Def need to try and exploit these gaps. In a twisted way, even if the 50/50s play still plug at them as they may pull up and use up the subs early on.
Its not a nice way to play but need to be ruthless this season.

We could have potentially used a CB who is capable of stepping out and engaging the ball, unfortunately that just didn't seem to be the case with anyone who played CB last season, bar maybe Moore up until the debacle in January as well. Whether that was just the players' preference or a tactical in...

Laurent was certainly good enough, but he just didn't have the focus on his defensive duties. So often midfield was awol leaving the CBs unprotected. And a lot of that was management direction. Then there was all the cheap errors giving the ball away in our own third. I think we are on the same pag...

For me, the failed midfield was more down to how imbalanced the team was regardless of who started in CM. Playing 2 wingers and Swift in a 5 man midfield with a striker who doesn't track his man probably should be mentioned. On top of the constant chopping and changing due to injuries. It was a much...

Wasn't it only an obligation to buy if they get promoted? Which to me is not worth the risk - unless they are paying a very handsome loan fee upfront and pay a big chunk of his wages.

Or Donnie are trying their luck and trying to compete with us.
No harm in having a look. Would be silly to dismiss him off the bat.

I think this year players actually have something to prove in preseason rather than it just being an exercise in building up fitness. I do like the fact that we've been quite decisive with trialists. I think Wickham only hung around as insurance for the Long deal. Hutchinson is the only one who's r...

Totally agree that the pathetic try hards on the netting / abusing the away crowd to an absurd level needs to go in the bin and a hard stance needs to be taken with that behaviour in general. I personally wouldn't take my children to a designated standing / singing area knowing how football fans are...

These the same professional footballers who had water breaks during Brazil WC?
Its just a friendly. Lets not risk it or at least postpone to a later time.

Best for all parties, he will be glad to be gone from here. I think i am more disappointed with how he was managed than his actual performances. He has the ability to be a very good striker but we had a manager who wanted to play him in a way that made his attributes worthless. Aluko, Baldock Mcnult...

If Long were to join presumably we don’t buy Adeboyejo too. Different types of players but surely with Joao, Long, Meite, Azeez and Clarke we would have enough (assuming Puski is off). I agree - if Long takes the role we offered Wickham and Adeboyejo then this makes sense. If we still pursue those ...

Limited knowledge but has some good experience and does score the odd goal. If its a replacement of Puscas, all depends on what ratio wages available etc thats been covered on other threads, i hope that we could do better than this. If its between Wickham and this guy then I would probably go for wh...

If the price is right then fine. If he wants a penny more than what we think he is worth, then walk away.

Ince was the manager to get him enjoying football again after so many 'top' managers failed to do so, then surely that gives us an edge over the competition. The latter half of the season, he was one of the better performers in the team, but that was not a high bar to reach. Sounded like he had is b...

It could be we are actually finally being sensible and put a max price on his worth and stuck to it.
Can imagine in the past players agents knew if they asked for more and they'll give it.

Suppose the plus side of this shake down - we really do find out who genuinely wants to be here and fight next season. Holmes, Ince and Yids knew full well the fight is on and must be up for it. So suppose losing Laurent and Rino weeded them out, every cloud etc.

Theres an assumption of formations there. Tetek is a stranger to championship football - yes he has minutes but no real experience. To Run a 46 game campaign, you need 5 CM in any formation you play. Ejaria was an oversight by me as he has been used wide left mostly since he been here, Meite and Inc...

I said losing both Rino and Laurent would be devastating. Having 4 strangers (to begin with) playing in front of young CBs will be tough. In the long run it should be fine, but start on a bad run and watch morale drop like a stone. With all the restrictions in place, its another player we have to re...

There is other ways to play lone striker.
just because thats the way Joao plays doesn't mean that thats the only way. A coherent, structured and disciplined midfield 5 can do all the link up play while the CF occupies the CB with good movement.

Insurance would only cover the medical professionals outside of the club + operations etc.
Not cover wages, i think there is a clause if he done it on international duty then we have a case to claim compensation.