I also look back on the heady days of the sides that included Pim Balkestein, Adam Proudlock, Reo-Coker, Aaron McLean and Bilel Mohsni
I think it is far too early to making bold statements that anyone in this group is worse than Bilel Mohsni or Adam Proudlock... There definielty hasn't been any Mark Fish moments They've only been in the door 5 minutes and at least some of them were successful last season with their previous clubs so (like the manager) have earned the opportunity to have a fair crack at the championship
Warky, you would be the first to complain if we filled out the side with yet more journeymen while players like Nolan and Edwards went elsewhere. There is a valid argument that the changes have been too drastic too quickly but all these players are on an upward trajectory and indivually they have all shown why. It's just not knitting together yet. I'm frustrated with the results, concerned at lack of Attacking threat on display away from home and confused at how we can look really promising against West ham but awful as soon as the season starts. However I'm not fanciful enough to expect Hurst to turn a team that lacked any direction or identity into world beaters in 4 games, nor to expect the academy to provide all our players. Keane didn't win until Halloween. I'm more than willing to set that as my "I'm really concerned Benchmark".
Wow, I just can't believe we didn't appoint a magician instead of (for a change) targeting and acquiring somebody already in work and on an upward curve. What on earth was Evans thinking when he took on board what a lot of fans were wanting and got in a younger manager with new ideas? It's quite baffling that the new manager brought in new players to freshen up a squad we all thought was boring but we're not top of the league because of it. I really don't get why we have to wait for the team and manager to learn to communicate and execute the plan, why aren't we champions already? Don't worry though, we can force the manager out and start all over again. It's obvious that that will lead us to promotion within the first 5 games
This "Give him time" mantra is valid right now but lets just see where we are at Christmas! Far too many changes too quickly with inferior players. We shall see!
Funny how Evans has given Hurst more to mold a club interms of pure transfer outlay in ONE transfer window than he give Mick in 5.5 years.......... that still rankles with me like I don't know what. Utter disgrace actually. Back to what you're saying about out of his depth - I'm not a fan of his transfer policy whatsoever and think it's taking one hell of a risk though. Out of his depth? Not so sure yet. Has a FINE record everywhere else he's been, has been a massive success and people wanting to give a lower league manager a spin - I think either him or D.Clarke of Bristol Rovers were the two to give a chance to. Will it work? No idea. We'll have to sit tight and see.
Regarding the difference in funds given to Hurst and MM, I would suggest it is not that different. MM brought in more experienced players from a higher level so (I’m guessing) they were on fairly high wages, whereas hurst has brought in players from lower league football so in a nutshell, hurst has spent more on transfers but mick spent more on wages. As for how long I would give hurst, even if we got relegated, I would keep him and see if a long term plan is formulated
Oh maybe the wages were higher ( we can find out if the wage bill goes down / stays the same / if it goes up... that's clearly not correct ) maybe loan fees. However, to sign a player - Garner was the most expensive in his reign. Absolute utter disgrace I would say. As for the lot Hurst has signed - I cannot really comment fully! Know not too much about them. My Doncaster Rovers supporting mate reckons Jackson is well worth a go. Harrison I thought based on what I've seen at Bristol Rovers would be very hit and miss. I'll judge a lot more after 11 games. The loan window will be shut, perhaps Huws / Bishop / Dozzell will be back. It's an interesting one. If them three were fully fully fit / playing well - maybe not Dozzell but Bishop 14/15 ... and Huws his previous form, with 2 quality loanees added - all of a sudden we could be an entirely different proposition. So it's hard to give a proper detailed inform decision.
We've also sold a lot more than usual in one window.The overall investment in the playing squad probably balances out.
Errmmm what about the year we sold Mings? Ah yes - 2015/16 we spent absolutely naff all, AGAIN. Massive surplus and does Mick get a budget like Sir Paul Hurst gets this summer? Nope. Don't be silly. What about when Murphy goes, ah yes. Leon Best on a free transfer. Happy days Mick was perfection from Evans. Happy to take 100% of the flak from the players, chairman, and absolutely zero chance of getting relegated. But hey ho - over to you Hurst. Your squad, off you go.
Hurst has spent a few decent sized fees for players, but we’ve made over £10m in transfer fees this window. Hurst and his back room team are on less than Mick and his staff, mostly due to the difference in experience. As stated above, wages definitely play a part and expect our wage bill to be lower than what we had with McCarthy. Also, Mick spent money on signing on fees early on in his Ipswich career, such as McGoldrick, Chambers, Berra, Parr, and Skuse, not to mention funding the Premier League loanees. He also spent over £1m each on both Grant Ward and Adam Webster. This squad also seriously required investment. Three first team regulars returned from loan moves, two first team regulars (and key players) wanted to leave the club, and several squad players departed without Hurst’s input. Despite the spending, this is yet another transfer window where Marcus Evans has made a profit on player sales.
Well done lads for making this thread into a serious debate. I have read all the articles on TWTD and the EADT and I'm left thinking about the Emperor and his new clothes!!
This has got nothing to do with Mick! I wanted him out the same as everyone else. My problem is that we have thrown out the baby with the bath water by appointing a rookie who is way out of his depth!
