25/26 January Transfer Window (6 Viewers)

Marty · Jan 23, 2026

Spending 5 mill on Hamer is an absolute no brainer for me, he can cover all 3 central midfield roles. Technically second to none in this division, range of passing is fantastic, strikes a ball really well, has an eye for goal and is able to play defence splitting passes with ease. Proper little terrier as well, closes spaces well, he's lacking defending wise but hes hard in the tackle and loves flying in to tackles, he'll get the crowd going too. I think he's exactly what we need and we've been crying out for that sort of player all sort.

I promise King that if he signs, I'm getting a new shirt with Hamer on the back. Only another 4 million odd to break even on shirt sales.

Brighton Sky Blue · Jan 23, 2026

shmmeee said:
Says the guy posting kebab memes two full years after he left lol

Fact is he’s performed at that level and Onyeka hasn’t. I know you’ve set your stall out but I don’t see how you can claim to be sure Hamer can’t step up but Onyeka can.

Two years ago Hamer performed well for an awful side in the Prem. Last season he performed very well for a side that lost in the play off final.

This season he's kept his attacking numbers up, but his defensive numbers are pretty horrific and he looks out of shape. What do we need more, another attacking threat or a ball winner further back?

viridisman · Jan 23, 2026

Marty said:
Spending 5 mill on Hamer ....

It's not 5 mill, no way

Shannerz · Jan 23, 2026

Brighton Sky Blue said:
Two years ago Hamer performed well for an awful side in the Prem. Last season he performed very well for a side that lost in the play off final.

This season he's kept his attacking numbers up, but his defensive numbers are pretty horrific and he looks out of shape. What do we need more, another attacking threat or a ball winner further back?

This is my concern. We need athleticism to help cover the gaps in midfield.

Hamer's brilliant, but can he do that at the moment? Probably not.

ETA: not that I think we will sign him anyway.

Alkhen · Jan 23, 2026

Yeah I don't get this narrative that Hamer wouldn't help us in the Prem. Eye test alone made him easily the stand out in that struggling team, importantly he has that magic to pull off the unpredictable to win a game or unlock a defence.

His stats for his only Prem season were good considering how his team was performing:

Appearances: 36
Minutes Played: 2,924
Goals: 4
Assists: 6
Chances Created: 27

I agree that some help for Grimes is probably more pressing but if the opportunity came up to get Hamer on a reduced deal I'd be all over it.

I also believe that Frank and the team would be in his ear more about his lifestyle and standards. Maybe we'd have to put up with a not fully trim but still capable of magic Gus for the rest of this season but I think a settled, happy version of him has a chance to get back to his peak

Ccfcisparks · Jan 23, 2026

shmmeee said:
Says the guy posting kebab memes two full years after he left lol

Fact is he’s performed at that level and Onyeka hasn’t. I know you’ve set your stall out but I don’t see how you can claim to be sure Hamer can’t step up but Onyeka can.

On what evidence has Onyeka failed and can't step up?

He's played more games there than Hamer

skybluebristol · Jan 23, 2026

alexccfc99 said:
My lasting memory of that night will be Julien Dacosta with one of the worst cameos I have ever seen where he was subbed on for the last few mins to help see the game out and he nearly gifted Blackpool a goal not once, but twice

I'd forgotten about that. It was a great night. I'd been to Barnsley on the Saturday before, so I just stayed up in the area for a couple of days for Blackpool as well.

The thing I remember most is falling in with some other Cov fans on a night out, heading out to Popworld, and then waking up in the B&B next morning with the big light on and my coat still on. No idea how I remembered where I was staying. Good times

alexccfc99 · Jan 23, 2026

Admittedly I am bitter but out of principle don't want to bring someone back who left to 'further their career' and would come back with their tail between their legs now we are in a better place than where he ended up

Brighton Sky Blue · Jan 23, 2026

Shannerz said:
This is my concern. We need athleticism to help cover the gaps in midfield.

Hamer's brilliant, but can he do that at the moment? Probably not.

ETA: not that I think we will sign him anyway.

