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Summer Window 2026 - Rumours and Discussion
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I do appreciate he’s been a bit unlucky with injury etc. but I would expect him to have realised more of his undoubted potential by 22.fenaddick said:
I think he got unlucky last season. Just as he was coming into form, using his body more and getting praise from people who had previously criticised him he then got benched because we signed Dykes. Then NJ tried playing them together and his form nosedived. If you go back to some of the match threads you’ll see plenty of comments about him starting to use his physicality. He’s always been good with his feet, if he can harness his physicality again he could be brilliantTheHerminator said:
It’s been Leaburn’s breakout season for about 3 years now apparently.redbuttle said:
Leaburn is useless. Does not use his size and extremely lazy. I have heard enough about this could be his season .LittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
not sure why people seem to stick with the hope that he’ll suddenly come good when his return to this point has been so poor.Dykes was twice the player last season that Leaburn was for meHe had a few uninterrupted seasons too, although admittedly early on in his career where he was average at best0 -
I remember a certain self confessed “journeyman” coming to Charlton and if I remember correctly did pretty well for us. Garry Nelson.DennisBooth said:A simple question. If Dykes is so good why isn’t there a long line of top Championship clubs queuing up to buy him?Answer is because he is a journeyman.10 -
from Orlando Pirates…?ShootersHillGuru said:I would suggest that McNamara, Grant and Dykes should he sign are all good solid choices. We need to get real. Haarland and Rodri ain’t coming.5 -
How well has Kyrell Lisbie done... From Welling to Cray Valley Paper Mills, to Braintree then P'boro... And now a big money move to the upper end of the Champ. He's quickly proved himself at every level and got the next move.
I thought he looked decent against us for Cray Valley but it was quite hard to gauge because we were useless that day.
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Experienced pros who have been there and done it?CAFCFW05 said:Bristol City now have Adebayo (ex Luton) on trial and I assume they have binned off Dykes. I don’t think he is as bad as people are making him out to be and could be a decent signing. I do worry if we sign him and redmond however, makes me wonder what kind of players we’re looking at. Not saying we will defo sign both but if redmond is playing today, I assume NJ is keen0 -
Totally agree. He's also had a massive growth spurt that's effectively forcing him to become a target man, which wasn't his game before. We don't know how this season will go but I'm personally backing him to improve significantly.Addickhead86 said:
Compare his stats to Ivan Toney, one of the only players I can remember coming through as a target man at a young age.TheHerminator said:
He’s 22. How much further in to the future are we waiting for him to realise his potential?golfaddick said:
Although I don't rate either that much surely Leaburn is the future. If not then sell him & re-invest the money for a new striker.21cws said:Not a massive fan of dykes returning but he done 10x more for us last season than Leaburn. Simple as that.
Between 17 and 22 he was knocking around LG2/LG1 on various loans from Newcastle, scoring 24 goals or so.
From 22-24 he signed for Peterborough, and had a breakthrough, scoring 40 in two seasons.
He signed for Brentford at 24, his first taste of the Championship, and obviously went on to play at the highest level.
Miles has scored more Championship goals and had more Championship experience than Toney at his age. Last year was about not having an injury relapse, and getting to grips with the physicality of the championship, which he did pretty well.
Injuries/fitness might mean it doesn't work out, but if he's able to get his stamina up to keep the press going, I don't see how we wouldn't think his attributes aren't a benefit to our team at present, even if he's not a guaranteed starter.11 -
TheHerminator said:
We were watching different players then. He was a real handful whenever he played and suffered as much as everyone else did from a lack of service for meLittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
Genuinely have no idea how he is deserving of the label "a real handful whenever he played". As for the service, he had ample amounts of long balls fed into him, which is exactly what a player like him would want. He just never showed a consistent ability to get a hold of the ball.
Say we did have an abundance of creative players, I think he'd probably look even worse as he would thrive more in a direct side.1 -
I'd back us to finish above the newly promoted clubs as wellBraziliance said:
They probably need to, otherwise it is completely unfair on Nathan Jones.RC_CAFC said:
It is of course the first and main aim. But I don’t think a 21st place finish will constitute a great season. And I don’t believe Nathan Jones or the hierarchy would either.jose said:For me avoiding relegation would make next season a great season.They’ve definitely got their sights set on continuing improvement and development for the club.
We have to be realistic that, purely in terms of budget we have a battle on but I remain optimistic that there are 3 more good signings coming our way to give us a better finish than last season.
Realistically, there are 15-18 teams who are all but guaranteed to finish above based on squad strength, league history and/or wages.
