Clear statements from the top leave us in no mind what could, and probably will, happen in January and it will be interesting to see what transpires. The front 2 of Wilbs and kodjia seem to be the manager's choice for our strike duo and I would like to see us bring in some top class experience for the midfield. There must be some seasoned veterans out there available for loan duty who could bring some footballing savvy to support the front 2 and hopefully take some heat off our defence. Although the vets would probably not be part of the long term plans they could help us get up the table, and with their added knowledge of the game act as mentors to some of the players who have had some problems adjusting to this level. As usual our financial restrictions will limit the spending capability but perhaps the loan route, despite my reservations about the process, is our main option. If we are indeed to survive this season the decisions that will be made could be some of the most critical in our target of moving ahead. How nice it would be if next season we were to move into our completed stadium with a team capable of sustaining, not only Championship football but fielding a squad that can more than hold it's own, the challenge that we all want. Your thoughts.
We need to survive in any way possible, but we must be seen to at least make an effort by bringing in fresh and better blood, and not sit back and hope things will be ok come May and we'll suddenly become a consistent team. After all of the joy and success of last year, both the owners and the clubs already dubious and damaged credibility after the serious underestimations made back in the Summer, is firmly in the spotlight and in serious question, and it will hit an all time low, at least with me if we go down without trying to rectify things.
Lets hope it's not too late, and the players SC identifies he wants wont mind coming in to a struggling team. Then there is the question of wages and fees given the problems with Gale, Gray and others. It's the news that I (and I suspect all of us) wanted to hear, but I still find it hard to believe how naïve we were in the Summer which has seen us on the back foot ever since the season started.
I wonder if we go back in for a loan deal on Gayle with a view to sign at the end of the season. No I'm not going mad as he's got hamstring injury at the moment. But he must know now his stock is falling and a loan could do him good. Me personally would go for the following Bentley but might struggle unless he goes straight in as number one. Matt Smith a better option IMO than Wilbraham and could work well with Kodjia Midfield I would be moving for Kevin Nolan just because he's free and will at least bring steel to the midfield. Get rid of Cox, Robinson and possibly Moore even though I think he might have something about him I would keep an eye on Man U because I think they will be buying and possibly hit a cheeky loan bid for Lingard (won't happen but will show that we want to build on) Dack has been mentioned but he's not got the best off field history plus no one else has shown interest which shows he's not what a few of us think he is. Another cheeky bid for Wittingham maybe, never come but might unsettle him a bit
I'm happy to leave it to SC but : Pray we go for a Keeper and really hope we spend big as well. If we keep Baker I think we could get by at the back till the Summer, just. Possible replacement for Ayling but definitely Williams will be needed to improve in the Championship. Would love a top midfielder and maybe Smith on loan and look again at the end of the season. Matt Smith can't nail down a place at Fulham so think we should see him on loan first.
I have this gut feeling that we won't fare well in the upcoming window because, although the manager has got the seal of approval from the owner, I don't think we are capable of making good footballing decisions. The summer left us grasping at straws and when I hear the man who counts saying we made some errors in judgement and were naïve, and then say IF we manage to stay in the Championship I start to wonder why I even bother. The truth often hurts and these latest leadership words, although many will think them timely and spot on the mark, will not sit well with me and many other tired old supporters fed up with hearing the same crap year in and year out about us heading for the promised land that disappeared over the horizon a long time ago. Our ship has never really set sail and I have decided enough is enough and it's time to find another hobby so I'm taking up quilting or something.