100%

Brighton Sky Blue · Jan 23, 2026

alexccfc99 said:
My lasting memory of that night will be Julien Dacosta with one of the worst cameos I have ever seen where he was subbed on for the last few mins to help see the game out and he nearly gifted Blackpool a goal not once, but twice

People complaining about Miguel Brau don't know the half of it

Alkhen · Jan 23, 2026

alexccfc99 said:
Admittedly I am bitter but out of principle don't want to bring someone back who left to 'further their career' and would come back with their tail between their legs now we are in a better place than where he ended up

Whilst wearing Skyblue tinted glasses it's hard but to be fair he did better his career at that point, it's a short window of earning (especially for Gus I fear!) tripled his cash and got a shot in the Prem. Then got POTS on his return to the champ. He did fine out of it. Probably wasn't his first choice destination and he may have wanted to stay but we couldn't complete. Hard to begrudge him too much considering how well he played for us

alexccfc99 · Jan 23, 2026

Brighton Sky Blue said:
People complaining about Miguel Brau don't know the half of it

Dacosta was one of the most erratic and clumsy footballers I have ever watched

Although I remember one of his first games, possibly even his debut in lockdown was live on Sky and he got man of the match and we all thought we had signed the second coming of Lilian Thuram

TomRad85 · Jan 23, 2026

I do feel like we argue over stupid shit like Onyeka vs Hamer when we probably won't get either anyway. It keeps the forum engaged i suppose but it's a bit of a waste of time. All i know is, Doug needs to back Frank here with whatever he needs. We are so so close, if it doesn't happen this season, it won't happen.

Pusb1 · Jan 23, 2026

we absolutely need one signing that perks the rest of the division up as a 'statement' signing. Currently I (and probably others) think we'll bottle this season.
I just need one statement signing that boosts the place, and gives me confidence we'll get over the line - and strike doubt into the other teams.

Doug, over to you.

Pusb1 · Jan 23, 2026

Plus - will we ever come so close again. 2 Premier League U21 loans with limited experience would be criminal as our final standing. We absolutely need a statement signing given our current position

PVA · Jan 23, 2026

alexccfc99 said:
Dacosta was one of the most erratic and clumsy footballers I have ever watched

Although I remember one of his first games, possibly even his debut in lockdown was live on Sky and he got man of the match and we all thought we had signed the second coming of Lilian Thuram

He had a good game (maybe even just a good half?) against Forest I think it was. Got down the line and put in a few great crosses.

He has possibly the worst positioning of any professional footballer I've ever seen though.

alexccfc99 · Jan 23, 2026

Alkhen said:
Whilst wearing Skyblue tinted glasses it's hard but to be fair he did better his career at that point, it's a short window of earning (especially for Gus I fear!) tripled his cash and got a shot in the Prem. Then got POTS on his return to the champ. He did fine out of it. Probably wasn't his first choice destination and he may have wanted to stay but we couldn't complete. Hard to begrudge him too much considering how well he played for us

Which is fine and talking sensibly I don't begrudge him doing that, Gus was part of his own era and side that will be remembered fondly but he made his decision to move on and so should we

Feel like bringing him back when Sheff U are crap and we are close to the Premier League would be a bit of a gimmick and a fad tbh, would rather we left it be

skybluecam · Jan 23, 2026

oneofourown said:
Hamer shouldn't happen, the maximum he could do is help us get to the premier, then he is not good enough, so what's the point?

Allen, on the other hand, is a must in the dressing room. FL is a decent chap, not reflecting on his position or wealth, he is a guy I could have a drink with. Ryton training ground is the place of work and like all of us we want good colleagues. FL said that bringing in Esse and Minny was so that we have 22 players who can compete in training. Bidwell and Allen, and possibly Wilson are good professionals, good humans, (Bidwell is the reason we got Grimes) and friends for FL. He is not alone, he needs buddies and I know he has affection for Allen and Bidwell. When FL talks about this project he talks about 'being one of the best' and that's nothing to do with football, it's about the dynamics of the training ground and the personnel.

