Gallowgate Toon

I'm still very relaxed about the window but would like to see signings now cause it's fun. We're getting to the point now where things will get moving again as clubs with good players but have cashflow issues will be getting itchy that they can't complete their plans without making some sales. More sensible pricepoints will emerge & we'll do the necessary deals. What has been surprising (actually, not really surprising at all) from some fans on Twitter has been the amnesia about how our forward line looked towards the back end of last season - we were starting to play some really nice stuff along with our improved solidity. Some have gone on like we'll barely be able to win a game with Fraser or Miggy on the right for a few games which is just not true at all. They're capable enough to contribute in the short-term.

His actual direct contributions to minutes is decent despite his inconsistent playing time at Arsenal and he's suited to a counter attacking style which we'll still have to use a lot next season. Having a player capable of bagging 10 a season + some assists from out wide is a good interim step for us. The main question marks would be about his mentality.

Depay would be an absolutely insane upgrade.

I think Pepe could be a good option for us, tbh.

Being patient for the best options is probably the smartest thing to do (although, it bears some risk...) but it's a bit frustrating as we see decent deals being done by others. I just hope we don't miss out on good youth while we're waiting to see how the market opens up for us for more senior options.

Interesting post match from Howe talking about how they're now starting to focus on final third play in training after focusing on building possession (and fitness) so far.

Murphy and Fraser have been absolutely tragic today. Feels like we've been sent out to work on possession as a team more than anything. Lots of safe passing and resetting the play. Very little risk taking, a couple of moments aside. Good workout against a well drilled team playing deep - it's preseason, after all.

Nice from Anderson.

Wood with the conversion!

If that 15m price for Sekou Mara is true then that's the type of deal we should be all over, imo.

Should've had an assist, tbf to him.

Sounds immense. I'd heard there were a lot of domestic suitors interested in the job so it's very interesting we've brought someone who has most recently spent time elsewhere. The Watford CEO was trying to make some moves when up for the game in January but don't think he was ever in contention I have a feeling we'll see some changes to the Commercial and Marketing structure relatively soon, especially as we try to navigate fair market packaging and sponsorship. We were apparently interested in potentially changing the ticketing & access control providers earlier in the year too, probably with the intention of building an app with a ticket wallet.

So much more one touch by the change team.

Hope Anderson gets some minutes tomorrow. Would really like him to be good enough to play a part this season and build him up the Foden way.

We are definitely lighter in central midfield than we should be. It's important to address this at some point but it feels like something you can adapt around tactically and still be an effective team. We don't need to be possession hounds at this point (tbh, I just don't think that's in our DNA anyway, as cliché as it sounds), we can be successful as a mid-block counter attacking side for the next year and achieve what we need to. Plus, if we improve the forward line, we boost the ability to hold the ball in the final third. I think the better balance of our midfield right now against the top half sides might be Longstaff, Bruno & Joelinton, with Longstaff as the deepest mid. Shelvey is probably a smarter bet in that role against weaker mids, as his deep range can be very useful. As much as Bruno can play deeper to great effect, it feels like a waste of his talents. He should be all over the shop trying to influence matches.

I think that's the compilation against Betis who are a pretty good side as well.

That lad talks like a dodgy toucher too.

Top 10 but with a big focus on the cups, for me.

Such a tosser And this is minging craic too.

Ekitike is slow as fuck.

Fucking hell

I think he'll be our Vidic, in the long run. His title season at Lille is seriously impressive stuff, tbh, and feels pretty downplayed. He'll have a small period of adjustment, I imagine, but we've got BDB to help cover that.

Botman was very complimentary about us not so long ago. It makes sense he'd prefer playing for the Italian champions in the Champions League next year, but that doesn't mean he's doing a Michael Owen by coming here instead.

Smart signing. Our backup 'keepers are atrocious and Dubs is usually out for a decent chunk per season. This is also great competition for him.

Peter Ramage is now our 'Assistant Player Loan Co-ordinator'