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Post by reamsofverse on Nov 11, 2023 21:20:41 GMT
Our next six games see us come up against:
Carlisle (a)
Cheltenham (h)
Cambridge (h)
Barnsley (a)
Burton (h)
Leyton Orient (a)
Five of these are very winnable and should we collect maximum points we will be going into the January transfer window in a very healthy position.
I honestly believe that if we are in or around the top six we will definitely strengthen the squad in January to give ourselves a real chance of making the play-offs come next May.
I agree totally with Appleton, more senior players need to come in to make us more street wise and add that bit of experience we are lacking
I'm not sure where we stand on cutting short loan deals but if we can I would most definitely send Tedic, Chem Campbell and Abankwah back to their parent clubs making it clear that they are not in the manager's plans given he wasn't here when they arrived.
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Post by kings hill addick on Nov 12, 2023 7:49:48 GMT
I agree with that but I get the impression that the ‘business model’ doesn’t allow for signing older, more experienced, players. In fact I think we will probably sell one, two, or all of Dobson, Blacket-Taylor and Leaburn in January and replace them with loans or short term free signings.
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Post by discocafc on Nov 12, 2023 9:16:48 GMT
Our next six games see us come up against: Carlisle (a) Cheltenham (h) Cambridge (h) Barnsley (a) Burton (h) Leyton Orient (a) Five of these are very winnable and should we collect maximum points we will be going into the January transfer window in a very healthy position. I honestly believe that if we are in or around the top six we will definitely strengthen the squad in January to give ourselves a real chance of making the play-offs come next May. I agree totally with Appleton, more senior players need to come in to make us more street wise and add that bit of experience we are lacking I'm not sure where we stand on cutting short loan deals but if we can I would most definitely send Tedic, Chem Campbell and Abankwah back to their parent clubs making it clear that they are not in the manager's plans given he wasn't here when they arrived. Couldn’t agree more Reams but this is Charlton we’re talking about here lol |
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Post by DFT on Nov 12, 2023 9:30:05 GMT
I'm not sure where we stand on cutting short loan deals but if we can I would most definitely send Tedic, Chem Campbell and Abankwah back to their parent clubs making it clear that they are not in the manager's plans given he wasn't here when they arrived. If we can send them back without upsetting their parent clubs then we definitely should do so. They have contributed very little and don't look like they will in the future. It might be possible to sign some older heads on loan, it's not just the kids clubs loan out. A couple of experienced pros could really help us if we are in with a shout of making the play-offs. There is no doubt that we have some very talented youngsters but they have got to learn the dark arts of football, how to win free kicks and how to avoid conceding them! |
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Post by norfolkrobin on Nov 12, 2023 9:44:33 GMT
I agree with that but I get the impression that the ‘business model’ doesn’t allow for signing older, more experienced, players. In fact I think we will probably sell one, two, or all of Dobson, Blacket-Taylor and Leaburn in January and replace them with loans or short term free signings. That would be suicide,and if SE7 did that then we really are no better off. I am a realist though,and if ML was sold for good money(not given away) with some of the fee reinvested in the squad to have a go then I could accept that. Dobbo and CBT need sorting though,for us to gatecrash the top 6 we'll need everybody pulling the same direction. |
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Post by se7sm on Nov 12, 2023 10:00:55 GMT
I agree with that but I get the impression that the ‘business model’ doesn’t allow for signing older, more experienced, players. In fact I think we will probably sell one, two, or all of Dobson, Blacket-Taylor and Leaburn in January and replace them with loans or short term free signings. In the interview with Appleton, he definitely gives you the impression people are coming in come January ,who is going out is the worry maybe. |
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Post by kings hill addick on Nov 12, 2023 10:09:43 GMT
I agree with that but I get the impression that the ‘business model’ doesn’t allow for signing older, more experienced, players. In fact I think we will probably sell one, two, or all of Dobson, Blacket-Taylor and Leaburn in January and replace them with loans or short term free signings. In the interview with Appleton, he definitely gives you the impression people are coming in come January ,who is going out is the worry maybe. The Leaburn money will be used (well, some of it) to fund any incoming transfers with fees. Dobson and Blacket-Taylor will leave on a free in the summer so we sell them in January or we get nothing for them. I can’t see either of them agreeing a new deal all the while we are mid-table and it’s a massive gamble to hope that we win the playoffs and either of them agree to sign a new deal if we do. |
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Post by westwickhamaddick on Nov 12, 2023 10:59:19 GMT
Not sure it’s the end of the world if CBT goes tbh , on his day he’s unplayable but far too often he is anonymous. I feel like we rely on him too much. Still not blown away by T Campbell so when CBT isn’t on it which is quite a lot we don’t have much on the wings. Still think Chem should be starting on the right but Appleton obviously doesn’t fancy him at all for some reason
