotion season we lost the opening game to Sunderland and we couldn't even name a full bench. Just five of the available seven, those being Ajose, Sarr, AMB, Maloney (I don't even remember him) and Hackett-Fairchild.
And we went on to get promoted.
What's strange is that I've just been back through every season since then and I can't find a stronger, fuller squad than the one we've got now. (Find me another season where we've got players like MacGilvray, Payne, Kirk, McGrandles, Gilbey & Lavelle on the BENCH on day one). And yet this board is more overwhelmingly negative than it's ever been. I can only put it down to some kind of collective emotional trauma we've all experienced because objectively we are better placed than we have been in the past five years, including the season we got promoted.
The season won't live or die based on whether we do our final business on deadline day or not, we are already further ahead than we've been in a long time.
We are miles ahead of where we were last summer and the two previous ones at this level.
In 18/19 we signed a few including Bielik and Cullen after the season started. In the other two seasons we didn't get promoted, we didn't even finish in the top half last season. So we are better off than last season isn't really a high bench mark.
I don't think anyone thinks we won't sign some more people before the window slams shut. I don't think anyone thinks we have got enough to be promotion challengers now.
The big question is will we get a couple of Cullen and Bielik level signings or more Lee's and Leko's?
Last season I was convinced, even after 3 or 4 games that we would get it right. We didn't. We got it wrong in January. Why should I believe we will get it right this time?
January was tough because we already had nothing to play for. Fraser was a decent investment and we finally replaced Aneke, with Aneke. Castillo and John were poor admittedly, although the former can be explained, even if not defended, if the rumour about signing him for Aneke is true.
I don’t expect any more permanent signings but loans will be crucial. Can we get some real quality in on loan?
I fear we have dropped down the pecking order for the really good loans, all depends on Gallen and BG’s pulling power.
If Garner has a reputation for playing modern possession based football then it will be known at PL clubs. That’s a better bet for their youngsters than with no disrespect meant, Accrington for example.
I don’t expect any more permanent signings but loans will be crucial. Can we get some real quality in on loan?
I fear we have dropped down the pecking order for the really good loans, all depends on Gallen and BG’s pulling power.
If Garner has a reputation for playing modern possession based football then it will be known at PL clubs. That’s a better bet for their youngsters than with no disrespect meant, Accrington for example.
Yes hopefully, I just think maybe the better loans will go to teams competing for promotion, do the other clubs consider us to be in the mix?. I’d assume location is in our favour if we want the better youngsters in London?, all hypothetical thinking.
To those saying they hope we don't get left behind, in our promotion season we lost the opening game to Sunderland and we couldn't even name a full bench. Just five of the available seven, those being Ajose, Sarr, AMB, Maloney (I don't even remember him) and Hackett-Fairchild.
And we went on to get promoted.
What's strange is that I've just been back through every season since then and I can't find a stronger, fuller squad than the one we've got now. (Find me another season where we've got players like MacGilvray, Payne, Kirk, McGrandles, Gilbey & Lavelle on the BENCH on day one). And yet this board is more overwhelmingly negative than it's ever been. I can only put it down to some kind of collective emotional trauma we've all experienced because objectively we are better placed than we have been in the past five years, including the season we got promoted.
The season won't live or die based on whether we do our final business on deadline day or not, we are already further ahead than we've been in a long time.
We are miles ahead of where we were last summer and the two previous ones at this level.
In 18/19 we signed a few including Bielik and Cullen after the season started. In the other two seasons we didn't get promoted, we didn't even finish in the top half last season. So we are better off than last season isn't really a high bench mark.
I don't think anyone thinks we won't sign some more people before the window slams shut. I don't think anyone thinks we have got enough to be promotion challengers now.
The big question is will we get a couple of Cullen and Bielik level signings or more Lee's and Leko's?
Last season I was convinced, even after 3 or 4 games that we would get it right. We didn't. We got it wrong in January. Why should I believe we will get it right this time?
January was tough because we already had nothing to play for. Fraser was a decent investment and we finally replaced Aneke, with Aneke. Castillo and John were poor admittedly, although the former can be explained, even if not defended, if the rumour about signing him for Aneke is true.
You could say January was a good window because we have Fraser and A&Eneke now but the 4 of them played how many games? We had everything to play for on new years day. We could have got promoted or relegated.
You could also say that last summer was a good window because Clare has reinvented himself as a defender, CBT got fit about February and Kirk might come good. Didn't help us at the time though.
I still reckon we'll get mckirdy... played his best football under Garner and we've signed his best mate. Can't see him not wanting to sign for us and Garner is partial to a Swindon raid. Hope we do aswell, gets goals and is an absolute shithouse, every team needs one
I would accept we are ahead. Miles ahead......I'm not so sure.
Results will decide.
Results will decide the season, definitely. I think anyone can look at a time when we couldn't fill our bench, or started the season with 3-4 youth players, Vs now and decide whether we are ahead or not based purely on the terms of the squad readiness.
not sure we were in the equation this window - definitely last window - Oxford pushing the boat out apparently and they are expecting more prem loans from arsenal and Chelsea
To those saying they hope we don't get left behind, in our promotion season we lost the opening game to Sunderland and we couldn't even name a full bench. Just five of the available seven, those being Ajose, Sarr, AMB, Maloney (I don't even remember him) and Hackett-Fairchild.
