Were one of a few teams who know exactly where we will be operating next season.This affords McD a great chance to get his targets for next season lined up early. Hopefully this will be the case and he gets the required backing. This caper of waiting till last week of transfer window simply doesn't work. Hopefully as soon as window opens, we'll be getting our business done
Spot on Eire. The only problem might be the wage structure and the need to move a number of people on to make some headroom for incomers.
If were going to wait though until we move on our rubbish, well be no different to any season. it could take months to shift our dead weight. Hope we can make the signings first
As above - We were thinking the same last season... He might have his targets but some of those targets might depend on where their current teams finish. I am refusing to build my hopes up
What happens next will determine much of next season. If we have to wait for deadwood to be moved on, you're right Eire, we'll not be any better off than we were last season. But if we can bring in a few of BMD's targets BEFORE he has to move people on, it will show real progress..
With the likes of Kisnorbo, Connolly, Bromby, Rachubka and Somma all coming to an end and probably all being released (I know theres some debate over whether Somma will be retained) then there is some wage money there to play with all ready on top of any extra money that is made available to McDermott. Knowing that that money is going to be available should give him a chance to move early. Particularly so if Pugh can be sold quickly as I imagine his wages are reasonably substantial.
Who would you like to see signed? McDermott will surely try to nab a couple Reading player's, LaFondre springs to mind.
Reading Links Matt Mills Alex Pearce Alex McCarthy (rumoured to be on his way to Fulham 4 million) Le Fondre Very Unlikely but I would love them
Our squad is a fairly average size and Habibou will go back from the current matchday squad, so regardless what happens to any so called "deadwood", there is plenty room for additions as and when they may become available.
Think it's more likely to be that some of the "deadwood" are on ridiculous wages and that's what is causing the issue rather than sheer number of players
Maybe someone like Drury if White is considered backup to Warnock at LB. I also believe Brown is entitled to a new deal due to appearances or something, so maybe he wouldn't have been kept by choice. Other than that though i don't think there's too many others who don't contribute to the team.
The other I'd add to that is Pugh who will be coming back from loan. Thankfully others are coming to the end of their contracts anyway so will be dealt with. But I think when the vast majority of people are talking about deadwood they also mean players they don't want to be here. I know Norris isn't popular with everyone for example. But for me, players like that can only be moved on if someone better comes in first. Otherwise we'll end up scraping around for free transfers to plug holes in the squad again. And we need to stay away from that approach.
Yeah, forgot about Pugh. I also take your point about people like Norris, and you can add the likes of Varney and Morison to that list, and plenty others as no one apart from Byram has really stood out this year as outstanding. I just think the squad is in better shape than it's been in previous seasons (as a whole, I realise we are lacking previous quality levels) and being in a position where we've to keep certain players wouldn't be a disaster for McDermott.
