No. It just shows it is not chalk and cheese. Skill levels maybe. Which does not say a lot about sides who have been in the Championship a few seasons and had time to assemble more experienced, stronger squads on paper. Though in fairness Ipswich probably have a squad with a larger wage bill than ours. They have been been getting larger crowds than us paying. higher prices than us for the past few seasons so have more wriggle room under FFP.
Let’s not sign any players. Keep the cash in the bank earning interest. Plan for mid table for the next five years and consolidate our position.
Sunderland came straight up and got top 6 last year too. OK they did well in the loan market, but that was a squad made up of a few championship cherries in a largely League 1 cake.
Oh, I'm not comparing them to us specifically. Much less comparing them to us under the Allams, but it wasn't a full squad overhaul, and a core of L1 players didn't look out of place in the championship, which is I believe my and Cityzens point.
They and Ipswich play much easier styles for these players to adapt to. Whereas we play arguably the most difficult for “league 1” players to sustain. Yes we are in a very healthy position but our form suggests we are on a downwards slope. Players that fall into this category are holding us back under this style, will never question effort but they are too inconsistent to maintain the top level of this league imo
They play not dissimilar styles to ourselves, but they have been playing it and recruiting to it more consistently over a longer period, albeit at a lower level. I think the main issue is the fact we've been conceding goals down the right the more we've had to rely on Christie at RB. It's getting silly now. Sort that, and ideally LB too - another winger so we can get the width back then we'll look more ourselves again. Oh, and who's going to ping balls about quarterback-style with no Seri or Morton.
... And in something that might actually be transfer news - check out today's 1904 club podcast. Scroll to 48 minutes. According to Baz the LB issue is close to being resolved. Ruben probably going back. There's a name in the frame the club are keeping quiet. Should hear something fairly imminently. All being well.
Listened to that. Interesting that Baz hints at another keeper as well. Given how close he is to the team he's probably showing that they aren't happy with the GK situation
That was my thought too. Not only that, I can see Allsop as a realiatic option as a ball playing top 6 championship no. 2 keeper. But are either of them top 6 No1's ?
It's a bit brutal but I'd be disappointed if Ingram's still at the club after the summer. He's a solid championship keeper but he's awful with his feet and it's just a non-starter for us.
He said it as if Lo-Tutala needs to go out and get minutes, which he does, but I just think it must also be they're not happy with the GK situation. Finding a GK that is adept with the feet and with his hands isn't easy though
At this level, and with our budget you'd think we might be trying to replicate the Darlow situation with another loan. I doubt we'll sign another permanent one this Jan unless it's a prospect. Think ST got a like off Howden that there might be a loan keeper from Turkiye on the cards a couple of weeks ago.
I'm pretty sure they'll try something, they sort of have to but it's going to be tricky as we don't have many loan spots left. This is the window I'm expecting Acun to throw everything at it. We're in with a great shout of a top 6 spot but this squad needs help
You can have as many loans as you want, it's only a limit of 5 in the matchday squad, where I think we won't see Vinagre much if at all going forward. It's a tough one. I said a few weeks ago I don't want us gambling on expensive loans and older players this window as I think next season is a much better possibility of going up and we could harm our chances of recruitment in the summer if we bring too much forward for short termism this window. But with Ipswich faltering it really does open up the play offs so who knows. It's a gamble for a reason.
You'd imagine Vinagre will be binned and we'll bring in a LB on loan. So that leaves 1 spot left as Morton, Delap or Twine aren't getting dropped from the matchday squad any time soon.
I wouldn't be shocked to see us try to sign a LB permanently as it's a longstanding issue. Who's available would dictate that though. I'm sure this has all been thought through though - could also be a sign we're going to go all out for getting Delap permanently. Keep in mind Twine may be either off to Bristol City or also signing permanently.
Should listen to today's 1904 club. It's a good listen throughout but 48 mins in, Baz is pretty much incinuating movement in that area relatively quickly. Scroll 48 mins in if you have a spare few mins, or do the whole thing if you have an hour.
