Transfer targets (7 Viewers)

[SBAndy]

Concerns me in a way though

The pitch debacle

The high turnover last year leading to a slow start again

We have to start a season well if we want to push for a proper promotion campaign. Cant start giving teams 15 point head starts

Our starting lineup would broadly be the same, though, so not as much of an issue as last season. If we started next season with the current 11 but had some even better players to bring in as the season wore on then that’s a decent position to be in.

Edit: I do, of course, mean this season!

 

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[chiefdave]

It all depends on your view of significant.

Also depends who they are. I'm not sure I'd count losing say Moore, Wilson, Kelly, Godden and a couple of fringe players as a significant issue. Our first choice XI would largely be the same and we'd potentially have stronger backup options

Don't really need to catastrophise everything and assume it means we won't win a game before Christmas

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Also depends who they are. I'm not sure I'd count losing say Moore, Wilson, Kelly, Godden and a couple of fringe players as a significant issue. Our first choice XI would largely be the same and we'd potentially have stronger backup options

Don't really need to catastrophise everything and assume it means we won't win a game before Christmas

I don’t think we’ll be signing players to be back ups. Some of today’s starters could quickly move down the pecking order.

 

[Hincha]

By both offensive & defensively statistics we're close to being a very good team. 6th most goals and 5th least conceded.

Problem is the teams chasing automatics are far ahead of us in terms of their goal difference:

Goals Scored:
Ipswich - 84
Leicester - 77
Leeds - 75
Coventry City - 63

Goals Conceded:
Leeds - 31
Leicester - 35
Coventry - 46
Ipswich - 51

Think deeper squad depth gets us into the play offs next year but we need to add real star quality if we want to bridge the gap to the autos.

 

[Skybluedownunder]

Well, as good as this season has been, our record against the top half teams has been below par. Let’s be honest.



To add to this, you could probably see Bidwell or Palmer leaving. Both in their final year of contract, have been on the rumour mill and probably players we wouldn’t renew their contracts.

Both are good players but Bidwell will be 32 and KP 28 and is either player someone you’d keep in the Prem?

Both Bidwell and Palmer have played well for us this season but if we can get money for both of them I definitely wouldn’t be against it compared to letting them go for free the following year.

Both players drift in and out of the squad and if we can get money and upgrade I’d be all for it.

Would rather see JDS go than Bidwell but if there is no offer for JDS but one for Bidwell then it is what it is


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[Mucca Mad Boys]

Because he’s taking the place of a midfielder and playing further up the pitch? I mean he has taken the lions share, he’s our top assister, so not sure “why” is relevant.

He gets assists because he’s a good player who gives the ball in the box. Palmer would have a lot more goal contributions if he was more decisive in the box, the same was true with COH before his injury.

Both Bidwell and Palmer have played well for us this season but if we can get money for both of them I definitely wouldn’t be against it compared to letting them go for free the following year.

Both players drift in and out of the squad and if we can get money and upgrade I’d be all for it.

Would rather see JDS go than Bidwell but if there is no offer for JDS but one for Bidwell then it is what it is


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Agreed, Bidwell is a better player in my view, but considering he’s 32 next season, I can’t see us renewing his contract.

He won’t want to be a backup if a new hot shot LB (if we got one) and he’s at an age where he’ll want to be a first choice option. There’ll be plenty of suitors for him.

 

[shmmeee]

He gets assists because he’s a good player who gives the ball in the box. Palmer would have a lot more goal contributions if he was more decisive in the box, the same was true with COH before his injury.



Agreed, Bidwell is a better player in my view, but considering he’s 32 next season, I can’t see us renewing his contract.

He won’t want to be a backup if a new hot shot LB (if we got one) and he’s at an age where he’ll want to be a first choice option. There’ll be plenty of suitors for him.

I’m purely talking about comparing this years midfield to last years. We play one less midfielder so it’s not like for like unless you count Wright as a midfielder.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

I’m purely talking about comparing this years midfield to last years. We play one less midfielder so it’s not like for like unless you count Wright as a midfielder.

