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Thread | Season of Struggle
at 17:46 26 Apr 2025
A season defined by our mistakes, both on and off the pitch.
A club is defined by its recruitment/squad building - and something we had done so well, but ultimately when we needed it most, to bridge the gap and uphill battle of the PL, we needed to identify really good players at really good prices - we didn’t get it right.
We can dissect it until the cows come home, but it’s far from complex, we simply didn’t build a good enough squad, and despite KMc incredibly abilities, even he could not perform this miracle.
We go back to the Championship, but we have hopefully learnt a lot of lessons about how to bridge that step to PL.
I’m excited to see how the summer unfolds, how we now reset the group a little and build for the next phase of the journey, which is to ultimately be a top 10 self sustainable PL side.
Players need to depart, players will arrive, with KMc remaining, it still excites me the journey ahead to our ultimate ambitions.
COYB! |
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Thread | As good as away performance you’ll get
at 08:49 3 Apr 2025
Really thought we were terrific, at PL you are always going to suffer at times, but really thought we put together an overall performance.
A match plan I think we probably could have adopted more this year.
Was a real defensively solid performance, with a transitional approach in the attacking play.
O’Shea, Burgess & Townsend absolutely outstanding, and I like the more defensive Tuanzebe/Johnson combo.
Going the other way thought a trio of Broady, Julio and Delap constantly carried a real threat which is absolutely critical.
Really impressed last night, think we got so much right. |
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Thread | Season Over.
at 11:18 23 Feb 2025
For me the season is now done - not because of yesterday, but yesterday all but confirms that imo.
Cannot fault the players application, their endeavours and desire to be the best version of themselves every single week is clear. We have competed in so many games, but ultimately just not quite good enough for this level right now.
Whether you like it or not it feels like a wasted opportunity with our recruitment. The opportunity to spend £170m+ on a squad building exercise is a luxury, but to rip apart the soul of squad that had been on a journey with us, to replace them, but not upgrade on them is devastating. For that there is a responsibility to KMc, Werhun, Probert & Ashton.
Next objective is to return to the Championship, settle on a group of players that we can find that real connection with as fans once again, to take us on the next step of the journey, and WHEN we return to the PL, learn lessons about our recruitment and add real upgrades to that group, rather than tear it apart.
I think KMc is one of the brightest young managers in Europe, I hold him in the highest regard. He is still young, he is still learning himself, there are things he has got right and things he’ll probably wish he’d done differently. But make no mistake, Kieran McKenna is absolutely untouchable in my opinion!
COYB! |
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Thread | Ashton, Werhun & Probert
at 20:58 1 Feb 2025
and of course McKenna must take his share of responsibility in identifying players.
But we have looked like amateurs amongst the big boys in the transfer market.
Significant lack of quality, due diligence done, overpriced transfer fees and long terms contracts. Had our pants pulled down left right and centre.
You live and die by your recruitment, and it doesn’t need a huge over analyse as to why we will likely fall short of safety. |
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Thread | Straight shootout with Wolves I think
at 23:06 20 Jan 2025
If, and it’s a big if, we can place ourselves 17th this season, it will a significant milestone in the clubs history.
Wolves of course have the individual talent, but Town have that togetherness that cannot be bought.
Lemina out for his attitude, and tonight Victor Pereira publicly criticising Cunha, which won’t end well. |
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Thread | The system/tactical approach is a huge change
at 22:44 30 Dec 2024
Mentioned a few weeks ago about this system, some suggested weren’t conceding goals so wasn’t an issue, but you can see that the picture is much bigger than that.
The system has provided us a terrific foundation, especially against the ‘big boys’ to block in and counter punch with real intent.
1 goal conceded against Arsenal, Chelsea, 2 scored and 3 points.
Could be a huge tactical shift that could transform our season.
Almost looks tailor made for this group of players as well. |
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Thread | Mika Bireth
at 19:02 11 Dec 2024
Previously linked with him during his time as an Arsenal youth.
Now at Sturm Graz and cannot stop scoring, 11 in 16.
Watching him this evening in the Champions League, already scored and looks the exact profile of player we need for CF support. |
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Thread | There is no need to over analyse
at 16:56 8 Dec 2024
It’s just a lack of quality for the PL.
Can look back at the summer window and say we got it horribly wrong.
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Thread | This club will deliver
at 23:30 10 Nov 2024
I thought we put in an excellent away display, an absolute clinic.
The minimising of mistakes I felt would always tip us from the wrong to right side of the margins, and today we minimised our mistakes (the one will happen and lady luck we weren’t punished).
This club/group has a culture and mentality where the collective is far more important than the individual and I felt it would be an advantage that meant we would see some memorable days this year.
First win ticked, a positive international break, and continue to be the best version of ourselves and just see where that takes us, but with performances like that it makes me believe it will take us to safety.
COYB!!!! |
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Thread | Our own worst enemy. Again.
at 17:16 2 Nov 2024
I’m so much control in that game. We looked so good for so long, looked so much more like ourselves again.
A moment stupidity from Phillips (who was excellent). Whether you like it or not, it was the correct decision.
Why on earth people were clapping Phillips off was beyond me, just cost us a huge 3 points.
