Optimistic or pessimistic?

I'm a newbie so be kind...

The hysteria on these boards is incredible following last night... Although I can understand the frustration.

Let's summarise our dealings:

Players out (who could realistically be 1st XI)

Guthrie
Lovenkrands
Smith
Best
Forster

Players in

Amalfitano
Bigirimana
Good
Anita

In the league, Smith and Forster didn't play much/at all last year so no great loss and we've made good savings on the wage bill. Between them Best and Lovenkrands started 18 games and made 9 sub appearances. The majority of which were prior to the arrival of Cisse in January. Guthrie made 13 starts and 3 sub appearances.

The questions is whether Anita can step into Guthrie's shoes, which, although he's made a slow start, I have faith that he can (whilst also covering a full back position now raylor is out long term).

The remainder of the squad has stayed together with a fit again Taylor, Marveux ready to dig in, Cisse available from the start of the season and Ben Arfa likewise.

So there are some positives!

The bad news...

We all know an extra CB and FB would've sorted our defensive frailties. We're woefully short of quality options at CF with Ameobi and Campbell on standby. We could do with 1 more quality CM to back up Tiote and Cabaye.

The frustration is understandable as we're 2-3 signings away from regularly challenging for Europe on a season by season basis and it appears the possible signings were there this window... Sadly we've not made them and this could cost us...

Based on our embryonic European campaign and U21s, our youth looks promising but the likes of Abied, Gosling, Sammy Ameobi, Vuckic, Ferguson, Tavernier, Bigi, etc don't look ready to test our first XI and the lack of depth is worrying.

To summarise

Our 1st XI is as strong if not stronger than at this stage last year with the back up options in a similar situation of not being quite good enough in the majority - the difference being now our backup is young and improving.

If we are lucky with injuries we can have another successful season, injuries could damage us severely. Let's hope we're lucky with them until January and build from there.

The top 3 are most likely the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, the next tier containing us, everton, tottenham, arsenal and Liverpool. With none of these teams significantly strengthening why can't we push for Europe still? So let's get behind the lads... Eh?

 

In general, I agree with all that you've said...

With none of these teams significantly strengthening why can't we push for Europe still?
Because as you have said, we need to get lucky with injuries. And thing is, we're a team trying to compete in Europe and domestic league and cup. The more games you play, the more injuries you will sustain. What happens when we have a big cup game followed 3 days later by a league game? If we were to play the same key starters, their chances of injuries increase again. Which is why as you said many of us are frustrated with the lack of improvement. The worst part of it is it's not even that we don't have the money, it's the board refusing to spend any.

 

The fact we manage to keep hold of Krul, Coloccini, Tiote, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Ba & Cisse is brilliant, but still feel a bit deflated we didn't add 2 or 3 really class players to the mix to push on from last year. A few injuries to key players and this season could end up being a disappointing one i think.

 

Good to see some reasonable responses on a forum! Agree with both (see above), and as abc and storey state we're so reliant on being lucky with injuries... I held back in my original post on speaking about the extra games (6minimum) in Europe. These will stretch the squad and that's where we'll find out a lot more about our youngsters if it's the league we're prioritising. Based on current evidence I doubt we'll go far in Europe with a team of reserves - which is a shame given how much a European return was talked up last year!

Abc, again I agree... It's a shame the board didnt actively encourage new signings, we have the money and scouting system... I eluded it it in my first post that the potential signings were there in this window...

With the lack of investment it's a shame to lose Guthrie who in my opinion is a solid prem CM without being outstanding - toon fans maybe forget he's had some very good games for us, was still improving and always did a job. I think he's currently stronger than the alternatives we now have.

Another quick point... Will we see 433 again soon as we looked so much better in possession playing that way.

 

Its all doqn to what injuries we do/dont get.

 

Always look on the bright side of life.

 

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I love that film.
I'm always optimistic.

 

Had a feeling we might see some of that. Was almost going to put a pic/video up myself.

 

Damnn you science! Now I don't know which I am!

 

You change from H 2 O.