Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Chris Black come back on December 23, 2025, 02:17:11 pm
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Free Press saying that Lasagne, Crew, O'Riordan and Ajayi are all going back. TLT is staying.
We are making four signings, two likely permanent and two loans. Two of those arriving 1 January.
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McCanns interview says its a mixture of players to improve us now and in the future.
Personally feel they all need to improve/help us now.
2 of them signed up ready for 1st Jan.
The other 2 maybe a little longer, he worded this 'due to the structure of where they are coming from'.....abroad?
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McCanns interview says its a mixture of players to improve us now and in the future.
Personally feel they all need to improve/help us now.
2 of them signed up ready for 1st Jan.
The other 2 maybe a little longer, he worded this 'due to the structure of where they are coming from'.....abroad?
Guessing Ireland
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Sounds like there could be a chance that O'Riordan is available on Boxing Day and maybe 29 December.
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Sounds like there could be a chance that O'Riordan is available on Boxing Day and maybe 29 December.
Hes available up to and including the Luton game.
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One of them agreed for 1st January is a “project” and likely to go out on loan. Ffs
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An early statement to appease the restless natives?
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Darren Robinson will be one of them
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Darren Robinson will be one of them
No he's says in the free press they are working hard to agree with his agent so he's not 1st very aggressive midfielder
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I was hoping and expecting Darren Robinson to be one of the permanent signings, but having read the DFP article, he's additional to the four but we haven't yet closed out the deal. I really hope he signs as I was impressed with what I saw of him for NI 21s in two games. Relatively speaking, he contributed alot more than Crew in his games for Wales U21 in the same international break. Possibly competition for this lad.
Of course, the only disappointment is O'Riordon but we knew this was likely so hopefully McCann has prepared for that.
Of course, there could be more movement as the window progresses so there's no doubt going to be more speculation.
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One of them agreed for 1st January is a “project” and likely to go out on loan. Ffs
I think that’s a bit of an unfair reaction. We need signings that can improve the first team immediately but we shouldn’t lose sight of investing in the future. We can’t afford to just buy players in their prime.
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One of them agreed for 1st January is a “project” and likely to go out on loan. Ffs
I think that’s a bit of an unfair reaction. We need signings that can improve the first team immediately but we shouldn’t lose sight of investing in the future. We can’t afford to just buy players in their prime.
No problem, I’m fine with you thinking it’s unfair.
I personally think we need 2 or 3 to come in immediately and try and keep us in the league.
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Darren Robinson will be one of them
No he's says in the free press they are working hard to agree with his agent so he's not 1st very aggressive midfielder
He’s got 6 months left on his contract at Derby County and to quote myself
“Darren Robinson, will be one of them” I didn’t say he was going to be the first one.
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Robinson sounds like an aggressive DM, will probably help to reduce players running through us. Only question mark is if he's ready for League One, and who does he get in ahead of?
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Another name in to throw into the hat is Callum Marshall, he’s only made two appearances for West Ham this season and is hardly making the the bench, scored double figures on loan for West Brom last season ( including cups )
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Another name in to throw into the hat is Callum Marshall, he’s only made two appearances for West Ham this season and is hardly making the the bench, scored double figures on loan for West Brom last season ( including cups )
Im not familiar with him but any player who played or scored as much as that in the Championship last year isn’t going to be coming here.
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Ooooops my mistake, he played and scored those goals for Huddersfield last season. Yes, I’m big enough to admit my mistake
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As usual Grant spelling it out exactly how it is - FWIW I have complete confidence in him, the backroom staff and Board to continue our upwards trajectory through 2026 and beyond.
Merry XMAS and keep the faith......
RTID
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Robinson sounds like an aggressive DM, will probably help to reduce players running through us. Only question mark is if he's ready for League One, and who does he get in ahead of?
The Irish Premier Division is a lower standard than League One and he struggled for game time in it this season. The chances of him being ready are slim.
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Robinson sounds like an aggressive DM, will probably help to reduce players running through us. Only question mark is if he's ready for League One, and who does he get in ahead of?
The Irish Premier Division is a lower standard than League One and he struggled for game time in it this season. The chances of him being ready are slim.
Anyone can see we need some players in who are experienced at League One but that's no what Doncaster Rovers do, is it? So we're left signing lads who we hope will turn out to be half decent. Likelihood we'll be slagging him off come March-April time but I guess as it looks a likely signing we'll give him the benefit of the doubt and pray it goes ok.
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Let's see who these players are. They should be players better than what we have. They should be League one standard at least as we've only got 2/3 in the first team. Do we want to be a team that's above average in league 1 or team that struggles to score and defence is to leaky. Will the development player be better than the ones we have now who apart from the odd one struggle to get in lower league sides. So we see who we get but we are still negotiating with an U21 Irish player not going out there paying a transfer fee and wages for a recognised league one player.
So we will see what January brings, they should be players that will improve the first team not squad or development players.
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We need to be signing players of the ilk of Lorent Tolaj if we’re serious about Championship football.
Port Vale managed to scout him when he was at Aldershot, where were our scouting team looking at that point?
Vale recognised his potential and wrote a minimum transfer fee of £1.2 million into his contract.
Plymouth met that clause & thus far he’s scored 10 goals in 14 games for them, 3 of those at the Eco last Saturday.
Grant said in his post match interview ‘Tolaj can spin a player like that & has pace. We knew about him, he’s a top, top player. Probably the best striker in the division.’
