| January targets 15:30 - Dec 7 with 3695 views | _CliveBaker_ | We’re only a few weeks away from the window opening, anyone got any suggestions? Not positions but specific targets. I wonder if Luke O’Nien will go out on loan, he’s barely played this season for Sunderland and his red card yesterday might well be him done there for this season. Could be a Travis type signing for us and I can see us wanting to strengthen in the middle to give Matusiwa a bit more cover. We’re short there and suspensions especially look inevitable. Experienced and a recent championship promtion under his belt too. I think we’ll target a #9 as well but not sure who. |  | | |  |
| January targets on 15:37 - Dec 7 with 3022 views | Kieran_Knows | If we’d done our homework on Sindre at FC Nordsjælland, then hopefully we’d have also looked at Caleb Yirenkyi. Centre mid, just about linked with every top European club. |  |
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| January targets on 15:37 - Dec 7 with 3010 views | LeoMuff | Definitely a midfielder is essential, maybe Chappers to return or another 10, I agree on a no 9 |  |
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| January targets on 15:50 - Dec 7 with 2896 views | Illinoisblue | “Experienced and a recent promotion under his belt”. Sounds like a job for an Egyptian king. |  |
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| January targets on 16:04 - Dec 7 with 2818 views | Mullet | Franculino from Midtylland has the kind of profile we might want. Came through at Benfica, looks like he's going to cost a lot no idea if that's where we gamble though. A goal every 74 mins in the league apparently. Which means he will go to a giant club and be loaned out most likely. Not sure if Sindre will have any suggestions from that league, but wouldn't be adverse to shoping there again. This fella is out of contract this summer apparently so maybe we go back for him? https://www.footballfancast.com/ipswich-town-chiefs-make-enquiry-sign-physical-1 In all seriousness, I'd hope we play it safe and players like O'Nien would do nicely. Harrison Reed would be perfect as he's not getting a game this season. It's a shame we probably can't stretch to players like Frank Onyeka is still getting a game at Brentford, he'd be the kind of defensive midfielder to control games too. |  |
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| January targets on 16:05 - Dec 7 with 2813 views | le2blue |
| January targets on 15:37 - Dec 7 by LeoMuff | Definitely a midfielder is essential, maybe Chappers to return or another 10, I agree on a no 9 |
Conor Chaplin, who cannot get into the Pompey team struggling at the bottom of the league? I think we need much, much better. Both he and Burns are being romanticised from what they did a year ago...time is catching up with them both, both in terms of fitness and pace and quality. |  | |  |
| January targets on 16:09 - Dec 7 with 2756 views | TresBonne |
| January targets on 16:05 - Dec 7 by le2blue | Conor Chaplin, who cannot get into the Pompey team struggling at the bottom of the league? I think we need much, much better. Both he and Burns are being romanticised from what they did a year ago...time is catching up with them both, both in terms of fitness and pace and quality. |
Here's my take on the Chaplin discussion. Conor Chaplin, Wes Burns, Sam Morsy, Mass Luongo, so on, so forth, were very, very good in the system they played. It suited their attributes perfectly, they had that real chemistry with one another, and ultimately they were a team that played much greater than the sum of their parts. There is a reason the majority were lower end Championship/upper L1 end players. Individually, they have attributes, but they are not world beaters and that showed in the Premier League. They worked in the system, together. But we have moved on from said system and players, and I don't think they will have quite the same impact that they did in 2022-2024. I think it's the reason George Hirst doesn't look quite as good as he once did, he worked better with those players behind him, all his mates have left and he's got a different set of players with entirely different attributes up top with him. He didn't become a worse footballer overnight, the team he plays in just changed dramatically. Look at the players who have left - none are really pulling up trees anywhere. The Athletic were calling for more from Broadhead lately. Chaplin is struggling at Pompey. Harry Clarke didn't do a great deal at Sheff Utd. Woolfenden sits on the bench for Coventry. So on so forth. [Post edited 7 Dec 16:10]
