smooth

So after reading the report, that many of us have so far today, regarding the importance of the transfers out of the club for our financial position; it was interesting that we could have money in January. Now I would have to say I think it is imperative that we spend in January if the right player is there, a defensive midfielder. We have all being saying it for so long but right now we do not have that gritty player and whatever league we are in next year we will need one. Yes if we stay up it is easier to attract one next summer, but we need one ASAP to allow us more freedom to be more attacking and allow more goal scoring players to be on the pitch. I cannot see a situation where by in January Farke is still here and we are very adrift of other teams in the relegation places. So if a new manager or farke has us in touching distance of survival then money has to be made available for this key role for that final push. So either way I would expect money to be available for a loan to buy deal again (may need to review some of our current loans) or a permanent deal. Clutching at anything at the moment ha ha

We need to grind out a perpfmrance become stout and tough to break down. So far we have shown weaknesses here but I do think it is about having 2 strikers to hold up, make runs and have the ability to buy a little. So pukki and Sargent upfront with a three man robust midfield of PLM, McLean and Normann. Then a back five of Aaron's, Omobamidele, Hanley, Kabak, Dimi or Williams. But we need our full backs to be disciplined, and the whole team. I think you can add dowell to the mix later kn the game if Sargent or Pukki tire. Changing it so he sits behind a little, then maybe gilmour for PLM or Kenny to add a bit more range to our attack. But right now we need experience heads, strength, power and experience and this is our best group. You could argue Gibson should be part of this and I think he could be as we know he barks out orders. So he could be in that back three and switch another out, but kabak starts.

It was bad last night, this morning I began to think what does he do here with a formation where many looked out of sorts. It was a test, it seemed to look quite unprepared as players reactions when goals went in were more exaggerated than I thought. Not just downhearted from a goal going in or frustration but a look of we knew this was coming as we aren't prepared. Now I may well be very wrong but it seemed like the system and personnel had not been tried out that much. Damn a no preseason. So where does he go from here, stick to the formation with some senior players coming in or revert back to the formation he has started this season. For me 4 players come back in, krul, kabak, normann and Sargent. Now this formation and personnel is not the type I want to see, but I feel out of necessity we need to be so rigid at the back. I don't feel we have 2 disciplined wide men to play to banks of four when we are out of possession. So I would have 3 centre halves, Hanley needs to perform as Gibson could easily be there. Then two wing backs but again they need to be reserved in how far they go forward with a more solid and dynamic midfield who can rough it out. I am happy with a little more long ball to 2 strikers who will chase, hustle and hassle defenders. I think it is our best defensive shape and allows us to be rigid and have experience down the core of our team to try and grind out a performance/ point (s). I would rather more exciting players, cantwell, tzolis etc but we need to be solid right now and maybe this group is. I do think we need to look at the coaching and planning for games, as this was shown to be far too short for Liverpool. To be fair some goals have come from this but individual errors have too, so now experience is needed in some areas. We also need to see that and clearly communication to be back to where it should be. I think it was lacking last night as they seem unprepared, that could be because the Liverpool team was full of changes too, but I expect the volume to be up. Krul Aarons, Omobamidele, Hanley, Kabak, Williams or Dimi PLM, Normann, McLean Sargent, Pukki I don't expect it but I think if Farke wants us to be solid and in games more thus gives us a more reserved approach with tenacity, rough and ready play from physical and smart players in the midfield 3 and front pairing to give a team a much easier 3 points than they are getting. This could work by frustrating them and challenging them in all areas of the park with a bit more physicality. We will see but worrying times

We need to be at it, it is easier said than done. But we need a performance and points from this game, I also think we have brought in quality and it is time to see them in the team. Krul Aarons, Hanley, Kabak, Williams Normann, McLean Rashica, Cantwell, Tzolis Pukki Gunn, Andy O, Gibson, Gilmour, PLM, Sargent, Idah I would like Andy O to play but right now leadership, power, strength and combatative players are needed to free up the creativity. I can see Gilmour, PLM and Sargent coming on, if we allow this creativity to be on show early and go for it we can then tighten it up. However if we played a midfield 3 of Normann, PLM, McLean it would be a gritty and determined midfield 3 with Tzolis and Rashica supporting Pukki. This is not a game to rest on our laurels and have a slow start. We need to grasp momentum and lift the CR crowd from the start. We also need to come out of half time on top too, many times we have been slow at the end of the half and star of the 2nd half. I am looking forward to it.

100% agree, we have brought in high calibre players in position of need and I am happy for them to get a game at the Emirates so we are getting ready for Watford. We have to get points and show the league we mean business when we play Watford. I would be very keen for these high calibre players to come in and play in that fantastic stadium when the pressure is high. They have shown they can perform in those environments.

