Summer transfer window 2024 (34 Viewers)

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
As a counter to the defensive issues, do you think it might have come down to how the stats guys looked at it in depth? They went for a new first choice keeper rather than defenders as that was where they saw the biggest issue, sloppy goals can and should be able to be alleviated through coaching where as goalkeepers are judged on shot stopping and cross catching. If a keeper doesn't have the basics its a more critical position to replace with a new one with a better skillset that you don't think that the current ones can improve on.
We’ve addressed GK though haven’t we? That was looked at as a priority and we’ve got the player we chased since March.

Moving on from that, we’ve lost a lot of experience in our squad and the only players older than 27 are Allen and Bidwell. We’ve been linked with CMs and Worrall so it seems like those positions have been highlighted where we need an experienced player.

Looking at all the goals we’ve conceded in 2024, we’ve dropped some clangers and in my view, it will cost us a shot of the automatics. The team should be good enough for playoffs though.
 

Earlsdon_Skyblue1

Well-Known Member
If the Worral rumour is true, where does that leave some other rather expensive defenders we have on our books? We definitely need some more leadership and experience on the books, but there's going to be a lot of money sitting on the bench by the looks of it.
 

Martw

Well-Known Member
If the Worral rumour is true, where does that leave some other rather expensive defenders we have on our books? We definitely need some more leadership and experience on the books, but there's going to be a lot of money sitting on the bench by the looks of it.
Players come and go - if keep Thomas for certain but if we can get some money back on Kitching then so be it .
 

Skyblue Bangkok

Well-Known Member
We’ve addressed GK though haven’t we? That was looked at as a priority and we’ve got the player we chased since March.

Moving on from that, we’ve lost a lot of experience in our squad and the only players older than 27 are Allen and Bidwell. We’ve been linked with CMs and Worrall so it seems like those positions have been highlighted where we need an experienced player.

Looking at all the goals we’ve conceded in 2024, we’ve dropped some clangers and in my view, it will cost us a shot of the automatics. The team should be good enough for playoffs though.
Sakamoto is 27.
 

Viktor17

Well-Known Member
Absolutely zero evidence to back this up but I think Thomas has a higher potential ceiling than Kitching. He’s started this season on a shite foot but there’s something about the way that Thomas plays that makes me think if he could just sort out a few things in his game then he could be a real quality defender.
Thomas has shown his ability - wolves and Utd games outstanding.

his issue’s are concentration and consistency- something you expect from younger players.

wont do him harm to come out team.

Kitching is the one with issues, his turning circle is a mobile as a dead bird. He needs to get fitter, leaner and work on that.
 

wingy

Well-Known Member
Thomas has shown his ability - wolves and Utd games outstanding.

his issue’s are concentration and consistency- something you expect from younger players.

wont do him harm to come out team.

Kitching is the one with issues, his turning circle is a mobile as a dead bird. He needs to get fitter, leaner and work on that.
But didn't he do a Cruyff turn in that clip on here just this afternoon from a week back v Bristol?
 

Cally Fedora

Well-Known Member
Absolutely zero evidence to back this up but I think Thomas has a higher potential ceiling than Kitching. He’s started this season on a shite foot but there’s something about the way that Thomas plays that makes me think if he could just sort out a few things in his game then he could be a real quality defender.
Don’t agree with that. Thomas is what he is already. I think Kitching will progress. Equally though I don’t see Worrall as a big improvement on Thomas.
 

Trueskyblue20

Well-Known Member
Don’t agree with that. Thomas is what he is already. I think Kitching will progress. Equally though I don’t see Worrall as a big improvement on Thomas.

Worrall would definitely be a big upgrade on Thomas. He captained them into the Prem and then over a year in the Prem with some great clean sheets with him at the heart of defence.

I do like Thomas and think he will be a very good player but his inexperience is showing a lot at the minute and he looks all over the place.
 

Alkhen

Well-Known Member
He’s 23. He isn’t a kid anymore
23 is still young for a center back, bollocks to suggest otherwise.

If Dovin (22) is our number 1

Which ever combination of these you put infront of him we have a young backline.

Binks 22
Burroughs 23
Thomas 23
MvE 23
Kitching 24
Lati 24
Dasilva 26
Bidwell 31

I'd suggest writing them off after 3 games is madness. Loads of scope to find a good balance and for players to sharpen up.

I would love an old head in as an option at CB but don't feel the need to slag off what we have already because they have all shown quality at times
 

BlueSkiesForever

Well-Known Member
Don’t agree with that. Thomas is what he is already. I think Kitching will progress. Equally though I don’t see Worrall as a big improvement on Thomas.

