| Ashton 11:47 - Aug 15 with 8631 views | Wickets |
I have seen some mild but none the less there has been some criticism of Mark , i think that's simply rather silly i'm more that happy with the job he has done while he has been at Town . Transfer dealings are always going to be difficult both in and out as its not a perfect science . We know he has been going all out and perhaps things have not quite gone to plan . I am of course still hopeful that he can get the one or two deals we want over the line in the next couple of weeks but if not better to wait until the next window then settle for lesser than what we really want . Well that's my take . |  | | |  |
| Ashton on 15:25 - Aug 15 with 1751 views | DanTheMan |
| Ashton on 14:29 - Aug 15 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Of course we did. Every club did.
Almost every club failed. |
I think almost every club is pushing it, we aren't the only ones but there are quite a few clubs who have got more players in than we did.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/championship/transfers/wettbewerb/GB2/plus/?sais
Obviously, some of them have money to burn (Birmingham, Coventry etc.) but not all.
This is just some very mild criticism that we probably wanted stuff done earlier and wanted more players through the door. I'm sure Ashton would agree. I don't think this is a particularly controversial statement. |  |
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| Ashton on 15:32 - Aug 15 with 1720 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Ashton on 12:23 - Aug 15 by LankHenners |
The other end of the scale is that some seem to worship him like he's actually on the pitch scoring 30 goals a season.
He's a suit and he's doing the job a suit should be doing and should have been doing here for years if we had anyone in charge who had half a clue about running a football club. He's done a very good job of cracking on with things that need doing and is clearly well supported (in terms of finance and advice) by the ownership group.
Seems to be anything that isn't treating him as the messiah is viewed as blasphemy in some quarters.
The club would have wanted more players in by now and will be frustrated to have missed out on targets. That is true as true can be and I don't know why people seem to be so invested in disputing that.
People can have opinions on it but I don't think it was very sensible to say we were close to getting '2 or 3' signings in and now be here almost 3 weeks later with no additions since that was uttered.
Essentially, he's done a good job but it's a bit strange to act like everything's been perfect and he's free from the mildest of criticism, and it's arguable that it counts as 'criticism' to be honest. |
I've not seen anyone "worship him like he's actually on the pitch scoring 30 goals a season" or any evidence that anyone who "isn't treating him as the messiah is viewed as blasphemy in some quarters" ...or acting "like everything's been perfect and he's free from the mildest of criticism."
I rather think you've been at the hyperbole cake with a big spoon. |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Ashton on 15:37 - Aug 15 with 1695 views | pointofblue |
| Ashton on 15:00 - Aug 15 by Kieran_Knows |
'I agree. If we're looking at Kongolo and Rak-Sakyi, for example, then we're probably looking for Fulham to sign a defender and Palace a winger before they move on.'
But then that argument is flawed because Fulham have spent £20m on Calvin Bassey and Palace have spent £20m on a winger from South America.
You say that the market is slow, but according to this report, £1billion has been spent this summer by Prem sides, so far?
https://www.squawka.com/en/news/premier-league-net-spend-2022-23/ |
Palace have lost Zaha and Fulham released Duffy, so in terms of numbers the new arrivals are replacements. If they want to retain the same level of players it will continue to be a case of one in, one out.
Only two clubs have a net spend over £100m. More than half are under £50m and Brentford have just scraped over it. Plus most of these fees are spent on one or two players, not a massive squad overhaul. |  |
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| Ashton on 15:47 - Aug 15 with 1662 views | LankHenners |
| Ashton on 15:32 - Aug 15 by The_Flashing_Smile |
I've not seen anyone "worship him like he's actually on the pitch scoring 30 goals a season" or any evidence that anyone who "isn't treating him as the messiah is viewed as blasphemy in some quarters" ...or acting "like everything's been perfect and he's free from the mildest of criticism."
I rather think you've been at the hyperbole cake with a big spoon. |
Even on this thread there are people denouncing anything that approaches criticism. One poster has even said anyone engaging in any sort of criticism is a "troll or an idiot". Not a particularly nice or rational way to look at things. |  |
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| Ashton on 15:49 - Aug 15 with 1653 views | LankHenners |
| Ashton on 15:37 - Aug 15 by pointofblue |
Palace have lost Zaha and Fulham released Duffy, so in terms of numbers the new arrivals are replacements. If they want to retain the same level of players it will continue to be a case of one in, one out.