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Post by seriouslyred on Nov 12, 2023 11:04:00 GMT
Our next six games see us come up against: Carlisle (a) Cheltenham (h) Cambridge (h) Barnsley (a) Burton (h) Leyton Orient (a) Five of these are very winnable and should we collect maximum points we will be going into the January transfer window in a very healthy position. I honestly believe that if we are in or around the top six we will definitely strengthen the squad in January to give ourselves a real chance of making the play-offs come next May. I agree totally with Appleton, more senior players need to come in to make us more street wise and add that bit of experience we are lacking I'm not sure where we stand on cutting short loan deals but if we can I would most definitely send Tedic, Chem Campbell and Abankwah back to their parent clubs making it clear that they are not in the manager's plans given he wasn't here when they arrived. Agree with that and have posted two points elsewhere: Four wins from seven will take us to around 35 points. That's within touching distance of the top six. AnD ten points better than last time! Secondly we know our first XI now but very little depth. The January window offers a great opportunity to strengthen our bid for the play-offs. Whether CBT and Dobson stay, and are renewed remains to be seen. But we need another decent winger and CDM as we're light in these areas. Some will see it as going backwards if one or both are sold. But it's all about replacements AND work done at Sparrows Lane. Right now it's hard to be clear on differences compared to 12 months back. Except to state that we're two wins behind the top six rather than four. However, in February after another window and another three months with Appleton we should be in a different place to 2022 and before. |
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Post by aaronaldo on Nov 12, 2023 14:10:04 GMT
Definitely an important period in our season coming up, with opportunity to really move up the league.
I don't share the belief that we will sell all of our best players in Jan. We might let one go, CBT potentially if he's not looking to sign a new contract. I've said it before but I would rather a more consistent player than CBT but he is having an unbelievable season so far so I can't knock him too much. I do think any championship teams looking at him will see yesterdays performance as a big concern. We know he has those in him and has even had a few this year despite his incredible return so far.
Edit: I don’t think January is really the time to find a replacement to CBT though. I’d personally keep hold of him and risk losing him on a free.
As some have said, I think we will switch up our loans. Cancel some (assuming we have that clause) and bring in some more experience.
We need to ensure we are within touching distance (if not in) the top 6 come Dec/January so the signings are lined up and ready to join.
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Post by bexleyboy on Nov 12, 2023 15:20:27 GMT
I agree with that but I get the impression that the ‘business model’ doesn’t allow for signing older, more experienced, players. In fact I think we will probably sell one, two, or all of Dobson, Blacket-Taylor and Leaburn in January and replace them with loans or short term free signings. No we won’t .. if was we would have accepted 3.3 mill offer for Leaburn before the last window closed . Has Curbs said yesterday it’s good to have owners who don’t need the money and can turn bids down |
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Post by Mundell on Nov 12, 2023 15:20:47 GMT
Agree entirely that the period between now and the end of January is likely to be important for the way this season plays out for us, and also that it may tell us a little more about our new owners. The latter may require some interpretation though.
My sense is that previous owners sometimes made decisions emotionally, and hence not always rationally, while, at times, others made decisions which implied the need (or wish) for immediate cash. I’m confident SE7 Partners/Global Football Partners won’t exhibit either of these traits.
I expect the club to make business like and entirely rational decisions and the deep pockets of the investors means they won’t be in need of cash from player sales simply to fund losses. There is an important point here which we perhaps haven’t focused on enough. Having very wealthy owners doesn’t mean they’re going to spend lots of money (we are not going to “do an Ipswich”, for example), but it almost certainly does mean that the club will be able to make decisions based on a long term perspective without the need to sell players simply because someone has made a bid.
What might this mean in practice?
1. I expect to club to stick within the playing budget we began the season with. Methven has already said that having breached the SCMP limit on our wage budget, the club had to explain to the EFL how this happened and injected a small amount of equity to ensure compliance. I’d be surprised if additional equity is provided in January.
2. This means that before signing new players we’ll need to offload some. The obvious players to move on are the three loan players mentioned in the opening post, i.e. Abankwah, Campbell and Tedic, and perhaps Camara too if his hamstring injury has not been resolved (and perhaps even if it has). And then Kirk too from the permanent staff, if at all possible. McGrandles is another option, but here much will depend on how he plays between now and January.
