| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous 09:58 - Jul 5 with 4179 views | Westcountryblue |
It's incredible reading some of the comments (mostly on social media) about our lack of signings so far.
I think recency bias is influencing people's thoughts about our squad, which, at this level, is incredibly strong—even if we weren’t to make any new signings.
Starting with our likely back four: Johnson – O’Shea – Greaves – Davis. I genuinely think there’s a strong argument for each of those players being the best in their position at this level. On top of that, we have real quality in reserve, with Woolfenden, Townsend, and Clarke, all of whom have operated at the top end of this division over the past couple of years. Premiership starters, no, but exceptional squad players at this level.
The same recency bias applies to Muric and Palmer. Yes, they’ve had some high-profile mistakes playing in the best division in the world, but both had previously been part of Championship-elect teams.
Our midfield is absolutely stacked with quality. If you had told any Town fan 16–17 months ago that we’d have the option of Hutchinson, Philogene, Szmodics, J. Clarke, and Ogbene—in addition to the likes of Chaplin and Broadhead—I don’t think many would have believed you. It’s easy to forget that many of these players are capable of hitting or exceeding the 15-goal mark in a season and have a history of doing so! Morsy and Taylor come off three seasons having played together and with Premier League experience. Humphreys might be perfectly fine as a fourth-choice backup.
Up front, Hirst will be one of the best at this level, and El Hamadi is a serviceable backup at this point—even before we’ve made any additions.
Teams like Birmingham have brought in some washed-up, relatively low-cost talent from the Middle East and Turkey so far, credit to them as a promoted club. But honestly, I think we’re shopping in a completely different market.
Hopefully, we’ll see three quality permanent additions come in—players of the level of Downes, Cajuste, or Guiu—and maybe, as we've done before, a couple of top-quality loanees in the mould of Hutchinson circa 2023, with Premier League clubs likely to view Ipswich and McKenna as the perfect place to send top talent. Ashton and McKenna will be shopping with the Premiership in mind, not bringing in 30 year old + players like Wrexham are, seduced by the Hollywood owners and chance of a last paycheck.
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:25 - Jul 5 with 2520 views | Guthrum |
Some fans are thinking in terms of building a complete Prem-survival-ready squad starting this window. Which is not just getting ahead of ourselves, but also perhaps overoptimistic, given our position and attractiveness to that level of player. Not to mention the financial limitations of being back in the Champ again.
It's just not a realistic proposition. What I expect to be happening is the pursuit of a small number of additions of the highest quality possible*, to provide a seed for that future team, rather than its entire base now. Plus keeping hold of as many of our current best players as possible.
* Mostly young fringe Prem players, perhaps on a loan-with-option basis. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:29 - Jul 5 with 2507 views | tcblue |
I don't disagree with the general point but your post also does shine a light on areas we SHOULD be concerned with - CM.and strikers.
Of course there's loads of time left in the window. But there's no major summer tournaments going on so we could be doing our business early ready for pre-season training.
Again I agree it's early - but when should we be asking questions? | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:32 - Jul 5 with 2486 views | Westcountryblue |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:25 - Jul 5 by Guthrum |
Some fans are thinking in terms of building a complete Prem-survival-ready squad starting this window. Which is not just getting ahead of ourselves, but also perhaps overoptimistic, given our position and attractiveness to that level of player. Not to mention the financial limitations of being back in the Champ again.
It's just not a realistic proposition. What I expect to be happening is the pursuit of a small number of additions of the highest quality possible*, to provide a seed for that future team, rather than its entire base now. Plus keeping hold of as many of our current best players as possible.
* Mostly young fringe Prem players, perhaps on a loan-with-option basis. |
Spot on - continuity off the pitch, player retention, alongside the addition of 2-3 top quality additions in key positions, such as CM and CF, will put us in a strong position. Much harder to get these deals across the line though.
I think we'll also utilise the U21 rule and bring in some top talent. Premiership clubs will look at McKenna, Ipswich and success stories like Delap, Hutchinson etc, putting us in pole position for the best young talent going out on loan. Might have to wait a bit for that, as those players tend to be involved in preseasons with their parent clubs. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:39 - Jul 5 with 2481 views | Guthrum |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:29 - Jul 5 by tcblue |
I don't disagree with the general point but your post also does shine a light on areas we SHOULD be concerned with - CM.and strikers.
Of course there's loads of time left in the window. But there's no major summer tournaments going on so we could be doing our business early ready for pre-season training.
Again I agree it's early - but when should we be asking questions? |
There is a summer tournament - this Club World Cup thing. Which is tying up a number of English and overseas squads in June and July. Chelsea's host of young players is exactly the kind of place I think we will be shopping in.
