Based on the two loanees that we’ve seen so far I think it’d be hard to pick someone out of the crowd to come straight into the side and do worse. Obviously they’ll improve with these coaches but we might as well develop our players and not someone else’s.
Totally understand, but which of our players are being set back? Which young striker, attacking wide player, and LB are coming through?
Well first of all, if we think loans are okay then we’re not pulling out all the stops to sign permanent talent. Second, I can’t believe we don’t have a single player in the academy that could make the step up. Third, I believe in a growth mindset - use our coaches to develop, nurture and improve who we do have. And fourth, a successful football team is not about individuals. It’s about morale, camaraderie, playing for the badge and giving players an opportunity. Having too many loans is contrary to all that.
I don't think we have too many loans!! As I said, Williams is with a view to a permanent, try before you buy, nothing wrong with that. That basically leaves us with 2 loan players that we probably won't sign, no biggy for me!!
Think there might be more ins and outs tomorrow. Edwards will go (that’s a shame for me). It would also not surprise me to see Ladapo or Edmundson go although there would need to a replacement cb. Humphries may go out on loan as we have Taylor and Evans as well as Morsy and loungo, no more loans in though - we have 3 and that’s plenty
Have to say after seeing the second string the other night if we're going to challenge for the top positions we need to improve. We've got some good players and they were particularly good for second string at league 1 level but not if we get a big injury to one of our first teamers, they could certainly come in and do a job but if we are going to have to rely on them for a long period no. I also feel we haven't got many game changers from the bench especially if the game isn't going our way perhaps Scarlett will be that player. Also from the other night I noticed due to having a multitude of players who favoured the opposite foot to the side of the team we were on we lacked a bit of width and didn't make the most of the space. I think transfer window this summer on the whole positive but perhaps given expectations have been so high there is a bit of disappointment in that although we have signed Hirst permanently I'm not sure we have a stronger team now than we did at the end of last season. I'm content with our second string and most will do a job at this level but what I haven't seen yet is too many players who can come on and change a game for the better. For me that's where I'm disappointed to lose Leigh and probably Edwards who have both effectively been replaced by loan players.
The problem is....who would you look to replace, people are talking about improving the starting 11 but who would you look to replace? For me it's only the 2 CB's you could replace, everyone else is doing a great job. So then it comes to bringing in game changers, someone that can come off the bench and change a game but those players are very few and far between, what quality player wants to come and sit on the bench at Ipswich??
Very true but improvements can always be made although it needs to be balanced against showing some loyalty to the players who have got us this far, it's a very hard balance but think my biggest concern is as I've said impact players off the bench and players being up to the standard who come into the team replacing injured or out of form players.
That's why I think Scarlett is a decent signing, he can be an impact player but he could also become a starter. There's not many decent players out there that would sit on the bench and be used as an impact player if things ain't going well It's not easy as you say ptc, being able to bring in the quality and keeping everyone happy is tough ask but we have to keep the fantastic team spirit that we currently have!!
I’m talking about a guiding principle. For me we needed to sign wingers and strikers that’s all. We’ve even lost Edwards and Leigh, so the only real enhancement on last season will be Scarlett. For me it would be all about getting more quality in that first XI, you don’t sign people to sit on the bench. Let one or two from the academy fill some of those spots and bring in some young potential from the lower leagues and overseas. One of the problems facing McKenna is, the subs bench is too big these days! Bobby Robson never had to contend with this problem.
Strong rumours coming from the Leeds camp that we are after Gelhardt - if that's the case, can see Freddie moving on (Charlton are sniffing around for him apparently)
