It’s probably not a good indication that I’ve both felt this excited about us signing a player since Kirk, there’s just something about signing a young attacking player that is better than all other signings. If we do get this over the line I genuinely believe he will make the step up reasonably well
I also think we that if Campbell got injured then we would not have a player who can go past players, so I agree this signing if it happens makes sense.
Exciting player but I don't really see how Apter fits in - he's definitely not a wingback and from his stats last season looks like less of a wingback than even Small! Neither does he appear to be a forward - but his goals look fairly promising. Then again, Campbell adapted well so I guess we'll see
I would say he fits in exactly as a like for like to how Small played. With Ramsey or Burke behind him he’ll have a lot of licence to be playing further up. Small was really a right winger last year.
He played wing back for a good period at Tranmere. He’s also known for being able to run and run. Think his style fits us to perfection.
Exciting player but I don't really see how Apter fits in - he's definitely not a wingback and from his stats last season looks like less of a wingback than even Small! Neither does he appear to be a forward - but his goals look fairly promising. Then again, Campbell adapted well so I guess we'll see
I presume he's going to be one of the 3 up front where he's free to drift around, in the same way as Campbell perhaps
As mentioned above I think apter will play the small role and possibly have a bit more end product and potency,with someone like Ramsey next to him any player on that right side will have more license to attack.
If I was to hazard a guess I’d say the two clubs have reached an agreement on a fee and now it’s a case of structuring it. Also sounds to me like Apter is keen to join us and has probably agreed terms. I’ve no idea just how good or not Apter is but there doesn’t appear to be a clamour from Championship clubs but perhaps that’s down to us being quick off the mark with a bid etc.
Last season was his first in L1 and he scored 8, year before he scored 12 in L2, so he’s probably still seen as a gamble with more to prove.
With our budget we need bring players in before there’s too much interest and they move out our price range. An even better season in L1 could add a few million to the asking price.
Think Apter would also give you the versatility to slide in as a 10 in that 3421 second half shape.
I was going to add, perhaps it gives us versatility in shape and set up. The back 5/wing backs however you prefer to frame it has worked well for us and I think that’s how NJ wants to shape the team, but we have a long long season ahead of us against much better teams than the ones we played last year. Adaptability in formation/set up could really help if we can throw a few teams off thinking we’re very rigid in set up etc
Think Apter would also give you the versatility to slide in as a 10 in that 3421 second half shape.
I was going to add, perhaps it gives us versatility in shape and set up. The back 5/wing backs however you prefer to frame it has worked well for us and I think that’s how NJ wants to shape the team, but we have a long long season ahead of us against much better teams than the ones we played last year. Adaptability in formation/set up could really help if we can throw a few teams off thinking we’re very rigid in set up etc
Just like against Birmingham at home, they couldn't adapt to the surprise change in shape
Brad Hills who was linked to us was involved in a punch up with a Northampton player in a pre season match yesterday .. both players left the field with blood pouring down their faces … ..
Reading their forum is like going through the stages of grief. It looks like they’re finally at acceptance. Also I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or not but so many clubs that were in or around it at the end of last season have taken a real dislike to us.
Reading their forum is like going through the stages of grief. It looks like they’re finally at acceptance. Also I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or not but so many clubs that were in or around it at the end of last season have taken a real dislike to us.
People REALLY dislike NJ in a way that I think is really hard for us to comprehend
Reading their forum is like going through the stages of grief. It looks like they’re finally at acceptance. Also I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or not but so many clubs that were in or around it at the end of last season have taken a real dislike to us.
People REALLY dislike NJ in a way that I think is really hard for us to comprehend
It’s odd, because before he managed us I didn’t really have any opinions on him. He seems to just have a group of people that want him to fail for no reason
Reading their forum is like going through the stages of grief. It looks like they’re finally at acceptance. Also I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or not but so many clubs that were in or around it at the end of last season have taken a real dislike to us.
Who can blame them, we only started to like ourselves again after Christmas
I can't remember if this was from an interview or if he was a guest at a supporters group meeting.
Didn't Chris Lock say last season they won't loan any young players below the National League anymore because he wants them in a full time environment and players were coming back with bad habits etc from NLS/Isthmian loans?
Just something that sprung to mind with the likes of Rylah, Josh Laq , Pat Casey and potentially Mwamba.
Yes, it was Bromley Addicks.
Loans will only be to full time clubs with proper monitoring, etc.
