I know that we have got off to a fantastic start but do we need 1 or 2 more transfers to keep us going for the rest of the season. If so what positions?
i'm sure CP is still looking at a long term right back as Hughes is only a short term signing given his age and Solly we don't know if he is good enough for a promotion pushing team although the signs are good so far could he hack it in the Championship? maybe no more right backs this season but I think if a right back CP really likes becomes available I wouldn't put it past him to sign him ie Richardson other than that I think I can't see any areas of weakness in the squad as a whole and think CP's biggest challenge now will be to keep squad players happy with enough game time where possible
I think we have a squad now that CP is pleased with and we have strength in most areas of the pitch - I think if we get an injury up front or at CB we'll delve into the loan market, but I think we have to accept the spending is over until January!
I think that's it for a while, and I'm quite happy to continue without loan players for as long as we can. Should injuries intervene, or everyone loses form together, then we may have to bring loaners in but I'd rather get there, that is promoted, under our own steam.
If we are to believe our esteemed Chairman (and there are precedents why we need not) we were undesperately looking for another centre-back (and I agree that we should be, as I don't think Doc or Mambo are capable of holding down a place should either of our new signings suffer medium or long-term injuries). He also said we were looking for a "different option" as striker, but probably Euell has satisfied that requirement. The OP specifically wrote of this season, and with Solly, Hughes and Francis on the books I would hope that at least one of them would be in sufficient form to hold down the RB spot. At present it's Solly. Even if Francis leaves before the window closes I don't think we will sign anyone else permanently, but we haven't used any of our five(?) loan options and it is great to have these in reserve in case of bad injuries. With Chris' numerous contacts after having been PFA Chairman for four years, plus contacts at Leicester, West Ham and elsewhere he should be well-placed to negotiate loans if necessary.
and don't forget there are a lot of players without a club at the moment that can be snapped up outside of the transfer window should we exhaust the loan system eg Sol Campbell is still a free agent
Does anyone think euell is a step back for Powell. ( I know everyone says this but I would rathe le fondre or Cody McDonald)
I don't think it will be Richardson himself - he's doing a great job for us Saints at the moment, playing miles better than at any point last year. Really glad to see Charlton at the top of league 1, good luck for the rest of the season!
Yes Doc is slow, but is strong in the air which is what we need to defend set pieces. Old? only 30, looks older than he is.
Is he really only 30? That's remarkable. He is good in the air but can get turned inside out too easily. I have never disputed his commitment but wouldn't want to see him in for a long term injury to Taylor or Morrison.
Think the squad is pretty much complete. As much as our fans aren't sure, I think 99% of League One clubs would have the Doc as back-up. 3 options for right back and Solly is continuing to impress with every game- So am happy with that. As for the rest- so much strength in depth that it's simply not needed!
The manager sometimes walks a fine line between a squad which is too big or too small. Charlton's best years were when Curbs had a smallish squad, with players who could play more than one position. During our worst seasons since then we always seemed to have a noticeably bigger squad than the opposition when you looked at the programme. If we get another CB Mambo can forget about it, so what would be the point in giving him a contract extension in the summer? Harriott has shown that he can make a contribution if given the chance, maybe even Davisson if he has finally got over his injury. If you are not prepared to use the youngsters in the event of an injury crisis there isn't much point in giving them contracts. So I am happy with the squad as it is, and no loanees.
Elliot/Suli/Hamer Solly/Francis/Hughes - Morro/Taylor/Doc/Mambo - Wiggins/Evina/JJ Waggy/Green/Pritchard/Hughes - Hollands/Stephens/Bover/Euell/Alonso/Pritchard/JJ/Hughes - Evina/JJ/Wiggins/Harriot/Davisson BWP/Hayes/Euell/Benson As you'll see- plenty of options!
Super I agree there a re plenty of options in that squad and those who dismiss Mambo have probably never seen him play. I have seen him twice now and both times he impressed with his speed and commitment. CP told him to communicate better with the other defenders and I reckon he will get an outing or two for the first team this season. Totally agree - plenty of opt
