lack of signings could cost us

Indeed. Abeid in particular looks ready now. His versatility across the midfield is a great option. Fergie can also cover full back Sammy up front and wide. Tavernier right across the back four. personally I want to see us giving young lads a chance. You're often richly rewarded for showing a bit of faith. We are lucky as we have some seriously talented young players. We have a young centre back called Remi Streete too who is just about ready.

I know people want to see big bucks getting bandied about like the bad old days. There is an element of excitement to it. I'm sure Sunderland fans are over the moon that their owner has seen fit to sanction 2 massive deals. But without a hint of bias, I'd take our approach all day long.

 

Does anyone think that we may be playing a dangerous game in that we might be waiting to see if we get through to the group stages on Thursday evening before concluding anymore signings?

 

I wouldn't have thought so to be honest. The league is clearly the priority and I'd suspect any strengthening will be done with that in mind.

 

But qualifying for the group stage could release more funds and push certain transfers over the line

 

I honestly don't think funds are a problem for us. The thing is (and its a good thing), we only buy when the right player is available at the right price. We will be playing a waiting game for Debuchy and maybe also Carroll/Douglas. I'm sure I read somewhere Douglas would have to be finalised very late in August because of a residency issue? The group stages don't actually generate massive finance. Indeed you really need to hit the quarters to make it pay properly.

 

Regardless of finance surely the attraction of playing in Europe could tempt a player to sign who may have been unsure beforehand.

Also using Debuchy as an example, Lille are 0-1(agg) vs Copenhagen in their CL qualifier. If they draw or lose they'll be in the EL with us not getting megabucks from the CL pot. They may need to sell him!

Other players and clubs may be in the same boat as this, why play EL football for a French, Belgian, German club etc. when you could be playing in the Premier League playing in the EL too.

We could see a flurry of activity after Thursday nights win vs Atromitos

 

FALSE


The Cure are the best band of all time.

 

OBJECTION!

It's Shonen Knife. <3

 

There are definite advantages to playing in the Europa, I'm just not convinced its the be all and end all in transfer business. Look at Cabaye. He left the CL behind because he wanted to play in England. I personally think Debuchy will happen regardless of the CL result. Sometimes a players wish extends beyond playing in Europe despite what SSN would have us believe. They certainly won't need to sell him. They will be in a very healthy financial situation after the last two summers (Cabaye, Hazard, Gervinho, Rami, Sow to name but a few) They've spent money of course but at no where near the same level.

I still think the club will be looking to get at least one more done but I'd be happy as we are regardless. That is a nice situation to be in.

Everyone seems to have got a bit "well we need to sign" which I just can't understand. We've done good business and we're already a better squad than last year.

 

Robert Smith is poo.

 

Oh look what I stated would happen in August, not wafer thin then ???