I’m usually very optimistic but it is getting incredibly frustrating that we are so close to the start of the season with such few signings. Going into August with no full backs is criminal. Disappointing that the new regime seem so unprepared.
For all we know every single one of our first choices has agreed to join us but can't until their clubs sign replacements etc. Unlikely like. but yeh.
I get this, of course. But I don’t believe that quality signings haven’t been available to be made before now if preparation had been done properly. I am sceptical that we couldn’t have got at least a good right back or left back before now.
I understand that but we can't know that. If Morgan Rogers and Galbraith are our first choice winger and centre midfielder, but their clubs have said we have to wait until first week August, the club have then had to choose do they sign their back up option or wait for first choice? I'm not saying the above has happened. But a lot of people are acting like they know for certain that it hasn't.
I’m hoping you’re right, and think you are. I’m more confident that the new regime are sensible and going about the business as you suggest, rather than messing about and doing nothing which seems unlikely. I think the state of the squad against York has knocked everyone’s confidence, with the squad being practically the same but with U23s having to fill gaps. I know we need quality, but we also need quantity.
I will be even more amazed if he matches it this season. The Exile II, post: 15050291, member: 1049512"]I'd rather give the U23s a go than sign another full back we're only buying because it's a body in.[/QUOTE] I would give Patterson the jersey now and have Younger, Doyle and O/9 in a back three, play two wing backs and start with Embleton and Neil in central mid field, and three up front, adjust or tweak from there.
The market is mental at the moment. League 2 player of the year - Paul Mullin, who had offers from League 1 clubs and was due to play in League 1 this season for Cambridge, has just signed a THREE year deal in the conference with Wrexham Look at his goalscoring record ffs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mullin_(footballer,_born_1994)#Career_statistics These Americans are going to destroy that club. but the fans will enjoy it while it happens.
Don't forget, there's Xhemajli, O'Nien and Pritchard to be added to that squad, even before we sign others.
Don’t think it’s about getting bodies in, it’s about getting quality players in and trying to get them bedded in to hit the ground running. I never understand why clubs almost give up on points in the early season and then shout how every game towards the end is, ‘our cup final’. I’ve heard the argument the last few seasons about being patient, waiting for better players to become available and it feels like that never really happens. The market seems to get tighter and prices increase as desperation creeps in, then it becomes a case of getting bodies in to ensure there is cover across the squad.
The thing is, we let a dozen average players go and we want better. We could have re-signed four or five of the players released and be better off numberwise. But the club are setting their sights higher. Hopefully, by the end of August we’ll have better players from front to back. If the first six games produce six points, well that leaves 40 games to wipe the floor with all and sundry. It’s going to be fine.
So there's three new signings. Nothing to worry about really! O'Nien can play in multiple positions across the back at the same time freeing up space further forward. I can see a novel 4-3-4 formation with him occupying a dual LB and Centre half role. That extra man up front will be very handy.
Generally no team plays well for the full season... its best to be there or there abouts in the first third and get better and better as the season progresses.
I am wondering if there is more to this cisse link than an Instagram post. Maybe it's more personal than we realise and as well as a successful loan spell with us there's also the Marseille link and a possible friendship between KLD and Cisse. Probably knew him at a time in his life that would leave a real impression on the lad. Just a thought.