23 players who would count for the squad cap rules. Could have an effect on whether we will dip into the free agent market. Dempsey, Schwartz and JFC are the obvious ones who may not be included.
Some brutal decisions will have to be made in January concerning the sheer number of central midfielders taking up squad places, unless that rule is scrapped, as JFC should be fit by then and Gilbey before then. We may need to free up a couple of squad places
I suspect Dempsey and Schwartz may be the two who wouldn't be in our squad post January. Even then I agree another CM could drop out as Morgan is added to list too.
I feel we have the squad to be up in the top 6 challenging but we need it all to come together if we’re going to win promotion. That would be true even if we had what looked like a perfectly balanced squad in place.
Some really exciting attacking depth - four wingers plus a couple of goalscoring midfielders in Lee and Gilbey. How often have we had that? Powell’s team didn’t have the wingers and Bowyer played a different formation so only had one or two and used them in other positions.
Stockley is our main man and we need to keep him fit, we don’t have a player of his quality as cover - however that was also true with Yann and Lyle. Bringing in someone to be back up was always going to be difficult.
We need Arter to work out, he’s young enough to have the legs for L1, let’s hope he has the drive to go with his ability. Doesn’t sound like he did at Forest but sometimes players need the right club and manager.
It’s interesting we’ve brought in a few players who know the club or have a link to it. It may help us get that extra % out of this squad having players who can settle quicker and are somewhere they want to be.
Football doesn’t always work out how you’d expect, we shouldn’t rule out someone stepping up unexpectedly. It’s not impossible for Washington, Davison or Schwartz to add more than they have in the past. We have a midfielders which can create and score, and depth to rotate if players aren't performing.
It’s clear we’ve been more careful, no sign of Levitts, Smiths or Smyths as some were expecting, especially when the random Twitter rumours started appearing. Without the salary cap we’re no longer gambling on players like Maddison and we’ve also moved on to signing younger players rather than “big” names like Gunter and Watson (other than Arter).
Disappointed about no left back coming in, now we move on to hoping there’s a decent free agent out there. Not ideal, I thought we’d bring one in, even if only on loan. Cawley said earlier in the day we wanted a left sided defender. I know for some it’s a disaster, but for me it doesn’t end our chances of a promotion winning season. It’s more important we have a strong spine and attacking threats than the ideal left back. Most clubs will have a few weaker positions and if we’re not after a free agent we’ll have a chance to sign one in January.
Optimistic we’ll improve and be up in the top 6 but it’s a long season where a bad injury to a key player or a wider injury crisis makes a huge difference. I’m sure we’ve looked at how we can reduce injuries after the last few seasons, hopefully we’ll see the benefits of that from now on.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
We have some seriously fast and exciting talent now.
We will press high and play some great stuff.
As much as a lb may have been good, I’m a Purrington fan and think he’s a very decent young league 1 left back so I’m not too fussed by that.
With some great youngsters coming through and our improved performances every game so far, I am optimistic we’ll have a good season and be up there challenging for a play off spot.
We’re doing this the right way and that takes time.
23 players who would count for the squad cap rules. Could have an effect on whether we will dip into the free agent market. Dempsey, Schwartz and JFC are the obvious ones who may not be included.
Some brutal decisions will have to be made in January concerning the sheer number of central midfielders taking up squad places, unless that rule is scrapped, as JFC should be fit by then and Gilbey before then. We may need to free up a couple of squad places
I suspect Dempsey and Schwartz may be the two who wouldn't be in our squad post January. Even then I agree another CM could drop out as Morgan is added to list too.
I assume you mean JFC? Morgan would presumably be underage for the whole season, and only become part of the squad cap in 22/23
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
Judging by the way Lavelle has been spoken about by the Morecambe fans and the way they started the season, we may have a player on our hands.
Truly amazing what one evening can do to people's minds!
The exact same twitter users suggesting this was one of the worst transfer windows in our history, now believe the second coming of Leko means we'll storm the league.
Some good signings today to top off a fairly decent window imo. A bit concerned about our fullbacks though. As great as Matthews and Gunter looked on Saturday, any team that remotely puts up a fight makes them look questionable.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
2 injuries and we are screwed mate
I think that puts us in the same position as 90% of the teams in the division though. In terms of pure numbers, most teams seem to have made roughly the same amount of signings as we have so I can't imagine that it's only Charlton facing potential injury crises.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
2 injuries and we are screwed mate
Could say that about any promotion winning side.
