Transfer Rumour 25/26 Summer Transfer Window (128 Viewers)

[SBT]

We underperformed our xG by 13.5 goals, second most in the division, it is absolutely an area to improve on.

We massively underperformed our xG last year. I'm pretty shocked you cannot see our need for quality finishers.

Do we necessarily need new players? Those stats could imply we need to scrap it and start again; they could also imply that some positive regression and/or better luck will see us score at an even greater clip. Meanwhile we still have the same four CBs that fell short the past two seasons, only two of which anyone seems to rate.

Also worth noting that even with this xG underperformance, we still scored more goals than almost every team in the division. I simply do not see this team as wanting for goals.

 

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[Ccfcisparks]

Do we necessarily need new players? Those stats could imply we need to scrap it and start again; they could also imply that some positive regression and/or better luck will see us score at an even greater clip. Meanwhile we still have the same four CBs that fell short the past two seasons, only two of which anyone seems to rate.

Also worth noting that even with this xG underperformance, we still scored more goals than almost every team in the division. I simply do not see this team as wanting for goals.

So we are saying we can use stats when it backs your point, but when it doesn't we have to explain away.

If the CBs fell short, then surely so did the strikers.

 

[fernandopartridge]

Do we necessarily need new players? Those stats could imply we need to scrap it and start again; they could also imply that some positive regression and/or better luck will see us score at an even greater clip. Meanwhile we still have the same four CBs that fell short the past two seasons, only two of which anyone seems to rate.

Also worth noting that even with this xG underperformance, we still scored more goals than almost every team in the division. I simply do not see this team as wanting for goals.

I've said in my post it could be solved by work with the existing players and / or new signings. I think it's realistically a bit of both.

 

[Perennial Lurker]

I've said in my post it could be solved by work with the existing players and / or new signings. I think it's realistically a bit of both.

I think it's significant that our first two signings have been fullbacks , both sides were problematical at times last season

 

[TomRad85]

The good news is boys the arguments about what we need more will likely prove completely irrelevant when we end up signing the 6/7 new players i predicted a while back. Anyone who thought/thinks Lampard would be happy adding around 3 new players to the group will end up being way off, wouldn't be surprised if we've hit that by the end of the week.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

The good news is boys the arguments about what we need more will likely prove completely irrelevant when we end up signing the 6/7 new players i predicted a while back. Anyone who thought/thinks Lampard would be happy adding around 3 new players to the group will end up being way off, wouldn't be surprised if we've hit that by the end of the week.

Yes that was even more ridiculous

 

[SBT]

So we are saying we can use stats when it backs your point, but when it doesn't we have to explain away.

If the CBs fell short, then surely so did the strikers.

I’m saying neither the xG stats nor the GF column suggest a group of attackers that is struggling to create or convert chances at a high-end Championship level.

What do the stats say about our CBs?

 

[Ccfcisparks]

I’m saying neither the xG stats nor the GF column suggest a group of attackers that is struggling to create or convert chances at a high-end Championship level.

What do the stats say about our CBs?

Have you considered the chances missed by our strikers to put the game to bed, which then leads to spells of sustained pressure as the opposition chases a goal?

 

[Perennial Lurker]

The good news is boys the arguments about what we need more will likely prove completely irrelevant when we end up signing the 6/7 new players i predicted a while back. Anyone who thought/thinks Lampard would be happy adding around 3 new players to the group will end up being way off, wouldn't be surprised if we've hit that by the end of the week.

Splitting hairs but I can't see 6/7 permanent signings unless we offload a few more than expected.
Can still see a minimum of 2 loan players also

 

[SBT]

Have you considered the chances missed by our strikers to put the game to bed, which then leads to spells of sustained pressure as the opposition chases a goal?

Signing an xG-proof striker is indeed one way to get promoted. Having a spare £10 million on hand will help with that. I’m just suggesting there may be another way to win more games.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

I’d rather focus on upgrading Binks/Lati than Thomas or Kitching.

the drop off from any new CB to Kitching is going to be significantly smaller than the current gap between our starting 2 and reserve 2

 

[skyblu3sk]

You forgetting MVE playing their striker in to score?

Admittedly I had managed to block that out yesterday but still should be able to recover from one mistake in two games.

 

[Hobo]

If we’re taking the opposite argument to the absurd extremes you are then we’re talking about finishing every game 0-0 unless Rudi can perform some magic.

In reality all areas of the pitch are open to improvement at any point.

I just don’t think the priority is our two very good centre halfs.