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| January targets on 16:12 - Dec 7 with 2724 views | franz_tyson | Who can we shift first from the squad? H Carke and Johnson are obvious ones.... but is it possible we can shift any of the loanees? Apart from Kippers, I'm not fussed about the other 3. Azon is a willing runner and great to see him scoring yesterday, but I think we could do better. Maybe Azon will come good. Akpom has been very disappointing and Cajuste is really just an expensive sub with just 20-25 mins in him. If we could offload a few of the expensive dead-weights ... think we could go big on a CM and striker. Matusiwa has been flogged to death... that's my main worry. LB back up for Leif who's also been flogged. |  | |  |
| January targets on 16:26 - Dec 7 with 2589 views | olimar |
| January targets on 16:09 - Dec 7 by TresBonne | Here's my take on the Chaplin discussion. Conor Chaplin, Wes Burns, Sam Morsy, Mass Luongo, so on, so forth, were very, very good in the system they played. It suited their attributes perfectly, they had that real chemistry with one another, and ultimately they were a team that played much greater than the sum of their parts. There is a reason the majority were lower end Championship/upper L1 end players. Individually, they have attributes, but they are not world beaters and that showed in the Premier League. They worked in the system, together. But we have moved on from said system and players, and I don't think they will have quite the same impact that they did in 2022-2024. I think it's the reason George Hirst doesn't look quite as good as he once did, he worked better with those players behind him, all his mates have left and he's got a different set of players with entirely different attributes up top with him. He didn't become a worse footballer overnight, the team he plays in just changed dramatically. Look at the players who have left - none are really pulling up trees anywhere. The Athletic were calling for more from Broadhead lately. Chaplin is struggling at Pompey. Harry Clarke didn't do a great deal at Sheff Utd. Woolfenden sits on the bench for Coventry. So on so forth. [Post edited 7 Dec 16:10]
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Think the Chaplin situation is slightly different than the others. We clearly are struggling with our No.10 role and the players we have available. Nunez is the one who has made most impact and Akpom/Szmodics want to play more like a second striker. If we wanted another option who is a better fit, then perhaps taking one back who knows the role, knows the club, actively contributes positively to the culture of the squad and, equally, is already registered and effectively free, then it feels like a low risk alternative option to have. One that is likely to feature more than we, or he, thought he might. |  | |  | Login to get fewer ads
| January targets on 16:30 - Dec 7 with 2528 views | olimar |
| January targets on 16:12 - Dec 7 by franz_tyson | Who can we shift first from the squad? H Carke and Johnson are obvious ones.... but is it possible we can shift any of the loanees? Apart from Kippers, I'm not fussed about the other 3. Azon is a willing runner and great to see him scoring yesterday, but I think we could do better. Maybe Azon will come good. Akpom has been very disappointing and Cajuste is really just an expensive sub with just 20-25 mins in him. If we could offload a few of the expensive dead-weights ... think we could go big on a CM and striker. Matusiwa has been flogged to death... that's my main worry. LB back up for Leif who's also been flogged. |
Do we need to shift players? If its about squad numbers, there are several options who probably are a bit of a waste within the current 25 man squad as it is- i.e. Humphreys, Baggott, Clarke, Burns could probably all easily go out on loan and wouldnt impact the squad at all based on their use in the first half of the season (although think Baggott probably isnt included in those numbers). I assume we have some flex in the wage bill as it is, but if we dont, then we probably are a bit stuck to reduce it without removing players we really want to keep. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:14 - Dec 7 with 2240 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| January targets on 16:30 - Dec 7 by olimar | Do we need to shift players? If its about squad numbers, there are several options who probably are a bit of a waste within the current 25 man squad as it is- i.e. Humphreys, Baggott, Clarke, Burns could probably all easily go out on loan and wouldnt impact the squad at all based on their use in the first half of the season (although think Baggott probably isnt included in those numbers). I assume we have some flex in the wage bill as it is, but if we dont, then we probably are a bit stuck to reduce it without removing players we really want to keep. |
