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Summer Window 2026 - Rumours and Discussion
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I really don’t think a holding midfielder is a priority. Some of the best 6’s go unnoticed and go about doing their jobs. Conor is a very consistent player and did a good job last season. If we sign another 6, it prevents the pathway from the likes of Mwamba. Signing an 8 who can do both sides of the game like a De Keersmaecker is more of a priority imo8
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Fair enough - I agree we need better than cov and doc but better in an attacking sense - a holding midfielder, any midfielder needs to be able to play a bit and it’s the ‘able to play a bit’ aspect that id going to transform us - that and a bit of pace at wing back and up topGarrymanilow said:
I think we both want the same thing but you’re misunderstanding what kind of player will provide control and progression. Right now the players we have in the middle struggle to progress the ball and, as you say, end up going backwards a lot. The solution to that isn’t to bypass on upgrading them to sign more attackers, that just means missing out the midfield entirely and if we do that we’d better get Gillesphey back for his diagonals. We need players in front of the defence who can take the ball off the defenders, send it out wide, play it among themselves to give the wingbacks time to move up or wingers to run off their markers, slow the game down or speed it up when needed and stop us getting run through down the middle like we do almost every game. Coventry is tidy on the ball but isn’t good at holding down the middle of the pitch. Coady gave us more structure in the middle but lacked the legs to get around the pitch as much as he needed to. We need a holding midfielder who can take the ball on the half turn and control the pace of a game while also being able to get across the space in front of the defence to support them when the opposition attack. We also need someone in place of Docherty who will help out his defence but can also drive on the ball and play a pass that brings others in to play and creates gaps for others to move into. These aren’t attacking midfielders but they allow the team to be far more attacking by unlocking space and allowing us to have more of the ball by making it hard for teams to run through us. Structure and shape dictate control of games, not just having the most attacking playersDOUCHER said:
couldn't disagree more other than we need ball retention - we need ball retention but in a way that attacking , ball playing midfielders provide - our current ball retention is to win it and give it back to our defence - we need players who can move forward with the ball, take players on, play one two's etc, not think their job is done once the ball is safely laid back to Lloyd Jones.Garrymanilow said:
We need a holding midfielder more than anything else. Right now we have Coventry and nothing and we really need an upgrade on Coventry. We need a mobile shield for the backline who can stop us getting run through while helping us progress the ball and then we need a box to box midfielder to upgrade on Docherty. We’re far more in need of structure and ball retention in the middle than an extra attacking midfielderaki2798 said:The next two singings have to be attacking midfielders. It makes sense that these are the last ones as they’re the rarest commodities.1 -
Barber 💈 in New Eltham did a good job there ! …welcome back G - hopefully coming back to where it all started brings back his confidence and rekindles his potential to kick on for him and us.👍🏻
I hope the doubters get behind him (he left us when we had fucking idiots in charge of our club and I don’t blame him for that, he then went on to sign a huge contract for six years with the baggies had a really bad injury and has worked his way back to fitness - West Brom offered him a contract at the end of that - but he chose us)12 -
Pleased to see Grant back, his pace will offer us an alternative to Campbell - My concern focusing on Strikers though is the fact that we've still not resolved the bigger issue from last season... Our Strikers didn't score because we didn't create enough for them... Still need to resolve that either from Midfield or the Wings.
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Rodri shows the type of player we need (though obviously a cut price version).Garrymanilow said:
I think we both want the same thing but you’re misunderstanding what kind of player will provide control and progression. Right now the players we have in the middle struggle to progress the ball and, as you say, end up going backwards a lot. The solution to that isn’t to bypass on upgrading them to sign more attackers, that just means missing out the midfield entirely and if we do that we’d better get Gillesphey back for his diagonals. We need players in front of the defence who can take the ball off the defenders, send it out wide, play it among themselves to give the wingbacks time to move up or wingers to run off their markers, slow the game down or speed it up when needed and stop us getting run through down the middle like we do almost every game. Coventry is tidy on the ball but isn’t good at holding down the middle of the pitch. Coady gave us more structure in the middle but lacked the legs to get around the pitch as much as he needed to. We need a holding midfielder who can take the ball on the half turn and control the pace of a game while also being able to get across the space in front of the defence to support them when the opposition attack. We also need someone in place of Docherty who will help out his defence but can also drive on the ball and play a pass that brings others in to play and creates gaps for others to move into. These aren’t attacking midfielders but they allow the team to be far more attacking by unlocking space and allowing us to have more of the ball by making it hard for teams to run through us. Structure and shape dictate control of games, not just having the most attacking playersDOUCHER said:
couldn't disagree more other than we need ball retention - we need ball retention but in a way that attacking , ball playing midfielders provide - our current ball retention is to win it and give it back to our defence - we need players who can move forward with the ball, take players on, play one two's etc, not think their job is done once the ball is safely laid back to Lloyd Jones.Garrymanilow said:
We need a holding midfielder more than anything else. Right now we have Coventry and nothing and we really need an upgrade on Coventry. We need a mobile shield for the backline who can stop us getting run through while helping us progress the ball and then we need a box to box midfielder to upgrade on Docherty. We’re far more in need of structure and ball retention in the middle than an extra attacking midfielderaki2798 said:The next two singings have to be attacking midfielders. It makes sense that these are the last ones as they’re the rarest commodities.
