No new signings. That’s it then

MM has made a very definite statement that we’ve finished incoming business for the year.

End of then really. Hard to see us getting very far with a squad of free transfers and learners.

The only possibility is that MM can mould them in his own image and get them playing to an exact system he’s devised , and that any such system works of course. He’s done similar tricks before so let’s hope.

We’ll know after a few games but in the worst case scenario we might find out they can’t cut it then we’ll be chasing a relegation battle and potentially losing points week on week with no possible reinforcements until after Christmas.

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Originally Posted by RonnieBird

MM has made a very definite statement that we’ve finished incoming business for the year.

End of then really. Hard to see us getting very far with a squad of free transfers and learners.

The only possibility is that MM can mould them in his own image and get them playing to an exact system he’s devised , and that any such system works of course. He’s done similar tricks before so let’s hope.

We’ll know after a few games but in the worst case scenario we might find out they can’t cut it then we’ll be chasing a relegation battle and potentially losing points week on week with no possible reinforcements until after Christmas.

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Bloody hell, you’re a cheerful chap :hehe:

He is not the only one on here.
All I hear is that we are skint but isn't most of the league in the same boat.
Lot depends on what happens with Keifer but if he stays I think we will push for the play offs

Apart from the 3 coming down, have clubs in the Championship been spending money in the close season ? According to this, the answer is a resounding no !
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/cham...wettbewerb/GB2

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Originally Posted by RonnieBird

MM has made a very definite statement that we’ve finished incoming business for the year.

End of then really. Hard to see us getting very far with a squad of free transfers and learners.

The only possibility is that MM can mould them in his own image and get them playing to an exact system he’s devised , and that any such system works of course. He’s done similar tricks before so let’s hope.

We’ll know after a few games but in the worst case scenario we might find out they can’t cut it then we’ll be chasing a relegation battle and potentially losing points week on week with no possible reinforcements until after Christmas.

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Looking forward to the new season I see. Think you said something very similar last season.

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Originally Posted by A Quiet Monkfish

Apart from the 3 coming down, have clubs in the Championship been spending money in the close season ? According to this, the answer is a resounding no !
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/cham...wettbewerb/GB2

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Any club with a half decent squad, manager and maybe a few quid to spend will fly it this season, no doubt many clubs are struggling so it’s there for the taking I reckon.

Comman sense would say people have to leave now.
I'd bet good money we see more come in although maybe not the big singing some crave.

Plus don't people want youth coming through?

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Originally Posted by dml1954

Looking forward to the new season I see. Think you said something very similar last season.

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No I really didn’t .
I thought we were going to stay up in the premiership and I thought we’d at least get into the playoffs last year. If anything I’m too optimistic but it’s a long time since we’ve been short of proven players and I’m not sure how we overcome that problem.
Hope we can.

He’s not the sort to show his hand and if a deal comes up, he’ll be in there.
At the moment, the club are in a net positive position for the window, which is unusual.

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Originally Posted by 2b2bdoo

Comman sense would say people have to leave now.
I'd bet good money we see more come in although maybe not the big singing some crave.

Plus don't people want youth coming through?

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comman and singing you say..

Unpopular opinion: I don't think we need any more signings.

I'd be happy with the following:

Phillips

Morrison McGuinness Nelson

Ng Bagan/Davies

Ralls Wintle

Giles Colwill/Murphy/Tomlin

Moore

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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Good post! I find myself agreeing with most of what you say.

It might be the end of incoming business but is it also the end of outgoings ? If a tempting offer for Kieffer came along I would not be surprised if the club accepted it. If that was the case and part of the proceeds were not re-invested then I would be a bit concerned.

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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Vaulks was one of the players of the season last year !

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Originally Posted by Enoch Mort

It might be the end of incoming business but is it also the end of outgoings ? If a tempting offer for Kieffer came along I would not be surprised if the club accepted it. If that was the case and part of the proceeds were not re-invested then I would be a bit concerned.

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It's hard to read this window, but I would have thought there would be some noise already if a big offer was going to come in for Kieffer Moore - either a lower Premier League club or a recently relegated club in the Championship (with parachute money to spend). There has been nothing. It would take an eight figure bid to prise him away, and in the current Covid football economy I doubt that size of bid will be made now as a late window punt given his age and the standard of league he has operated in since he broke through. I thought Burnley or Sheffield United might have shown interest - but by the time of Wales' Euro elimination at the latest.

