| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous 09:58 - Jul 5 with 5726 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 21:10 - Jul 5 with 1575 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:56 - Jul 5 by Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
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. |
I am still hoping it is because our scouting network isn't yet up to scratch rather than pure personal preference / bias from KM | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 21:28 - Jul 5 with 1507 views | Joey_Joe_Joe_Junior |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:41 - Jul 5 by Wacko |
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 |
That would be nice! |  | | |
| Another aspect to this on 22:22 - Jul 5 with 1426 views | StNeotsBlue |
| Another aspect to this on 10:49 - Jul 5 by 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. |
Losing Tuanzebe was definitely a blow though. A know a few on here are playing down Cajuste's ability now that he's 99% likely to being playing elsewhere next season but we'll miss him and we are currently very short in CM.
If we can keep hold of Omari then I'll be very confident for the new season though. [Post edited 5 Jul 22:39]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 06:41 - Jul 6 with 1293 views | DavoIPB |
I agree with everything you are saying apart from when you mention our attacking players as being part of our midfield. We really only have three midfielders, Morsy who is too old. Taylor who is only just good enough to play at this level and Humphreys who is unproven. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 09:03 - Jul 6 with 1212 views | Wickets |
| 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. |
Yup as so many have said no panic but we do have to bring in a couple of midfielders and a striker . I suppose there is a balance to be met between getting these in soon as ,so they can blend in pretty quick and the need to get the best targets possible and of course value for money . I think its maybe more difficult for the clubs with parachute money as selling clubs will push for every last penny simply because we have that cash . |  | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 09:16 - Jul 6 with 1197 views | tractorboy1978 |
| 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? |
I’m really hoping we have a couple of deals lined up and virtually done subject to another dominoe falling elsewhere. McKenna alluded to being relegated early being beneficial as we’ve had longer to get ourselves in order but not sure we’ve seen any evidence of that so far. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 09:16 - Jul 6 with 1194 views | Vic |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 21:10 - Jul 5 by ITFCSG |
I am still hoping it is because our scouting network isn't yet up to scratch rather than pure personal preference / bias from KM |
Surely the lack of international scouting cannot beva preference! Id be incredibly disappointed in our management if that were the case. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 09:31 - Jul 6 with 1165 views | Sharkey |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:32 - Jul 5 by Westcountryblue |
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. |
Unless the rules have changed since last season, U21 loans do count as part of the squad. (The Championship is not the same as L1 and L2 in this respect.)
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/what-are-the-efl-squad-rules-for-202425-loa |  | | |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:00 - Jul 6 with 1112 views | PhilTWTD |
| 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? |
I'd imagine they would have hoped for one or two through the door by now. |  | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 10:30 - Jul 6 with 1066 views | Len_Brennan |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:07 - Jul 5 by 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. |
@JJJJ
Without doubt the Striker/Centre Forward & Central Midfield positions are the ones that urgently need attention, but I wonder is it true to say that behind the striker is fine?
We have great options in there of course & I really hope that we hold on to Hutchinson, Clarke & Philogene, to play there as well as Szmodics, Chaplin & even Broadhead. Then we have Ogbene & Burns to come back in that right sided, defensive responsibilities role too.
Those options will be frightening for opponents in the Championship this season, and should be more than enough for an automatic promotion challenging side, but ... Ipswich are trying to sign players now with a view to them playing in the PL in 13 months time.
For that reason, I think McKenna & Ashton will be looking for a player or two now, with a greater physical & technical profile than we currently have. Enciso had the ability to win & retain possession despite strong challenges from PL defenders, which was something that our more lightweight permanent signings struggled with a lot. He was a loan player though & played as an individual most of the time, so if we can bring a player or two with his physical strength in now, & get them integrated into the spirit of our team during the season, we would be in a much better position to take on the PL should we go back up. [Post edited 6 Jul 10:40]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 11:21 - Jul 6 with 1022 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
This was my understanding too :
Clubs in the Championship, Leagues One and Two are only allowed to register five loan players in their matchday squad. Every club has to submit a 25-man squad to the EFL, with players under the age of 21 not included. However, players under 21 who are on loan must be included in the squad list.
https://www.givemesport.com/how-loan-rules-work-english-football-premier-league/
EDIT:
OK, after trawling through the EFL handbook, this is the relevant section - so as you say, only for Championship clubs, but as I also understood - any loan players under 21 count towards the 25 man squad.
44.9.2 The following Players do not need to be included in the Squad List to be eligible
to play in League Matches:
(a) in respect of Championship Clubs, any Under 21 Player (save for any
Under 21 Player who is registered with the Club on a Temporary Loan
Transfer); and
(b) in respect of League One Clubs and League Two Clubs:
(i) any Under 21 Players; and
(ii) goalkeepers.
