Fitness aside, I don't agree that the RB position in general isn't a priority. Yes of course we still need a striker but we need a RB AS WELL. We currently have Asiimwe and... erm... nope that's your lot. Dabo may or may not be the ideal answer but we need SOMEONE in there as cover or competition.
I think we do have to acknowledge the reality we live in, which is that we have about 10 years of inadequate squad building to fix and we're not going to be able to get it done in one transfer window. Under Roland we would buy the wrong players, rely on loans and youth and the team would churn every season. We'd only really deal in 2 year contracts because Roland didn't want to be on the hook for rubbish players, but that would also mean the likes of Taylor would be able to walk away easily if they did show any ability. Sandgaard tried to change that but his problem was that he got just about every contract decision wrong. 4 year contracts for Kirk and Aneke and DJ, 3 years for Lavelle, McGrandles and Stockley, but only 2 years for Dobson and CBT. That has meant that we're stuck with some players we'd really rather move on and sweating the loss of good players if we don't show any progress as a club. Unfortuantely I think we have to accept that there are going to be loans and short-term players with questionable fitness backgrounds for a while yet.
What we need to make sure is that the players we sign on permanent deals are actually good enough, that's how a squad gets from one window to another without needing massive surgery every time. Time will tell if we've got anywhere near that yet but it's not getting solved this summer I don't think.
Assuming whatever caused him to fail his previous medical is now cleared up then I am pleased with this bit of business, as never rated Egbo at the level we should be aspiring to compete for, so a superior replacement to compete with Asiimwe is an important signing, secondary only to getting that striker in.
I'd implore the new owners not to bring any more injury prone players to our club. It's bad enough they get injured soon enough after joining, but to sign them in the knowledge they have that history is utter madness, unless we feel we owe it to our medical team to keep them fully occupied.
It smacks of panic buying, which I was hoping we wouldn't have to revert to, although if needs must, at least get fit ones in. I don't care how good they are when fit if they're not. Aneke is good, but of no use to us most of the time.
Actually played with Fankaty Dabo on a Sunday league sort of thing on Blackheath a few years back, he’s a friend of a friend of a friend, and came in as a ringer. Was defo miles better than anyone there!
Aside from my obvious influence on his career, we need to get him in and give Asimwee a bit of a breather, saying that he’s been a stand out player for me so far.
Whilst we are in need of a right back, bringing in somebody who already it appears, has an acknowledged issue that will need managing and could flare up from time to time is not the sanest thing we could do.
I know we need to build a squad, but sadly we also have to realise that Dobson and CBT can leave on a free at the end of this season too and without them, I'm suggesting we'd have no more than one point this season...... at best
Seen all three league games and still much more optimistic about this season than the last few. No doubt we need a few quality additions but the basis of a good team for this league is here just need the injured to return and the new signings to arrive. COYR
I think it’s going to take three transfer windows to sort out our squad. Our recruitment this window in terms of quality is quite decent but in terms of depth it’s way deficient. I have little or no confidence in our defence at the moment. Edun looks a good addition and Jones still unknown but the rest look to me to be mid table. Hector has gone backwards as far as I can see and Ness appears to have done the same. We need to address the defence before we can hope of progressing up the table. I’m already resigned to it not being this season.
To be fair, without following too many of the interviews by the incoming owners, that was the impression I got anyway. It's been aid before that some of the sides that achieved promotion did it over a couple of seasons. The trick they had which we have repeatedly ignored year after year was to bring in good players and keep them so that you have a core yu can build on, rather than dismantle the squad every may and start again with a core of players you cn't offload. I know it's harder these days as most players with a sniff of promise at our level seem to end up playing for Chelsea or loaned out by them, but Ipswich were a good case for building p to a big finish and going up with a squad that knew each other. I know another two seasons at this level is going to be a pain in the arse at times, but getting ready to start complaining again six weeks into the new season when Aneke is injured and so is the back up we signed on loan from Palace is just to keep us in the same miserable spiral we have been in for years. Demanding instant results is great if you have the money to do it, but most of what I read on here was that we wanted the club stabilised and then to push on.
Dabo is a good footballer but we can’t afford to sign players who can’t play. I get it that we should be a caring club and go in for rehabilitation and all that, but a higher priority is winning games and getting points.
I am of course not advocating signing players with a serious, determinable above-average risk.