I also thought Gavin Whyte was a certain leaver. Not sure now.

We have a big enough squad to play two XI's against Cambridge while missing a number injured or being given first rest in 18 months.

Our budget is smaller than has been in recent memory and interest in purchasing from us to mitigate this much reduced as well.

Though Wintle appears to buck the trend, majority of our senior pros in midfield are too similar and majority of senior pros in defence too similar also.

It's unlikely that we get promoted this season, caveat being that no full judgement can be made until 11+ games in, but we could put in place foundations for good shot at following year if we're smart about it.

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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Bennett has been our best left back in years, a quality player at this level. if the youngsters are able to operate at his level I'll be delighted.

hopeful about Wintle, but we shouldn't base too much on one preseason game.

Likewise, I'd be very happy if Giles gives us what we have lost in Wilson. Wilson was and would be again one of the best players in the League. Giles could be but we don't know yet.

I look forward to every season if the signings we have made are this year are on par with last year namely NG and Moore ,who knows what the season will bring , if cautious expenditure save us from huge debt , hey ho. let go.

It was an encouraging showing by Giles yesterday, but getting on for a half of his forty odd Championship appearances last season were as a substitute for teams that finished some way below us - it’s asking, and expecting, a lot that he will seamlessly step in for Wilson.

We have lost creativity and flair with Wilson leaving, while Bennett, Hoilett, Ojo were all capable of adding something in those departments. Tomlin at 19/20 levels will make up for some of that, as would a consistent and confident Murphy, while Colwill will help if he continues to develop. Even with Tomlin two seasons ago and Wilson last season, we were hardly among the more creative Championship teams though and we look to be short of those levels at the moment.

If we can’t sign any more players (I’m not sure that we won’t- it would be naive to believe everything a manager told the media), then I’d be watching how Kieron Evans, who’s not played at all this season yet, does in the next few weeks very closely because, at Development team level at least, he has that creativity we lack.

I take what MM says about signings with a pinch of salt,albeit anyone new coming in will have to be balanced with outgoings.
We have a large squad, particularly if several young players are going to be brought into it.
I agree with TOBW, unless Giles shines and Tomlin gets back to his previous form we are still lacking in creativity and width.
I am not sure it would be fair to expect Colwill to bring that yet.

You must also remember that Harris had no clue about Wilson until he arrived.

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Originally Posted by sneggyblubird

You must also remember that Harris had no clue about Wilson until he arrived.

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really? I'm sure he was aware of him. probably faced him a couple of times at least

The right club could buy promotion this year.

I assume a bounce back for WBA

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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Here's to positivity

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Originally Posted by WJ99mobile

The right club could buy promotion this year.

I assume a bounce back for WBA

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Exactly what I think….Fulham do the usual back up too I guess

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Originally Posted by goats

Exactly what I think….Fulham do the usual back up too I guess

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Fulham usually go straight back up do they?

Fulham and west brom will be strong.
Bournemouth should be as well

Swansea and Barnsley not sure they'll be as good, but a good start and who knows.

reading look weaker than last season.

Im not bothered about getting promoted. Been there, done that. The chase is better than the catch as far as Premier League football is concerned.

As long as we are competitive and bringing through the next generation im happy. Looking forward to seeing what some of our golden generation in the academy can bring to the table.

Ive seen enough hoofball and managers / players looking for a final pay day in the last decade, it will be nice to see a younger team too. Hopefully they can bring the style of football into the 21st century.

Non competitive football?
It’s a bit like the Super League idea in reverse.

Trouble is, you do know you get relegated if you can’t ( or don’t bother to) compete , don’t you ?

I'm sure there will be more players coming in....if we can move a few out, but that will be the problem.

There are positives, a younger squad average age for one. But losing Bennett, Ojo and Wilson and replacing them with inexperienced players from Crewe, Wolves reserves doesn't bode well. If Giles plays left wing back, we will not have replacements for Ojo and Wilson. So I expect him to play further forward and Bagan playing LB. Two area we are strong are centre back with Flint, Morrison, Nelson and McGuiness and up front with Moore, Collins, Harris and Vassell.

But I'm sure MM will get the best out of the players. I'm not expecting too much from the team but will just be happy to see live football again.

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Originally Posted by J R Hartley

Im not bothered about getting promoted. Been there, done that. The chase is better than the catch as far as Premier League football is concerned.

