We’re 19pts off 50 which should be safety and have 19 games left. I’m probably going against the grain here, but do we need to bring anyone in? Providing Leaburn isn’t sold and doesn’t get injured, I think at most, we need a forward as cover.
Between the rest of the squad, even if we offload Stockley, Mansfield & Kirk for example, I think we have enough to stay up. This isn’t me advocating there’s an appropriate level of talent, it’s still massively off being able to get us out this division, but I would rather we don’t risk bringing in another Mansfield or Aneke in Jan, just for the sake of it, thus impacting next season.
For me, getting rid of a few like Stockley, JFC, Mansfield and Kirk would be a good window. We’re not going up. We’ve probably got enough in the tank to stay up. Why not shed some of the mediocrity that’s clogged up the squad and finally, do a proper plan for 23/24? Unless something really good comes along, I think any additions with contracts until the end of the season would be a risk
We have got 3 squad spaces free. We have no cover at left back, no viable alternative at center foward or winger if any of the front 3 get knack. Even if it's just 3 loans I want those spaces.
If JRS and Sessegnon were recalled and Leaburn flogged or injured we would be up shit street.
Mad that people are already trying to justify a transfer window if we sign no one at all.
We had a rubbish squad leftover from summer, if we sign no-one we enter february with it even worse.
This in spades.
We started the season light up front, and now with Aneke breaking down even before he steps on the pitch some people don't even mind if Stockley goes and not replaced !!!!
Jesus. Some people are mad and/or delusional. Do they not have memories of what happened last season when we were playing Kanu & Burstow for 6 weeks because Washington, Stockley AND Aneke were all out injured.
What happens in Feb 2and when Leaburn pulls his hammy & us out for 2 months. Oh Yes, we go back to playing JRS & DJ up front. That worked well didnt it.
I give up.
Who? I haven’t seen one person saying they’re happy to lose Stockley without replacing him.
Although he didnt actually say he'd be happy not replacing Stockley he said that he doesn't mind if Stockley goes & then in the next breath said he didnt want the players leaving to be replaced with players on 18 month / 2.5 year contracts ........implying what?? That we'd not replace Stockley like-for-like and just rely on a loan ?
I can't speak for Cabbles but I presumed they meant let's get through the season and then look to make our more major signings in the summer than January panic buys. I don't necessarily agree with that, we need to make some decent signings whenever we can. But they still didn't say anything about Stockley and not replacing him which was your initial accusation.
In my original post I did say at most, we need a forward for cover of Stockley goes. Cafc43 pointed out losing Rak Saki and Sessegnon would also leave us exposed as well, he has a point. My main issue is that I don’t trust us to bring in the right players if we offer anything other than contracts till the end of the season.
my reasons are
We’ve probably got enough to stay up, although I take people’s points about being exposed in certain positions.
The club is still a s***show. We don’t know what direction we’re headed after this season, with Holden only appointed until the end of the season, I think that Scott fella is only here until the end of Jan. In our current state, we’re not set up for long term signings imo
Do you trust our recruitment process based on the last 2 Jan windows? Stockley, Mansfield, Schwartz, Aneke - even though some of you may point to Fraser, he’s hardly set the world alight, and although he’s scored in the last 2 games, people have a very short term reactionary view of our players. All Aneke had to do against Exeter was come on and score, he’s being branded a cheat code. Look at him now. We don’t know if we’ve finally got the player we all thought we had, just because Fraser has scored 2 goals in the last 2 games. We have had a failed transfer policy for the last few years, handing out long contracts and wages like 5k a week to Stockley, who’s on the verge of joining Gillingham. If you don’t think we’ve had a failed transfer policy then look at our league position and some of the dross you’ve had to watch
We need a proper reset. Jettisoning players like Stockley, Kirk, JFC and whoever else, could be just as important as who we sign. We’re in this mess because the likes of Aneke, Mansfield etc are contracted to 2024. If we do have potential owners coming in, getting rid of underperformers sends a good message.
Lastly, Jan windows are notoriously hard to do decent business in for most clubs, even those well run.
On those points, I wouldn’t be too fussed if the window was one where the mediocrity is moved on, and all we got were short term deals as cover (if needed).
Some of you may see it differently, I understand that
We’re 19pts off 50 which should be safety and have 19 games left. I’m probably going against the grain here, but do we need to bring anyone in? Providing Leaburn isn’t sold and doesn’t get injured, I think at most, we need a forward as cover.
