Cos they could. I personally doubt they had the intention of spending anyway, but even if they did taking the loan meant if they chose/choose not to then it’s free cash. That being the case it’s not a surprise if Ehab decided not to go for Slater because it would have effectively been £500k more than whatever the fee would have been.
There was no way that we would have paid money for Slater and everyone involved must know it. I am more than happy with this window.
Not much in the way of free agent centre backs as far as I can see (not that I expect us to go for one anyway)... Adrian Mariappa - 34 (released by Bristol City in the summer). David Wheater - 34 (released by Oldham in March). Tommy Elphick - 33 (would have to be coaxed out of retirement). There's also the likes of Jack Hobbs and Matthew Connolly, but both have been without a club for over a year. Kean Bryan might be a good option on a free, potential to still develop, though he's not really got the experience we're currently lacking.
Let’s see how we go over after the international break, some players coming back should help, however I feel not using the loan spot was a big disappointment. We are competing at this level but let’s not forget we haven’t scored in our last four games. Yes we have played some decent sides but having watched Peterborough play well against WBA and been unlucky to let a last minute goal in then it shows how a lot of the lower sides will be difficult games at this level. Hopefully we will have enough only time will tell.
Interesting listen Ning to Peterborough Chairman on transfer countdown on Sky... he said, forget the insane money in the Premiership 'the championship is in recession'.... he also added that a goalscorer at a reasonable fee is rarer than rocking horse doo daa...
I looked at the performance, we were up against 2 teams that have recently come down from the EPL, and we didn't cave in as in the past we may well have done. I am not saying we are going to be pushing for the play off's but feel we can compete and get enough points to be around mid-table. Of cause TWT.
I think mid table is slightly ambitious tbh with what we have .. realistically speaking we have a bottom half budget .. if we finish 16th to 18th I would suggest that's about where our budget would place us, any higher and its a bonus. We definitely need to start scoring, too much pressure is being put on our inexperienced central defenders who are stepping up in class from last season. Whether the goals start coming once gorgeous George is back up to speed remains to be seen, but ya can't win games without goals in your team. 16th to 18th will do just fine, this season is all about consolidation.
Would have been good to have an experienced CB 'in the building' but hopefully the 4 CBs we have can step up. Admittedly I've only seen the last 2 games but on that basis I think Bernard looks more assured at this level than Greaves or Jones (who saw on TV v Derby) My biggest concern is about whether we'll create and convert enough chances. Really hoping Honeyman and Wilks can perform at this level.
We would have all liked to have seen an experienced CB come through the door but the coaching staff don’t agree so what do we know. Add Moncur ( who impressed me) Honeyman & Wilks and a fully match fit Huddlestone and Tyler we should be fine. Like 99% of teams in this league if we have a few injuries we are ****ed.
Which is why we should have filled our quota of players. Maybe we are after free agents, but I doubt it.
I’d have sold whoever we had to to bring in a goal scorer. If that meant a few going I’d have done it. it’s hard to see where the goals are going to come from. Especially with this formation. Klp is an excellent finisher but with his heels stuck on the left wing he’s not gonna be near enough the box to do it. Did I say I don’t like this formation? I may have mentioned It once or twice. We seem to have all these players competing for cm spots and none can play wide left or wide right midfield. potter can’t either or Wilks If honeyman comes straight back in then where does it leave moncur? Who looks a very good footballer? We were better against Bournemouth cos doc ran himself into the ground, honeyman does that too. Moncur doesn’t and that position in this set up relies on someone doing it. It’s ok in league one but in the championship it’s also a creative role. The pursuit of slater after signing Tom h was ridiculous and unnecessary. All efforts should have been in getting in a centre forward.
Slater deal.... Loan was agreed and almost announced, sheff utd got wind of other permanent interest so went back to hull and said it's permanent or nothing with a fee of xyz. That other interest never actually materialised and sheff utd went back to hull and offered slater again. Hull then said actually we only want to offer loan fee of xyz now as you have messed us about twice now this window.... Deal feel through. That's what I've been told from 2 people now
From what I can tell, the only players available where squad players who wouldn't really improve us, so the club took the stance that they would rather use our own younger players if needed as opposed to other clubs if things where really needed
I hear what you say Howden but would it not have made sense to fill the other loan slot with a forward anyway. I can’t believe given all the players available we could not have found a decent prospect around the premier squads. There will be good young players not getting games all over the shop. I agree with Chazz that the need for another forward is pressing. It’s frustrating that we spend all our time chasing midfielders when the back and front look a more relevent issue.
