It's both. Has to be right for everyone. Embo just isn't going to get in the team. Even the squad would be a stretch.
I think we need both. We do need a big sale but fees or reducing the wages for the filler players is important too.
I think you're bang on. From the moment he started as a trialist they wanted him, he went to Southampton I heard. Not for him. He was keen on us, but it'll have work permits that have delayed this deal. He was said to have agreed weeks ago now.
With Embo/Matete, getting small fees in with added incentives such as sell on percentages, that's the way to go for me.
I don't think we necessarily need a big sale....but we do need to reduce the squad size,and I would like to see permanent moves out rather than loans.
Do we really need a big sale this window? Or will a half decent sale for someone, like Ekwah, then get rid of the others that aren't quite good enough, be enough for what we need?
Just 5K a week or 250K a year that's a few bob. 6 players £1.5m a year in wages alone plus extras. Thrown in a few fees and we've got a bit to play with. The likes of Rigg are moving into the squad now . Action is needed .
I'm hoping RLB will be able to do a filtering of the squad,to keep those he thinks will make it,and allow those he doesn't to leave. I think it's an important part of our squad development. We're top heavy,we know that.
Depends how much we would get for Ekwah really. I want us to sell someone for big money so that we can move into the £5million+ signing market which I really doubt we'll do without bringing in big money (nobody in the championship spends that much without parachute payments or selling players first). The only out and out striker to score 15+ last season who didn't cost over £5m was Vardy who is on over £100k a week.
I am starting to think we need a LB and a CB too. Left-back is more crucial to me, the only natural one we have who is fit (for now) is Cirkin. Alese and Hjelde are looking like CB's. Aji and Hjelde both have knocks too. So a little bit worrying
Yeah I agree we need to recoup some big money. Just trying to think of other ways to get some decent money in.
If O'Nien remains in the centre of defence I'd be worried about our lack of height defending corners, etc ... ... an area we're weak in already. Jobe doesn't like heading the ball imo so losing Ekwah, from midfield, would be a worry. He needs to improve but I think he could be a very good player. Stewart was one of our best defenders, at dead ball situations, and he's gone.
Think the fact RLB came out after the Blackpool Game and said he wants to work with a smaller group is quite telling to be honest mate, think we should expect to see sales soon.
I agree re: half decent sale doing the trick but Clarke's contract concerns me. This summer is probably the time to sell him due to having two years left on his current deal, as his value will reduce after this window. It could be that his value to us exceeds what other clubs are willing to pay though. Another 15+ goals from him, along with steady improvements in other parts of the team, and we could have a really good season. Tough one to decide.
Considering tonight is meant to be a much changed squad, the exclusions from tonight will be very telling on who is close to leaving or isn't in the plans
Tend to agree mainly down to how injury prone they are but have to be careful about blocking pathways to the first team if we bring in another perm centre half, really tough balancing act
Alan Browne. I'm sure he was in the top percent of players in the league last year for winning aerial duels.
I like the fact he hasn't just made decisions based on what the existing staff have told him. He seems to have given players a chance to impress.