Only two clubs have a net spend over £100m. More than half are under £50m and Brentford have just scraped over it. Plus most of these fees are spent on one or two players, not a massive squad overhaul. |
Going by Transfermarkt Fulham had 4 senior CBs last season with Kongolo out on loan. They've currently got 5 including Kongolo so on that basis they can afford to lose one. | |
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| Ashton on 15:51 - Aug 15 with 1641 views | BlueBadger |
Blimey, I think this is the longest a thread about MA has gone on without a weirdo from the West Country popping up to tell us how he'll ruin the club. |  |
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| Ashton on 15:59 - Aug 15 with 1604 views | pointofblue |
| Ashton on 15:49 - Aug 15 by LankHenners |
Going by Transfermarkt Fulham had 4 senior CBs last season with Kongolo out on loan. They've currently got 5 including Kongolo so on that basis they can afford to lose one. |
True. Could be they want more depth this year. Could be we're not interested in Kongolo, or he isn't interested in coming here. | |
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| Ashton on 22:47 - Aug 15 with 1462 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Ashton on 15:47 - Aug 15 by LankHenners |
Even on this thread there are people denouncing anything that approaches criticism. One poster has even said anyone engaging in any sort of criticism is a "troll or an idiot". Not a particularly nice or rational way to look at things. |
LOL, the "troll or an idiot" line comes AFTER your post I was responding to.
The others you've taken out of context.
No-ones "worship(ing) him like he's on the pitch scoring 30 goals a season", no-one's said anyone who "isn't treating him as the messiah is viewed as blasphemy in some quarters"? And I haven't seen anyone acting "like everything's been perfect and he's free from the mildest of criticism"?
You're building straw men. There's nothing like what you've suggested. | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Ashton on 23:54 - Aug 15 with 1412 views | Bluespeed225 |
| Ashton on 12:26 - Aug 15 by SuperKieranMcKenna |
It’s easy to be disappointed with this window after a monumental one in January, but let’s not forget those players were signed with the Championship in mind, therefore we’ve not needed too many bodies in.
I’d rather we ended this window by not getting our targeted players than bringing in signings for the sake of it. It would be far more damaging to sign expensive flops, or players with disruptive personalities. |
That is the thing, we bought the players for this season, last window. Anything else I’m sure will be very well considered, no panic buying. Mass’ and co have already bedded in, just the fact that we feel we know them so well already makes them seem they’ve been here longer, which is a compliment in itself to Ashton and team that they sourced good people. | | | |
| Ashton on 07:35 - Aug 16 with 1331 views | TownieRob |
FWIW and my take on MA.
MA has overseen or (appears to at the very least) a transformation that many of us could have only dreamed of for our club. This of course hasnt been without signfiicant investment from GC. Was his job made easier because of the investment and being in league 1? of course! Could he have done it on a shoe string budget? - who knows? but its irrelevant really as didnt need to. So everything he has been tasked with doing by the owners to date, hes achieved with distinction. Hes even provided up with soundbites to ramp up the excitement and allow the fans to "Be part of the journey" which we have all lapped up and rightfully so.
This transfer window has undoubtedly proved more difficult that other windows due to a variety of reasons including clubs having comparible and even excessive budgets to what we are working within. Its more than likely even proved more difficult than MA even expected so no doubt hes frustrated at missing out on players, which he felt were achievable. Personally I think hes made 2 minor mistakes, or at least 2 mistakes which we can visibly see and that stating that 2 or 3 are well down the line (and they could well have been when he made the comment). He has been in the game long enough to know that fans get overly excited at a new signing so perhaps should let the process play out, that said, to mention them publically he must have been confident there were going to be no problems. Was he guilty of trying to ramp up the excitement as he has done previously and this time its backfired?
The comment about fans and speculation on players being damaging is probably his biggest town own goal to date. Lets be honest, the comment was probably frustration at missing our on those he said were well down the line, so perhaps he should have taken one on the chin and said "we missed out, we move on".
