Jas10

It is gutting but we have to try and look on the “bright side”… would’ve felt a hell of a lot more worse and been more impactful had it happened when the season was well underway and transfer window closed… We’ve got a good squad now and are going to continue to strengthen - only need to look at recent comments from Unai and Monchi. I was quite upset but have just accepted it now and believe we’re actually, for once, in a position where we can deal with an injury to an important player and it not affect us too heavily… one of the most pleasing things with Unai is that he’s made us a complete and effective team, we don’t rely too heavily on too many individuals… it’s about the team and our playing style rather than needing one player to lift us and make us tick…

Yeah I mean this season specifically, and maybe even last (Diego injury, Kamara out for a while too)…

Any other teams in the league that have had players sustain bad/long term injuries? Are we as unlucky as we think we are?

Monchi: “…we continue working to build the best squad possible… That’s why I think more players will arrive “

Yep, ideal scenario. Next best thing to them actually playing for us… if they’re not ready… go and prove yourselves… if you do, you’re welcome to return…

Very simple or basic point… but I enjoyed what Luke had to say on the UTV podcast… ”OK” is not good enough for Unai, we are not messing about, in no way are we “done” in this window… We want to achieve as much as is possible and feasible… stronger and more effective players give you a better chance at that… only the youngsters that are deemed ready and capable will be involved, otherwise they will be sent out to develop further and decisions will be made on them in future…

Regarding Aaron and Cameron…. There’s no better place for them to get game time and develop than in the league we are in itself! Quite advantageous that we can move our youngsters to “lower level” PL clubs and see what they can really do… as long as they play fairly regularly…

I’m sure @allani and @romavillan will enjoy seeing him thrive at Villa… especially since he’s been denied the opportunity to do it at Roma… More than a “consolation”?

He’s working on it…

Great point… time to “get serious” again… He’ll enjoy working with Unai too and establishing himself as a “top player”… Plenty of incentive for him… Hope he remains fit and firing if he joins…

Na… Unai confirmed it and explained his view on young players during his presser, after commenting on Emi’s injury. Suggested (after responding to the question) that we were likely to do similar with Archer but also see him as part of our long term plans… We have serious ambitions this season, more signings on the way - our highest priority is not developing our youngsters here… they will be sent out (whether on loan or sold) to get game time and we have the opportunities to bring them back if they impress… Finally, everything about us screams “big club” again, as well as “ambition” and “intent”… we want and need strong and effective players to launch an assault on all competitions… Unai also stated that our priority is the Premier League, followed by Europe… but we want to be competitive in every competition…”we will need players”…

Yeah, I just caught up to that bit I’m really not keen but if it happens… do we need or bring ANOTHER CB? Or just a RB? Fresneda has been mentioned again… I would like us to get past the point where Ty is so essential for us… always lost and vulnerable when he hasn’t played… hoping we’ve strengthened enough to mitigate that now… I felt Diego could be the man to counteract that effect…

Oh right, sorry. Misunderstandings are rife where text is the form of communication… I really can’t see Unai, Monchi and those working for them taking our opinions into account or logging on to VT though Proper and extensive research and scouting is a constant at the club now… hasn’t always been the case though! I have more faith and belief in those at the club than ever before…it feels good!

Prefer if we kept him and gave him a proper chance, has had rotten luck and is exceptional “on his day”… Apparently, it could be Inter that are interested and have bid… I’m loving our CB department as is and had faith we may not fall apart for once should Mings have to miss the odd game… would make a pleasant change…

Mate, I was just pointing out that our thoughts/opinions don’t affect the club’s transfer activity… I wasn’t saying we shouldn’t express them. I think we take things a little too seriously on here at times… Just because you don’t like, rate or want a player like Felix…. It doesn’t mean he won’t be signed. I’ve already shared Unai’s positive remarks on him on at least a couple of occasions… are you and others going to be upset and not support him if he does actually join somehow? I don’t think so, I’m sure we all back and believe in Unai… I’ve already said I don’t think it’s likely either and there are other options… Feel free to continue to share your criticisms or doubts of him, I wasn’t stopping anyone… sharing opinions is part of the fun, as well as speculation, but that’s all it is… However, to continue to repeat myself, I don’t see how anyone could make an accurate judgement of his character/personality, nor have any insight into it…

According to Paddy, on the Love of Paul McGrath podcast (season preview), a club has bid for Diego Carlos and negotiations are ongoing… Personally, I don’t want to see him leave and I want to see what he can offer.. If it happens, it might suggest that we’re bringing in a RB with Konsa predominantly being played at CB…?

This is what he’s capable of and he could be good cover for Ollie too… the lad can certainly finish… Strikes me as a player that needs to “feel the love” to shine… come and join Unai’s claret n blue army lad!