There's a bit of a thought in the back of my mind that Ashley Young might be de-registered. Based on absolutely nothing except what KMc said about him. When talking about the fact that this will be Young's last year before retirement. "We’ll see how it develops, but for now he’s an important member of the squad, an important player, he’s helping the group in many, many different ways, on and off the pitch." The 'we'll see how it develops, but for now' bit made me wonder if we might see a mutual termination in January so that he can retire early. |  |
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| January targets on 17:20 - Dec 7 with 2192 views | kentishblue |
| January targets on 16:12 - Dec 7 by franz_tyson | Who can we shift first from the squad? H Carke and Johnson are obvious ones.... but is it possible we can shift any of the loanees? Apart from Kippers, I'm not fussed about the other 3. Azon is a willing runner and great to see him scoring yesterday, but I think we could do better. Maybe Azon will come good. Akpom has been very disappointing and Cajuste is really just an expensive sub with just 20-25 mins in him. If we could offload a few of the expensive dead-weights ... think we could go big on a CM and striker. Matusiwa has been flogged to death... that's my main worry. LB back up for Leif who's also been flogged. |
Think we could do worse then get Burrows from Sheff U as back up to Leif. Right sort of profile. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:25 - Dec 7 with 2139 views | J2BLUE | Hackney. I know it's unlikely and right now I wouldn't even bother BUT if we could now go on a run and draw at least level with Boro we have to try. Fully aware it's very unlikely and I don't mean we should spend the entire window trying to convince him. See where things are we play Cov on 29th and then ask his agent. If we get knocked back immediately or we don't have an answer within 3 days we move on. If Cov can be clawed back then Boro might even be up for it if they can strengthen multiple positions. Another ST? Swap an RB for a back up LB if possible. Possibly a 10 unless Egeli gets moved there. |  |
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| January targets on 17:26 - Dec 7 with 2128 views | NthQldITFC | Who was that Mexican CM who played a bit like Hackney? |  |
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| January targets on 17:31 - Dec 7 with 2068 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| January targets on 17:20 - Dec 7 by kentishblue | Think we could do worse then get Burrows from Sheff U as back up to Leif. Right sort of profile. |
Van Ewok (or something) looked half decent for Cov yesterday. |  |
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| January targets on 17:35 - Dec 7 with 2015 views | mellowblue |
| January targets on 17:14 - Dec 7 by Cheltenham_Blue | There's a bit of a thought in the back of my mind that Ashley Young might be de-registered. Based on absolutely nothing except what KMc said about him. When talking about the fact that this will be Young's last year before retirement. "We’ll see how it develops, but for now he’s an important member of the squad, an important player, he’s helping the group in many, many different ways, on and off the pitch." The 'we'll see how it develops, but for now' bit made me wonder if we might see a mutual termination in January so that he can retire early. |
bit of a slap in the face for a very good professional. Expensive guy to de-register. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:38 - Dec 7 with 1980 views | cressi | I think 4 a left back, a replacement for Azor if required a ten and a striker. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:43 - Dec 7 with 1930 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| January targets on 17:25 - Dec 7 by J2BLUE | Hackney. I know it's unlikely and right now I wouldn't even bother BUT if we could now go on a run and draw at least level with Boro we have to try. Fully aware it's very unlikely and I don't mean we should spend the entire window trying to convince him. See where things are we play Cov on 29th and then ask his agent. If we get knocked back immediately or we don't have an answer within 3 days we move on. If Cov can be clawed back then Boro might even be up for it if they can strengthen multiple positions. Another ST? Swap an RB for a back up LB if possible. Possibly a 10 unless Egeli gets moved there. |
