mrbluesky

4 minutes ago, Delphinho123 said:

 

 

I got nothing besides possible exit of Emery, and I like it

What would you lot make of Joachim Löw as manager?

Realistically, i don't think we can get a proven, top manager, so if we're going to get a top manager, we have to gamble on an exciting, but inexperienced one

Unfortunately don't see us getting a big name. I don't even think I want that much. After a decade of largely woeful managers. I'm quite envious of managers like Vieira, Frank, Marsch etc. Not necessarily world beaters, just competent managers.

I just want a manager who:

1) trains the team into an actual shape and style

2) is at least partially reactive to changes made by opposition managers/teams

3) ideally plays reasonably attractive football

Is that too much to ask? Surely there's someone in Europe we can get who can do that? 

Looking at the table, I think we could definitely get dragged into a relegation battle. A lot of the teams below us, Leicester, West ham, Palace even Wolves, have some decent players and are out of form, but could easily drive up the table. Wolves changed manager, West ham and leciester just won, Palace have been a bit unlucky I'd argue. Forest are woeful and Bournemouth will probs fall down, but the way we're playing, I think we could be in contention for that third spot. Not that we should be mind.

Brighton have appointed former Sassuolo and Shaktar Donetsk manager Roberto de Zerbi. Know nothing of him but seems like quite an interesting and exciting appointment. Why do I feel like that's the kind of appointment we wouldn't make?

Maybe, just maybe, the Premier league is tougher than the SPL with rangers 

I think we're not too sold on Dougie, but I think he can hold possession in midfield better than McGinn or JJ 

Beundia, Bailey and Dougie should start

Ings isn't getting anywhere near the ball. I like McGinn but I don't think he's good enough for a side with ambitions of top 8

Am I the only one who doesn't like keepers as captains? The guy you want talking to the ref or organising the team and he's stuck at the bottom of the pitch.

I think with Kamara and Carlos adding some defensive solidity, we might expect to see a step up from some of our existing players. I think Dougie might have more to show as an 8 with a strong 6 alongside.

I think people keep coming at this from a club angle. Maybe the club would rather he was kept as a back up but Targett has really pushed for a move?

Honestly not convinced of this one. I get that he's still a phenomenal player and I fully agree he'd improve us. But does the improvement he'd make over the rest of the season/next season, justify taking game time off a younger player?

I'm not sure. He might get us a few places higher, but personally I'd rather give more experience in the league and a better understanding of the team to Watkins, than potentially get a europa league spot. Longer term I think there's more value in that.

God how many chances do we need

Am I the only one who this the goal should have been disallowed? Ramsey was offside and interfered with play

Should be ahead though

Surprised at people suggesting he’s not full back cover. He may have played wing back at Inter, but he played left back for Man U a lot at the end of his stint there. Including playing at LB for England in the 2018 World Cup. 
 

I think it’s a great bit of business. Experienced player. Yes, 35 YO but players are playing at the top level later and later. Can play a variety of positions. Gives us fullback cover whilst youngsters continue to develop/the club continues to build so that we can have a better replacement in the future. And only a 1 year deal so can’t really backfire. 

2 minutes ago, R.Bear said:

When were we last top of the Premier League league? 1998-99?

2001

On top of concerns of FFP, I cannot help but think that typically, when clubs have signed lots of players the team struggles to take some time to adapt. It's a huge change in terms of club culture, personality  understanding and tactical awareness. I think the approach of a handful of players each year, whilst leaving some initial injury gaps, is the best approach.

11 minutes ago, Jareth said:

McNulty is clearly asleep at the wheel, he need only look at the potential moving on of Samatta and realise we need another striker. I think he's a bit in shock we've spent what we have so far and can't conceive we'd spend any more. 

I honestly don’t think we do; Watkins, Davis, a Wesley and Traore can play there - seems fine for a 1 striker formation. 
 

Still think we’ve got at least one more singing incoming though.

I honestly dont think we can expect to sign Cash, Watkins, one/two wingers, cm a gk and then another defender. Both in terms of FFP and also I don't think it's a good idea to radically change the team again. Even with Martinez and a winger on top of the two so far we'll probs break 100m. We can't expect to build a complete squad in a couple of seasons.

Davis only gone and scored one

Eze has officially signed for Palace

Idk if our recruitment has been that bad. I think it’s also been a case of failing to get the most out of players. Many players have struggled here and gone on to show they’re very capable; Veretout, Amavi, Gollini, Traore. Even players who weren’t necessarily bad have been shipped off on the cheap and been solid elsewhere like Lowton and Westwood. 

It makes sense I guess... he needed room for 5 strikers in a one up-top formation