Absolutely, wells, Conway and Bell isn’t enough strikers, bearing in mind Conway is out for a while now, and both Conway, and Bell especially have very little first team experience. Next season provided we stay up, we’ll need to strengthen dramatically if we have any aspirations of avoiding a similar struggle again, or even possibly looking to challenge for the playoffs.
We need to understand the good and the bad points of 4-5 years ago. The first big transfer out back then was Kodja, which set City up to go on a spending spree. We need to look to bring in young players whose value will improve, so we can sell on - that is the good, and we did that well until COVID hit. The bad - we cannot pay crazy wages again, as we were doing pre-COVID, that is what killed us. Fortunately, the post-COVID landscape means wages (in the Championship at least) are more realistic now. For me, bringing in Cornick will not be that signing that allows us to operate in the 'good space' again!
I agree, I also get we need balance, senior pros to pass experience and set standards etc, that’s the role I see Nakhi filling, so again I don’t really see what this guy would bring. If his scoring record was better you could argue he may score the goals to keep us up, however it isn’t great, so what does he bring, and how is he better than what we already have here?, another criteria Nige often quotes, saying he won’t bring players in just for the sake of it.
Key Luton Town figure sends coy transfer message as Bristol City & Swansea City chase forward https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/k...e-as-bristol-city-swansea-city-chase-forward/
The only plus here is this adds some depth to our forward line and at a relatively low cost. This will, I suppose, help take the pressure off Bell and Conway when he returns, so they don't feel too much pressure, and allow Martin to depart. I hope that when fit, he will restore AW to the forward line and end that nonsense of playing him at RWB. So where do we invest the AS money most sensibly? For me, we need a RB, Tanner is a bit raw but a good back-up and Sykes is not a RB; he is much better deployed further forward. I think we probably need a CB as well; Klose seems on his way out, Kalas can't stay fit (or isn't played when he is...), Naimsith seems to be a better option in midfield, and Atkinson is too slow. Vyner has improved massively now NP is playing a back 4; (I always said he was being left with too much to do with Sykes always bombing forward). Another CM would be good to replace King and add some depth to the bench. Other than that, we could probably hold off on big purchases until the summer to see what Scott does.
Robins boss remaining tight-lipped on City's interest in Town forward Cornick Luton attacker is reportedly closing in on a move to Ashton Gate https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/...itys-interest-in-town-forward-cornick-4005518
I think the next couple of league games will give us a better indication as to whether Bell can step up into Semenyo's boots and we can relax in that department. The lad has done brilliantly so far and if he carries on in that way we are laughing (until the big boys come circling). It's our defence that needs strengthening and that has been the case for several seasons. Klose isn't the long term answer. Kalas - will he ever be fit again? Our forward options of Bell (in current form), Conway and Wells will frighten any Championship defence. It's our own back line we need to worry about.
Burnley and Millwall among sides keen on Chelsea prodigy https://the72.co.uk/2023/01/30/burnley-and-millwall-among-sides-keen-on-chelsea-prodigy/
Auxerre set to sign Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo on loan https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.c...ol-city-midfielder-han-noah-massengo-on-loan/
Good news (I think) - he hasn't featured in Nige's squad for some time. HNM gets game-time, we get regular money for him to pay towards his wages - but he remains our player and we can keep an eye on his development and recall or sell him as we see fit.
We can’t sell him as he’s out of contract in June 23, so will leave for free. HNM has been badly managed by Nige for my money, he has a lot to offer the team, but Nige has dug in and stubbornly refused to entertain using him
Cheers, Wiz. I always find these types of deals interesting, he’s on loan at Hull, who have barely played him, yet want to sign him permanently. He also has interest from the top and middle of the Championship, so why aren’t Hull using him, and why, if he’s not getting game time at Hull do 3 other clubs want him?
Wolves should sign Scott after dominant display https://www.footballfancast.com/wol...petegui-bristol-city-fa-cup-transfer-molineux
As I understand the situation there has been a contract offer on the table waiting for him to sign for months, he has been advised or refuses to accept whats on offer, he has every right to move on and we have every right to select players who believe in our cause and shirt, thats the way of the football world, we all move on.
Sources: AFC Wimbledon respond to new Bristol City bid for Jack Currie https://www.footballinsider247.com/...pond-to-new-bristol-city-bid-for-jack-currie/
I didn't know this. Yes it does sound like bad management (again). Not sure I blame Nige entirely in this case - if Nige decided he didn't want to use HNM then I would assume he'd pass HNM over to the COO to go and get the best available deal for him. If Gould did nothing then that's Gould's fault. If Nige decided HNM was not going to be part of his plans but sat on his decision and didn't tell Gould then that WOULD be Nige's fault. There is a 3rd option I suppose - that Nige and Gould DID do the right thing but no offers came in except the loan offer from Auxerre - in which case we had no choice but to take it because HNMs stock was so low.
Bristol City Eyeing Swoop For Crystal Palace Out On Loan Star https://insidefutbol.com/2023/01/30...p-for-crystal-palace-out-on-loan-star/593180/
I really like Massengo's effort and spirit and he seems a good person. However for all his endeavours imo he never 'produced' enough. For me he was weak in the tackle, fell over too much , non existent in the air and was more likely to pass square or back rather than forward. Tbf he was playing at a time with players not as good as James and Naismith in midfield. (I also think these 2 imo have allowed Scott to blossom much further). I wish him the very best, I'd love to think he'd have a great career elsewhere. He may be like some I knew who developed and shined later in their 20s. I certainly hope so.
Not sure if Nigel has managed him badly. It was reported at the time he was bought for £2.5 million plus add ons that could take deal to over £7 million. I find in fascinating that HNS is on 99 appearances. If you were the manager in October and you were told significant chunk of your transfer budget would be spent on HMS if he makes one more appearance. i.e. gets to 100, however in the summer he can leave for basically nothing would you have played him? It is not unbelievable that one of the add ons was a payment he he made 100 appearances.