It is extremely unlikely we finish above the likes of Burnley, Wolves, West Ham, Boro, Norwich, Millwall, Southampton and Sheffield United.
Probably unlikely we finish above the other Championship regulars in Bristol City, Watford, Derby, West Brom (last season was a bit of an anomaly), Preston
Newcomers like Wrexham and Birmingham City just have too much financial muscle on us, and being blunt ambition as well. That makes 15 teams minimum we would do well to finish above.
It then leaves the remaining teams who are a bit mediocre like us in Pompey, Stoke, QPR and Blackburn. I would argue all of which except Blackburn are more likely to have a stronger season than us on paper.
21st is very good. It keeps us in one of the most competitive leagues and means we are always one good season away from Premier League football. I don’t know how anyone who looks at the quality of this league and how low our budget is, and can think 21st isn't a big achievement. I would take that right now.2 -
Personally think Dykes was better than what people made him out to be. The main issue it’s just a very uninspiring and boring signing even though it is sensible and I would say smart picking up a player you know can play in the championship on a free.I think if we had already spent a couple of million on a decent midfield pairing and made some more exciting signings people would be much more open to bringing dykes back due to what he can bring12
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Shame his old man can't put in a word and get him in here insteadChunes said:How well has Kyrell Lisbie done... From Welling to Cray Valley Paper Mills, to Braintree then P'boro... And now a big money move to the upper end of the Champ. He's quickly proved himself at every level and got the next move.
I thought he looked decent against us for Cray Valley but it was quite hard to gauge because we were useless that day.1 -
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Agreed, decent balls coming in from wide positions will definitely benefit leaburnBailey said:
To be fair Golfie most of our forwards were feeding on scraps. I'm sure someone on here would have the stats for chances created in the second half of last season.golfaddick said:
Just needs to add goals to his game. And learn how to attack balls in the box.Addicksi said:This is the season Miles properly arrives if he's going to I reckon. As a previous poster said he's over the injuries and trusts his body again. I noticed a difference in his game after Dykes arrived and he seemed to discover some housery and used his physique to bully defenders.
Then we might have a striker worth his salt.1 -
I think he’s someone we’ve seriously looked at but probably baulked at the fee wanted. I think we’ve been on his case a while. Millwall can probably make that sort of educated punt as an established Championship club and the money they have in their coffers because of good transfer dealings. We can’t. £3 million plus is a lot but who knows could pay off royally. Or maybe not.Chunes said:How well has Kyrell Lisbie done... From Welling to Cray Valley Paper Mills, to Braintree then P'boro... And now a big money move to the upper end of the Champ. He's quickly proved himself at every level and got the next move.
I thought he looked decent against us for Cray Valley but it was quite hard to gauge because we were useless that day.5 -
Until we sort out the centre of midfield it doesn’t matter who we have up front. Although I would ask how Dykes did with a pretty good midfield behind him at Brum?,4
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Leaburn has suffered from injuries. When he first broke through he had pace and skill. Unfortunately the injuries have taken away those assets. He has had to reinvent himself as a target man at a relatively young age. Look at the stats for aerial duals won last year. Leaburn is not a donkey but likewise, he needs to improve in areas of his game.TheHerminator said:
It’s been Leaburn’s breakout season for about 3 years now apparently.redbuttle said:
Leaburn is useless. Does not use his size and extremely lazy. I have heard enough about this could be his season .LittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
not sure why people seem to stick with the hope that he’ll suddenly come good when his return to this point has been so poor.Dykes was twice the player last season that Leaburn was for me
put balls in the box and he will score0 -
Leaburn’s goal return wasn’t great but he contributes a lot more than that. It’s too simplistic to just look at how much a striker scores.4
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I and others have said it’s make or break for Miles this season. If he doesn’t establish himself as as a minimum 3rd choice then I think we have to consider he’s not going to make it a Championship level with us. As for his stats about winning Ariel duels. Quite frankly if he doesn’t win his fair share then he might as well give up.Todds_right_hook said:
Leaburn has suffered from injuries. When he first broke through he had pace and skill. Unfortunately the injuries have taken away those assets. He has had to reinvent himself as a target man at a relatively young age. Look at the stats for aerial duals won last year. Leaburn is not a donkey but likewise, he needs to improve in areas of his game.TheHerminator said:
It’s been Leaburn’s breakout season for about 3 years now apparently.redbuttle said:
Leaburn is useless. Does not use his size and extremely lazy. I have heard enough about this could be his season .LittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
not sure why people seem to stick with the hope that he’ll suddenly come good when his return to this point has been so poor.Dykes was twice the player last season that Leaburn was for me
