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Summer Window 2026 - Rumours and Discussion
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Alan Mwamba is class. Wouldn’t be surprised if he is in and out of the first team squad this season8
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Great the some of the youngsters played well for 45 minutes against a non-league side in early July. I’m not sure playing well against a non-league side in early July however is much of an indication as to who can step up and who can’t.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.3 -
Think Gough and Mwamba will get good loans but it might be after Cheltenham until it's done.3
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Jones said in his interview afterwards though that some of them are a lot nearer than us fans might think. He’s the one that sees them everyday so is the best judge of their level and will ultimately decide if they are involved or notse9addick said:
Great the some of the youngsters played well for 45 minutes against a non-league side in early July. I’m not sure playing well against a non-league side in early July however is much of an indication as to who can step up and who can’t.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.5 -
Do people have any thoughts on the four at the back at Dartford? Have never thought it likely we'd move to that, certainly not any time soon. But then seems an odd thing to do for the game. Maybe just the easiest way to get all the players he wanted to have a run out?
Interesting to see what happens in the other friendlies, as well as on the right defensive side in terms of transfers. Assuming we stick with five at the back we need probably two RWBs, unless Apter comes back from the dead. As a four, maybe you think Ramsay and another (Collins?) have RB covered.0 -
To be fair, I got what he meant there... Last club he was at on a long term contract, he was at Wednesday for about 2 monthsLargeAddick said:
so Sheffield Weds and Blackburn are not proper clubs 🤔RonnieMoore said:
Last proper club ..fenaddick said:
So not even close to his last club?RonnieMoore said:
That was at Burnley ….I-SAW-POUSO-PLAY said:No chance he was on 34k, especially at Shef Weds2 -
I’ve got a hunch we played an unusual formations at Dartford last season too. When the team is being padded out by youth players it’s hard to read too much into shape5
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I’m sure on the pod or match commentary, it was mentioned that when they were trying to figure out the formation that Charlie Kelman saw them and said they’d been playing 4 at the back at the training ground2
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Correct but week 1 of training is mostly about fitness and getting used to the ball again. Expect there to be heavier tactical work in Sloveniamart77 said:I’m sure on the pod or match commentary, it was mentioned that when they were trying to figure out the formation that Charlie Kelman saw them and said they’d been playing 4 at the back at the training ground1 -
I know I do. Tediously unfunny.Talal said:
Don't you get bored of saying how fed up you are with this thread? Multiple times, every year.sillav nitram said:Why are we still talking about Apter?Surely we’ve exhausted this conversation both last season and this upcoming one.Is it because there’s nothing else to report and people feel a need to post something, even if it’s the same as the previous 100 posts?9 -
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I wouldn’t read into it at all. Our squad suits a back 3 far more than it does a back 4. Would be a very odd move to make now. All the talk has been about evolution not revolution this summer, if we’re changing shape then that would require revolution and a lot more funding. If we are switching formation then my concern for next season would increase quite a lotPeaksAndValleys said:Do people have any thoughts on the four at the back at Dartford? Have never thought it likely we'd move to that, certainly not any time soon. But then seems an odd thing to do for the game. Maybe just the easiest way to get all the players he wanted to have a run out?
Interesting to see what happens in the other friendlies, as well as on the right defensive side in terms of transfers. Assuming we stick with five at the back we need probably two RWBs, unless Apter comes back from the dead. As a four, maybe you think Ramsay and another (Collins?) have RB covered.I fully expect us to set up the same way we have been for most of the last 2 years, with the 4 at the back being an option to change to in-game when needed2 -
No, I love it, it’s the only enjoyment I have left in life and especially as I know you always rise to it.Talal said:
Don't you get bored of saying how fed up you are with this thread? Multiple times, every year.sillav nitram said:Why are we still talking about Apter?Surely we’ve exhausted this conversation both last season and this upcoming one.Is it because there’s nothing else to report and people feel a need to post something, even if it’s the same as the previous 100 posts?
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Yes, that would be excellent and I guess if any of them are part of the squad and don't get enough minutes the first half of the season they could go on a loan in January to find them more game time?Covered_End_Lad said:
Would imagine Fullah, Mwamba and Gough get some early game time in the cups then potentially 1 or 2 go out on loan. All 3 look like they could have a proper future with us which is great news.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.0 -
This. The Dartford game would have been ideal for us to be on the front foot and attack while playing a back 4 on the ball as you would expect us to be on the ball for that game. Ideal chance then to test a back 4, don't see it as anything more than that. I fully expect us to return to our promotion hybrid setup when the season starts.NabySarr said:
I wouldn’t read into it at all. Our squad suits a back 3 far more than it does a back 4. Would be a very odd move to make now. All the talk has been about evolution not revolution this summer, if we’re changing shape then that would require revolution and a lot more funding. If we are switching formation then my concern for next season would increase quite a lotPeaksAndValleys said:Do people have any thoughts on the four at the back at Dartford? Have never thought it likely we'd move to that, certainly not any time soon. But then seems an odd thing to do for the game. Maybe just the easiest way to get all the players he wanted to have a run out?