Shame we didn’t ‘know about him’ when he was banging in goals for Aldershot or couldn’t raise the money to meet the release clause when he was at Vale.
He’s 24 & will be playing in the Championship or higher before we get anywhere near.
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Street when played in that position is as good as him. Hanlan is coming good for the level now we understand how to use him, not at the same level but more than good enough, as recent form proves.
Going forward is not really the priority I’m sure we can all agree that. We are really lightweight and naive in midfield and defence.
We don’t need the best in the league either, “nice to haves” but not realistic, we just need capable at the level right now and possibly more leadership types.
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Unfortunately not seen Grant Mcann on the list of those leaving, maybe I missed that announcement?
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We need to be signing players of the ilk of Lorent Tolaj if we’re serious about Championship football.
Port Vale managed to scout him when he was at Aldershot, where were our scouting team looking at that point?
Vale recognised his potential and wrote a minimum transfer fee of £1.2 million into his contract.
Plymouth met that clause & thus far he’s scored 10 goals in 14 games for them, 3 of those at the Eco last Saturday.
Grant said in his post match interview ‘Tolaj can spin a player like that & has pace. We knew about him, he’s a top, top player. Probably the best striker in the division.’
Shame we didn’t ‘know about him’ when he was banging in goals for Aldershot or couldn’t raise the money to meet the release clause when he was at Vale.
He’s 24 & will be playing in the Championship or higher before we get anywhere near.
After I backed Port Vale at 33/1 at a real street bookmaker -( first time in years I went in a bookmakers ) and split the amount on 3 seperate slips - so they would eventually have enough cash to pay me out - I followed Vale like a hawk and I didn't think he was that good.
I never gave it a thought where he had come from.
I remember Aldershot beating somebody in some Cup and a few of you saying sign some Aldershot player
Right here are the facts
In 2024-2025 fa cup first round we have Swindon 4 Aldershot 7 and he scored a hattrick -SO THE WORLD AND HIS DOG OUGHT TO HAVE KNOWN ABOUT HIM ---
ROUND 2 they draw 2-2 against Stockport and amazingly somehow win the replay 1-0
Round 3 lose 4-1 at WBA
I have a feeling he wasn't the one people were going on about signing (in our dreams) on this forum
However looking at his wikipedia page the world and his dog should have wanted to sign him given his Crufts Pedigree at our level
"Lorent Tolaj (born 23 October 2001) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Plymouth Argyle. He represented Switzerland internationally up to under-19 level. He scored eight goals in one match to set the record for the most goals scored in an under-19 Euro qualifier."
reading his wikipedia page is a must
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorent_Tolaj
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Street might have scored at the same rate as Tolaj in league 2 but there is zero evidence he would do it in league 1. Lincoln’s top scorer has 4 goals. If Street would score 10 in 14 they’d put him up front surely.
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Sounds like there could be a chance that O'Riordan is available on Boxing Day and maybe 29 December.
Hes available up to and including the Luton game.
I ask a simple question , in that if O'Riordan IS going back to his parent Club would he really be up for 2 do or die situations playing for us , a Club he is leaving
I remember when we drew Spurs in Cup and had a dip in form and some on here suspected our players ( or at least some ) had their eyes set on that prize , so is this return of O'Riordan not a very similar situation
It may be that McCann doesn't pick him and my question becomes irrelevant anyway
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
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Robinson sounds like an aggressive DM, will probably help to reduce players running through us. Only question mark is if he's ready for League One, and who does he get in ahead of?
The Irish Premier Division is a lower standard than League One and he struggled for game time in it this season. The chances of him being ready are slim.
I wouldn't be so sure if he's been here training and so forth.
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He’s been here a while, wasn’t he seen wearing a Rovers tracksuit at the Stockport match
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O'Riordan won't play in either game not a chance. He played against Cardiff as though he's been told don't risk anything. We'll need to play Pearson until January with McGrath
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
When Grant told Bailey to get in the box more he didn't mean the defensive one
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
Just because he was a good CB in League Two doesn't mean he will be good in League One...
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
As I said in another thread, he's the best CB at the club IMO.
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
Just because he was a good CB in League Two doesn't mean he will be good in League One...
Well none of the others are at the moment, that's for sure.
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
As I said in another thread, he's the best CB at the club IMO.
Our best run and football came when bailey played at the back with Anderson,I would put him at the back tomorrow
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I just hope we don’t continue with our age old strategy of signing small players. It’s obvious we lack height, strength, power and pace all over the pitch. I’m sure McCann has a policy of not signing anyone taller than himself.
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
[Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
Fair point. Do you know if the club have changed what they do re loans or lost some credibility as for a few years now we have far too many misses than hits. To the point where I’m not sure it’s worth it and would rather see a DRFC youth player given the chances.
Personally think we should have a policy of not signing loans who haven’t played a senior season.
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Id drop Bailey in Defence..
As I said in another thread, he's the best CB at the club IMO.
Our best run and football came when bailey played at the back with Anderson,I would put him at the back tomorrow
If we are going to stay up, that has to start with us stiffening the defence.
I agree. Bailey is the best defender in the club. He has to be moved to centre half.
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Well I hope fans don’t start moaning at one of the signings possibly incoming as it would definitely be for the future if it is who I think and it happens
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Bailey McCann
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Bailey McCann
Is this something you’ve heard or making a prediction?
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Now that, even if he is a worldbeater, would be a very, very dangerous thing indeed...
