we need 2 first choice full backs, neither Watson or Edun are good enough - both are poor defensively (especially Edun) and neither are good going forward
1000% - With the system we play, these two are killing us. Can't attack and can't defend. Edun has been one of the biggest let downs, don't rate him at all.
Jury still out for me with Scott but if Holden had said he wants a small squad it put Scott in a tricky position. If he goes out and gets loads of players who are then frozen out by the manager (like Watson currently) then those players are unhappy and we end up with more DJ/Kirk type signings that just don't work out. Now there's a manager who wants more bodies and it's time for Scott to earn his money and get quality as well as quantity.
Sarimento to Ipswich is one hell of a signing I have to admit. He's looked excellent for West Brom.
Still only another loan deal though
I'm surprised Brighton have allowed it with their injuries in wide areas and losing Adingra to AFCON.
But if Ipswich are just looking for players to get them " over the line" then someone like Sarimento on loan fits the bill perfectly.
Don't think it changes anything with any Ladapo chase as I'd still think they sign an out and out striker too.
George Hurst is injured so I think Ladapo is unlikely to be on the move anytime soon. He even started their game on the 29th
If they've lost Hirst to injury I'd completely rule out Ladapo. They won't want to have to go too long with Ladapo and Jackson as their main strikers but I don't think Ladapo will be available this window.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
Yes but when Scott is the guy who interviewed and appointed the manager that isn’t really a get out for him. Rule number 1 of being a good technical director should be hiring a good manager that shares the same vision that you do. If there were differences in what Scott and Holden wanted then that means it was a poor appointment by Scott, if you add Appleton that’s now 2 poor appointments in my view
You can excuse the recruitment a little as he hasn’t had a full window yet. But he’s had 2 chances to appoint us a good manager and it looks like he’s failed at both
I agree it’s too soon on the ownership front, but Scott needs a good window here or he should be sacked before the summer
Jury still out for me with Scott but if Holden had said he wants a small squad it put Scott in a tricky position. If he goes out and gets loads of players who are then frozen out by the manager (like Watson currently) then those players are unhappy and we end up with more DJ/Kirk type signings that just don't work out. Now there's a manager who wants more bodies and it's time for Scott to earn his money and get quality as well as quantity.
People are conflating too different points in time. The ‘leaner squad’ comment was almost a year ago and a very polite way of saying there were people taking up squad places (Kirk, DJ, MacGrandles, Stockley, JFC, Lavelle, MacGillivray etc) and decent wages that we really wanted shifted out the building and off the wage bill. That was achieved to a degree in the Jan window last year (plus O’Connell).
Do not in anyway take from that that a manager wanted to go into this season with a small and inexperienced squad. As there is not a single manager in the world that would seek that.
Think there's some selective naivety by those thinking Holden genuinely wanted a smaller squad.
Weren’t those quotes in early February mainly aimed at the likes of DJ and Kirk who had fallen behind players like Campbell anyway?
I doubt Holden wanted Asiimwe as one of three genuine first team full backs, Campbell as one of three wingers (excluding Kirk) or Kanu being a regular in the squad once we got a few injuries when he could be out on loan getting plenty of minutes.
There’s nothing wrong with any of those three being on the fringes, the issue is there are so many young players expected to play a significant role in our season. AMB, Ness, Leaburn and most of the loanees are inexperienced themselves.
When Powell took us up I think only Solly and Wagstaff were from the academy and they had some experience by then. Bowyer had a young squad but plenty of experience and tough players through the spine with players like Bauer, Pearce, Pratley and Taylor.
I’m sure we’ll target experience, but they need to be the right characters and still have legs, as well as the ability.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
I can see the point but honestly I'm finding it hard to blame the fans at this point. Recent owners have gone from a deluded businessman (Roland) to a bunch of actual criminal conmen (ESI) to an egotistical micro-manager and his family (Sandgaard) and now to a mysterious consortium apparently putting their faith in Charlie Methven, best known for apparently being footballs answer to David Brent. We've been handed from one bunch of chancers and idiots to the next multiple times.
Is it unfair on the current lot that they are getting a very short shrift? Maybe. But honestly if anyone is not feeling at least a bit cynical by now then I would be shocked.
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
That alone is why they need to take their medicine and sack him now.
I was there yesterday and I am glad it was toxic. Under no circumstances should the management and players think this is acceptable.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
That alone is why they need to take their medicine and sack him now.
I was there yesterday and I am glad it was toxic. Under no circumstances should the management and players think this is acceptable.
I’m certain that none of Appleton, Methven and Scott think what’s going on is acceptable. Their very futures at the club depend on it turning around. If Appleton doesn’t get next seasons team looking like top six he’ll be gone by Christmas. If Methven and Scott continue to deliver league one football then they too will be replaced. To think any of them couldn’t care about our appalling form is I think way off the mark. That doesn’t of course mean they have either the ability or wherewithal to do something about it but I’m pretty sure they’re very keen on doing so.