We ended the season playing 3-4-1-2 which is the same ‘spine’ of 2 CMs and an AM. The material change this season is one more wide player - usually Sakamoto.

Even in ‘the box’, you had 2 AMs which functioned in wide channels.

We’re talking about formations as if there’s no fluidity there. Yes, Wright is primarily a LW, but regularly drifts in central channels when we attack and Bidwell operates almost as a LWB.

It’s not like for like, but if we’re planning for the future, we need to take steps to try and replace the output Hamer gave us - whether that’s one or two players is besides the point. Sheaf, Eccles, Kelly, Palmer have comparable outputs to last season - Allen and COH more or less offset one another with their increases and decreases. So we’re left with the task of replacing 21 goal goal involvements from CM.

 

[fernandopartridge]

We ended the season playing 3-4-1-2 which is the same ‘spine’ of 2 CMs and an AM. The material change this season is one more wide player - usually Sakamoto.

Even in ‘the box’, you had 2 AMs which functioned in wide channels.

We’re talking about formations as if there’s no fluidity there. Yes, Wright is primarily a LW, but regularly drifts in central channels when we attack and Bidwell operates almost as a LWB.

It’s not like for like, but if we’re planning for the future, we need to take steps to try and replace the output Hamer gave us - whether that’s one or two players is besides the point. Sheaf, Eccles, Kelly, Palmer have comparable outputs to last season - Allen and COH more or less offset one another with their increases and decreases. So we’re left with the task of replacing 21 goal goal involvements from CM.

Allen has played 1119 minutes this season compared to 2825 last season, most of which have been sub appearances. You're not really comparing apples with apples.

 

[Mucca Mad Boys]

Allen has played 1119 minutes this season compared to 2825 last season, most of which have been sub appearances. You're not really comparing apples with apples.

That’s the takeaway from the post?

Not that our midfield’s output is worse than last season’s and even with a rejuvenated COH, the output of 7 of our CMs and AMs has yielded 2 less goal contributions than Hamer last season. Last season, those players combined for 27 goal contributions and this year its at 23 with 7 games left. You bet Robins and his staff would have cottoned onto this.

Therefore, if I was comparing apples with apples, the outlook would be worse; only Torp is a new signing at CM. He’s shown promise but is some way away from replacing what Hamer brought to the team.

It’s going to be our main focus in the summer.

 

[mmttww]

Think deeper squad depth gets us into the play offs next year but we need to add real star quality if we want to bridge the gap to the autos.

Maybe. Factor in EMC will add something, Sakamoto will hopefully be back at it, then Wright and Simms should keep progressing. Obikwu might surprise us and add something off the bench.

Might have the core we need already. A lot hinges on who we add in midfield but I think we're close. Thomas, Kitching and MVE etc. should all develop as well and help get the GA figure down.

 

[Cally Fedora]

Assuming we’re in the Championship next season I think we’re ok in terms of attack and defence. I’d like us to make a quality midfield signing to complement what we already have there. Assuming Godden goes well just need a squad cf. And if there’s anything left some cover at RB.

 

[SleepyGinger]

Assuming we’re in the Championship next season I think we’re ok in terms of attack and defence. I’d like us to make a quality midfield signing to complement what we already have there. Assuming Godden goes well just need a squad cf. And if there’s anything left some cover at RB.

I can’t see a big singing in midfield assuming sheaf stays, Torp will be expected to push on with a full preseason. I think we need a centre half, we concede too many.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

I can’t see a big singing in midfield assuming sheaf stays, Torp will be expected to push on with a full preseason. I think we need a centre half, we concede too many.

Our defence plus goalkeeper have already cost quite a bit combined.

 

[CCFCSteve]

Our defence plus goalkeeper have already cost quite a bit combined.

We’re the fifth best in the league and that’s after a really messy start where defence, keeper and formation were chopped and changed. I think if we keep a more settled back four and keeper, even the same as it is now, they do even better next season.

