25/26 January Transfer Window (17 Viewers)

[Hobo]

A Grimes level signing with a similar impact would really be welcome.

Grimes is one of those rare signings who just slots in. I would take one carefully selected signing in January, two maximum. Otherwise I think it will be more disruptive than positive.

 

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[Trueskyblue20]

Grimes is one of those rare signings who just slots in. I would take one carefully selected signing in January, two maximum. Otherwise I think it will be more disruptive than positive.

I know it has been speculated already but imagine adding Anis Mehmeti to this squad. One of the best attackers in the league this year and I feel he’d push us to that next level

 

[Hobo]

I know it has been speculated already but imagine adding Anis Mehmeti to this squad. One of the best attackers in the league this year and I feel he’d push us to that next level

Imagine signing Kevin Drinkell who had scored for fun at every club until he joined Coventry.

Or Manchester City with a big lead at Christmas in the old First Division. Signed the best and most gifted player in that league Rodney Marsh and it totally derailed their season.

 

[shmmeee]

What I am interested in is this mantra we need more squad depth?
Do people mean we need more players in the Squad?
Do they mean they want better players in the squad?

The current squad isn't perfect, but no squad is. We are where we are because of them.

We can probably swap Bidwell Brau and Andrews for players who would be competitive. So the latter.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

What I am interested in is this mantra we need more squad depth?
Do people mean we need more players in the Squad?
Do they mean they want better players in the squad?

The current squad isn't perfect, but no squad is. We are where we are because of them.

Better players. Despite all the goals we’ve scored, Sakamoto and EMC have only scored 7 goals between them. There’s no depth in that position either.

 

[Hobo]

We can probably swap Bidwell Brau and Andrews for players who would be competitive. So the latter.

But you have to integrate players. Swapping players isn't an automatic upgrade. You often don't get a return in a January signing until the following year.

Grimes was an exception to the rule.

I would go with one maybe two maximum.

Bidwell and Brau would just force you to sign a left back. One could free you up to another position

Isn't Kai Andrews outside of the 25 man senior squad due to age. so actually does offer squad depth? So it would be barking mad to loan him out.

 

[SBT]

A Grimes level signing with a similar impact would really be welcome.

Who are you dropping from the midfield to play them - Torp or Rudoni?

 

[oakey]

So what is your understanding of the squad you are allowed to have? Injuries are injuries and if they fall in the wrong place at the wrong time any squad can be caught short.

Five players for 3 positions. In some games we might want to switch to 4 up front. Even in League 2 days we were never this short of forwards. We have got away with it so far. We won't for long, I suspect.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Who are you dropping from the midfield to play them - Torp or Rudoni?

Torp

 

[SBT]

Torp

Counter-argument: Nah

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Counter-argument: Nah

OK we can just keep having Brau Andrews and Perry on the bench

 

[SBT]

OK we can just keep having Brau Andrews and Perry on the bench

Yes, we are seeing the nightmare scenario play out for real with this squad

 

[TomRad85]

Let's just see what we do. I think we'll bring in players who can compete for starts. The front 5 would benefit greatly from more quality additions to allow for rotation.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Yes, we are seeing the nightmare scenario play out for real with this squad

We’re at serious risk of being drawn into a title battle if things don’t change.

 

[Deity]

I know it has been speculated already but imagine adding Anis Mehmeti to this squad. One of the best attackers in the league this year and I feel he’d push us to that next level

How many hours have you watched of him ?

 

[Deity]

We’re at serious risk of being drawn into a title battle if things don’t change.

Good grief. Get a grip you plum.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Good grief. Get a grip you plum.

 

[SBAndy]

Yes, we are seeing the nightmare scenario play out for real with this squad

See, you’re mocking it but our bench v Ipswich consisted of 2 keepers, 4 defenders, 2 midfielders and 1 attacker, one of those midfielders being Andrews. Ok Torp was out, but it looks like Eccles now may be out. Another midfielder jumping ahead of Allen/Eccles in the queue is not a bad thing, and would still get a very good amount of game time even if not starting every week. Injuries/suspensions happen. Why risk letting that derail our season?

 

[Hobo]

Five players for 3 positions. In some games we might want to switch to 4 up front. Even in League 2 days we were never this short of forwards. We have got away with it so far. We won't for long, I suspect.

25 five man senior squad including loans whatever their age. That is two in each position with 3 floating. Injuries will always weaken you. That is why Rudoni, BTA, Allen, Eccles, Latibeaudiere and Bidwell are key. They all have more than one position.

You either have to accept sometimes players not playing in their best positions or the clubs signs under 21 players to get the depth.

By the way in the system we play EMC and Sakamoto are forwards just like Wright, Simms, BTA and Rudoni.

Ok we play with one orthodox forward and two out wide and a midfielder behind.

Yes I think we lack someone who like Rudoni can play 10 LW and RW. But that is the versatility we need to bring in. But BTA has covered there successfully.