BobG
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I just hope we don’t continue with our age old strategy of signing small players. It’s obvious we lack height, strength, power and pace all over the pitch. I’m sure McCann has a policy of not signing anyone taller than himself.
Almost every player he’s signed is taller than himself
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Still has several years left on his 4.5 year deal. Would have to be a loan. Good record in the past, either way.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Still has several years left on his 4.5 year deal. Would have to be a loan. Good record in the past, either way.
I’m just trying to console myself that we have some established and proven L1 players lined up to come and help us.
I’m probably miles off but it’s the kind of signing we need (x 3 or 4!)
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Bailey McCann
Is this something you’ve heard or making a prediction?
Just social media rumours so probably nothing in it.
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Bailey McCann
I heard that a couple of months ago
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
I heard Lincoln were interested again... but he would be a good loan for us if we could attract him...
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There is a perfect example of where our problem lies.
Signed for Huddersfield 12m ago for a reported £3m fee......and cant get in their team. 7th in the league.
We cant compete with that level of spending and resource.
I will be happy with 20th place, notably we will lose a lot of games to be 20th. Im fine with that.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Fair comments
Iv just been looking at established players not making teams as I think that’s what we need, not more kids.
Alli was brilliant at Luton away, we struggled to handle him.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Been a big fan of Alli since his Halifax days. Agreed he'd be good for us. Middleton looked completely disinterested yesterday.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Been a big fan of Alli since his Halifax days. Agreed he'd be good for us. Middleton looked completely disinterested yesterday.
I dont think middleton has enjoyed any part of being down here and i can see him finding a move back upto scotland in January.
Unfortunatly he may of hoped to have been in a team fighting at the top end of the league and not the bottom
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By my reckoning if we were to sign Robinson from Derby it would have to be on a permanent deal . EFL only allow four loanees per season from English clubs and we have already had four .
So January loanees will necessarily have to be from non English clubs .
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By my reckoning if we were to sign Robinson from Derby it would have to be on a permanent deal . EFL only allow four loanees per season from English clubs and we have already had four .
So January loanees will necessarily have to be from non English clubs .
You can have no more than 4 loans from the same club
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By my reckoning if we were to sign Robinson from Derby it would have to be on a permanent deal . EFL only allow four loanees per season from English clubs and we have already had four .
So January loanees will necessarily have to be from non English clubs .
not quite right there, that's from a single CV lub
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
The bad ones would be going back , they shouldn’t have been here in the first place . Someone has not done their due diligence. Crew I was surprised as to how off he was but the rest were just embarrassing. Yet the same person (s) who selected those will be having another try .. ffs . Q) will the season ticket prices be lowered next season?
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I ruddy hope not!
BobG
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
The bad ones would be going back , they shouldn’t have been here in the first place . Someone has not done their due diligence. Crew I was surprised as to how off he was but the rest were just embarrassing. Yet the same person (s) who selected those will be having another try .. ffs . Q) will the season ticket prices be lowered next season?
so you say shouldn’t been here in 1st place but then say your surprised how much off Crew has been!!!that’s it with loans especially young players as you don’t know how well equipped to mens football till they are involved,most thought Ajayi was a good loan signing at the start of the season and lasagne was just a gamble that hasn’t worked out.
It’s the permanent signing that really need to work and for what ever reason Glenn Middleton hasn’t
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
The bad ones would be going back , they shouldn’t have been here in the first place . Someone has not done their due diligence. Crew I was surprised as to how off he was but the rest were just embarrassing. Yet the same person (s) who selected those will be having another try .. ffs . Q) will the season ticket prices be lowered next season?
so you say shouldn’t been here in 1st place but then say your surprised how much off Crew has been!!!that’s it with loans especially young players as you don’t know how well equipped to mens football till they are involved,most thought Ajayi was a good loan signing at the start of the season and lasagne was just a gamble that hasn’t worked out.
It’s the permanent signing that really need to work and for what ever reason Glenn Middleton hasn’t
The worst thing about the Crew and TLT signings is that they have played for us before. The fact that the football department didn’t know that they just aren’t good enough is a bit embarrassing really.
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Just an advert for not relying on loan players. Only good one isn’t playing because his club want him back.
Surely that’s a good advert? The bad loan players are going back, if we'd have bought them we'd be stuck.
The bad ones would be going back , they shouldn’t have been here in the first place . Someone has not done their due diligence. Crew I was surprised as to how off he was but the rest were just embarrassing. Yet the same person (s) who selected those will be having another try .. ffs . Q) will the season ticket prices be lowered next season?
so you say shouldn’t been here in 1st place but then say your surprised how much off Crew has been!!!that’s it with loans especially young players as you don’t know how well equipped to mens football till they are involved,most thought Ajayi was a good loan signing at the start of the season and lasagne was just a gamble that hasn’t worked out.
It’s the permanent signing that really need to work and for what ever reason Glenn Middleton hasn’t
The worst thing about the Crew and TLT signings is that they have played for us before. The fact that the football department didn’t know that they just aren’t good enough is a bit embarrassing really.
they was though all be it in a lower division,Crew had a great end to the season once he got into it,and no one was moaning about TLT yet a lot though teddy was poor
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Been a big fan of Alli since his Halifax days. Agreed he'd be good for us. Middleton looked completely disinterested yesterday.
I dont think middleton has enjoyed any part of being down here and i can see him finding a move back upto scotland in January.
Unfortunatly he may of hoped to have been in a team fighting at the top end of the league and not the bottom
Left wing is the area our attack is lacking balance. If we’re only good going forwards at the expense of being wide open then we aren’t good at going forwards!
