While we all wanted a proper number 9 there is a positive side to our current set up. We don’t really know who is going to score for us, so far it’s Cirkin, Onion and Mayender. The same will go for the opposition. They won’t know who to mark or who is the danger player. With Jack gone Roberts seems to be an obvious one to double up on but we have talent all over. Any of them are capable of scoring. Maybe it’s our ‘cunning plan’
I see no reason not to be optimistic. The club isn't perfect but I certainly have more faith in the current ownership than any other in my lifetime. Even the Reid years were set against the backdrop of things being very mediocre under Murray for a long time before that. Maybe the transfer window wasn't a "10/10" but that's the nature of it, and of sport in general. No matter how much you try and control things, they aren't completely controllable or predictable. I think we all have to try and understand that because it's a fundamental aspect of football. That's what makes it compelling. The window hasn't gone badly for us and the club, and first team, has improved greatly from where it was at the end of last season. I just can't see any reason to be despondent.
It's difficult for sides to double up on us now because our full backs and one of our midfielders are supporting the winger. This wasn't happening under Dodds and Beale.
Got a big future like. You can just tell with some players when they’ve got that bit something extra compared to others in that age group. Kelly and Jones likewise.
I agree completely. I’m the opposite of despondent when it comes to safc right now. I think we’re doing absolutely the right things and am comfortable in our progress even if it takes a slightly longer time to get back up via this path. We’ll be better for it in the long run. it’s a matter of fanbase’s expectation for me. It’s something that worries me and IMO could derail us every bit as much as not having a ‘proven’ striker - if not more so. If the fanbase expects autos or top ten pl or (as it often appears) to never lose a game of football ever again, it pushes us into a toxic climate fairly quickly. Always worth the fans keeping our financial reality in mind when they consider whether to get the pitchforks out.
They all look comfortable in possession and play with their heads up. Simple things but they make a massive difference
Benette for me has not put a foot wrong when he has played for us sad thing he has only been played off the bench late on in games.
Milan Aleksic called up to the Serbia squad this morning. with the striker stuff he’s kinda gone under the radar. He only turned 19 yesterday and he’s in a good international squad. I think we may have a gem.
Play Spain on Thursday and Denmark on Sunday. We have a lot of players out on international duty. Aleksic, Mepham, Browne, Ballard, Hume Jobe, Rigg, not sure if Aouchiche was called up for Algeria after he switched allegiance. Not sure if I'm forgetting any. Gives me something to watch over the international break I suppose.
Honestly on reflection the three main signings announced after midnight last night have potentials to be insane signings. Mepham has vast experience but is at his peak, not ageing. And could easily become permanent for free Samed was in the unofficial Ligue 1 (not Ligue 2) team of the year the season before last. Aleksic has just turned 19 and is being called up to the Serbia national squad. That’s before looking at the other lad who, let’s face it, is a complete shot in the dark it seems.
The thing is I don’t think Clarke would score as many for us thisyear as he’d did last. Opposition know the danger and whilst they can’t always stop him they do know what he’s going to do. He needs to be able to beat a man on the outside as well. Last year if they stopped Clarke they stopped us. Now we look better on the right and through the middle so they can’t double up on everyone so Clarke staying would have still added a lot but with Mundle and the new bus and The RLB way of playing I think we’re better off now. I’ve sort of gone round in circles but basically I think his goals will be replaced.
