Only six players over 24. And Long cannot play at the same time as Gunn, meaning only 4 outfield players over 24. That is a seriously low figure. I hope that it does not prove counter- productive.
I think it's 8 players over 24 (Gunn, Long, Duffy, Stacey, McLean, Marcondes, Sørensen and Hernandez). There's another 6 who are 23 or 24 making 14 who are 23 or older and 14 who are under 23. Many of the younger players have considerable playing experience though. At 18, Schwartau has played 25 times for us and 36 times for Brondby in the Danish top division. Kellen Fisher arrived with little senior experience but made the step up and has never looked back. The players leaving this window have made little contribution this season which I doubt will be the situation for the new signings once they settle in. Oli Skipp came to us with little experience but proved indispensable throughout the season. The average age has been lowered now and I don't think we need to lower it much more. Our recruitment in the summer should focus on the players, not their age.
I've been a little uncharacteristically negative this season , but the window was very pleasing. No players sold that we need & a new CB DM & winger all decent pedigrees. Sainz to return, Sargent back , Gunn back . I can see us making top 6 again & as long as we don't suffer any more suspenjuries go up again . This didn't look like a Delia Webber window it reeked of optimistism
The leaders I thought that at first, but the leaders are still there, especially in the usual starting lineup: GK: Gunn Long RB: Fisher Stacey LB: Crisene Mahovo CB: Duffy McConville CB: Doyle Córdoba DM: McLean Sørensen Wright CM: Núñez Slimane WR: Jurásek Hernandez AM: Marcondes Schwartau WL: Sainz Dobbin S: Sargent Crnac The average age of that likely lineup is 25.5 years. At 29, Marcondes has brought leadership to our attacking players and Sargent is also a leader up front despite being 24. I can't remember Knapper emphasising the importance of experienced leaders but JHT certainly has. I would be concerned if we get rid of Duffy and McLean as some suggest. It's about balance.
The head coach must be licking his lips at the levelled up squad. Wilshire training the creative players , Knapper on academy production line development. The baseball guy hasn't been stingy & his investments are increasing. Zero complaints thus far
Yes, this has felt like the most positive of windows for ages, completed with the minimum of fuss, very constructive and all with an eye on the future. OTBC
Takudzwa Gwanzura, or something like that. Youth defender signed from Blackpool for our development squad. No age mentioned in the brief article I saw.
We seem to be overloading on young CB 's at the moment. Which I can understand. Train them our way while progressing through the age groups until they are the finished first team article.
According to "Football Insider" Norwich are interested in Birmingham's 18 year old winger Zaid Betteka, along with Crystal Palace and Rangers. He can play Left Wing or Attacking Midfield.
I cannot see us getting a substantial fee for Sainz this summer. His star has waned a bit and he is a bit selfish. Plus he is 'fouled' in every possession. Refs know he goes down too easily and even if he is legitimately fouled (oxymoron?) he doesn't necessarily get the decision.
Don't write off the top scorer in the league too quickly. I still think there will be plenty of interest if he stays fit. Just hope he doesn't force the issue like a previous wing attack.
Also Borja's out of possession contribution is limited, which would make him less attractive to e.g. bottom half EPL teams, never mind top level ones. Could imagine his home town team coming back with a bid, but it wouldn't be for a vast sum. And he isn't going to be the league's top scorer for much longer; Piroe is only one behind him now and Piroe's numbers (e.g. goals per 90) are better.
Posh Chief Exec seems to think we will be back in the summer for Fernenadez. After signing McConnville that seems doubtful
