ExiledGeordie

I agree I think Howe has been let down by recruitment last summer and even Jan. How much influence he had in the summer who knows but going into a champions league campaign we needed impact players for now. Granted we couldn’t have foreseen the Tonali situation or rather got royally screwed on that one. However injuries have been a complete disaster for us but Howe might also have to look at himself in terms of could he have managed things better early on in terms of rotation and style of play. My worry with him is does he have a plan B when players aren’t available. That was piss poor last night and with the players available we should’ve been able to put in far more of a display. However there’s just too much stuff that’s happened this season with injuries to really write Howe off. He defo gets the summer and start of next season though. If we’re struggling with a full squad come the autumn I think he’s gone. Huge huge pressure on Howe next season and the board in what is a crucial summer transfer window.

To be honest I think a lot of teams outside of the big 6 will have the same feeling of “well what’s the point really?” If they’re constantly going to be hamstrung by restraints.

So to summarise we’re going to be in a worse position as are the likes of Villa with the new changes?

Absolute wank. Highlights how big transfer window the summer is. Loads just need moving on

Poor performance so far tonight (staring the obvious)

I’m feel quite confident about tonight. I’m in Keswick for a few days so will be watching there tonight.

If we get a new starting RW, new number 2 striker and a pacey new centre half we’ll be looking good. LB situation needs sorting though too whether that’s another playing coming on or whatever. We’re pretty well stacked in midfield especially with Tonali coming back and I’m sure we’ll re-sign Joelinton. Though we keep getting linked with that Ederson Brazilian midfielder.

That’s my thoughts, we’d get smashed by one of the top sides currently.

Its really not even great has it

There is obviously a working relationship but they’ve made mistakes I agree. Summer is a BIG window to sort a lot of things out and make a bit of a statement too. I think this season was always going to be a tough one but there’ll be an expectation we push on again next season. Pressure on everyone at the club.

If he’s starting next season as our first RW option then questions have to be asked

It’s also closer to his family home. It’s disappointing he’s going but people move regularly especially in sport and I can see why he’s going also for the reasons you’ve mentioned.

I’m sure he’ll manage given he’s on several hundreds thousand pounds a year and likely off for multiple holidays. Howe is right about one thing though, you need a sporting director in place longterm to really see the benefit.

I think it’s definitely been a mistake not brining in another striking option this season given Isak and Wilson’s injury record.

They need to find a way to keep Isak fitter for longer or hopefully he’s just been unlucky. It’s bad enough Wilson being out for such long periods.

I highly doubt he’s done “fuck all” 😂 howay man, I’m sure he’s done plenty to help put a framework in for the academy grade and stuff like that. Is he replaceable, ofcourse he is, it’s just about finding the right person and getting the right compensation for him.

If he plays Burn against Saka in the current team and how we’re playing and we get done with Burn or that side being culpable then he should rightly be pulled up on it and serious questions will have to be asked.

Yeah Brighton seem to manage pretty well signing quality for minimal outlay. The LB situation needs sorting though. If he doesn’t rate Hall or something is going on, go out and sign a proper LB in the summer. Miggy is a good squad player and I love his effort but if he’s starting next season, Christ. Im intrigued to see what happens with Tonali, I think he can do very well but it depends what system they play. Defence needs more protection whether that’s from a more 6 type player. The Joelinton situation is interesting too, I hope he stays. I also hope they can improve Isak’s durability whether that’s strength training/conditioning or whatever because he’s no good sat on the sidelines and you can’t have a situation where you have two strikers and the back up has even more fitness concerns than the starter 😂

William Galas was one of my favoured defenders in his prime, pace to burn against the very best. Tino is pretty nippy to be fair when he plays.

Spot on, the midfield is all over the place at the minute, we must be an absolute dream to place against, players literally licking their lips. One ball through or a bit of pace and a team is steaming through on the defence.

I think the problem is he’s finding his feet and lacks that yard of pace post injury in a side with absolute zero pace across the entire midfield and defence unless Tino is at left back. We are so exposed due to a lack of speed at the moment that teams are exploring that.

That’s the frustration with Wilson, his ability just isn’t matched by his fitness. He is that bit older now though too. I’d be happy if he stayed as a 3rd striker option as if we get some form of Europe there’ll still be plenty games. Whether he’d be happy with that or whether the club might just look to offload him instead, who knows. Either way we need a sturdy 2nd option to Isak whose own lack of durability is a concern

The LB situation needs sorting, Miggy needs upgrading, we need a reliable 2nd striker and we probably need a pacey centre half. That’s even before there’s a discussion on what Tonali offers and whether we need a 6 type player because Longstaff isn’t the option in terms of starting moving forwards. Good squad player yes. Edit: Will add there’s the basis of a very good squad here already but major changes needed in the summer.

He’ll get next season definitely and rightly so really. However my only concern with Howe is what he’s able to do when injuries pile up or he needs a plan B when things aren’t working where the question marks lies for me. I hope he continues to grow in the job and is here for a long time but I have an underlying feeling that for us to go to the next level we might need someone else. The injuries this season have been absolutely ridiculous though and I’m keen to see what he does next season after the transfer window.

Well summed up. If he have (and toys bloody hope so) a solid summer to improve the squad, sort the striker situation out so we have more depth, sort LB situation out, upgrade RW as well as bolstering midfield then he’s got to deliver really and the pressure will be on. Like it’s been said above he’s going to have to adapt and learn how to cope with situations and develop a better plan B. If he doesn’t do that and we struggle next season he’ll eventually be replaced considering where the board and PIF want to go.