Said this before, look at McCann teams of the past when they’ve been successful (Rovers, Hull, P’boro) and you’ll see the goals have been spread across the front 3. Gibson and Middleton won’t get enough goals, no chance.
Shift Middleton to the right (which he can play) and have him as Moly’s back up, then get another LW with an eye for goal in.
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Been a big fan of Alli since his Halifax days. Agreed he'd be good for us. Middleton looked completely disinterested yesterday.
I dont think middleton has enjoyed any part of being down here and i can see him finding a move back upto scotland in January.
Unfortunatly he may of hoped to have been in a team fighting at the top end of the league and not the bottom
Left wing is the area our attack is lacking balance. If we’re only good going forwards at the expense of being wide open then we aren’t good at going forwards!
Said this before, look at McCann teams of the past when they’ve been successful (Rovers, Hull, P’boro) and you’ll see the goals have been spread across the front 3. Gibson and Middleton won’t get enough goals, no chance.
Shift Middleton to the right (which he can play) and have him as Moly’s back up, then get another LW with an eye for goal in.
Gibsons form has dropped of late which hasn’t helped. He is a player who plays better when the team plays better admittedly. We actually have too many players that need others to pull them along as opposed to being consistent whether we play well or not.
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I think Gibson’s problem is mental weakness. He does tend to hide when the going gets tough. We do have our fair share of lightweights.
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I think Gibson’s problem is mental weakness. He does tend to hide when the going gets tough. We do have our fair share of lightweights.
Doesn’t help him that when we are struggling our plan goes from “get the ball the Mols” to “get the ball to Mols even more”
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Wonder when official announcements will be made ?
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When the signings permanent and loans were made in the summer majority on here were happy.
Ok we wanted Street but £800,000 was not in our remit. But the signings were acceptable and if anybody decided to have a go at them, at that time, they were derided.
Now with Hindsight they have not turned out well although ORiordon was our best defender.
After the Middlesbrough game every one on here was creaming their selves how good our squad was.
We need better can we afford better the transfer window will tell. Will the players we had and won the Championship with improve to show they are league 1 standard.
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Wonder when official announcements will be made ?
I wonder if the new signings will have been here long enough to get a starting place against Bolton.
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Wonder when official announcements will be made ?
I wonder if the new signings will have been here long enough to get a starting place against Bolton.
One is a development player it was said by Grant so he won't
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Doesn’t help him that when we are struggling our plan goes from “get the ball the Mols” to “get the ball to Mols even more”
TBF - I think Gibson is limited and tends to play with his head down.... get him in a good position and he seems to have only one thought - to either take a player on or shoot. This wouldn't be a bad option if it ever came to anything; however more often than not it ends in disappointment.
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Wonder when official announcements will be made ?
I wonder if the new signings will have been here long enough to get a starting place against Bolton.
New signings can't play on the 1st of Jan.
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Doesn’t help him that when we are struggling our plan goes from “get the ball the Mols” to “get the ball to Mols even more”
TBF - I think Gibson is limited and tends to play with his head down.... get him in a good position and he seems to have only one thought - to either take a player on or shoot. This wouldn't be a bad option if it ever came to anything; however more often than not it ends in disappointment.
In fairness, that's 90% of wingers/wide players at this level. They're all incredibly inconsistent, that's why they're not at the level above. We're just lucky to have Molyneux who's more consistent than others.
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Doesn’t help him that when we are struggling our plan goes from “get the ball the Mols” to “get the ball to Mols even more”
TBF - I think Gibson is limited and tends to play with his head down.... get him in a good position and he seems to have only one thought - to either take a player on or shoot. This wouldn't be a bad option if it ever came to anything; however more often than not it ends in disappointment.
In fairness, that's 90% of wingers/wide players at this level. They're all incredibly inconsistent, that's why they're not at the level above. We're just lucky to have Molyneux who's more consistent than others.
Don't disagree and we are lucky to have Moly. Just think there is (or might) be a better player in there.
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Latest interview states
“We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.”
What the hell happened to the 2 that had signed ready for tge 1st?
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Latest interview states
“We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.”
What the hell happened to the 2 that had signed ready for tge 1st?
Looking at the weather forecast, hopefully that gives us some more time. Looks very cold for the Luton game on the 4th with possibly some snow before.
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Latest interview states
“We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.”
What the hell happened to the 2 that had signed ready for tge 1st?
Hopefully refers to the others we want to bring in?
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From DFP:
“He recently alluded to a handful of signings being ready to be unveiled as soon as the January window opens. Speaking post-match last night, the Northern Irishman admitted the squad "needs a bit of freshness".
When quizzed further by the Free Press he added: "We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.
"We're working hard. Lee Glover (head of recruitment) is working hard. But the games are coming really fast at this moment in time, so it's hard for me to be doing that (recruitment) and focus on the games. But as I say, Gloves is working very hard to try and get a couple over the line."
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From DFP:
“He recently alluded to a handful of signings being ready to be unveiled as soon as the January window opens. Speaking post-match last night, the Northern Irishman admitted the squad "needs a bit of freshness".
When quizzed further by the Free Press he added: "We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.
"We're working hard. Lee Glover (head of recruitment) is working hard. But the games are coming really fast at this moment in time, so it's hard for me to be doing that (recruitment) and focus on the games. But as I say, Gloves is working very hard to try and get a couple over the line."
That sounds to me that we dont have the 2 over the line as previously stated.
