Boss Paul Hurst has confirmed Martyn Waghorn’s Town departure is edging closer as are some of his moves to bring players in, but poured cold water on reports that Jonas Knudsen is set to join Stoke and says he’ll look at the situation with Bolton target Joe Garner.

“That looks like it’s edging more to a conclusion,” Hurst said when quizzed about Waghorn, who was left out of the 18 today. “Let’s not kid ourselves what that conclusion will probably be.

“And as a result I didn’t think it was fair on the player, I didn’t think it was fair on my group of players or us as a football club to involve him.

“That was the reason why he wasn’t involved but again we’ll see what the next hours and days bring but thankfully Thursday’s getting a little bit closer even while I’m talking.”

Hurst wouldn’t comment on the club who are set to sign Waghorn, but we understand it will be either Derby or Middlesbrough with the Rams appearing the favourites.

“I don’t think that’s my place to, in all honesty, but I’m sure we’ll all find out soon enough,” he said.

Hurst hinted that the Blues may ultimately take a fee lower than their valuation of Waghorn.

“I think we have to make a decision that we think’s right,” he continued. ”Whether or not it’s quite met the valuation that we really feel [it should].

“But ultimately, as I’ve said and have said from the start, we’ve got to make decisions that are best for this football club and not everyone’s going to agree with them.

“I understand that but what I would say is they’re not in my shoes or the owner’s shoes and understand about all the intricacies around people’s situations.

“So, as I’ve said before, without rushing it, the sooner it is concluded the better. And while I understand the questions and respect them, I want us to be talking about players that have been out on the football pitch and that are part of this squad, and that’s while I’ll be pleased when the window is done overall rather than speculating about who is coming in or who is leaving.”

Shrewsbury pair Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala were also both left out today as was Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt, while Kayden Jackson played for Accrington.

Asked whether he was getting closer to landing some of those targets, he said: “I think some are kind of edging more in our favour. Whether it’s the players, whether it’s the clubs they’re at, whether it’s us, things can change.

“You could have a deal set up and today there have been games, which I don’t like in respect that someone might suffer some injuries and then they think, ‘We just can’t let you go’, scenarios can change. A player might have got injured today. hopefully there’s not.

“Those are the things I’ll be looking at and trying to get updates on and see where we’re at."

He says he would be straight back on the phone as soon as the press conference was over.

“I could do with five minutes’ breather but I’m sure they’ll be some messages and some calls to make,” he added.

Hurst says he’s keen to add players with his bench today rather more youthful than Blackburn’s.

“In numbers in one respect we’ve got a squad there,” he reflected. “Straight away I glanced at a couple of squads today and they’ve got five subs, so we’re in a better position in some respects.

“But not being disrespectful to our own players, looking at the benches, if you looked at Blackburn’s bench and you looked at ours there’s was certainly a stronger bench in truth, more seasoned players.

“We were quite young on there in general, certainly not much Championship experience. We will look to add to the squad and make it stronger, that’s what it’s about and again hopefully the next few days will see us do that.”

Hurst says no significance should be drawn from Knudsen’s post match applause towards the fans in several stands on his way off.

“I don’t know that that’s not unusual or any different from what he would normally do,” he said.

“What I would say is to my knowledge that’s not going to be happening. Every time I’ve watched Jonas in the past and speaking to people about him and seeing him first-hand now, he’s a fully committed player and I certainly didn’t see anything in his performance today that would suggest he’s got something else on his mind.

“If there is then credit to him for his performance today. But, no, I went and clapped the fans and I’m not planning on leaving. Hopefully it’s just a similar situation to my own.”

Last night it was reported that Bolton had made a six-figure offer for Joe Garner and Hurst says he is aware of the Trotters’ interest.

“I think [Bolton manager] Phil Parkinson came out [and revealed his interest], I think I read that somewhere, I don’t know if they were direct quotes.

“But, we’ll look at that situation. As always, if we feel it’s the right thing to do we’ll look at it, if it’s not then Joe will stay with us.”

Photo: Pagepix

BigBlueMac added 20:03 - Aug 4 New team, new manager, new ideas, as fans let's give them a chance
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Bluesparx added 20:44 - Aug 4 One game in and already so much negativity, we fielded a squad has hardly had any game time together and it seems a draw was the fair result....the lower league new players that a few were complaining as additions to the squad seem to have done reasonably well and will hopefully improve the more game time they get and the football will improve the more today's squad plays together...be patient, give them all a fair chance before complaining - that is all.

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inghamspur added 20:44 - Aug 4 Kind of agree with Warkys Tash comments but then would temper that with it's early days yet. There was a bit of hoof ball going on that nobody can deny & the possession football we did play didn't really hurt the opposition. Got to give this bloke a chance & atmosphere was excellent today. There is a reason why these new guys coming in are currently playing for Accrington, Shrewsbury, Blackpool, etc. but hopefully PH can do his stuff & see where we are 10 games in.

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runningout added 20:48 - Aug 4 Shame a loan (Chalobah) our bright point. Move for someone to help him out might give us dividends
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Dog added 20:48 - Aug 4 We have got in 5 million pound from player sales and fifa. We have spent 1.5 million. That means 3.5 million has gone into ME pocket yet to be released. Some on here are suggesting that we need to sell waghorn to fund other purchases which is simply not the case. Those players, if identified by PH as the ones he wanted should have been bought in before the match. I suspect we will spend a total of 5 million on squad whilst bringing in between 11-13 million. If we replace with all league 1 or 2 players and do not recruit a seasoned championship player we really could struggle.

