on May 28, 2025, 3:04 pm, in reply to "We desperately, desperately need pace, not Grealish nt"
Previous MessagePrevious Message
. Previous Message
… Previous Message
rather than just all slightly above average signings is the way to go I think.
2 or 3 players who can really change a game. Previous Message
I see what you're saying, but in order to maintain momentum and see some tangible progress next season, I really do think we need to spend a bit, and, whilst it won't be a King's ransom, I fully expect there to be some cash available for significant improvements to the first XI this summer.
The days of considering only 'back up' players to supplement an existing pretty average squad have to be confined to history now.
Some of those players already at the club now need to be considered next season's back up players.
Even if we're shopping predominantly in the 'untried, young, high potential' market, I'd far rather that than filling gaps with 'low ceiling potential, workaday' cheap signings, as a rule.
We'll still need to be shrewd and canny in the market, of course, and arguably there's no better manager out there for that approach than Moyes, but even he will still demand one or two key signings to really help us kick on.
I'm quietly excited about this summer.
Cue huge disappointment! Previous Message
As you say, Gueye is key and a must to resign. I’d want Calvert-Lewin back, as well, because we’re not finding better for the same cost and having him as plan b to Beto may be a better solution to managing his fitness (even tho I think Calvert-Lewin is the more talented player).
I think we only need squad players across the keeper and defence, which is a great foundation to build from. We could, in theory, start Gueye and Garner ahead of them, with a front four of Beto up top and McNeil, Alcaraz and Ndiaye behind him. That team should be good enough for mid table, but it’s the depth behind that’s the issue.
With that said, if money is still in slightly short FFP supply, it might be the summer to focus on signing depth pieces that set us up to then incrementally add to the first eleven in future years - a little like we built in the first Moyes era.
Backup keeper (free veteran)
Backup right back
Backup left back
Keane (new deal)
Backup centre mid (loan?)
Armstrong
Backup left mid (loan?)
Backup right mid (loan?)
Calvert-Lewin (new deal)
Chermiti
Looked at like that, we can make progress without going crazy in the market and set ourselves up for future seasons, with space to add to the team in January if we’re higher up the table and fighting for a European spot.
The unknown is if we lose Branthwaite but, even then, the money we’d recoup would help fund an accelerated version of what we’d want to do next summer. Previous Message
I have plenty of hope, but not really very high expectations as I think there's a lot of squad rebuilding to do, but fully understand that it's impossible to do in one transfer window, and that there also needs to be a massive focus on making sure that everything is in place at the new stadium.
I'm happy about the loanees announcement (I think Moyes will have better options to use up those slots) and I'm hopeful we can sign Alcaraz.
While he's not a world-beater I think Doucoure was an important player for us, so disappointed that something couldn't be be worked out for him to stay, but completely accept the way it's gone on both sides - I just hope that Gueye doesn't go the same way as he would be top of my retentions list by a mile for me - our player of the season and massively important to us. I was also fine with Ashley Young staying as a utility player - he also had a solid season, particularly in the first half when we obviously weren't great.
I'm confident that we're in good hands with both Kinnear and Moyes and I'm hopeful of us starting the season with an improved squad that will keep us clear of any trouble next year as we all find our feet in our new home. After the last 30 years of mostly worry, I'll absolutely take that! Previous Message
The past years I had no hope and was happy to take a break from football.
This summer hopes and expectations are high.
Responses