| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled 19:53 - Apr 26 with 2916 views | unstableblue |
The squad is in three groups of acquisition:
1) the old guard for the 23/24 glory promotion
Burns, Walton, Davis, Hirst, Taylor (and Baggot*)
2) The Premier League ‘survival’ purchases
Johnson, Greaves, OShea, Townsend, Clarke, Philogene, Palmer, Cajuste
3) The 25/26 champ purchases
Button, Kipre, Young, Matusiwa, Akpom, McAteer, Azon, Furlong, Egeli, Nunez, Mehmeti, Neil
First thing that strikes you is the sheer scale of new arrivals this season, the limited old guard, and as always that players from prem league purchases have only gelled in this season (Clarke et al)
So here’s my view of how the squad (and new purchases) have panned out, what’s your view (not added Button, Palmer and Baggot as they’ve clearly been helping training, and obviously Townsend):
Excelled:
Matusiwa, OShea, Walton, Furlong, Philogene, Clarke
Worked:
Davis, Greaves, Kipre, Taylor, Johnson (due to stepping in so well), McAteer (due to late rally/form), Nunez, Mehmeti (just)
Struggled:
Young, Akpom, Hirst, Azon, Neil, Cajuste, Egeli
The obvious insights - all three centre forward have misfired, we’d be up by now if they had. Thank God Taylor found form. Harsh on Egeli as he’s had moments and I’m convinced will come good and maybe thrive in the Prem if we make it.
You can see from the above why we are ‘Pragmatic FC with Passages of Flair’
And of course who is Prem ready?!?! This will get the TWTD forum discussion of the summer!!! I’d say:
OShea, Walton, Furlong, Greaves, Philogene, Clarke and Matusiwa. But certainly not all as starters.
COYFB |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 10:44 - Apr 27 with 473 views | grow_our_own |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 08:07 - Apr 27 by redrickstuhaart |
It's actually the same defence as last time minus tuanzebe... |
Kipre is better than Greaves last season. Greaves is better than Greaves last season. Walton is better than our keepers last season. Furlong likely to be more injury-free than Tuanzebe. Keep the babies at the back, throw out the bathwater further forward. We've conceded the fewest in the Championship, much fewer than 23/24. Scoring/creating will be our problem if we go up. |  | | |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 10:49 - Apr 27 with 462 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 10:44 - Apr 27 by grow_our_own |
Kipre is better than Greaves last season. Greaves is better than Greaves last season. Walton is better than our keepers last season. Furlong likely to be more injury-free than Tuanzebe. Keep the babies at the back, throw out the bathwater further forward. We've conceded the fewest in the Championship, much fewer than 23/24. Scoring/creating will be our problem if we go up. |
Burnley conceded 16 goals in the Championship last season. We have conceded 45.
This year Burnley have conceded the most goals in the Premier League.
How good your defence is in the championship is largely irrelevant. |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:02 - Apr 27 with 437 views | Libero |
Walton - deserves a proper chance at being a Premier League number one.
Palmer - barely played but perfectly capable
Furlong - probably favourite for player of the season right now, I have concerns about if he can play Premier League football, but I think I'd give him the oppurtunity
Johnson - hasn't made a spot his own but has provided good cover and in my opinion his Premier League experience is invaluable, has to stay.
Kipre - I think sign him, but we need to purchase a 4th centre back that's a cut above the current 3 in terms of Premier League experience.
Greaves - dissapointing for me, but has a high celling and I believe will come good.
O'Shea - has grown into his role as captain and appears to be stringing together some good performances
Davis - Premier League player, absolute no brainer- despite people whinging about him. I suspect he may be asked to play a slightly different role in the Premier League.
Burns - appreciate the impact he's had coming back, but he proved last time around that the Premier League is a step too far when it comes to technical ability, thanks for everything Burns, but bye-bye!
McAteer - potential to be the Premier League equivilant of Burns, much more proficient technically and all the hard work and bluster too, not a stand out debut season, but happy to see him coming good.
Walle Egli - he isn't a right midfielder/winger, he's a number 10 or a even a number 9- I appreciate him playing in that wide right berth was almost in a way to protect him, teach him what's expected from McKenna and what English football is like.
I wouldn't consider him for that right sided role moving forwards.