Plus we are still early in a window which always markedly ramps up in tempo towards the end.
It's not just our own desires. The ability to hire players is also dependent upon other clubs deciding they are available and making decisions. We can't do much to hurry that up, especially if trying to take people they still want to keep, or are themselves wanting to replace first. | |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:39 - Jul 5 with 2479 views | Westcountryblue |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:29 - Jul 5 by tcblue |
I don't disagree with the general point but your post also does shine a light on areas we SHOULD be concerned with - CM.and strikers.
Of course there's loads of time left in the window. But there's no major summer tournaments going on so we could be doing our business early ready for pre-season training.
Again I agree it's early - but when should we be asking questions? |
We're likely to be right at the top of the pack when it comes to talent loaned out from the Premier League.
That will take time, though, as most squads only returned for pre-season last week—or were still involved in the FIFA Club World Cup. Many players are still on holiday or just beginning pre-season friendlies and early fitness testing.
Bigger deals—hypothetically speaking, players like Cajuste or Downes—will naturally take longer to get over the line. These are multi-million-pound moves with heavy agent involvement, lot's negotiation relating to contract changes linked to promotion, etc. A very different process compared to Birmingham snapping up a few free transfers from the Middle East and Turkey. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:41 - Jul 5 with 2472 views | Wacko |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:25 - Jul 5 by Guthrum |
Some fans are thinking in terms of building a complete Prem-survival-ready squad starting this window. Which is not just getting ahead of ourselves, but also perhaps overoptimistic, given our position and attractiveness to that level of player. Not to mention the financial limitations of being back in the Champ again.
It's just not a realistic proposition. What I expect to be happening is the pursuit of a small number of additions of the highest quality possible*, to provide a seed for that future team, rather than its entire base now. Plus keeping hold of as many of our current best players as possible.
* Mostly young fringe Prem players, perhaps on a loan-with-option basis. |
I think we're also now in a perfect position to take some gambles on cheapish (~£4m) young (19-21) foreign players who could be Prem ready in a year or so | |
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| Another aspect to this on 10:49 - Jul 5 with 2451 views | Guthrum |
We haven't sold anyone significant yet, either - apart from Delap, which was virtually inevitable from about half-way through the season.
In fact, two key players have signed extended contracts.
As a relegated team, keeping hold of our better people is as important as hiring new ones. Reduces the number of incomers required, too. | |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 11:01 - Jul 5 with 2413 views | RIPbobby |
For me the fact that Chelsea kept in the world club cup overnight means our wait goes on. I have a feeling that we are close to a deal with Guiu and it is just a case of awaiting his return.
Everybody is gutted about last season and frustration is very evident. But I really think we are doing the right thing as it stands. Our targets will be in the door soon. |  | | |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:05 - Jul 5 with 2289 views | bluesym |
You have hugely overrated our CM and striker options currently available, although other areas of the squad dont need to be addressed as urgently. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:24 - Jul 5 with 2222 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:05 - Jul 5 by bluesym |
You have hugely overrated our CM and striker options currently available, although other areas of the squad dont need to be addressed as urgently. |
We certainly need another body in at CM, just for numbers before we get to quality. I hope we also go for another striker, but we went through our last promotion system being very light on numbers up front so I expect one at most (although depends on what we do with Al-Hamadi, who I’d move on if we can). |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:28 - Jul 5 with 2203 views | tcblue |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:24 - Jul 5 by Swansea_Blue |
We certainly need another body in at CM, just for numbers before we get to quality. I hope we also go for another striker, but we went through our last promotion system being very light on numbers up front so I expect one at most (although depends on what we do with Al-Hamadi, who I’d move on if we can). |
We had to sign Kieffer Moore (a great decision, but we were fortunate he was available) in the January window in somewhat of a desperate hurry, IIRC
It'd be nice to not have to do that again [Post edited 5 Jul 12:31]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:40 - Jul 5 with 2135 views | backwaywhen |
They are probably the same bed wetters as last season , or Budgies | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:44 - Jul 5 with 2119 views | BloomBlue |
I think that's unfair, we won the FA Cup in 78 don't you know. We're entitled to expect at least 4 new players in by July 5th. |  | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 12:49 - Jul 5 with 2096 views | LeoMuff |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:29 - Jul 5 by tcblue |
I don't disagree with the general point but your post also does shine a light on areas we SHOULD be concerned with - CM.and strikers.
Of course there's loads of time left in the window. But there's no major summer tournaments going on so we could be doing our business early ready for pre-season training.