Between the rest of the squad, even if we offload Stockley, Mansfield & Kirk for example, I think we have enough to stay up. This isn’t me advocating there’s an appropriate level of talent, it’s still massively off being able to get us out this division, but I would rather we don’t risk bringing in another Mansfield or Aneke in Jan, just for the sake of it, thus impacting next season.
For me, getting rid of a few like Stockley, JFC, Mansfield and Kirk would be a good window. We’re not going up. We’ve probably got enough in the tank to stay up. Why not shed some of the mediocrity that’s clogged up the squad and finally, do a proper plan for 23/24? Unless something really good comes along, I think any additions with contracts until the end of the season would be a risk
We have got 3 squad spaces free. We have no cover at left back, no viable alternative at center foward or winger if any of the front 3 get knack. Even if it's just 3 loans I want those spaces.
If JRS and Sessegnon were recalled and Leaburn flogged or injured we would be up shit street.
Mad that people are already trying to justify a transfer window if we sign no one at all.
We had a rubbish squad leftover from summer, if we sign no-one we enter february with it even worse.
This in spades.
We started the season light up front, and now with Aneke breaking down even before he steps on the pitch some people don't even mind if Stockley goes and not replaced !!!!
Jesus. Some people are mad and/or delusional. Do they not have memories of what happened last season when we were playing Kanu & Burstow for 6 weeks because Washington, Stockley AND Aneke were all out injured.
What happens in Feb 2and when Leaburn pulls his hammy & us out for 2 months. Oh Yes, we go back to playing JRS & DJ up front. That worked well didnt it.
I give up.
Who? I haven’t seen one person saying they’re happy to lose Stockley without replacing him.
Although he didnt actually say he'd be happy not replacing Stockley he said that he doesn't mind if Stockley goes & then in the next breath said he didnt want the players leaving to be replaced with players on 18 month / 2.5 year contracts ........implying what?? That we'd not replace Stockley like-for-like and just rely on a loan ?
I can't speak for Cabbles but I presumed they meant let's get through the season and then look to make our more major signings in the summer than January panic buys. I don't necessarily agree with that, we need to make some decent signings whenever we can. But they still didn't say anything about Stockley and not replacing him which was your initial accusation.
In my original post I did say at most, we need a forward for cover of Stockley goes. Cafc43 pointed out losing Rak Saki and Sessegnon would also leave us exposed as well, he has a point. My main issue is that I don’t trust us to bring in the right players if we offer anything other than contracts till the end of the season.
my reasons are
We’ve probably got enough to stay up, although I take people’s points about being exposed in certain positions.
The club is still a s***show. We don’t know what direction we’re headed after this season, with Holden only appointed until the end of the season, I think that Scott fella is only here until the end of Jan. In our current state, we’re not set up for long term signings imo
Do you trust our recruitment process based on the last 2 Jan windows? Stockley, Mansfield, Schwartz, Aneke - even though some of you may point to Fraser, he’s hardly set the world alight, and although he’s scored in the last 2 games, people have a very short term reactionary view of our players. All Aneke had to do against Exeter was come on and score, he’s being branded a cheat code. Look at him now. We don’t know if we’ve finally got the player we all thought we had, just because Fraser has scored 2 goals in the last 2 games. We have had a failed transfer policy for the last few years, handing out long contracts and wages like 5k a week to Stockley, who’s on the verge of joining Gillingham. If you don’t think we’ve had a failed transfer policy then look at our league position and some of the dross you’ve had to watch
We need a proper reset. Jettisoning players like Stockley, Kirk, JFC and whoever else, could be just as important as who we sign. We’re in this mess because the likes of Aneke, Mansfield etc are contracted to 2024. If we do have potential owners coming in, getting rid of underperformers sends a good message.
Lastly, Jan windows are notoriously hard to do decent business in for most clubs, even those well run.
On those points, I wouldn’t be too fussed if the window was one where the mediocrity is moved on, and all we got were short term deals as cover (if needed).
Some of you may see it differently, I understand that
What happened to Mark Mansfield?
Michael Gray... steps up..... AND ILIC HAS SAVED IT!!!!!!!!
And we're in the Premier League!
Charlton, in the most dramatic fashion imagine, are gonna be playing Premier League football. Next Season.