3. I don’t expect Leaburn to be sold. He’s under contract until June ‘25 and is likely to fetch a higher fee in the summer or even in January’25. If he is sold it would be because a) we received a very silly offer, b) he agitated for a move and c) it was clear a top six place was out of reach. He will not be sold simply because the owners need the money - or even want it at this stage.
4. The situation with both Dobson and Blackett Taylor is more nuanced given that they are both out of contract and on Bosmans in the summer. The question is who, if anyone, is likely to make a serious bid in January when both players will be available for no fee in the summer? How much might such a bid or bids be? And how does this weigh against the impact of losing either player on our chances of making the top six?
5. The club’s reaction to any dilemma they may face in respect of either, or both, of Dobson and Blackett Taylor will be the result of a judgment call, not of greed or a need for cash. Can the club use any wage bill freed up (which would include any cash from a transfer fee) to sign one or more players who might improve (or not weaken) the squad, while ensuring these players are available next season too? How would Andy Scott and Michael Appleton think about the trade offs involved here?
My guess is that we’ll strengthen in January but it’s not going to be easy to do so and I suspect we’ll be lucky to see significant improvements.
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Post by manikin on Nov 12, 2023 15:30:48 GMT
Totally agree, if we could shift all the players you mention in paragraph 2 that would be ideal. Free up enough cash to perhaps bring in say three that Appleton needs to boost his squad.
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Post by jonkool on Nov 13, 2023 10:08:55 GMT
Totally agree, if we could shift all the players you mention in paragraph 2 that would be ideal. Free up enough cash to perhaps bring in say three that Appleton needs to boost his squad. I’m pleased that no reference made to Chuks as the mad deal made by the Sangaards in Jan 2022 defies all business logic. I assume the club aren’t bothering making any announcements as to how long he will be out for this time 😳 |
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Post by manikin on Nov 13, 2023 10:23:22 GMT
Totally agree, if we could shift all the players you mention in paragraph 2 that would be ideal. Free up enough cash to perhaps bring in say three that Appleton needs to boost his squad. I’m pleased that no reference made to Chuks as the mad deal made by the Sangaards in Jan 2022 defies all business logic. I assume the club aren’t bothering making any announcements as to how long he will be out for this time 😳 Chucks should never have been signed in Jan'22, however he is someone I really feel sorrow for. When he is "fit" enough to take the field he gives all he can but he is just to fragile and it seems likely a enforced retirement is round the corner. A fully fit Chucks would see us challenging Portsmouth, but sadly that's not going to happen. |
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Post by earlpurple on Nov 13, 2023 12:16:30 GMT
If we don't think the loan players are good enough to play at this level, we send them back to their parent clubs and they loan them out to league 2 where they might get games. It's also likely to send a message out to their parent clubs that maybe a permanent move to league 2 is a better idea as that's about all they'll be good for. Unfortunately we didn't get a Rak Sayki, or Liam Millar this season. Leaburn's wage doesn't contribute towards the 60% and therefore it doesn't make sense to sell him as it doesn't free up anything on the wage bill.
Our season won't be "kick-started" into the playoff places but remember Ipswich didn't make the playoffs in 2021-22 and Portsmouth didn't reach them last year.
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Post by seriouslyred on Nov 14, 2023 12:16:53 GMT
If we don't think the loan players are good enough to play at this level, we send them back to their parent clubs and they loan them out to league 2 where they might get games. It's also likely to send a message out to their parent clubs that maybe a permanent move to league 2 is a better idea as that's about all they'll be good for. Unfortunately we didn't get a Rak Sayki, or Liam Millar this season. Leaburn's wage doesn't contribute towards the 60% and therefore it doesn't make sense to sell him as it doesn't free up anything on the wage bill. Our season won't be "kick-started" into the playoff places but remember Ipswich didn't make the playoffs in 2021-22 and Portsmouth didn't reach them last year.