And we went on to get promoted.
What's strange is that I've just been back through every season since then and I can't find a stronger, fuller squad than the one we've got now. (Find me another season where we've got players like MacGilvray, Payne, Kirk, McGrandles, Gilbey & Lavelle on the BENCH on day one). And yet this board is more overwhelmingly negative than it's ever been. I can only put it down to some kind of collective emotional trauma we've all experienced because objectively we are better placed than we have been in the past five years, including the season we got promoted.
The season won't live or die based on whether we do our final business on deadline day or not, we are already further ahead than we've been in a long time.
Our squad might have more depth than that Sunderland one, but that Sunderland game squad arguably had more quality, the sort of players who are "too good for L1" as shown by the number playing at a higher level, or were signed by us in the Championship such as Bauer and Sarr.
I remember watching that game and coming away full of optimism as we looked good until Pearce was forced off .
1. Kirk sold 2. JFC/Gilbey sold 3. JRS in on loan 4. McKirdy in (perm) 5. Simpson in (perm) 6. Defender in (loan) 7. 85 pts 8. Wembley promotion 9. Open top bus celebration 10. Statue of Garner built outside Museum
7. Bottom 3 at the end of October 8. Thomas sacks Garner - " We can't keep conceding stupid goals from trying to pass out from the back, I want a manager who can keep a clean sheet and grind out results, we need to attack more quickly. I've always been a believer in direct football." 9. Tony Pulis becomes the new manager 10. Jason Pearce comes out of retirement to play as an emergency No 9 with both Stockley and Aneke are injured 11. Purrington rejoins for £500k to replace Sessegnon who has been recalled by Fulham 12. We sign 6'9 Kyle Hudlin on loan from Huddersfield as a replacement for Leaburn who goes to Palace for an undisclosed fee 13. Payne, Wollacott and Egbo all go out on loan to Swindon, we sign 3 Accrington players to replace them 14. We finish 13th again. 15. My season ticket for 23/24 goes up another £50
Crickey ,sounds like you could do with a few more better nights sleep!!
To those saying they hope we don't get left behind, in our promotion season we lost the opening game to Sunderland and we couldn't even name a full bench. Just five of the available seven, those being Ajose, Sarr, AMB, Maloney (I don't even remember him) and Hackett-Fairchild.
And we went on to get promoted.
What's strange is that I've just been back through every season since then and I can't find a stronger, fuller squad than the one we've got now. (Find me another season where we've got players like MacGilvray, Payne, Kirk, McGrandles, Gilbey & Lavelle on the BENCH on day one). And yet this board is more overwhelmingly negative than it's ever been. I can only put it down to some kind of collective emotional trauma we've all experienced because objectively we are better placed than we have been in the past five years, including the season we got promoted.
The season won't live or die based on whether we do our final business on deadline day or not, we are already further ahead than we've been in a long time.
I think it's also a case of looking at the squad as a whole and thinking they aren't up to much. Sure having honest and experienced pros knocking around the squad is better than having a bunch of kids, but none of them are exciting players, people who look a level above the league we're in, and that's what feels different compared to the promotion seasons IMO
To those saying they hope we don't get left behind, in our promotion season we lost the opening game to Sunderland and we couldn't even name a full bench. Just five of the available seven, those being Ajose, Sarr, AMB, Maloney (I don't even remember him) and Hackett-Fairchild.
And we went on to get promoted.
What's strange is that I've just been back through every season since then and I can't find a stronger, fuller squad than the one we've got now. (Find me another season where we've got players like MacGilvray, Payne, Kirk, McGrandles, Gilbey & Lavelle on the BENCH on day one). And yet this board is more overwhelmingly negative than it's ever been. I can only put it down to some kind of collective emotional trauma we've all experienced because objectively we are better placed than we have been in the past five years, including the season we got promoted.
The season won't live or die based on whether we do our final business on deadline day or not, we are already further ahead than we've been in a long time.
I think it's also a case of looking at the squad as a whole and thinking they aren't up to much. Sure having honest and experienced pros knocking around the squad is better than having a bunch of kids, but none of them are exciting players, people who look a level above the league we're in, and that's what feels different compared to the promotion seasons IMO
Many of the players who were seen as “too good for League 1” became more highly rated as the season went on.
I remember players like Aribo and Bielik being inconsistent early on. Bielik was even subbed off at half time in one game after he kept giving the ball away and Aribo wasn’t the goal threat he became.
We don’t have players who obviously stand out like they did but it’s too early to be sure no one will progress to that point. Late signings coming in could add real quality too as Yann, Bielik and Cullen did.
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You could also say that last summer was a good window because Clare has reinvented himself as a defender, CBT got fit about February and Kirk might come good. Didn't help us at the time though.
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I remember watching that game and coming away full of optimism as we looked good until Pearce was forced off .
I remember players like Aribo and Bielik being inconsistent early on. Bielik was even subbed off at half time in one game after he kept giving the ball away and Aribo wasn’t the goal threat he became.
We don’t have players who obviously stand out like they did but it’s too early to be sure no one will progress to that point. Late signings coming in could add real quality too as Yann, Bielik and Cullen did.