| Fitness not transfers 09:05 - Dec 29 with 2954 views | muccletonjoe |
As we go into new year and January transfer window , I am not a believer in the theory that our promotion hopes rest upon who we manage to recruit in an over inflated transfer market.
In my opinion it relies more squarely with the players we already have staying fit and available.
If we manage to do that , I think we have the best possible chance of automatic promotion and only an extraordinary run of form from our two main rivals will prevent us from being a championship club next season. |  | | |  |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:09 - Dec 29 with 2656 views | Dubtractor |
To an extent I agree, but we've only got 3 central midfielders available for the next few months (one being a kid, albeit a very good one), and we've only got one player who looks convincing as a centre forward.
Another injury or suspension in those positions and we suddenly look much less convincing. We need reinforcements, and I'm 100% certain we'll see them. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 09:20 - Dec 29 with 2571 views | davblue |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:09 - Dec 29 by Dubtractor |
To an extent I agree, but we've only got 3 central midfielders available for the next few months (one being a kid, albeit a very good one), and we've only got one player who looks convincing as a centre forward.
Another injury or suspension in those positions and we suddenly look much less convincing. We need reinforcements, and I'm 100% certain we'll see them. |
Standing still is going backwards.
Deffo need 3 players imo to bulk up enhance on what we have already. |  | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:24 - Dec 29 with 2542 views | xrayspecs |
It is both. Keeping the existing team fit and strengthening so that we have good cover. As per Andy Warren article in EADT, most folk would agree that a proven forward to support Ladapo (would take Wickham as a short term option albeit not convinced he is mobile enough for KM) and a physical central midfielder to replace Ball are two obvious areas that need strengthening. Another attacking midfield option (Whittaker would be great, but unlikely) and possibly cover for JD would be the areas to look at.
I believe MA mentioned a couple of players when interviewed recently, and we can only add two senior players to the squad, unless we de-register Ball to create a third space. TJJ is classified as an U21, so even if he was to go back to Arsenal, we would still be limited to 2/3 seniors. |  | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:25 - Dec 29 with 2525 views | muccletonjoe |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:09 - Dec 29 by Dubtractor |
To an extent I agree, but we've only got 3 central midfielders available for the next few months (one being a kid, albeit a very good one), and we've only got one player who looks convincing as a centre forward.
Another injury or suspension in those positions and we suddenly look much less convincing. We need reinforcements, and I'm 100% certain we'll see them. |
I think the "another injury or suspension" quote sums up my point exactly. | | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:14 - Dec 29 with 2359 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:25 - Dec 29 by muccletonjoe |
I think the "another injury or suspension" quote sums up my point exactly. |
And what if they don't? (Stay Fit).
'Keeping players fit' is a sweeping statement that completely ignores any on pitch incidents, that the club can do nothing about.
Do you want us to drop our levels of intensity over the remaining half of the season?
The likes of Morsy, Evans, Wolfie, Burgess and Donacien to pull out of 50/50 balls for the next 5 months?
If we do any of the above, we end up in the playoffs. We need reinforcements. [Post edited 29 Dec 2022 10:17]
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:21 - Dec 29 with 2294 views | clive_baker |
We can't go into the 2nd half of the season with these forward options. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:25 - Dec 29 with 2265 views | Keno |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:21 - Dec 29 by clive_baker |
We can't go into the 2nd half of the season with these forward options. |
IMHO we need
Centre midfielder
Attacking midfielder
Striker
I don’t suppose they will come cheap
And it may be we do loans with an option to buy |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:31 - Dec 29 with 2225 views | Dubtractor |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:25 - Dec 29 by muccletonjoe |
I think the "another injury or suspension" quote sums up my point exactly. |
I just don't think it is realistic to expect that limited pool of players to stay fit or suspension free for half a season though. | |
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:34 - Dec 29 with 2211 views | FrimleyBlue |
I'm Intrigued by KMs talk of squad size and talks of others having big squads yet working with a small squad here.