Matusiwa - class, has dipped of late as we've knocked it out of him, playing so many games, but I expect him to look even better in the Premier League
Taylor - I don't rate him, he isn't a Premier League player, thanks for your efforts and I can see the improvement in him, just for playing consistently, but we ned better.
Neil - arrived having played very little and is nowhere near his best, personally he's a player I've always rated, but we've not seen the best of him. I suspect he will go to another top championship club, or potentially Celtic or Rangers.
Cajuste - sadly he's proven that despite his wonderful natural ability, he can't be trusted. We should look elsewhere.
Nunez - lovely little player, no doubt he can play Premier League football, I'd just like to see him nail down a consistent position and starting role.
Mehmeti - jury is still out, for me. I've not seen enough to make a real judgment.
Philogene - big season for him next year, all to prove really as he had a fabulous purple patch at the start of the season but has failed to hit the ground running since returning from injury.
Jack Clarke - next year we find out if Jack Clarke *is* a Premier League player, he's been bouncing around between Championship and Premier League for almost all his career, without ever really putting up the numbers in the top division.
I'd like to think it's a good time for him to step up to the plate- 25 years old, 26 in the November, he should be heading into his prime as a wide player.
Hirst - have him in and around competing, but if we go into the season with him as number one striker, we're cooked.
Azon - only 23, has been incredibly unlucky at times and at others incredibly naive, but I see alot of potential in him, I think he would be a grand squad member.
Akpom - unadulterated bullsh*t, a total waste of time. Send him to Barnet. [Post edited 27 Apr 11:10]
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:11 - Apr 27 with 419 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:02 - Apr 27 by Libero |
Walton - deserves a proper chance at being a Premier League number one.
Palmer - barely played but perfectly capable
Furlong - probably favourite for player of the season right now, I have concerns about if he can play Premier League football, but I think I'd give him the oppurtunity
Johnson - hasn't made a spot his own but has provided good cover and in my opinion his Premier League experience is invaluable, has to stay.
Kipre - I think sign him, but we need to purchase a 4th centre back that's a cut above the current 3 in terms of Premier League experience.
Greaves - dissapointing for me, but has a high celling and I believe will come good.
O'Shea - has grown into his role as captain and appears to be stringing together some good performances
Davis - Premier League player, absolute no brainer- despite people whinging about him. I suspect he may be asked to play a slightly different role in the Premier League.
Burns - appreciate the impact he's had coming back, but he proved last time around that the Premier League is a step too far when it comes to technical ability, thanks for everything Burns, but bye-bye!
McAteer - potential to be the Premier League equivilant of Burns, much more proficient technically and all the hard work and bluster too, not a stand out debut season, but happy to see him coming good.
Walle Egli - he isn't a right midfielder/winger, he's a number 10 or a even a number 9- I appreciate him playing in that wide right berth was almost in a way to protect him, teach him what's expected from McKenna and what English football is like.
I wouldn't consider him for that right sided role moving forwards.
Matusiwa - class, has dipped of late as we've knocked it out of him, playing so many games, but I expect him to look even better in the Premier League
Taylor - I don't rate him, he isn't a Premier League player, thanks for your efforts and I can see the improvement in him, just for playing consistently, but we ned better.
Neil - arrived having played very little and is nowhere near his best, personally he's a player I've always rated, but we've not seen the best of him. I suspect he will go to another top championship club, or potentially Celtic or Rangers.
Cajuste - sadly he's proven that despite his wonderful natural ability, he can't be trusted. We should look elsewhere.
Nunez - lovely little player, no doubt he can play Premier League football, I'd just like to see him nail down a consistent position and starting role.
Mehmeti - jury is still out, for me. I've not seen enough to make a real judgment.
Philogene - big season for him next year, all to prove really as he had a fabulous purple patch at the start of the season but has failed to hit the ground running since returning from injury.
Jack Clarke - next year we find out if Jack Clarke *is* a Premier League player, he's been bouncing around between Championship and Premier League for almost all his career, without ever really putting up the numbers in the top division.
I'd like to think it's a good time for him to step up to the plate- 25 years old, 26 in the November, he should be heading into his prime as a wide player.
Hirst - have him in and around competing, but if we go into the season with him as number one striker, we're cooked.