"all areas of the pitch are open to improvement at any point"

Fans always look to new players, expecting a churn of about 8 new faces coming in each season.

Coaches and managers are looking at 2 or 3 and improving what they have already got. Continuity and familiarity are the pathway to progress. Not rip it up and start again each season.

Personality, character, mental strength, attitude and professionalism are probably as high on Frank Lampard's and his coaches must have list as much as individual skill sets.

A bit of fine tuning can transform a team. Knowing each others strengths and weaknesses and working as a cohesive unit is the way forward. Just blaming goalkeepers and centre backs for the GA column is a very naive standpoint.

 

[skyblu3sk]

We conceded in the final minute because our CB lost his man at a set piece so I’m going to say yes

Fair enough, just always interesting how people see games I just feel like if we take our chances is dead and buried way before then they are on their arse and we can keep more people back etc.

 

[Sky Blue Goblin]

Wonder who Rob Holding will be off to this summer? Can’t imagine he stays at palace and we did have interest in January. Might be more of competition than an upgrade on the two we have

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Wonder who Rob Holding will be off to this summer? Can’t imagine he stays at palace and we did have interest in January. Might be more of competition than an upgrade on the two we have

Don’t think he’s come here without wanting to be guaranteed first choice

 

[Marty]

EMC had a very stop start season last season but we saw glimpses of what he's capable of.

With a full pre-season under his belt under the current coaching set up I wouldn't be shocked if he hits double figures in goals and assists respectively next season.

I'm expecting big things from EMC this year. Produced similar figures to Wright when played out wide.

 

[Hobo]

Our big problem is still getting caught "in the transition" and new centre backs do not solve that particularly.

This.

Sloppy passing getting turned over and the defence getting over loaded.

Also wing backs being caught high up the pitch. They aren't always out of position, that is their job to get forward, but a midfielder needs to back fill behind them.

Small tweaks can make a big difference. Lampard said last season several times, with the games coming thick and fast; game, recovery, preparation, game. There hasn't been much coaching time, we are having to learn on the job.

 

[Calista]

Interesting to see Dovin already in the gym. Being a goalkeeper maybe the recovery time is much less. The fact he is 22 and so young will help also. If he is going gym work now I can’t actually see him that far away.

Didn't they originally estimate the end of the calendar year? I doubt that doing some gym work suggests he'll be taking to the field any time soon. Surely more like keeping up his general fitness, including upper body strength etc.

 

[DazzleTommyDazzle]

Didn't they originally estimate the end of the calendar year? I doubt that doing some gym work suggests he'll be taking to the field any time soon. Surely more like keeping up his general fitness, including upper body strength etc.

I recall a range of October to December being mentioned - but no idea who by!!!

 

[Liquicon]

Didn't they originally estimate the end of the calendar year? I doubt that doing some gym work suggests he'll be taking to the field any time soon. Surely more like keeping up his general fitness, including upper body strength etc.

Being shown a bike is a good sign at least that the surgery has gone well and probably means his recovery is on track.

Original estimate of end of the year would still seem the most likely to be ready to actually play football again.

 

[Hobo]

Don’t think he’s come here without wanting to be guaranteed first choice

No player gets guaranteed first team football. Managers buy players because they believe they can contribute and improve the team. But players have to back themselves and win the shirt on merit. With 7 or 8 subs on a bench today's game is about squads

If a player demanded guaranteed first team football I think Frank would look elsewhere. At Chelsea do you think players were guaranteed first team football? No you go there, back yourself and earn your place in the side and you respect the other players in the squad. Because you are all in it together, it's a team sport.

 

[MusicDating]

What happens if you replace Collins stats with Dovin. I can think of the top of my head 8 goals that Collins conceded I would expect Dovin to keep out. There must be more too. With a solid keeper and LB I actually think we'll be fine, we do need to upgrade Binks and Lats, if that pushes Thomas and Kitching to the bench then so be it.


Collins mistakes of the top of my head.

3 v Portsmouth
1 v Luton
2 v Burnley
2 v Plymouth.

Also I wonder if Isidor will be available at Sunderland, the players they're chasing leave most of their squad surplus to requirements.

I wanna Isidor

 

[fernandopartridge]

I'm expecting big things from EMC this year. Produced similar figures to Wright when played out wide.

