And so it begins. With promotion secured, attention will inevitably turn to our summer transfer dealings - namely where we need to strengthen, and who we will target. I believe the latter will be extremely hard to predict, given the Pozzo's preference for plucking obscure gems from leagues far and wide, rather than making big-money signings. But all fans will have an opinion on the former. If I was on the Watford board, these would be my proiorites: 1. Top-class central defender, preferably a seasoned campaigner in one of Europe's top divisions 2. Young attacking midfielder, to shoulder some of Almen Abdi's burden (we cannot afford to rely on him so heavily in the BPL) 3. Defensive left-sided player - I wouldn't be comfortable with Tommie Hoban as regular back-up to Anya (SJ doesn't appear to be a fan of Daniel Pudil, though I would certainly keep him) We will surely sign Vydra permanently, giving us sufficient options and quality upfront (Deeney, Vydra, Ighalo, Forestieri and Fabbrini, in that order). Assuming we sign Guedioura, I'm happy with the midfield, but additions would be welcome considering Tozser, Watson, Guedioura (all 29) and Abdi (28) are all peaking.
Agreed re signings... and keeper.... defensively we need to rethink for a very different game in the Prem
Agree - we need to rebalance our defence and give ourselves enough flexibility and quality in midfield to be able to use the strikes we have
As long as we don't sign a load of old premier league tat like QPHa did. Don't think this will happen though. Interesting to see who we get from Udinese.
The Premiership will suite our current squad better than the championship. From our limited knowledge of the Pozzo's working, don't expect any marque signings. Personally I hope we keep our 4 forwards as they each bring something different to the game. The midfield needs a look at but will Tozer & Abdi flourish in the Prem? If so we are just looking at one box to box man at a better level than Watson or Munari. That of course would be in addition to Crystal Palace agreeing to sell their unwanted but star player! I think the defence is much better than people give them credit. Not sure about Connelly for the Prem though.
I see Antonio Di Natale coming. This so he can say he has played in the Premiership, even if he is old enough to be Troy Deeneys father.
Good point Chris. I will need to read up on what loans etc are allowed in the Premiership as I think the rules differ. I do expect though players to come through sister clubs more than from other Prem clubs
Firstly, sign up Tozser, Vydra and Guediora permanently. Not sure about Munari. Could possibly get in better. Maybe have a little look at who goes down to see if there is someone good in there - but would suggest someone similar to Watson in the DM role. Layun was brought in as a full/wing back, so not sure why he hasn't been playing there, but so far, not been too impressed with him as a CM (no fault of his own if it is a role he's not too familiar with). Otherwise maybe cover for Abdi. I would then suggest a CB. We have Angella (hopefully he stays), Cathcart, Hoban, Ekstrand and Savic. I doubt we will sign up Connolly and thnk we will let Savic go, so think we need one Cb - someone who commands the box and organises the rest. Then a left full/wing back. I think Pudil may go to one of the Pozzo clubs. Sad to see him go back Joka doesn't seem to rate him quite so much Forward line I think the 4 we have got should be given a chance
I love Pudil for his attitude - he could have gone the same route as McGugan, Dyer and Andrews but instead contributed to a brilliant squad unity. In the interests of fairness i think they should let him go as he clearly doesn't figure in plans and for me he's too good not to get games somewhere.
Exactly this... has a fantastic attitude, even when not featuring. I would love to keep him but deserves to be playing!
From the beginning of the season our defensive shape has given me kittens. If we are to persist, we need 1 or 2 tall fullback/wingbacks, to cut out out those pesky diagonal balls to far wing. Every team has discovered it's our weakness. The doesn't help Pudil and Paredes case much does it ? Shame, esp. for Pudil who is a perfectly competent player in any other system. Paredes is just plain unreliable. If only he would learn from Lloydinio how to properly defend he'd be brilliant. Hoban should become one of the fullbacks - he's good enough, good in the air, quick enough, anfd going to be outstanding - I think. so we need another. Unlike most I also think we need another forward - again a tall CF who can head the ball - gives us a different option. TD9 & Ig are strong, but not that great in the air, Matej never heads it - and Fessi can only jump up to Angella's waist. We have got most of the rest in place, assuming they can rise to the standard required for 95 minutes each game. They surely can, if 2014 at Etihad (for 60 minutes) is any indication. Which makes me think - completely left field. I wonder what Kompany's situation is ? Dutch people always do things differently. He is by far and away the best defender I have SEEN. WD17 probably a bit below his standards - but near London. Another defensive midfielder possibly. All this assumes we get Guedioura. Oh how happy he must be that we got promotion while he was still with us. If Murray actually moves up a gear, he might well be our midfielder. I think he has ability.
I would sign Gomes, I do not underestimate his contribution and desire to prove he's still the real deal. The guy has an amazing amount of desire to prove himself still and obviously needs backup but should be secured as our number 1.
Looking outside the club, I would suggest that the majority of signings that the Pozzos make this summer will be players from outside UK that we know little or nothing about - just like the last 3 seasons. Now that the "we must have seasoned English players who know the Championship" viewpoint has been somewhat modified, we should be open to welcoming players that the Pozzos consider will bring the much needed quality (especially in defence) that will be needed to sustain our presence in the top league - wherever they are from. On the other hand we should also consider recruiting someone for the backroom staff who is familiar with the Premier League (it still excites me to type that) and its players/teams and formations - money well spent surely.
I agree. It is inevitable that over the next few weeks/months there will be players mentioned by fans "I wonder what he is doing", "we should try and get him" etc, but we also know the Pozzo way / model is not to pay large fees, not to go for players that may demand high wages, but young, or unearthed talent, or if established, those that they think can make the step up without the high fees. How many of us would have heard of Abdi, Vydra, Toszer, Angella, Ekstrand, Igahlo etc before they arrived here, or at Udinese.
