| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated 07:26 - Aug 7 with 4577 views | textbackup |
To when we kick off vs Birmingham
189 days separates when I personally felt our fate was decided (loss at home to Southampton) and when we face Birmingham.
The entire footballing universe knew Delap would be sold, in fact sold so well he was talking to clubs while the season was in play, and went in the first transfer window.
I made a comment at the end of last season that I had this horrible feeling we’d start the season with a strike force of Hirst and AAH (was shot down for being negative, down voted, told that wouldn’t happen) yet here we are.
I’m Sure it’s been said many times on here (whilst I was in TWTD prison) but that situation is far from ideal and one that is really rather poor in terms of planning and recruitment, isn’t it?
I’m sure I’ll be told there are 3/4 weeks left of the window, that I’m moaning for the sake of moaning. But honestly, you need to question anyone that’s happy with the situation. We kick off the season tomorrow, not in 3/4 weeks… there are points at stake, and we aren’t giving our manager the tools he requires to have the best chance to get those, we’ve left it to chance.
There’s nothing we as fans can do but trust what the management team are doing, but in this particular situation I can’t help but feel really frustration that we are again looking at a squad lacking a striking option that we clearly need.
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:15 - Aug 7 with 485 views | TheMover |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:00 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
I’m not sure I’ve said I know better, because I don’t. believe my words were along the lines of frustrations etc. |
You didn't, although many have alluded to that. We do not know how many players we have enquired after, we could have set our sights on one, or or could have been a pool of 20, you cannot approach all 20 in case 10 say yes.
MA et al keep their cards close to their chests, so we will never know, all we can do is hope the wait is worth it. |  | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 with 495 views | waveneyblue |
Whilst I agree with some of your points in principal, what frustrates me is that you always word things as if the club are doing nothing about it.
You have no idea what's been going on behind the scenes but give the impression that they've spent the summer on the beach or playing bowls.
But it is lovely to have your negativity back again. |  | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 with 490 views | bsw72 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 07:32 - Aug 7 by Kieran_Knows |
100% agree with the ‘season starts tomorrow, not 3-4 weeks times’ comment. Always irk me when people use deadline day as the barometer for our business. As you say, points at stake and 3-4 weeks time we could already be playing catch up, and even possibly losing out on targets because of it.
Of course, as McKenna has alluded to many times, we’d want the bulk of the squad in before the first game, but as you say, we’ve had so much time to rectify this. It also brings the old age question ‘should the window shut before the first game’, and I do think there is a lot of relevance to that. |
Deadline day is 100% the barometer for our transfer business, to say anything different is ridiculous.
Look through the current squad and man for man we are strong enough to compete with the best in this division currently, what it lacks is strength in depth in some areas.
Therefore what deadline day does not decide is how we approach and play the games before the end of the window. We have a strong squad and need to supplement with 2-3 more players to make it better, plug gaps for those yet to leave. |  | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 with 485 views | nrb1985 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:12 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
If Brum and Soton finish 12th and 13th, but in these two games we only take 2 points, does that mean they weren’t big games for us?!
😂 I don’t get that stance in the slightest.
But yes, I’m sure we’ll have new faces in very soon, just a real frustration that we’ve had so long and kick off tomorrow without them. |
I don't know what their logic was but hard to think of a harder game to start with. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 with 474 views | Herbivore |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:00 - Aug 7 by nrb1985 |
Careful mate.
I was told in no uncertain terms by Herbivore and some twonk called waveneyblue that games in August don't matter...so that's fine.
And to add, we apparently have no idea if Birmingham or Southampton will be big games for us this season...
All fine there then. |
That's not remotely what I said now, is it? I said that calling our two opening fixtures 6 pointers is daft, and I stand by that. When the table hasn't even remotely started to take shape and everyone is on 0-3 points, no game is a 6 pointer. There is a lot of room between thinking games are 6 pointers and thinking games "don't matter" and I, like all reasonable fans, fall somewhere between those two poles.
On the OP. It's tricky, we'd all have liked to have another striker in by now I'm sure but at the same time I look around and don't see any strikers having moved that I'd have wanted us to be in for, other than Guiu who would always have favoured a Prem move over joining us. As others have said, the pool we're shopping in makes getting deals over the line early quite difficult to achieve. I'm relaxed about Al Hamidi coming off the bench for a few games if needed anyway, he looks is great shape and has had a good preseason. He'd get plenty of minutes at many other sides at this level, so needing him for 20 minutes for a few games isn't going to kill our chances, imo.
It's also a tough position in our squad to fill. Hirst is going into this season as our main man up front. He's probably one of the best number 9s in the division. If we want similar quality, they would also usually be expecting to be the main man and we can't promise them that. Finding a player who is happy to compete and to mainly get minutes from the bench or when Hirst needs a rest or is unavailable isn't going to be straightforward, not if we want them to also be a top quality Championship striker.
