What have we learnt after NP's first season in charge? Well, we know he buys or gets players in at the front of the windows, smart because it avoids auctions and last minute pressures influencing price. He like young, hungry players. He finds players no one is aware of. He now knows where the team needs strengthening. Players like him, so we should expect to see some of the players that impressed the backroom team to come back. By all accounts NP builds a good spirit in the camp, a good atmosphere that players enjoy. So judging by AP's pre match comments on Saturday, I think we can expect our summer transfer targets already lined up. Which will allow the new lads to start gelling as a team ready for the start of the new season. I'm glad we havent reached the playoffs, it's too soon!! I'm looking forward to a few transfer surprises, I'm sure we'll be hearing soon who's joining us. I'm also more confident of a better start next season and a more competitive team. Looking forward to it already! Now where are those season ticket renewal forms!! UTT
Walsh should be given a lot of credit here too. I think it's a bit far-fetched to suggest that the summer deals are already done, we've only really had one transfer window where we signed players on the first day, and even then it was only McLean and Fryatt, we signed players throughout January. Plus I'm not sure I agree with the deflated transfer prices, McLean was well overpaid for.
With the "rumours" of someone from Sweden, I wouldn't say no to Alejandro Bedoya. Hard working "midfield-general" who has been called up to the US national-team lately! The Swedish Leagues Xavi
I'd agree with your assessment of McLean. A good 110% effort sort of player but out of his league at this level. I think that we have targetted players but we will have to off-load some beforehand. I would like to see McLean and Simpson out to be honest but it is a matter of who we can bring in.
Sorry, just re-edited most of the OP! Agree on paying too much for McLean, but hey that's a 'with hindsight' assessment. I'd say the theory is sound though, once the end of the window gets closer any selling club or player know that they have the upper hand. Still expect some loans in from the EPL, I think other managers thrust NP, that can't be said of Tango man.
Why Simpson? I think he looks like he could be a class act if he hits form. 6 goals in 30 appearances (13 as a sub) doesn't sound great but considering in the first 15 games the entire team only scored 11, it's hard to knock him for those. I've pretty much wiped the slate clean from those games so 6 goals in 15 games (where he actually had any sort of chance of scoring) is much better. Throughout a season that would equal 18/19 goals in 46 games. Maybe I'm blinded by this obsession I have about Simpson coming good but I'd hate to see him leave any time soon, especially considering he's still only 22.
If another Club came in with an offer he'd be gone - as would McLean. To get to the play-offs alone we would need an above-average team and both Simpson and McLean (despite their 100%+ effort) are barely average for this league. Just my opinion but they have done nothing for me to change it.
i've read about 4 or 5 posts from yourself about someone from sweden but where has the rumour actually come from?
Well, I heard if from someone on here, who heard Burnsy/Swanny talking about it during the game yesterday. I watched the game with Slovenian commentators, so I can't confirm it, haha
I heard this too. Didn't "his sources" say 2 Swedish players? Doesn't necessarily mean their coming from the Swedish League. I mean it could be John Guidetti.
It was me Febbos, he said about the signings we'll possibly be making including Danns, Evans, Mystery LW and maybe someone from Sweden. But then again, he randomly started commenting on a female QPR fan's clothing and the baby she was pushing so can you trust something coming from him.
Then he started speculating whether the baby needed it Nappy changing. Then spent about 2 minutes describing the colour of the referee's top.
He really likes colours! Had a discussion with Swanny about the referees kit a few weeks ago, whether it was yellow or lime-coloured. Took around 4-5 minutes until he let it go
That was the same debate as yesterday . All the way through the game, Swanny kept on mentioning how much of a delight it was to see Taarabt on the ball and when he took that free-kick from 40 yards, it was "That was a great free-kick, just a foot or two wide and you never know with Taarabt do you"! when I watched FLS it was about 5 yards wide. Just move down south why don't you!
They mentioned their Sony award nomination about 7 times. Just think how bad the other nominations must be.