Just mind games... or could he perhaps want 4/5 more players with 2/3 being under 21.. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:35 - Dec 29 with 2206 views | OldFart71 |
Whilst I agree that we need all available players fit we are a bit thin on the ground in some areas. It won't hurt to get in a decent striker. Is Edwards the answer to the super sub question and what about KVY when Donacien is not available or the midfield if Evans or Morsy are injured or suspended. We cannot make the same errors as in the past where we either need extra help or to replace a sold player and don't do anything about it. If we were to spend a significant amount and then heaven forbid not get promotion the team would have to be reassessed. But let's not look on the gloomy side. We are getting promoted. Hopefully without the dreaded and in my opinion pointless playoffs. | | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:35 - Dec 29 with 2206 views | Wickets |
I don't disagree either but think as the club has stated we will be active in transfer windows looking to strengthen as and when needed . So if we can sign better that what we have in one or two positions we will do so . KM has been clear in what is needed was i an Ashton quote and injures happen and i think we have a 2 or 3 out for the rest of the season of course . |  | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:37 - Dec 29 with 2194 views | Ely_Blue |
| Fitness not transfers on 09:24 - Dec 29 by xrayspecs |
It is both. Keeping the existing team fit and strengthening so that we have good cover. As per Andy Warren article in EADT, most folk would agree that a proven forward to support Ladapo (would take Wickham as a short term option albeit not convinced he is mobile enough for KM) and a physical central midfielder to replace Ball are two obvious areas that need strengthening. Another attacking midfield option (Whittaker would be great, but unlikely) and possibly cover for JD would be the areas to look at.
I believe MA mentioned a couple of players when interviewed recently, and we can only add two senior players to the squad, unless we de-register Ball to create a third space. TJJ is classified as an U21, so even if he was to go back to Arsenal, we would still be limited to 2/3 seniors. |
I believe we can get 4 players if we de register Ball |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 10:42 - Dec 29 with 2153 views | Dyland |
Two of our central midfielders are out for the season, pretty much. And we deffo need another quality striker option.
If we want to keep in the top two, anyway. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 12:19 - Dec 29 with 1924 views | Illinoisblue |
Imagine a situation where Morsy or Ladapo get a significant injury and have to miss 6 to 8 weeks. Being inactive in the transfer window would look fairly reckless. A moot point anyway as Ashton has already made it very clear there’ll be business done. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 12:27 - Dec 29 with 1883 views | Wallingford_Boy |
Disagree.
Quality CB (to replace JD) and a striker needed.
If Burns and Walton can get back to their old form, then we are sorted. |  |
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| Fitness not transfers on 12:30 - Dec 29 with 1873 views | SheffordBlue |
| Fitness not transfers on 12:27 - Dec 29 by Wallingford_Boy |
Disagree.
Quality CB (to replace JD) and a striker needed.
If Burns and Walton can get back to their old form, then we are sorted. |
JD is playing as much more of a right back than a CB. He's started every single game under McKenna that he's been fit.
We might want some back up for him (although I think KVY does okay there) but I really don't think it's a priority. | |
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| Fitness not transfers on 12:32 - Dec 29 with 1867 views | BigCommon |
I'd agree with the OP, that if our full squad was fighting fit, then we'd be well set for the second half of the season.. But with Ball, TJJ and Camara effectively out for the rest of the season, then we definitely need some reinforcements in central areas. I don't mind Luongo joining, if he's proved he's up to it, whilst training here. Would be a big upgrade on Bakinson who we drafted in as cover, last January, imo..
There's been talk in some interviews about the lift and bounce a few quality additions can give to the squad, at this stage of the season. So, all the messaging points to some extra bodies coming in during the window, imo. |  | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 12:39 - Dec 29 with 1849 views | Wallingford_Boy |
| Fitness not transfers on 12:30 - Dec 29 by SheffordBlue |
JD is playing as much more of a right back than a CB. He's started every single game under McKenna that he's been fit.