That was a bit of an early morning ramble, but I "Trust the Process" and i respect the club not panic buying as its very clear that the players that come in really do need to be a certain type and character as we play in a way MANY would struggle to adapt to.
COYB. [Post edited 16 Aug 2023 9:32]
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| Ashton on 07:41 - Aug 16 with 1323 views | ITFCBlues |
| Ashton on 23:54 - Aug 15 by Bluespeed225 |
That is the thing, we bought the players for this season, last window. Anything else I’m sure will be very well considered, no panic buying. Mass’ and co have already bedded in, just the fact that we feel we know them so well already makes them seem they’ve been here longer, which is a compliment in itself to Ashton and team that they sourced good people. |
It amazes me that people believe and hang off of every word that Ashton says. Do you really believe that they're not really frustrated with how this windows gone and that they done most of their anticipated business in January? Of course not!
We've had targets that's we've clearly missed out on which suggests they're not happy with the squad and want to improve it. |  |
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| Ashton on 07:56 - Aug 16 with 1312 views | Churchman |
| Ashton on 14:40 - Aug 15 by Naylorsrightboot |
He’s a salesman at the end of the day and he does a good job of convincing most. Nearly all on here for starters. Dont get me wrong, l have nothing against the guy we have needed someone like him for years. But people hang on his every word and no one is allowed to challenge his words without being accused of being a scum fan etc……….The interview on Towntv was used as a deflection from the fact his words a few weeks earlier about signings being almost done made him look a bit of a numpty. So to blame the fans for second guessing players coming and putting it on social media was a great deflection, which again seems to have worked for most people. |
He is a CEO and part of his job is selling the club internally and externally to supporters, players, sponsors, you name it.
Nobody hangs on Ashton’s every word. But there’s nothing wrong in listening to what he has to say. That he has something to say is far better than Evans’ invisible man routine and the garbage uttered by the likes of Clegg.
The comment about leaks on potential transfers harming the club was first made two years ago after we’d signed god knows how many players. If repeating it is a deflection what was it in 2021? That some people on here have decided he’s lied on this is up to them, but I suggest you and others take it up with him.
Personally, if I was privy to information and I was told not to divulge it, I wouldn’t. Having worked in a different world where stuff we were doing was highly newsworthy, I understand the principle of this. ‘It doesn’t do any harm’ was not my decision to make and taking that approach would have led to early unemployment - rightly.
Ashton gets mentioned a lot for two reasons. Firstly he was and continues to be hammered by Bristol City supporters on here and over 70 pages on their website. If you keep repeating it, some people will believe it consciously or subconsciously or will be waiting for something to go wrong. ‘There’s no smoke without fire’’what about Watford’ etc. Personally I take as I find.
Secondly, he puts himself out there. There is a Brentishness about him and he’s up there with the best for bullsh1t bingo. Some of the stuff he comes out with is a bit cringy like for example the we are working 7 days a week 24/7. Sorry Mark, don’t want to know and it’s a poor message. Nobody thinks you don’t work hard, despite the Sun lounger tan.
Overall, look at where the club was and where it is. A lot of hard work from the owners down has gone into it. As essentially the person who heads up the day to day work he’s had a big part to play. Has he made mistakes? I hope so because those who don't make mistakes are people who don’t do anything. Is he beyond criticism? Of course not and I’ll be first in with the size 9s when it’s warranted.
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
I’d still like to see an experienced CH and another forward come in but only if they are right for the club. If necessary, wait until Jan. in an impatient world patience has its merits sometimes.
If at the end of the window we haven’t added a couple of players, I’ll be interested to hear what he has to say, given what he said a couple of weeks ago. Overall though I think the owners, Chairman, MA and all at the club have done a great job in the past couple of years. Long may it continue. [Post edited 16 Aug 2023 8:01]
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| Ashton on 08:40 - Aug 16 with 1284 views | itfcjoe |
| Ashton on 07:56 - Aug 16 by Churchman |
He is a CEO and part of his job is selling the club internally and externally to supporters, players, sponsors, you name it.
Nobody hangs on Ashton’s every word. But there’s nothing wrong in listening to what he has to say. That he has something to say is far better than Evans’ invisible man routine and the garbage uttered by the likes of Clegg.
