Given where we are right now and the way the team is playing...I'd go as far to say the January window will be the most consequential window for Speakman
Yes and no. I think we need to be careful about how we as a fanbase talk about January, and what is possible in that window. Are there signings that can guarantee our place in the top two? Doubtful IMO. If we miss out is that because we weren't 'ambitious enough'? Or is it because of luck, or financial imbalance, or just because other teams perform brilliantly? The likelihood is that we will continue to do what we have done throughout KLDs time here - stick to our process, add players where we see value and not focus solely on the immediate term. We're never going to go 'all in' on promotion as they clearly don't want to have to go into a contraction if we miss out. If we miss out this year it isn't failure - even if KS doesn't hit a January home-run in the next window. Given the way the club has recovered this season by sticking to its plan - even in the face of supporter panic - it's past the point where they've earned a little bit of trust IMO.
Agree with this, but I think the aim should be to solidify play offs. We know that Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield Utd will likely recruit in January. Boro look to have hit form too. Making sure we stay up there as long as possible with some shrewd additions would be my plan. If we were to drop out of the top 6 come the end of the season and didn’t bother doing any real business in January I think it would be a real wake up call to just how long it’s going to take us to get promoted, in my opinion as a pessimist of course I can’t knock the transfer business we’ve done, yes we’ve signed a fair few who’ve made no impact at all but the money made from Clarke, the likes of Jobe, Hume, Cirkin, Mundle all brilliant. But on the other hand if we aren’t willing to take a risk when we’re challenging for the top of the league come the half way point you have to wonder when will we? Better teams getting relegated, PL clubs picking off players then having to replace them etc only makes it harder.
I think it's steady progression and an upwards trend - even if it isn't always linear. We lose a few along the way but always try to be better overall. In some respects that job is getting harder. We'll have to say goodbye to players who we were previously convinced by. So long as we're ruthless, though, I am virtually certain that we'll get up eventually by doing this - even if it isn't perhaps as quick as some wish. The trick is for everyone connected to SAFC to hold their nerve.
For what its worth... My opinion is, IF we are still in the hunt come January then rather than be "cautious " and keep with the plan....it just might be we need a leap of faith by the ownership and bring in one or two genuine quality players that would solidify our position in the top 6 and maybe even a shout at the top 2. I get this sticking with the system, but the rewards of promotion may just make them look at our transfer policy. All this said, right now I would be more than happy to keep the stars we have
I just don’t see any two players we sign being able to guarantee top two, and playoffs will always be a lottery. Happy to add a sprinkle of magic to the team but it has to be within acceptable parameters imo. I could see a couple of loans doing that tbf. I just don’t see us spending big money in January. Those sorts of deals are rarely good ones.
I’m one of the (apparently) few who think we should sign JH. However that’s on the assumption that a deal doesn’t obliterate our structures. It’s why loans are a good idea in January in my view. Allows us to potentially add a bit of magic, or some knowhow, but not being stuck with an overpay who kills us the following season. There might be opportunities that crop up - and we should be prepared to take advantage - but we shouldn’t go chasing it IMO. Thankfully we don’t have any glaring gaps we need to plug.
Well, you aren’t alone mate. I recognise that he made a huge mistake in going to Saudi and that he lost a lot of respect in many quarters on the back of that decision, but looking at it purely from a Sunderland perspective, so long as any deal for him didn’t break the bank and he genuinely wants to come here I’d take him. I understand that many will have very different views but I think he could be a really positive influence on this squad as if he’s committed and fit.
At this point I’ll be happy with him coming back unscathed from NI internationals mate along with our other lads away with the national sides.
I really like Dan, he's a really solid centre back for this level and has served us well. However, if a suitable offer came in and the money would be used to improve other areas of the squad I would 100% consider it.
I agree. He’s been brilliant here, no complaints at all but his injury record isn’t the best and we’ve seen there’s better out there (Mepham)
It’s an interesting dilemma. Right now he’s struggling to get in the team past O’Nien and Mepham. If we were to get Mepham on a permanent plus an 8 figure lump sum that wouldn’t be bad all things considered. It tends to get sticky when that money doesn’t necessarily get invested during the same window. And to be fair we still appear to have the Clarke money waiting to be used in anger.
I know he’s been playing for the 21s but surely Joe Anderson leaves permanently in January? 23 years old, I think there’d be League Two interest if the fee was a few K or even a free transfer.