If we are prepared to drop £1.5-2m on a player very similar to small, then it goes to show it wasn’t about the money when he went to Preston. Always got the impression NJ wasn’t convinced about Small. Certainly wouldn’t have been about his talent, must’ve been around his attitude and he did come with a reputation.
According to NJ via Rich it's Kanu or Mbick going out on loan and the other will stay.
Which would suggest that one of the incoming players will be a striker.
Don't let Golfie know as he'll be upset we're wasting money on forwards when he knows we don't need them.
Eh ?
I'm.all for bringing in more forwards. The more the merrier.
In fact I'll be in raptures should the lad from Blackpool signs 🤭
A positive golfaddick I don’t think Iv ever seen that, gotta say it’s a very exciting time for the club and I’d imagine it’s been 15 years or so since the last.
If we are prepared to drop £1.5-2m on a player very similar to small, then it goes to show it wasn’t about the money when he went to Preston. Always got the impression NJ wasn’t convinced about Small. Certainly wouldn’t have been about his talent, must’ve been around his attitude and he did come with a reputation.
Don’t know about his attitude but fairly convinced about his ability.
I’m pretty sure Small’s stats didn’t back up the hype for NJ.
We still need another striker for sure. Has to be a priority imo
It all depends on how he lines us up at the start of the season.
Olaofe, Godden and Leaburn fighting to be the sole starter whilst we play 343 is probably enough, especially if Kanu and Mbick don't go on loan.
We'd then need more wingers as TC and Apter if he signs won't be enough, and you'd be relying on Carey to play out there or Leaburn, or playing Dixon.
If we're sticking to 352 then someone like DKD makes sense as he can play up top or in a 10, but then Apter makes less sense unless we use him as a super attacking RWB
Glad you are not our manager. You would get us relegated for sure.
If we are prepared to drop £1.5-2m on a player very similar to small, then it goes to show it wasn’t about the money when he went to Preston. Always got the impression NJ wasn’t convinced about Small. Certainly wouldn’t have been about his talent, must’ve been around his attitude and he did come with a reputation.
This rings true with what I’ve heard. Small and NJ didn’t always see eye to eye. I’m sure it was against Blackpool at home that Small got taken off in the first half? I defo think NJ wanted him to stay but wasn’t prepared to blow the budget to keep him.
Would still like a right wing back, as it may only L be JRC who can play there and he sounds like he’s better in midfield anyway. Another forward too please.
I’ll be surprised if we don’t bring in another right wing back.
Ramsey will be playing there …
But you also said we would only be getting 7 in. So, is this your opinion or are you claiming to be in the know. Fwiw I'd prefer him at rcb.
Maybe @bobmunro could give us a clue as to why NJ is so disliked elsewhere. My personal view is he did well with us back in the (Chris Powell) day, took on a challenging gig at Luton and did well, then Stoke and Southampton he seemed very stressed, but not to be disliked so much as wondered at. Either way I believe NJ has redressed a lot of possible negatives by his achievements with us, and previously working successfully with the estimable Chris Powell also hints at good qualities.
Having followed the link, I note that they have been checking out our forum and reading or posts. Bang out of order, sneaky underhand reading of other fans forums is despicable.
Hi Blackpool fans.
As you can see by my username I love you all very much.
Not seen him play, but the blackpool forum seems to suggest he's lacking pace. For those that know the player, is that a fair concern?
I feel pace is important for the Small role.
Bruce says he has the ability to go past people. That doesn’t scream lack of pace and even if he’s not that quick going past people is what matters however achieved.
Comments
With our budget we need bring players in before there’s too much interest and they move out our price range. An even better season in L1 could add a few million to the asking price.
Loans will only be to full time clubs with proper monitoring, etc.
I'm.all for bringing in more forwards. The more the merrier.
In fact I'll be in raptures should the lad from Blackpool signs 🤭
So, is this your opinion or are you claiming to be in the know.
Fwiw I'd prefer him at rcb.
I feel pace is important for the Small role.
My personal view is he did well with us back in the (Chris Powell) day, took on a challenging gig at Luton and did well, then Stoke and Southampton he seemed very stressed, but not to be disliked so much as wondered at.
Either way I believe NJ has redressed a lot of possible negatives by his achievements with us, and previously working successfully with the estimable Chris Powell also hints at good qualities.
As you can see by my username I love you all very much.