Akpom deal looks to be nearly done and he gives us better depth up top too, so we're very close to it not being just Hirst and Al Hamidi in the squad. Akpom is probably an easier sell as he can play as a 10 or from the left too and that versatility means he'll get minutes pretty regularly. For more of a Hirst type, that's not necessarily the case. [Post edited 7 Aug 8:19]
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:17 - Aug 7 with 462 views | textbackup |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:13 - Aug 7 by tonybied |
Yes, I'd like to think so too. That is my point, I'm sure we could pluck 1-2 promising youngsters from lower leagues or older journeymen at this level, almost at will, but we don't need that, we need players that are oven-ready. To move us on to the next level, these also need to have the ability to move up to the Premier League with us and compete. That means were competing for these players with teams that are already in that position, or the players believe they should be at that level, and they will be reticent to admit defeat in that mission until the end of the window. Meaning, regardless of our intentions to bring bodies in early, we don't have much choice but to wait to have a pick at the bones the Premier League teams have left.
I don't want to stir up a hornets nest here, but some of your comments last season were definitely over the mark concerning AAH, and not just about the situation. You consistently called him a carthorse, amongst other derogatory terms. I am glad you've been allowed back on here as you added much more than just the odd dodgy comment, but let's not rewrite history here, your comments at the time read as nothing other than personal against AAH. |
I called him a cart horse, once, and the post got deleted (I think)
I don’t rate him, at all if I’m being honest. I’d be incredibly happy if he proves me wrong and becomes an important part of our team/squd/club. | |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:20 - Aug 7 with 445 views | textbackup |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 by waveneyblue |
Whilst I agree with some of your points in principal, what frustrates me is that you always word things as if the club are doing nothing about it.
You have no idea what's been going on behind the scenes but give the impression that they've spent the summer on the beach or playing bowls.
But it is lovely to have your negativity back again. |
It’s really frustrating that you’ve chosen to take my post in that way, you’ve clearly not read any other replies I’ve put on this thread too.
Probably best we leave it there.
I hope you’re as excited for the season as I am, and hope you have a great night in Brum if you are attending. | |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:26 - Aug 7 with 423 views | nrb1985 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 by waveneyblue |
Whilst I agree with some of your points in principal, what frustrates me is that you always word things as if the club are doing nothing about it.
You have no idea what's been going on behind the scenes but give the impression that they've spent the summer on the beach or playing bowls.
But it is lovely to have your negativity back again. |
Gaaaaarrrgh, another "SO CALLED FAN" disagreeing with you. What has happened to everyone!!!
What on earth is wrong with stating, as I and others have, that pre season has gone great but off the pitch, both in terms of additions and retention things haven't gone as we would have hoped? Nobody is questioning anyone's effort.
If you wan't relentless positivity, suggest you turn on Cbeebies and leave us "FANS" to it. | | | |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:29 - Aug 7 with 399 views | nrb1985 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:20 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
It’s really frustrating that you’ve chosen to take my post in that way, you’ve clearly not read any other replies I’ve put on this thread too.
Probably best we leave it there.
I hope you’re as excited for the season as I am, and hope you have a great night in Brum if you are attending. |
He's an eejit mate, move on.
Totally unable to understand nuance in anything. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:32 - Aug 7 with 393 views | nrb1985 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:16 - Aug 7 by Herbivore |
That's not remotely what I said now, is it? I said that calling our two opening fixtures 6 pointers is daft, and I stand by that. When the table hasn't even remotely started to take shape and everyone is on 0-3 points, no game is a 6 pointer. There is a lot of room between thinking games are 6 pointers and thinking games "don't matter" and I, like all reasonable fans, fall somewhere between those two poles.
On the OP. It's tricky, we'd all have liked to have another striker in by now I'm sure but at the same time I look around and don't see any strikers having moved that I'd have wanted us to be in for, other than Guiu who would always have favoured a Prem move over joining us. As others have said, the pool we're shopping in makes getting deals over the line early quite difficult to achieve. I'm relaxed about Al Hamidi coming off the bench for a few games if needed anyway, he looks is great shape and has had a good preseason. He'd get plenty of minutes at many other sides at this level, so needing him for 20 minutes for a few games isn't going to kill our chances, imo.
It's also a tough position in our squad to fill. Hirst is going into this season as our main man up front. He's probably one of the best number 9s in the division. If we want similar quality, they would also usually be expecting to be the main man and we can't promise them that. Finding a player who is happy to compete and to mainly get minutes from the bench or when Hirst needs a rest or is unavailable isn't going to be straightforward, not if we want them to also be a top quality Championship striker.
