At first, it seemed like we made the squad thinner, but we didn't. We removed a striker we weren't using and who was crocked in Campbell, and replaced him with a solid but unspectacular 1 in 3 striker who I assume we will use in graham. A clear improvement. We got rid of another crocked guy who we weren't using in meyler and replaced him with a midfielder who we are using and who looks like an improvement in N'Diaye (Champ manager 2010 rated him nicely at the age of 16 for what it's worth). We also added a new central defender to add to the pile with almost no risk attached in mangane. We also got rid of a few young guys who we weren't using and ditched elmo who we weren't using (bar a token 2 minute spell for reasons only mon will know). Our useable squad size has increased and in my humble opinion has also been improved. What more could we really ask for a January window? (NB: bless those crocked guys for their efforts. Sadly it wasn't to be. I hope they find good success at their new clubs).
I too am content with our dealings, squad has got smaller theoretically, but in terms of players that are good enough to play we've increased those numbers Summer transfer window will be a big window as there are issues that need addressing if we want to push on
Apart from Meyler, who I still had high hopes for, I generally agree with the OP..However, I rate Graham in higher regard and believe he could play a pivitol role in improving our attacking play, but only time will tell eh..
Both Graham and Fletcher scored 12 goals in the Prem last year (joint 12th best). Sunderland had no-one who broke double figures. Both players have been slagged by some of our fans as average or even journeyman. Beggars belief. I'm pretty sure Graham would have more goals if Michu hadn't kept him out.
I don't see it as successful. I'm not complaining. I just think we could have done with one or two more. Puts far more pressure on us in the summer.
The problem with the transfer window system for fans is that everything builds up towards the end. Fans almost expect a marquee signing and or a flood of names in every time. This is instead of slowly putting together a decent squad which in comparison seems unspectacular but is probably the correct way to go about things.
It's not as exciting as we wanted it to be, in terms of a big-name signing, but i'm not fussed about that anymore....given just how long 'exciting signings' normally last. It is a positive improvement, and adding 5 or 6 at a time cannot be a good thing for team morale/gelling...it is too disruptive at a critical point of the season. I'm pretty sure we'll get 3 or 4 more in the summer, and anyone who isn't happy then needs to better manage their expectations.
totally agree supporters seem disapointed with the number of players signed ,but better the right player than player signed just tomake the numbers up,imo the squad is stronger and next transfer window stronger again think mon will shift killa,titus,vaughan,elmo and possibly bardsley
Agree. I think Graham will give us a lot more flexibility and better options at set pieces. Hopefully when/if we play two up front we will be giving defences a lot more to cope with. If one goes off Wickham comes on. We have some muscle now which in turn should help Fletch do even better than he already has.
I can`t see anything wrong with what MON is doing. Building gradually instead of trying to buy a complete new squad evey window. He knows what he wants. He knows what he needs. Who is irrelevant. I`m far more impressed by MONs `build a team & progress` system than I am by Bruces `Buy a new squad & hope`approach. I am convinced that in 2 or 3 seasons we will be up there with the best of them. It will take at least that long but it will be worth the wait. Agree or not, up to you but that`s my view. edit : Don`t argue. I hate people who argue with me, especially when they`re wrong.
Take a look at Arsenal's dealings. Their up and coming left back got an injury and will be out for a few months, they only have Santos who is struggling in the PL but he was 6mil purchase so they buy another left back for 10mi and a 5 yr contract. If you are desperate you pay big bucks, and we are not desperate .