put balls in the box and he will score3 -
Harsh to expect him to perform just as well underwaterShootersHillGuru said:
I and others have said it’s make or break for Miles this season. If he doesn’t establish himself as as a minimum 3rd choice then I think we have to consider he’s not going to make it a Championship level with us. As for his stats about winning Ariel duels. Quite frankly if he doesn’t win his fair share then he might as well give up.Todds_right_hook said:
Leaburn has suffered from injuries. When he first broke through he had pace and skill. Unfortunately the injuries have taken away those assets. He has had to reinvent himself as a target man at a relatively young age. Look at the stats for aerial duals won last year. Leaburn is not a donkey but likewise, he needs to improve in areas of his game.TheHerminator said:
It’s been Leaburn’s breakout season for about 3 years now apparently.redbuttle said:
Leaburn is useless. Does not use his size and extremely lazy. I have heard enough about this could be his season .LittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
not sure why people seem to stick with the hope that he’ll suddenly come good when his return to this point has been so poor.Dykes was twice the player last season that Leaburn was for me
put balls in the box and he will score5 -
How do you know there not Millwall are interestedDennisBooth said:A simple question. If Dykes is so good why isn’t there a long line of top Championship clubs queuing up to buy him?3 -
They’re not. Not there not4
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Agree to disagreeLittleAddick said:TheHerminator said:
We were watching different players then. He was a real handful whenever he played and suffered as much as everyone else did from a lack of service for meLittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
Genuinely have no idea how he is deserving of the label "a real handful whenever he played". As for the service, he had ample amounts of long balls fed into him, which is exactly what a player like him would want. He just never showed a consistent ability to get a hold of the ball.
Say we did have an abundance of creative players, I think he'd probably look even worse as he would thrive more in a direct side.1 -
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Any rumours!
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I’m really not sure what or who people are expecting us to sign. Dykes has almost 200 Championship appearances under his belt. He’s experienced and available. Worked well for us in his 20 games last season. Would he be my first choice ? Probably not but I have no problem if he doesn’t win come back.3
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I'd rather Adebayo if we're looking at physical centre forwards on a free transfer10
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It’s obvious why so many of us stick with him. He’s clearly got talent and is only 22! No reason why it won’t all click in to place and he will go on to multiple successful seasons.TheHerminator said:
It’s been Leaburn’s breakout season for about 3 years now apparently.redbuttle said:
Leaburn is useless. Does not use his size and extremely lazy. I have heard enough about this could be his season .LittleAddick said:Some very rose-tinted glasses here looking at Dykes, go to any match thread at the end of the season and everyone is calling him a donkey, now the consensus seems to be let's have him back, and on improved terms!
Personally would rather give Leaburn a go ahead of him, seen as though their goal return is more or less the same, and I actually think Leaburn is stronger in the air.
Dykes' target man play was actually pretty poor IMO and mostly ended up with him on his arse.
I'd take him as an option in the squad, but if the plan is to start him 30+ games then I'm concerned.
not sure why people seem to stick with the hope that he’ll suddenly come good when his return to this point has been so poor.Dykes was twice the player last season that Leaburn was for me6 -
On trial with Bristol City as far as I’m aware.sam3110 said:I'd rather Adebayo if we're looking at physical centre forwards on a free transfer0 -
RE Lisbie it would have been interesting to see the reaction on here had we spent 3m rising to 6m on a player who only scored 11 goals in league one last year! Imagine a touch more negative than when other teams do it
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I’m totally cool with Dykes coming back tbh. Not a signing to get the heart racing but he did enough for us in the back half of last season (especially his first 10 games) to justify another go. I think the only other option we have would be to take a punt in league one or scout around and pick up a foreign alternative with a similar profile but there’s no guarantee how either of those will turn out whereas NJ knows and clearly likes Dykes and vice versa, not to mention how much Champ experience the player brings, so it makes sense despite how unexciting the signing is on the surface.2
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11 goals in 40ish games isn't terrible, especially considering he played more as a winger than a striker. I don't know if that makes him worth 3 mill, let alone 6, but that will be with an eye to his eventual potential.Codfishjunior said:RE Lisbie it would have been interesting to see the reaction on here had we spent 3m rising to 6m on a player who only scored 11 goals in league one last year! Imagine a touch more negative than when other teams do it2 -
11 in 40 from a young winger is pretty good numbers. £3m is probably a combo of Posh being able to drive a hard bargain and there being upside with him0
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