In regards to the keeper, we need either someone on loan who is going to push BPF for a starting position or we need to spend on a new number one who is good enough for the PL as that should be the aim now. We are into December, three weeks before the transfer window opens, targets should already be well in sight and 4 points clear of 3rd place so it would be criminal to aim for top 6 we want the autos, we’re in the driving seat. One new CB and one new Keeper for me, we’ve an abundance of midfield players, Roofe, Bamford, Taylor, i said elsewhere what would we have to spend to better what we already have and who is going to be happy being 3rd and 4th choice. I don’t want to see more than 2 signings as we are well balanced at the moment and we need players who will make a difference. Even at RB when Berardi and Ayling are both fit who are we going to sign who is head and shoulders above Dallas and happy to be number 2 or 3rd choice when the injured return.
I also wouldn't be going on Europa League form. At this stage it full of very poor teams from very poor leagues. Look at Arsenal, battered their opposition last week with their kids, literally teenagers. Like others I'm not sure we are going to bring anyone in in January. More for me because we won't know whether to stick or twist, as in buy quality championship type player or buy one that will be good enough in the prem if we do get promoted. Unless we take loans no player is going to join on a short 6 month contract so we could end up stuck with someone who can't play at a higher level. Afternoon to Ell and you all by-the-way.
The referee v QPR is going to be Peter Bankes He reffed the 1-4 at Derby & the home defeat v Brum this season. He's also done 2 QPR defeats this season. 5 pens this season so far, 2 Reds, 68 (!) yellows in only 13 games!
Definitely would love a good cup run, and if we get the walking wounded back, then as you say give some of the youngsters a chance, because when everyone is back, Clarke, Shackleton,Halme will be bench at best but they've proved they're good enough, this along with Bamford and Berardi ready to make a start, who knows.
Evening all and the wires are now going barmy with stories that Pep is speaking to Bielsa about Jack Clarke and I have seen this in several places this evening, so worried. Unless we get Delph in return or someone who is the finished article? Whats wrong with Assombalonga as he was sold out of Forest to Boro and now it seems Pullis is arranging for him and Braithwaite to be moved on in January as he goes out to buy a top striker Its also said that Cooper is out until January
We've missed Ayling, important cog of Bielsa's set-up I think Bielsa looked at certain players & didn't fancy them, whether MB has had a change of heart on Cibicki time will tell First game I'll miss this season, a very expensive day just to watch the U23's
The injury looked a bad one. Agree with Heidi, not sure why they let him take that long painful walk off the pitch.
Have to say I'm perturbed about the number of posters who seem to want additions/changes to the squad. After 20 games we're second and nearly averaging the necessary 2 points per game which usually results in automatic promotion and by the time we can make any signings at the beginning of January a fair few of our injured players will either be available again or at least well on the way to returning. Footballers seem to mentally at least take it one season at a time There are plenty of examples, especially in the championship of a team doing really well and the following season it all falls apart even though there appears to be little that has changed. My conclusion is that a squad assemble for pre season and during that time is when a new family unit takes shape. Then like any family they either function efficiently and effectively with mutual love and respect or alternatively there is discord, bickering and ultimately heartbreak and recriminations. A football family spends an extraordinary unusual amount of time in close proximity to each with training everyday, long coach journeys together to and from games, hotel stays, meals together etc. Then there is the consideration that from a group of 20+ only eleven get to start each week and everyone else has to be supportive so as not to bring any discourse or animosity to the group. The success so far of our group of players seems to indicate that all is exceedingly well and even thought there has been the challenge of injuries to key players the strength, commitment and desire of the group has been enough to cope admirably. Any player who has been left out due to form has had ample opportunity to play his way through it and the player coming in has worked extremely hard in training to deserve his chance. This all adds to the feeling of fairness and respect throughout the group. So if we are going to make any additions during January I would only do so with extreme caution but honestly would prefer to stay as we are and hope that Bamford and Izzie Brown, who are very much part of the family add that little bit of sparkle to give us a boost instead of the alternative of having completely new players trying to integrate.
When you say the wires, you mean The Stun have an exclusive, quickly re-reported by HITC, the soccer beaver and god knows what else. Sorry chaps, this is indicative about what is so ****e about this forum these days. Bring back Glory and Eire and all the negativity that comes with them, almost given up reading now never mind posting. TTFN - catch a few of you at a game sometime
hello all ... Lens doesn’t fit the Bielsa mould at 31, can’t see it happening .. Cibicki will be given a chance by Bielsa to see if he has the right mentality for Bielsa Ball, January will tell us how he’s responded ... this squad is tight, very together and will bust through walls for each other, so anyone coming in will have to have an amazing attitude, which is why Bielsa seems reluctant to sign new players .. he believes in this group (including the U23s) and he is wary of causing any disruption ... I feel we need to strengthen, but I’ll trust Bielsa’s judgement Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The fact that some posters jumped down Eire's throat because he chose to be cautionary in his views rather than singing from the rooftops I found particularly insensitive. One swallow does not make a summer and he was perfectly correct to voice his concerns. Shame as he is definitely one of our own.
What happened with Eire? I came back from my travels & assumed he was having one of his wee breaks. Your post suggests that that's not the case. Has he announced he's gone for good or something? If so, why?
Agree with Jammy & Billy about the importance of keeping the balance in the squad right, the synergy on show is directly related to mutual respect between all the players, a buying into the project and a group sense that they are privileged to have this opportunity to work with Bielsa. If we buy in January it should just be to strengthen where needed - a backup keeper and centre back, not a potential diva like Lens (allegedly).
Sadly, he last posted 18th October. "So we’re not allowed voice our opinions anymore except positive clap trap. Time I ****ed off permanently so and leave one or two of you to it"
Just love gobshytes. Every decent rumour that has authenticity about it and has comments from people involved have been posted in the transfer sticky above. The Clarke Man City crap wasnt I posted it in this thread because it was a thing happening now without any back up. But hey never mind you just carry on gobbing off
I find this talk of January signings very interesting. For a start, you could mention 100 names & I wouldn't have a clue whether they'd fit in with our squad or not. Sure, they might be good, technical footballers, but would they fit in with our ethos and style of play? Would they have the right temperament? No matter who they are, they have to get up to our fitness levels & learn our style of play. How long did it take Bamford to get a regular place - and he was our most expensive signing for Gawd knows how many years? Could any of these candidates have sufficient patience to wait? Let's face it, with most footballers, it's all about them. Ego, ego, ego. Well, it might come as a bit of a shock to them to find out it's not all about them.
Announced he is having a break, I believe he might have sent Ellandback a message, I’m not privileged to exactly what it said but along the lines of he felt ‘jumped’ on if he aired negative views. I say jumped on, I’m not saying those were his exact words but you get the idea..