But from the comments above it would appear nobody criticising this possible signing has ever been responsible for signing talent (as opposed to someone to do a routine job), in a highly competitive market, with a tight deadline and where an empty chair is not an acceptable outcome.
Dabo is a good footballer but we can’t afford to sign players who can’t play. I get it that we should be a caring club and go in for rehabilitation and all that, but a higher priority is winning games and getting points.
We should quit Sparrows Lane and lease a hospital…….
I am of course not advocating signing players with a serious, determinable above-average risk.
But from the comments above it would appear nobody criticising this possible signing has ever been responsible for signing talent (as opposed to someone to do a routine job), in a highly competitive market, with a tight deadline and where an empty chair is not an acceptable outcome.
A complete lack of awareness about what it’s like to make big decisions and therefore a lack of empathy for those that have to do it is problem with football discourse generally (and all forms of public life for that matter).
Seen all three league games and still much more optimistic about this season than the last few. No doubt we need a few quality additions but the basis of a good team for this league is here just need the injured to return and the new signings to arrive. COYR
I think it’s going to take three transfer windows to sort out our squad. Our recruitment this window in terms of quality is quite decent but in terms of depth it’s way deficient. I have little or no confidence in our defence at the moment. Edun looks a good addition and Jones still unknown but the rest look to me to be mid table. Hector has gone backwards as far as I can see and Ness appears to have done the same. We need to address the defence before we can hope of progressing up the table. I’m already resigned to it not being this season.
To be fair, without following too many of the interviews by the incoming owners, that was the impression I got anyway. It's been aid before that some of the sides that achieved promotion did it over a couple of seasons. The trick they had which we have repeatedly ignored year after year was to bring in good players and keep them so that you have a core yu can build on, rather than dismantle the squad every may and start again with a core of players you cn't offload. I know it's harder these days as most players with a sniff of promise at our level seem to end up playing for Chelsea or loaned out by them, but Ipswich were a good case for building p to a big finish and going up with a squad that knew each other. I know another two seasons at this level is going to be a pain in the arse at times, but getting ready to start complaining again six weeks into the new season when Aneke is injured and so is the back up we signed on loan from Palace is just to keep us in the same miserable spiral we have been in for years. Demanding instant results is great if you have the money to do it, but most of what I read on here was that we wanted the club stabilised and then to push on.
I agree. The problem being is that some of our better players (Dobbo & CBT) will come to the end of their contracts next year & may decide that our "promotion campaign 2025 " is not worth hanging around for and leave, thus making our summer "rebuild" even harder. Holden can only sell "the dream" for a certain amount of time before players think "fuck this, we aren't getting promoted anytime soon....I'm off".
Dabo is a good footballer but we can’t afford to sign players who can’t play. I get it that we should be a caring club and go in for rehabilitation and all that, but a higher priority is winning games and getting points.
We should quit Sparrows Lane and lease a hospital…….
Good idea. The Charlton Athletic convalescent home for sick and injured footballers. Please leave your crutches, wheelchairs, plastic boots etc at the end of your stay.
Seen all three league games and still much more optimistic about this season than the last few. No doubt we need a few quality additions but the basis of a good team for this league is here just need the injured to return and the new signings to arrive. COYR
I think it’s going to take three transfer windows to sort out our squad. Our recruitment this window in terms of quality is quite decent but in terms of depth it’s way deficient. I have little or no confidence in our defence at the moment. Edun looks a good addition and Jones still unknown but the rest look to me to be mid table. Hector has gone backwards as far as I can see and Ness appears to have done the same. We need to address the defence before we can hope of progressing up the table. I’m already resigned to it not being this season.
To be fair, without following too many of the interviews by the incoming owners, that was the impression I got anyway. It's been aid before that some of the sides that achieved promotion did it over a couple of seasons. The trick they had which we have repeatedly ignored year after year was to bring in good players and keep them so that you have a core yu can build on, rather than dismantle the squad every may and start again with a core of players you cn't offload. I know it's harder these days as most players with a sniff of promise at our level seem to end up playing for Chelsea or loaned out by them, but Ipswich were a good case for building p to a big finish and going up with a squad that knew each other. I know another two seasons at this level is going to be a pain in the arse at times, but getting ready to start complaining again six weeks into the new season when Aneke is injured and so is the back up we signed on loan from Palace is just to keep us in the same miserable spiral we have been in for years. Demanding instant results is great if you have the money to do it, but most of what I read on here was that we wanted the club stabilised and then to push on.
The fans want owners that are honest - It is a rebuild job, but we need to see a start and an end to it.
