Transfer window slammed shut, so what do you think are the two key ins and outs? For me our biggest loss was Joe Bennett. Not withstanding his injury issue, he would have been a vital cog at left wingback this season. The failure to get him back on board has left us exposed with the inexperienced 19 year Bagan and 17 year old Tom Davies being relied on to do the job. Ciaran Brown is an option at LB, but not in a back 5 which McCarthy seems to prefer. The best acquisition? Was going to say Giles (loan), but I'm going for someone else. Unproven yet, but from what I've seen, McGuinness could be a first team regular should anything befall our current back 3. When I say "befall", it could be anything from a loss of form, injury or suspension. I suspect if he gets in, he'll be hard to get out by whoever has to make way.
As Ive said before, teams within teams. I agree about Bennett. Began is the future but there is still too much inexperience down the left. Bennett would have given that. Also, with our lack of options on the right going forward it might have been prudent to have hung on to Whyte. Not a world beater but a viable option. On a positive, it was good to move on a few of the players we did. Feel sorry for Glatzel and Murphy, but at least it takes the frustration away. Maybe holding on to Watters instead of signing Collins would have been a better option. So Bennett and Whyte the losses for me. Giles the proven incoming (hope he holds his form unlike a couple other loans we've had) with McGuinness the one with the potential to improve our style. Overall, this is the first time we've SEEN a move towards youth. HEARD it spouted loads of times all the way back to DJ. MM, possibly out of necessity walking the walk. Tan's vision of more Welsh players and more home produced players becoming a reality? Under Trollope's watch it was touted, we were never going to see it under Colin but MM maybe the man to implement it. How successfully only time will tell. Bagan, Colwill and Harris to the fore, Sang and Bowen making a push with 3 or 4 others waiting in the wings. The breakthrough players could be more influential than the signings. Bowen the next cab off the rank for me.
I have seen this expression used a few times recently .....interesting speak, other people picking it out and using it! I don’t see anyone picking up Masky speak, is there a problem? Anyone seem Masky’s Todge?
Agree on the loss of Bennett. Our left flank is now very inexperienced. Gutted to lose Sol. Understand it to a degree as his playing time would have been limited but I genuinely hoped he'd move to a coaching role within the club with a view to him being manager one day. Gains, definitely Giles so far but I note Robbie's cautionary tales of him... he may turn out to be another Murphy. Then generally the youngsters coming through is a pleasure to see. Think it is slightly forced upon us but we all love a homegrown player and you just feel they have that extra yard or extra ounce of determination in them as they know it's THEIR club that they are playing for....
Gains Giles and we are clearly investing in youth and the hope is 3 or 4 of them kick on. Im glad we havent gone and loaned a number of players and blocked the path into the 1st team for our young players. Loss I would have kept Bennett and Murphy. Ideally Bacuna and or Vaulks would have gone. Dont mind either in the squad but we need better.
