NSmith22

If we spend intelligently for once I would be all over Ramsdale. He singlehandedly kept Bournemouth in some games and he’s young.

There has been tons of MLS references this offseason, I guess I thought I was one of the few Americans on here. Let me preface by saying I’m a huge supporter of American football and the league. But if we’re looking for upgrades on the first 11 in MLS count me as terrified. This team needs established players and having experience in the league or championship is a huge plus. I want top half finishes and cup runs, not relegation battles because we filled the squad with up and comers again. I would only take Mckennie and Pulisic right now, otherwise the pool is too inexperienced.

We should absolutely be in for Ramsdale if that fee is in the ballpark.

There’s actually multiple good tidbits in that article from Evans. I guess if you only follow Villa and football it may not be worth it to you. Purslow apparently personally sourced and signed Drinkwater.

Wes with a higher expected goals per 90 in the PL. Gomez also played a fair amount in CL and did not score. There were multiple games I was frustrated with Wes but analytics tell us he would’ve been more than serviceable in his first season.

Genuine question, not being rude. Have you watched Stones with City? I wouldn’t pay any more than £10 million for him and then I would convert him to a holding midfielder. He can be borderline diabolical as a CB and that’s within a squad that’s top 10 in the world.

I agree with all of this, but... I don’t think we need a complete overhaul. I was impressed with Engels for the first quarter of the season. Konsa looks like he could turn into a 1st rate defender. Hause I’ve got nothing for ya. Got no clue what anyone sees in him to be honest. Another season under their belts with a legitimate attack could easily be top half.

I would urge those that have a sub to read Gregg Evans latest article on The Athletic. It highlights the analytics of our defense since the restart and how great it’s been. I’m not going to keep quoting the articles out of respect for the company and the writers.

This. We need to go for our #1 targets and I want an emphasis on players that have done it in this league or a top class championship player like Benhrama.

Trez is lights out so far

I’m American and it’s not a snob comment. Marsch is not even remotely on the same planet as the other managers we would consider. And tbf, I’m a MLS and USMNT supporter. He’s literally done nothing to warrant consideration at this moment in time. However, I do think he’s got the makings of being a good manager in a top 4 league. Let him go to a club like Stuttgart or Schalke and prove it.

Reports that Leeds accepted £25 million for Philips but he turned us down to stay. That’s where we get Luiz, Nakamba, and Drinkwater. Luiz has been exceptional in the restart but it was probably too little too late. It leads me to my original points that Smith I’m sure has a shortlist of transfer targets but once you get to 2nd, 3rd, 4th choice how much do you think he actually knows those players, especially foreign. Think about how many positions on the field...11. Let’s say since we’re newly promoted we’re getting our 2nd, and 3rd choice targets. Do we think Smith is managing the first team, keeping close tabs on the youth setup, scouting opponents, spending time with his family, and then going across the UK and Europe to scout 40+ players for transfers? Once you get down to 2nd and 3rd choice he’s relying on the other professionals in the sporting department to do their jobs. Here’s the philosophy and here’s the types of players needed for that philosophy.

This x1000. It’s not like he was offered Willian and Trez and decided on Trez. I don’t get why these scenarios are so hard to grasp. 99% of a managers job is managing the first team. What would be the point of having an entire sporting department if Smith did all the other work equally?

I guess he should sub himself on as a striker by that logic. I think the allocation of blame is way off the mark here. Smith is absolutely not blameless but when you’re in the top 6 in chances created with El Ghazi and Trez on the wings, Keinan Davis at striker, and Neil Taylor bombing up the flanks you deserve a medal.

Pardon the rude reply but... do I really need to explain the importance of chances created and how management affects that? Look at the other teams higher than us in that stat. See a pattern?

Watched some of the Brentford match this morning. The moment Fosu came on for Brentford their attack saw a major boost. Looked a pretty good player but I know nothing about him and he came on late so may just have had a good spurt.

Again, give Gregg Evans a follow. Smith is very clearly not the issue here. In actuality, and this will spark some on here, I think he’s done a pretty good job with the injuries and recruitment. I’m going to repost this tweet as a reminder...

Iheanacho was floated to us and we apparently turned it down. That is one name I’m confused about to say the least. He’s miles better than all the names that were floated bar maybe Giroud who is 33. Also says Smith himself turned down Maupay alluding to his price tag. Slimani flat out rejected us and Giroud was given a second chance by Lampard. I would love to know who specifically turned down Iheanacho because that was a criminal decision. EDIT: Also Evans follows up the article with that tweet about chances created and that pretty much tells you that if we had a half decent striker we could easily have been Sheffield United this season and that’s with the worst wingers in the PL. Boggles the mind that people don’t see that Smith’s tactics were forward thinking but we were insanely let down by our awful offensive options.

Taylor has been good since he came back in. Offers nothing going forward but he’s always been a good defender and pro for us.

Ayew never puts his hands up he just stands there.

You really think so? Ayew never moved and Reina acted like he got hit by a truck.

Wtf was Reina doing falling on the floor? I wanted him in these last few games but that was offensive as a fan to watch.