JB said he wanted 5 / 6 more signings, first league fixture 30th July that only leaves us 21 days to sign said players and get them up to speed with the way we want to play. Anybody else getting concerned about the lack of players coming in
McCormick is due to sign for someone soon apparently. Would be good if it was us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he goes somewhere like Charlton. Taylor may be on his way here soon because it looks like Stoke are happy to send him out on loan.
I did wonder with Taylor if when we play the friendly against them he would start for Stoke and finish the game for us
Nice write up for Anderson, who played for the first team in the first half in Newcastle's match v Gateshead: "Elliot Anderson started for United after his eye-catching loan spell with Bristol Rovers last season and he created the first opening of the match with a low cross from the left, with Joe Willock firing over the bar. And the teenager then came close to scoring himself when Jonjo Shelvey's inch-perfect pass found Ryan Fraser, who cut the ball back to Anderson only for his goalbound shot to be deflected behind. The resulting corner was taken by Fraser and headed narrowly off target by Shelvey. The visitors could and perhaps should have taken the lead when Paul Blackett shot wide from ten yards before the same player saw a dangerous low cross well held by Martin Dúbravka soon afterwards. But it was the Magpies who went in front in the 31st minute when Anderson's cross from the left fell to Ritchie, who took a touch and finished well beyond Gateshead goalkeeper Dan Langley, who is on loan with the Heed from Newcastle." He might just make that breakthrough into the first team...
JB said 5 / 6 more signings about 10 days ago, since then nothing, reading the report of the Stoke game we played pretty well but there were a lot of youngsters in the squad and no signings since the 5 / 6 more statement. Is anybody else getting worried about the strength of the squad, we were promoted and that means a better standard of football so chucking in so many kids worries me somewhat
I'm quite relaxed about it for a change. Normally I'd be getting concerned that we haven't signed enough players with 9 days to go etc, but I think, even as it stands, that we've got a competitive and flexible squad for League One. Sure, we need another 4-5 signings to give us sufficient depth but the players we have are fit, good quality, know each other's game and have the momentum from an amazing 2022 so far. I do trust messrs Barton, al Qadi and Gorringe to get the right players in. I certainly wouldn't have said that this time last year but promotion - and its manner - has transformed the attitudes of many, including myself. UTG!
Kilgour hasn't had a great pre season, and now he's injured again. I think he'll struggle to stay with this group.
I am to be honest. L1 is looking the strongest league that its ever been in my eyes. We will need a few more players for sure.
Howe keeping Elliott Anderson at Newcastle and not sending him out on loan at the present time according to inside Futbol Stoke City have sold Will Forrester to Port Vale which probably mean that Connor Taylor will be staying put at Stoke
Honestly I’d be amazed if we got Billy back. We should concentrate elsewhere for another winger, attacking midfielder etc. I think we have a competitive squad to start the season but we do need more signings soon to add depth.
Season kicking off in 3 days time. I reckon any signings now will be loans only up until the window shuts which is on the 1st September.
Wow! Worth a squad position with us. Thought he wasn't too bad and got some crucial goals. Walsall and Oxford for example.
Glenn Whelan has returned as a first team coach and will be registered as a player too to be used when needed. Barton said: “Glenn’s influence both on and off the pitch last year was huge. His infectious nature means that it was a no-brainer when the opportunity arose to bring him back as a coach. The experience and knowledge he can pass on to the lads will be a key factor for us moving forward.”
Danny Ventre have also joined the backroom staff as a first team coach. He was Blackpool's development squad manager. Barton: ‘We are really pleased to add Danny to our coaching team. He is someone who brings with him lots of fresh ideas for training and matchdays. He’s an enthusiastic character and the lads will really respond to him. I’m delighted with my team of coaches for the season ahead.”
Squad numbers are in. Could be a good indicator on what position we could be looking at to bring in. Shirt number 3, 7 and 11 are still available. 12 will probably be given back to the fans. Not many people want number 13. 1: James Belshaw 2: James Connolly 3: 4: Josh Grant 5: Alfie Kilgour 6: Sam Finley 7: 8: Zain Westbrooke 9: John Marquis 10: Aaron Collins 11: 12: 13: 14: Jordan Rossiter 15: Paul Coutts 16: Nick Anderton 17: 18: Ryan Loft 19: Harry Anderson 20: Trevor Clarke 21: Antony Evans 22: Harvey Saunders 23: 24: Sam Heal 25: Glenn Whelan 26: Jamie Egan 27: Harvey Greenslade 28: James Gibbons 29: 30: Luca Hoole 31: Jed Ward 32: Anssi Jaakkola 33: Alex Rodman 34: Jerry Lawrence 44: Ryan Jones