Azon - only 23, has been incredibly unlucky at times and at others incredibly naive, but I see alot of potential in him, I think he would be a grand squad member.
Akpom - unadulterated bullsh*t, a total waste of time. Send him to Barnet. [Post edited 27 Apr 11:10]
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Agree with almost all of that. A few I would challenge.
Furlong I cant get on board with, he just isn't a premier league right back. Handy right back but its absolutely a position you upgrade.
Walton has had a great season but I think you can find a better keeper without spending too much. Robin Roefs was about 10 million quid.
If you told me we were playing a 3 man midfield I am in on Matusiwa. If its a 2, I'm out as a starter.
Mcateer not a chance for me. A few good games in the champ is his body of work for us, you need 2 new right wingers as a priority IMO. | |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:24 - Apr 27 with 401 views | Libero |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:11 - Apr 27 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Agree with almost all of that. A few I would challenge.
Furlong I cant get on board with, he just isn't a premier league right back. Handy right back but its absolutely a position you upgrade.
Walton has had a great season but I think you can find a better keeper without spending too much. Robin Roefs was about 10 million quid.
If you told me we were playing a 3 man midfield I am in on Matusiwa. If its a 2, I'm out as a starter.
Mcateer not a chance for me. A few good games in the champ is his body of work for us, you need 2 new right wingers as a priority IMO. |
Furlong's earned the right to compete with Johnson, I think. Could we buy a third RB and just move Johnson into a regular utility player? Maybe.
Again, I just think Walton has earned the opportunity- we will almost certainly sign another keeper, but I hope we start the season with Walton.
Think your only controversial take is the Matusiwa one- two or three man midfield, he's the first name on my team sheet every week.
McAteer will be a perfectly proficent Premier League squad player. He's made around 20 Premier League appearances, out of his 95 total league appearances- he knows what the standard is and what to expect and can do a solid job.
I do agree though investment needed.
GK - but i'd like to see Walton start the season
DC - must have more Premier League experience than the current 3
MC x2 - it's important that they're of a very particular athletic profile
AMR - someone pacey and with promise, in the Hutchinson mould
AMC -a much more attacking threat is needed to mix it up from the current two options, more of a shadow striker than an attacking midfielder
CF x2 - one to be *the* man, must be head and shoulders above current players, then one with Premier League experience who is coming towards the end of his career who will offer good experience and depth
CF | | | |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:40 - Apr 27 with 379 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 11:24 - Apr 27 by Libero |
Furlong's earned the right to compete with Johnson, I think. Could we buy a third RB and just move Johnson into a regular utility player? Maybe.
Again, I just think Walton has earned the opportunity- we will almost certainly sign another keeper, but I hope we start the season with Walton.
Think your only controversial take is the Matusiwa one- two or three man midfield, he's the first name on my team sheet every week.
McAteer will be a perfectly proficent Premier League squad player. He's made around 20 Premier League appearances, out of his 95 total league appearances- he knows what the standard is and what to expect and can do a solid job.
I do agree though investment needed.
GK - but i'd like to see Walton start the season
DC - must have more Premier League experience than the current 3
MC x2 - it's important that they're of a very particular athletic profile
AMR - someone pacey and with promise, in the Hutchinson mould
AMC -a much more attacking threat is needed to mix it up from the current two options, more of a shadow striker than an attacking midfielder
CF x2 - one to be *the* man, must be head and shoulders above current players, then one with Premier League experience who is coming towards the end of his career who will offer good experience and depth
CF |
I do really like Matusiwa and think he's been invaluable this season, we cant play without him. I just worry his skillset is a bit narrow and I think that will just be too exposed in the Prem in a 4231. If it was 523 I would also be more confident.
Something like this for me.
New GK
New RWB
DOS
New CB
New CB
Leif
New CM
Azor
New RW
New ST
Philogene
Our number 10 has been hit and miss since Chappers left so just ditch it and be more solid. [Post edited 27 Apr 11:41]
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 14:56 - Apr 27 with 312 views | grow_our_own |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 10:49 - Apr 27 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Burnley conceded 16 goals in the Championship last season. We have conceded 45.
This year Burnley have conceded the most goals in the Premier League.
