I was just about to close the tab I have open on this as I didn't think I had much to say that hasn't been said, but thought I'd try and add some positivity... Negatives - We've lost Gradel - We didn't make a move for a top defender - We didn't make a move for a top centre mid - We haven't got a replacement for Gradel - We have 2 strikers out injured with only two fit (AND no Gradel to chip in) Positives - Adam Clayton is a revelation - Paddy's back to add some leadership to the back (even without the pace) - Tom Lees and Aidy White are like two new signings - Keogh seems like a decent loan signing - McCormack is a good option Personally, I think we're still a better team then the one that finished 7th last season. I think the league's harder, but we are in with a shot all the same. We have a first XI that looks like this: Lonegren Lees-Kissa-O'Dea-White Snodgrass-Howson-Clayton-McCormack/Nunez Becchio-Somma -Rachnbuka-Bromby-Brown-Nunez/McCormack-Keogh (and Lloyd Sam and any loanees that come in) now compare this to the below Kasper Connolly-Bruce-O'B-McCartney Bradley-Killa Snods-Howson-Gradel Becchio Higgs-Bromby-Sam-McCormack-Somma I'd say we've improved every department other than Gradel. We have a firmer defence, better keepers, a centre midfield that doesn't go missing every other match, more flexibility in the formation. If we can get some good cover in on loan (I know that's asking a lot with SG at the helm!) then I really think we still have a good chance. I know Bates is awful and we'll barely see a penny from Gradel's sale, I know SG didn't succeed in a "big name" transfer this summer, but we've trimmed the squad down, SG seems more cut-throat (dropping O'B/Conns after a bad match), but with the likes of Lees, White and Nunez playing a big part, did we really need to go spend big? We've got a good side with a manager that hasn't really let us down yet. I'm not worrying yet (but I will if we're average come January and Bates doesn't spend anything!). For now, MOT with pride.
Why the **** didn’t we sell Paynter to Brighton?????????????? That’s my big ****ing bug bear. HES ****!
our defense is still as **** as it was last season because there's still no coordination. We could use a few more quality defenders, yes, but the main problem is lack of coordination, and that comes from training and leadership. Arguably our best performance was when Kisnorbo had the captains armband, I don't know why Howson has it. Any way you look at it, you can say our squad is stronger or weaker or whatever you want (it's weaker and thinner - I thought it was stronger until we sold Gradel), we're still going to finish poorly this season. Relegation is looking like a possibility, and it's all down to poor management on every level. Bates breeds it. He's a cancer on this club and needs to **** off.
agreed-apologies if a bit graphic, but i nearly sh*t myself when i found out we hadnt got rid at the 1st opportunity!
I get fed up with Nunez and Clayton being included in a stronger weaker argument, they were ****ing Leeds players last season. If they went out on loan to find that form we should have had them back earlier and playing in place of Kilkenny. You also forget to include Lichaj who is better than O'Dea and Somma is miles better than Keough. Your first team is ****ing miles off, Somma out for probably the entire season and White is like a new player? He isn't he just hasn't been given a real chance he too was still a Leeds player last season. Look at it this way then, a bench that could have contained McCormack, White, Nunez, Clayton, Sam.... All of whom are now first team players not bench warmers and you think we are stronger???
Agreed, we are NO WAY stronger than last season at all, not only this other teams have got stronger buy making good quaility signings and the teams that came down are stronger. I really fear for a relegation battle with this pair of plonkers at the helm.