And if so then thats poor to state it previously.
Similar to last seasons statement of a player too good for the division but back tracked on saying it. Which was pulled up in a interview with ricky of dfp
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From DFP:
“He recently alluded to a handful of signings being ready to be unveiled as soon as the January window opens. Speaking post-match last night, the Northern Irishman admitted the squad "needs a bit of freshness".
When quizzed further by the Free Press he added: "We're trying. Whether it's the 1st, 2nd or 3rd or whatever, it'll be early January - I'm hoping so anyway.
"We're working hard. Lee Glover (head of recruitment) is working hard. But the games are coming really fast at this moment in time, so it's hard for me to be doing that (recruitment) and focus on the games. But as I say, Gloves is working very hard to try and get a couple over the line."
That sounds to me that we dont have the 2 over the line as previously stated.
And if so then thats poor to state it previously.
Similar to last seasons statement of a player too good for the division but back tracked on saying it. Which was pulled up in a interview with ricky of dfp
It’s piss poor if true
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I never heard him use the term 'handful'. He certainly referred to two definitely, one being a development player, plus another two, one of which thought to be Darren Robinson, who weren't yet over the line.
This is a genuine issue in our predicament heading in the wrong direction, what might have been agreed in principle two weeks ago, leaves opportunities for players or clubs to change their minds and look at other options.
Of course, we don't normally declare anything until the players actually sign, so if we've been a bit premature, it's not good communication.
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They can't play on the 1st anyway, so if they're signed on the 1st or 3rd before noon it doesn't matter, they'll only be eligible for the game on the 4th.
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So the manager is dead busy preparing for games (rightly so) but that is stopping us getting recruitment sorted because he’s integral to that. Manager led recruitment just isn’t efficient anymore and every window proves this more.
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They can't play on the 1st anyway, so if they're signed on the 1st or 3rd before noon it doesn't matter, they'll only be eligible for the game on the 4th.
That's fair comment. It could mean due to logistics not being able to register them officially and therefore announce them until after 1st.
We've just got to be patient and not jump to conclusions.
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They can't play on the 1st anyway, so if they're signed on the 1st or 3rd before noon it doesn't matter, they'll only be eligible for the game on the 4th.
That's fair comment. It could mean due to logistics not being able to register them officially and therefore announce them until after 1st.
Can’t register them n the 1st, it’s a bank holiday, no one in the office at the FA
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If we have to wait until late January to bring players in, we’ll be cut adrift, and our form would need to be at playoff or automatic promotion level just to survive. That simply isn’t going to happen. In my opinion, this group doesn’t look like it has another win in it.
I understand why some fans are taking positives from last night and saying we put up a fight, but the reality is it was the same formation and tactics from the manager, the same players making the same mistakes, missing chances and making poor decisions, and that was against a side riddled with injuries who are not exactly strong at home.
Working hard is not enough. You need to work hard and have the quality to win games, especially away from home where you have to dig in and defend properly. Right now, we clearly need at least four experienced players who know this league and are fit enough to come straight into the starting XI.
That is a huge ask in a relegation battle because the best players will choose to go elsewhere. Instead, we will likely end up with young loanees we hope turn out to be stars, and journeymen who cannot get minutes at their current clubs. You can almost guarantee it. That approach can work when you are pushing for promotion or the playoffs, but when you are the whipping boys, it is a recipe for disaster.
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The only man who can provide Grant with the tools to do his job properly is Terry Bramall .
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Up to now, McCann has always got the majority of his business done early in each window, so quite often alot of the speculation is limited. Then it's been a case of seeing how the rest of the window pans out, in case we lose anyone we want to keep.
As we know though, there's always scope for late dealings which is just the nature of the beast.
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They can't play on the 1st anyway, so if they're signed on the 1st or 3rd before noon it doesn't matter, they'll only be eligible for the game on the 4th.
That's fair comment. It could mean due to logistics not being able to register them officially and therefore announce them until after 1st.
Can’t register them n the 1st, it’s a bank holiday, no one in the office at the FA
Pretty sure registrations are done online these days (making the assumption from something I was reading re:Shrewsbury fielding an ineligible player in the vertu trophy, it makes reference to an online registration system)
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I assume we can't actually SIGN a player until the window is open. Which means 1st Jan.
But you have to sign a player the day before a match for him to be eligible to play. Hence new signings can't play on 1st Jan.
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Terry can only provide money. There's a whole load more tools needed to do Grant's job.
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If we have to wait until late January to bring players in, we’ll be cut adrift, and our form would need to be at playoff or automatic promotion level just to survive. That simply isn’t going to happen. In my opinion, this group doesn’t look like it has another win in it.
I understand why some fans are taking positives from last night and saying we put up a fight, but the reality is it was the same formation and tactics from the manager, the same players making the same mistakes, missing chances and making poor decisions, and that was against a side riddled with injuries who are not exactly strong at home.
Working hard is not enough. You need to work hard and have the quality to win games, especially away from home where you have to dig in and defend properly. Right now, we clearly need at least four experienced players who know this league and are fit enough to come straight into the starting XI.
That is a huge ask in a relegation battle because the best players will choose to go elsewhere. Instead, we will likely end up with young loanees we hope turn out to be stars, and journeymen who cannot get minutes at their current clubs. You can almost guarantee it. That approach can work when you are pushing for promotion or the playoffs, but when you are the whipping boys, it is a recipe for disaster.
Agree with every bit of this.
