| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' 21:22 - Jul 22 with 5693 views | FromReuserWithLove |
Was expecting a different sort of frightening tbf. "haven't had a pre-season" looks like it may get trotted out again. |  | | |  |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:56 - Jul 23 with 1185 views | Horsham |
I guess if our targets are frightening in terms of the level of ambition then they’ll take time and want to assess their options.
And I think it’s right to aim for quality too. We need to make sure when we sign players they are clear upgrades. |  | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:59 - Jul 23 with 1175 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 23:05 - Jul 22 by davblue |
If we are going to need 95 plus points to go up automatically August is fundamental.
As it stands I think we are way off that level. Not that 2 really good midfielders coming in wouldn’t help with though. That initial lack of cohesion could really cost us but it is what it is. |
Our starting XI is likely to consist of 8 or 9 players who were here last season. People need to stop worrying about gelling or lack of cohesion. We have a really strong squad, it's got a couple of glaring gaps where the issue is primarily adding quality in depth but we will fill those gaps. If those players come a bit later then so be it but the below line up should not be struggling to pick up points in August.
Palmer
Johnson
O'Shea
Greaves
Davis
Matusiwa
Taylor
Philogene
Szmodics
Clarke
Hirst
We can field that line up with zero additions and on the assumption we lose Omari (not guaranteed) and still have the likes of Kipre, Humphreys, Chappers, Broadhead, and Ogbene to come on. Al Hamadi gets loads of stick but this time two years ago we had Ladapo as our second striker at this point so even that is an area where we're not weaker than our promotion season, albeit we need better competition for Hirst. |  |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:59 - Jul 23 with 1172 views | Horsham |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:54 - Jul 23 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Yeah, but people love a new signing don't they?
If we all just forget the fact that we effectively bought all our players for this season this time last year, by getting in top Championship players, (Szmods, Clarke, O'Shea, Greaves, Palmer, Philogene), then the fact we haven't really being active this window = about to get tonked by Brum. |
I’m also pretty sure not many of those were in the building before this time last year. | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:02 - Jul 23 with 1147 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:47 - Jul 23 by StokieBlue |
I'm not sure about this.
Winning and losing has a lot more to do with the opposition than being a habit. You can win every match in the Champ and still lose to a weaker PL team easily.
Look at what Town did to Coventry last year with a weakened team.
Also seen someone like Plymouth who got promoted ahead of us with more momentum and couldn't repeat it against better opposition.
Obviously winning games and having confidence doesn't hurt at all but just not sure about the "habit" narrative.
SB |
If it was true, newly relegated sides would regularly struggle in the Championship. Instead, only Luton out of the last 6 relegated sides have failed to either go straight back up or finish top 3 on their return to this level. Go back further and there's loads of other examples of relegated sides having very good seasons at this level. | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:11 - Jul 23 with 1103 views | Horsham |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:59 - Jul 23 by Herbivore |
Our starting XI is likely to consist of 8 or 9 players who were here last season. People need to stop worrying about gelling or lack of cohesion. We have a really strong squad, it's got a couple of glaring gaps where the issue is primarily adding quality in depth but we will fill those gaps. If those players come a bit later then so be it but the below line up should not be struggling to pick up points in August.
Palmer
Johnson
O'Shea
Greaves
Davis
Matusiwa
Taylor
Philogene
Szmodics
Clarke
Hirst
We can field that line up with zero additions and on the assumption we lose Omari (not guaranteed) and still have the likes of Kipre, Humphreys, Chappers, Broadhead, and Ogbene to come on. Al Hamadi gets loads of stick but this time two years ago we had Ladapo as our second striker at this point so even that is an area where we're not weaker than our promotion season, albeit we need better competition for Hirst. |
I’d be fairly comfortable with our squad as it is until the end of August if it means we that late in the window we can grab some real gun additions up front and in midfield.
Of course I might get a bit wobbly if we don’t have any points after a couple of games! | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:18 - Jul 23 with 1060 views | Blue_Heath |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 21:39 - Jul 22 by FrimleyBlue |
I don't mind having that start whilst we continue to put the side together.
