I admire your optimism but I can’t understand how you contend Ralls is a benefit rather than the obvious hindrance he is to the team.
I am not saying Ralls should play, I find it frustrating Wintle did not sweep up in midfield where he did a good job, I don`t think either of them will play a lot now.
Ralls upturn in form towards the end of last season was key to staying up. A superb end to the season from him. Hindrance?? Sorry Nin your talking bollox. No offence. Problem with Ralls I believe is hes an old 28 year old. His game is high energy covering a lot of ground breaking up play tackling and its bound to catch up with you. Somehow he turned the clock back and led from the front in key games at the end of the season. Hes still a key player in what will likely to be another battle. A great servant who deserves more respect from some of our fans...... in my opinion of course. If we had peak Ralls in our midfield v Blackpool in the play off final Charlie Adam wouldnt have had the freedom of the park he had that day.
Not saying he’s a bad player but he’s just not good enough for the high tempo football we need to play to dominate games. His lack of pace and reliance on his left foot makes him to me a weak link in our team. I reiterate if he’d been as good as some people suggest he’d have been targeted by other clubs but he has to my knowledge never been wanted by other clubs. How many times have we seen at home season after season opponents midfield players buzzing all over the pitch whilst Ralls and others are like statues. If we were allowed to play 12 v 11 then fine pick him but we’re not so for me he’s not in our starting X1
Like sawyers and Rhino buzzing all over messing things up? Romeo flatters to deceive with his runs up field and I have already said what I think of Wintle. Again I am sure they are all nice people but I would be happier if they were nice somewhere else.
I’m with you on Sawyers & Rhinomota; they were terrible signings but I disagree with you on Wintle. Romeo went backwards last season after his injury.
I think I can relent on Wintle as he offers something the marx bros most agree have to go, Romeo just needs to improve his crosses and passes in attack.
I do not understand so many thinking a mid table finish will be a good result. If we do not get promotion the loan players go back so have to start again and what then? hope for another mid table finish? The players we have, the players we brought in and those back off injuries offer us every chance because it`s a new team. This idea players need time does not wash with me, either they can play football or they are no good. Keep the ball, pass the ball to one of your players and attack their goal and at the same time stop them attacking and scoring. Seriously how hard is that for players to understand?
If we finish 10th-12th with the squad we have then Bulut will have worked a miracle. 1st target safety. With the signings weve made in particular Ramsey Im comfident of that and I reckon 16th or thereabouts is likely and will be a job well done. There are so many not good enough and some young players with question marks. We need a new keeper and another centre back urgently.
It's a matter of personal opinion as to what constitutes a "good result" this season. Mid table security is far better than floundering at the bottom trying to stay up like last year. Pushing for the playoffs that last dozen games is better than seeing out the season with nothing to play for, and ultimately pushing for the top prize should not be dismissed as impossible. We all differ in what we regard as a reasonable target for this season. To a certain extent I agree with you that we should set out with a positive approach even if we eventually fall short. Most just want to be looking towards the top of the table this year rather than over our shoulders at the bottom and there's nothing wrong with that.
Obvs aim for top 6 but for me 10-12th would be a good achievement. For me I just want to see a more attractive up tempo style of football with plenty of possession, goals and turning those narrow defeats into draws and draws into wins.
That would manifest itself through going out more concerned about not winning a game rather than being scared of losing it.
More here on Ojo from their local rag (plus a possible new home for ex bluebird Scott Malone) https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway...former-liverpool-winger-while-champio-290154/
Taxi for Watters?.............. https://the72.co.uk/2023/07/17/barn...-to-sign-championship-man-on-permanent-basis/
Asking price. The issue will be if Watters will take a paycut. Weve about 10 players who im sure wed gladly give free transfers to.
If we can get even a quarter of what we paid for him it's got to be worth consideration, if only to get him off the wage bill.