Akpom deal looks to be nearly done and he gives us better depth up top too, so we're very close to it not being just Hirst and Al Hamidi in the squad. Akpom is probably an easier sell as he can play as a 10 or from the left too and that versatility means he'll get minutes pretty regularly. For more of a Hirst type, that's not necessarily the case. [Post edited 7 Aug 8:19]
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Would it help if I called it, two massive games against our likely promotion rivals? | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:34 - Aug 7 with 388 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
I would consider myself the furthest thing from a bed wetter or a negative fan. I was incessantly positive last season, even when we were playing at our worst.
I have to admit though, I am a bit disappointed with how we are going in to tomorrows game. Matusiwa, great, looks a very handy player who should be top at the level. Aside from that we have signed Kipre and Ashley Young, two fine acquisitions but not needle movers. I'm well aware we have 2 on the way just would have wanted us to get a couple more in for a really tough start to the season. I hope Jack Taylor proves me wrong, but I am not a fan and as things stand, Birmingham have a better midfield than us on paper, that should not be the case and I think KM has made it clear that he is a bit frustrated. |  |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:37 - Aug 7 with 378 views | blueasfook |
We're fine as long as Hirst can play best part of 90 minutes and not get injured for first few games. I am certain we'll get someone - could be a loan so that won't be sorted before the latter part of the window. Recruitment has generally been an area where we've fallen short though in recent seasons. We do seem to take our time to get people in, but maybe that's the same for many clubs now. |  |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:39 - Aug 7 with 364 views | WestSussexBlue |
Without knowing what’s happened / happening behind the scenes it’s not really necessary to panic.
Yes, we’ve clearly been in for HH and were unsuccessful with that one but we’ve a hell of a squad already for an assault in the Championship.
There’s enough in the squad already to be at the sharp end along with the imminent arrival of Akpom we’re in reasonable shape.
One or Two will still go along with 2 or 3 coming in before the Window shuts.
That will move us from reasonable shape to great shape. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:43 - Aug 7 with 353 views | bsw72 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:09 - Aug 7 by nrb1985 |
Yep.
Especially as Sheff Utd missed out last season with 95pts.
We've had a great pre season but lack of depth on the bench in CM and up front is a worry for those first two games. I know it's not the PL but you do feel we'll need the bench in both of those games - cant flog George for 90 mins against both.
Hopefully by the Saints game though we'll have a few additions. |
What is the relevance of Sheff Utd finishing on 95pts was it the dropped points in August (dropped 4 from 9) that cost them or the dropped points in April (dropped 12 from 18).
Could be either, neither or both. It’s irrelevant as to the timing.
Whether we like it or not the transfer window is what it is, and affects all sides.
Both us and Birmingham won’t have the additional strikers we were after, Southampton have lost their first choice keeper.
You can’t measure success of the seasons business on where we are come kick off vs Birmingham, you measure success both on and off the pitch on where we are at the final whistle vs QPR at home in May. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated (n/t) on 08:47 - Aug 7 with 339 views | Desmond |
[Post edited 7 Aug 8:48]
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:48 - Aug 7 with 330 views | MattinLondon |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:02 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
‘I know it’s a different kettle of fish’
You have seemingly missed my very opening line in that post, incredibly.
My point was more around being prepared early. |
I see where you’re coming from but I do think that a club being prepared early centres around the size of the club and where they see themselves.
If we had stayed up a player like Hackney would’ve been here a few weeks ago. And possibly with that PL season under our belts, a player similar in profile to that linked Greek striker from last session would be more willing to move here.
And if we wanted to bring in very good L1 players who could become good Championship players then those deals would have been concluded within a couple weeks of preseason.
I think we’re in a strange position- yes, players might well think that we’ll go straight back up but don’t want to risk it or simply want to go up a level, or don’t wish to drop down.
And if a player seems keen or willing to come here but then changes their minds then there’s only so much preparation you can do with that.
Being honest, I thought that with parachute patents etc bring in new players (PL ready) would have been easier but apparently it’s not.
Just have to be patient as a lot of deals will be concluded the last few days of the transfer window.
Maybe if we’re top or second come January, it’ll be easier to bring in players then as they’ll be far more confident that we’ll be PL come the summer. |  | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:49 - Aug 7 with 320 views | blueislander |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:02 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
‘I know it’s a different kettle of fish’
You have seemingly missed my very opening line in that post, incredibly.