What if BWP and Yann had season ending injuries in Powell’s side? Bit different back then that you could get short term loans, but replacing their goals and quality would have been very difficult.
What about Bowyer’s side if Taylor and Cullen had missed most of the season?
No matter how good your squad is every club will have 2/3 key players who they won’t be able to replace if they get a bad injury.
23 players who would count for the squad cap rules. Could have an effect on whether we will dip into the free agent market. Dempsey, Schwartz and JFC are the obvious ones who may not be included.
Some brutal decisions will have to be made in January concerning the sheer number of central midfielders taking up squad places, unless that rule is scrapped, as JFC should be fit by then and Gilbey before then. We may need to free up a couple of squad places
I suspect Dempsey and Schwartz may be the two who wouldn't be in our squad post January. Even then I agree another CM could drop out as Morgan is added to list too.
I assume you mean JFC? Morgan would presumably be underage for the whole season, and only become part of the squad cap in 22/23
No I mean post January when JFC is back. Now I expect 21 included with Dempsey and JFC missing out. I suspect JFC will replace Schwartz in January to keep it at 21.
And yes I know Morgan isn't included, just mean he is in terms of CM's available so when JFC is back we have an extra body to consider.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
2 injuries and we are screwed mate
I bet that's the case for a lot of teams. Look at Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world, 2 injuries screwed them too.
What if those injuries don't come? Besides, I don't agree losing Stockley screws us. It forces us to change our playing style yes, but Washington is no mug. You'd also hope if it happened in say November we would address it in January anyway.
We went up last time with one decent fit striker, and we have more players capable of chipping in now then we did.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
I agree re. not rushing - however would you not agree this window is a step in the right direction though, a solid base on which to build?
Yes I'd agree we are building. I've no problem with that. But this squad compared to Sheff Wd, Sunderland,Ipswich even Oxford, we won't be challenging
Way too early to make that prediction. We don't know enough about Lavelle. Dobson and Clare need to improve, but made that first step tonight. We don't know what Leko or Arter we're getting either. I'd also predict few people know much about other League 1 squads in too much depth. Oxford look to have a very decent side but a lot of unknowns beyond that.
2 injuries and we are screwed mate
I think that puts us in the same position as 90% of the teams in the division though. In terms of pure numbers, most teams seem to have made roughly the same amount of signings as we have so I can't imagine that it's only Charlton facing potential injury crises.
We're coming out of a pandemic which as badly affected football clubs everywhere. Barcelona were holding a fire sale today! With this and the squad cap, like you say a lot of clubs in exactly the same position. We'll need a bit of luck but we added players today, it's slightly unbalanced but could have been a lot worse.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
23 players who would count for the squad cap rules. Could have an effect on whether we will dip into the free agent market. Dempsey, Schwartz and JFC are the obvious ones who may not be included.
It's struck me that we haven't been that cute with the age profile of our summer signings, in that a number of them are between 22 and 24 - Famewo, Lavelle, Clare, Dobson, Kirk, CBT, Leko - but NONE of them are under 21, and outside the squad number cap
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
So that's 2 left backs
One of whom was always injured. We went into that season with one left-back who everyone knew would be injured, Purrington doesn't carry the same risk. In the second half of the season we had one who played. We have that now. In fact, it's the same guy.
23 players who would count for the squad cap rules. Could have an effect on whether we will dip into the free agent market. Dempsey, Schwartz and JFC are the obvious ones who may not be included.
It's struck me that we haven't been that cute with the age profile of our summer signings, in that a number of them are between 22 and 24 - Famewo, Lavelle, Clare, Dobson, Kirk, CBT, Leko - but NONE of them are under 21, and outside the squad number cap
Definitely thought we'd sign at least one on loan U21, particularly given the link to someone like Omole.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
Maybe if we had had LB cover in the first half of the season, we would have got automatic promotion, as the rest of the side was so good. We only finished 3 points behind Barnsley
- Those who I think will turn out to be solid signings:
Stockley Famewo
MacGillivray Lee Kirk Lavelle
- The risks that could go either way:
Leko Arter CBT
- Those who should only be squad fillers as they aren’t really good enough for promotion:
Clare Dobson
- Future Charlton legends:
Roddy
Do I think we will go down now? no and compared to where we were two weeks ago I will take that. Do I think we will challenge for promotion? No - I don’t think that’s realistic.