Fair enough, I disagree but either way it’s hard to say at this moment in time. As for Worrall I think he’s a different type of player tbh, maybe more of a Fadz from what I’ve seen in the past and obvs has more experience than Thomas, so it’s not really a like-for-like comparison imo.
I hope Thomas will be as good as, if not better than Worrall in time though.
 

long way home

Well-Known Member
I know very little about Worrall but would assume he would be an organizer and communicator. Someone that can not only add to the back 4, but help with the development of Kitching, Binks and Thomas. We have young players that need guidance and someone that pulls players into shape without possession. Its an obvious issue we need to improve so if its a loan could be a smart move for both squad improvement and developmental purposes.
 
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no_loyalty

Well-Known Member
Worrall would be a great signing, as we have been lacking a leader at the back since Fadz was replaced. Sheff United were linked with Worral back in June.
 

Terry Gibson's perm

Well-Known Member
That says a lot.

The consensus I’ve seen from Arsenal fans online seems to be they think Gyokeres isn’t worth the money Sporting want for him. Wasn’t that what Sporting fans thought when we sold him to them?
Whilst thinking their players are worth a fortune Nketiah is nowhere near as good as Vik and they want millions for him.
 

Monty

Well-Known Member
Just watching Leicester Spurs and it got me thinking what positions we would need to strengthen if we get promoted and I guess this follows the argument that we should only buy if it is an improvement on what we have (slightly different to my normal stance where I feel we need a another RB to support MVE).

Jury out on Dovin for next few months but I am presuming he will be the GK we hope he will be.
RB MVE
Rest of defense need replacing some might survive as squad players in Prem but currently none as starters.
Midfield potentially Sheaf and Rudoni are good enough but certainly need to strengthen there.
Forward line we may manage to stick with what we have.
I guess this then supports the view that we need a DM and CD to improve what we have now. Still room to improve the first XI before we improve squad depth
 

skybluegod

Well-Known Member
Obikwu going to Northampton should be announced today. Good move for all parties on loan

We still want Worrall

Worrall is a good signing if it comes off, but it massively stunts the development of Thomas who will then only play a handful of games barring injuries/suspension. Ruthless game as we all know.
 

Mucca Mad Boys

Well-Known Member
Worrall is a good signing if it comes off, but it massively stunts the development of Thomas who will then only play a handful of games barring injuries/suspension. Ruthless game as we all know.
I think the opposite, they’re all inexperienced so having someone with proven leadership skills around them should help them develop. It doesn’t necessarily mean Thomas would get dropped because right footers can still play LCB.

I’m a big fan of Thomas, I’d say he’s the best central defender we have defensively. Unfortunately, he’s the worst CB we have when on the ball.
 

skybluegod

Well-Known Member
I think the opposite, they’re all inexperienced so having someone with proven leadership skills around them should help them develop. It doesn’t necessarily mean Thomas would get dropped because right footers can still play LCB.

I’m a big fan of Thomas, I’d say he’s the best central defender we have defensively. Unfortunately, he’s the worst CB we have when on the ball.

It only helps them develop if they play... Not gonna develop just from training.

Also, we all moaned for years whenever we were left with a right footer and on the left of the two CB's it doesn't work as well. He struggles with the ball at RCB making him play off his weaker foot isn't going to help.

I see this benefiting kitching and probably more so binks greatly however for those reasons, hence it being a good signing.
 

Warwickhunt

Well-Known Member
Just watching Leicester Spurs and it got me thinking what positions we would need to strengthen if we get promoted and I guess this follows the argument that we should only buy if it is an improvement on what we have (slightly different to my normal stance where I feel we need a another RB to support MVE).

Jury out on Dovin for next few months but I am presuming he will be the GK we hope he will be.
RB MVE
Rest of defense need replacing some might survive as squad players in Prem but currently none as starters.
Midfield potentially Sheaf and Rudoni are good enough but certainly need to strengthen there.
Forward line we may manage to stick with what we have.
I guess this then supports the view that we need a DM and CD to improve what we have now. Still room to improve the first XI before we improve squad depth
I just watched the game at Leicester and was impressed with Lukas Bergaval 18 year old Swedish midfielder! Would be a perfect loan to cover Sheif and help the midfield
 

wingy

Well-Known Member
I just watched the game at Leicester and was impressed with Lukas Bergaval 18 year old Swedish midfielder! Would be a perfect loan to cover Sheif and help the midfield
Apart from when he turned it over near the end,and got a bollocking from his GK though he did look useful!
 

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