What do we need in January?

Clear out some squad players including the two on loan.

Top priority incoming is an out and out number nine. Strong. Doesn’t have to be the best technically or a massive goalscorer, just be able to occupy defenders, win aerial and physical battles, and create space for humphrys, DKD, Phillips etc who can take the chances and utilise the space created playing off him.

Like the OP I’m also unconvinced with all the right wing backs - but it isn’t a priority seen as we have some. Left side however, needs to be addressed. Competition and cover for Gent. LWB is a must.

I’d bring Shepherd back as a left sided centre back to compete with Earl.

Wouldn’t bother with a keeper - realistically aren’t going to bring anyone outstanding in and Killip is doing fine, we have bigger issues to spend money on. Smith is meant to be long term number one so he is fine as cover.

Over and above that it depends who we ship out. Nice to haves would be some width with pace, and better quality on the right hand side of defence - I’m just trying to be realistic with budget and prioritise.

 

Jalo won’t go anywhere whilst injured; he’s out for a while

 

Jalo expected to be out about 3 months after operation.

 

Cos he’s not good enough

 

Oh r8.....I take it you not his biggest fan

 

2 wingers that will go to the byline to cross the ball

 

Detox?

 

Jalo out injured till at least March

 

So he is, senior moment mate

 

I'd forgotten about his injury tbh had a senior moment but if he was fit, I'd have loaned him out, he needs to play full games not just 20 mins here and there a loan spell with regular game time would help him develop, he's also physically too lightweight at present

 

In the striker department, I wonder what the status is of Daryl Dike at West Brom. If they are looking to get him back to fitness, a loan deal might be on. They owe us, as they have Mowatt and Cole on frees, as well as Styles now looking good value for £1million in their first team. Matthew Hoppe is a 23 year-old USA international at Middlesbrough and not getting games. Another loanee possibly. I definitely think that striker is the crucial role and we could do with a target-man. Other signings shouldn't waste the limited resources made available through our loaning out, or returning some players who have fallen down the pecking order.

 

While checking Boro, I also came across Marcus Forss who is not getting games at the moment, but has a very good scoring record. Forss would be my best tip - on loan, of course.

 

It’s easy to say what main priority is in January, because we knew what we needed 6 month ago!, it’s a proper centre forward and it is still the same as it was then. All I will say is judging on the failure to bring one in during the summer is “don’t hold your breath “

 

In the following order...

1. A new Director of Football/Sporting Director
2. A new Head Coach
3. New Coaching Staff

 

What do we need in January

a fking miracle!

 

After today, new everything

 

Enema. Top to bottom.

 

This aged well didn't it!

It's fair to say I no longer feel the faint optimism I did when I posted it.

 

It would be very interesting to hear our Sporting directors opinion on our summer recruitment and what his plans are for the January window.

 

A labotomy.