I thought that guaranteed game time would be a problem with him signing a new contract as if he’s going to be starting in the CDM role then we will be overrun in the coming season. Not that I doubt his commitment to the cause, just that he’s only good enough for seeing out a win the final ten mins of a match
If we could get Grujic back I think we'd be well stocked in CM with a number of options in the 3 roles (assuming Colin sticks to his 433) and the ability to change the formation if needed. Wouldn't have been overly disappointed if he'd not signed, but it's a known and inexpensive commodity. I was getting annoyed by his lack of urgency, but if he'd verbally agreed wirh colin to stay I suppose there was no rush. Doesn't mention how long a deal he's signed. Warnock said 1 year but not seen it confirmed.
As captain of Iceland and having just appeared in the World Cup I think there is some underestimation of his abilities on here. Last season he was hampered by injuries so was far from his best. If rested after the World Cup and injury free I anticipate we will see a lot more from him this coming season. Also his experience having previously played in the Prem will be valuable. I also think we still need another mf, preferably the perpetually missing box to box player. I'm not sure Grujic fits this and Bryson doesn't carry much of a goal threat from mf so fingers crossed Colin has another option up his sleeve.
Think that suits us. He said he doesn't want another season in the championship so if we go down, we'll look for someone new. If we stay up, we look to strengthen and sign someone new. In the meantime we have an inexpensive option in the centre of the park. Happiness all around.
At a loose end while watching tennis so did a head count of squad - remaining from last year plus new signings less those I expect to leave. The second category being Camp (Colin has spoken in glowing terms of Murphy so he should be our no. 3), Gonzo, O'Keefe, Healey and Bogle. For now I have the 2 Harris as staying plus Tomlin and Pilkington. That gives us 26 with Mark Harris as a young player who has come through the ranks so can be excluded from the maximum 25. Not sure if Kadeem Harris and Joe Ralls fit in that category. If either or both fit then we have space for more but if not then other players to be shown the door.
To be exempt from the 25 player rule a player has to be under 21, so kadeem and Joe will need to be in the 25. We have to have 8 home grown players in the squad, but that doesn't mean they have to come through your club, just through a club in the league pyramid. Not sure if Scottish clubs are included in that. That means most of our players.
My rough count comes to 13 home grown players plus Mark Harris so, as Remote says, we have no problems on that front. However taking into account the ages of Kadeem and Joe there will have to be a more going into Room 101 to accommodate further new signings.
We could be forgetting there'll be some going as well before the window closes. Plenty of candidates to make room for newbies.
Looks like it's going ahead............... https://www.footballinsider247.com/...6ft-3in-player-as-transfer-nearly-signed-off/
He won't take long to re-integrate into the squad. Only the newbie striker (tbc) will take time to come up to speed. Great place to be with 4 weeks to go.
Agreed. Peltier, Jazz, Manga and Connolly would seem a decent choice, but when I watched the likes of Fredericks and Docherty last season, maybe not.
Don't think Colin has a rb in his plans. He said he was happy with his defensive options a couple of weeks ago. Oh yes, and Paterson can play there.
Stay solid in defence and conservative in attack on the right. Throw the kitchen sink at them down the left.
They're going to spend big on getting one of the players that got them promoted back as well. Think they've got more ground to make up as well. Quite comfortable with where we are. Even more so once grujic signs.
The knife is going.... says it's been a pleasure though and put his experience with us down as one of his best in the game... . Always knew he was a nice chap!
Been out of contract since end of June but has been training with the squad. Maybe the swans need a utility man.