How good your defence is in the championship is largely irrelevant. |
You're right to cite Burnley, but for the opposite reason. They bought almost a whole new backline and goalkeeper when they went up.
GK: Trafford 24/25 --> Dúbravka 25/26
RB: Roberts 24/25 --> Kyle Walker 25/26
CB: Egan-Riley 24/25 --> Ekdal / Tuanzebe / Worrall / Humphreys 25/26
LB: mostly Pires 24/25 --> Ekdal/Humphreys 25/26.
Only Estève remained consistent at CB after promotion.
Ie they binned their excellent, settled defence from 2024/25, and it became porous. I suggest we learn Burnley's lesson and keep our excellent defence and keeper. Spend our money where we've been struggling vs last time: creating/scoring goals. [Post edited 27 Apr 14:58]
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 15:15 - Apr 27 with 299 views | chicoazul |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 14:56 - Apr 27 by grow_our_own |
You're right to cite Burnley, but for the opposite reason. They bought almost a whole new backline and goalkeeper when they went up.
GK: Trafford 24/25 --> Dúbravka 25/26
RB: Roberts 24/25 --> Kyle Walker 25/26
CB: Egan-Riley 24/25 --> Ekdal / Tuanzebe / Worrall / Humphreys 25/26
LB: mostly Pires 24/25 --> Ekdal/Humphreys 25/26.
Only Estève remained consistent at CB after promotion.
Ie they binned their excellent, settled defence from 2024/25, and it became porous. I suggest we learn Burnley's lesson and keep our excellent defence and keeper. Spend our money where we've been struggling vs last time: creating/scoring goals. [Post edited 27 Apr 14:58]
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Esteve is on the list if we go up. |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 16:23 - Apr 27 with 255 views | rickw |
I would say:
Excelled: Walton, Kipre, Matusiwa, Philogene, Clarke.
Worked: Furlong, Davis, O'Shea, Greaves, Johnson, Taylor, Burns, Nunez, Palmer.
Struggled: Cajuste, Neil, Szmodics, Egeli, McAteer, Akpom, Mehmeti, Azon, Hirst, Young.
I've been trying to look at the season overall, despite Mehmeti's good start I'd have to put him as struggled - as he's been struggling now for longer than he was good for us.
Not sure how to rank Burns, he was solid when fit, just hasn't been fit enough.
I have Kipre as excelled and O'Shea just as worked perhaps down to differing expectations of them - O'Shea started the season as our captain and a proven top player at this level, Kipre started as a sub.
Taylor's defensive improvement has been exceptional but he seems to have gone backwards offensively - we signed a goalscoring midfielder who scored spectacular goals, this season he's looked devoid of confidence when getting the ball in shooting positions.
I don't want to talk about Prem ready until we've won 1 more game!! |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 16:37 - Apr 27 with 244 views | unstableblue |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 10:01 - Apr 27 by EddyJ |
Controversial, perhaps, but I don't think anyone has had a fantastic season. We are a team built around pragmatism. Lots of players who have done well enough. Lots of 7/10s. But I really struggled to find a player of the season.
Excelled:
Worked: Walton, Furlong, Davis, O'Shea, Kipre, Greaves, Johnson, Taylor, Matusiwa, Burns, Philogene, Clarke, Nunez, Mehmeti, Hirst, Azon.
Struggled: Palmer, Cajuste, Neil, Szmodics, Egeli, McAteer, Akpom.
Too Little Data: Button, Townsend, Baggot, Humphreys. [Post edited 27 Apr 10:02]
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Again quite surprised on your take, but it’s a theme of fans this season not to connect to this season
You have to think that Matusiwa and OShea have excelled, surely.
Yes Matusiwa has been off form in the last few games - but he’s been injured. I’ve seen opposition fans stating he’s the best player they’ve seen this season.
OShea has been class, may have made some errors in first third of season. But he’s has bossed his role and grown into the captains.
I get why Walton, furlong, Jaden and Clarke would be seen as ‘worked’ only | |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 17:59 - Apr 27 with 222 views | EddyJ |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 16:37 - Apr 27 by unstableblue |
Again quite surprised on your take, but it’s a theme of fans this season not to connect to this season
You have to think that Matusiwa and OShea have excelled, surely.
