Roberts is a bit of a surprise but he would struggle to get in with 5 at the back I think. Probably same with this lad based on what we have read about him. Very long season though and we certainly need a few extra bodies. Largely been the same 11 so far. As for supporting Costa Rica - might depend on which strip they are wearing on the day!
Was in inner city Leeds yesterday at a holiday hunger football project. Probably about 90% African heritage, many migrants some already at premier academies. Plenty of big strong talented lads. Many of these kids from these local teams will playing for England one day.
I can see why we are looking at signing these 2 young lads but they seem to be ones for the future, we need experience and brawn to supplement our squad. 2 or 3 experienced quality players will make a massive difference to our squad and would be crucial in either a play offs or midtable finishes. We have had a positive start and adding some experience and quality now would improve our chances massively.
I think you’re going to have to accept and come to terms with that not being the model that the club is embracing. At least not having any outlay for those types of players. There are no ones for the future any longer. The future is now. It may mean that we aren’t challenging at the top end of the table but we’ll have a period of consolidation (which the club have explicitly stated is the intention) whilst these players develop and the squad’s value increases exponentially.
I know you’re involved in a club. Streetgames are developing a national programme called Fit and Fed where they support clubs to do the same. It’s all on the website. There’s a Streetgames North East Team helping clubs organise it.
We definitely need experience in this division among the wildcards. Like others I worry about Evans influence going missing with an injury. It’s crucial to us. Batth the same (though we have Wright). Just need a bit more experience and leadership in midfield for me if Evans misses games.
I can't wait for this window to close. I've got loads of respect for our recruitment strategy and people,but I'm getting more and more edgy as each day goes by.
Excellent mate. Will have a look at that. I am into anything that gets kids playing the game, particularly those whose families perhaps cant afford the more organised type of football.
i am taking the view that a lot is lost in translation, possibly comes down to 'a move to england is his dream' or something along those lines...same with any overseas post/report
Spot on. The aim of the club is to buy them young and let them grow with the club. I doubt very much that the club is aiming for promotion in the next three years or so. Stabilise in the championship and aim for promotion when the time is right.
Hmm, obviously you could be right about the plans, a big hint will come from this transfer window and how ambitious (or not) the club is.
Think its clear the club's aim is to get promoted but not at all costs. Its the last 5 words that are most important. Personally think it would be a problem if we got promoted this season. we need to organically raise the quality of the player at our club slowly, so that when we go up we don't have to buy close to a whole team. That just isn't sustainable, as we will end up buying loads of players who want to be in the premier league not necessarily with Sunderland. Instead we need players who can grow with us into the premier league and be bolstered on to, not replaced. We also need to be realistic about the financial gap between the PL and Championship clubs, as well as the feeder clubs. Watford are in the process of selling THREE strikers EACH for more than our entire club was sold for. And that's on top of several other big sales they've made.
