We've spent enough money to avoid relegation and now we have a great first team but poor squad depth. This squad deserves nothing more than a simple mid table finish. Do you think 200m is enough to take the worst squad in the league this time least year to Europe? We need another 2 quality first team players at least and 3-4 squad players. So yes the point stands, we've spent enough to go from a team bound for relegation who couldn't buy a win, to a mid table squad. If we want to keep the likes of Bruno, we need to keep bringing in more players, because if we don't get European qualification by next season at least we'll lose players guaranteed. I'm not delusional enough to think we should get CL football anytime soon, but 7th should be our target, especially considering West Ham's poor form and them being pre-occupied with Europa conference.
If they bring in quality at CB, CM and a RW in January and if we are still 7/8/9th after the World Cup I think we could push for EL/E conf L places. Our starting XI is good enough to be pushing towards there at present but not enough depth to the squad as shown the last few games when a few key members of the squad have been out but if Howe could bring on 5 subs in the second half of the season like Wilson, Almiron, Shelvey, Willock and Schar I'd be hopeful of a European push. Starting XI: Pope, Trippier, CB, Botman, Targett, Bruno, CM, Joelinton, ASM, RW, Isak Sub IN: Wilson, Almiron, Shelvey, Willock and Schar But for now top 10 and a run to a QF/SF of a cup would do me nicely.
Before anyone loses their mind over the selection above it's just an example to show once we are full strength and with a few more additions we could have a seriously strong SQUAD.
I'm hoping we'll have this by jan ASM------Wilson/Isak-----Almiron/New RW ---Joelinton----------Maddison---- ----------------Bruno------------------ Targett----Botman-Schar--Trippier ------------------Pope--------------------
Can we not get multi-million £ 'sponsorship deals' for the training ground development, and one for the training kits, and one for the shin pads, and the boot laces, and the studs, and the captain's armband, and the half time oranges...
I agree we need more squad depth... I think we avoid relegation just by adding Howe, plus we added quality to the first team to further distance us from that last season. This season's additions have further increased the quality available, and allowing for a reasonable (not unfairly harsh) run on injuries, we can get 7th - 9th. Potentially... But I don't think that 1 year ago, that was anyone's aim, or expectation. Failure to reach Europe this season or to spunk a ton more trying = lack of ambition? Listen to the messages that the manager, and the owners have consistently delivered. Slow, controlled build. Our progress to date is in line with, or ahead of my expectations personally. I agree and have consistently stated that, in my opinion, a high quality CDM to protect the back 4, allowing Bruno to play with even more freedom, and right side AM/RW is what we need. If we are in a good position come Jan, we might have a better chance of snagging who we actually want in those roles long term. If it takes till the summer, so be it. Squad players, fully agree that we need to upgrade moving forward, but that's for the summer. Next steps, for me, are the CDM / RW slots. Can't do it all at once. This is common sense, taking what's the best and available within long term budgets, not a lack of ambition. I somewhat agree, it's failure should we finish bottom half with this team, squad... CLUB. I'm a bit lost on the points presented to be honest. I was shocked by your statement of the club's seeming lack of ambition, should we fail to sign exactly who you deem to be the correct player. Still am in honesty. Of course we need to keep on bringing in players (and we will), but it doesn't need to be a conveyor belt. It will be best to be done in steps without unsettling the squad dynamic that was so impressive last season (and this). Without trying to sound too rude... This, in bold is total nonsense, borne only of what you assume to be the case. Bruno and Botman coming in to look and jump ship after a transfer window or two isn't our club. Fully agree, but not spunking a massive amount on Maddison equalling us showing no ambition doesn't have much relevance to this. We can be close, or even make it with the squad we have. We can and likely will add in January. It might be who you want, but if it isn't, don't put that down to lack of ambition. That sort of thinking within the fanbase is dangerous, IMO. We're going to be led on a pretty fantastic journey by those that run the club. Let's not have a hissy fit about stuff that might not be on the precise timeline that we demand.
Maybe, but definitely next year though. I know it's a slow process, but players like Bruno aren't going to stick around in a mid table side for very long. I'd say qualifying for Europe should be the goal this season, but the min requirement is next season, as by then our best players will be approaching their late 20's, and wanting trophies.
I agree - but we won't be a mid table side for long I also agree that Europe should be a realistic goal this year, but I also don't believe that those running the club, nor the playing squad, would see it as failure to fall short of that. With continued investment in the right areas (why would it dry up?), next year, I feel like the club will be pushing for Europe from the off and that it will likely be a performance target.
Absolutely yes but they will be 5m here and 7m there. The big one is coming next summer and I would be surprised if it isn’t 30m plus.
But I'm sure the owners will know someone who sees the potential in the club and is willing to sponsor £1m per stud.
How many studs do we have at the club. Most are ugly ****ers. Bruno will get the feels and so will Wilson the sexy bastard. Lascelles Is my wife’s favourite which is why she is locked in the cupboard.