The comment about leaks on potential transfers harming the club was first made two years ago after we’d signed god knows how many players. If repeating it is a deflection what was it in 2021? That some people on here have decided he’s lied on this is up to them, but I suggest you and others take it up with him.
Personally, if I was privy to information and I was told not to divulge it, I wouldn’t. Having worked in a different world where stuff we were doing was highly newsworthy, I understand the principle of this. ‘It doesn’t do any harm’ was not my decision to make and taking that approach would have led to early unemployment - rightly.
Ashton gets mentioned a lot for two reasons. Firstly he was and continues to be hammered by Bristol City supporters on here and over 70 pages on their website. If you keep repeating it, some people will believe it consciously or subconsciously or will be waiting for something to go wrong. ‘There’s no smoke without fire’’what about Watford’ etc. Personally I take as I find.
Secondly, he puts himself out there. There is a Brentishness about him and he’s up there with the best for bullsh1t bingo. Some of the stuff he comes out with is a bit cringy like for example the we are working 7 days a week 24/7. Sorry Mark, don’t want to know and it’s a poor message. Nobody thinks you don’t work hard, despite the Sun lounger tan.
Overall, look at where the club was and where it is. A lot of hard work from the owners down has gone into it. As essentially the person who heads up the day to day work he’s had a big part to play. Has he made mistakes? I hope so because those who don't make mistakes are people who don’t do anything. Is he beyond criticism? Of course not and I’ll be first in with the size 9s when it’s warranted.
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
I’d still like to see an experienced CH and another forward come in but only if they are right for the club. If necessary, wait until Jan. in an impatient world patience has its merits sometimes.
If at the end of the window we haven’t added a couple of players, I’ll be interested to hear what he has to say, given what he said a couple of weeks ago. Overall though I think the owners, Chairman, MA and all at the club have done a great job in the past couple of years. Long may it continue. [Post edited 16 Aug 2023 8:01]
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I don't disagree with the overall message, but this bit:
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
Surely it is nothing to do with what the fans say, or what the fans want but what he has said that he should be judged upon. It's not the fans who said:
"And what we’ve got to do is, whilst we add quality to the squad, we’ve got to really add quality now to the starting XI. 28th July
But we need to bring some more in, we’re working on that now........We’re very specific on what we want. Kieran’s very specific on the type of player that he wants, so we’re working through that consistently and you’ll be seeing more faces come in the door 7th July
We’ve tidied up, we’ve released some players, we’ve tied down players on new contracts, we’ve now probably tied down the most important person on a new long-term contract and over the next two, three, four weeks you’ll start to see players come into the football club in a very coordinated and organised manner 16th June
It isn't the fans setting expectations of signing, it is Ashton himself - every time he has spoken this summer he has said how we need players, how we want players and how we will be getting them.
And McKenna
As I’ve said all along, we’re working hard to improve the squad. “We’re happy with what we have brought in, I’m happy with what we have in the building, we have a good, well-balanced squad of hungry players, who are eager to make the step up and I’m sure everyone going onto the pitch is going to know their job and do it to the best of their ability. And that goes a long way. But at the same time, we want to add quality to the squad and we’ll try and do that over the next few weeks 4th August
Quizzed on whether he’s looking to add further to his squad, having added midfielder Jack Taylor already, McKenna said: “Yes, that’s the plan. The club are working hard 1st July
This is what I don't get, whilst maybe shouting 'pull your finger out' isn't helpful or fair, as no doubt Ashton is working relentlessly at this; it is clear that the powers that be at the club want more and fans pointing this out are being criticised. I can't imagine any fan is as frustrated as Ashton is in this window, but those showing a hint of frustration are being told they are wrong.
