.........with what we've already got?............The Victor Moses rumour and his high wages has got me wondering. I suppose it's such a fine balancing act - a gamble if you like. It beggars the question as to whether we can retain Prem status with what we've already got with just some minor tweaks and cover, or whether it's worth the outlay and speculation on potential match winners. A lot will depend up what the other bottom 7 clubs decide to do in January - either go for it with money or what they've already got. If it were a level playing field and everyone around us carried on as they are now, I think we have a great chance of keeping 3 of them beleow us. The problem is that if we wait to see what others are going to do, we could be stronger favourites for the drop than we are now. Tough call and to be fair it's Tan's money and the confidence he needs in Warnocks judgment to give him a wedge to spend, but the prospect of losing the huge Prem revenue for next season must surely influence the decision.
I read somewhere in the media that if we beat Huddersfield Saturday, they're as good as down. Bit early for that, but with their next games - Man City, Everton and Chelsea, they could develop a gap to 17th spot that will be very difficult to close.
Other teams have stayed up with the squad that got them up plus minor additions. I still look at the money Fulham chucked at it, and still want more, with no certainty of staying up. I think we need to do something, but nothing radical. I'd like another midfielder as a permie signing as I'm still worried about losing 3 centre mids at the end of the season. If we're going for a no 9, an old head who knows where the goal is on loan would be my preference even if we have to shell out big wages. As to the question, yes we can. I'd like a bit of help though.
Fulham and Huddersfield definitely looking to strengthen (Udders signed Puncheon already). Newcastle largely dependent on Ashley selling up or extending his short arms in his deep pockets. Burnley could well stick and rely on Dyche to motivate his players and not twist. Saints new boss likely to want to bring in some of his "own" players. I don't believe what we have will be enough. With Madine, Tomlin and Pilks plus Damour likely to move on that would free up around £50k per week at least wages. That should help fund at least one incomer and surely we have a good chunk of the tv money left in the budget having spent little compared to others. As I have said elsewhere, who we sign or don't and what we spend will be a barometer of VT's future intentions. It must be in his interests for us to stay in the Prem, guarantee another year's tv money and make us a more attractive package if he wants to sell.
Like I said, if there wasn't a January window and everyone carried on with what they've got, I think we've enough in the tank to keep 3 teams below us. What worries is the extent that others in danger will speculate in a desperate attempt to stay up. If we sit on our hands and just do a bit of minor tinkering, it'll be too late in 3 weeks time to do anything but pray. Just how much is worth laying out now to give some sort of "insurance" against losing out on another £100M Prem money next season, and also a further £20M in 3rd year parachute payments we'd forfeit if we slip back down after just one season up here. It must be worth a decent shot at it.
As of today, I think we have enough to finish in 17th spot. No idea what my opinion will be at the end of the transfer window. Personally, I'd prefer getting the midfield squared away first and foremost. That has to be done this window. We cannot be hunting for quality midfield players in the summer as we will need fresh legs in defence. The rest of the season I think we can muddle through with the "strikers" we already have and hopefully the powers that be have a plan to get someone decent in up front either this window or in the summer. I guess no one knows the sort of budget VT has given the transfer committee, but it needs to be around £50 million, if not more, to get what we need in the January window.
Tan is no fool he will cough up the money to strengthen. 1 or 2 signings plus the wages needed to get 2 on loan. The players we have will know that paying high wages for those loans will in the end help them get another season in the prem
Warnock has put you in the wonderful situation of being able to strengthen, but without the panic. You'll get a couple in, would be my guess.
Can we stay up? Yes. The Huddersfield performance probably shook up the club a bit. A lot more seems to be happening this week.
