We definitely need proper reinforcements and not young 'uns from the Premier League. I think what hurt so much about defeat away at Plymouth was barring a fully fit Norwood that was our strongest 11 on paper. It was easily brushed aside, It's going to be another long hard season of struggle.
I don't disagree with you. But you have to work within what you have. As a point, we currently have 7 strikers on our books (Leya Iseka, Cole, Norwood, Oulare, Aitchison, Marsh and Bremang). We also have Oduor and Thomas who have played in a front 3. This in spite of getting rid of oodles of forwards this summer. It looks like we're only playing 2 under Duff. I know we might not look great up front (i'm just watching the game as we speak and up to half time) but we can't afford to have so many forwards. And these are the issues and choices we have to make. do we get an 8th and a 9th forward, or do we try and get rid some of what we don't want first, or, of we can't get rid, at least play them a bit. It's not ideal, but we've got to tighten our spendthrift lets just get another approach. The other thing worth airing is that it's not uncommon for a PL team to want loan fees for their players. Yes, a league down, they may be less keen to do that and just get playing time, but the better end of loan player will likely want a decent wedge to be paid by us and a fee for the privilege. And the better ones probably want to see if a Championship club comes in first. You never know, Duff might get a tune out of some of these and maybe a bit of confidence might spur them on. But there aren't easy solutions readily available.
We haven't been financially fit or self sustainable. We've made losses every season under them and the buffer of the money inherited is all gone. What they've budgeted for and what scenarios, I couldn't tell you. What I can assume from the outgoings and incomings is that we're unlikely to be too close to breaking even as yet, so more outgoings or significant financial subsidy (or both) are likely to be needed to see us through to May.
You're right, we can. Or a team of interns. It doesn't have to be that drastic. But we do need to cut a huge amount of cost from our overheads to be self sufficient. We've cut some. But not enough.
This has to be one of my all time favourite threads on here. Nowt's happened yet and we've no idea who the guy was. Some would think the world's gonna end based on some of these posts. F**ing mental. By the way, I hope it turns out to be completely set up as a massive wind up.
I personally think we're headed for League 2 anyway. Cut the middle man out and see if the kids sink or swim. It'll be character building and start the ball rolling regarding selling the players that can cut it.
Not sure why a loan signing would drag out like this. Two now that were on verge of being announced and then seem to be fizzling out. Strange…..
It was only leaked because of the accidental photo of the player in the background. As we've seen all over football this season, it's common to do the photoshoot at the same time the player is at the club discussing terms - if you assume you're almost there with a deal minus a couple of minor details to be ironed out. Optimum use of time. But on this one we weren't meant to know about it and if the ink isn't dry then we won't get an announcement.
If that’s the case then we really haven’t got a pot to pee in. Surely Duff wouldn’t have taken the job if finances were so bleak?
I'm sure there is a picture somewhere of Klinsmann holding up an Arsenal shirt. Can't find it on google but I'm sure I saw it on a newspaper article. (May have been a mock up).
That's what concerns me. In his interviews he keeps downplaying it but he sounds like he's resigned to what he has at his disposal. I honestly don't think he's taken a step forward joining us.
Very strange comment from you look the tyke. Ben Foster ( an actual footballer that would know how these things work) talked about this on a podcast on Sunday. The topic came about with Jesus and how long they took to announce that deal. He said that Football clubs aren't allowed to take Photos/videos of you in another team's shirt unless you have signed a deal committing to the transfer and both clubs have done the same. I wouldn't post a lie, why would I but after the stupid comment the other day I've posted the link to what I've said above. 3 minutes 30 seconds in and he talks about it. The Guests a Arsenal fan which led to the topic.
And what about the Ramsey loan (if it was him) that Duff alluded to in his interview before the Blades friendly? That’s a week and a half ago, not sure agreeing terms of a loan would take that long.