Would be an incredible signing, and the benefit of weakening Boro right now might be worth a fair amount in its own right. Like you say I think it’s unlikely, 1 for that factor and the position they’ve found themselves in where a strong 6 months could bank them PL riches, as well as the preference of the player himself. If he didn’t fancy it in the summer I’m not sure what will have changed in our favour since. Having said that a month is a long time in football, especially with the number of fixtures. It’s not impossible the switch looks a bit more attractive in January than it would now but I think it’s a long long shot. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:46 - Dec 7 with 1901 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| January targets on 17:14 - Dec 7 by Cheltenham_Blue | There's a bit of a thought in the back of my mind that Ashley Young might be de-registered. Based on absolutely nothing except what KMc said about him. When talking about the fact that this will be Young's last year before retirement. "We’ll see how it develops, but for now he’s an important member of the squad, an important player, he’s helping the group in many, many different ways, on and off the pitch." The 'we'll see how it develops, but for now' bit made me wonder if we might see a mutual termination in January so that he can retire early. |
I don’t think we will need to pay him off, there’s plenty of others who can create the squad room. Button could be one if we register an U21 keeper and Clarke is almost a given. If it’s to sign a CM then Humphries is also a very easy 1 in, 1 out. I don’t think squad places will be a problem at all. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:50 - Dec 7 with 1851 views | jas0999 | Still think we need a striker. Ours played well yesterday but are certainly inconsistent. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:57 - Dec 7 with 1776 views | blueoutlook |
| January targets on 17:43 - Dec 7 by _CliveBaker_ | Would be an incredible signing, and the benefit of weakening Boro right now might be worth a fair amount in its own right. Like you say I think it’s unlikely, 1 for that factor and the position they’ve found themselves in where a strong 6 months could bank them PL riches, as well as the preference of the player himself. If he didn’t fancy it in the summer I’m not sure what will have changed in our favour since. Having said that a month is a long time in football, especially with the number of fixtures. It’s not impossible the switch looks a bit more attractive in January than it would now but I think it’s a long long shot. |
No chance. Move on. |  | |  |
| January targets on 17:59 - Dec 7 with 1734 views | Wacko |
| January targets on 17:26 - Dec 7 by NthQldITFC | Who was that Mexican CM who played a bit like Hackney? |
Marcel Ruiz. I saw him live the other day and the standard of that league is appalling and he wasn’t noticeably the best player |  |
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| January targets on 18:17 - Dec 7 with 1605 views | BloomBlue | Kieffer Moore. He got us over the promotion line last time, go get him. |  | |  |
| January targets on 18:23 - Dec 7 with 1554 views | Illinoisblue |
| January targets on 17:43 - Dec 7 by _CliveBaker_ | Would be an incredible signing, and the benefit of weakening Boro right now might be worth a fair amount in its own right. Like you say I think it’s unlikely, 1 for that factor and the position they’ve found themselves in where a strong 6 months could bank them PL riches, as well as the preference of the player himself. If he didn’t fancy it in the summer I’m not sure what will have changed in our favour since. Having said that a month is a long time in football, especially with the number of fixtures. It’s not impossible the switch looks a bit more attractive in January than it would now but I think it’s a long long shot. |
Seems impossible that Boro would be as foolish as Huddersfield were as selling us Stewart in 1999. |  |
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| January targets on 18:32 - Dec 7 with 1491 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| January targets on 18:23 - Dec 7 by Illinoisblue | Seems impossible that Boro would be as foolish as Huddersfield were as selling us Stewart in 1999. |
Everyone has a price, but yeah certainly feels like it would be a silly one. Probably a moot point anyway as it was more that he didn’t fancy it in the summer and don’t see why that would’ve changed. |  | |  |
| January targets on 18:36 - Dec 7 with 1454 views | StokieBlue |
| January targets on 16:26 - Dec 7 by olimar | Think the Chaplin situation is slightly different than the others. We clearly are struggling with our No.10 role and the players we have available. Nunez is the one who has made most impact and Akpom/Szmodics want to play more like a second striker. If we wanted another option who is a better fit, then perhaps taking one back who knows the role, knows the club, actively contributes positively to the culture of the squad and, equally, is already registered and effectively free, then it feels like a low risk alternative option to have. One that is likely to feature more than we, or he, thought he might. |
He played 4 games for us as well as playing for Pompey and hasn't made an impact. We all love Chaplin but it's really time to move on. SB |  | |  |
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