What an unbelievable end to the game Colin. What an unbelievable game of football.
Wouldn't surprise me if Bonne had already signed and the club were planning to announce it as close to the Man Utd game as possible in order to distract from any fan dissatisfaction.
Said we will be doing early business. No-one will leave until we have added to the squad Those that do leave will be fringe players only. There are funds to spend.
I have not watched Andy Scott's first interview, but this is apparently what he said::
1: There's four league matches in January, I would say if we don't have anyone in by the second match then it is not 'early'.
2: JFC has left, we have added no one.
3: No matter what people think if his ability, or if he should have played more, he was a fringe player.
4: Remains to be seen. But I think if funds were available we would have been able to bring someone in early, instead of waiting for prices to reduce.
Bringing people in and having funds avaliable aren't the same thing. I would be shocked if we spend a transfer fee. I would be shocked if we don't bring in at least 3.
3 in and 3 out? That won't help the overall position with the squad. We will end up either light at left back, centre forward or somewhere else - I would hazard a guess at wide midfield.
Kirk, DJ and Stockley out? All 3 on decent salaries and decent transfer fees. They'll be replaced with loans or free signings. Again I say,,,, I wouldn't be against Bonne or Wickham but Wickham on paper is not any better/safer bet than Aneke - the last half a season has been an anomaly and Bonne's goalscoring record is worse than Stockley's.
We are simply polishing turds and it'll mean we won't go down, but let's all be honest, we'll be way, way, way short of being able to put together a side for a promotion push next season. Which is what a club with the history, size and ambitions of Charlton should be doing, at the very least.....
Depends on the 3 really. If it's JFC, MacGillivray and Stockley and they're replaced by a LB and two strikers then we've actually sorted our balance problem. We'll still have two decent keepers, still have 6 central midfielders we can play and would have solved the striker problem. I'd even say that the way Leaburn has emerged having two strikers plus him (plus Aneke) could potentially be harsh on Leaburn and deny him opportunities, though you almost can't count Chuks in your planning at this point. We've been without DJ for a while and I sort of forgot about him to be honest. In the end it all comes down to fitness; if you keep your main players fit your squad players just kick their heels on the bench. We've been lucky so far that we've always had two of Kirk, CBT and JRS, as well as putting Payne out there when we want. You've got to plan for injuries though, especially if you're Charlton so two strikers and a LB for the players I mentioned and it would be a more logical window. Depends on who is brought in as well of course.
Letting Stockley move on before replacing him would be a very different scenario to that of Forster-Caskey. That would be the first red flag IMO.
As mentioned many times, JFC plays in an area of the pitch where we have more than half a dozen other players in the squad capable. His presence, or lack of, will not materially affect our squad depth.
By contrast, Jayden’s omission would absolutely have a detrimental affect on squad depth. His production is definitely not good enough and if a suitable replacement is brought in first, I’m absolutely in favour of moving on.
Having no replacement in and leaving this club with Leaburn, a crocked Aneke and Kanu as our forward line options as a result would be squad suicide.
But it’s not happened yet so I’m not going to beat the club over the head until it gets announced.
I agree with this, but Stockley has been abysmal this season. We’d def need cover given that we’d only be left with Leaburn, Aneke and Kanu, but as you point out, the production has been so low, it’s as if we’ve not had him anyway. To the point where you’d take Omar Bogle or Josh Parker, or simply a body
IF we stay predominantly with 433, then we need a LB plus a more mobile striker to replace Stockley as the alternative to Leaburn. In that formation then we will need plenty of wide attacking players, so would logically keep the likes of DJ and Kirk unless we found replacements.
IF we had continued with more of a 352 (as per our mid December shape) then we'd need a left wing back, an additional striker to Leaburn and Stockley, and would have surplus wingers to move on.
Letting Stockley move on before replacing him would be a very different scenario to that of Forster-Caskey. That would be the first red flag IMO.
As mentioned many times, JFC plays in an area of the pitch where we have more than half a dozen other players in the squad capable. His presence, or lack of, will not materially affect our squad depth.
By contrast, Jayden’s omission would absolutely have a detrimental affect on squad depth. His production is definitely not good enough and if a suitable replacement is brought in first, I’m absolutely in favour of moving on.
Having no replacement in and leaving this club with Leaburn, a crocked Aneke and Kanu as our forward line options as a result would be squad suicide.
