How long have we all been saying we need more pace at the back and younger faces? More creativity in midfield and more power in front of goal? Probably every summer for the last 5 years. I know we've only signed Coates up to now but the heavily rumoured targets like Jenkinson, Ginkel, Sow, Lens, Lombaerts and possibky also van Dijk, show that it's taken Advocaat only a few months to recognise our huge flaws and try to rectify them, unlike so many others goine before him. Younger, fitter more experienced and pacier. There is still a lot of horse trading to be done to secure further acquisitions but I do like the feel of this window so far. The Borini saga completely overshadowed last summers back pages for us but I get a totally different feel for this one. Congleton and Dick seem to have a good understanding and relationship and that too differs from the previous 3 incumbents to the managers hot seat. It's far less stressful and much more professional IMO. We shall soon see if my optimism is rewarded with actions.
I'm impressed that the club hasn't hit the panic button and wasted valuable transfer money on more dross. The patient approach and the quality of players that we're being linked with in the press are giving me a warm fuzzy feeling about the coming season.
Exciting times. I like the way we are going about our business. Would be happy with most players linked and expect a few surprises.....
I'd say we know very little, they'll be dribs and drabs of truth kicking about in the rumors but in most part it just agents using Dick to put their player in the shop window. The club are playing their cards close to it's chest. But I have full confidence in dick and congerton to nail the right target. I have one worry and that's the wage bill. To keep it at the right level I feel we may have to move some players on to generate squad and wage space to inject with quality. I have a niggling doubt on our ability to shift these players thanks to previous mistakes with contracts.
The biggest signing was Catts, tying him down for another 5 years could indicate that he will be captain and all round arse kicker in the coming seasons. The length of contract might also say that there has been enquiries about him. Cloughie bought the bad boy of football at the time, Kennie Burns a mad Jock, made him captain at Forest and he never put a foot wrong after that. Just a thought.
Was just saying to my grandkids that signing Catts on a long-term deal would be our best signing of the transfer-window.
