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Squad rebuild
Posted by Trondheim Hatter on 7/7/2025, 9:44:29
There is no doubt Bloomfield has been given the go ahead to do a full squad refresh, a lot of players that have been here for a long time are on the way out, the board prefers a profit but they are looking to replenish and change the squad. Bloomfield knows this and is acting accordingly, looking for new players and replacing the ones that goes. This fix will not happen over two transferwindows, maybe even two more before it happens. The squad will continue to be trimmed and everyone is up for sale. I do not think we are at any risk of going down after this season, but I am not expecting us to be 100% in top 6 but we will be up there. As a fan its hard to watch, but I have always been of the mentality that the club comes ahead of any personel and any personel is expendable. Lets hope the new squad Bloomfield is building will fire already this season and we can all go out getting drunk to celebrate come may.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by NotaBene on 7/7/2025, 14:18:21, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
If MB can find 11 players that give a fcuk each week, given the quality of our current squad, then we will piss this league.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Andy Cappuccino on 7/7/2025, 11:49:13, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
Why? Aasgaard had been with us 6 months. Morris is getting on and jumped at the chance of a few more years in the Championship. When some of the dead wood has gone I might agree with you.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Not a Doughnut on 7/7/2025, 12:57:32, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Unless they're out of contract, you can only move on players that other clubs are interested in. Certain player's shit attitude last season won't have gone unnoticed by other clubs, they may well think twice about making enquiries.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Round Green Hatter on 7/7/2025, 14:46:53, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Who's that? I can think of 6 straight away.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by The Questioner on 7/7/2025, 14:16:23, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
You can pay their contract up which is what Arsenal have just done with Tomiyasu….
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Andy Cappuccino on 7/7/2025, 13:03:13, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Agreed, so a full squad refresh may not be complete until contracts have ended, unlikely the club will pay up contracts to move on unwanted players
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by MG on 7/7/2025, 10:26:45, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
Totally agree.
Expecting it all come together perfectly in the first season is not entirely reasonable. Sure, we have a big, big advantage financially, but this is team building and that certainly doesn't happen overnight.
Other teams have the advantage of having a larger core that will have played together for a long time and established their identity as a team, that's often more important than having the best eleven players money can buy on the pitch though that in itself would be a hell of an achievement.
It could all come together, which would be something special. but I certainly won't get all bent out of shape if we don't go up this year.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Sandgrounder on 7/7/2025, 13:08:43, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Birmingham released 12 and signed 20. Didn’t seem to do them much harm in terms of team building. Yes their net spend was about £25M, but over half of that was on one striker, who mostly scored penalties. We don’t need to spend that much in total or on one player, but I’m just highlighting that huge squad churn doesn’t automatically mean that you can’t put together a winning, effective team.
Posted by Trondheim Hatter on 7/7/2025, 10:32:51, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Look at Tottenham, despite plenty of cash they are not able to build a decent squad to compete. Cash is not everything, and building a squad will take time for any manager.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 10:52:08, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
I actually think Spurs have a decent squad. Just had an arrogant prick of a manager who was far to stubborn in his football philosophy (sound like anyone we know?)
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by crumpsall on 7/7/2025, 13:03:54, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild" MIB
Interesting perspective on Tottenham in the current WSC. Questions being asked about their business model (ENIC, Levy and in the background Joe Lewis) and what their priorities actually are.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Zaphod on 7/7/2025, 15:30:14, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Levy is the 'big six' version of Gary Sweet - he puts the financial stability of the club ahead of anything else.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Trevor on 7/7/2025, 18:31:07, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
You say that as if it was a negative thing.--------------- Make burgers wider, not taller
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:30:38, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
That drop from 75% to 60% spend on turnover is a huge risk MG for 25/26.
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 9:58:38, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
I don't think there should be any surprise that there is going to be a squad rebuild. 6/7 players that are too good for Div One and want a move and a similar number that need to be moved on as not up to it.
The interesting part will be what the rebuild looks like. Personally I would like to see an investment in young, hungry players that can grow with the club over the next three or four years. We have the money to buy these type of players but also won't be paying stupid salaries.
I think most of us wouldn't complain too much if we didn't bounce back immediately if we could see a clear strategy and a team with hunger and potential.
This window is going to be incredibly challenging but also could be a golden opportunity to lay a marker down for the next few years.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 10:26:15, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
MB has said its not going to be a one window fix. I like his honesty. He says what he thinks. It refreshing to have someone at the club that is open with the supporters. Sweet only pops his head out of his bunker when there's something 'positive' to say and we had 12 months of Edwards self pity. I think MB will do well if he's given the right backing, but like he says, it's not going to be a quick fix.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ostrich spotter on 7/7/2025, 14:45:37, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
" Not a 1 window fix" can mean different things to different people. I am hoping it means that there are some useless overpaid players we would want to offload but the no it unlikely there are any clubs stupid/desperate enough to touch them with a bargepole. Therefore some will still be here until their contracts expire.