The owners mouthpiece is Methven, who is gobby and condescending and that will be a huge problem.
If they want the Valley to fill up, they need to give the fans hope. Otherwise, they will lose money like Roland and Sandgaard. My impression is they want to “flip” the club after a few years and if that’s the plan, they should tell us. Likewise, if they have no money [or not enough] then again it better we know.
No wants instant results, but what we do want is clarity about how they will turn it around.
Again, only way to 'flip' the club is to make it more valuable, only way to make it more valuable is to get us promoted, and then promoted again or at the very least challenging the top 6 in the Championship.
If you have a problem with them trying to flip the club in a few years time because that's what's happened, then that's only a good thing?!
Seen all three league games and still much more optimistic about this season than the last few. No doubt we need a few quality additions but the basis of a good team for this league is here just need the injured to return and the new signings to arrive. COYR
I think it’s going to take three transfer windows to sort out our squad. Our recruitment this window in terms of quality is quite decent but in terms of depth it’s way deficient. I have little or no confidence in our defence at the moment. Edun looks a good addition and Jones still unknown but the rest look to me to be mid table. Hector has gone backwards as far as I can see and Ness appears to have done the same. We need to address the defence before we can hope of progressing up the table. I’m already resigned to it not being this season.
To be fair, without following too many of the interviews by the incoming owners, that was the impression I got anyway. It's been aid before that some of the sides that achieved promotion did it over a couple of seasons. The trick they had which we have repeatedly ignored year after year was to bring in good players and keep them so that you have a core yu can build on, rather than dismantle the squad every may and start again with a core of players you cn't offload. I know it's harder these days as most players with a sniff of promise at our level seem to end up playing for Chelsea or loaned out by them, but Ipswich were a good case for building p to a big finish and going up with a squad that knew each other. I know another two seasons at this level is going to be a pain in the arse at times, but getting ready to start complaining again six weeks into the new season when Aneke is injured and so is the back up we signed on loan from Palace is just to keep us in the same miserable spiral we have been in for years. Demanding instant results is great if you have the money to do it, but most of what I read on here was that we wanted the club stabilised and then to push on.
I agree. The problem being is that some of our better players (Dobbo & CBT) will come to the end of their contracts next year & may decide that our "promotion campaign 2025 " is not worth hanging around for and leave, thus making our summer "rebuild" even harder. Holden can only sell "the dream" for a certain amount of time before players think "fuck this, we aren't getting promoted anytime soon....I'm off".
Time is of the essence. The time is now.
Thats right, but the owners are not communicating.
Holden may not be here beyond the next window if the team is in trouble and Methven wants someone to blame.
I do not see any plan or urgency - we may win a few and it may quieten down, but the squad is weak, so unless something drastic happens, we will nowhere near the top 6.
Whilst we are in need of a right back, bringing in somebody who already it appears, has an acknowledged issue that will need managing and could flare up from time to time is not the sanest thing we could do.
I know we need to build a squad, but sadly we also have to realise that Dobson and CBT can leave on a free at the end of this season too and without them, I'm suggesting we'd have no more than one point this season...... at best
Thing is we don't know if has "an acknowledged issue that will need managing and could flare up from time to time"
It could be the case but none of us has seen the medical report.
It could that like a MOT there was a small potential issue that they have monitored and have sent him to a specialist to check.
And while we definitely need a striker or two we do need a right back.
Dabo has played more than 25 games a season with Coventry in the championship over the last three seasons so is clearly good enough on the pitch.
Yes, it is a risk but so is every signing.
If it's true that he was sent to a specialist and that he's been training with us for weeks that suggests that the club were take extra precautions.
Or if you are as jaded as some on this thread it suggests we couldn't find anyone better.
I'm far from convinced as yet by the new management set up but some of the OTT vitriol I'm reading here is masking legitimate concerns.
Harking back to when Curbs left is irrelevant. Yes, it's been a long, hard decline but we are where we are now and the current management team (AS, CM, JR and DH) need to solve the problems, it doesn't matter when they began.
As usual @Garrymanilow makes some considered points but while a full rebuild will take more than one window we do need to see some solid foundations put in place in this one. I'm not sure they have done that yet but I expect more bodies in when/if we move some out.
Again, only way to 'flip' the club is to make it more valuable, only way to make it more valuable is to get us promoted, and then promoted again or at the very least challenging the top 6 in the Championship.
