Have to say if it`s right we`re in for Marshall, i personally think it`s a good move, I rate him better then Big Mac, with the pitiful budget being mentioned though 6m is a big chunk of it, still need a good striker to add to our ranks, I don`t particularly think Robson Kanu is the answer, but no doubt TWT.
until the takeover is completed were shopping on a championship budget with championship players targeted
Until there's a take-over, or it's decided there's not going to be a take-over, we're not shopping at all.
We are favourites to be relegated and finish bottom. No surprise there, I don't think we will disappoint.
Hal Robson-Kanu is apparently top of Brucey's wishlist. So, he is the pinnacle of our summer activity, our #1 target. A free transfer from the Championship. Close your eyes and think of England.
Very wise way of working on a very small budget, get some decent free squad fillers in first and save the money for players that can strengthen the team.
He's not the 'pinnacle' of our Summer activity though is he? Bruce has already indicated he wants up to 6 new players. We've already had relatively firm links to Mason at Spurs, Marshall at Cardiff, Sane from Bordeaux. Get a bloody back bone for heavens sake man.
I'm not bothered about the lack of activity, just the level of quality some people seem to be happy with us aiming for.
We've already got a decent squad. Better than the other two teams promoted to the PL in my opinion. Snodgrass we didn't have in the PL, Livermore has his head screwed on and is motivated, Dawson, Hernandez. If we sign the players we are linked with I'll be happy. We have always needed two strikers as a minimum, so if getting HRK on a free means we can have more to spend on a n other then great! At the moment HRK has his pick of clubs, so what soundbites would you like to come of the media? He's our 4th choice striker? I'm a bit baffled by comments from everyone - he had a great tournament, he works hard and he'd be a better option up front than Diomande.
We've got the core of a decent squad, but absolutely no strength in depth and that's what killed us last time. HRK had a good tournament but ask any Reading fan who has watched him for the last few years and they'll tell you he's been less than average and they're glad he's gone. I'm sure the signings coming in will be good, but given the spend by the others and the quality they're buying, we're in for a tough ride if we are pinning our hopes on a free transfer from the championship.
everyone reckons that HRK will be as good for us as he was under Coleman, but dont forget we have that prick, SB in charge.
We're not 'pinning' our hopes on a free transfer from the Championship. So what if other teams are signing loads of players? Ask Newcastle how that worked out for them last season? Leicester City probably had a cheaper squad in winning the Premier League than we did scraping through the play offs from the Championship. Middlesbrough? They haven't signed anyone of any real note or experience - most are gambles from abroad, who based on our experience seldom work out, if they do it takes time to settle. We only have to be better than 3 other teams - as with any Steve Bruce side, we will be competitive. Karanka has never managed in the PL and I expect he'll get found out fairly early on.
Again, it's not the amount they're buying, it's who. Bournemouth are splurging cash (although they have a really rich owner) and buying well, as are Boro. If you haven't heard of any of their signings then you're in for a shock next season. Subotic is pretty darn good. And since when was Victor Valdes not 'of note?' There's only really Stoke and Burnley who haven't bought anybody decent, even Palace are after Benteke and have signed Steve Mandanda. The teams we are going to be scrapping at the bottom with are going for quality and are spending to get it. I'm not overly impressed with who we are after in comparison, but it's probably safe to assume that once the takeover saga ends, things might swing into gear. Again, I'm not fussed about how many come in, I'm more concerned about how good they actually are.