 

[SBT]

See, you’re mocking it but our bench v Ipswich consisted of 2 keepers, 4 defenders, 2 midfielders and 1 attacker, one of those midfielders being Andrews. Ok Torp was out, but it looks like Eccles now may be out. Another midfielder jumping ahead of Allen/Eccles in the queue is not a bad thing, and would still get a very good amount of game time even if not starting every week. Injuries/suspensions happen. Why risk letting that derail our season?

The initial post I was replying to wanted a Grimes-level signing who would presumably play every week. We just don’t need that - we have one of the best starting midfields in the league.

Spending millions on a better backup than Eccles seems like a strange use of resources when neither would be in line to play all that often and you’d presumably need to upgrade on both players again in the summer.

 

[blunted]

Who are you dropping from the midfield to play them - Torp or Rudoni?

Didn't say which position, just a Grimes level player. They are out there. Whether they are available is another matter. And don't ask me to name them, that is Austin's job.

 

[oakey]

So who are the 25?
I count 20 outfield players + 3 GKs.
Milan, KKH
Thomas, Lati
Kitching, Wolfie
Da Silva, Bidwell (Brau)

Grimes, Eccles
Torp, Allen
Rudoni, Andrews

Saka,
Wright, Simms
EMC, BTA

Rushworth, Wilson, Dovin

Two more are needed.
I would say a winger and an attacking midfielder.

 

[covmutley]

Rw is where I see the biggest gap. Haji can easily play lw, as he did for a good while.

 

[COVKIDSNEVERQUIT]

Dan Neil would be a good signing, but if its true, plenty of PL and richer clubs also seem interested

Not for me, he's a thug.

 

[SkyBlue_Bear83]

Grimes is one of those rare signings who just slots in. I would take one carefully selected signing in January, two maximum. Otherwise I think it will be more disruptive than positive.

I'd take two wingers who can push EMC and Sakamoto. I think EMC has really struggled for sharpness and trying to manage his body this season and we've just seen Sakamoto been out injured and have to go straight back into the starting 11 due to lack of bodies.
I'd also take a midfielder of better quality than Allen and possibly a left back as I think we would be in trouble if Da Silva was out for an extended amount of time.

 

[Hobo]

I'd take two wingers who can push EMC and Sakamoto. I think EMC has really struggled for sharpness and trying to manage his body this season and we've just seen Sakamoto been out injured and have to go straight back into the starting 11 due to lack of bodies.
I'd also take a midfielder of better quality than Allen and possibly a left back as I think we would be in trouble if Da Silva was out for an extended amount of time.

One winger who can play on either side would be better. Injuries are random and even over stocked areas can quickly be depleted. Fans have to accept versatility in the squad. Different options offer different possibilities. Fans demand a plan B and then shit the bed when one is delivered. Fans really just want like for like, in fact they just want their favourite 11 each week.

Allen is a great option and consistent off the bench. Coming on and delivering for the last 20-15 minutes is more difficult than people think. It takes most the start eleven that long to get going. By that time for subs the game is over.

 

[shmmeee]

Better players. Despite all the goals we’ve scored, Sakamoto and EMC have only scored 7 goals between them. There’s no depth in that position either.

I think we can do a lot better in the wide forward positions. I’d be looking at at least one winger you’d expect to start. Love Saka but his output could be better. Same as I think you could get someone more direct than EMC.

But you have to integrate players. Swapping players isn't an automatic upgrade. You often don't get a return in a January signing until the following year.

Grimes was an exception to the rule.

I would go with one maybe two maximum.

Bidwell and Brau would just force you to sign a left back. One could free you up to another position

Isn't Kai Andrews outside of the 25 man senior squad due to age. so actually does offer squad depth? So it would be barking mad to loan him out.

I agree it’s hard in Jan but that’s what Austin is paid the big bucks for.

Andrew’s needs to be playing regular football. He’s not good enough to seriously offer an option at the top of this division and if we want to keep a tight squad then moving players out when it suits us and then makes sense. If we pretend Brau is a LW and Andrew’s a winger/AM then replacing those two keeps the squad the same size but would offer us far more options to change a game or rest Saka EMC and Rudi.

 

[baldy]

Imagine signing Kevin Drinkell who had scored for fun at every club until he joined Coventry.

Or Manchester City with a big lead at Christmas in the old First Division. Signed the best and most gifted player in that league Rodney Marsh and it totally derailed their season.

The club aren't fortune tellers though - why wouldn't we have taken a punt on Drinkell if he was scoring for fun everywhere? So we shouldn't sign the best players in our division then?

 

[Balli001]

Not for me, he's a thug.

Are you mixing him up with o'nien

 

[Sky Blue Harry H]

Are you mixing him up with o'nien

Sunderland have O'Nien, Hume, Ballard and to a lesser extent Neil who fall into that category (now supplemented by Xhaka and one or two more who will be off to Afcon soon). That's why I won't be surprised at a red card in the Tyne/Wear derby on Sunday.