Unfortunately we’ve had a few obvious fuck ups recently which stand out but overall we’ve got the makings of a solid back line*

What we need to nip in the bud is turning the ball over cheaply in the centre of the pitch, especially with full backs pushed forward letting teams catch us on the break. Happened too often recently

*now expecting a monumental defensive shitshow to gift Leeds late winner

 

[fatso]

By both offensive & defensively statistics we're close to being a very good team. 6th most goals and 5th least conceded.

Problem is the teams chasing automatics are far ahead of us in terms of their goal difference:

Goals Scored:
Ipswich - 84
Leicester - 77
Leeds - 75
Coventry City - 63

Goals Conceded:
Leeds - 31
Leicester - 35
Coventry - 46
Ipswich - 51

Think deeper squad depth gets us into the play offs next year but we need to add real star quality if we want to bridge the gap to the autos.

Our goals for column would look a lot better if Wright and Simms had found their scoring boots a little earlier.
They were utter shite for the first half of the season while they adjusted to playing championship football.

Next season they should hit the ground running having gained the necessary experience and having "gelled"
I also expect Godden to move on and another striker will come in to add some much needed competition. (As well as EMC)

 

[SleepyGinger]

Our defence plus goalkeeper have already cost quite a bit combined.

I’d like to see us sign an unpolished gem low risk high upside type, someone who shows up well on the data like that Nathaniel Adjei we were linked with. Can be back up to Thomas and Kitching whilst he learns the ropes.

 

[Marty]

Alex Mowatt is out of contract, but I suspect WBA are seeing if they get promoted or not before they do anything.

I've always liked the look of Dan Barlaser, decent championship player.

Alan Browne not a bad player, would he leave Preston?

Liam Millar has looked good at Preston this season also.

 

[mmttww]

They were utter shite for the first half of the season...

or like Simms pointed out, once Palmer and MVE et al. started finding their runs, they started scoring goals. Vik and Hamer were hitting each other with heat seekers last season. O'Hare was setting Vik up before his ACL (watch the compilation). Simms and Wright didn't have that at first. It's not all on them, and doesn't mean they were 'utter sh*te'.

 

[Balli001]

Alex Mowatt is out of contract, but I suspect WBA are seeing if they get promoted or not before they do anything.

I've always liked the look of Dan Barlaser, decent championship player.

Alan Browne not a bad player, would he leave Preston?

Liam Millar has looked good at Preston this season also.

Millar is on loan from Basel

 

[Saddlebrains]

Alex Mowatt is out of contract, but I suspect WBA are seeing if they get promoted or not before they do anything.

I've always liked the look of Dan Barlaser, decent championship player.

Alan Browne not a bad player, would he leave Preston?

Liam Millar has looked good at Preston this season also.

Both Mowatt and Barlaser have been looked at

 

[fatso]

or like Simms pointed out, once Palmer and MVE et al. started finding their runs, they started scoring goals. Vik and Hamer were hitting each other with heat seekers last season. O'Hare was setting Vik up before his ACL (watch the compilation). Simms and Wright didn't have that at first. It's not all on them, and doesn't mean they were 'utter sh*te'.

There may well be something in what you say, but that doesn't account for all the decent chances they missed.

 

[David O'Day]

There may well be something in what you say, but that doesn't account for all the decent chances they missed.

They will miss chances though, they are playing at our level. If they buried every chance they would be at a much higher level.

 

[mmttww]

There may well be something in what you say, but that doesn't account for all the decent chances they missed.

You seen some of the chances Haaland misses? I don't remember them missing more than any other striker.

 

[SleepyGinger]

Hasn’t Barlaser just signed for Boro for decent amount from Rotherham?

 

[Marty]

Hasn’t Barlaser just signed for Boro for decent amount from Rotherham?

He went in January 23, had 6 months left on his contract, so Middlesbrough only paid about 1 million for him. Tbf we should have signed him then.