Conversely, I hope it doesn't mean it is going to take several windows to build a squad capable of gaining promotion. If we are unable to gain promotion this season with the massive short term advantage we have, then why should it be easier once that advantage has been wasted?
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Bombz on 7/7/2025, 12:51:19, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Yet again we dragging our feet, it’s like this every window. Will we ever learn, I doubt it
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by hatters1988 on 7/7/2025, 12:55:40, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Be fair, its not been an issue till this last 18 months. Prior to that they got it bang on year on year (with the odd weird one)
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:05:10, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
If we don’t take advantage of our advantage this summer then that advantage will be wasted and the following season we are one of the pack and at risk of selling those “hungry” players we have recruited.
Richards for example is clearly an ambitious young player, he won’t stick around at this level and had been sold the club on the basis of us bouncing back immediately.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by hatters1988 on 7/7/2025, 12:51:05, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
This is the exact conversation I had last night, I've tried to remain positive despite the complete clusterfuck that's gone on before us.
In order to go into the new ground with a head of steam we need to bounce straight back otherwise we are at risk of losing our advantage if and when we do go back up, and the gap between championship and league one becomes similar to that of the champ - prem.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 10:14:28, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
You present the second paragraph as 'fact'.
How do you know what conversation took place?
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:24:39, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
I don’t.
But he decided not to sign a pro contract with Exeter with details here.
He isn’t here to stay at the level he could have played at in Devon.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 10:32:34, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
There is nothing in that article that vaguely backs up your comment.
We are a far bigger club than Exeter so he has made a professional decision to move to us. No more than that.
Chances are he will get very limited game time next season anyway.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:39:25, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Based on feedback from Exeter fans he could have gone to any number of other clubs to play Academy football.
However he wanted to play first team football, so I don’t agree with your second statement.
We shall see.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 10:49:48, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
He's a seventeen year old lad. I can guarantee you that he's not been bought as a first team starter, rather one for the future. Therefore I'm pretty conident my statement 'that his game time will be limited'.
Who knows though, couple of injuries and he has a few blinders.....
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by crumpsall on 7/7/2025, 10:22:25, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild" MIB
Voices in his head?
There are any number of posters who present conjecture as fact.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 9:56:41, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
The squad even with the expected departures is still better than Wycombe were 24/25, a team that MB had above Birmingham and Wrexham and their wealth.
Plus the recruitment so far is top notch, no teams have recruited better players than Kal and Saville. Having seen Richards on Saturday we can be reassured of the quality we are aiming at and securing.
MB knows this league far better than we all do, so I have full faith that the final additions will ensure we are promoted.
I am sorry I can’t agree with the negativity and suggestions we will end up top six at best, the financial impact of not going up is huge and this time the club is clearly taking steps to avoid an even worse situation next summer.
We should expect promotion, anything else is failure with the resources and squad we will end up with.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Letchworth Hatter on 7/7/2025, 10:21:27, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
The signings of Saville and Kal and hopefully retaining Clark are huge. Those three will be the base on which to build the squad.
That's a great start. However, the Bloomfield's interview in Luton Today indicates that he is already frustrated by the pace of change and current lack of incomings. That's a big concern.
After a season of utter dross Bloomfield desperately needs to get off to a good start otherwise things will turn quickly.
I've been impressed with his interviews preseason. Appears to be very transparent and straight talking and knows what he wants. I just hope that he's going to be given the support he needs.
Momentum is everything in this division and if we go into it underprepared we could find ourselves adrift quite quickly.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:28:22, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
He also alluded to progress being made and potentially one more in this week.
If Alfie starts the season for us, our key priority is a finisher.
Suspect Alfie may go during August if he proves his fitness.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Melbourne Hat on 7/7/2025, 9:55:00, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
Not achieving top 2 will be a failure.
Not achieving top 6 will be an even more gargantuan fuck up than the last 18 months has been.
IMO.
There really needs to be some serious statements of intent with some quality brought in. There is still time.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Trondheim Hatter on 7/7/2025, 10:31:50, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
League 1 has opportunities the way its shaping up for sure, but I do not want to put many hopes into this season based on the last two. We are hopefully going to see a uptick in form and Bloomfields shape the squad into what he wants the squad to be, but I am prepared for it to take time. Not every squad is built on one season.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Newton on 7/7/2025, 10:04:30, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Have to agree with that. I think it's worth remembering that, once MB got his feet under the table, we were operating a top 6 level, in terms of points accumulation, in the Championship. Only Leeds and Burnley took more points in the last 10 games (which does show quite how shite we were in the preceding 36 games...).
