Chez

Sure, under Ralph we certainly were a side that had limited aspirations other than setting traps and trying to force errors and turnovers that put us in great positions. But that feels like light years ago now. It's hard to know what the plan was under Jones, as he talked about being aggressive and on the front foot, brought in a target man, but then seemed to look to play pretty short and through the lines. Forrest game apart, we didn't really go long and hopeful. In the City cup game, it was about pressing, and taking chances to break. I am not sure how to describe the philosophy in games like Brentford or Wolves. Flounder? Selles initially seemed to also want to press, but that quickly morphed into more of a deep lying defence and slow, possession-based build up. We passed the ball left to right, probing, trying to get the ball to a player with space to move into. We didn't hit it long, we didn't hit it down the channels, we didn't ping it to a target man. We passed it short, tried to keep it, tried to pass through teams. We have been terrible at it, but that doesn't mean we haven't tried to dominate possession.

Also not sure MGW has been all that impressive. It's johnson that consistently catches the eye. I recall that we spent half of last summer discussing (some laughing at) Forrest (within several threads), their transfer policy and how they would go compared to ourselves. Although there was obviously a number of transfer failures (as there are almost everywhere) - Lingard did little, Dennis less and O'Brien absolutely nothing, Boly looked poor, Danilo and Scarpa unimpressive etc...ultimately they did just enough. You are right, they weren't exactly a good side and only just survived, but considering they only had about 10 senior players after promotion, they did OK to achieve that, despite significant injuries to Henderson, Wood, Richards and Awoniyi along the way. In the end it was our own transfer policy that was the more laughable.

If you are looking for a possession based game, then a CB that can play would seem to be a higher priority than one that dominates. Not saying that's what I want us to bring in, but dominant CBs that are comfortable on the ball (in the championship) are pretty rare.

Even with Stallone in goal, Caine at centre back, a 40 year old Moore and 41 year old Pele, the Allies would take us to the fucking cleaners.

I was wondering about the benefit of appointing Martin right now and perhaps getting a week to train with the players and see what he has. I assume he will have a say as to who he wants to retain and who he is happy to be released and sold etc.? I get the feeling the manager's say has got a lot smaller as the players wages have got a lot bigger. When the final game is over, I think players do come in the following week, mostly to wind down and debrief. But if they are contracted until the end of June (and onwards), can they be made to train for a week or two at the end of a season? I would imagine players want to get off on holiday immediately and the holiday period is agreed well in advance. Just wondered...

The stats obviously show we haven't had possession of the football, but we've certainly tried to be a possession-based side. The simple fact of the matter is we just ain't been good enough individually and collectively to keep the ball - especially when moving out of the comfort zone of our own third of the pitch.

he looked great a couple of years ago. Not watched him since - has he not been any good or has he just allowed his contract to wind down so he can get the mega wages from a Prem side?

I seem to recall there was push back on here when he was suggested along the lines of `we've given championship strikers a couple of goes now and they have failed" which I didn't necessarily agree with. It's all about signing the right ones. I guess there is less risk now we are down there too. After two decent seasons you'd think he'd be looking for a move to the Prem.

what, that Perraud is technically limited, can't cross, slow as fuck and is happy to waltz back into position after foraging forward? It's not easy to find and bring in genuine talent in the Championship, but left back is one position we might actually improve if our scouting is spot on.

How come? Has there been links to other clubs?

still got a year left, so he'll cost something

I hope Martin has a good plan.

I didn't know that. Hasn't been able to get a game here, so don't blame him. Had a similar impact as Classie. Little. The 40% wage cut will make him financially viable for a middling French club.

Martin seems to be the polar opposite of Jones. That works for me. League champions by five points.

Never seen a guy give the ball away so cheaply so often. He's been a complete disappointment so far. Maybe the drop down in level will give him the time and space he obviously needs.

I liked the Fuller signing, less so Powell.

I've been wondering about the possibility of signing Downes for some time. I thought he was a terrific signing by West Ham. He looked great for Swansea. Struggled to get game time, but just started to see the field more recently and played quite well by all accounts, so not sure that will happen.

anyone who offers that kind of money for him are either stupid or fucking stupid.

poor man's Kev Francis. Simple as that. I am deeply concerned that even when we step down a division he won't tear it up. Unless we lay chance on a plate for him, he won't score goals. Will we be able to create those guilt edge, can't miss chances? I'd rather we gave Mara a season. There is a chance he can become a proper player that might score goals in the Prem. Not sure Onuachu ever will. If we are looking to reboot and come back stringer, then lets actually reboot with a proper strike force.

When I watched his youtube videos there seemed to be a shed load of absolutely unmissable tap ins from two yards. He didn't look very clinical. Lots of scuffed shots and times when he should be smashing it in, but he dithered and somehow still had time to score - kind of getting away with it. There were some decent headers and a few decent goals, but I can't say I especially liked what I saw or thought we had a good one on our hands. Youtube videos normally make you look amazing, but sometimes it can reveal weaknesses and limitations.

I can't see us letting Sulemana go unless someone comes up with £20m - and that won't be a side in Turkey.

One of my favourite players in Championship Manager 2 (1995)

I know you are only joshing, but it's actually £2.7m, which might come in handy

Diallo has a year left. They know they can get him for buttons.

I'd say it's essential we bring in £100m seeing how much we have spent and the debt the club carries. The one thing clubs don't want is players, with genuine value, walking on frees. It's financial suicide. Adams and the others with one year left therefore are highly likely to be sold as they won't sign new deals on championship money.