on August 21, 2025, 8:02 pm, in reply to "I see it completely the opposite and am petrified with the squad as it stands…"
We need players yesterday. 
Previous Message
Moyes first 20 PL games:
First 6 games:
W 4
D 1
L 1
Goals for = 12
Goals against = 6
Last PL 14 games:
W 4
D 6
L 4
Goals for = 15
Goals against = 14
We got a 6 game bounce & then have since gone back over the last 14 games to what this squad is i.e. 1 goal a game.
That level of scoring usually = approx 40 points.
We’ve lost Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin and Harrison. Bizarrely I’d argue that all 3 of them were more important to us defensively as opposed to offensively.
Doucoure started the defence from the front, Harrison offered nothing creatively but could be relied to work hard for the team and Calvert-Lewin provided a focal point (when fit) to hold the ball up and win free kicks (but as we know wasn’t a natural goal scorer).
Our lows goals conceded are a collective effort, not just the defence.
We’ve replaced those 3 with Grealish, KDH and Barry. Remains to be seen what effect they have.
This squad desperately needs signings IMO.
I’d be terrified if the window had shut and we were left with what we have now. Previous Message
Under Moyes only 4 teams accumulated more points. I know new manager bounce etc. But he made a couple of tweaks to that team that had a noticeable effect on performances and results. It wasn’t like when Duncan took charge when it was all vibes, you could see progression. And I don’t see why that trajectory/progression would reverse.
There’s other things to consider as well, like how more English teams than ever are competing in Europe this season
Previous Message
N/t Previous Message
We didn’t need this massive squad rebuild.
Our first 11
GK - Pickford
RB - O’Brien
LB - Myko
CB - Branthwaite
CB - Tarks
CM - Gana
CM - Garner
LW - Ndiaye
RW - McNeil
AM - Alcaraz
CF - Beto
The only position there that really needs an upgrade is RW. We needed a LB, RB, DM and CF. But we desperately need a RW, ideally 2, to avoid playing players out of position to the detriment of the whole team.
Fofana seems like our first choice, but he wants champions league. Kubo seems like our second choice. There’s issues regarding his ownership, so you can understand Sociedads unwillingness to sell for less than his release clause of £51 million. But given our need, and if we really rate the lad we should’ve paid the release clause for him. At the very least you’d make some money back on him on shirts and merchandise in Japan. Which would also increase our exposure in a market we currently have none.
I quite like the business we’ve done. But we haven’t addressed the position that’s been our most urgent priority. It was obvious to everyone who watched us last season that if we add even just a half decent RW that can carry a ball and has a bit of pace, it changes the dynamic of our attack and we become a much bigger threat, especially in transition.
For me whether this window is a success or failure completely depends on us signing a RW. Not just because we need a RW, but it’s the knock on effect of not having one. We essentially weaken two positions by playing someone out of position there and impacts our structure and effectiveness with and without the ball. Previous Message
Last season about what a massive squad rebuild we had and how hard that would be....what did you think that meant?
Responses