by traff »
02 Sep 2025 16:15
Mid Sussex Royal Agree with Andrew, I'd give the window on evidence to date 6 to 7 out of 10.
Williams - excellent
Lane, Doyle, Danny K - good (Danny K reminds me of an early Gilkes, potential who with coaching will improve)
Burn, Fraser, Stevens - OK - and will prob be squad players (including Burn when O'Connor fit)
Jacob, MOM - not convinced yet
O'Connor, Marriott & Ritchie - no rating , but on paper look amongst the better signings.
I agree with the general assessment, though I think it’s a bit on the generous side.
To me, the inexperience of our team has really shown in this window. Even with the excellent Carney (who cant be expected to always produce miracles) helping, the recent video made them look a little naïve, almost surprised at just how tough recruitment can be. Reading between the lines, it feels like they’ve been outmanoeuvred by more streetwise agents and negotiators.
Nobody’s saying we should be throwing money around carelessly, but that makes it even more important to spend the limited budget wisely.
Their enthusiasm and energy aren’t in doubt, but the learning curve has come at the cost of a vital window. If you swapped Hunt and JJ for the likes of Warnock and Hammond, would the outcome have been the same? Personally, I don’t think so.
Hunt may not even get the chance to apply what he’s learned this summer, while JJ has to adapt quickly because right now, we’re already behind where we should be.