ExiledGeordie

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.

Just a hunch but maybe now they see lumping 35m on him as not worth it and given FFP they’d rather spend 40-45 on a guaranteed bonafide left back

I think there’s been so many injuries this season that he’ll rightly be given more time. He’ll definitely get the summer transfer window and next season but the pressure is definitely on next season for sure.

The Hall situation is odd, he never comes on even with injuries. Doesn’t add up at all and I wonder if there is something in the appearance thing and the deal not going ahead.

It also doesn’t help that we can’t keep a striker on the pitch. That’s when we’re replying on the likes of Murphy and Almiron to bury chances.

Lack of strikers is a farce

Half-arsing it? What like he doesn’t really care that much?, howay man. He was out for a lengthy period due to injury. Clearly been feeling his way back with fitness and sharpness. Have a word ffs

Im pretty sure he’ll be moved on in the summer unless he and the club are happy with a 3rd striker role - cup games, 20-30 mins here and there. We need a reliable beast of a striker as a second option to Isak who has also shown he’s injury prone

Surely it comes down to if he wants to go. If he says no then great, if he he wants to leave, fine but then drive a really hard bargain. No point in keeping him if his head is turned.

If Man U can get Berrada from City they’ll be confident of getting Ashworth. Sounds like we’ll know one way or another fairly soon which is probably best for everyone really. Mental that he could be on another full paid gardening leave soonish.

Well summed up

I think it would be a real dent to the nufc board if he goes.

This has a feeling of inevitability about it, seems to he too much noise. It also seems like the contract wranglings/gardening leave could get messy if/when it happens. If he doesn’t want to stay though, so be it not that he’s confirmed or denied anything yet. I’m sure we’ll find a suitable replacement but it’d be a shame if he goes.

I enjoyed reading all that. I agree Howe’s been hamstrung by injuries and the disaster that’s been the Tonali’s situation. I’m interested to see what he does with a full squad again and with some summer signings. But I agree I’d like to see him become more adaptable with his play because of some of the reasons you’ve mentioned (such as burn out and squad utilisation). Next season will be very interesting to see how he does. I’m happy for him to stay for a few seasons yet to see him grow in the role but part of me does also feel like we might have to upgrade eventually to take the team to the next level.

We are so easy to play through in midfield. Yes there’s issues wiht Burn but protection of back four is woeful. Attack looks impotent today too tho.

Need Barnes on second half at some point. Need

Is Wilson fit?

I’ve only been in there once v Villa couple seasons back and it was ace. Night and day from some other areas.

He was always going to be a bit rusty but yeah I agree. Was always going to take time to get up to speed and possibly too long to make the loan worthwhile.

I thought he looked pretty good. His problem is because he’s injured so often it’s so stop start regarding fitness and consistency. Top top player but just too injury prone.

Agree, Howe needs to get this aspect of the team nailed down. I think Trippier may well still go in the summer so then you’re looking at Tino going to RB. Tha Hall situation is intriguing if slightly frustrating. Interesting to see what happens there

I’ve no doubt he’ll come back again but he’s not the option moving forwards. Left back needs sorting in the summer if Hall isn’t ready or deemed the replacement