My point was more around being prepared early. |
It’s a different kettle of fish so why mention it.? | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:49 - Aug 7 with 317 views | strikalite |
I can imagine KM is frustrated, because he did say he'd like players through the door ASAP to work with, though of course he won't show you that, I expect we're being quoted silly money for certain players or like has been said they're not keen on dropping to this level, but agree 100% regarding the fact that if anything right now happens to Hirst we are incredibly light up front, think there is a real shortage of top strikers out there right now too and it seems so many clubs are in search, a Prem loan is a possibility I suppose.. |  | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:49 - Aug 7 with 318 views | bsw72 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 07:37 - Aug 7 by textbackup |
I know it’s a different kettle of fish, but I saw a piece on Liverpool the other day, Slot saying how important it was he had his squad in place ready to work them in pre season. To me that’s the most obvious way to plan and be ready.
I won’t for a moment pretend to know how hard deals are to finalise etc, but Dutch matey seemed to sail through, surely it can’t just be strikers that we want that seem near on impossible to get done?! |
100% agree, and I am sure that KMc would agree but as you say a different kettle of fish.
Probably a lot easier to land your wanted players as PL champions than a 2nd tier recently relegated team. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:52 - Aug 7 with 309 views | textbackup |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:49 - Aug 7 by blueislander |
It’s a different kettle of fish so why mention it.? |
Because it’s the same sport, because it’s aligned to transfers, transfer business, because we are a big fish in the league we are competing in this season (much like LFC are)
Didn’t realise it would such a controversial line to say. | |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:55 - Aug 7 with 289 views | FrimleyBlue |
It's a difficult discussion because for me you get caught between frustration and being patient.
I'm trying my absolutely best to be the latter and trust that nothing can be lost in the first month of the season.
But I do appreciate where many come from in regards to their thoughts about how little we've done in the window.
I once mentioned that managers get sacked for poor results. Yet ashton etc are seen to be trying their best, things are tough, it's not their fault. When do they become accountable for such a poor recruitment period?
Its not poor with the signings made but poor in timescale. Are they helping our manager or making his job harder. Are they too slow at moving onto other targets. Do we play hardball with to many clubs?
We don't know the answers to alot of questions. So I guess we can only sit and hope it all comes together. |  |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:59 - Aug 7 with 290 views | Swansea_Blue |
“horrible feeling we’d start the season with a strike force of Hirst and AAH”. You need to go and spend some time following other Championship clubs and then you’d realise how well off we are to have Hirst, Sammie, Clarke, Chappers, Philogene, Ogbene, etc. AAH is fine as a backup to Hirst too. |  |
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 09:00 - Aug 7 with 279 views | tractorboy1978 |
It's obviously not ideal but it's more important we end the window with the players we want than get the wrong players in before Friday. As far as strikers go, the issue previously has been we've ended windows without the players we need/want.
I don't think we are unique in our squad not quite being where we want it to be before the season starts. It's probably the case for most clubs and unfortunately seems to be the way these days. Deals get pushed later and later into the window. | | | |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 09:00 - Aug 7 with 278 views | nrb1985 |
| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 08:43 - Aug 7 by bsw72 |
What is the relevance of Sheff Utd finishing on 95pts was it the dropped points in August (dropped 4 from 9) that cost them or the dropped points in April (dropped 12 from 18).
Could be either, neither or both. It’s irrelevant as to the timing.
Whether we like it or not the transfer window is what it is, and affects all sides.
Both us and Birmingham won’t have the additional strikers we were after, Southampton have lost their first choice keeper.
You can’t measure success of the seasons business on where we are come kick off vs Birmingham, you measure success both on and off the pitch on where we are at the final whistle vs QPR at home in May. |
Hi - sorry, haven't judged the success of the season or otherwise.
All I've said is I would have preferred (as would the club from KM's own words) that we have a bit more on the bench going into two huge games at the beginning of the season?
Not sure why this is such a controversial view to some? KM himself has said there were more outgoings than he expected and that he'd obviously prefer more bodies in the building than we have currently.
Also, re Brum - where they are in the transfer window isn't really irrelevant to me feeling like we could have a stronger bench is it. [Post edited 7 Aug 9:08]
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| 105 days separates when we were officially relegated on 09:01 - Aug 7 with 279 views | baxterbasics |
I think, and believe a few have stated already, the problem lies with KM and MA wanting to bring specific types of players in, who won't just 'do a job' at Championship level and genuinely improve the squad, but will have the potential to step up following promotion. They also need to be able to fit into KMs system and be a good fit for the group as a whole.
The list of players who will tick all the boxes will be short in any position, and on top of that they have to be available, open to playing for Ipswich, and in many cases they will be good enough to attract premier league interest so may want to hold off a move as late in the window as possible.
I think we're just in a unique and tricky position as a team looking to secure a quick return to the PL and make a better fist of staying there. We have resources but they need to be spent wisely.
In any case, assuming Akpom and Cajuste are signing on the dotted line, we may have done enough even before first kick off. Bear in mind KM has history of getting his man in January. [Post edited 7 Aug 9:25]
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