It seems we're in for a few changes this month. The ball has started rolling with Aristotle Nsiala joining the team. He is a tall central defender and joins on a hefty 2 1/2 year deal. http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/2016-17/aristote-nsiala-signing-3495217.aspx Mixed reactions from Hartlepool fans on him.
After yesterday's display from our centrebacks he could not be any worse and perhaps he will get an extended run alongside Sadler who has blossomed recently. He certainly adds some much needed height to the side and we will presumable lose Toney Who has actually been our best defender when pulled back for set-pieces this season.
Alex Rodman now confirmed on an 18 month deal - a tall winger who has never played in League 1. In Hurst we trust!
Looks as if 6 foot 2 inches is currently a minimum height requirement for incoming players so perhaps we can defend set pieces better. Also looks as if we will be going more direct.
Seems like all three new players had a good start apart from the red! The red card will possibly be appealed if they can justify good footage of it
Strange decision - as there were men covering and it was a genuine attempt to play the ball it must have been for dangerous play. Though it was slightly wild it was not two-footed so surely we must have a chance on appeal. Tote looked quite quick (compared to our other defenders anyway) so lets hope Hurst has unearthed a player who can play at a decent League 1 standard.
Not great news for us: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38643190 Oldham have had their transfer embargo lifted
O'Brien on loan to Ross County - thought he could provide us with a bit of skill but Hurst wants to go more direct with pace (hence the signing of Roberts) . I am happy to trust the manager on this one.
O'Brien seemed to have a really good touch and could trick his way around a lot of players, however he could be unreliable in other parts of his game.
http://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/article/2016-17/bryn-morris-signs-on-3528589.aspx Bryn Morris sign from middlesborough on a six month deal with a hope for longer.
Stefan Payne (another striker!) now in on loan from Barnsley - another one with a good non-league record. Hurst certainly knows his way around the non-league sides - an area we have largely ignored before he came. What are we going to do with all these strikers? Perhaps a double change with twenty minutes left or a switch to 4-3-3. This may be a bit harsh on Dodds if he is left out - to my mind he is the classiest player at the club. Also rumours of the Grimsby keeper coming in -perhaps to encourage Leutwiler to make fewer mistakes though he is one of the best shot-stoppers we have had. Also lets hope we can sign Grimmer permanently so we can bring in another centre midfielder though I would like to see Morris play instead of Deegan on Saturday to improve the passing. We now have some real pace upfront and we have not had that for years - the Bury game should be a real corker considering they score and concede so many goals.
Signing Grimmer would free up a loan position. Payne coming in was a bit of a surprise even by the media closely following the club. He sounds like a good deal and will definitely give the manager plenty of options, it also sounds like AJLS will not be ready anytime soon. More signings on the cards tomorrow?
Ian Black moves on to pastures new. Will we miss him? Probably not, some really good attributes but was such a liability with his tackles and communication with other players.