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I assume we can't actually SIGN a player until the window is open. Which means 1st Jan.
But you have to sign a player the day before a match for him to be eligible to play. Hence new signings can't play on 1st Jan.
That appears to be the case, though it’s a bit ambiguous in the case of free agents
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I thought you could sign free agents at any time?
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I thought you could sign free agents at any time?
Yeah, ambiguous as to if they need to be registered by 12 noon prior day or 3 hours before the match, am reading efl documents on their website, glad I don’t have to write them!!!
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Of course we play on Sunday aswell, so you'd want them in 1st/2nd really for that.
It does surprise me you can't agree a deal this week and have the paperwork done to be eligible on the 1st though. There can't be that much to it?
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I thought you could sign free agents at any time?
Free agent window shuts at the end of November I think.
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quote author=BillyStubbsTears link=topic=295855.msg1437658#msg1437658 date=1767099330]
I assume we can't actually SIGN a player until the window is open. Which means 1st Jan.
But you have to sign a player the day before a match for him to be eligible to play. Hence new signings can't play on 1st Jan.
[/quote]
Yes, so no clubs can play new signings on 1st.
"....must be registered with The League and be included on the Squad List before the relevant League match. The League recommends uploading the updated Squad List not less than 24 hours before
the relevant League match"
The regulations also state that if a clubs fixtures are delayed due to TV (say the 2nd or 3rd) the new players registration will be delayed until after that match so not to disadvantage clubs playing on the 1st.
As someone already said, players are registered online via each clubs online portal to the EFL.
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There’s a lot of moving and shaking in the transfer window. Ordinarily having players lined up for day one is not always optimal. In our situation we need reinforcements pretty quickly. I think we need 6 first team signings this January. The 5 loanees need replacing and an additional centre half. If Robinson coming in from Derby to replace Crew is a sign of things to come then we are making the squad worse.
I’ve heard a whisper about who the loanee centre half will be, if true we won’t be making huge strides forward.
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Any good news, Gaz?
;)
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I thought you could sign free agents at any time?
Free agent window shuts at the end of November I think.
No such thing as a 'window' for free agents.
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There’s a lot of moving and shaking in the transfer window. Ordinarily having players lined up for day one is not always optimal. In our situation we need reinforcements pretty quickly. I think we need 6 first team signings this January. The 5 loanees need replacing and an additional centre half. If Robinson coming in from Derby to replace Crew is a sign of things to come then we are making the squad worse.
I’ve heard a whisper about who the loanee centre half will be, if true we won’t be making huge strides forward.
I believe the money required whether loans or not will be too much to give us the quality level
League 1 players we need. It's started already we were going to announce on Jan 1st now that's been put back or even put off. We are second bottom league it should not affect loans unless they don't want their players in a relegation battle.
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There’s a lot of moving and shaking in the transfer window. Ordinarily having players lined up for day one is not always optimal. In our situation we need reinforcements pretty quickly. I think we need 6 first team signings this January. The 5 loanees need replacing and an additional centre half. If Robinson coming in from Derby to replace Crew is a sign of things to come then we are making the squad worse.
I’ve heard a whisper about who the loanee centre half will be, if true we won’t be making huge strides forward.
Are they at a Championship or League One club currently?
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There’s a lot of moving and shaking in the transfer window. Ordinarily having players lined up for day one is not always optimal. In our situation we need reinforcements pretty quickly. I think we need 6 first team signings this January. The 5 loanees need replacing and an additional centre half. If Robinson coming in from Derby to replace Crew is a sign of things to come then we are making the squad worse.
I’ve heard a whisper about who the loanee centre half will be, if true we won’t be making huge strides forward.
I believe the money required whether loans or not will be too much to give us the quality level
League 1 players we need. It's started already we were going to announce on Jan 1st now that's been put back or even put off. We are second bottom league it should not affect loans unless they don't want their players in a relegation battle.
Who has said it has been put off? I have heard nothing.As far as I know 2 tomorrow, 2 more at an unspecified date.
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Agree not heard anything about a change in the announcements
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It's all on this thread if you follow from page 1.
It wasn't said there were going to be announcements specifically but McCann saying two were expected to sign as soon as the window opens.
""We're already ahead of the game. Two players have agreed and are done and then there's one or two (others) that are close. Two will arrive on the first of January and the others may be slightly delayed on that."
As the thread also covers, new players can't play on 1st January anyway but a further article cast doubt on the first one when McCann referred to us working hard to get deals over the line etc, but he's got games to prepare for too.
So it was never said there would be announcements on the 1st.
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Yes, but why assume they would announce them on the 1st when all the concentration is on the game that tomorrow plus that's the first day they can register them with the EFL so, as also covered in the thread they wouldn't be eligible to play so no point busting a gut to do the announcements.
Likely announcements will made shortly after when they've done the welcome interviews etc (although they may already be in the can for all we know)
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Ricky Charlesworth on X
Not expecting any transfer announcements tomorrow at Rovers. Sure the question will be asked to GM post-Bolton regarding a further update. #DRFC
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There’s a lot of moving and shaking in the transfer window. Ordinarily having players lined up for day one is not always optimal. In our situation we need reinforcements pretty quickly. I think we need 6 first team signings this January. The 5 loanees need replacing and an additional centre half. If Robinson coming in from Derby to replace Crew is a sign of things to come then we are making the squad worse.
I’ve heard a whisper about who the loanee centre half will be, if true we won’t be making huge strides forward.