I am person who is always grateful and I am extremely grateful to this squad for giving us such enjoyment. I am grateful to all, not one or two. Everyone has an off day and they deserve it sometimes, but that doesn't make them bad people. As my Nan always said, be grateful for what you have, not for what you don't.

Hamer is good enough for the premier league.

Skyblueweeman · Jan 23, 2026

skybluecam said:
Hamer is good enough for the premier league.

Why has no one from the PL bought him then?

jackdg · Jan 23, 2026

Pusb1 said:
Plus - will we ever come so close again. 2 Premier League U21 loans with limited experience would be criminal as our final standing. We absolutely need a statement signing given our current position

Bit harsh on Esse who has played more games in the English top 2 divisions than EMC and nearly as many as Torp. And has more prem experience than the whole squad except Simms and Wolfenden

Brighton Sky Blue · Jan 23, 2026

alexccfc99 said:
Dacosta was one of the most erratic and clumsy footballers I have ever watched

Although I remember one of his first games, possibly even his debut in lockdown was live on Sky and he got man of the match and we all thought we had signed the second coming of Lilian Thuram

First game of the 21/22 season, every player down his side of the pitch was telling him where to be, what to do etc...it was like he'd never played football.

Pusb1 · Jan 23, 2026

jackdg said:
Bit harsh on Esse who has played more games in the English top 2 divisions than EMC and nearly as many as Torp. And has more prem experience than the whole squad except Simms and Wolfenden

He has played a total of 176 Premier league minutes come on. That's not even the equivalent of 2 games worth...

TomRad85 · Jan 23, 2026

Skyblueweeman said:
Why has no one from the PL bought him then?

It's clearly his fitness, by professional footballer standards he's an absolute fat knacker. It's a shame as he's incredibly talented. I don't know why this triggers so many on here as if you're calling their mum fat, it's a bit weird tbh.
I'd have him back for a reasonable price mind.

skybluecam · Jan 23, 2026

Skyblueweeman said:
Why has no one from the PL bought him then?

Last season Sheff Utd would’ve been reluctant to sell and he had plenty to run on his contract.

This season he’s out of favour and has questions over fitness.

DT-R · Jan 23, 2026

TomRad85 said:
Yeh because getting in that SU team was a real challenge. Come on man you're just windmilling these last few days.

I mean, he didnt just "get in that team", he won their POTS, finished 2nd highest goal scorer with 5 behind Ollie McBurnie and Ben Breriton Diaz who both got 6, and finished highest assists with 6. He was far more than "just making up numbers in a shit team". He was literally their stand out best player.

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mark82 · Jan 23, 2026

oneofourown said:
Hamer shouldn't happen, the maximum he could do is help us get to the premier, then he is not good enough, so what's the point?

Allen, on the other hand, is a must in the dressing room. FL is a decent chap, not reflecting on his position or wealth, he is a guy I could have a drink with. Ryton training ground is the place of work and like all of us we want good colleagues. FL said that bringing in Esse and Minny was so that we have 22 players who can compete in training. Bidwell and Allen, and possibly Wilson are good professionals, good humans, (Bidwell is the reason we got Grimes) and friends for FL. He is not alone, he needs buddies and I know he has affection for Allen and Bidwell. When FL talks about this project he talks about 'being one of the best' and that's nothing to do with football, it's about the dynamics of the training ground and the personnel.

I am person who is always grateful and I am extremely grateful to this squad for giving us such enjoyment. I am grateful to all, not one or two. Everyone has an off day and they deserve it sometimes, but that doesn't make them bad people. As my Nan always said, be grateful for what you have, not for what you don't.

He was good enough for the Premier League first time round.

TomRad85 · Jan 23, 2026

DT-R said:
I mean, he didnt just "get in that team", he won their POTS, finished 2nd highest goal scorer with 5 behind Ollie McBurnie and Ben Breriton Diaz who both got 6, and finished highest assists with 6. He was far more than "just making up numbers in a shit team". He was literally their stand out best player.