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
A continuation of our current form would see us relegated never mind cast doubts on Appletons role next season. If we continue as we are for 8 weeks we would be in the relegation zone and he would be gone.
Scott might do the recruitment, but there will huge input from the manager, as the type of player, style and how big they want the squad.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
I agree it has become very toxic very quickly which I guess
is because people are feed up with the last few years and are at breaking
point. I also think CM being involved has been an issue for some since day one.
I am trying to distance the last few years , Roland ESI
& TS and look at the current situation. With that Looking at MA yes some of
his decisions of late are questionable but he has lost Aneke and Leaburn which without
them and a decent replacement who can hold play up and bring in CBT and May then
the whole system falls down, you can argue that maybe MA needs to change the system
and find a way but I also think other managers or without the last few years
more patience or understanding would be given to MA after such a short time in
the position and without a transfer window. Some of this may be down to MA and
his persona, AFKA made a good point in a recent post that he has not tried to
connect with the fans and does seem unlikeable/cold at times. The ear cupping
is just stupid and something he may not recover from.
With regards to the new ownership and Andy Scott again separating
the last few years in my thinking, it’s hard to say which transfers in the summer
and Jan 23 they were responsible for or how much influence they could have.
What we can say is that from when they officially become owners, they have made
some decisions like the director of performance, on paper this is a sound move
but will take time to see any benefit, there might be more in the background like
this we will not see but a base being built. This transfer window is all down
to them and the noises which while only noises at this stage is that they are
looking to spend on experience players in areas we need, how good this is time
will only tell and then I can start to judge more clearly.
I think as fans though we are in danger of causing such a
toxic atmosphere that it becomes a spiral and from the outside looking in would
seem unresponsible when not considering what we have been through and how sick we
are of it. But I think maybe we have a part to play to try and calm that down
and give the new guys a chance.
I appreciate that some well know posters who have more knowledge
are sceptical and I do note that. I am
going to keep an open mind for now and see how the window pans out, I will be
happy if players are purchased with a plan to keep building for next year and
see how things pan out, if for no other reason than its draining at the moment.
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
A continuation of our current form would see us relegated never mind cast doubts on Appletons role next season. If we continue as we are for 8 weeks we would be in the relegation zone and he would be gone.
That's assuming teams below us pick up form and get better results than us, not inconceivable but probably unlikely.
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
A continuation of our current form would see us relegated never mind cast doubts on Appletons role next season. If we continue as we are for 8 weeks we would be in the relegation zone and he would be gone.
I doubt relegation is a serious threat. Never say never but I think it’s highly unlikely.
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
A continuation of our current form would see us relegated never mind cast doubts on Appletons role next season. If we continue as we are for 8 weeks we would be in the relegation zone and he would be gone.
I doubt relegation is a serious threat. Never say never but I think it’s highly unlikely.
I agree but if we carry on under apples playing this formation and not bringing in some strength up top, i genuinely couldn't see us getting another win - its crucifying the whole team
Yes the season is already dead and has been for weeks, but we have to finish the season strongly for everyone’s sake. A continuation of the current form will cast massive doubts about Appleton being in place next season. Season ticket numbers will be decimated and the type of players we need to sign in the summer will look at us with scepticism. This January window needs to be good enough to lift the team. Lift the supporters and lift the gloom. We must start next season with real hope of top six and at this point we’re probably eight to ten players off that. January is massive for this football club.
A continuation of our current form would see us relegated never mind cast doubts on Appletons role next season. If we continue as we are for 8 weeks we would be in the relegation zone and he would be gone.
I doubt relegation is a serious threat. Never say never but I think it’s highly unlikely.
I agree but if we carry on under apples playing this formation and not bringing in some strength up top, i genuinely couldn't see us getting another win - its crucifying the whole team
Agree. That’s why January is so important. Finish the season on the up and have a modicum of confidence going into next season.
I think Holden would have worked with a good assistant manager for footballing advice. A bit like when Chris Powell and Nathan Jones worked together. I was at a 0-0 against an excellent Brighton side at Falmer where our game plan was spot on.
I think Holden would have worked with a good assistant manager for footballing advice. A bit like when Chris Powell and Nathan Jones worked together. I was at a 0-0 against an excellent Brighton side at Falmer where our game plan was spot on.
Did Jones and Powell work together? Jones was under 21 manager I thought. Powell did seem to have Keith Peacock around though and would mention this.
I think Holden would have worked with a good assistant manager for footballing advice. A bit like when Chris Powell and Nathan Jones worked together. I was at a 0-0 against an excellent Brighton side at Falmer where our game plan was spot on.
I think Holden would have worked with a good assistant manager for footballing advice. A bit like when Chris Powell and Nathan Jones worked together. I was at a 0-0 against an excellent Brighton side at Falmer where our game plan was spot on.
