STM

Gordon has some confidence. Nice to see. Looks settled.

I think the Dubravka saga is over. He's probably content knowing he will be at a CL club and will likely play alot of cup games. He's one Pope injury away from playing against Real Madrid etc in the Bernabeu. The fact we are letting Darlow leave tells us that Dubravka is staying.

Can't help but feel that every one of these players we manage to get out of the door is helpful towards our wage budget and FFP. It might not be much but if he's on 40k or whatever, that must help when factoring in a new players wages etc.

I can't be the only one to think that Hayden would be lucky to get a championship club? He was decent in a very organised and pragmatic side for us under Rafa but is largely shite. I don't want to taint old Isaac mind, good pro and all that but fuck me, he's nowhere near capable of playing PL football anymore.

The issue is that it all has to come together. For example, what are we going to get for Targett 15m? If we are lucky. So straight off the bat you are likely looking to add 20m to that, to get close to a quality left back. What does 35m get you these days? Tierney maybe? Loads have said he's not worth that due to his injury record. The LBs just aren't out there. Not at sensible prices.

There's always a "welcome to the firm" vibe. Like, we will show Harvey the secrets of the book of shithousery. We've always assumed Tindall was the Don but I'm starting to think its Greame Jones. Straight in with a headlock and a noogie.

The problem is, we aren't in the position where we can just add "pace". When we sign players, they must have everything to succeed. I always find it extremely dangerous when people say things like "we need a CB with pace" because it implies that the rest of their game doesn't matter. When in reality, a smart centre back/left back will always out perform a quick one. I wasn't directing that at you mind, I get what you mean and I'm sure they are looking. Ultimately I'd rather wait 6/12 months for the right player. Its absolutely no good signing someone if they aren't immediately better than Burn/Targett. Even the likes of Tierney (who I like) have been dismissed, Robinson wasn't fancied, that Leverkusen LB went elsewhere etc. We should wait for a Cancelo/ Hernandez level LB or a youngster who could become that (Hall is a good shout) but we shouldn't drop our standards because of our fans are cry-arsing about Burn and Targett.

It's mental behaviour, in all honesty. I can deal with someone saying that Targett is a steady Eddie type but "rubbish". Half the reason we haven't signed a left back is because we are struggling to find some significantly better than him.

He's talking shit basically.

Which games has he been completely rubbish in since he returned from injury?

This is one of the more mental things I've read recently. We are "desperate" to get rid of our second best goalkeeper? And second best right back? Also why would you be content shipping out 3 players who helped us get 4th last year? What benefit is there in selling Murphy or Burn for example? You wouldn't get a replacement for the money we would get. The only players Howe will be keen to see that back of, are the ones who aren't currently with the squad in the US, namely Hendrick, Fraser an Co.

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.