STM

You know what this thread and 1922 have in common? End of Ottoman

Makes you wonder if we are sitting tight on that one. Waiting for Arsenal to be slightly desperate for a sale. Bring the price down. Us getting Tierney for 20m in the last week of the window would be amazing.

There's alot of players who I just don't count as serviceable players, the likes of Dummett and Ritchie who will only play in the event of an emergency... with that in mind... (Let's assume Darlow and ASM gone). *Flexible players GK: Pope, Dubravka, Karius (3) RB: Trippier, Krafth, Manquillo (3) RCB: Schar, Lascelles (2) LCB: Botman, Burn* (2) LB: Burn*, Targett, Trippier (3) CM: Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton*, Longstaff, Willock, Anderson*, Miley (7) RW: Miggy, Murphy, Gordon* Anderson* (4) LW: Barnes, Joelinton*, Gordon*, Isak* Anderson* (5) FW: Isak*, Wilson, Gordon* (3) I recognise their are alot of "copies" amongst this list but I think it's important to stress we have signed players BECAUSE they are flexible and it's a benefit and not a problem. Having someone like Gordon up to speed (fingers crossed) who's a jack of all trades, is of massive benefit to the group. On the other hand, defence sticks out like a sore thumb. Two injuries and we go from one of the best defences in the league, to something more akin to a bottom half side. It does seem strange that we have targeted Livramento, who plays on the right when left seems to be less stocked. Perhaps his flexibility and Trippiers ability to play on the left is a factor. It actually wouldn't surprise me at all if we target another left footed centre back. That frees up Burn and offers us depth.

Yeah but I want more.

Reckon he will flourish now he's out of his comfort zone. First things first, is he physically ready for Howe-ball? Get him started tonight and find out.

Got some squad coming together.

Desperate for some content.

Fuck sake. Just realised this is 12 at night. ruined my day.

Thought I'd wandered into the Botman thread back in May 2022 for a second.

OK I'm gonna do it: Pope Trippier Schar Botman Burn Bruno Tonali Joelinton Livramento Barnes Isak

?

I don't think media duties are anywhere near as important as some seem to think they are. I'm sure they are nice way to announce a signing, with a video etc but as with Botman and Tonali, we could just announce the deal and get the content later.

Sounds like a load of bullshit to me.

I can absolutely see Joelinton getting game time on the left.... But the arguement that it therefore doesn't count him as a CM is ridiculous. It's about having adaptable, changeable players who can slot into various positions and formations.

Of course the last two count. Anderson has played the last two friendlies in that position and ended the season playing there and Miley is a promising youngster. Joelinton playing LM is a nonsense argument too because we are signing Barnes, we also have Gordon so if need Joelinton in CM we can.

Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Willock, Longstaff, Anderson, Miley.... I can't see us getting a CM, especially when we could easily switch to a 4231 and deploy a number 10: Gordon, Barnes, Isak, Joelinton etc.

If we've decided to to stick with Burn and Targett... It has to be a CB, that way we can stick with Burn at LB for now but still have depth with Schar, Botman and Lascelles if he stays.

Be buzzing to get two in on the bounce, after a quiet couple of weeks.

My guess is that as soon as we sign Livramento, Manquillo will be given permission to go back to Spain.

Seems fairly certain.

3 would seem fair

The issue is the lack of left backs available IMO. It's the one position in the world where there seems a drought, certainly in the bracket we are after.

We had the best defence in the league last year.

Shay Given spotted.

Sweet lord have mercy