Even with the loss of a couple of players, I would be very disappointed (and surprised) if we were not top 6 next year, and to be honest we should be top 2 as the league is much weaker financially next season than it was last.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Melbourne Hat on 7/7/2025, 10:08:34, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Agreed.
I think the squad we have now, even with no further additons, has the ability to be up there if they are prepared to graft for it.
Too many last season could not give a shit.
MB did start to turn that around but it was all just left too late.
Expectation and pressure is on from minute one.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Cuba on 7/7/2025, 10:05:39, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Exactly this.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Findlay on 7/7/2025, 9:51:51, in reply to "Squad rebuild"
We start the season with a huge financial advantage over just about everyone else in the league. Messing that up again is unforgivable.
Whilst clearly a restructure of the squad is needed and players will move on, replacements need to be lined up and the mistakes from last preseason cannot be repeated.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Round Green Hatter on 7/7/2025, 9:53:08, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Or what?
This isn't a talksport phone in.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Father Ted on 7/7/2025, 10:44:39, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Anything other than promotion is another monumental balls up. On paper, even if we lose a few more, we have by a mile the best squad in this league. With the right attitude and management we should easily achieve promotion. Not 100% on the top 6 is laughable with the talent and money we have. My goodness how far we've dropped is so sad.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Newton on 7/7/2025, 11:46:27, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
By a mile is pushing it, but we certainly have a strong squad for L1 level. Most of the players shouldn't be at this level, albeit it was their own ineptitude last season that is the reason the year.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by PaddyHatter on 7/7/2025, 10:48:40, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Father, please explain how we have the best squad by a mile. I want you to be right . Just give me some highlights.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Father Ted on 7/7/2025, 11:44:47, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Look at the run we went on at the end of last season. A fit and firing Eli scored 11 goals in the Premier league. Walsh, Marv, Naismith, Clarke, Saville and Fanne I think you'll be hard pushed to find a better midfield. If MB can get them fit and winning I believe the confidence will return and we'll be far too strong for most in Div 3. Makosso and Alli massive potential. With all that and the buckets of cash we have, I can't believe we are all not thinking about automatic promotion. It just all depends on MB being able to motivate them or for themselves to be embarrassed about last year and prove everyone wrong.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by PaddyHatter on 7/7/2025, 12:53:05, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Good highlights.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ostrich spotter on 7/7/2025, 11:57:47, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
I like you Father Ted as you say it how it is
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 11:51:54, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
'Buckets of cash'that we seem very reluctant to touch.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by crumpsall on 7/7/2025, 13:12:14, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild" MIB
They've provided plenty of info about cash expenditure for those who actually want to read and know.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 13:13:37, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Not sure what that's got to do with this conversation?
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by crumpsall on 7/7/2025, 13:18:14, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild" MIB
Er....you posted this and I responded to it, clearly?
'Buckets of cash'that we seem very reluctant to touch.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 13:23:43, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Still not sure of your point. The thread is about rebuilding the squad. Even since we've gained the riches of the PL, the board have hardly dipped into it transfer fees. We sold players to provide funds to buy. Hence 'we seem reluctant to touch'
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by crumpsall on 7/7/2025, 13:33:31, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild" MIB
My point is that they have very clearly indicated where the cash has been allocated.
Which counters both the 'splash the cash' posters and the 'reluctant to touch' point.
I'm certain there is a very healthy playing budget, which will become even healthier as some players/contracts are moved on
It would have been a lot healthier without last season's disastrous shitshow of course.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 13:35:49, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Yes, they've indicated where the cash is. No one is disputing that mate. You've jumped on the defensive when no one is having a pop!
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Ramridge Raider on 7/7/2025, 12:00:55, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
We have wasted a shit load of cash on very mediocre signings over the last two seasons.
I would imagine the Board are being a bit more prudent with the remainder of the Prem League money.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by bbb on 7/7/2025, 12:27:18, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Transfer fees are about even with what we've sold.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Father Ted on 7/7/2025, 11:57:23, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
Yeah must admit that's still a worry.
Re: Squad rebuild
Posted by Bootin on 7/7/2025, 13:37:54, in reply to "Re: Squad rebuild"
The last window produced two class players Alli and Aasgaard in addition Naismith was taken on loan, not exactly a failure by the board. OK Aasgaard had a release clause and went but there may be good replacements out there. I just wish we ould act faster.
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