Again I agree it's early - but when should we be asking questions? |
Yep 1 striker and two CM and I would be feeling more comfortable, but early days yet. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 13:52 - Jul 5 with 1980 views | PioneerBlue |
We have a big beautiful squad ;)
There is a little adjustment needed in GK department, possibly a Broadhead move, perhaps swap Baggott for experience, perhaps sell Omari to free additional cash to take the new striker and 2 CMs and then we are cooking. I’m quite sanguine about timing. The vast majority of the squad is in place, in 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks any new players will join a very stable group that’s been working hard ready for and possibly having kicked off the season with the window closing Aug end.
If other years are anything to go by the squad will be completed at end of Aug but having secured key players before we kick off. At a guess, striker and a midfielder before we kick off then final jigsaw pieces by end of Aug, if sooner all the better. | |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 14:55 - Jul 5 with 1884 views | Sarge |
We did most of our Championship 25/26 shopping last summer so I don’t know what all the panicking is about. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:07 - Jul 5 with 1782 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
Behind the striker is fine, defense is fine. Central midfield is not fine, neither of their two would have got in any of the promoted clubs starting 11 last season, big upgrades needed there. Striker is crucial as well. |  | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:15 - Jul 5 with 1766 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 14:55 - Jul 5 by Sarge |
We did most of our Championship 25/26 shopping last summer so I don’t know what all the panicking is about. |
Yea, so who's the new MF pairing? Morsy isn't probably going to last the full 90 for 46 games and KM hasn't really trusted Taylor to step us as a regular starter unlike the now-departed Luongo. And even if, and a big if, Szmodics can play as a 9, are you seriously going to depend on AAH as a lone striker again when (very likely) Hirst is going to get injured sometime or another in 25/26? | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:22 - Jul 5 with 1734 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:15 - Jul 5 by ITFCSG |
Yea, so who's the new MF pairing? Morsy isn't probably going to last the full 90 for 46 games and KM hasn't really trusted Taylor to step us as a regular starter unlike the now-departed Luongo. And even if, and a big if, Szmodics can play as a 9, are you seriously going to depend on AAH as a lone striker again when (very likely) Hirst is going to get injured sometime or another in 25/26? |
Jack Taylor didn’t play the double pivot when we got promoted, he doesn’t really fit and hasn’t overly impressed. You’d very much expect a parachute club to be looking for big upgrade and we need a minimum of two need signings there.
Desperately need a striker as well, obviously.
We have two years to really make the most of this financial position. I’m sure they will come, basically 8 full weeks left yet. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:09 - Jul 5 with 1653 views | TractorWood |
All fair. Need some CM though. Obvious gap. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:17 - Jul 5 with 1636 views | ReusersTown |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:15 - Jul 5 by ITFCSG |
Yea, so who's the new MF pairing? Morsy isn't probably going to last the full 90 for 46 games and KM hasn't really trusted Taylor to step us as a regular starter unlike the now-departed Luongo. And even if, and a big if, Szmodics can play as a 9, are you seriously going to depend on AAH as a lone striker again when (very likely) Hirst is going to get injured sometime or another in 25/26? |
No we're not going to be relying on all those hypotheticals, there's two months left of the window. Stop pissing yourself. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:24 - Jul 5 with 1615 views | itfcjoe |
If we knew Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna were frustrated at lack of signings, would the fans allowed to be at that point? |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:35 - Jul 5 with 1475 views | ITFCSG |
Just saw confirmation that Brum has signed Furuhashi from Rennes. Pretty decent player at Celtic with a rather prolific record. Cheap also.
Reminds me of Tanaka again last summer.
Why aren’t we looking at players like that? Because they don’t speak good English?
And fk me, I can understand if it’s Leeds, but if our scouting network is worse than Brum then it’s really pathetic. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:54 - Jul 5 with 1405 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:24 - Jul 5 by itfcjoe |
If we knew Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna were frustrated at lack of signings, would the fans allowed to be at that point? |
Probably not! Lol | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:56 - Jul 5 with 1392 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:35 - Jul 5 by ITFCSG |
Just saw confirmation that Brum has signed Furuhashi from Rennes. Pretty decent player at Celtic with a rather prolific record. Cheap also.
Reminds me of Tanaka again last summer.
Why aren’t we looking at players like that? Because they don’t speak good English?
And fk me, I can understand if it’s Leeds, but if our scouting network is worse than Brum then it’s really pathetic. |
When I posted the questions last week, Phil said he doesn’t see it changing which to me, is ridiculous thinking if true but also that he will ask Ashton about it. | | | |
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