Imo. It's better to get those bigger games out the way and maybe not get 3 points than playing smaller sides and not getting 3 points.
When we got promoted from both leagues If I remember rightly our actual results against top 6 sides weren't great but we managed to do well against the rest.
Maybe that's why there's little panic. Leagues not lost in August |
Surely taking 3 points from rivals is better as its technically 6 but its the final total that counts I guess. |  | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:19 - Jul 23 with 1051 views | DanTheMan |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 07:59 - Jul 23 by Herbivore |
Our starting XI is likely to consist of 8 or 9 players who were here last season. People need to stop worrying about gelling or lack of cohesion. We have a really strong squad, it's got a couple of glaring gaps where the issue is primarily adding quality in depth but we will fill those gaps. If those players come a bit later then so be it but the below line up should not be struggling to pick up points in August.
Palmer
Johnson
O'Shea
Greaves
Davis
Matusiwa
Taylor
Philogene
Szmodics
Clarke
Hirst
We can field that line up with zero additions and on the assumption we lose Omari (not guaranteed) and still have the likes of Kipre, Humphreys, Chappers, Broadhead, and Ogbene to come on. Al Hamadi gets loads of stick but this time two years ago we had Ladapo as our second striker at this point so even that is an area where we're not weaker than our promotion season, albeit we need better competition for Hirst. |
I think that first 11 is fine except for Taylor.
If we were to get a CM in before the first game I'd be pretty happy, assuming we do get another ST before the end of the window. |  |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:32 - Jul 23 with 995 views | longtimefan |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 22:05 - Jul 22 by boysof1981 |
Bang on. We’ve also looked devoid of ideas and any real fight since January. |
Everton (A) in May where we came back from 2-0 down must be a figment of my imagination  | | | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:32 - Jul 23 with 995 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:18 - Jul 23 by Blue_Heath |
Surely taking 3 points from rivals is better as its technically 6 but its the final total that counts I guess. |
It's still only 3 points, it's not technically 6. If two sides are level on points and they play each other then the possible results lead to a 6 points swing (being 3 points ahead to 3 points behind) but the same is true if those two sides are playing other teams. If you win and they lose, you go 3 points above them, if the reverse happens you go 3 points behind, if you match their result you stay on the same points (as with a draw when you play each other). But in all those scenarios you only get 3 points for a win and can only ever gain a 3 point advantage over your rivals. [Post edited 23 Jul 8:36]
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:34 - Jul 23 with 982 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:19 - Jul 23 by DanTheMan |
I think that first 11 is fine except for Taylor.
If we were to get a CM in before the first game I'd be pretty happy, assuming we do get another ST before the end of the window. |
While I don't see Taylor as being a first choice, I don't have an issue with him starting the season if need be. He started games for us in the last two seasons and he's been up and down but he's a capable enough operator at Championship level. I'd rather we get the right CM in than sign someone to fill a gap. Even with Taylor in it, that's a really strong side we can field. | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:35 - Jul 23 with 964 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:32 - Jul 23 by longtimefan |
Everton (A) in May where we came back from 2-0 down must be a figment of my imagination |
And the win we toughed out away at Bournemouth must have been a dream too. | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:39 - Jul 23 with 948 views | Lion |
We already have a very good championship squad and you can bet your life that Kieran is demanding more recruits, don't be too surprised if we run right up to end of window before we are finished. Some of you are going to have an absolute meltdown because ( i hope he doesn't go ) if we are offered 35-40 mill for Omari on payment terms that suits us and he wants to go, we won't stand in his way.
ALSO, i am gutted to tell you that I am told def info that Broady is off to Wrexham, not really a secret on this board, as done a deal as you can get and they have already agreed personal terms ( 35k a week! ) maybe ITFC have said it won't happen until we get a target in so as not to unsettle our fans ( further ). They have also offered for Woolfy,as have other championship clubs, i hope he choses to stay as well but he could end up going.
There is no need to panic though, we just have to be patient. I'm sure we will be there or thereabouts at Christmas with room to get 2 or 3 in if needed and you all remember the championship; put a run together just after and it will take you a long, long way.
