toontownman

We are essentially where we were in September imo. A CM/DM and back up striker short of where I would like the squad to be but stronger in general. Think Anderson is going to get lots of minutes in the second half of the season. DM, CM, long/shorterm Schar replacement and another striker in the summer would be good. Maybe another winger.

Dat Scottish accent!

Was always the only real outcome if that helps?

Would be eligible for the final too.

Did seem like it was heading this way with us being done after Ashby and hearing Eddie's comments. We were absolutely dependent on someone on our long term list becoming available today at the right price or on loan. Still might pull something out of the hat but looks unlikely. Three exciting additions though. Four if we count the GK situation. We know our ownership is in this for the long term and doing this the methodical way.

GARY Think he returned from his loan not long ago. The Peruvian league finished in October, so probably got back to the cloob not to long after. Managed 22 appearances, usually off the bench with a goal and two assists in the Peruvian top flight. Used mainly on the LW but also through the middle and on the right a couple of times. He is under contract another year but could see him going out on loan again tomorrow or after if there are leagues with a longer window.

Howe mentioned we are only signing players that are here for the long term, no signings for the sake of it. So I think even in terms of the loan market we are looking at, it will be players we view as long term improvements to the squad not stop gaps.

Will be too soon but Ashby is eligible but Gordon and what would seem every other player we are linked with are cup tied for the final if we make it. Franca would be eligible for the final but that looks very unlikely at this stage.

It's incredible stress on the manager and coaching staff. So much turnover, so much pressure for immediate results and for new players to gel with so many current players potential upset at being cast aside and pushed down the pecking order. Real fine margins. Huge risk for reward.

Agree. Although I don't think a loan was on the cards regardless. Maybe if we had brought two extra midfielders in.

Listening to Eddie's full presser it is certainly a case of the Jonjo move being a surprise and not something Howe wanted or planned for. So it will absolutely depend on who is or isn't available vs who is on our list that the team want to bring here. Seems more on the unlikely side but fingers crossed for the opposite!

Fair few highlight videos out there. I see the Trippier comparisons. No idea on his defensive side but who needs that in a defender.

Gallagher is pretty creative isn't he? I thought, work ethic aside, that was his main attribute?

Sounds like a surefire back and forth tomorrow leading to Gallagher staying put lol I would be more than fine with adding him until the end of the season. Maybe we have another surprise or two for CM.

We tried that a few times already didn't we? Pretty sure it wasn't great.

No not yet. If they fail to reach CL they could be in a bit of trouble. That is why they have structured the deals over ridiculous amounts of time. They are playing the system right now. I think we would be heavily scrutinized though, more than Chelsea had it been us. Maybe thats just some paranoia lol

Except we would absolutely be held accountably and made example of if it was us. Have there really been much in the way of press rumblings questioning all of this. It would the main journalistic agenda if we spent that much.

RLC stinks of a Delle Alli disaster move. We can surely get better abroad.

End of an era. Actually hard to come to terms with it actually happening. Years of wanting him to hit his potential, then years wanting him to be sold then he was a different animal under Howe. Wish him the best and hope he keeps Forest up, preferably at the expense of West Ham and Everton!

Literally no one to promote from the u21/reserves either. Im surprised we didn't sign more in the summer or since to pad out the reserves. Has to be a focus from now until September, then going forward.

Another example of us being mentioned as interested to pressure other clubs to pull the trigger?

Say something vague enough you have the ability to be right or wrong but saving face at the same time.

Ah Luke, never change.

Wonder how great he feels being a "back up option". Guess if the money is still plentiful and important, he is probably fine with it.

Exactly this. He was always in the starting line up prior to his injury problems. It's about not breaking what is working right now. He will get back in soon. Likewise Isak. The chance will come and if they seize it they will likely be back in the starting line up more regularly.