But it’s not happened yet so I’m not going to beat the club over the head until it gets announced.
I agree with this, but Stockley has been abysmal this season. We’d def need cover given that we’d only be left with Leaburn, Aneke and Kanu, but as you point out, the production has been so low, it’s as if we’ve not had him anyway. To the point where you’d take Omar Bogle or Josh Parker, or simply a body
Letting Stockley move on before replacing him would be a very different scenario to that of Forster-Caskey. That would be the first red flag IMO.
As mentioned many times, JFC plays in an area of the pitch where we have more than half a dozen other players in the squad capable. His presence, or lack of, will not materially affect our squad depth.
By contrast, Jayden’s omission would absolutely have a detrimental affect on squad depth. His production is definitely not good enough and if a suitable replacement is brought in first, I’m absolutely in favour of moving on.
Having no replacement in and leaving this club with Leaburn, a crocked Aneke and Kanu as our forward line options as a result would be squad suicide.
But it’s not happened yet so I’m not going to beat the club over the head until it gets announced.
I agree with this, but Stockley has been abysmal this season. We’d def need cover given that we’d only be left with Leaburn, Aneke and Kanu, but as you point out, the production has been so low, it’s as if we’ve not had him anyway. To the point where you’d take Omar Bogle or Josh Parker, or simply a body
I wouldn't underestimate the value of a body and I doubt we would get a better "body" than Stockley. I know there is a feeling he contributes next to nothing but it's better than playing with 10 men. Parker made a difference just by being there and don't undervalue defending from corners if you ended up with a front 3 of Kanu, CBT and JRS even for a few games.
If Leaburn plays ever minute of every game its not an issue but obviously he won't nor should he.
We do have to be mindful of throwing the baby out with the bath water.
TLDR: Up grade if we can, don't just get rid because we can.
Wouldn't surprise me if Bonne had already signed and the club were planning to announce it as close to the Man Utd game as possible in order to distract from any fan dissatisfaction.
Parade Bonne on the pitch to a trickle of applause ?
Wouldn't surprise me if Bonne had already signed and the club were planning to announce it as close to the Man Utd game as possible in order to distract from any fan dissatisfaction.
Parade Bonne on the pitch to a trickle of applause ?
My advice would be to parade him on the Valley pitch whilst we are all up in Manchester
Wouldn't surprise me if Bonne had already signed and the club were planning to announce it as close to the Man Utd game as possible in order to distract from any fan dissatisfaction.
Parade Bonne on the pitch to a trickle of applause ?
My advice would be to parade him on the Valley pitch whilst we are all up in Manchester
And my advice would be to have hime on the pitch at Valley Parade
Can’t see Stockley moving until a new signing is lined up, I think it’s stupid letting him anyway as we only have him and Miles currently so we need two strikers if Stockley goes in my opinion.
They won’t let Stockley go until a replacement is in the door. Not been the same player since the back injury unfortunately. players will come, just takes time! Most clubs would have been weeks in front of us. And targets we might have had in November might have changed in December.
They won’t let Stockley go until a replacement is in the door. Not been the same player since the back injury unfortunately. players will come, just takes time! Most clubs would have been weeks in front of us. And targets we might have had in November might have changed in December.
I agree with all of this but I think Stocks will only go out on loan and so we wil be more choosy when, I.e. only once we have bodies in the door. If Gillingham is to be his destination as mooted, I can't see him moving there permanently when he has a contract with us until at least 2024. It's simply too big a risk for his career with their perilous position..
A loan might well suit all parties if he can go out score some goals and get his confidence back.
Can’t see Stockley moving until a new signing is lined up, I think it’s stupid letting him anyway as we only have him and Miles currently so we need two strikers if Stockley goes in my opinion.
Agree. I think it should be two players in before we even consider it.
Can’t see Stockley moving until a new signing is lined up, I think it’s stupid letting him anyway as we only have him and Miles currently so we need two strikers if Stockley goes in my opinion.
Agree. I think it should be two players in before we even consider it.
Perhaps the striker deal that fell through on Friday was the deal that would let Stockley leave
As poor as he's been, surely Stockley is better than the bottom of league 2.
If he is prepared to drop down a division i'm amazed no other clubs are interested.
