Just a quick one first, to say that although internet here has been utter rubbish, I have been looking in to read the replies.
It’s fair to say that some of the debate has been erm, “robust” at times and I was concerned that things might have got totally out of hand, with me not being able to moderate.
I’m happy to say they didn’t, as far as I can see and I thank you all for that.
Anyway, on to the important stuff and it seems Elmohamody’s signing is imminent (as per Langford’s contact again).
I’ve got to be honest and say I’m not sure what this one is about.
Don’t we already have four right backs?
OK, Elmo offers more going forwards and will offer Adohmah competition, but at the same time I’d expect to be losing one of our existing RB’s to compensate.
I don’t believe Bruce is ready to accept that Bree has been a failure yet (not that I think he has either), so it won’t be him leaving.
De Laet’s value will be really low and his wages high, so I can’t see it’s him either.
Richards, well we’re stuck with him, that’s simple.
Which only leaves Alan Hutton, which for me would be a shame.
I know he’s Marmite, but I’ve always supported him as, if even though I don’t believe he’s particularly good, so he’s been one of our at least triers, when many have just looked far from bothered.
I personally feel there’s a place for that sort of player in a bone idle, “couldn’t give a toss, I’m earning loads” squad.
Which all in all tells me that Elmohamady offers a similar attitude, but is just seen by Bruce as a better, more threatening player than Hutton.
Well, I hope the manager’s right, because from accounts I’ve read, the player threw a bit of a wobbler when he couldn’t get the move from Hull he wanted and his form has been frankly poor over the last couple of seasons.
Whatever, it would appear that he was Marmite too, as some Hull fans can’t believe they’re letting him go so cheap, while others can’t wait for him to be gone.
The player isn’t quite finished yet, you would hope and the manager must be confident he can do a job.
I really hope so.
Whelan’s also looking likely, at last and I’ve given my opinion on him. Back-up for Jedinak and it makes sense.
Where I’ll worry is if he plays beside Jedinak.
And then there’s Xia’s latest tweet, where I’m flummoxed.
I would guess there will be movement both ways, with possibly McCormack (his days are surely numbered?), Amavi and Veretout leaving, plus Hutton.
All of that should leave plenty of room for players coming in, in positions I don’t need to keep going on about.
Surely there has to be, as I have to agree with the likes of JVillan in that I’m totally underwhelmed with our business at this point in time.
Still, there’s plenty of time for the club to change my view, now that we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty and clubs on both sides begin to panic.
Here’s to a couple of more inspiring signings, which I’m sure will come.
UTV, even if you might not agree with my thoughts!
What a depressing window this is, past it players, mediocre signings and Bruce going for the tried and failed.
This has got disaster written all over it
You may be right Villain1 but I’m not sure that you can class Terry and Whelan as mediocre or ‘tried and failed’ – short term, inexpensive fixes – yes. The real test of Bruce’s transfer activity is the four players he acquired in January which took us to the limit of the FFP rules – he now has to deal in the bargain basement and on that basis I don’t think the deals look that shabby – neither would it seem are we handing out silly contracts.
Whelan is a sensible signing given that we now have proven cover for the Jedi as Nath points out, Lansbury should not be playing the holding role.
I am reserving my judgement – friendlies provide a basis for reaching match fitness but are not a reliable basis for judging form.
Dads army
I’ll go along with that Hitch, we may be picking up has been if you like but they have the footballing brain. Many of our younger players as up to yet to understand a goal behind is not a lost game. We have recruited classic centre back an holding midfielder, major contrabrution to the team. Looking forwards now.utv
Yes I watch it Hitch, nice to see the ladies getting stuck in and playing descent football. 6-0 hey.
Completely off topic – watched England Women in Euro 2017 match last night. If you get a chance, they are well worth watching. High quality football and superb finishing – thought of sending the video to SB 🙂
On Eurosport channel last night
Can’t believe you watch woman’s football. It’s like watching a train crash in slow motion
Whilst the signings are largely uninspiring, I agree that the squad is stronger. Unfortunately, we are stuck with the same management team. I suspect after a disappointing start to the season there will be many on here changing their tune re Bruce.
