New Blues boss Kieran McKenna says he’s handed in recommendations regarding personnel and positions ahead of the January transfer window, with CEO Mark Ashton reiterating that he will be backed, but says initially 99 per cent of his attention will be on the players already at the club.

Speaking at this lunchtime’s press conference, CEO Ashton was asked if McKenna, who was appointed last Thursday, would have scope to make additions in the upcoming window.

“I think from my perspective, I’m hoping it’s not as busy as the summer, that’s for sure,” he said.

“We’ve said this before, Kieran will be backed, he will be supported, we’re already starting to talk about the shape of the squad now and the shape of the squad moving forward.

“We’ll continue those discussions in the next few days, but I fully anticipate that we will be active in the January window.”

McKenna added: “For me, We’ve obviously had some initial discussions. To be completely honest, my focus is on the players in the building mostly at the moment.

“For sure, the club will be active, I’ve handed over some recommendations in terms of personnel and positions that I think could be useful for us. But that’s going to be a lot of work for the club to do and I’ll support them with that.

“My focus has got to be on the squad that we have. We have a big squad, a lot of players have come in in the summer. We have a deep and talented squad at this level, so my focus is going to be on getting that right.

“On getting the best out of the players that we have here by working with them on the training pitch, on getting our environment on where I want it to be, on setting up the team as well as we possibly can.

“I know January’s not a long way away but at the moment every day is important, every day is to be maximised and for the next nine days to January, 99 per cent of my man-power and effort is going to be on the players who are in the building.”

Photo: Matchday Images

Chondzoresk added 15:07 - Dec 20 See if Ronaldo and Rashford fancy a game or 2? Good luck KM.
1

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:13 - Dec 20 Absolutely the right approach. No more wholescale clear-outs please as that didn't work too well last time round. A measured growth and improvement is the way to go. It may not bring immediate results, but I bet it would win in the long run.
7

sospier added 15:14 - Dec 20 I like what he says.Sounds in full control of what and where he wants to go in the future.I think we are in very safe hands with the backing of the board as well.
7

Ebantiass added 15:23 - Dec 20 The right thing to say from the new gaffer: I would firstly make a cheeky bid for getting Walton in permanently as he is head and shoulders better than the other two. I would breath a little more confidence in the backline. Then drop Cooks 4231 system which the players had trouble with all season...or couldn't master it. We still have a good squad and maybe the numbers we have could help when the pitches become heavy and injuries kick in. All the best Kieran.

4

mattitfc1982 added 15:35 - Dec 20 Said from day one we have the players to get out of this league. Hopefully now we can play 2 up front which gives us that firepower. And not fraser on the left!!
3

Suffolkboy added 15:57 - Dec 20 Get in there ! Make sure your presence is felt ,your enthusiasm transmitted and understood ; there's talent in the squad but boy does it need channeling and conviction restored ! Welcome to the Town and the Task ., COYB
4

Linkboy13 added 16:17 - Dec 20 We've got a habit of surrendering leads. In my opinion this is down to not really having a settled centre of defence . The goal we conceded Saturday was down to lack of concentration or confusion in defence. Really luv Toto as a bloke but he's not really the answer. Wolfenden has got the ability but im not sure if he can form a partnership with Edmundson. Until we sort out the centre of defence i don't think we will get out of this league.

1

bedsitfc added 16:50 - Dec 20 Linkboy - you say you like Toto as a bloke? Have you met him?
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Stato added 16:51 - Dec 20 Signing a couple of the loan players on permanent deals makes sense, send Barrie back to villa looks obvious, I'm a Woolfy fan but he hasn't been at his best this season so maybe him and Jackson are the most obvious departures ??? Norwood must surely have earned a reprieve ?
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ringwoodblue added 18:26 - Dec 20 Our business in Jan will largely be driven by what happens with Walton and Bonne. Think we also need another good central defender to partner Edmundson and midfielder like Wes Burns. Also hope we can sell or loan out some of the fringe players like Kenlock and Jackson.
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MagicMoe added 19:04 - Dec 20 Didn't waste any time giving his Christmas list to Santa Ashton. Hope he get's what he wants.
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grinch added 20:53 - Dec 20 Centre of defence and central midfield Evans not the answer so sell and Toto and wolfy not good enough Penney not good enough so poss left back although when no injured we do have a decent left back. Get WLton let Hadlkey leave
1

shakytown added 23:18 - Dec 20 Definitely need a centre back and to get some pace into the centre of midfield. Sign Walton or look for a decent replacement as the other 2 are just not good enough. Most of all round pegs round holes and stick to what you think is your best TEAM and not just fit players in other positions just to get them on the field.
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ChrisFelix added 12:01 - Dec 21 If you look at the Sunderland goal it was caused by poor defending / marking by our central midfield pairing. I see no problems with Burgess, but thankfully our new manager will choose his own team
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Oldozblue added 12:18 - Dec 21 So how much does this "transfer backing" depend on moving on expensive players (for League 1) who have not worked out as hoped - I would include Hladky, Burgess, Fraser, Carroll and possibly Harper. Many cost a fee and would be reluctant to take a pay cut. Plus we have unused players from previous regimes - Holy, Kenlock and Nolan. I understand there are limits on squad sizes. Ashton and Cook over recruited good players who did not seem to fit in - I hope Ashton does not repeat the error.

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blues1 added 23:08 - Dec 21 Makes me laugh how fans keep saying sign Walton. As much as I like that too, we have to get real. While I'm sure we could afford the transfer fee, his wages will be a,massive problem, with him in premier league wages. So unless he'd be willing to take a big cut really can't see ot happening. And thats presuming there's even any truth in the rumours that he's gonna be recalled in order to be sold.

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