I'm frustrated, no doubt Ashton and McKenna are - doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the start to the season - but if anything the start shows that if we can get another couple of additions and get them right we have a real chance this season of going up which is what everyone wants. No one should be prepared to settle for mid table at this stage because manager, executives and players won't be |  |
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| Ashton on 08:45 - Aug 16 with 1268 views | Kieran_Knows |
| Ashton on 08:40 - Aug 16 by itfcjoe |
I don't disagree with the overall message, but this bit:
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
Surely it is nothing to do with what the fans say, or what the fans want but what he has said that he should be judged upon. It's not the fans who said:
"And what we’ve got to do is, whilst we add quality to the squad, we’ve got to really add quality now to the starting XI. 28th July
But we need to bring some more in, we’re working on that now........We’re very specific on what we want. Kieran’s very specific on the type of player that he wants, so we’re working through that consistently and you’ll be seeing more faces come in the door 7th July
We’ve tidied up, we’ve released some players, we’ve tied down players on new contracts, we’ve now probably tied down the most important person on a new long-term contract and over the next two, three, four weeks you’ll start to see players come into the football club in a very coordinated and organised manner 16th June
It isn't the fans setting expectations of signing, it is Ashton himself - every time he has spoken this summer he has said how we need players, how we want players and how we will be getting them.
And McKenna
As I’ve said all along, we’re working hard to improve the squad. “We’re happy with what we have brought in, I’m happy with what we have in the building, we have a good, well-balanced squad of hungry players, who are eager to make the step up and I’m sure everyone going onto the pitch is going to know their job and do it to the best of their ability. And that goes a long way. But at the same time, we want to add quality to the squad and we’ll try and do that over the next few weeks 4th August
Quizzed on whether he’s looking to add further to his squad, having added midfielder Jack Taylor already, McKenna said: “Yes, that’s the plan. The club are working hard 1st July
This is what I don't get, whilst maybe shouting 'pull your finger out' isn't helpful or fair, as no doubt Ashton is working relentlessly at this; it is clear that the powers that be at the club want more and fans pointing this out are being criticised. I can't imagine any fan is as frustrated as Ashton is in this window, but those showing a hint of frustration are being told they are wrong.
I'm frustrated, no doubt Ashton and McKenna are - doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the start to the season - but if anything the start shows that if we can get another couple of additions and get them right we have a real chance this season of going up which is what everyone wants. No one should be prepared to settle for mid table at this stage because manager, executives and players won't be |
Couldn't have put it any better, exactly my thoughts as well. |  |
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| Ashton on 08:52 - Aug 16 with 1248 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Ashton on 08:40 - Aug 16 by itfcjoe |
I don't disagree with the overall message, but this bit:
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
Surely it is nothing to do with what the fans say, or what the fans want but what he has said that he should be judged upon. It's not the fans who said:
"And what we’ve got to do is, whilst we add quality to the squad, we’ve got to really add quality now to the starting XI. 28th July
But we need to bring some more in, we’re working on that now........We’re very specific on what we want. Kieran’s very specific on the type of player that he wants, so we’re working through that consistently and you’ll be seeing more faces come in the door 7th July
We’ve tidied up, we’ve released some players, we’ve tied down players on new contracts, we’ve now probably tied down the most important person on a new long-term contract and over the next two, three, four weeks you’ll start to see players come into the football club in a very coordinated and organised manner 16th June
It isn't the fans setting expectations of signing, it is Ashton himself - every time he has spoken this summer he has said how we need players, how we want players and how we will be getting them.
And McKenna
As I’ve said all along, we’re working hard to improve the squad. “We’re happy with what we have brought in, I’m happy with what we have in the building, we have a good, well-balanced squad of hungry players, who are eager to make the step up and I’m sure everyone going onto the pitch is going to know their job and do it to the best of their ability. And that goes a long way. But at the same time, we want to add quality to the squad and we’ll try and do that over the next few weeks 4th August
Quizzed on whether he’s looking to add further to his squad, having added midfielder Jack Taylor already, McKenna said: “Yes, that’s the plan. The club are working hard 1st July
This is what I don't get, whilst maybe shouting 'pull your finger out' isn't helpful or fair, as no doubt Ashton is working relentlessly at this; it is clear that the powers that be at the club want more and fans pointing this out are being criticised. I can't imagine any fan is as frustrated as Ashton is in this window, but those showing a hint of frustration are being told they are wrong.
I'm frustrated, no doubt Ashton and McKenna are - doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the start to the season - but if anything the start shows that if we can get another couple of additions and get them right we have a real chance this season of going up which is what everyone wants. No one should be prepared to settle for mid table at this stage because manager, executives and players won't be |
"If anything the start shows that if we can get another couple of additions and get them right we have a real chance this season of going up which is what everyone wants."
