Early, but now we can buy rather than borrow, we should be negotiating now.
As I said elsewhere, we should look an attractive option given the quality of some of our summer signings.Early, but now we can buy rather than borrow, we should be negotiating now.
As I said elsewhere, we should look an attractive option given the quality of some of our summer signings.
A couple signings in key positions will help us build. Not for a promotion push, but to set a solid foundation for next season.
Why not?![]()
You mean you’ve got a few bob with the bookies on us getting promoted?



Just having a trawl through the 1st team squad. 25 players listed. Not a bad size. Don't want too many. the odd academy player can pad out the bench if needed, especially to cover for injuries.
Not certain about a couple of the players, or the balance, so no doubt a bit of work to be done in January. Not major surgery, just a bit of enhancement.
Obviously, who ever we sign needs to be as good , or better than what we have. And by better, it could be a better fit for the style of play than necessarily a better technically individual.
The whole must be greater than the sum of the parts.
We also need to look at the balance of permies and loans. We don't want a major overhaul come next summer. Two steps forward, one step back, or two steps back if we are overly reliant on loans.
So, does Erol think we are light a keeper? I possibly do.
Definitely need another LB. Collins running into the form we thought he had before his injury, but with O'Dowda out, probably where we are most exposed. Erol doesn't seem to like risking young guns at the moment.
RB is a conundrum. Ng nailed on, but I've got questions about Romeo.
CB looks a bit light, but we could possibly get by, with Ng able too step in even if Panzo isn't up to it.
CM looks ok, though there are probably a couple need replacing. Upgrades for Sawyers and Rino? Adams can probably provide cover for Siopis and Wintle or Ralls look able to play alongside in the 2. An upgrade needed in there next year, but probably not this in terms of priority.
In terms of attacking options we seem well stocked. O'Dowad will challenge Grant when fit, Tanner and Bowler can fight it out on the right. When fit, Etete should be pushing Meite. Robinson can cover all positions in the 3 behind the striker.
Given Meite is quite versatile, maybe he shouldn't be seen as the 9 with a new signing needed.
As Sparkey said in the opening thread, business needs to have started, not to be left until last minute.
I personally wont be worried if we don't sign any 'big names' as long as the dynamics of the team isn't unsettled, that signings are a good fit and that incrementally we are improving standards as a squad.
At the end of the day, it will come down to budget, availability and priority.
Then there are current players. Some contracts expiring next year. We've seen a few extensions awarded already though there are a couple that need addressing. Is Erol on with it, or is he waiting to see what business he can do in January before deciding their fate? There's also the development of those we've loaned out and coming through the academy to consider for the long term.
So, for me, a 9 and a LB a priority in the short term.
Possibly a 'keeper, RB and CB.
Then the longer term view on CM and preparing for losing our loanees.
Going out, probably only Rino and Sawyers if we can shift them.
Another question. Are there any players we have on loan that we'd like to make permanent? If there would be a fee, I would be against it in principle. Spending money for no improvement. It may secure the long term though.
Are there any loanees we'd like to send back?
It is the one that prompted that line in my post.Send Ugbo back. I'll pay his bus fare and that of his most fervent, sorry - only - supporter.
It was 3 in 45 minutes, then one in the 2nd 45 minutes.We do not need anyone this team scored 4 goals in 45 minutes playing fast attacking football, Bulut managed to change that to a sluggish defensive outfit in the second half. However Bulut might just be a lucky manager, finding 4 in a row and now a 4-0 win despite his selection is lucky. Ok we need cover for Collins and a CB but not to replace them. My bet was 80-1 to win the league and e/w a top 4 finish.
My main concern is losing some players, it would not surprise for a premier club to take Colwill as they are more aware of potential as we hardly give him much game time. Losing Tanner would be a major loss. The thought of losing Collins or NG would cripple us.
Agree totally with what you've said especially with regard to Colwill. Obviously I don't know the lad but his body language and whole demeanor doesn't make a good picture. A couple of City managers have tried with him and of course Page with Wales. He gives me the impression that he's waiting for his talent to shine through without having to do anything. If I'm hones, I don't see any extraordinary talent in him anyway. If a Premier club is interested and prepared to bung a few million our way for him then I'd take it. Other than that perhaps a loan deal might give him a kick in the fundament.It was 3 in 45 minutes, then one in the 2nd 45 minutes.
So in your first sentence you say we don't need anyone, then go on to say we could do with cover at CB and LB. Which is it.
While I agree our two CBs and Collins are nailed on starters at the moment, if we could sign someone better, then we should.
I'm happy with Collins, but if we could sign a better player and make Collins the back up. Surely that would improve the team.
As for Colwill, shape up or ship out.
I believe there is a player in there, and would give him a chance. But like many before him, having the talent is only part of the equation. If you're attitude and mind aren't right, you'll never make it.
The right couple players out and a few targeted signings in and we'll be solid to finish 6-10th, which is a major improvement on the last few seasons.
And before you say it, yes, I'd love us to get promoted, but don't think we're there yet and are certainly not ready for the premiership.
Forgotten the lads name, but came through at Liverpool a few years back. Couple games for the 1st team, in the Wales team, then disappeared down the leagues.He gives me the impression that he's waiting for his talent to shine through without having to do anything. If I'm hones, I don't see any extraordinary talent in him anyway. If a Premier club is interested and prepared to bung a few million our way for him then I'd take it. Other than that perhaps a loan deal might give him a kick in the fundament.
Forgotten the lads name, but came through at Liverpool a few years back. Couple games for the 1st team, in the Wales team, then disappeared down the leagues.
A guy I'd worked with new his dad.
Basically, he thought he'd made it and stopped putting the effort in.
Even the top players graft and learn. Natural ability isn't enough.
Says it all about this lad that I can't even remember his name.

Thats the lad.Ben Woodburn