He's slipped in undercover of Defoe but I have a good feeling about him. I know nothing about him except that he was scouted by Forest and highly rated. Our midfield needs toughening up because Neil, Embleton, Winchester are too often second to loose balls. It's clear to see that Pritchard has been trying to lead by example and isn't scared to ruin his hair do. Hard but fair tackles are a vital part of L1 and we were sorely lacking at Bolton.
Looks like the physical presence we’ve been looking for in CM. There’s talk that the fee is close to a record for League One, currently Will Grigg (at far lass then folk would have you believe as we never triggered any add ins) Shame for the lad that Defoe took all the attention is this could be a really smart signing that could have a massive impact.
I know absolutely nothing about him but having read up a bit, it sounds like he is exactly the type of player we need. Fleetwood fans reckon he's real quality, and obviously very young so huge potential. This could be a masterstroke.
Aye Grigg was only going to cost as much as reported if he came and did the business and we got promoted. Otherwise like you say none of the add ons were triggered and he cost significantly less!
Could also be a positive for him. He’s slipped under the radar so there will be less pressure. Looks like he could be the real deal.
as with all the new lads, i just hope they are given a little time to find their feet, looks like we have again gone for quality with these lads...remember, batth had a great debut but a 2nd game to forget, it happens and does not make anyone a bad player. as with others i have little idea about matete but i get the feeling he could be the link to the new lads on the wings and therefore to stewart, having to rely solely on pritchard has been difficult for them all and pritchard may even show a bit more having some extra 'help' in there, looking forward to see this work on the pitch.
Matete looks like an excellent signing. In many ways, its a more exciting signing than Defoe because, due to his age and potential, he could be a player that forms part of the spine of the team for years to come. It will be interesting to see how the new manager utilises him because, despite what's been said on the other thread, he has played the majority of his senior games further forward than the deep lying role that I, at least, thought we needed. At least one of the analysis sites suggests he lacks of bit discipline, which I would consider to be fairly important for the 4 role. Of course, none of this means that he can't play that role and it may just be that his previous clubs haven't set up in that way. Whatever role he ends up playing for us, I think this is possibly the most interesting of the signings this window. From the limited YouTube footage that I've watched, I think he's very different to what we've currently got.
As many have said, playing in a football match invariably is a dog fight, you have to earn the right to play your game. Too often our 'dog' has been a pussy cat. Our performances reminded me of Arsenal who everyone perceived, once Veria and Emmanuel left, had a soft underbelly which sides took advantage of.
The comments from the Fleetwood lads aren’t just positive they are absolutely glowing. Appears a great grab this.
I think the signing of the two wingers and the fact that we've let Flanagan go, would indicate that we are not going to play with wing backs, so won't go 3 at the back, meaning we only play 2 CB's at a time. Thankfully, we've snapped up Mattete, who, from what I've seen and read, will be an excellent acquisition in the centre of the park. I hope the new manager plays a more cautious 4-5-1 away from home when we don't have the ball, which converts to a 4-3-2-1 or 4-3-3 when we do. Clarke, Dajaku, Broadhead and Roberts have pace to burn and could easily operate under that system. These two and Pritchard (playing as the advanced 1 of the 3 CM's) can link up with Stewart, leaving the other 2 CM's to guard the back door and stop a repeat of what's gone on too often this season.
I'm hoping it works in his favour. Defoe absorbs a lot of the pressure, so he can get on with his game for us and impress. That's what we want as a personality/player in that role. Humble, grounded and impactful.
There’s always the hope as well, without disrespect, a player comes from Fleetwood to Sunderland and they look at the facilities and think ‘I’m having this’, then they on the training park and you have Defoe there and players from City & Bayern. You’re gonna wanna be a big part of it.