The club staff and board will absolutely be targeting promotion, as fans we can look forward to the season and be optimistic of the same but we know it will be tough and a very differant gig to the under the radar double bounce of last time we were in it ( see Birmingham for context ) Up the farkin Towan! [Post edited 23 Jul 8:53]
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:10 - Jul 23 with 860 views | Smoresy |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 08:19 - Jul 23 by DanTheMan |
I think that first 11 is fine except for Taylor.
If we were to get a CM in before the first game I'd be pretty happy, assuming we do get another ST before the end of the window. |
My chief fear is what's behind Taylor or Matusiwa, if one of them can't play the bulk of August. The risk this may happen is definitely not zero and it wouldn't be exceedingly bad luck; it's why finished squads contain 5+ CMs to cover the most combative place on the pitch.
If Humphreys or Barbrook is ready then superb but they've haven't been tested at this level, and McKenna's thoughts are unknown to most of us, so believing they are is a large leap of faith really. | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:18 - Jul 23 with 819 views | Lion |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:10 - Jul 23 by Smoresy |
My chief fear is what's behind Taylor or Matusiwa, if one of them can't play the bulk of August. The risk this may happen is definitely not zero and it wouldn't be exceedingly bad luck; it's why finished squads contain 5+ CMs to cover the most combative place on the pitch.
If Humphreys or Barbrook is ready then superb but they've haven't been tested at this level, and McKenna's thoughts are unknown to most of us, so believing they are is a large leap of faith really. |
I hear you. We will definitely need to improve cm, up front etc however, we have until 7pm September the 1st. It is 23rd July not 23rd August. Keep the faith | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:34 - Jul 23 with 756 views | RadioOrwell |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:10 - Jul 23 by Smoresy |
My chief fear is what's behind Taylor or Matusiwa, if one of them can't play the bulk of August. The risk this may happen is definitely not zero and it wouldn't be exceedingly bad luck; it's why finished squads contain 5+ CMs to cover the most combative place on the pitch.
If Humphreys or Barbrook is ready then superb but they've haven't been tested at this level, and McKenna's thoughts are unknown to most of us, so believing they are is a large leap of faith really. |
I'm not suggesting that Barbrook is ready for next season - I don't know enough about him - but he looked great in the short time he was on the pitch the other day.
Strong, physical, composed. I'm very hopeful for him. |  | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:36 - Jul 23 with 744 views | glasso |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 23:05 - Jul 22 by davblue |
If we are going to need 95 plus points to go up automatically August is fundamental.
As it stands I think we are way off that level. Not that 2 really good midfielders coming in wouldn’t help with though. That initial lack of cohesion could really cost us but it is what it is. |
Genuine question, because I'm not really clued up on Championship players, really.
If you take our August games - Brum, Saints, PNE, Derby - which is not an easy start, by any means, how many of their players would you switch for ours in a starting XI?
Like I said, I'm not doing that as a gotchya because I'm not much of a player/team statto - I watch us play and that's it - but I kinda feel like our team is pretty strong, position for position, even if we'd like to improve a couple of those spots? | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:37 - Jul 23 with 731 views | Smoresy |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:18 - Jul 23 by Lion |
I hear you. We will definitely need to improve cm, up front etc however, we have until 7pm September the 1st. It is 23rd July not 23rd August. Keep the faith |
I've not really lost the faith, just to clarify my feelings. It's more that I'm less convinced than others that we have the depth currently to saunter through August, should we strike out until the latter part of the window. Think it will require a dollop of good luck, presently. And I'm a wee bit disappointed that we've found things as heavy going as we have (I'd hoped for easier business for Mark and Kieran, as much as for myself lol). | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:43 - Jul 23 with 695 views | Herbivore |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:37 - Jul 23 by Smoresy |
I've not really lost the faith, just to clarify my feelings. It's more that I'm less convinced than others that we have the depth currently to saunter through August, should we strike out until the latter part of the window. Think it will require a dollop of good luck, presently. And I'm a wee bit disappointed that we've found things as heavy going as we have (I'd hoped for easier business for Mark and Kieran, as much as for myself lol). |