Yes Matusiwa has been off form in the last few games - but he’s been injured. I’ve seen opposition fans stating he’s the best player they’ve seen this season.
OShea has been class, may have made some errors in first third of season. But he’s has bossed his role and grown into the captains.
I get why Walton, furlong, Jaden and Clarke would be seen as ‘worked’ only |
O'Shea made too many mistakes early season. Tends to back off when people run at him, which invites pressure. Very indecisive when dealing with high or bouncing balls. He has been much better in the past month or two, and his carrying out from the back has been a real feature since Christmas.
Matusiwa is too one-dimensional. Very good at breaking up play, but offers very little on the ball. He has also been a bit dozy at times, giving away opportunities with lazy passing or leaving runners. We have missed someone picking the ball up with his back to the halfwayline and turning with it like Morsy used to.
Neither has been bad, but I struggle to say either have excelled. [Post edited 27 Apr 18:00]
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 18:52 - Apr 27 with 186 views | FrimleyBlue |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 17:59 - Apr 27 by EddyJ |
O'Shea made too many mistakes early season. Tends to back off when people run at him, which invites pressure. Very indecisive when dealing with high or bouncing balls. He has been much better in the past month or two, and his carrying out from the back has been a real feature since Christmas.
Matusiwa is too one-dimensional. Very good at breaking up play, but offers very little on the ball. He has also been a bit dozy at times, giving away opportunities with lazy passing or leaving runners. We have missed someone picking the ball up with his back to the halfwayline and turning with it like Morsy used to.
Neither has been bad, but I struggle to say either have excelled. [Post edited 27 Apr 18:00]
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Tends to back off when people run at him, which invites pressure most CB's do that tbf
One of the best in the prem does and why he never gets dribbled past. |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 19:08 - Apr 27 with 165 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 14:56 - Apr 27 by grow_our_own |
You're right to cite Burnley, but for the opposite reason. They bought almost a whole new backline and goalkeeper when they went up.
GK: Trafford 24/25 --> Dúbravka 25/26
RB: Roberts 24/25 --> Kyle Walker 25/26
CB: Egan-Riley 24/25 --> Ekdal / Tuanzebe / Worrall / Humphreys 25/26
LB: mostly Pires 24/25 --> Ekdal/Humphreys 25/26.
Only Estève remained consistent at CB after promotion.
Ie they binned their excellent, settled defence from 2024/25, and it became porous. I suggest we learn Burnley's lesson and keep our excellent defence and keeper. Spend our money where we've been struggling vs last time: creating/scoring goals. [Post edited 27 Apr 14:58]
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That championship defence was excellent as I said it conceded 16 goals. So maybe they shouldn't have changed it.
Our defence has conceded 45 goals with 2 games to go. That is hardly an excellent defence. The top 4 in the championship all conceded less last season. If we had a record breaking defence and had looked imprenitrable all season I might agree, but we don't and we haven't.
It would need a new Right starting right back and a new starting centre back if we are serious about survival. | |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 19:08 - Apr 27 with 165 views | cbower |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 22:58 - Apr 26 by TRUE_BLUE123 |
Im not as confident on Matusiwa as some of our fans are. Defo good for a squad, I would worry he has too many limitations to play in a two man midfield in the premier league. |
We should look to playing 3 in midfield anyway in tge Premier League. We were overrun in there game after game last season, especially after 60 minutes. 352 might work for us actually |  |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 19:54 - Apr 27 with 128 views | TRUE_BLUE123 |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 19:08 - Apr 27 by cbower |
We should look to playing 3 in midfield anyway in tge Premier League. We were overrun in there game after game last season, especially after 60 minutes. 352 might work for us actually |
Would certainly get the best out of Leif | |
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| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 23:01 - Apr 27 with 60 views | MattinLondon |
| So, 25/26 squad and transfer assessment - who’s worked, excelled, or struggled on 20:47 - Apr 26 by FrimleyBlue |
I wouldnt say philogene or Clarke have excelled. Both are solid additions but both are very hot and cold with their performances.
Azor and furlong I do believe have excelled as theye done more that anticipated. |
There is no way that Philogene can be a starter in the PL - severely lacks pace and slows down the pace of the attack. Given time and space he can strike a ball but in the PL he won’t be afforded that.
[Post edited 27 Apr 23:04]
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