I am hopeful in that regard too. Likewise still hopeful of more to come from Torp and also a return of a better version of Sheaf

 

[Ccfcisparks]

No player gets guaranteed first team football. Managers buy players because they believe they can contribute and improve the team. But players have to back themselves and win the shirt on merit. With 7 or 8 subs on a bench today's game is about squads

If a player demanded guaranteed first team football I think Frank would look elsewhere. At Chelsea do you think players were guaranteed first team football? No you go there, back yourself and earn your place in the side and you respect the other players in the squad. Because you are all in it together, it's a team sport.

Yes they do of course they do.

m there’s literally been situations where parent clubs HVe sent players out on loan as long as they are guaranteed first choice

 

[Hobo]

Yes they do of course they do.

m there’s literally been situations where parent clubs HVe sent players out on loan as long as they are guaranteed first choice

And we sent one back very quickly because he wasn't at the level. Some loans are expected to have minutes on the pitch not a whole 90. Part of their development is to play. Loans are selected carefully by a player and the parent club. They go where it is believed they will get opportunities to play, not necessarily guaranteed.

 

[wingy]

Admittedly I had managed to block that out yesterday but still should be able to recover from one mistake in two games.

Oh god, I'm getting vibes of decline of Dabo proportions here!🫣

 

[oneofourown]

I know we are all frustrated wannabe managers, but do we really need to bring in players just because we think we do? FL and his team are coaches, so they see players as challenges and don't want to discard them at the drop of a hat. Take Lati and Binks, who are good championship squad members, are they better or worse than what is out there at this time? The whole project is getting into the premier so many of the player, including Binks and Lati would possibly be moved on next year because they are not premier players but they serve a purpose now, because we are a championship club. Why change like for like when we have to upgrade, hopefully, anyway next year? If the squad, who get on well with each other, are capable of playing in the championship, and FL and his team are capable of improving areas of play with each player, why spend monies on players for the sake of it?

 

[TomRad85]

I know we are all frustrated wannabe managers, but do we really need to bring in players just because we think we do? FL and his team are coaches, so they see players as challenges and don't want to discard them at the drop of a hat. Take Lati and Binks, who are good championship squad members, are they better or worse than what is out there at this time? The whole project is getting into the premier so many of the player, including Binks and Lati would possibly be moved on next year because they are not premier players but they serve a purpose now, because we are a championship club. Why change like for like when we have to upgrade, hopefully, anyway next year? If the squad, who get on well with each other, are capable of playing in the championship, and FL and his team are capable of improving areas of play with each player, why spend monies on players for the sake of it?

Struggling to understand this. Does it basically say don't upgrade now in case we get promoted this season and have to upgrade next summer anyway? Genuinely makes no sense honestly.

 

[Viktor17]

Right lets call time on this - Summary - yes ideal world you'd upgrade Binks/Lati then they may take over Thomas/Kitch. Yes we need to tighten up and this is more priority.

Back to wild rumours, lampard been having lunch today? Dolan in Binley?

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Right lets call time on this - Summary - yes ideal world you'd upgrade Binks/Lati then they may take over Thomas/Kitch. Yes we need to tighten up and this is more priority.

Back to wild rumours, lampard been having lunch today? Dolan in Binley?

Dolans having his medical

 

[Hobo]

Right lets call time on this - Summary - yes ideal world you'd upgrade Binks/Lati then they may take over Thomas/Kitch. Yes we need to tighten up and this is more priority.

Back to wild rumours, lampard been having lunch today? Dolan in Binley?

After foraging in the woods?

 

[wingy]

After foraging in the woods?

Nothing like a free lunch is there?

 

[Winny the Bish]

I would absolutely consider upgrading Kitching a priority. Think we could do with one of two profiles:

1) An experienced rock. Fadz but younger. Doesn't make mistakes and can organise the rest of defence.
2) A speed demon to help stop the counter attacks we naturally concede from with Lampard's high line.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

I’d rather focus on upgrading Binks/Lati than Thomas or Kitching.

the drop off from any new CB to Kitching is going to be significantly smaller than the current gap between our starting 2 and reserve 2

I agree.

Thomas and Kitching are more than capable championship defenders. Lati and Binks a bit less so and if you want a competitive squad then you look to replace the weakest members first. At this point that's lati and Binks. Not to saty that Kitching or Thomas couldn't be improved upon a some point, but to allow some sense of continuity it's not a priority.

With Doyle (regardless of the fact I don't think it would happen) I'm not sure he's the best fit. Lampard likes a high press, so we need defenders with a bit of pace to allow for that. That isn't Doyle's strong area and for the price we'd have to pay we could probably get two decent centre backs for the same price.