Guidance
Clubs are required to declare whether or not a Player is a goalkeeper when submitting
a registration application. Inaccurately declaring an outfield Player as a goalkeeper will
constitute misconduct as a breach of the Club’s obligation to behave towards the
League with the upmost good faith (as per Regulation 3.4).
Under 21 Players who are on Loan to Championship Clubs are counted towards the 25
Player limit for the purpose of the Squad List Regulation. [Post edited 6 Jul 11:54]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 13:11 - Jul 6 with 905 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 21:10 - Jul 5 by ITFCSG |
I am still hoping it is because our scouting network isn't yet up to scratch rather than pure personal preference / bias from KM |
We know we aren’t anywhere near as equipped as established PL clubs but makes me wonder how teams like Millwall, Stoke, Coventry seem capable of finding good deals abroad. If we go another window without going abroad, it has to be through choice. We supposedly have access to Brighton’s data system, it’s not like we aren’t aware of who these players are. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:00 - Jul 6 with 799 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 13:11 - Jul 6 by tractorboy1978 |
We know we aren’t anywhere near as equipped as established PL clubs but makes me wonder how teams like Millwall, Stoke, Coventry seem capable of finding good deals abroad. If we go another window without going abroad, it has to be through choice. We supposedly have access to Brighton’s data system, it’s not like we aren’t aware of who these players are. |
No need to look at Champ mainstays Millwall, Stoke and Coventry
Look at Birmingham City
They have been out of the Prem as long as us, languished near the bottom of the Champ flirting with relegation for multiple seasons, been in the third tier even more recently than us and yet they can sign multiple pedigreed international players especially some from Japan (Kyogo, Iwata) at very good value most which are proven at this or equivalent level. Plus Gray and Doyle on loan.
We may be made to look very stupid on the opening day at St Andrews unless MA and the leadership group step up on signing a decent striker and MF asap. No more has-been loans that are not fit for purpose like Godfrey or last minute panic signings from the lower leagues like AAH, Ahadme and Camara. As a parachute club we should be one of the most attractive prospects in the Championship, viz. newly promoted clubs and Championship mid-table teams. Show some ambition ffs. [Post edited 6 Jul 17:10]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 17:50 - Jul 6 with 723 views | darkhorse28 |
There’s a lot of good points in there. I don’t get the bed wetting either. Windows are judged when they close.
There are some valid criticisms that you choose to ignore, because they don’t feel great though, and certainly biggie the ‘way his is progress’ narrative.
And they’re based on windows that have closed.
We just completed the last two windows, signed 15 players, spent well over £100 million, and start this season with a 34 year old as the only player for a managers crucial double pivot.
Discuss.
Even allowing for business we’ll likely do, it’s certain our engine room had zero contingency planning, and we go with untried pairings that don’t even exist after we returned to pre season,
So already, that’s really poor, at any level of professional football.
The owners flew in to save the day…, we’re leveraged in to paying out manger a huge contract, and promising (and delivering) eye watering transfer investment.
I can’t help thinking, in that scenario, no stakeholder is factoring relegation.
And that’s Ashton and McKenna.
They clearly sold staying up …, and that’s why a muffleld of loans and aspirations was allowed.
We could have easily have bought players to develop in that area, and we chose not to.
There’s really poor,
As you say…, August and more likely October is judgement time.
But it’s already really poor planning, poor contingency, and slightly delusion of where they expected us to be.
Signing Philips and or Cajuste permanently or shopping in a premier league paradise is clearly what owners were sold…, and if they weren’t, and spent so much on EFL revenue…, no midfield is the least of our problems.
Hopefully Flynn Will Dave the day. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:47 - Jul 6 with 637 views | ArnieM |
Flynn Downe's can't save himself, so i doubt he'll be able to save the day here.
He's made crystal on more than one occasion he doesnt want to play for Town,so why some fans persist with naming him as the next midfielder of choice, God only knows. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:53 - Jul 6 with 623 views | olimar |
| 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. |
Not sure that suggests that Birmingham have got any particularly sophisticated scouting network. Kyogo should be really well known to anyone with any passing interest in Scottish football (hes been comfortably one of the most talented players in the league for a few years).
And the other players they have signed this summer were all either in England or had been previously. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:40 - Jul 6 with 541 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 19:53 - Jul 6 by olimar |
Not sure that suggests that Birmingham have got any particularly sophisticated scouting network. Kyogo should be really well known to anyone with any passing interest in Scottish football (hes been comfortably one of the most talented players in the league for a few years).
And the other players they have signed this summer were all either in England or had been previously. |
So what do you think our problem is then with recruitment and especially foreign players?
KM's insistence on only working with native English speakers from the home nations?
