It is interesting that no-one has started a thread about this so far partly because we did a lot of business on deadline day. However , in my opinion we still have an imbalanced squad.
My personal view on signing free agents changed after Joe Ledley's brief spell with us four years ago. Joe was a player who I had long admired from his time at Cardiff , Celtic, Palace and Wales. He was clearly unfit when he was thrown in at Middlesbrough, so I accept this is not a magic bullet and players would need to be brought up to speed.
Rather than list all available free agents.
I am concentrating on positions we need or players who have a previous relationship with Appleton.
Left sided defenders. Joe Walsh ex Lincoln ( where he played under Appleton ) , Ciaran Clark ( he is currently training with Stoke) and Kean Bryan. There doesn't seem to be any obvious left backs.
Wide players. Andros Townsend. Maybe worth a short term contract until January?
Other Appleton connected players Liam Bridcutt although this is not a position where we need urgent reinforcements.
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Andros Townsend has a comfy commentary gig nowadays - effectively retired, if not officially confirmed.
The squad photo put out by the club had 28 players. Not doubt the squad isn’t perfect for what Appleton wants (and he’s already hinted at that) but I think we’re in a position where outgoings have to happen before incomings.
Also a 'highlights' video on YouTube that shows his preference for the right.
I do think we need a gun center back and a proper leader, preferably the same player, but not sure we would get enough benifit from a free agent before the window opens to make it a worthwhile gamble.
A short term deal here might get him playing again. Would a team higher up sign him? As a left footed winger he offers something different like JRS did.
Last year Hector trialled at Luton and Reading before signing for us.
I agree Fosu would be another interesting option.
So I'd suggest we won't sign any more forwards and probably won't sign any defensive players unless MA and AS can convince the money men there is an urgent need.
More likely Austin Powers and Shirley Bassey.