I would be amazed if they aren't but if you Charlton wage was guaranteed, at least until the summer, why would you move or leave your family behind for 4 or 5 months? He has young children, does his partner work?
Once you get to a certain age you know your not going to get another crack at the championship, let alone the "big time".
In his shoes would you stay in your current home, assuming you were happy there, on the best money you can earn or move to some where 250 miles away and either move or live out of a hotel for the sake of league 1, over league 2, football?
I doubt players in their late 20s value "playing at the highest level they can" over living where they want and earning money. Certainly not as much as people make out.
There seems to be an assumption that we will be seeing an improved squad as a result of this window. As this hasn't happened for the last few windows where is this coming from?
There seems to be an assumption that we will be seeing an improved squad as a result of this window. As this hasn't happened for the last few windows where is this coming from?
I suppose the fact that we have Andy Scott instead of Martin Sandgaard lining up the pins. The assumption breaks down where funding comes into play. Is it the new owner? Is Sandgaard trying to fluff up a dud product to sell or is he just playing silly buggars?
Ultimately if we end up with selling/letting go/loaning out
Mac JFC Stockley DJ Kirk
And bring in 5 players, I would say we will have improved the squad as none of the above are first choices and I expect what we bring in will be first team players or regularly included. However, it will still be light and not ready for the challenges of next year and I doubt many of what we bring in will be long term deals, or even with us at the start of next year!
As poor as he's been, surely Stockley is better than the bottom of league 2.
If he is prepared to drop down a division i'm amazed no other clubs are interested.
I would be amazed if they aren't but if you Charlton wage was guaranteed, at least until the summer, why would you move or leave your family behind for 4 or 5 months? He has young children, does his partner work?
Once you get to a certain age you know your not going to get another crack at the championship, let alone the "big time".
In his shoes would you stay in your current home, assuming you were happy there, on the best money you can earn or move to some where 250 miles away and either move or live out of a hotel for the sake of league 1, over league 2, football?
I doubt players in their late 20s value "playing at the highest level they can" over living where they want and earning money. Certainly not as much as people make out.
If it was me personally for just 4-5 months i'd want to play at the best level i could, or if he accepts he's dropping to league 2, then at least playing for a side chasing the play offs, not a side sat in 24th.
He's a footballer who will probably be retired in 5 years, he's got the next 40-50 years of his life to live at home.
Comments
Michael Gray... steps up..... AND ILIC HAS SAVED IT!!!!!!!!
And we're in the Premier League!
Charlton, in the most dramatic fashion imagine, are gonna be playing Premier League football. Next Season.
What an unbelievable end to the game Colin. What an unbelievable game of football.
*starts crying along with 35,000 other Addicks*
IF we had continued with more of a 352 (as per our mid December shape) then we'd need a left wing back, an additional striker to Leaburn and Stockley, and would have surplus wingers to move on.
If Leaburn plays ever minute of every game its not an issue but obviously he won't nor should he.
We do have to be mindful of throwing the baby out with the bath water.
TLDR: Up grade if we can, don't just get rid because we can.
players will come, just takes time! Most clubs would have been weeks in front of us. And targets we might have had in November might have changed in December.
A loan might well suit all parties if he can go out score some goals and get his confidence back.
If he is prepared to drop down a division i'm amazed no other clubs are interested.
Signings to date: zero
Loans to date: zero
Biggest rumour to date: senior striker and former captain leaving for bloody Gillingham
Where did you hear about this striker deal on Friday?
Once you get to a certain age you know your not going to get another crack at the championship, let alone the "big time".
In his shoes would you stay in your current home, assuming you were happy there, on the best money you can earn or move to some where 250 miles away and either move or live out of a hotel for the sake of league 1, over league 2, football?
I doubt players in their late 20s value "playing at the highest level they can" over living where they want and earning money. Certainly not as much as people make out.
The assumption breaks down where funding comes into play. Is it the new owner? Is Sandgaard trying to fluff up a dud product to sell or is he just playing silly buggars?
Mac
JFC
Stockley
DJ
Kirk
And bring in 5 players, I would say we will have improved the squad as none of the above are first choices and I expect what we bring in will be first team players or regularly included. However, it will still be light and not ready for the challenges of next year and I doubt many of what we bring in will be long term deals, or even with us at the start of next year!
He's a footballer who will probably be retired in 5 years, he's got the next 40-50 years of his life to live at home.