Failed sports journo (or if you're feeling generous, 'potential sports journo in the making' who got fed up with freelance rates, so went into the corporate world)
Now the voice of reason will speak..... Even if we start a bit slow.....we will still piss this league!!
Strong rumours that Manchester United are in for Hayden Hackney, although his preference is apparently Spurs - who are also linked. I think it's becoming likelier that he's going to be beyond our reach with confirmed Premier League interest. I won't be too disappointed if we fail to get, as I think the signing was too ambitious. Sky Sports are reporting that Cajuste is likely to return to us (on loan again, but made permanent if we get promoted). That would be a good signing and helps to retain some of the experience and partnerships the squad were developing in the Premier League. Cajuste was one of our more consistent players last season, so I think he'll be more than comfortable in the Championship. My main concern would be his fitness issues. It'll be imperative we sign another central midfielder with him though, to add more depth and cover, in the likely scenario Cajuste has to miss some games.
Hackney is a rough diamond and would be a good investment but Cajuste would be an incredible signing ready to slot straight into the side. I’m not keen that Hackney is having doubts. I think we should withdraw the offer.
I completely understand why Hackney is holding out for a Premier League side - if he backs himself and believes he's ready for the step up. His wages will be higher at a bigger club too. However, I agree that the current situation is leaving a bit of a sour taste in the mouth. If he doesn't get his Premier League move and feels like he has to 'settle' for Ipswich, is that going to impact his morale and motivation? Plus, does he truly believe he'll be a first team regular at Manchester United or Spurs? A few poor performances will have the fans on his back immediately. The Hackney deal would be massive statement signing. But promotion doesn't solely hinge on it. I believe we've got a good enough squad as it is to compete for promotion. Signing both Hackney and Cajuste will put us in a brilliant position - not just for this season, but also for our potential Premier League return. If we just sign one, that'll be great. If we can't get either deal over the line ahead of the first game of the season next week, I really hope we've got a contingency shortlist because central midfield is the main area of concern right now.
I’ve got no problem with Hackney taking a risk on a big club but it doesn’t mean we should accept playing second fiddle. I’m genuinely surprised a young player would consider a move to United or Spurs for their development - the absolute state of both of those football clubs at the moment. Especially United. Maybe he will see some sense the way Tyreece Simpson didn’t, but if it’s not done before the first game kicks off then pull the plug.
Hutchinson didn’t want to play in France. I’m sure he will have been talking to Hackney from the U21s and it’s disappointing that those conversations have obviously not been positive about the club. Thankfully we had a very strong pre-season and we’re ready to go next week.
Cajuste would be a good signed especially if it happens soon, with added benefits of him knowing the club and also has played with Matusiwa before. I'm again not convinced considering we have a double pivot he is really suited to that area, for my mind he's a little too attack minded and left our full back positions exposed more than we'd seen previously. Maybe that's not as important in this league but I definitely think that double pivot needs looking at if we're going to be serious about staying in the PL. As I've said elsewhere I feel we've not got quite enough about us to make autos as we are this season. Other Champ clubs have made some really good signings (including managerial) and some have momentum on their side. It's disappointing we haven't got more business done early especially as we had a lot longer to prepare than others team plus as we already look like we lack a bit of chemistry and that will add to it. Conversely most teams in the Champ have changed their manager since last season so there may be some bedding in time.
With 5 days to go to the start of the season, anyone else starting to worry about the lack of incomings? If Hirst or Matusiwa get injured, we have got major problems. I know business takes time to get done but we have lost 4x CM & 1x CF and only brought in 1 player so far. I’m getting a bit twitchy about this - hope the club can bring a couple over the next few days to ease my worries
Not overly concerned with the incoming players (or lack thereof). I think we did most of our recruitment for this season last summer. Some details to iron out but no huge concerns. One of our mistakes last season was buying our whole squad after the first game, I'm more anxious not to see a repeat.
Know how you feel, we've lost our top scorer from last season, our Captain, and our best right back in Tuanzebe, also Omari can't play because " his heads not in the right place " I don't know where he's left it but screams that he is on his way.
I think we started from a stronger footballing position even than Leicester before the window and I hope that if we strengthen no further (we certainly won’t have someone go into the side on Friday) the first team changes (Hirst in place of Delap with Al Hamadi backing up, Matusiwa for Morsy, Kipra for Burgess, Clarke for Tuanzebe, Humphreys for Phillips, Taylor promoted to the XI in place of Cajuste, Szmodics back in for Enciso) that don’t look at all great on paper will be met by the radical drop in quality at this level. Its been a dire transfer window - I don’t think it is going to get any better for us - but it’s natural that there is going to have to be some pain after a relegation but we seem to have retained the manager and the bulk of the squad and gained experience that many of our opponents will only dream of in their careers. We’re clearly not an attractive proposition for players or coaches at the moment and we need to shake off the losing mentality. If we are in touch of the top come January then we will be an altogether different proposition. If we’re not, the investment in the academy and facilities alone stands us in good stead for the long term future. Our job now is to back whatever team is out there and cultivate the atmosphere and spirit that has such an huge impact on our fortunes.
At this point in time, I'm not overly worried about the lack of signings. The transfer window doesn't close for another four weeks and we know that Premier League clubs don't really have their squads finalised for another week or so. I've got faith we'll be active and bring in the players that we need, but it might require some waiting on loans/incomings from Premier League sides or top flight European teams who are still working on their squads. Other than central midfield and up top, I think we've got more than enough quality and depth to compete for promotion. I don't think it's been a bad window so far. We've lost some quality, particularly Tuanzebe, Morsy, and Delap - who all would've been first team starters. But then Young, Matusiwa, and Kipre all add quality to the team and might even be upgrades on the departing players. Hopefully we can get the Cajuste signing confirmed and bring in another central midfielder. As it stands, I think Matusiwa and Humphrey starts against Birmingham - next couple of games might be a brilliant opportunity for Humphrey or Barbrook to stake a squad place claim. Al-Hamadi's been scoring goals in pre-season, but he gives off the impression he knows he'll be out the door as soon as we sign another centre forward.
