I’m hoping that Stockdale comes in with fresh eyes, sees things & has ideas in what to do. I think our game has improved under Dawson, we’re just lacking that bit of ability to get behind the other team.
I don't get what you fail to understand. If you offload 4 players on £3k a week, that's £12k a week saved. That's one decent defender. We've already got money in the pot, as proven from January, that should be the defensive midfielder sorted so we probably need funds for one more defender. I don't think we're as close to the FFP line as Acun is making out but with a bit of wheeling and dealing can find a suitable resolution even if we are
No he thinks he'll get a PL job as well as not really being suited to Acun's dream of flowing attacking football, and he'd be unlikely to want to work as a 'head coach' as opposed to manager. Even if he were prepared to drop down (I'm sure Brum and Boro will have tried) it's a non starter as far as I can see.
1 or 2 key addiditions is surely possible. Even if we need to do a bit of juggling. We have 3 or 4 seniors without squad numbers you'd assume would be available.
After this summer I'd probably argue that more wholesale changes could do more harm than good. 1 or 2 is a reasonable expectation. If they're in the right areas ie offering balance to that midfield then with returning players I don't see the need for huge turnover again in Jan.
It would be nice to see the squad we assembled in the summer. We've not seen Salah or Traore, barely seen Vale either. And we're only just getting Sinik, Christie & Pelkas up to speed. We've been without Tetteh and Allahyar too for large portions. Not seen anything of Fleming either yet
I really struggle to get rid of my **** players on Football Manager, even when I offer them to every club for next to nothing, I get the interest, but no firm bids. Maybe real life FM is easier? Let’s ask Acun & Sharky!
Precisely what I said to begin with. 1-2 defenders and a defensive mid. We'll sell players moreso to free up squad spots than to free up funds.
I wouldn't get hopes up for January... We still have 4 new players that have barely featured for us, if at all; Salah, Traore, Vale, Simons. We're due players back like Fleming, Allahyar, Tetteh, Elder. Even Sinik and Pelkas aren't on double figures for appearances between them yet (or maybe just)... The issue is, with everyone fit, we already have too many players to name in the squad. So who the hell is going to make way if we're planning on strengthening in January? I can't see us binning any of the new signings after a few months in, so realistically we remove even more of the 'consistency' by selling on other players. McLoughlin out for a 'good' CB in? ??? out for a 'good' defensive midfielder? Smith out for a 'good' striker/forward? ??? out to bring a 'good' wing back in? I'm struggling to see what we'll be able to do in January without some teeth pulling or us paying players to just train... In a nutshell we need a manager that can get a tune out of what we've got right now, bearing in mind we have effective players due to become fit again hopefully soon enough.
What are you talking about? All we need to do is sell Scott and McLoughlin and we can sign Maguire back.
Very true. I know some have written off Figs but I thought he looked a different player on Sunday now he's being told to head it and kick it not play out with it. I'd say a ball winning, organising DM would be the main priority and perhaps a another CB as cover, but we could sign another 16 and still look like a team of individuals regardless because when you make that many changes that's what you are until things start to click which can take months.
What is really poor is out use of loanees.... that lad Hannibal on Sunday on loan from Man Utd would never see the first team here...
Honestly, looking at the specific problems we've got I don't think it's accurate to say that too many changes to the squad is the problem. Conceding from set pieces and crosses constantly is 90% of our issue. That was an issue last season too and it's the one area we didn't really strengthen. In hindsight, maybe a couple more defensive upgrades in addition to what we've got would've made the difference.
It all comes down to the uncertainty of players not sure who's doing what in certain situations - that's communication, organisation and understanding roles, responsibilities and what teammates need from eachother. Of course I'd like to see a certain type of player being brought in to help the balance of the midfield - because I think that's also key, but you cant just sign a load of players and immediately expect them to gel into a team. It takes months. A bit like an orchestra takes months of rehearsal to play a decent tune. I think Figs was brought in to dominate in the air but being asked to play out has dented his confidence - he's not that kind of defender. I haven't written him off just yet. He's proven he can cut it at this level if he's being asked to play in a way he's comfortable with.