I agree and we probably need more incomings than would have been anticipated after the summer recruitment.
I believe this will be a difficult window, with high possibility we could loose our 2 best players.
GL have you heard anything regarding any interested clubs who may be formulating bids?
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Wasn’t it Brian Clough who said the roles of a football manager and a politician are the only jobs in the UK where unqualified people feel legitimised to tell you how shit you are at it?
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Would be stupid to let two of our best players go :thumbdown:
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Not sure there is any actual evidence that there is a high possibility both Bailey and Molyneux are leaving this window.
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Not sure there is any actual evidence that there is a high possibility both Bailey and Molyneux are leaving this window.
The evidence is they are both performing well in a struggling team.
I would expect at least one of them will get some serious interest.
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Not sure there is any actual evidence that there is a high possibility both Bailey and Molyneux are leaving this window.
Totally agree CBCB.
They both signed extended contracts, they are both settled here, both bought houses in the area, both loved by the fans, both playing the best football of their careers.
Yes people would be interested but surely thats what we want? I'd rather people were interested in all of our squad because everyone was performing at the top of their game!!!
Interest doesn't mean anything will happen and it certainly doesn't mean HIGHLY LIKELY that BOTH will leave.
Bonkers talk.
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Equally they both only have what 18 months left on their contracts? If you get good offers it is stupid not to take them and invest across the squad. We can't keep letting players go for free.
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If and when they go and we get a fee, I am sure this will be used to reinvest in the squad. Remember though that we budget for a loss each season, ie Terry gives us c£2m a season. So when we ‘break even’ this means that Terry is not having to fork out more than the c£2m a season. Ideally we need to be getting to the point where we break even without Terry giving us that amount each season. That can only really come from player sales and that will not always mean a fee can be fully reinvested.
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If and when they go and we get a fee, I am sure this will be used to reinvest in the squad. Remember though that we budget for a loss each season, ie Terry gives us c£2m a season. So when we ‘break even’ this means that Terry is not having to fork out more than the c£2m a season. Ideally we need to be getting to the point where we break even without Terry giving us that amount each season. That can only really come from player sales and that will not always mean a fee can be fully reinvested.
We have history of playing Santa Clause where player departures are concerned. We need to be more ruthless in approach to our recruitment and contracts . If we value players they should given contracts worthy of our reliance on them and discourage clubs from poaching ie Olowu (Free) May (unbelievable £5k) Watters (Free) etc . Surely if were compete at any level and invest for the future and our recruitment based on potential . Big squads are fine but if your only ending up loaning them out and replacing them other clubs loans I can’t see where progress is made play them from the bench . To much De Ja Vu seasons on the reliance on transfer January windows to repair or salvage what should have been avoidable by the due diligence being carried out of players before signing . Build a strong 14-15 and use Loans should Supplement the squad but not build the first team around them .
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If and when they go and we get a fee, I am sure this will be used to reinvest in the squad. Remember though that we budget for a loss each season, ie Terry gives us c£2m a season. So when we ‘break even’ this means that Terry is not having to fork out more than the c£2m a season. Ideally we need to be getting to the point where we break even without Terry giving us that amount each season. That can only really come from player sales and that will not always mean a fee can be fully reinvested.
We have history of playing Santa Clause where player departures are concerned. We need to be more ruthless in approach to our recruitment and contracts . If we value players they should given contracts worthy of our reliance on them and discourage clubs from poaching ie Olowu (Free) May (unbelievable £5k) Watters (Free) etc . Surely if were compete at any level and invest for the future and our recruitment based on potential . Big squads are fine but if your only ending up loaning them out and replacing them other clubs loans I can’t see where progress is made play them from the bench . To much De Ja Vu seasons on the reliance on transfer January windows to repair or salvage what should have been avoidable by the due diligence being carried out of players before signing . Build a strong 14-15 and use Loans should Supplement the squad but not build the first team around them .
Surely you can see this is where the argument falls down?
Dont want a big squad but then lamenting the fact matters was released and Alfie May left when he wasn't fancied by the manager so wasn't going to play?
Olowu has gone to a club with bigger ambition and presumably a higher budget , dont want to go down that route again.
IF we trim this large squad and let players like Faulkner, Flint etc go then people will be calling the club a pig to a dog in a few years when they make it.
Arguably Bailey and Mols should be our highest paid players but thats all within the restraints of the money available.
Personally I have no issue with the club selling our best players if that is re-invested. That is what most successful lower league clubs do, and have to do, to survive.
What I would not be happy about would be Bailey leaving for £2m and the club 'breaking even' so TB doesn't have to put anything in the pot. We have learnt for the last 5yrs that being self sustainable does not work and money is needed for investment in the squad, whether that is from sales or from TB.
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Surely you can see this is where the argument falls down?
Dont want a big squad but then lamenting the fact matters was released and Alfie May left when he wasn't fancied by the manager so wasn't going to play?
Olowu has gone to a club with bigger ambition and presumably a higher budget , dont want to go down that route again.
IF we trim this large squad and let players like Faulkner, Flint etc go then people will be calling the club a pig to a dog in a few years when they make it.
Arguably Bailey and Mols should be our highest paid players but thats all within the restraints of the money available.
Personally I have no issue with the club selling our best players if that is re-invested. That is what most successful lower league clubs do, and have to do, to survive.
What I would not be happy about would be Bailey leaving for £2m and the club 'breaking even' so TB doesn't have to put anything in the pot. We have learnt for the last 5yrs that being self sustainable does not work and money is needed for investment in the squad, whether that is from sales or from TB.