We might want some back up for him (although I think KVY does okay there) but I really don't think it's a priority. |
Oh no, not a priority I’d agree, just think he’s maybe the weaker of the back three. | |
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| Fitness not transfers on 12:51 - Dec 29 with 1817 views | clive_baker |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:42 - Dec 29 by Dyland |
Two of our central midfielders are out for the season, pretty much. And we deffo need another quality striker option.
If we want to keep in the top two, anyway. |
I agree. Think we're going to be wanting 2 players for each position which means we're well set by way of keepers and defenders.
Middle is light given Ball and Camara are out. So 1 more there to add to Evans, Morsy, Humphreys. Perhaps a loanee or short term contract would be prudent given we've got those 2 senior players to come back. Otherwise we'll have 6 on the roster for next season, and we would probably be looking to add there if we went up.
Aluko, Harness, Chaplin, Edwards might be seen as sufficient for the time being, although I don't really see Edwards in the #10 role, so perhaps another head there, but that's less of a priority for me. Again maybe a loan.
Ladapo needs help. Ahadme is a project and I don't see Jackson leading the line. This is the priority area, and I imagine it's one we're looking at given we chased a few around in the summer and didn't land them.
So a #9 as the priority and perhaps a versatile midfielder / attacking midfield. Either loan or permanent, I'm relaxed about loanees given we effectively have no loans as it stands, what with TJJ out for a while. | |
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| Fitness not transfers on 13:01 - Dec 29 with 1737 views | ITFC_Josh |
| Fitness not transfers on 12:39 - Dec 29 by Wallingford_Boy |
Oh no, not a priority I’d agree, just think he’s maybe the weaker of the back three. |
We’ve been playing a back 4 for quite a while now. He’s a RB. |  | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 13:04 - Dec 29 with 1723 views | Wakh |
We shouldn't stand still and have had games that we should have won, and perhaps might have done with an extra option or two upfront.
But besides all that this window gives us an opportunity (outside of FFP) to strengthen a little for the championship. [Post edited 29 Dec 2022 13:27]
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| Fitness not transfers on 13:23 - Dec 29 with 1681 views | cressi |
| Fitness not transfers on 13:04 - Dec 29 by Wakh |
We shouldn't stand still and have had games that we should have won, and perhaps might have done with an extra option or two upfront.
But besides all that this window gives us an opportunity (outside of FFP) to strengthen a little for the championship. [Post edited 29 Dec 2022 13:27]
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We definitely need a striker a injury to Ladapo and we are down the river without a paddle.
Also cover in midfield | | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 17:35 - Dec 29 with 1492 views | Westcountryblue |
For me, i'd like to see another striker through the door, a central midfielder and another wide player, retaining TJJ who is under 21 and available when returns to full fitness.
I don't think we need to/or should splash the cash, as we have the core of a very good squad already. Luongo fits the bill perfectly as high quality cover to Evans & Morsy. I'd also potentially look to bring El Miz back and move Humphreys out on loan. Up top, a bit of muscle and brawn is needed and someone like Wickham will probably convert more chances than Ahadme. Out wide, i think we need some cover for Burns, as he's absolutely essential to way we play. | | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 17:45 - Dec 29 with 1470 views | jas0999 |
The club clearly disagree, as they fully expect to be active in the market. Two or at a stretch three good additions could make all the difference. A striker is a must, particularly with TJJ out for a while and Jackson being utilised in other areas. | | | |
| Fitness not transfers on 17:45 - Dec 29 with 1470 views | xrayspecs |
| Fitness not transfers on 10:37 - Dec 29 by Ely_Blue |
I believe we can get 4 players if we de register Ball |
I believe it is 2 + Ball.
Of the 22 first team outfield players on the club website, only TJJ and Humphreys count as U21s. If we de-register Ball, then we have three senior outfield places we can fill. The limit is 22 senior players.
We can supplement with as many U21s as we want. | | | |
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