If you have a problem with them trying to flip the club in a few years time because that's what's happened, then that's only a good thing?!
Agree, but what makes you think this lot are any better than their predecessors ?
They might end up losing a lot of money and we might end up in another crisis.
No problem with them flipping the club, but that will need a plan, good management and investment.
What they have is a loss making football operation, so making it valuable will need a team that will fill the Valley.
I am of course not advocating signing players with a serious, determinable above-average risk.
But from the comments above it would appear nobody criticising this possible signing has ever been responsible for signing talent (as opposed to someone to do a routine job), in a highly competitive market, with a tight deadline and where an empty chair is not an acceptable outcome.
A complete lack of awareness about what it’s like to make big decisions and therefore a lack of empathy for those that have to do it is problem with football discourse generally (and all forms of public life for that matter).
Why buy a football club then ?
These guys are not fans, have no empathy with the club and I doubt that most of the consortium will ever bother to visit the Valley. Buying a football club is not “Public Life”!!
Next you will be telling Man U fans to feel sorry for the Glazers !
Comments
there is absolutely no issue with either of Mr Dabo's knee replacements.
yours sincerely,
Dr A. Bodgit'
It smacks of panic buying, which I was hoping we wouldn't have to revert to, although if needs must, at least get fit ones in. I don't care how good they are when fit if they're not. Aneke is good, but of no use to us most of the time.
I know we need to build a squad, but sadly we also have to realise that Dobson and CBT can leave on a free at the end of this season too and without them, I'm suggesting we'd have no more than one point this season...... at best
I know another two seasons at this level is going to be a pain in the arse at times, but getting ready to start complaining again six weeks into the new season when Aneke is injured and so is the back up we signed on loan from Palace is just to keep us in the same miserable spiral we have been in for years. Demanding instant results is great if you have the money to do it, but most of what I read on here was that we wanted the club stabilised and then to push on.
I get it that we should be a caring club and go in for rehabilitation and all that, but a higher priority is winning games and getting points.
But from the comments above it would appear nobody criticising this possible signing has ever been responsible for signing talent (as opposed to someone to do a routine job), in a highly competitive market, with a tight deadline and where an empty chair is not an acceptable outcome.
Time is of the essence. The time is now.
After all, the football is shit
The owners mouthpiece is Methven, who is gobby and condescending and that will be a huge problem.
If they want the Valley to fill up, they need to give the fans hope. Otherwise, they will lose money like Roland and Sandgaard. My impression is they want to “flip” the club after a few years and if that’s the plan, they should tell us. Likewise, if they have no money [or not enough] then again it better we know.
No wants instant results, but what we do want is clarity about how they will turn it around.
Early signs are no good.
If you have a problem with them trying to flip the club in a few years time because that's what's happened, then that's only a good thing?!
Holden may not be here beyond the next window if the team is in trouble and Methven wants someone to blame.
I do not see any plan or urgency - we may win a few and it may quieten down, but the squad is weak, so unless something drastic happens, we will nowhere near the top 6.
It could be the case but none of us has seen the medical report.
It could that like a MOT there was a small potential issue that they have monitored and have sent him to a specialist to check.
And while we definitely need a striker or two we do need a right back.
Dabo has played more than 25 games a season with Coventry in the championship over the last three seasons so is clearly good enough on the pitch.
Yes, it is a risk but so is every signing.
If it's true that he was sent to a specialist and that he's been training with us for weeks that suggests that the club were take extra precautions.
Or if you are as jaded as some on this thread it suggests we couldn't find anyone better.
I'm far from convinced as yet by the new management set up but some of the OTT vitriol I'm reading here is masking legitimate concerns.
Harking back to when Curbs left is irrelevant. Yes, it's been a long, hard decline but we are where we are now and the current management team (AS, CM, JR and DH) need to solve the problems, it doesn't matter when they began.
As usual @Garrymanilow makes some considered points but while a full rebuild will take more than one window we do need to see some solid foundations put in place in this one. I'm not sure they have done that yet but I expect more bodies in when/if we move some out.
They might end up losing a lot of money and we might end up in another crisis.
No problem with them flipping the club, but that will need a plan, good management and investment.
What they have is a loss making football operation, so making it valuable will need a team that will fill the Valley.
These guys are not fans, have no empathy with the club and I doubt that most of the consortium will ever bother to visit the Valley. Buying a football club is not “Public Life”!!
Next you will be telling Man U fans to feel sorry for the Glazers !