But to do that you have to have a steady supply of home-grown talent coming through or else a functioning and competent recruitment team which it would appear we don't have.
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Surely you can see this is where the argument falls down?
Dont want a big squad but then lamenting the fact matters was released and Alfie May left when he wasn't fancied by the manager so wasn't going to play?
Olowu has gone to a club with bigger ambition and presumably a higher budget , dont want to go down that route again.
IF we trim this large squad and let players like Faulkner, Flint etc go then people will be calling the club a pig to a dog in a few years when they make it.
Arguably Bailey and Mols should be our highest paid players but thats all within the restraints of the money available.
Personally I have no issue with the club selling our best players if that is re-invested. That is what most successful lower league clubs do, and have to do, to survive.
What I would not be happy about would be Bailey leaving for £2m and the club 'breaking even' so TB doesn't have to put anything in the pot. We have learnt for the last 5yrs that being self sustainable does not work and money is needed for investment in the squad, whether that is from sales or from TB.
But to do that you have to have a steady supply of home-grown talent coming through or else a functioning and competent recruitment team which it would appear we don't have.
Totally agree we should be developing our home grown through, both for our benefit on the pitch, keeping wages available to spend at the top end of the team and for sell on value.
IMO Bobby should be part of the squad and should have been for last 2yrs. I understand its a balance of giving them enough game time but certainly first half of season we could have given him plenty games in the various cups etc see how he fared. Then possibly loan out in Jan if needed.
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McCann saying two deals done. One to be loaned out and one to likely play vs Luton. Should be announced tomorrow with any luck.
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The player going out on loan is his son bayley
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Nepo baby
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If the other one is Darren Robinson from Derby then on paper that is two for the future not one.
Neither have consistently played at level close to League One before.
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If there isn't a striker coming, get ready for Accrington next season.
Missed chances cost us big time today.
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If there isn't a striker coming, get ready for Accrington next season.
Missed chances cost us big time today.
AGAIN!!!
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I wonder if Joe Taylor could be on our list.
Huddersfield fans think he may possibly be on the move. Apparently didn’t get on the pitch even when winning 5-0 and out of favour.
I think Grant has managed him before.
Seen him on highlights before and he looks electric.
But looking at his record it seems the way to get the best out of him is in a front 2, which we don’t play.
And at Lincoln, James Collins is out for the season so they’ll want another forward in. Taylor will also have a better working relationship with Skubala because he got the best out of him, whereas McCann barely played him at Posh. And they are 2nd in the league.
Millenic Alli is barely getting a look in at Luton and is exactly the kind of quick, goal scoring left winger our system needs. Ex-Halifax player, played with Jack Senior.
Been a big fan of Alli since his Halifax days. Agreed he'd be good for us. Middleton looked completely disinterested yesterday.
The two we’ve discussed in the thread have been on the move.
Joe Taylor has gone to Wigan, who I think normally play two strikers. As I mentioned that will suit him. Plays us next week.
Millenic Alli has gone on loan to Portsmouth in the championship, which you don’t see very often. Couldn’t get a game at Luton. Evidently was out of our league.
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Do find it a bit frustrating that we haven’t been able to bring in a centre half heading into the weekends game. Understand it’s not the easiest market but I don’t get the feel (after GMs interview today) like we have been proactive enough in what is clearly a key area. Still under halfway through the window but unless he starts to play Bailey at CB we could easily be left with a bit of a mountain to climb.
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Do find it a bit frustrating that we haven’t been able to bring in a centre half heading into the weekends game. Understand it’s not the easiest market but I don’t get the feel (after GMs interview today) like we have been proactive enough in what is clearly a key area. Still under halfway through the window but unless he starts to play Bailey at CB we could easily be left with a bit of a mountain to climb.
His preferred targets may have gone elsewhere or weren't keen on joining us.
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Or he could just not want to tell everyone (Grant has done that before)
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We're playing 2 at the back 5 up front going forward
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We're playing 2 at the back 5 up front going forward
Prime 1996 Kevin Keegan.
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Perhaps we should return to the old WM (3-2-2-3) formation. It hasn't harmed teams like Man City, Arsenal, or Liverpool!
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But to do that you have to have a steady supply of home-grown talent coming through or else a functioning and competent recruitment team which it would appear we don't have.
[/quote]
Exactly, and with an Academy in competition with 5 SY clubs which have fairly consistently been in higher divisions we will always be at a disadvantage at the initial academy recruitment stage.
Coupled with that, we are ultra cautious with our own youngsters yet almost reckless in giving starts to anyone who comes from a PL Academy. I wonder if in judging such loanees we bear in mind that whole teams of U21s from the PL rarely survive the early stages in the Trophy where they are only up against lower league second strings! Rovers record in obtains value for such unproven “talent” has been pretty dreadful since McCann came back and the club seems altogether far too cautious to give our own youngsters similar opportunities and indeed the challenge that it offers. Why can’t Faulkner and Flint be given the numerous chances that Olusanya, Ajayi and the half-hearted version of Crew been gifted? They have been a dead loss, their legacy has been defensive errors and the few scoring chances offered badly missed.
It is also ludicrous to imagine that we have any players or will be able to recruit any players to fill the spaces left by Bailey and Molyneux if they were to go in this window. I don’t think they’ll go before June, so hope remains, but not after this season which will put huge pressure on the recruiters who have seemingly undersold the club and underbid the competition.