Except Alex dyer was Powell’s assistant
For that game? I have probably got that wrong. I suppose I was contemplating an appealing outward facing Manager, like Powell and Holden, working well with an assistant looking internally at specific footballing challenges. A bit like McLaren assisting Ferguson, not at that level obviously.
I remember that 0-0 at the AMEX , Ben Hamer was absolutely different class that night. Don't think we created that much but it was a stoic away display against a then high flying Brighton.
I remember that 0-0 at the AMEX , Ben Hamer was absolutely different class that night. Don't think we created that much but it was a stoic away display against a then high flying Brighton.
Yep come away feeling like a win. Think Liam Bridcutt run the game.
Comments
I'm surprised Brighton have allowed it with their injuries in wide areas and losing Adingra to AFCON.
But if Ipswich are just looking for players to get them " over the line" then someone like Sarimento on loan fits the bill perfectly.
Don't think it changes anything with any Ladapo chase as I'd still think they sign an out and out striker too.
If they've lost Hirst to injury I'd completely rule out Ladapo. They won't want to have to go too long with Ladapo and Jackson as their main strikers but I don't think Ladapo will be available this window.
The recruitment hasn’t been the best yet, but for me the jury still out with Scott, this is a big window for him and the club.
Might add though, I was at The Valley yesterday, and it was pretty toxic, people seem to have made there mind up about the ownership already.. for me it is way to early to do that.
You can excuse the recruitment a little as he hasn’t had a full window yet. But he’s had 2 chances to appoint us a good manager and it looks like he’s failed at both
I agree it’s too soon on the ownership front, but Scott needs a good window here or he should be sacked before the summer
Do not in anyway take from that that a manager wanted to go into this season with a small and inexperienced squad. As there is not a single manager in the world that would seek that.
I doubt Holden wanted Asiimwe as one of three genuine first team full backs, Campbell as one of three wingers (excluding Kirk) or Kanu being a regular in the squad once we got a few injuries when he could be out on loan getting plenty of minutes.
There’s nothing wrong with any of those three being on the fringes, the issue is there are so many young players expected to play a significant role in our season. AMB, Ness, Leaburn and most of the loanees are inexperienced themselves.
When Powell took us up I think only Solly and Wagstaff were from the academy and they had some experience by then. Bowyer had a young squad but plenty of experience and tough players through the spine with players like Bauer, Pearce, Pratley and Taylor.
I’m sure we’ll target experience, but they need to be the right characters and still have legs, as well as the ability.
Is it unfair on the current lot that they are getting a very short shrift? Maybe. But honestly if anyone is not feeling at least a bit cynical by now then I would be shocked.
I was there yesterday and I am glad it was toxic. Under no circumstances should the management and players think this is acceptable.
I agree it has become very toxic very quickly which I guess is because people are feed up with the last few years and are at breaking point. I also think CM being involved has been an issue for some since day one.
I am trying to distance the last few years , Roland ESI & TS and look at the current situation. With that Looking at MA yes some of his decisions of late are questionable but he has lost Aneke and Leaburn which without them and a decent replacement who can hold play up and bring in CBT and May then the whole system falls down, you can argue that maybe MA needs to change the system and find a way but I also think other managers or without the last few years more patience or understanding would be given to MA after such a short time in the position and without a transfer window. Some of this may be down to MA and his persona, AFKA made a good point in a recent post that he has not tried to connect with the fans and does seem unlikeable/cold at times. The ear cupping is just stupid and something he may not recover from.
With regards to the new ownership and Andy Scott again separating the last few years in my thinking, it’s hard to say which transfers in the summer and Jan 23 they were responsible for or how much influence they could have. What we can say is that from when they officially become owners, they have made some decisions like the director of performance, on paper this is a sound move but will take time to see any benefit, there might be more in the background like this we will not see but a base being built. This transfer window is all down to them and the noises which while only noises at this stage is that they are looking to spend on experience players in areas we need, how good this is time will only tell and then I can start to judge more clearly.
I think as fans though we are in danger of causing such a toxic atmosphere that it becomes a spiral and from the outside looking in would seem unresponsible when not considering what we have been through and how sick we are of it. But I think maybe we have a part to play to try and calm that down and give the new guys a chance.
I appreciate that some well know posters who have more knowledge are sceptical and I do note that. I am going to keep an open mind for now and see how the window pans out, I will be happy if players are purchased with a plan to keep building for next year and see how things pan out, if for no other reason than its draining at the moment.
I was at a 0-0 against an excellent Brighton side at Falmer where our game plan was spot on.
I have probably got that wrong.
I suppose I was contemplating an appealing outward facing Manager, like Powell and Holden, working well with an assistant looking internally at specific footballing challenges.
A bit like McLaren assisting Ferguson, not at that level obviously.