FFP seems to dictate the transfer policy this window, but I’m sure Xia could work round that if he really wanted to in the same way that Man City have.
I think the back four should be strong, though I think Terry and Samba will be caught out by any teams with quick forwards. Fortunately the Championship is a step down in that respect from the Premiership.
Our problem this season will be creativity and goal scoring. Same as last season. The players are good enough if used properly. Anybody who thinks we are going to stroll this league, or even get top 2 is in for a wake up call.
I really hope I can come on here and eat humble pie next season, but i don’t think I will have to.
By sorting out the defence and DMs our more creative midfielders will be far more effective this season IMO. I am not usually a fan of ‘short-termism’ but in this case, I feel its a sensible option in our quest to get promoted. I believe SB knows exactly whats what! People are saying that we will be too defensive, but I dont agree with that! The strengthening of the defence and DM is not a NOT at all negative! I view it is as the oposite….positive. We cant create without the ball. We now have the players to win the ball and distribute it to our midfielders, no question! Our midfielders will be both more creative and more likely to score in this set up. I am convinced that our GD will be massively improved from last season. This will be instrumental in us gaining promotion come May.
UTV#part of the pride
I hear what you’re saying Langford but we still lack that midfielder to link between defence and attack. It was obvious watching the other night that we were defending well, but as soon as we bombed forward, we got in the final 3rd and looked devoid of any ideas. I think Gabby was the one who looked most inspiring in that department, and that’s saying something! Maybe that’s where Elmo fits in… And maybe that’s where Lansbury will step up and move forward. If he can do further forward what he did at the back the other night, then we could be in for better balance.
Johny…good points mate but for me the only reason we have been lacking that link between defence and attack is because we didn’t have correct players in place to allow Lansbury, Houriane to use their skills effectively. Both had very good championship records (before they joined us) and now SB can give them that licence to be more effective attacking wise. I wouldn’t mind giving McCormack a chance as an AM….he seems to have the skills for it!
Hope you’re right Langford.
Off topic but funny:
https://twitter.com/gsmyly/status/887699367523745792/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fastonvillacentral.com%2Fvillawire%2F%23panel1-4
Haha, funny indeed 😀
I’m still hoping we get a decent mid, with guile, pace and an eye for a pass, as that’s what we’re missing.
Or is it just Bruce’s tactics stopping Lansbury and Hourihane from being that type?
Badger…see what I wrote above. Before you can be creative you have to win and distribute the ball effectively. We now have the players to do that! Watch Hourihane, Lansbury and Grealish score and create more this season!
UTV#part of the pride
I hope you’re right Badger. I’ve been so disappointed in Hourihane. I thought his creativity would really unleash us – and he had Jedi last season, so it’s not like we didn’t have that opportunity before.
Johnyuk….completely agree about Hourihane, majorly disappointing IMO. But is that because he as been asked to play in a way completely alien to him? I think it is. Hoping for a much better season from him!
Whelan confirmed on OS
welcome Glenn
UTV#part of the pride
Yes, that’s a good point Langford.
Beef up the back and then allow the more attacking types room to do their thing.
I get it and just hope we start to see signs of it against Watford.
Which reminds me;
I’ll do a new post while I’ve got a good connection.
Elmohamady is welcome imo, Terry and Samba looked pretty decent from what I saw the other night. We have a CB in Terry who looked to pass the ball forward and quickly, not dither and go backwards. He knew when to play and when to look for the quick ball over the top. Something we’ve lacked.
Whelan is also a much better alternative to Lansbury at holding mid when Jedi is injured (inevitable)
Looking forward to the season!!
Hear hear Helenius, Terry controlled the back didn’t mess about found his man, yes i can see the pattern now. roll on the season.
Yep, reckon Whelan us the last piece in SB’s defensive jigsaw (other than perhaps Samba getting a contract to replace Elphick) Think we might see 3-5-2 at the weekend.
Good point Badger, a creative attacking mid wouldn’t go amiss.
Now for the exodus!