We certainly need progress every six months, but if we don't make the top six it's not the end of the world. Top six would be a break with the ESI / Sandgaard years. Leaburn will go if a silly bid comes in AND sale proceeds count towards revenue, thus raising our budget. Right now we need him, and replacing him in January would be expensive. Far better to create headroom in the budget by dispatching loans who don't play plus loaning out those who rarely make the Matchday 18. As long as we're in with a shout of 77 points, one would hope the focus is on strengthening in January, even if loans who might not be back next season. Of course fans want new talent, but much of the progress to make the top four needs to come from team and personal development. We have 15 players who feature week in week out, whereas we might only expect three or four additions come January. |
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Post by kings hill addick on Nov 14, 2023 13:35:46 GMT
If we don't think the loan players are good enough to play at this level, we send them back to their parent clubs and they loan them out to league 2 where they might get games. It's also likely to send a message out to their parent clubs that maybe a permanent move to league 2 is a better idea as that's about all they'll be good for. Unfortunately we didn't get a Rak Sayki, or Liam Millar this season. Leaburn's wage doesn't contribute towards the 60% and therefore it doesn't make sense to sell him as it doesn't free up anything on the wage bill. Our season won't be "kick-started" into the playoff places but remember Ipswich didn't make the playoffs in 2021-22 and Portsmouth didn't reach them last year.
We certainly need progress every six months, but if we don't make the top six it's not the end of the world. Top six would be a break with the ESI / Sandgaard years. Leaburn will go if a silly bid comes in AND sale proceeds count towards revenue, thus raising our budget. Right now we need him, and replacing him in January would be expensive. Far better to create headroom in the budget by dispatching loans who don't play plus loaning out those who rarely make the Matchday 18. As long as we're in with a shout of 77 points, one would hope the focus is on strengthening in January, even if loans who might not be back next season. Of course fans want new talent, but much of the progress to make the top four needs to come from team and personal development. We have 15 players who feature week in week out, whereas we might only expect three or four additions come January. I agree with all of that but the club have been trying, desperately, to offload the crap players in the squad for, at least, three transfer windows and no one want to take them. If we are going to bring in anyone, half, decent in January I think we will need to sell one of the ‘stars’. Blackett-Taylor and Dobson can leave for free in the summer fab Leaburn could start a Dutch auction. I can’t see there being much chance of anyone else leaving, personally. |
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Post by seriouslyred on Nov 18, 2023 20:36:55 GMT
Looked it up today and we were on 22 points after 16 games last season too! But most will remember that we went into freefall with just three more points over the following seven fixtures. Whilst it's true that the club can only guarantee offloading the loans that aren't playing much, it's only Kirk on a long term deal who doesn't feature.
On the upside over the last 12 months we've seen the following emerge:
- AMB (A) and Istead sharing first choice keeper slot
- acquisition of three very decent full backs in Edun, Asiimwe (A) and T. Watson
- also recruited Hector, Jones and Ness (A) at centre back
- Added L Watson and Anderson (A) to Dobson and Fraser in midfield
- Campbell (A) and Leaburn (A) grabbed their places, added May, whilst CBT has improved and Aneke making appearances when fit
If Andy Scott is able to replace the underused loans with more talent and Appleton continues to drill the players on fitness and how to play a 4-2-3-1 then ideally we will see a continuation of current form established over the last ten games. A decent points tally from the next seven and more fans should finally start turning up.
The bookies have us as ninth favourites for a play-off finish - we're basically competing with the likes of Barnsley, Stevenage, Derby and Blackpool who are roughly five points ahead at this stage. Can we catch up most of those five points over the next three months?
[ (A) = Academy]
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Post by aucklandaddick on Nov 18, 2023 22:16:07 GMT
We certainly need progress every six months, but if we don't make the top six it's not the end of the world. Top six would be a break with the ESI / Sandgaard years. Leaburn will go if a silly bid comes in AND sale proceeds count towards revenue, thus raising our budget. Right now we need him, and replacing him in January would be expensive. Far better to create headroom in the budget by dispatching loans who don't play plus loaning out those who rarely make the Matchday 18. As long as we're in with a shout of 77 points, one would hope the focus is on strengthening in January, even if loans who might not be back next season. Of course fans want new talent, but much of the progress to make the top four needs to come from team and personal development. We have 15 players who feature week in week out, whereas we might only expect three or four additions come January. I agree with all of that but the club have been trying, desperately, to offload the crap players in the squad for, at least, three transfer windows and no one want to take them. If we are going to bring in anyone, half, decent in January I think we will need to sell one of the ‘stars’. Blackett-Taylor and Fobson can leave for free in the summer fab Leaburn could start a Dutch auction. I can’t see there being much chance of anyone else leaving, personally. Personally think we are just missing a top drawer centre half ( or 2) from being a top 6 side There are always goals in us but we make far too many defensive mistakes to be in the mix… How many clean sheets have we had in the league this season? |
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