 

[marrrkjay_ccfc]

Out - Moore, Binks, Kelly, O'Hare, Godden
Loan - Burroughs, Howley, Tavares, Obikwu
In - CB, CB, RB, CM, AM, RW, ST, ST

Would leave us with:

GK - Collins, Wilson
CB - Thomas, Kitching, Latibeaudiere, New CB, New CB
RB - van Ewijk, New RB
LB - Bidwell, Dasilva
CM - Sheaf, Eccles, Torp, Allen, New CM
AM - Palmer, New AM
RW - Sakamoto, New RW
LW - Wright, Mason-Clark
ST - Simms, New ST, New ST

The big money signing needs to be the O'Hare replacement in the AM role. Then a backup RB to van Ewijk. Godden will be off and I don't think Tavares is good enough for a team aiming for promotion to the prem so potentially 2 ST needed. Then more depth is needed in CB, CM and RW. That would be 8 signings which falls inline with Robins comments saying we will make substantial signings but not as many as last summer. The above squad would be 25 senior players.

 

[Martin180]

Both Mowatt and Barlaser have been looked at

Mowatt is quality

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Bali Mumba if Plymouth go down

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Bali Mumba if Plymouth go down

And now he’s scored

 

[messiahrobins]

Out - Moore, Binks, Kelly, O'Hare, Godden
Loan - Burroughs, Howley, Tavares, Obikwu
In - CB, CB, RB, CM, AM, RW, ST, ST

Would leave us with:

GK - Collins, Wilson
CB - Thomas, Kitching, Latibeaudiere, New CB, New CB
RB - van Ewijk, New RB
LB - Bidwell, Dasilva
CM - Sheaf, Eccles, Torp, Allen, New CM
AM - Palmer, New AM
RW - Sakamoto, New RW
LW - Wright, Mason-Clark
ST - Simms, New ST, New ST

The big money signing needs to be the O'Hare replacement in the AM role. Then a backup RB to van Ewijk. Godden will be off and I don't think Tavares is good enough for a team aiming for promotion to the prem so potentially 2 ST needed. Then more depth is needed in CB, CM and RW. That would be 8 signings which falls inline with Robins comments saying we will make substantial signings but not as many as last summer. The above squad would be 25 senior players.

Binks will be one new CB but there is some tough negotiating to do. Any other CB will be development
Norton-Cuffy new RB wouldnt surprise me at all.
Kyprianou new CM (lad at Posh)
Evander new AM (the marquee signing and the statement signing)
Poku new RW
Ricardo Pepi new ST (On Loan with view to perm)

Many one here will say Evander and Pepi are unrealistic, but if we want automatics that is the level we need to aim at.

 

[Ccfcisparks]

Binks will be one new CB but there is some tough negotiating to do. Any other CB will be development
Norton-Cuffy new RB wouldnt surprise me at all.
Kyprianou new CM (lad at Posh)
Evander new AM (the marquee signing and the statement signing)
Poku new RW
Ricardo Pepi new ST (On Loan with view to perm)

Many one here will say Evander and Pepi are unrealistic, but if we want automatics that is the level we need to aim at.

They are completely unrealistic yes.

 

[messiahrobins]

They are completely unrealistic yes.

So automatic promotion not the target realistically then, play offs best we can hope for. That's not a criticism btw, i have no idea of the clubs true ambitions

 

[Ccfcisparks]

So automatic promotion not the target realistically then, play offs best we can hope for. That's not a criticism btw, i have no idea of the clubs true ambitions

Pepi is playing for PSV. Why would he drop to the Championship. Look at the players ipswich signed this summer. Hardly screams automatics does it

 

[messiahrobins]

Pepi is playing for PSV. Why would he drop to the Championship. Look at the players ipswich signed this summer. Hardly screams automatics does it

To get game time? To develop. He isnt going to get a PL side if he cannot get minutes at PSV, top end championship would be a good move for him.
Ipswich is an anamoly to be fair. They wont be promoted either btw.