Another question I'm interested in is, how will we use our two loan slots? I fully expect to see one go on a striker (Brereton-Diaz? Broja?) but not sure about the other
I’d add DM to that list too unless that was CM in your list. We got destroyed at Championship level without Downes, dread to think what would happen if we play Smallbone in the Downes role in the PL. We’ve suffered for only having one proper DM for years and years. We might need to play two DMs in the PL, let alone rotation/bringing an extra one on late in games/when Downes forgets to cook his chicken again. I don’t think we will bring another in, but we really should imo.
Another question I'm interested in is, how will we use our two loan slots? I fully expect to see one go on a striker (Brereton-Diaz? Broja?) but not sure about the other
Yeah the CM on my list was more of a DM. Our midfield atm is Smallbone, Charles, Downes and Aribo.
I keep forgetting too because what year is it, but add Lallana into that mix too!
Yeah the CM on my list was more of a DM. Our midfield atm is Smallbone, Charles, Downes and Aribo.
that's got multiple hammerings written all over it.that's got multiple hammerings written all over it.
I know that's not what we'll end the window with but that's a real eye opener on how much work is needed there to bring it even remotely up to PL standard.

that's got multiple hammerings written all over it.
I know that's not what we'll end the window with but that's a real eye opener on how much work is needed there to bring it even remotely up to PL standard.
Yeah, right now we are basically at breakeven in terms of the starting XI at the end of last season, with more defensive depth in the wider squad. But it's not a good PL side...that's got multiple hammerings written all over it.
I know that's not what we'll end the window with but that's a real eye opener on how much work is needed there to bring it even remotely up to PL standard.
I’d add DM to that list too unless that was CM in your list. We got destroyed at Championship level without Downes, dread to think what would happen if we play Smallbone in the Downes role in the PL. We’ve suffered for only having one proper DM for years and years. We might need to play two DMs in the PL, let alone rotation/bringing an extra one on late in games/when Downes forgets to cook his chicken again. I don’t think we will bring another in, but we really should imo.
Is it the first pre season game for the first team at Eastleigh on Friday or will it be more of a youth side?I hope they get on with it. Only a month until that first match.
First team but RM said the likes of Dibling, Amo etc will be there tooIs it the first pre season game for the first team at Eastleigh on Friday or will it be more of a youth side?
Back 3 for Newcastle and likely the season. Only expecting another central defender if Bednarek goesTo add to this our likely starting back 3 for the Newcastle game is Stephens, Bednarek and THB. We are going to be in for a long season
Back 3 for Newcastle and likely the season. Only expecting another central defender if Bednarek goes