From today's presser for anyone unable to watch, I'll write up some of the good bits while on me lunch:
• Very pleased with Wood signing due to the fact he's experienced and ready to play. He brings something different to what we have and he was Howe's first choice because he's always been an admirer of tall, physical strikers that can provide a platform for the rest of the team to play. Last week against Cambridge we were crying out for a Wood type, who'll also be important in both boxes on set pieces. He knows the league and nothing will surprise him. He's hugely motivated to play here and he has experience in relegation battles, and he's displayed a hugely impressive attitude in the brief chats he's had.
• Not close to bringing in any other signings imminently (i.e. before Watford), so the squad is set for that game. We are looking and we have time left in the window. He knows we need to move quickly and bring in more players. We're still active in the market, but nothing new to report. Diego Carlos was put to him, and Howe totally straight batted it. Seemed a bit peeved that individual names were being put to him, to be honest. DVB was mentioned as a loan possibility by a journalist, and again he said he wouldn't comment on other clubs' players. Played this one a bit coy, interestingly.
• We're not thinking about "not losing" tomorrow, only about winning. Determined to put things right after Cambridge. There are still a few COVID cases in the camp (Gayle, Clark, Darlow, Woodman?) with more testing to be done this afternoon. Lewis and Dummett are both edging closer to a return, but there's nothing negative to report.
• Everyone behind the scenes is working tirelessly to improve the squad and he's really pleased with our business to this point. It's not about quantity, it's about quality. There are clear imbalances in the squad that need to be corrected. He wants options available to allow him to change systems when necessary and to be able to go into every game feeling we can win.
• Trippier has had a massive impact and has already assumed a leadership position. Addressed the group on his first day and spoke very well.
• Reiterated that we signed Wood because we needed a focal point in our attack. Someone who could score goals and lead the line, and give us something different to what we had in the squad. Dodged the question about the release clause. He doesn't worry about fees. All he cares about is finding players with the quality required and then he leaves it up to the executive/recruitment teams to do the deals. Not bothered about weakening Burnley.
• Said nothing is confirmed in terms of the Saudi trip, though there have been discussions about doing a warm-weather camp during that period.
• In terms of whether PIF's wealth is a blessing or a burden he said that it's a burden. When added to the NUFC name, the wealth "people think we have" drives prices up to levels that are uncomfortable. It's also very obvious that we're looking in certain positions, which means that the price goes up further. We've identified and signed two players, with the prices being big but a symptom of the current market. Says the club has to be able to draw a line and walk away from deals if the price gets too silly, otherwise the market would go insane.
• Has no idea how many points it will take for us to survive, but knows we can't survive on draws.
• Asked about Longstaff to Everton and says this is the most intense January window that he has ever experienced. Players exiting may well have to wait until the end of the window once we know where we're at. Spoke highly of Longstaff and says he has a future here. He has to bounce back from Cambridge, though, along with the rest of the team. Will look at the 25-man squad throughout the window, but it's difficult at the moment due to COVID and injuries.
• Is very excited about the players we've brought in and will bring in.
• Dubravka is still the number one and seems like he'll be fine for tomorrow. He's made some very big saves since he joined the club and Howe really likes him. He's a solid, dependable guy and he's looking forward to continuing to work with him. Dodged commenting on his recent mistakes.
• Understood the excitement about the takeover and the potential signings that could come. However, he needed to identify what the team needed with a view to surviving first and foremost so that's what we're working towards. So far, so good, but more work to do.
• Asked what impact the uniqueness of our position being a team at the bottom but having huge wealth has on expectations around his performance (really good question, actually). Howe says it's a mixture and agrees it is a very unique position. From the outside, some people might think it's an easy situation, but it's actually very complex. We have to agree deals with clubs that don't want to sell in January and find players who want to join the battle to stay in the league, which is not an easy sell. The most important thing is signing the right characters.