Interesting to see what happens in the other friendlies, as well as on the right defensive side in terms of transfers. Assuming we stick with five at the back we need probably two RWBs, unless Apter comes back from the dead. As a four, maybe you think Ramsay and another (Collins?) have RB covered.I fully expect us to set up the same way we have been for most of the last 2 years, with the 4 at the back being an option to change to in-game when needed3 -
There is a lot of talent in what was last years U18s who are now in the U21s.Crispywood said:
Too early to tell formation and transfer activity will give us a better idea, at present Gough Asiimwe Mwamba Fullah and Mbick can’t be ruled out doubt there’s anyone else on top of those lot thoughStarinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.
I doubt they are ready just yet but Richman, Tagoe, Sol-Loza, McMillan, Belton off the top of my head. Richman is a powerful striker in the mould of Mbick so maybe we'll see him around the first team sooner than the others
Ethan Brown from the U21s looks good and I'm still hoping Josh Laqeratabua and Kai Enslin can fufill their early promise.6 -
It's important to have a direct route from the academy to the 1st team. If academy players end up in endless lower league loans before getting an opportunity when say 22, then they might as well be at PL clubs, and earning more money when being loaned out to lower league clubs.
It's a difficult balance with young players, would Mwamba or Gough benefit more from a full season loan, or being around the first team? If Mwamba a better prospect than Anderson? Is Laqeretabua good enough to be cover etc4 -
If they are good enough, they are old enough, however they do have to be up to championship football, so the direct root needs to be validated by that and not just use them because they are ours.killerandflash said:It's important to have a direct route from the academy to the 1st team. If academy players end up in endless lower league loans before getting an opportunity when say 22, then they might as well be at PL clubs, and earning more money when being loaned out to lower league clubs.
It's a difficult balance with young players, would Mwamba or Gough benefit more from a full season loan, or being around the first team? If Mwamba a better prospect than Anderson? Is Laqeretabua good enough to be cover etc1 -
Reuben Reid stepped up to the u21s a year early and like Richman is a very exciting winger.Henry Irving said:
There is a lot of talent in what was last years U18s who are now in the U21s.Crispywood said:
Too early to tell formation and transfer activity will give us a better idea, at present Gough Asiimwe Mwamba Fullah and Mbick can’t be ruled out doubt there’s anyone else on top of those lot thoughStarinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.
I doubt they are ready just yet but Richman, Tagoe, Sol-Loza, McMillan, Belton off the top of my head. Richman is a powerful striker in the mould of Mbick so maybe we'll see him around the first team sooner than the others
Ethan Brown from the U21s looks good and I'm still hoping Josh Laqeratabua and Kai Enslin can fufill their early promise.
Tate Elliott, Phoenix Valentine and Sam Washington-Amish are also that age and I think may be some of the better players in that group. Shia-Lee Burnham’s another powerful striker, though not a regular goal scorer like Mbick was.
If we can keep him Chetam Ezenwata is only 16 but a composed and powerful LCB, he was an u18 regular last season, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets plenty of u21 football this season.
Championship is a big step up but I agree on not ruling out Enslin and Laqeretabua, I think they can at least play at a higher level than their loan spells last season suggest.5 -
Gough seemed ready to me last year. Maybe loans to league 1 for the others, option to recall in jan when we need to cement our automatic spot?3
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Sad, in more ways than one.sillav nitram said:
No, I love it, it’s the only enjoyment I have left in life and especially as I know you always rise to it.Talal said:
Don't you get bored of saying how fed up you are with this thread? Multiple times, every year.sillav nitram said:Why are we still talking about Apter?Surely we’ve exhausted this conversation both last season and this upcoming one.Is it because there’s nothing else to report and people feel a need to post something, even if it’s the same as the previous 100 posts?6 -
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I agree. At worst Burke 's replacement next summer. He just seems to have the right temperament, physical strength and attitude. I've not watched him play midfield, so cannot comment on his prowess there.2121 said:Gough seemed ready to me last year. Maybe loans to league 1 for the others, option to recall in jan when we need to cement our automatic spot?1 -
Mwamba is one we really need to tie to the club. im not saying this will be a breakout year but he shines at academy level and shone against Dartford so presumably he's got an eye on a squad number or a loan.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.
As a player he is superb - he's really efficient in possession, got a very good level of skill and technique but his engine is outstanding. He's like some of those african midfielders we've seen at the world cup. A bit like a Kante or a Makelele - just doesn't stop moving, does the simple stuff really well and has more trickery than expected. his only issue at the moment is size - he needs to bulk up a bit but has time for that. definitely one to sign up for a longer term contract if we can and has a very high ceiling.