Terrific for so long, and the group should take real positives from that. |
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Thread | Lots to take a look at
at 18:03 19 Oct 2024
Biggest concern being our approach to sit off teams a bit more - so unusual and unlike us, we’re built on being ultra aggressive presser/counter-pressers, and thought that would be the biggest tool we’d use this year to bridge the gap in quality.
Attacking threat looks a real problem. Clarke looks a long way off the PL, Hutch operating in a position he looks ineffective, and Szmodics/Ogbene struggling for minutes and consistency. As Ashton said, if you get it wrong, you’ve got a big problem.
Final 20 we looked so much better when we stepped up our intensity on and off the ball, and all whilst largely having the ‘old guard’ on the pitch who have been engrained in the way we play. |
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Thread | Broadhead, Chaplin, Burns
at 20:04 5 Oct 2024
I know at a different, but we look a shadow of the danger that trip caused for so long.
The cohesion and cutting edge they provide for near 2 years.
Look a long way off that understanding and fluidity currently.
Have to go back to Broadhead, Chaplin, Burns post international break and build from there imo. |
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Thread | A frustrating night, but one we shouldn’t dwell on
at 22:19 28 Aug 2024
Look, a frustrating night of course, I thought it was quite a poor game overall.
But it’s minutes in to the legs of players who have barely featured, it’s first minutes for a batch of new faces, and I think that showed.
Only a couple of points from me:
- Thought Cajuste looks a real player, think he could prove to be a really good partner for Morsy, and £10 option to buy could prove a steal.
- Looked like left full had a different role tonight, looked to be more on the inside than Leifs usual high and wide. Townsend was ok, but won’t offer what Leif does. Think Leif & Clarke will compliment each really well.
- Another no.9 required.
On to a big game Saturday! [Post edited 28 Aug 2024 22:20]
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Thread | Didn’t help ourselves today
at 17:17 24 Aug 2024
At times our retention of the ball was below the quality we know - albeit City press is relentless. At times I think we struggled to get up through the pitch, again I understand it’s dogged work defending so energy is drained.
But some really poor decision making from Davis & Muric, and whilst irrelevant today, have to be razor sharp in the Premier League every single week - you will punished, and that could cost in more ‘meaningful’ games. Just some lessons and experiences to learn from.
The group worked tirelessly, the fans were brilliant, a fantastic sight to see us take the lead against City, and an experience we will learn from I am sure.
Let the season begin! |
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Thread | Things can change quickly in football
at 10:06 15 Aug 2024
As I said yesterday, things can chnged so quickly in transfer windows and the club has delivered again - on the requirement Szmodics comes in.
Squad
GK: Muric, Walton, Slicker
RB: Johnson, Clarke, Tuanzebe*
CB: Greaves, Burgess, Tuanzebe*, Woolfenden, Edmundson
LB: Davis, Townsend
CDM: Morsy, Phillips, Cajuste, Luongo, Taylor
RM: Burns, Hutchinson*
CAM: Chaplin, Hutchinson*, Szmodics*
LAM: Broadhead, Szmodics*, Harness
ST: Hirst, Delap, Szmodics *, Ladapo
*Multiple positions covered
LOAN OUT: Al-Hamadi, Humphreys |
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Thread | Today filled me with real optimism - let me know your thoughts
at 18:02 10 Aug 2024
I had thought at times we looked short of being ready for the Premier League level, but today really filled me with optimism ahead of the new campaign.
Make no mistake, that 3-4-2-1 system has not just been worked on in the last 4 days, that’s been in the works throughout pre season - and it’s no surprise we used it at the final game against arguably our toughest test ahead of Liverpool/City.
Whilst sticking to our principles, there will be times we have to approach differently and suffer a bit more, the step up in quality is substantial.
But I think tactically today it showed we will have a different string to our bow which will prove vital this season.
Squad suited the system as well - and if Szmodics arrived as the point of a front fluid 3 like he did at Blackburn I think we will spring a couple of surprises on teams this season.
Hamer, Szmodics, Alzate and I think we’ll be pretty close to well set group for the season. |
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Thread | Gustavo Hamer
at 21:38 9 Aug 2024
For the love of god please go and get Gustavo Hamer.
I cannot think of a player that would seamlessly fit in the our midfield and be the perfect upgrade on Mass (who has been brilliant, but probably an understudy at PL level), and partner for Morsy.
Top player. [Post edited 9 Aug 2024 21:52]
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Thread | Take back the fee on Greaves
at 04:58 13 Jul 2024
Having taken a better look at Greaves over the last week, his numbers and videos, I don’t think £15m isn’t a bad ball park for him actually - in fact I think I’ve reversed a little and think it was too much for Philogene but Greaves number looks about right.
Left footed, young CB, by all accounts ready for the step up.
Take it back regarding fee, apologises. Welcome to Town, Jacob!
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Thread | £40m for Philogene and Greaves is scandalous by the way
at 10:24 9 Jul 2024
Games gone mad.
I’m not saying they aren’t bad players by the way, but for £20m a piece, Hull have done us like a kipper financially.
As a newly promoted club, you can’t get £20m signings wrong, and to be paying £20m a pop for Philogene & Greaves looks overpriced to me.
Rodon went for £10m last week. |
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Site Scores| Forum Votes: | 1526 | | Comment Votes: | 21 | | Prediction League: | 0 | | TOTAL: | 1547 |
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