Exactly that. We need to cash in and do our best to take the opportunity we have whilst we still have McKenna here. | | | |
| Ashton on 08:59 - Aug 16 with 1233 views | garyinavault |
Little late to the party here but Ashton has been great for the club so far. He will just need to deliver on his promise of 2-3 players in though. The amount of responsibility that comes from a promise like that does unfortunately need to be backed up. | | | |
| Ashton on 09:01 - Aug 16 with 1230 views | Churchman |
| Ashton on 08:40 - Aug 16 by itfcjoe |
I don't disagree with the overall message, but this bit:
Has he ‘failed’ on transfers this summer? For those of the ‘get your finger out Ashton’ persuasion he has. But based on what? Their expectations? Personally I hoped for limited transfer activity because the biggest advantage we had going into the season is momentum and continuity. That showed on Saturday.
Surely it is nothing to do with what the fans say, or what the fans want but what he has said that he should be judged upon. It's not the fans who said:
"And what we’ve got to do is, whilst we add quality to the squad, we’ve got to really add quality now to the starting XI. 28th July
But we need to bring some more in, we’re working on that now........We’re very specific on what we want. Kieran’s very specific on the type of player that he wants, so we’re working through that consistently and you’ll be seeing more faces come in the door 7th July
We’ve tidied up, we’ve released some players, we’ve tied down players on new contracts, we’ve now probably tied down the most important person on a new long-term contract and over the next two, three, four weeks you’ll start to see players come into the football club in a very coordinated and organised manner 16th June
It isn't the fans setting expectations of signing, it is Ashton himself - every time he has spoken this summer he has said how we need players, how we want players and how we will be getting them.
And McKenna
As I’ve said all along, we’re working hard to improve the squad. “We’re happy with what we have brought in, I’m happy with what we have in the building, we have a good, well-balanced squad of hungry players, who are eager to make the step up and I’m sure everyone going onto the pitch is going to know their job and do it to the best of their ability. And that goes a long way. But at the same time, we want to add quality to the squad and we’ll try and do that over the next few weeks 4th August
Quizzed on whether he’s looking to add further to his squad, having added midfielder Jack Taylor already, McKenna said: “Yes, that’s the plan. The club are working hard 1st July
This is what I don't get, whilst maybe shouting 'pull your finger out' isn't helpful or fair, as no doubt Ashton is working relentlessly at this; it is clear that the powers that be at the club want more and fans pointing this out are being criticised. I can't imagine any fan is as frustrated as Ashton is in this window, but those showing a hint of frustration are being told they are wrong.
I'm frustrated, no doubt Ashton and McKenna are - doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the start to the season - but if anything the start shows that if we can get another couple of additions and get them right we have a real chance this season of going up which is what everyone wants. No one should be prepared to settle for mid table at this stage because manager, executives and players won't be |
That is fair comment Joe. If nobody comes in before the end of the window, you have highlighted specific quotes that he can be challenged on. No problem with that.
And I agree with the point that with an addition of a player or two (of quality) that this team could be in with a real shout of promotion this season. Am I getting over excited about our prospects? I don’t think so on the limited evidence so far. | | | |
| Ashton on 09:10 - Aug 16 with 1188 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
| Ashton on 13:19 - Aug 15 by Gogs |
Sorry, the pedantic amateur astronomer in me is thinking shouldn’t the analogy be ‘aim for the stars and at least hit the moon’?
The sun, our nearest star is rather a lot further away than the moon after all.
Anyway, carry on 😁 |
But if it is a Frank Nouble Moonshot:
Aims at moon, misses high, keeps going, keeps going, keeps going. Eventually sucked into a Star's orbit. | | | |
| Ashton on 09:14 - Aug 16 with 1170 views | itfcjoe |
| Ashton on 09:01 - Aug 16 by Churchman |
That is fair comment Joe. If nobody comes in before the end of the window, you have highlighted specific quotes that he can be challenged on. No problem with that.
And I agree with the point that with an addition of a player or two (of quality) that this team could be in with a real shout of promotion this season. Am I getting over excited about our prospects? I don’t think so on the limited evidence so far. |
That's not to say that Ashton hasn't done a great (and more importantly much needed) job at PR, but we don't want to be in a situation where we just get a couple of bodies in at the end of the month - the hope is the long term targets (like Rak-Sakyi presumably) become available and we can add real quality.