Someone who can do the defensive work, shielding the back 4, but in addition has the ball control to keep it and pass it forwards, instead of just passing sideways or hoofing it into "areas".
Thinking back to previous Championship teams, the likes of Dale Stephens and Poyet played that sort of role for us.0 -
We only have one so it’s definitely a priority, and we should be aiming for better than Coventry. He did well at the start of last season but was really poor in the second half of the season. He gets about the pitch well but he’s not progressive enough on the ball and he loses too many duels in the championshipTheValleyVanguard said:I really don’t think a holding midfielder is a priority. Some of the best 6’s go unnoticed and go about doing their jobs. Conor is a very consistent player and did a good job last season. If we sign another 6, it prevents the pathway from the likes of Mwamba. Signing an 8 who can do both sides of the game like a De Keersmaecker is more of a priority imo3 -
Agreed, that’s exactly what I’m saying; upgrade on Coventry and Doc with players who can do the dirty work they do well but are better footballers. Win the ball back but then be able to do more with it than play it backwards or give it awayDOUCHER said:
Fair enough - I agree we need better than cov and doc but better in an attacking sense - a holding midfielder, any midfielder needs to be able to play a bit and it’s the ‘able to play a bit’ aspect that id going to transform us - that and a bit of pace at wing back and up topGarrymanilow said:
I think we both want the same thing but you’re misunderstanding what kind of player will provide control and progression. Right now the players we have in the middle struggle to progress the ball and, as you say, end up going backwards a lot. The solution to that isn’t to bypass on upgrading them to sign more attackers, that just means missing out the midfield entirely and if we do that we’d better get Gillesphey back for his diagonals. We need players in front of the defence who can take the ball off the defenders, send it out wide, play it among themselves to give the wingbacks time to move up or wingers to run off their markers, slow the game down or speed it up when needed and stop us getting run through down the middle like we do almost every game. Coventry is tidy on the ball but isn’t good at holding down the middle of the pitch. Coady gave us more structure in the middle but lacked the legs to get around the pitch as much as he needed to. We need a holding midfielder who can take the ball on the half turn and control the pace of a game while also being able to get across the space in front of the defence to support them when the opposition attack. We also need someone in place of Docherty who will help out his defence but can also drive on the ball and play a pass that brings others in to play and creates gaps for others to move into. These aren’t attacking midfielders but they allow the team to be far more attacking by unlocking space and allowing us to have more of the ball by making it hard for teams to run through us. Structure and shape dictate control of games, not just having the most attacking playersDOUCHER said:
couldn't disagree more other than we need ball retention - we need ball retention but in a way that attacking , ball playing midfielders provide - our current ball retention is to win it and give it back to our defence - we need players who can move forward with the ball, take players on, play one two's etc, not think their job is done once the ball is safely laid back to Lloyd Jones.Garrymanilow said:
We need a holding midfielder more than anything else. Right now we have Coventry and nothing and we really need an upgrade on Coventry. We need a mobile shield for the backline who can stop us getting run through while helping us progress the ball and then we need a box to box midfielder to upgrade on Docherty. We’re far more in need of structure and ball retention in the middle than an extra attacking midfielderaki2798 said:The next two singings have to be attacking midfielders. It makes sense that these are the last ones as they’re the rarest commodities.0 -
This will prove to be a good signing I think - he's for sure a Championship striker.2
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Feels like a lot of pressure on Mwamba to have a breakthrough. Think I'd still err towards signing 2 quality players in there and anything from Mwamba is ultimately a bonus.10
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Mwamba certainly looks to have something about him. With Coventry and Doc both having just 1 year left on their contracts, I can see at least 1 of them leaving, with Mwamba being a backup player.
Kelman's injury might open up a place for Kanu, though that depends on whether NJ wants to keep him.
