I wonder whether this move will in some way hamper both sides as they try to integrate new players. Wood started against Watford because of the injury to Callum Wilson but it will take some time for him to integrate, as we've seen with our own new players. Meanwhile Burnley are minus their main striker and trying to have tomorrow night's game against Watford postponed because of missing players. In Wood's case this was self inflicted. They already have 4 games in hand so just how many postponements are reasonable? We had to go ahead with the Villa and Palace matches when severely handicapped by missing players. Anybody else remember when we were relegated because Coventry were allowed to play their final matches against 'on the beach' teams after the season ended? This has a similar feel.
They will have games thick and fast because they have to finish at the same time ... like playing in the Championship!
Any thoughts as to whether there might be willingness to take a little bit of risk and bring another player in, or possibly two?
We've still got a slot for an international loan, another "loan-to-buy" agreement might make sense. Or possibly a short-term loan to bring in cover for Krul if that's a long term injury. I think it's fairly clear now what the problem areas are otherwise now the other players are settling in. Central midfield could use bolstering, particularly if the 4-2-2-2 formation is going to be the way to go. Would like to see Normann + Sorensen tried when both are fit, but a third player capable of being a solid defensive midfield option would be welcome.
Think the board should throw the kitchen sink at it now! We actually have a chance!! As meantioned above a loan to buy option would be good.
This must be the quietest window for rumours in a long while. Barely been linked with anyone, not even seen any credible links to additions to the academy pipeline.
There were the early links to Villa's Keinan Davis who then went on loan to Forest and Conor Hourihane who has stayed on loan at Sheffield United. Other than those, there's been next to nothing. With the success of both Sargent and Idah lately and with most of the injured available again it's questionable whether we need anyone. Sørensen has done well filling in for Normann at DM, Rashica is playing well and we have a range of options in midfield and in defence. We have a squad of 21 senior players and 4 U21 players (Idah, Gilmour, Omobamidele and Williams), which should be enough to see us through. Then there's Rowe and other U23 players who could be called upon as well.
I was quite excited about Soto back before his porto move. Didn't sound like the club shared my enthusiasm with the loan to buy move but I'm pleased to hear he might be able to fight for his place with us again
Happy to see that but I'm a bit baffled. Soto couldn't make it with Porto "B". Now a Scottish Premier team want him? Best of luck to him.
Porto B play in the second tier of Portuguese football, which honestly is probably a similar level to the SPL outside Rangers/Celtic... Given Livingston now have 7 strikers, and only one of them has scored for them all season, it would suggest they don't think much of their existing options. They play with one striker and he looks pretty well established given he has 9 goals, but a role from the bench could well be up for grabs.
Thanks DH. I would've thought the SPL was at a higher level, but my knowledge of such things is almost non-existent. Livingston coach, Martindale, sounds excited to have him.
The Athletic have a transfer rumour roundup, and the expectation is very much that nothing changes. Supposedly Newcastle were genuinely interested in Cantwell, but not at £15m. Norwich are unlikely to sell unless they can bring in someone as a replacement. Norwich have explored forward options but nothing looks promising. I think the only scenario which leads to late movement is that Norwich identify a viable striker/forward option, and Newcastle get desperate enough due to a lack of signings, that they are prepared to throw £15m at Cantwell.
Ex - City defender Timm Klose has just signed on a free transfer for Championship side Bristol City, he now becomes a Robin.
Buying players at this stage would be a waste of money. Put faith in what we have got and give players such as Idah, Sargent and Normann until the end of the season to prove themselves and hope that the likes of Gilmour and Cantwell start to prove their worth. If or when we go down then at least Smith will have a good idea what he needs to get us back up again
Agree, I'm not bothered about signing a single player. If the right player comes up at the right fee then sure. However we had so many new faces at the start of the season we might only be gelling now. With players coming back from injury I hope Smith can lead us to safety and prove all those 'experts' wrong!