If that is the case it really beggars belief, in fact its suicidal. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 21:30 - Jul 6 with 470 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 20:40 - Jul 6 by ITFCSG |
So what do you think our problem is then with recruitment and especially foreign players?
KM's insistence on only working with native English speakers from the home nations?
If that is the case it really beggars belief, in fact its suicidal. |
” KM's insistence on only working with native English speakers from the home nations?”
This oft claimed statement has been largely debunked. The foundation of this rumour appears to come from last summer’s leaked recruitment brief where a preference was stated for players that ‘had a working understanding of English’. [Post edited 7 Jul 9:21]
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:05 - Jul 6 with 399 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 21:30 - Jul 6 by SuffolkPunchFC |
” KM's insistence on only working with native English speakers from the home nations?”
This oft claimed statement has been largely debunked. The foundation of this rumour appears to come from last summer’s leaked recruitment brief where a preference was stated for players that ‘had a working understanding of English’. [Post edited 7 Jul 9:21]
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I will only believe its debunked when we start signing foreign players from foreign clubs.
As a fellow TWTDer has mentioned above, if we still continue to recruit exclusively domestic players this window then it is more likely due to choice | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:10 - Jul 6 with 381 views | LankHenners |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:05 - Jul 6 by ITFCSG |
I will only believe its debunked when we start signing foreign players from foreign clubs.
As a fellow TWTDer has mentioned above, if we still continue to recruit exclusively domestic players this window then it is more likely due to choice |
You were moaning the other week that we spent too long trying to sign someone from Greece. Can't even keep your negative trolling consistent. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:14 - Jul 6 with 349 views | boysof1981 |
Agree with a lot of that, however could quite easily see Davis leave before the season starts, staying with the back four Woolf may go. Weren’t Sheff Utd interested last season and I can’t see him being happy with how he was overlooked last season, considering he played well when asked.
Agree entirely about the midfield but up front Hamadi is sodding useless. If he’s required by us, then we’re one injury away from disaster. Hirst is a worry what with the amount of time he’s missed the last two seasons, just hope we bring in someone of George’s calibre or better.
I also think Omari will be gone to a Premier league club, and Cajuste isn’t coming back.
Not sure Southampton would be willing to allow Downes come to us either, although I saw he was a PR last week, doing what I have no idea. | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:15 - Jul 6 with 345 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:10 - Jul 6 by LankHenners |
You were moaning the other week that we spent too long trying to sign someone from Greece. Can't even keep your negative trolling consistent. |
Why cherry pick ONE player whom we eventually didn't sign out of a whole lot of domestic ones we were linked with as well?
I can likewise hypothesise that perhaps KM decided that Ioannidis' English was not up to scratch that's why we didn't make an improved offer? | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:20 - Jul 6 with 317 views | ITFCSG |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:14 - Jul 6 by boysof1981 |
Agree with a lot of that, however could quite easily see Davis leave before the season starts, staying with the back four Woolf may go. Weren’t Sheff Utd interested last season and I can’t see him being happy with how he was overlooked last season, considering he played well when asked.
Agree entirely about the midfield but up front Hamadi is sodding useless. If he’s required by us, then we’re one injury away from disaster. Hirst is a worry what with the amount of time he’s missed the last two seasons, just hope we bring in someone of George’s calibre or better.
I also think Omari will be gone to a Premier league club, and Cajuste isn’t coming back.
Not sure Southampton would be willing to allow Downes come to us either, although I saw he was a PR last week, doing what I have no idea. |
Can't say AAH is "sodding useless" here, I did and was downvoted not too long ago.
To some people any form of criticism towards the Club, management and players is blasphemy. Even towards Muric.
"Positive vibes only" | | | |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:20 - Jul 6 with 314 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 06:41 - Jul 6 by DavoIPB |
I agree with everything you are saying apart from when you mention our attacking players as being part of our midfield. We really only have three midfielders, Morsy who is too old. Taylor who is only just good enough to play at this level and Humphreys who is unproven. |
Morsy isn’t too old (not quite yet anyway) and Taylor is certainly good enough for the Championship.
We do need at least one other body for those 2 deeper CM roles though, and that won’t be any surprise to Kieran. |  |
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| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:25 - Jul 6 with 291 views | LankHenners |
| Questioning the lack of signings...ridiculous on 22:15 - Jul 6 by ITFCSG |
Why cherry pick ONE player whom we eventually didn't sign out of a whole lot of domestic ones we were linked with as well?
I can likewise hypothesise that perhaps KM decided that Ioannidis' English was not up to scratch that's why we didn't make an improved offer? |
Because it shows your argument as being all over the place as you seem to just want to derail threads by spamming negative gibberish.
Even you can see that second line is more than a bit dim and desperate. | |
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