I guess the question I'd ask is, which players have moved clubs that you'd like to have seen us in for? Have we missed out on players to other clubs, or is it that the calibre of players we're after aren't shifting yet? There's no point signing players for the sake of it. We got Matusiwa done fairly early because he'd been told by the new manager he wasn't guaranteed to start, that made it a relatively easy one to do. Most players we're after, it won't be that easy to convince their club to sell them. | |
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| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 12:43 - Jul 23 with 513 views | Smoresy |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 09:43 - Jul 23 by Herbivore |
I guess the question I'd ask is, which players have moved clubs that you'd like to have seen us in for? Have we missed out on players to other clubs, or is it that the calibre of players we're after aren't shifting yet? There's no point signing players for the sake of it. We got Matusiwa done fairly early because he'd been told by the new manager he wasn't guaranteed to start, that made it a relatively easy one to do. Most players we're after, it won't be that easy to convince their club to sell them. |
I'm no expert and haven't actively monitored others' business, honestly. I hadn't heard of Azor Matusiwa before we signed him, or Leeds's new recruit Anton Stach, or Sunderland's Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra. I knew Longstaff of course and it seems that we're trying to compete with this calibre of clubs, rather than the rung below. It's admirable if it's achievable. One Championship recruit that caught my eye was Tommy Doyle.
I think there's an argument for ensuring we don't concede too much ground in the middle early doors, even if that means we sign a respectable "saver" while we continue to shoot for the sky. Maybe we have one or two good/middling Championship midfielders already in Barbrook and Humphreys, that's where the blind faith kicks in or doesn't I guess (given their lack of exposure to this level).
If you can hold your own in your weakest area and are overpowered in others, that bodes very well. If our midfield is exposed as a weak link at the beginning (compared to other Championship squads I mean, not just to other areas in our own squad) then transfer pressure intensifies through August and our negotiating position deteriorates. | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 14:05 - Jul 23 with 375 views | OldFart71 |
In truth most of the transfer window at the beginning was irrelevant as it wasn't until the 30th of June where the season ended as far as fair play rules spending was concerned so Delaps transfer would have been included in last years accounts and any transfers incoming or outgoing will count towards this years.
The type of player we are aiming for is at the upper end of what most teams in the Championship can't afford both from a fee and wages and therefore they are also targeted by lesser Premier League clubs and a player will obviously prefer to go there. | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 14:37 - Jul 23 with 273 views | Smoresy |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 14:05 - Jul 23 by OldFart71 |
In truth most of the transfer window at the beginning was irrelevant as it wasn't until the 30th of June where the season ended as far as fair play rules spending was concerned so Delaps transfer would have been included in last years accounts and any transfers incoming or outgoing will count towards this years.
The type of player we are aiming for is at the upper end of what most teams in the Championship can't afford both from a fee and wages and therefore they are also targeted by lesser Premier League clubs and a player will obviously prefer to go there. |
*Our ability to spend this summer is contingent on us finishing last season with spending headroom, hopefully a good deal of it, so June won't have been irrelevant. If we didn't have money to spend in June, there's little chance we have money to spend now. That's because revenue takes a bit hit this year and amortised transfer fees still need to be paid.
We're all assessed over a three-year period, so the main advantage for clubs waiting until after June for purchases would be if the 22/23 accounts were problematic, but ours weren't, or if the financial picture improves in 25/26, but ours hasn't. The smart money is on us posting a profit in 24/25 and a loss in 25/26. | | | |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 16:08 - Jul 23 with 142 views | Chrisd |
| 'Frightening list of transfer targets' on 21:39 - Jul 22 by FrimleyBlue |
I don't mind having that start whilst we continue to put the side together.
Imo. It's better to get those bigger games out the way and maybe not get 3 points than playing smaller sides and not getting 3 points.
When we got promoted from both leagues If I remember rightly our actual results against top 6 sides weren't great but we managed to do well against the rest.
Maybe that's why there's little panic. Leagues not lost in August |
It’s the mentality it creates regardless of the standard. We start off poorly next season those same level of anxieties and doubts will creep in from last season and we’ve still got plenty of those same players that were involved during that last campaign. [Post edited 23 Jul 19:39]
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