Keeper and LCB needed as soon as possible. The rest can wait if necessary to see what’s available loan wise for 2/3 of slots.
Burnley losing Brownhill, that'll be 3 huge players for them leaving and 2 of them they got zero for. With PSR you need to be selling players to boost how much you can spend and losing 2 key players for nothing is shocking from them
Are you saying that there is an alternative approach to that being taken which would give us a chance? Clearly, the team which got us up could not have survived. No one can seriously think that, such a thing has not happened for a long, long time. We either have a serious go, within the means we have and by our own methods, or we do what many have done, wait for relegation and use the cash to try and get back up. We are trying to miss a step, and that in my view should be applauded. This does not at all mean that the Academy set up is being either ignored or given up on. Players coming through will get a chance here, that much has been said. But if we are in this league, and stay there, the bar is higher. A lot is asked of our young players, and a lot of support is given. Some will make it. Some will not and it was ever thus. This is the way I hoped we would approach it if we got up, but it was a wild hope. For it to be actually happening is an outstanding testament to the people running this club. Don't worry, these are serious people.
Forgot about Egan Riley - feels so long ago. Be interesting to see what they do with the Trafford money
I think it's important that one of our identities is playing lads from the academy. They have to be good enough though, and thats where it gets difficult. In League One and the Championship, the levels are so much lower and its a lot easier to ease these lads in, especially in the last 4 years when we've had one of the better teams in those respective divisions. With the current lads, Patto has potential to be good enough imo but is unproven and needs good competition. He hasnt had any real competition since he made that position his own, its up to him to earn it in the Prem. Neil is a really weird one for me because I just dont understand how we havent come to an agreement on a new deal. Im not sure where he could go that is better than us and where he will get a load of minutes. If its a wage thing from his side, the club just arent going to put him with the likes of ELF, Xhaka or Diarra because those lads have proven themselves at way higher levels than Neil has. As with Patto, I want him to stay and crack on trying to get into the 11, its a tough but not even close to impossible ask if they play at their best levels. I have no worries with Rigg personally. He's way ahead of schedule at his age imo and was probably overplayed last year. As it stands, he only has ELF in the 10 ahead of him imo and still has the potential to play a bit deeper if needed. He will need to be managed well and brought up to speed at this level and I think we all believe he will get there sooner than later. Its a tough one for the club to get right but I do think after the next couple of years, after hopefully solidifying in the prem, will be when we start to see the reintroduction of the academy lads into the senior squad.
Not sure yet, just announced he's leaving They are losing their GK, already lost 1 of their 1st choice CBs and now losing their top scorer
Never looked like it to me. I think he thought he was a Chelsea player doing us a favour. Maybe League One will suit him, but I doubt it.
I don’t often call players but he’s one of the worst I’ve seen for us, granted was never given a good run but looked awful everytime I seen him
Nowhere near enough time in my opinion . This would’ve been agreed through the week, final match to say bye to fans & team mates then any loose ends/press informed and confirmation from both clubs … … no chance it was all put together over breakfast.