Tanto is clearly unwanted, but also hard to shift. Kanu will have plenty of admirers, so is more "saleable" if we want to get some money in.0 -
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Did such a good job that we replaced him with Coady in January and saw our results improve immediately. Coventry is ok, he’s a bottom end Championship or decent L1 player but he’s not good enough to be our first choice holding midfielder all season, he’s proved that.TheValleyVanguard said:I really don’t think a holding midfielder is a priority. Some of the best 6’s go unnoticed and go about doing their jobs. Conor is a very consistent player and did a good job last season. If we sign another 6, it prevents the pathway from the likes of Mwamba. Signing an 8 who can do both sides of the game like a De Keersmaecker is more of a priority imo6 -
As you can see in this graph provided by wyscout CC is in the highest bracket of defensive actions as a CDM in the championship also performing above average in successful interceptions and tackles. I think we shouldn’t lose sight of where we are as a club and I genuinely believe trying to find better than Conor would be very expensive and not the right decision for the squad. I’m not denying we probably need an extra body for squad depth/ competition in that area but I think CC should have a bit more appreciation imho. Again, he goes about his work without much notice
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I know the type of 6 that you mean, but he's not one of those. He's a solid defensive player and good positionally and rarely lets us down in those scenarios. But at this level you need a lot more.TheValleyVanguard said:I really don’t think a holding midfielder is a priority. Some of the best 6’s go unnoticed and go about doing their jobs. Conor is a very consistent player and did a good job last season. If we sign another 6, it prevents the pathway from the likes of Mwamba. Signing an 8 who can do both sides of the game like a De Keersmaecker is more of a priority imo1 -
noticed Leaburn wasnt involved yesterday,is he injured?0
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He was there and in the squad. Warmed up as normal so I doubt there’s any major issues. Probably just being careful with him and I’m sure he will play one of the games next weekbertpalmer said:noticed Leaburn wasnt involved yesterday,is he injured?3 -
Fair enough lad, keep up tbe good work.CB1 said:
I check frequently at players following and followers to look for mutual connections at a club and obviously if they have been linked with us and then they follow a couple of our players there is usually some substance to it. In particular I check Aribos frequently and he wasn’t following Doch last time I checked so just thought I’d point it out. That’s all mate 😂. Agree with you 100 percent re Aribo, would definitely welcome him back.Braziliance said:
How do you know if he has just followed him? Just curious.CB1 said:Don’t know if they have played together at a club before but Joe Aribo is now following Greg Docherty too on instagram. Don’t believe they played with each other at Rangers so thought that was a bit odd. They could of course be friends but just thought I’d point it out.
I would welcome Aribo back with open arms. I think it just clicks at certain club, with a decent pre-season and a bit of freedom, could be a serious pick up for us.
Welcome home Aribo it is then0 -
I did not blame them either, Charlton fans can be toxic when it comes to home developed players that at first struggle i the first team.Bailey said:
I think people would do well to remember how he was treated when he came into the first team, yes he was blooded to early so Roland could fatten him up for sale but he, Morgan Fox and Nick Pope couldn't wait to get away.ShootersHillGuru said:Good addition I’d say. Right age and has the level of Championship experience we desperately need. I’d think he’d have had other options and we must surely have matched the offer WBA made him, which is encouraging. Not the big target man Jones seems to favour so I wonder if we are still chasing Dykes or another up front. With Charlie out for possibly two months it’s a really important signing. Expect to see Kanu sold or loaned and I wonder if the big man role is finally going to be Miles.3 -
You’re misreading “had to make lots of defensive actions in a defensive team” as “he’s a good 6”. Stick any of our midfielders in the 6 for the minutes he played and they’d rank high on those metrics. The issue is that isn’t enough, we need more ball progression from that positionTheValleyVanguard said:As you can see in this graph provided by wyscout CC is in the highest bracket of defensive actions as a CDM in the championship also performing above average in successful interceptions and tackles. I think we shouldn’t lose sight of where we are as a club and I genuinely believe trying to find better than Conor would be very expensive and not the right decision for the squad. I’m not denying we probably need an extra body for squad depth/ competition in that area but I think CC should have a bit more appreciation imho. Again, he goes about his work without much notice4 -
So we’ve signed an ex player and close to maybe signing a trialist so all we need now is to re-sign a loan player3
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With an expected 4231 formation (potentially switching to a diamond 442 depending on matchup), it seems like the following are sorted - LW, AM, LB, RCB, LCB, GK(whether these players are good enough remains to be seen) Reading the tea leaves I would suspect that one box to box mid, a right winger and competition for Ramsey at RB are the priorities. Given Jones comments it feels like Coventry/mwamba will be our holding mid competition. The biggest question is center forward. We have Godden, Kelman, Leaburn, Kanu (not to mention whatever subsidized wages for oloafe/Ahadme) It certainly seems like we need an upgrade but we already have a lot of wages tied up in the position and center forwards are notoriously expensive transfers.0
