Context: Signings and Kit

[Sithblade]

Only thing is the transfer window closes on 08 August before the season starts so it's 3 weeks shorter than previously.

 

[Westran]

Only thing is the transfer window closes on 08 August before the season starts so it's 3 weeks shorter than previously.

For everyone. And most other teams haven't signed anyone. It's going to be an interesting July for sure!

 

[mattbianco1]

Only thing is the transfer window closes on 08 August before the season starts so it's 3 weeks shorter than previously.

It closed on the 9th last season (before the PL started).
The main difference now for us is that we can't sign loans or frees after its closed like the EFL can

 

[BigBed]

More threads like this please!

 

[Cerberus Blade]

As good as Duffy is, we need someone better than Duffy, not worse. That's not taking anything away from Duffy who I think can be a threat next season but he's not going to start every game or finish many games and we need someone quality to give him that competition. I don't think Dowells ready yet.

I'd agree with that. I don't think all fans realise that we need a huge step up in quality in some key positions. I mean, we're still getting fans talking about the likes of John Gregory and players of that standard ffs! As for the midfield role, yes, I'd have Dowell back - I think he's a promising young player - but I totally agree - he's not ready yet - we could develop him throughout the season and he'd have a role to play - but he's not going to "boss it" against Prem midfielders. We need to think a bit higher quality with all the signings from now on. Look at Wolves as an example - players like Ruben Neves, Raul Jiminez, Adama Traore, that's the sort of quality you need for the Prem. They cost money. Big money. We won't want to blow the bank gambling on a really big money signing - and I understand that as well. But we will need to raise the bar considerably in terms of the quality of player we are looking to sign.

I actually think we should be looking further afield, beyond Europe, for some decent quality foreign players. But I'm not sure we've got the networks and the knowledge to do that successfully at present.

 

[Tunstall Fred]

I'd agree with that. I don't think all fans realise that we need a huge step up in quality in some key positions. I mean, we're still getting fans talking about the likes of John Gregory and players of that standard ffs! As for the midfield role, yes, I'd have Dowell back - I think he's a promising young player - but I totally agree - he's not ready yet - we could develop him throughout the season and he'd have a role to play - but he's not going to "boss it" against Prem midfielders. We need to think a bit higher quality with all the signings from now on. Look at Wolves as an example - players like Ruben Neves, Raul Jiminez, Adama Traore, that's the sort of quality you need for the Prem. They cost money. Big money. We won't want to blow the bank gambling on a really big money signing - and I understand that as well. But we will need to raise the bar considerably in terms of the quality of player we are looking to sign.

I actually think we should be looking further afield, beyond Europe, for some decent quality foreign players. But I'm not sure we've got the networks and the knowledge to do that successfully at present.

I don't think we will be pursuing John Gregory, good a player as he was,not after his health problems,I think we need someone a lot younger.

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

and Villa - 4 signings since promotion

Yep, they finally get to flex their muscles without worrying about FFP

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

But, but, but, but.....

Excellent. “Name that Forum Member” poll, please!

 

[Booker4]

I'd agree with that. I don't think all fans realise that we need a huge step up in quality in some key positions. I mean, we're still getting fans talking about the likes of John Gregory and players of that standard ffs! As for the midfield role, yes, I'd have Dowell back - I think he's a promising young player - but I totally agree - he's not ready yet - we could develop him throughout the season and he'd have a role to play - but he's not going to "boss it" against Prem midfielders. We need to think a bit higher quality with all the signings from now on. Look at Wolves as an example - players like Ruben Neves, Raul Jiminez, Adama Traore, that's the sort of quality you need for the Prem. They cost money. Big money. We won't want to blow the bank gambling on a really big money signing - and I understand that as well. But we will need to raise the bar considerably in terms of the quality of player we are looking to sign.

I actually think we should be looking further afield, beyond Europe, for some decent quality foreign players. But I'm not sure we've got the networks and the knowledge to do that successfully at present.

Thing with Dowell is that if you want Dowell back it would cost us say £4m and then he has to play to develop. If we can agree he's not ready then that means Duffy is first choice and as good as Duffy is I think we need someone who makes Duffy more likely to be on the bench and Dowell ended up on the bench last season with Duffy starting. I think someone who can go straight into the PL and make an impact is a must at the number 10 role and I'm not so sure signing Dowell is going to allow him to develop much unless Wilder does feel he is the man the play in the PL, maybe as a sub to start with and then as the season goes on maybe Dowell comes into it more. I just don't feel Dowell is ready yet. Luke Freeman would be my choice or similar.

I'd rather not use a loan on Dowell either, to be honest, I think we could do better on loan too. I might seem harsh on Dowell but I just think we need better and we can't afford to wait for Dowell to develop like Everton can as they can continue to send him on loan to a Championship club.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Bring back changing the kit every 3/4 years I say

 

[Newarkblade]

Thing with Dowell is that if you want Dowell back it would cost us say £4m and then he has to play to develop. If we can agree he's not ready then that means Duffy is first choice and as good as Duffy is I think we need someone who makes Duffy more likely to be on the bench and Dowell ended up on the bench last season with Duffy starting. I think someone who can go straight into the PL and make an impact is a must at the number 10 role and I'm not so sure signing Dowell is going to allow him to develop much unless Wilder does feel he is the man the play in the PL, maybe as a sub to start with and then as the season goes on maybe Dowell comes into it more. I just don't feel Dowell is ready yet. Luke Freeman would be my choice or similar.

I'd rather not use a loan on Dowell either, to be honest, I think we could do better on loan too. I might seem harsh on Dowell but I just think we need better and we can't afford to wait for Dowell to develop like Everton can as they can continue to send him on loan to a Championship club.

Could Dowell not be an option at left wing back as cover for Stevens, if we could get him for say £3m then I think it would be ok as he can cover a number of positions and knows the club too. I agree we need improvements but we also need to build a squad and players like Dowell may just be the right sort to go for alongside 3-4 new starters

 

[super_pig]

and Villa - 4 signings since promotion

most of which were loans with the documentation/negotiations already completed

 

[Booker4]

Could Dowell not be an option at left wing back as cover for Stevens, if we could get him for say £3m then I think it would be ok as he can cover a number of positions and knows the club too. I agree we need improvements but we also need to build a squad and players like Dowell may just be the right sort to go for alongside 3-4 new starters

Dowell did ok at left wing-back but I think in the Prem we need a specialist player there like Enda even just as cover. That's just my thoughts.

 

[Sean Thornton]

I don't think we will be pursuing John Gregory, good a player as he was,not after his health problems,I think we need someone a lot younger.

He's been out with Rob Brady in Marples again.......

 

[Newarkblade]

Dowell did ok at left wing-back but I think in the Prem we need a specialist player there like Enda even just as cover. That's just my thoughts.

Whilst I agree in a perfect world we would like 11 specialist back up players I think that for this first season we may have to get by with a few players who will be ok in a number of positions, I think the centre halfs and 2 centre mids all need to be specialist but think maybe we could get by with the wingbacks (ok we have 2 for the right) and the number 10 possibly doesn't need to be specialist backup as McGoldrick could play there, although an improvement on Duffy would make him backup

 

[Davalon]

After watching that wan-bissako tonight, if £60m is the premier league value of shit like that, I rather us not sign anyone than waste money on something like that.

I've yet to see the fuss about either him or Solanke in the games I've watched with them but clearly they have more than something.