It's hard not to get over excited, we are strongly fancied by knowledgeable pundits, the bookies, and we are in an incredible run - but being able to have a bit more in reserve is so important - I think bar CB and CF we are pretty well set, but as things stand in those positions we are an injury away from being in a bit of a bind. | |
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| Ashton on 09:19 - Aug 16 with 1158 views | Churchman |
| Ashton on 09:14 - Aug 16 by itfcjoe |
That's not to say that Ashton hasn't done a great (and more importantly much needed) job at PR, but we don't want to be in a situation where we just get a couple of bodies in at the end of the month - the hope is the long term targets (like Rak-Sakyi presumably) become available and we can add real quality.
It's hard not to get over excited, we are strongly fancied by knowledgeable pundits, the bookies, and we are in an incredible run - but being able to have a bit more in reserve is so important - I think bar CB and CF we are pretty well set, but as things stand in those positions we are an injury away from being in a bit of a bind. |
It’s actually the CF position that bothers me more than CH. But then forwards are always the hardest to find, hence their value I suppose. | | | |
| Ashton on 09:44 - Aug 16 with 1115 views | Zapers |
| Ashton on 12:46 - Aug 15 by itfcjoe |
Fortunately, I'm sure Mark Ashton sets himself higher targets than some of the fanbase do - and he will be very frustrated at how this window has gone so far and know he has a lot of work to do in the next 16 days |
I'm sure he will be frustrated, but not necessarily for the same reason as the supporters. He's governed by budgets, like any business. I'm sure he would love to compete with other clubs, but we don't have the luxury of parachute payments and cannot compete with established championship clubs when it comes to selling players at vastly inflated prices.
We are not yet at a stage where our players have proven themselves in the championship. I'm sure that day will come, then we might be in a better position to compete with some of these crazy fees. | | | |
| Ashton on 10:07 - Aug 16 with 1077 views | trncbluearmy |
| Ashton on 09:44 - Aug 16 by Zapers |
I'm sure he will be frustrated, but not necessarily for the same reason as the supporters. He's governed by budgets, like any business. I'm sure he would love to compete with other clubs, but we don't have the luxury of parachute payments and cannot compete with established championship clubs when it comes to selling players at vastly inflated prices.
We are not yet at a stage where our players have proven themselves in the championship. I'm sure that day will come, then we might be in a better position to compete with some of these crazy fees. |
This is the real issue,
frustrating because gamechanger are artificially limited in their financial support because of ffp rules
ITFC have to increase turnover/profit dramatically or sell a player for many millons to allow gamechanger to pay the ridiculous transfer fees.
Perhaps better to bide our time, expand the reach of the scouting network dramatically and target the January window. |  | | |
| Ashton on 10:19 - Aug 16 with 1055 views | DanTheMan |
| Ashton on 10:07 - Aug 16 by trncbluearmy |
This is the real issue,
frustrating because gamechanger are artificially limited in their financial support because of ffp rules
ITFC have to increase turnover/profit dramatically or sell a player for many millons to allow gamechanger to pay the ridiculous transfer fees.
Perhaps better to bide our time, expand the reach of the scouting network dramatically and target the January window. |
I imagine at some point we'll have to sell Davis or Broadhead to fund more players. But this was always going to be the way, unless we get promoted on first time of asking. | |
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| Ashton on 10:53 - Aug 16 with 1021 views | Whos_blue |
| Ashton on 11:56 - Aug 15 by itfcsuth |
It's ridiculous.
The man has been outstanding during his time here.
The squad built is fantastic, the infrastructure changes have been brilliant, the recruitment of KMc was a master stroke.
He's also bought in two long term targets of KMc this window.
We aren't going to win every deal we go in for anymore - we aren't that major player in a small pond anymore - we lost McNally to Stoke, Rak-Sakyi possibly to Leicester.
We are competing with big clubs now - you aren't going to get every deal over the line.
Does my nut in reading some of the nonsense on here sometimes (albeit from a very select few I must say). |
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| Distortion becomes somehow pure in its wildness. |
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