I think the truth is somewhere in the middle of the table. Could have been a lot worse but could have been better.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
Maybe if we had had LB cover in the first half of the season, we would have got automatic promotion, as the rest of the side was so good. We only finished 3 points behind Barnsley
Fair point. Had we signed Purrington in the summer, we might well have. The point is you can almost rule Page out, he played 27 games for us in 3.5 years, that's an average of about 8 games a season. We managed to get promoted despite that, so it can be done. We need a bit of luck but it doesn't end our hopes in isolation.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
So that's 2 left backs
One of whom was always injured. We went into that season with one left-back who everyone knew would be injured, Purrington doesn't carry the same risk. In the second half of the season we had one who played. We have that now. In fact, it's the same guy.
OK I think you have contradicted yourself but I'm not commenting again about LB Let's wait and see
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
Charlton Athletic 2018/2019 - One left back who got injured. Then one fit left back for the second half the season. End of season result - promoted.
So that's 2 left backs
One of whom was always injured. We went into that season with one left-back who everyone knew would be injured, Purrington doesn't carry the same risk. In the second half of the season we had one who played. We have that now. In fact, it's the same guy.
OK I think you have contradicted yourself but I'm not commenting again about LB Let's wait and see
I don't think I have. I don't think you can really count Lewis Page because he was always injured. Famewo has spent a massive chunk of his time here out injured and he's already played for Charlton as much as Page did.
I do get your point though, I am disappointed we didn't address the issue, not just today but weeks ago when Purrington got injured. There are a few left backs out there on a free whether they are good enough is another question but it wouldn't hurt to take a look. Either way, it's disappointing but if Ben stays fit I don't believe it's the end of the world.
I've gone on about a left back so will make this the last time. We cannot push for promotion with one recognised LB. We cannot push for promotion if Stockley gets injured. Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place. I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team. Is that allowed on here or not?
It's fair to think that but I think you are vastly overestimating other teams relative to us. I doubt there's many squads/teams in the whole league that are perfectly balanced and have quality in depth.
Yes a few injuries could screw us over, but that's not just us. Any team in the league is a few injuries away from disaster.
In my opinion... Great window. Strong team. Spent well over £1,000,000 signing young, talented, motivated players on long term contracts. Also signed players with links to CAFC (Lee, Arter, Leko & Clare) and signed natural leaders and players of the season (Lavelle Kirk & MacG). I also think the temperament of the players we've brought in has been well thought through.
Whats not to like? Yes, we might be a LB or a ST short, but I reckon we might dip into the free transfer market to plug whatever minute holes there might be.
Finally, a sensible window, not one where our sole target is to bring In 'bodies.'
Wow we spent a million. I will go Charlton and support the team as Always but I'm not expecting us to be anywhere near the play-offs. I think this is a below average squad. I hope I am wrong I honestly do. Playing some youngsters through the season will keep me interested and then mount a challenge next season. I'm not in a rush for promotion like others
The honest truth is I don’t know much about any of our new signings except Leko, Famewo, and Stockley as they have played for us before and Arter because I’ve actually seen him play. The rest, mostly never heard of them before they showed up here.
Time will tell if we’ve done good business or not. I think we needed a left back for sure so that is a hole that we must hope we can plug temporarily for now and fix properly in January or with an unattached player.
I also worry what happens if Stockley gets injured. They seem to have faith in Davison though.
The rest of the players all have questions attached, so it’s a B+ for me for now. I would expect we are challenging for the playoffs but not sure this looks like an automatic promotion squad to me.
Certainly not one that will blow through the league.
It all turned out as I thought it would. I knew Thomas would open the checkbook. Everyone needs to stop worrying all the time, especially that Henry bloke. Sheesh.
Comments
Some really exciting attacking depth - four wingers plus a couple of goalscoring midfielders in Lee and Gilbey. How often have we had that? Powell’s team didn’t have the wingers and Bowyer played a different formation so only had one or two and used them in other positions.
Stockley is our main man and we need to keep him fit, we don’t have a player of his quality as cover - however that was also true with Yann and Lyle. Bringing in someone to be back up was always going to be difficult.
We need Arter to work out, he’s young enough to have the legs for L1, let’s hope he has the drive to go with his ability. Doesn’t sound like he did at Forest but sometimes players need the right club and manager.
It’s interesting we’ve brought in a few players who know the club or have a link to it. It may help us get that extra % out of this squad having players who can settle quicker and are somewhere they want to be.
Football doesn’t always work out how you’d expect, we shouldn’t rule out someone stepping up unexpectedly. It’s not impossible for Washington, Davison or Schwartz to add more than they have in the past. We have a midfielders which can create and score, and depth to rotate if players aren't performing.