A very good window with exciting international additions who do add to our first XI and we have a bench now that can hurt teams. It is up to the group to study opposition, build an understanding and execute plans. The pieces are here it is now time to gel and make our team tough to beat and execute well in attack. I really hope we see clinical execution in the final third as we will be outsiders still but we have players who can be difference makers. A great window on paper and well bring on Arsenal, what a great way to get some of the new guys set up. A pressure cooker game and momentum with us in regard to a squad with new additions since our last result. Lot of grumbles at Arsenal and then let's see, that game like Liverpool and man City will not define our season.

It seems that schalke offered Kabak for 8 million to Liverpool at the end of the loan last season. Loan to buy is a great route and let's see if we can get this across the line

So the countdown is on for a new Centre half and a defensive midfielder. We have worked all summer and need these new players to come in and to start. We had a horrid preseason with covid and have looked tired in some games, that needs to be addressed and the game fitness is coming on. We need to now show some real guile as the game at arsenal is going to be a pressure cooker for them. Their fans will get on their backs and push them harder as they play a team they would expect to handsomely beat. We do need these new players in and ready to play as we need a little more pace in the back line and we need some steely grit in the middle. This post could have been written at the start of the window and of course the search for DM seems to be each season No excuses now, time for the work to bring in players

Agreed, I think we need to be at it. It's a new group and this is the perfect game before Leicester. A very tough opponent and a real game for fitness and reaction. Def think a few fringe players will be getting some time in the 2nd half

What worries me here, is that even though we have a tough run of opening fixtures playing a wounded Arsenal at the Emirates after their next 2 games could see a bounce. They could have a new manager or the players fighting for the manager etc when we play them. The home fans will be livid if they come into our game with 3 losses

It is very true. The energy and ability to run into the challenge etc is fantastic but goals are key. One thing I will add is that with the attacking wide players we have brought in we could have chances laid on a plate. That is once they are settled, I think it is key to get a striker who can make a goal out of nothing. But as many have said that can cost money but there will be those players out there. So let's see.

Tzolis sounds an exciting player and one that once settled can really light up our team. I know he has many years in front of him and it will be interesting to see the consistency but if this gets across the line brilliant. Sargant may be one of those hard working types that gets in the right position for those attacking players around him to feed in the right place. I would like to see more of a player who can push pukki as a goalscoring threat rather than a player who can push, high energy etc. But I actually think Idah can be a player with that ability and movement, so who knows Just be nice to tie a few up and move on to those other positions

It's a clever move as Idah has a reputation without playing too much. He did not look out of place in the championship last season, is now a full international, impressing at all age levels and impressing in preseason. So if we say he is worth a big fee it is without playing too much, my problem is I think he can be part of our squad this season and for our future. Much like others. I would say the reputation he is building is going in the right direction and he is proving he is a very capable leading striker. Not sure what I think about this, with Armstong coming in and then potentially Idah leaving.

At this point in the Summer and having seen how slow the transfer market is, I am quite glad we have additions in the building and working with the group. Even though our preparations have been disrupted again through covid and cancelling pre season games. If we presume we are in a chain, if you will, with Cantwell then it shows how important it is to look at those transfers with many less variables. Hopefully our search for a defensive midfielder is going well and it seems the door on skipp may not be fully closed but hoping we are looking at all avenues. Centre half news has quietened after our pursuit of Ajer and of course we have 4 centre halves at the moment, whether that group leaves us light we may find out. But if it means we can get players who can get us goals then it may well be worth it. Hoping next week it ramps up as I feel we need a couple of additions in before the season starts and not at the end of the window. Having said that they may not get any preseason game time with covid precautions cancelling some games. So maybe coming in later after they have had preseason is not as bad as it would normally be.

And for Sinani it is a win, playing at higher level football again this season. Facilities, management, amount of games and experience. He will be a better player for this season. A great move and one I hope works out well. It will be interesting watching his development, if he does enough to impress, like soto, then fair enough but if not we get hungry player back with another season under his belt.

I think sometimes the dynamic of the team needs to change. I am not saying that I think we should be actively selling players, but sometimes a style can be adapted and with Dowell who plays similar to Todd do you want another wide player with pace? Maybe, and we will find out. If we get big cash we can invest very heavily in good players, but it is a balance. I like what Todd can bring, I def think he can be a star and take on some of the supply that buendia could have delivered. But if we are going to change it up I can see why, with the contract situation, if a great offer comes in and we feel we can get a great replacement then it can work. Looking forward to our next signing, I feel the CD, DM, ST are the signings we have all been waiting for as key signings that will be a focus for the season.