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I never said he was making up the numbers. He did well enough in an absolute dog of a team. Brereton Diaz actually did ok too but he's an absolute bag of wank so i'm not sure it means much for the here and now.

Manchester_sky_blue · Jan 23, 2026

Liquid Gold said:
Should we push forward on our best opportunity to be back in the premier league in 25 years or should we think of the feelings of Jamie Allen?

Tough one.

Have a word with yourself.

Allens wages and/or transfer fee are not at a level that affects our business in this window either way. He is though a useful squad player who has always given 100% for us.

Viktor17 · Jan 23, 2026

We may have asked question to see regards Hamer, more to cover all bases. But we need a real athletic presence in middle - more in the Brentford player mold.

Never go back my sentiment - rare that it works out or exceeds the 1st time......

However, I'll trust lamaprd et al, especially when it comes to midfield. If we can get this right, that may be enough for the promised land.

shmmeee · Jan 23, 2026

TomRad85 said:
I'm not a prolific kebab memer at all, i just don't simp over ex-players who in the prime of their career have actually ended up lower than the club.

I've also not said Hamer can't step up, i've literally said above i think he'd be a useful option if he was fit. There is clearly something keeping Prem teams away from him but for a club like ours i'm sure he'd be a reasonable option.

Anyway it's not just on this, you just seem to be balls deep in the trenches on the negative side of almost every forum argument atm. You know i have nothing against you on a personal level but your mindset just seems incredibly negative right now.

OK memes and trolling aside I would prefer Hamer assuming he is capable of playing, which he clearly is because I think we lack his ability to switch play and his ability to quickly transition the team from defence to attack both of which we’ve lacked since he left. I don’t think we just need someone with legs and if we did I’d promote Eccles first. I also don’t think we need a destroyer, that’s Grimes an another more defensive mid wouldn’t help us.

If we are dropping Torp we need a right footed set piece taker, which Hamer is and a better one than Torp.

He ticks all the boxes for me. Onyeka doesn’t.

Manchester_sky_blue · Jan 23, 2026

I don't see Hamer coming back. However, if he did I don't see it as a bad move as long as it's cost effective.

Whether he is good enough for the prem or not he will still have a value. A champ team or a team abroad would give us our money back.

Sometimes I think as well, if a player has a particular affinity for a club, a return can work out. His fitness troubles may be to do with being unhappy where he is. Trust in Doug.and Frank and just see what happens.

Nick · Jan 23, 2026

shmmeee said:
OK memes and trolling aside I would prefer Hamer assuming he is capable of playing, which he clearly is because I think we lack his ability to switch play and his ability to quickly transition the team from defence to attack both of which we’ve lacked since he left. I don’t think we just need someone with legs and if we did I’d promote Eccles first. I also don’t think we need a destroyer, that’s Grimes an another more defensive mid wouldn’t help us.

If we are dropping Torp we need a right footed set piece taker, which Hamer is and a better one than Torp.

He ticks all the boxes for me. Onyeka doesn’t.

Funnily enough, kitching is excellent at switching play.

TomRad85 · Jan 23, 2026

shmmeee said:
OK memes and trolling aside I would prefer Hamer assuming he is capable of playing, which he clearly is because I think we lack his ability to switch play and his ability to quickly transition the team from defence to attack both of which we’ve lacked since he left. I don’t think we just need someone with legs and if we did I’d promote Eccles first. I also don’t think we need a destroyer, that’s Grimes an another more defensive mid wouldn’t help us.

If we are dropping Torp we need a right footed set piece taker, which Hamer is and a better one than Torp.

He ticks all the boxes for me. Onyeka doesn’t.

I think we'd benefit from the Onyeka profile but if Doug is feeling generous i'm not saying no to both. Just go for it now, fuck it.

AFCCOVENTRY · Jan 23, 2026

PaulPUSB · Jan 23, 2026

Samueljames1991 said:

Love this chant... like the Michael Doyle Liam Kelly one.. can go on for hours and the players love it

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25/26 January Transfer Window (6 Viewers)

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