As long as we are competitive and bringing through the next generation im happy. Looking forward to seeing what some of our golden generation in the academy can bring to the table.

Ive seen enough hoofball and managers / players looking for a final pay day in the last decade, it will be nice to see a younger team too. Hopefully they can bring the style of football into the 21st century.

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Here here.

I'd take that.

Don't want a relegation (don't think we'd get one either) but it wouldn't bother me if our league position took a dive for a season or 2 to get us going the right way.

Just realised half of last season’s assists came from players that are no longer playing for us.

Maybe just the one or two more signings then!

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Originally Posted by Carl Dale's Mole

I never rated Bennett so I don't see the youngsters as a major step down at left back.

Ralls and Wintle are way better than any combination of Bacuna/Pack/Vaulks.

Giles has the ability to replace Wilson.

Collins will be a decent enough backup for Moore. He'll score more in this league than Glatzel did.

I think it's a better side than the one that just finished 8th.

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This

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

It was an encouraging showing by Giles yesterday, but getting on for a half of his forty odd Championship appearances last season were as a substitute for teams that finished some way below us - it’s asking, and expecting, a lot that he will seamlessly step in for Wilson.

We have lost creativity and flair with Wilson leaving, while Bennett, Hoilett, Ojo were all capable of adding something in those departments. Tomlin at 19/20 levels will make up for some of that, as would a consistent and confident Murphy, while Colwill will help if he continues to develop. Even with Tomlin two seasons ago and Wilson last season, we were hardly among the more creative Championship teams though and we look to be short of those levels at the moment.

If we can’t sign any more players (I’m not sure that we won’t- it would be naive to believe everything a manager told the media), then I’d be watching how Kieron Evans, who’s not played at all this season yet, does in the next few weeks very closely because, at Development team level at least, he has that creativity we lack.

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Creativity is our huge weakness and may hamper Moore in his quest for goals. Too many people on here still think Tomlin is the answer but I would be surprised if MM uses him any more than a possible sub.
He looks 2 stone overweight and still suffers from previous injury issues.

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Originally Posted by the other bob wilson

It was an encouraging showing by Giles yesterday, but getting on for a half of his forty odd Championship appearances last season were as a substitute for teams that finished some way below us - it’s asking, and expecting, a lot that he will seamlessly step in for Wilson.

We have lost creativity and flair with Wilson leaving, while Bennett, Hoilett, Ojo were all capable of adding something in those departments. Tomlin at 19/20 levels will make up for some of that, as would a consistent and confident Murphy, while Colwill will help if he continues to develop. Even with Tomlin two seasons ago and Wilson last season, we were hardly among the more creative Championship teams though and we look to be short of those levels at the moment.

If we can’t sign any more players (I’m not sure that we won’t- it would be naive to believe everything a manager told the media), then I’d be watching how Kieron Evans, who’s not played at all this season yet, does in the next few weeks very closely because, at Development team level at least, he has that creativity we lack.

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I agree with all of that Paul.

I actually think it's unfair on Giles to make him the sole replacement for Bennett, Wilson, Ojo and Junior. Talk about expectations!

The fact we've lost those mentioned players and only brought in Giles who can play in their position is crazy.

Yes we are stronger in the target man position and in defence.. but it's crazy to think we will have the creativity and flair needed to make a significant impact this season... Unless we strengthen.

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Originally Posted by AfricanBluebird

I agree with all of that Paul.

I actually think it's unfair on Giles to make him the sole replacement for Bennett, Wilson, Ojo and Junior. Talk about expectations!

The fact we've lost those mentioned players and only brought in Giles who can play in their position is crazy.

Yes we are stronger in the target man position and in defence.. but it's crazy to think we will have the creativity and flair needed to make a significant impact this season... Unless we strengthen.

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I'm still not sure we would see him at wing back ahead of bagan, brown and Ralls.

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Originally Posted by 2b2bdoo

I'm still not sure we would see him at wing back ahead of bagan, brown and Ralls.

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Brown and Ralls are not wing backs or full backs. They only played there at the end of last season as emergency cover due to injuries. Giles is a wing back or winger. Why would we deliberately plan to play people out of position.

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Originally Posted by dml1954

Brown and Ralls are not wing backs or full backs. They only played there at the end of last season as emergency cover due to injuries. Giles is a wing back or winger. Why would we deliberately plan to play people out of position.

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Making it up as he goes along ?