Just out of curiosity, what are everyone's answers to the following: 1. How much money, if any, will we have to spend? 2. Which players should we go for, either on loan, on a free or for cash? 3. Which players should we let go, either on loan, on a free or for cash? 4. Which youth/reserve team players are likely to make the step up, and will any be released?
1. Adam Pearson said in his programme notes that the Allams would continue to invest in the playing squad. I would imagine Pearson will be able to buy whoever he wants as long as it is a fair transfer fee. Probs will be given similar to what he had in january 2. Would like to see us go for Danns (free) Westwood (free). Steve Morrison for Milwall would be nice but would be expensive, maybe Ched Evans form Sheff Utd if they go down. Obviously Gerrard, would quite like Hobbs and maybe another move for Ayala. Would like to see Mannone or Guzan stay as well. Won't know who's available for loan untill near the start of the season and can't seem to find an accurate list of whose out of contract at the end of the season, but Danns and Westwood certainly are. 3.Let go of McShane, Bullard, Olofinjana, Kilbane, Atkinson for whatever we can get for them. Maybe Ghilas but would like to see him get a fair chance. 4. Not sure on youth team. Always thought Joe Fox looked good in the reserves but haven't seen them for a while. Gavin Holohan is meant to be highly rated and maybe Cullen will get a bit more of a chance. We have Toby Ajala in the reserves as well I believe and Dean Lisles who was the trialist from York? Maybe they can press to get into the first team. Looks like a busy summer ahead which is good because I don't think theres any tournaments happening this summer is there?
I think the priority has to be trying to tie down some of the loanees on permanent deals. I would imagine the wheels are already in motion with Gerrard, Hobbs, Evans and Mannone. Guzan a possibility. The likes of Amoo and Akpan (obviously as he hasn't featured yet) would have to wait and see. I don't see a great deal in Amoo myself but we'll have to wait and see. There'll be a lot going out considering how many are out on loan at present. Noticed on the weekend that Kilbane was keen on staying at Huddersfield. Bullard and Olofinjana both seem keen to leave too, finances dependent of course. I think he'll be after another striker, agree on the shout for Morison but I'd say that'd be doubtful. Danns I wonder about and whether there is any substance in that one. Westwood will probably go to Premier League as somebody's back-up. Either way, it should make for an interesting summer.
1. Pretty much the same as 4tiger, I reckon we'll have from a couple to a few million invested in players, depending on who we get rid of (mainly referring to Bullard here) 2. If Danns is available on a free then we should definitely take advantage. I'd like to see us try and keep the nucleus of the current team, which means signing Mannone, and then two of Hobbs, Gerrard, Ayala. Preferably the latter pair. Not too fussed about landing Evans permanently although I wouldn't complain if we did. Belaid should be handed the 2-year deal. Would like a new left back and, for the first time in what feels like decades, a real left winger. Also another striker but I won't speculate names, considering the level of surprise that NP usually brings. 3. I'd be a happy man if I never saw any of the current loanees (outgoing) in a City shirt again. Well, other than Cooper, who, depending on defensive signings, I expect to appear more frequently in the first team next season. 4. The youths aren't really an area of my expertise, so much for Danny Emerton making the breakthrough this season.
Would be over the moon to see Gerrard stay, I think hes a terrific leader and organiser on the field. I think we have a good squad for building, and just need a consistant key player in each of up front, midfield and poss left back.
You've all forgot about ***an, he's gotta go! I'd also say thanks and goodbye to Garcia, Dawson and Duke. Agree all the loanees should be ousted apart from Cooper. That'll be Oli, Bullard, Kilbane, McShane, Ghilas and I'd also move Cullen on if we could get a fee. That free's up lots of room in the wage bill to sign new players. It all looks very positive for next season. UTT
1. "Adam Pearson said in his programme notes that the Allams would continue to invest in the playing squad. I would imagine Pearson will be able to buy whoever he wants as long as it is a fair transfer fee. Probs will be given similar to what he had in January" 2. Looking at our current playing squad it's pretty evident we need a permanent Keeper, Left Back, Ball Winning Midfielder and a Striker. For the Keeper I'd definitely look to sign Mannone, hopefully Arsenal will fork out for a Keeper in the summer meaning Mannone will be sold to make way for a young replacement as is Wengers system. For a left back I'd venture to foreign ground and try and buy South African left back Peter Masilela. Not only would he be cheap but I know very well that he's a extremely talented and consistent full back. For the ball winning midfielder Neil Danns certainly wouldn't be a bad option on a free, or even Nick Montgomery from Sheffield United, if they go down, who's a classic Championship ball winning midfielder. Finally, for a big striker I'd love to see either Danny Graham or Steve Morison come to Hull, however I predict both will earn themselves transfers to reputable Premier League clubs in the Summer. Other options could be Ched Evans, if United go down, James Vaughan, he's not very big but he's certainly a good player who Everton will be content to let go. I'd also sign Corry Evans, if Manchester United will let him go for a reasonable price, Gerrard in a swap deal for Olofinjana, and also I'd give Belaid a contact extension if he can prove in our remaining games that he can adapt the English football. I'd also possibly attempt to sign Hobbs, also depending on how he performs in our remaining games of the season. 3. I'd definitely look to get rid of McShane, Kilbane, Gardener, Ghilas, Oli and Bullard by whatever means possible as they are the remaining high earners at the club. ***an and Garcia I'd also possibly let go if we could get a decent fee for either of them. I also wouldn't mind seeing Cooper, Cairney and Cullen all sent out on loan. 4. Our current crop of youth and reserve players are poor to say the least, I can't pinpoint even one who he is destined to play Championship standard Football in the remainder of his career. Hopefully we'll see Cullen, Cairney and Cooper go out on loan next season and maybe see a little more of Devitt in the first team.