Yeah exactly that is why it is interesting that today his name was still mentioned in that article after Pierre joining in the latest transfer rumour on the pinkun. We need a DM and been crying out for one for years to challenge and surpass Tettey. We have to get it right this year but we seem to have a large midfield area without a defensive midfielder. Plenty of energy and ability to sit alongside that key position. Just interesting to see that he is still a name being prominently mentioned when we know we are looking for that DM. The only way Billing would look to come in is if a player there was on the move like Kenny. But I cannot see that happening at all unless a big money bid came in. I can't see that this summer. DM, CD, ST and potentially a wide player all sounds good to me, so as you say purple Billing would be a signing in an area with enough numbers once the DM comes in.

Interesting i nthe recent article that we are upping our interest in Billing. I have to say I was surprised to read many comments on here saying they did not overly rate him. I have to say I have been impressed and felt he is a great player to bring in. Strong, tenacious, quality with the ball and height. Sounds like big bucks and maybe not the sitting back defensive midfielder I would have thought of, but mobile, energy and could certainly be an option. Certainly a midfielder I would like in the ranks if our interest is genuine and the fee did not stop us looking for funds being allocated for a centre half (whether that is loan or otherwise), winger and striker

Interesting article on the pinkun about the influence influence Pierre at Nice and how he could adapt very well to the Premier league. Built in the Kenny role and noted competition for him but more importantly a wise head to guide a team in those last 20 minutes or so. I think that is what I understand from all the reports a great first team squad player who can guide this team and has seen it all before. We need players who can calm situations down, lead and come off the bench and perform. We cannot afford a deep step down from a first team player to the bench. All have to be oven ready. I am impressed that this signing has gone through with the note that you will challenge and play a part but maybe not a starter. As we look for that defensive midfielder. Our midfield group can look very good with Gilmour, Lungi, rupp, McLean, Pierre and a new signing.

https://the72.co.uk/242075/no-shortage-of-interest-nottingham-forest-facing-championship-competition-in-pursuit-of-norwich-citys-jordan-hugill/ If we sign another striker it is unlikely Hugill would see game time unless injuries come in to play. However a loan could be beneficial with him getting game time and coming back next season, hopefully after a good season and either people wanting to pay bug bucks or he comes back ready to compete here The key is that we need a new striker for any move to go ahead but obviously discussions ongoing

The article on the 72 notes more like Hugill is on the move and that we are looking more of a loan than a purchase of Hugill. Personally I would be surprised if Idah goes as he has been utilised out wide too. Let's see if these suitors make a move

In our last season in the prem we did not score enough goals. If we went 1-0 down you could not say a way back in. We need Cantwell et al to support pukki and the team with goals. We need a few headed goals from centre halves when we get corners and free kicks. We need to have threats. We need another striker who can challenge the GOAT now and for next season. Idah is a great option but we need to invest in someone who has it right now. I would not be surprised if we look to Europe again. We have brought in a player today with the nouse of knowing how to play in the top flight of domestic competition, how to grind out results and was respected by former coaches and players. Now is the time to bring in another who has pedigree but more importantly has the best to come, yes expensive and awkward to get but let's not let pukki do it all on his own. Hoping for a very exciting addition to our striker ranks, another midfielder and a centre half as minimum.

Kenny agreed, but I would like a true combatative central midfielder to come in and as mentioned Rashica fits the hole from buendia as a wide player. You could argue another wide player but if onel and placheta come back with guns blazing then that is brilliant. Sorenson, rupp, McLean, PLM, Gilmour would seem enough in numbers but I feel every season we have needed that more dominant midfielder, maybe in the current mix one player will raise their game to where it needs to be. But key positions of centre half and striker are needed, the workload Pukki has and will carry if we do not, may be one of the keys to our staying in the Premier league.

We are not yet complete. New Centre half, New defensive midfielder, New striker and possibly Billing With these additions we have better quality on the bench and squad and therefore better. As it stands we are now possibly a little short on last season. As been mentioned on many threads we need Cantwell, Rashica, Dowell to score throughout the season, with Buendia gone. We need Pukki and a new striker to score and if Billing comes in be a threat. The last prem season we had goals from only Pukki and Cantwell, not enough. We are building this team and making it better than last seasons. I am pleased that the talk today is of knowing that we need the spine of the team improved. That does not always mean starting positions but from the bench. But I believe we need starters in the DM and CD position and the striker needs to be challenging Pukki and possibly taking his mantle in time. I can actually see a loan here.

Certainly no mention of players being arrogant it is just the England noise that follows the national team in media, social media amount of content etc. Tonight will be a good game but as I said teams always get up for playing England. So hopefully it is entertaining and who knows could be an interesting final and potential Monday 12th at work ha ha