5 OK well if it's 5 then then it's 5. Oct is just around the corner that's 3 already and we're 10th and falling like a stone. The fact is we finished mid table for the 4 years prior to the takeover.
Look maybe this is the play. In four years time I think we'll be back in Europe. Lessons MUST be learned from shocking recruitment and now Ashworth is gone, who knows. Howe CANNOT make so many of the same mistakes next year, else I'm quite sure he will be gone. Tonali, Willock, Joelinton, Bruno, Miley + new signing will relegate Longstaff away from the team. A new left back WILL appear. Botman will get his surgery. We'll add numbers and take away some of the crap. I don't like it. I think Howe's been very poor and shows no ability to change. But I don't think anyone against Howe has a choice, he'll get at least the next 10 months. If we're tracking ok in the PL, he'll see out the season and beyond as we have another crack at Europe. I'd imagine that's the point - literally Jan 2026 - before the manager is shifted as I suspect he'll fail again and that will finally be the point at which we show ambition.
We can easily sign 4-5 decent players this next window and push for a European spot. We are playing quite poorly and are 10th, it's not that many wins for us to be fighting for Europe. Some of the reactions are ridiculous. I don't particularly want Howe here next season, but even with him I'd expect new signings to be enough for us to be fighting for a top 7 spot.
I think the reactions are so heavy because we're just witnessing the same stupidity on repeat. It's exasperating.
It's who they sign I'm thinking about... howe is obsessed with plodders, but perhaps they'll surprise us?
Tbf even Guimareas is a plodder but he's very skilful and passionate. This side is devoid of pace other than the front 3 and the main striker can't hold up the ball.....it's an absolute mess at the moment... unfortunately the solution is Phillips according to the manager, so I'm concerned.
Agree Bruno isn’t quick but not every player needs to be. He is quality. Isak is a difficult one. Often doesn’t do much but is an excellent finisher. We do need a few good signings in the summer. I can understand the interest in Phillips initially actually but he’s certainly a bullet dodged especially at the ridiculous price. I do think we will sign someone in that position in the summer though. Time will tell who we sign.
