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Ashton: We'll Probably Reshuffle a Little Bit in January
Monday, 8th Nov 2021 22:53

Town CEO Mark Ashton says the Blues will “probably reshuffle again a little bit” during the January transfer window.

Ashton, speaking at this evening’s fans’ forum, was asked about the situation with the Blues’ loan players and whether their clubs might recall them in January.

“We’re rapidly moving towards the January transfer window,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve actually stopped discussing transfers from the summer, it was a busy summer, probably too busy, if I’m honest, but as someone just said, the club needed a reset and that was clear to see for everyone.

“We will be active in January, the players that we’ve got, we’ll want to keep. We’ll probably reshuffle again a little bit in January to strengthen because I think in fairness to Paul, you’ve seen the team’s results have been up and down.

“The gentleman just said there, the club’s been in some form of decline for a period, we’re not going to turn that around in one transfer window, it is going to take a bit of time.

“At the start of the season, I think my plan in my head for sure was that as long as we’re competitive coming out of the January transfer window and we’re there or thereabouts, then we should be strong in the run-in. So we’ll support Paul and the team in the window and I think we’ll do sensible business.”

Asked further about loan players and whether their clubs might be keeping an eye on them with a view to bringing them back, Ashton added: “They might have their eye but there might not be recalls in the contracts.

“There are recalls in some, there are not recalls in others. We knew exactly what we were getting into when we signed the players.

“January’s always a really difficult window, I’ve got to be honest with you. I said in the summer that I prefer to do most of our business in the summer transfer window.

“January’s just consistently difficult, but we’ll make sure that we’re well prepared going into it and I’m sure we’ll be in good shape coming out of it.”

It’s understood QPR are able to recall Macauley Bonne should they want him back at Loftus Road, although manager Mark Warburton played down the likelihood of him wanting Town’s 11-goal top scorer back when asked in October.

Town’s other loan players are keeper Christian Walton from Brighton, left-back Hayden Coulson from Middlesbrough and forwards Bersant Celina from Dijon and Louie Barry from Aston Villa.


Photos: TWTD



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Vancouver_Blue added 23:12 - Nov 8
Other than Barry going back, I hope we can keep the others...especially MB
15

TimmyH added 23:34 - Nov 8
I'd like to see the defence strengthened somewhat, Coulson looks injury prone and not sure Penney looks that good defensively.
12

KiwiBlue2 added 01:24 - Nov 9
I think that an offer should be made for Bonne in January, if it has not already been provided for.
Of the others we certainly want to hold onto Celina and Walton and if he does not have a serious ongoing injury, Coulson. Barry, notwithstanding his rating at Aston Villa has not really stood out as better than Chaplin, Fraser or Celina. I agree with Timmy H that the defense, particularly in my opinion the acquisition of a dominating cb to partner Edmundsen should be the priority. Other than that maybe a left back to compete with Penney if Coulson is likely to continue to struggle with injury. Most other places we seem well stocked for this league but of course you never know who might become available.
One further thing might be who is allowed/encouraged to depart. I suspect there might be more action in that category.....
9

harlingblue added 02:49 - Nov 9
Sign Bonne, a must, Celina if possible and Walton, release Barry, Coulson, too injury prone, try and sell Nolan and Norwood, we might be lucky? but they are not good enough for the team, buy a proven attacking left back, and our squad could just be good enough to grab a chance of promotion?
5

Saxonblue74 added 06:28 - Nov 9
Wouldn't be a problem to see no change at all in January in my opinion. If we're around the play offs after Christmas that's fine, 2022 fixtures don't look too tricky!
2

ArnieM added 07:39 - Nov 9
And there you have it …….

“ we're not going to turn that around in one transfer window, it is going to take a bit of time.”

So perhaps some people will now accept this is a monumental, long term, project and not the usual sticking plaster that so many have complained about in the past . We are FINALLY getting what we've all bellyached about .

I'm sure the powers that be have identified ( as we fans all have), that the defence is not quite there yet and it will most probably be the area of focus in January. But as Ashton once again highlights, January is not the best time to do it , but we have no choice if we want to push in in the second half of this season.

It's a marathon , not a sprint. Ongoing patience is required ….
12

itsonlyme added 08:14 - Nov 9
How lucky we are to have owners willing to back the manager to the hilt. The depression has lifted from Portman Road and we can finally look forward to a future that is going to be special. Yes, at the end of the day it is an investment and we will be sold for a profit but that is some way off so let's enjoy the ride and continue the fantastic support our wonderful supporters are giving back to the club and owners.
9

Monkey_Blue added 08:54 - Nov 9
I think the issue with signing some of them permanently would be that we'd be responsible for 100% of their wages and given we must be right near the limit or even over it already taking on all of for example Celina's £30-£40k a week wages might need promotion first. I bet Bonne and the others are on big wages for this division. Just have to hope QPR don't need an extra goal threat.
1

Ipswichbusiness added 09:52 - Nov 9
I agree with trying to make our more successful loan signings permanent and in encouraging some of the fringe players to leave, but I would leave it at that. There are two reasons;
1) we had enough change over the summer and the emphasis should be on trying to make it work “gel” rather than another round of hiring.
2) the January window can be difficult as the best players will not be available (all other clubs will be trying to move on fringe players). All too often the ones who are available are available for a reason; inexperienced, injury prone, etc. if you don't believe me, just look at the lot we signed last January!
1

BobbyBell added 09:55 - Nov 9
This is encouraging to hear but is there also a bit of psychology here? A reminder to the players that they can be replaced if they are not up the required standard in skill or commitment? I hope so because in past seasons there have been a few just coasting along picking up their wages.
1

churchmans added 10:11 - Nov 9
Some qaulity defenders in January would be ace

1

Saxonblue74 added 10:17 - Nov 9
Celina 30-40k per week? I doubt that very much Monkey!
0

Razor added 10:23 - Nov 9
Adecent reliable and competent keeper is a must---have another go!!
0

Michael101 added 10:49 - Nov 9
Agree kiwi blue ,I think there will be more exits than entry's.
0

Linkboy13 added 11:14 - Nov 9
Yes i would release four players for different reasons. Jackson and Kenlock have not featured in Cook's plans at all this season, Wolfenden has got ability but his poor attitude and lack of maturity have let him down, Norwood carries too much baggage for me always in the news for the wrong reasons and never fit a clown. Possibly Holy could be released or sent out on loan. One player who really worries me is Piggott his body language is never good and he looks unsettled and lacking passion and desire when he has played. If Bonne gets injured we would be struggling in my opinion.
0

jas0999 added 17:32 - Nov 9
You would have to assume Barry will go back and probably loaned to another team. Coulson is an interesting one. Very injury prone.
0

KiwiTractor added 19:10 - Nov 9
Right, who are Portsmouth looking to buy....
0


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