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TimmyH added 20:51 - Aug 4 Well said Dog - my thoughts as well!
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Keaneish added 21:02 - Aug 4 Dog, the most seasoned Championship player out there today was Cole Skuse and he was one of our worst performers. Edwards the least experienced and the best. We don't have to have players with more experience at any level, just the right quality.
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Suffolkboy added 21:07 - Aug 4 How good to read comments about the brighter outlook , the potential and the evident ' promise '. Yes we were exposed and less coherent than Blackburn at times ,and seemed outwitted tactically for a spell ,but by a team who'd been playing together and looked the wiser for it . There were certainly gaps where there ought not to have been ,and too often the ONLY pass on appeared to be that 'through the eye of a needle ': Downes came under pressure as a result ,but support too frequently was inadequate and great gaps showed between the mid field and forwards. Once again we do need initiative in the box : in fact in both boxes as cool heads and cool action was called for . BUT this is not to be negative , there's lots to be excited about , and optimism should reign . Come on you Blues ; our trip from Kent was so enjoyable ( though traffic was terrible & it was VERY POOR to find AGAIN that ITFC had run out of programmes !So important for the first game and with new faces! GET it sorted Mr MILNE , it's an awful reflection on the understanding of customer needs !)

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drewcudders1963 added 21:23 - Aug 4 Good to see the usual doom and gloom merchants on here today. The reality is that we have to sell Waghorn (who had a great season for us last year but was the exception rather than his norm) to buy in 3-4 new players. That's life in football !! If we get the Shrewsbury lads plus Tilt and the lad from Cardiff we will be in good shape with the players to come back from injury plus a fully fit Dozzell..... the future is bright

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Cakeman added 21:28 - Aug 4 Excellent comments GatesPerm, very well said.
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Warkys_Tash added 21:38 - Aug 4 Sergio talking sh ite eh? So we played passing football out from the back? Go watch the match on re-run & then you'll realise how many times Bart cleared the midfield up to the loan striker. Plan B, ok we did switch to 4-4-2 with 6Mins to go but I was generally disappointed in Hurts game plan. Early days yes, but it needs to improve if people are to be entertained & results obtained.

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Sergio added 21:56 - Aug 4 Tash - yes utter shi te! He'a not a loan striker, I think you'll find we paid £700k for him. You also need to read your original post...utter shi te
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surgery added 22:07 - Aug 4 Sergio, have a feeling something may have got lost in the translation...lone maybe who knows?
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Sergio added 22:10 - Aug 4 Really?!!! As I said before....div!
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Warkys_Tash added 22:53 - Aug 4 Sergio, its you who needs to re-read my post. I said ONE striker not LONE or LOAN and I think you will find we paid £750k for him! Don't try to tell me about my own team, I know it pretty well thanks! I quite like the signing of Harrison looks a good player and time will tell if he can score enough goals at the level. I just dint enjoy the game or tactics today and I am entitled to my opinion and you are yours. Stop hiding behind the bravado of your keyboard and have a little respect for others.

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Warkys_Tash added 23:00 - Aug 4 Keanish and ITFCBARN, seriously guys? Watch a re-run of the match, the ball was rarely played out from the back.. You must have watched a different game to me, because I was at PR. Lets hope for better next match. After everyone raving about the friendly against West Ham I guess may be may expectations were raised..
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Walk_the_Wark added 02:23 - Aug 5 To all you dissenters- Brand new manager in his first game, a step up a league for him, with a half built squad inc two players who've barely trained at Town yet, against Mogga and an established team brimming with confidence...... Give the guy a chance
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Walk_the_Wark added 02:25 - Aug 5 And we didn't even lose!!!
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GSH71 added 08:17 - Aug 5 I think if Waghorn does leave unless we get a quality striker we will never leave the championship. You have to keep your best players to get the team stronger and better . The trouble with Ipswich they always sell when a offer comes in not good really. We need to stand firm. I bet he will be sold on the cheap last minute.
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bluearmy78 added 08:20 - Aug 5 @Warkys Tash yes I can see some of your points, but I think majority of the money will be spent. I think the money which we got for the 2 young academy lads should be reinvested back into the academy, yes we've spent 1.5m & once Janoi gets his work permit that will be another 750k. From what the Shrewsbury chairman is saying is that we've nearly reached the figure what they're looking for, so I'm guessing that will be another 2m. To get Tilt I think we should pay the 1m, he's been PH top target from day 1 so to avoid disappointment he should pay it. As for Jackson I personally wouldn't pay the 2.5m as only a week ago he was said to be worth 1.25m, ok it's Accrington's prerogative to decide a price, if the rumours are true our bid for him was 1.75m so perhaps a deal around the 2m could be done. Bogle in on loan is going to cost a few quid, so this is all adding up, Webster's 3.5 will soon be spent. I think with Waghorn 5m hard cash in the hand will seal the deal, would like to get to more for him but I can't honestly see clubs paying the 8m. Will be an interesting week & hopefully will see new signings & perhaps even a name that hasn't even been mentioned yet. Keep the faith, PH needs time to establish his team, we played a very organised Blackburn side yesterday who had 10 starting players that played in their opening game last season. COYB!

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