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I accept that, however if he Is top 1% he is still doing something right. If you’re saying JRC could make up those same numbers then I don’t agree. On the flip side you could say with a side who has very little possession, his progressive passes are good. Albeit he doesn’t carry the ball. The way NJ sets us up I don’t think we should all expect our 6 to be on the half turn as their role is more focused on facilitating the ball and screening the back line. That’s where the Greg docherty position (the 8) I think should be targeted for more of a ball handler and someone who can get us up the pitch…fenaddick said:
You’re misreading “had to make lots of defensive actions in a defensive team” as “he’s a good 6”. Stick any of our midfielders in the 6 for the minutes he played and they’d rank high on those metrics. The issue is that isn’t enough, we need more ball progression from that positionTheValleyVanguard said:As you can see in this graph provided by wyscout CC is in the highest bracket of defensive actions as a CDM in the championship also performing above average in successful interceptions and tackles. I think we shouldn’t lose sight of where we are as a club and I genuinely believe trying to find better than Conor would be very expensive and not the right decision for the squad. I’m not denying we probably need an extra body for squad depth/ competition in that area but I think CC should have a bit more appreciation imho. Again, he goes about his work without much notice0 -
To flog the dead horse further, we need better than both Doc and Cov5
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Don’t know why but have a feeling Dykes will end up back with us3
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Purely looking at it in terms of the positions that have been covered (as its too soon to judge how well the players will actually do) I have to say that I think we're doing pretty well and in a sensible way. Cover/competition for Bell at LCB and Edwards at LB/LWB, and now someone to rotate with Campbell and give us more legs and pressing on the front foot.
Granted there are still some very obvious holes that need to be filled and some other positions that could be improved if possible but it does feel like there is a plan in place and the "gradual evolution" ethos is being followed.2 -
We need that player that demands the ball in midfield, always available to receive the ball and one that’s very comfortable in possession. Plays on the front foot and picks a pass. Quite where we find that player I don’t know and it won’t come cheap but I genuinely think that getting this position right is the key to our season.3
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I really hope not mate. No offensive to him as he assisted us in staying up but with him on the field all we do is long ball shite and I can’t bear watching that for another seasonDamoNorthStand said:Don’t know why but have a feeling Dykes will end up back with us7 -
Agree with your point, but what if maybe we could have him up there with Grant and Campbell supporting? Might be more effectiveAndyG said:
I really hope not mate. No offensive to him as he assisted us in staying up but with him on the field all we do is long ball shite and I can’t bear watching that for another seasonDamoNorthStand said:Don’t know why but have a feeling Dykes will end up back with us0 -
Jury still out on Knibbs for me given his campaign was hit by injuries, but he needs a big season.Southbank said:
Knibbs is definitely not up to it and Carey was not second half of last season. I would rather neither were in the first 11.cabbles said:Not sure about Redmond. I might be incorrect in where he’s likely to play, but I always thought of him as an attacking midfielder and taking the game to opponents. If we get him in, I feel like we’re not going to bother with anyone else and for me, along with more a pacey brick shithouse and rwbs, this is a key position
Carey and Knibbs I see as the goal scoring midfielders, but unless we get a pacey/attacking RWB, TC is still the only player we have that can take on players and run at them, plus Redmond. We need stronger in this position imoCarey, his goals were priceless, but I agree with you re: 2nd half of the season. Looked very much like a passenger3 -
Carey is fine, had a great first season with us. He faded because he was knackered, he’d never played that much football in one season before and because of Knibbs injuries we couldn’t rotate/sub him enoughcabbles said:
Jury still out on Knibbs for me given his campaign was hit by injuries, but he needs a big season.Southbank said:
Knibbs is definitely not up to it and Carey was not second half of last season. I would rather neither were in the first 11.cabbles said:Not sure about Redmond. I might be incorrect in where he’s likely to play, but I always thought of him as an attacking midfielder and taking the game to opponents. If we get him in, I feel like we’re not going to bother with anyone else and for me, along with more a pacey brick shithouse and rwbs, this is a key position
Carey and Knibbs I see as the goal scoring midfielders, but unless we get a pacey/attacking RWB, TC is still the only player we have that can take on players and run at them, plus Redmond. We need stronger in this position imoCarey, his goals were priceless, but I agree with you re: 2nd half of the season. Looked very much like a passenger
Same with TC, I think both him and Carey will look much better than they did at the back end of last season now that they’ve had a bit of a breather this summer. Playing 45/46 games in a high intensity team at a higher level than you are used to playing takes its toll11 -
I wonder if we now go for Aribo for the right wing. I hope we do. It makes sense too.0