Fullah wasn't great against Dartford but he has exceptional talent and two very good feet so he is another should look to secure. i know he had it VERY tough when he was younger and i know we went out of our way to support him (as we have a few other academy lads over the years) so it would be mutually agreeable to to extend him and keep him away from prying eyes. Fullah needs to play in an attacking team to get the best out of him. Mwamba can play in an attacking team or be the midfield dynamo and workhorse providing legs for a more cultured (senior) midfielder22 -
Mwamba signed a long term deal less than a year agoSwisdom said:
Mwamba is one we really need to tie to the club. im not saying this will be a breakout year but he shines at academy level and shone against Dartford so presumably he's got an eye on a squad number or a loan.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.
As a player he is superb - he's really efficient in possession, got a very good level of skill and technique but his engine is outstanding. He's like some of those african midfielders we've seen at the world cup. A bit like a Kante or a Makelele - just doesn't stop moving, does the simple stuff really well and has more trickery than expected. his only issue at the moment is size - he needs to bulk up a bit but has time for that. definitely one to sign up for a longer term contract if we can and has a very high ceiling.
Fullah wasn't great against Dartford but he has exceptional talent and two very good feet so he is another should look to secure. i know he had it VERY tough when he was younger and i know we went out of our way to support him (as we have a few other academy lads over the years) so it would be mutually agreeable to to extend him and keep him away from prying eyes. Fullah needs to play in an attacking team to get the best out of him. Mwamba can play in an attacking team or be the midfield dynamo and workhorse providing legs for a more cultured (senior) midfielder6 -
Hopefully we can hang onto these guys as we could have some proper midfield talent in the next few years.0
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Think Gough may be more ready than the others but he’s still going to have Ramsay Sichenje and Burke ahead of him for RCB or if we do play a back 4 he still has Jones Burke and Sichenje ahead of him.2121 said:Gough seemed ready to me last year. Maybe loans to league 1 for the others, option to recall in jan when we need to cement our automatic spot?Definitely needs a loan this summer Crowley wanted him at Colchester but reckon he can do a job for a L1 side1 -
Quite. So whether the youngsters impressed in 45 mins against some non-league duffers or not is neither here nor there. Jones will assess how ready they are based on what he sees day in and day out.NabySarr said:
Jones said in his interview afterwards though that some of them are a lot nearer than us fans might think. He’s the one that sees them everyday so is the best judge of their level and will ultimately decide if they are involved or notse9addick said:
Great the some of the youngsters played well for 45 minutes against a non-league side in early July. I’m not sure playing well against a non-league side in early July however is much of an indication as to who can step up and who can’t.Starinnaddick said:Most people at Dartford were impressed by Mwamba and other youngsters. Are any ready to make the step up or is it too soon? I reckon a couple will be in or around the first team squad.0 -
Talal said:
Sad, in more ways than one.sillav nitram said:
No, I love it, it’s the only enjoyment I have left in life and especially as I know you always rise to it.Talal said:
Don't you get bored of saying how fed up you are with this thread? Multiple times, every year.sillav nitram said:Why are we still talking about Apter?Surely we’ve exhausted this conversation both last season and this upcoming one.Is it because there’s nothing else to report and people feel a need to post something, even if it’s the same as the previous 100 posts?
Apologies, your Majesties for daring to have an opinion different from your own. 'Guards, send me to the tower immediately'Henry Irving said:
I know I do. Tediously unfunny.Talal said:
Don't you get bored of saying how fed up you are with this thread? Multiple times, every year.sillav nitram said:Why are we still talking about Apter?Surely we’ve exhausted this conversation both last season and this upcoming one.Is it because there’s nothing else to report and people feel a need to post something, even if it’s the same as the previous 100 posts?4 -
I quite like the idea of moving to a back 4, even though some of our best defenders maybe more suited to a back 3 (bell/ramsay). I think in order to exert any midfield control we need to play with 3, with the wingers providing the width. IMO bell and Ramsay are perfectly serviceable at cb and can provide backup in the rb/lb position. We just need a new rb and our defence should be sorted with:
Edwards-Jones-Sichenze-New RB
what is essential for this to work are 2 new excellent midfielders. It is quite exciting to think who might be coming in!2 -
I would prefer more championship ready players to come in rather than rely on youth. Obviously if they’re good enough they’re old enough and there is certainly more value training here than with a national league south side.Once we’ve got a solid starting 11+bench the. We can discuss the merits of which youth to keep or to loan out1
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Gough didn’t put a foot wrong anny time he played imo. Think he’s definitely close to being ready. I’d be comfortable shipping off Burke and have Ramsay and sichenje ahead of gough.13