It’s clear we’ve been more careful, no sign of Levitts, Smiths or Smyths as some were expecting, especially when the random Twitter rumours started appearing. Without the salary cap we’re no longer gambling on players like Maddison and we’ve also moved on to signing younger players rather than “big” names like Gunter and Watson (other than Arter).
Disappointed about no left back coming in, now we move on to hoping there’s a decent free agent out there. Not ideal, I thought we’d bring one in, even if only on loan. Cawley said earlier in the day we wanted a left sided defender. I know for some it’s a disaster, but for me it doesn’t end our chances of a promotion winning season. It’s more important we have a strong spine and attacking threats than the ideal left back. Most clubs will have a few weaker positions and if we’re not after a free agent we’ll have a chance to sign one in January.
Optimistic we’ll improve and be up in the top 6 but it’s a long season where a bad injury to a key player or a wider injury crisis makes a huge difference. I’m sure we’ve looked at how we can reduce injuries after the last few seasons, hopefully we’ll see the benefits of that from now on.
We have some seriously fast and exciting talent now.
We will press high and play some great stuff.
As much as a lb may have been good, I’m a Purrington fan and think he’s a very decent young league 1 left back so I’m not too fussed by that.
With some great youngsters coming through and our improved performances every game so far, I am optimistic we’ll have a good season and be up there challenging for a play off spot.
The exact same twitter users suggesting this was one of the worst transfer windows in our history, now believe the second coming of Leko means we'll storm the league.
Some good signings today to top off a fairly decent window imo. A bit concerned about our fullbacks though. As great as Matthews and Gunter looked on Saturday, any team that remotely puts up a fight makes them look questionable.
What if BWP and Yann had season ending injuries in Powell’s side? Bit different back then that you could get short term loans, but replacing their goals and quality would have been very difficult.
What about Bowyer’s side if Taylor and Cullen had missed most of the season?
No matter how good your squad is every club will have 2/3 key players who they won’t be able to replace if they get a bad injury.
What sort of depth were you expecting?
And yes I know Morgan isn't included, just mean he is in terms of CM's available so when JFC is back we have an extra body to consider.
What if those injuries don't come? Besides, I don't agree losing Stockley screws us. It forces us to change our playing style yes, but Washington is no mug. You'd also hope if it happened in say November we would address it in January anyway.
We went up last time with one decent fit striker, and we have more players capable of chipping in now then we did.
Sorry to sound like a negative nelly and I really hope I am wrong but the balance of our squad seems all over the place.
I will support of course but just have a bad feeling about this manager and this team.
Is that allowed on here or not?
Overage players - 23
Defenders - Gunter, Matthews, Purrington, Inniss, Famewo, Lavelle, Pearce - 7
Central midfielders - Watson, Dobson, Clare, Dempsey, Gilbey, JFC, Arter - 7
Attacking midfielders/wingers - Lee, DJ, Kirk, CBT, Leko - 5
Strikers - Washington, Stockley, Davison, Schwartz - 4
It's struck me that we haven't been that cute with the age profile of our summer signings, in that a number of them are between 22 and 24 - Famewo, Lavelle, Clare, Dobson, Kirk, CBT, Leko - but NONE of them are under 21, and outside the squad number cap
- Those who I think will turn out to be solid signings:
Stockley
Famewo
Lee
Kirk
Lavelle
- The risks that could go either way:
Leko
Arter
CBT
- Those who should only be squad fillers as they aren’t really good enough for promotion:
Clare
Dobson
- Future Charlton legends:
Roddy
Do I think we will go down now? no and compared to where we were two weeks ago I will take that. Do I think we will challenge for promotion? No - I don’t think that’s realistic.
I think the truth is somewhere in the middle of the table. Could have been a lot worse but could have been better.
I think you have contradicted yourself but I'm not commenting again about LB
Let's wait and see
I do get your point though, I am disappointed we didn't address the issue, not just today but weeks ago when Purrington got injured. There are a few left backs out there on a free whether they are good enough is another question but it wouldn't hurt to take a look. Either way, it's disappointing but if Ben stays fit I don't believe it's the end of the world.
Yes a few injuries could screw us over, but that's not just us. Any team in the league is a few injuries away from disaster.
I understand 2 free transfers are lined up. But lets see how they develop.
I also worry what happens if Stockley gets injured. They seem to have faith in Davison though.
The rest of the players all have questions attached, so it’s a B+ for me for now. I would expect we are challenging for the playoffs but not sure this looks like an automatic promotion squad to me.
Certainly not one that will blow through the league.