Summer Transfer Window

[magicdaps10]

No specialist full back cover at all. Either side.

If one of Franco or Galbraith gets injured or needs a rest - or we have to play Galbraith at full back because we don't have enough cover there - the only CDM cover is Fulton (which is not good enough).

And we need an upgrade on our current centre forwards. Anyone can see that.

There's your gaps.

It depends what the ambition is. If we're happy with mid-table then fine, don't fill all these gaps. We won't go down.

But if we're setting our sights higher, then we've got no chance.

There are certainly gaps if you scratch the service with left back and holding midfielder screaming out at the moment.

Right back cover is ok with Galbraith as long as another midfielder is brought in.

Centre half is also a concern, it seems they are basing having 3 on the fact we had no sustained injuries to Cabango and Darling last season. I'm changing like the wind but a Left back cover and a centre half are needed along with a Midfielder and obviously once Yates goes then a striker.

 

[Ringwood]

Yates could be here right to the last day of the window. If we are dependent on getting a striker in based on that.

 

[Andrew - North Hill]

So two full backs that could probably be covered by one or two loans?

Fulton is absolutely good enough to play as back up.

Is anyone seriously expecting/hoping for more than a comfortable upper mid table season?

We'll have to agree to disagree on Fulton.

I'm personally expecting mid table and I'm fine with that. But with all the fuss with Modric and Snoop, I get the strong impression the club are aiming a lot higher. If that's the case they've got work to do between now and 2 September.

 

[Swansea93]

I’m surprised no championship clubs are in for Yates as we know of, he’s had double figures at Blackpool and Derby both who struggled in their seasons.

 

[cmajack]

I mean he has been with us for nearly 10 years. It truly might be his year if not now then maybe in another 10 years . Sarcasm on overload. I don't want to start a debate but I get a feeling this user, who thinks it's his year is on one

It’s an opportunity for him to stuff words down a few peoples throats and I think (without useless Grimes holding him back) he’ll be an asset when the going gets tough. I think people forget he was a decent player in the PL for us. He hasn’t been used properly by our last 3 managers and I hope he really gives it his best this season.

Nearly fell off my chair laughing reading that. Do you seriously think Jay Fulton is going to be an asset for us next season? He's been a pile of crap for most of the last 4 seasons at least, what makes you think next season is going to be any different? The only way this club is going to really progress is if we get rid of deadwood like Fulton.

 

[Colin-swansea]

No specialist full back cover at all. Either side.

If one of Franco or Galbraith gets injured or needs a rest - or we have to play Galbraith at full back because we don't have enough cover there - the only CDM cover is Fulton (which is not good enough).

And we need an upgrade on our current centre forwards. Anyone can see that.

There's your gaps.

It depends what the ambition is. If we're happy with mid-table then fine, don't fill all these gaps. We won't go down.

But if we're setting our sights higher, then we've got no chance.

The dilemma we have is that to a certain extent Dabrowski did ok at Cheltenham and what he needs is either a spell on loan until January or keep him as back-up for Tymon. Having faith in your U21 players works both ways and if Sam Parker can cover for Key why not Dabrowski for Tymon.

Dabrowski is a natural left footer, can tackle and was not overawed by an opponent trying to take him on in either the Stevenage or Cheltenham game.

 

[Jackareme]

I’m surprised no championship clubs are in for Yates as we know of, he’s had double figures at Blackpool and Derby both who struggled in their seasons.

Unfortunately in the real world - people get to see him actually play. Weak slow and no anticipation or movement.
If we can find a sucker club i will be amazed

 

[Andrew - North Hill]

The dilemma we have is that to a certain extent Dabrowski did ok at Cheltenham and what he needs is either a spell on loan until January or keep him as back-up for Tymon. Having faith in your U21 players works both ways and if Sam Parker can cover for Key why not Dabrowski for Tymon.

Dabrowski is a natural left footer, can tackle and was not overawed by an opponent trying to take him on in either the Stevenage or Cheltenham game.

I've been quite open on a number of occasions that I don't follow our U21s at all, I just don't have time, but I respect your opinion Colin as I know you very much do. If they're good enough, then great. 100% agree we need to be giving more of these boys chances if we can. It hasn't happened enough in recent times.

 

[Swansea93]

Benda joined up with Millwall on loan, linking up with former GK coach Dean Thornton.

 

[Jackareme]

It is becoming crystal clear to me that we need a good quality left sided defender who can cover LCB and LB - possibly a loan priority.
In addition I want to see Dabrowski kept with the first team squad (and also 5-6 other youngsters).
The nagging injury to Cabango is really starting to concern me!
In my opinion, there are two ways to look at our recruitment needs. The first is to look at where we are lacking numbers or quality. If we take this approach, we could literally try and upgrade every department.

The second approach is to look at prioritizing where our limited funds will make the biggest impact. In my opinion, it is clear that we need a striker who can link the play, be a threat, and convert our possession into goals.

We need to offload a couple ( we all know who they are) and then concentrate on a transformative signing upfront.

A lot of the depth issues could potentially be resolved with strategic loan signings

 

[northernswan]

Mark Guiu anyone?

 

[Jackareme]

One further thought is that we need to be clear about our tactical plan.
How exactly are we planning to threaten the opposition?
We are starting Cullen up front in the friendlies - so the plan is plainly NOT to go long and NOT to threaten the space behind defences.
This means that we are reliant on playing through the thirds and creating spaces for crosses and central passes into the area.
Vipotnik would allow us to play a little longer and attack crosses - but again very little pace.
For Yates IMO he is a poor mans Cullen.
A striker with pace would stop opposing teams defending with a high line, while a target man who comes deep for the ball would allow our wide people to exploit the space in behind.
There are a lot of ways to skin a cat. - But i cannot tell from our approach what the Sheehan plan is.
We need to find a way to hurt teams orherwise we will once again be easy on the eye but mid table at best.

 

[magicdaps10]

Santos going to be out for the early part of season. This will likely speed up the process of getting few defenders in.

 

[sit_down_jack]

Santos going to be out for the early part of season. This will likely speed up the process of getting few defenders in.

Was always the risk with bringing in Santos as he’d been carrying an injury the season prior according to Bolton fans. Hopefully Cabango isn’t out too long and we can maybe look at the loan market to cover.

 

[magicdaps10]

Was always the risk with bringing in Santos as he’d been carrying an injury the season prior according to Bolton fans. Hopefully Cabango isn’t out too long and we can maybe look at the loan market to cover.

His injury record looks good to be fair, looks like he was only out for 19 days last season.
I would say, we seem to be thin defensively and it always feels like the area you take a chance on is the one where injuries occur.

I did post recently that it's good to have these injuries now rather than the end of August as the transfer window is fast approaching.