Holmes_and_Watson

Under Martin, I'm a lot less interested in the price, than what they bring to the system. For example, there could be a fantastic target man out there for £30 million. But, unless we change what we do, he isn't going to see much of the ball, and we'd be a man short in a lot of our play. Tall Paul might be an example of this. Che already ticks a lot of boxes, so I can see why we'd want to keep a starter, even if that becomes a squad player. Beyond that, very much up to the recruitment and data guys to provide someone who also ticks the boxes, while also being an upgrade. Unlikely we'll get everything we'd like. Which is where we are with Che.

I remember Blue Peter's "Build the UK's nuclear deterrent with a used washing up liquid bottle, and some cremola foam," fondly.

When will their baseless persecution of politicians, and their families, stop?!

SR have already looked at the manager options, before the play off final. They were sticking with Russ. With that done, we know what's going to be underpinning our play next season. And also on the players he wants to keep (returning loaners included). Other players may have their own plans. We don't know is how much Martin will be relying on the 3 at the back tactic, compared to the back 4. If we can keep the sharpness of the latter in the 3 at the back, then we may avoid cuffings. If it's the former, then Martin said to expect drubbings, even when in the Championship. Overall, he has faith in it to deliver enough points. To do that, he's going to need the players. Last season he made do with no Tella replacement, an injured Stewart and too light in midfield. SR will be giving him plenty of time, if they send out our squad like that next season. When we get the players in, is also important. Lots of late changes last season, which cost us in September. And that was outgoings, as much as anything. If SR do very late transfer business this time round, it's unfair to pin opening defeats and getting arrivals up to speed, entirely at Martin's door. It will be challenging, and some fans will express dissatisfaction immediately ( if they wait that long). It's emotive and we all want us to do well. I'd not be taking it as a barometer of the manager's future. Unless the dressing room is lost, we are stranded at the foot of the table getting hammered 9 nil every week, the stadium is empty and the underlying data says there's no hope, then I imagine Martin will be around for the duration. If SR buy into his philosophy only to go back down, then they can reassess on a rebuild then. If they can keep Martin from a Barcelona job, following the Kompany model. 🙂

Force of habit 🙂 Replace with Charles.

As it stands... 5-3-2 Lumley KWP, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Fraser Aribo, Charles, Smallbone AA, Stewart 4-3-3 Lumley KWP, THB, Bednarek, Manning (drop 1 for Stephens) Aribo, Charles, Smallbone AA, Stewart, Fraser

Like everyone else, SR will be only too aware of PRS. Like most, they don't have the resources to pay silly wages. Like several, maximising sell on is a goal, requiring them to develop players or take in less likely signings all at a discount. Against that is every agent and club (us too)is out to get the best possible deals. I imagine we're not going to be short of offers to get players. Getting them at a cost SR are prepared to pay is something else. Hopefully scenarios such as other clubs about to fall foul of PRS is something we can take advantage of. It might not be the obvious stars at those clubs either. Could be players breaking through, as Livramento and Lavia were.

When Aribo was going through his less mobile than a freighter phase with us, J recall Martin saying they'd had an open chat about his future. I think his high wages were mentioned. Now bumped back up, they may still be pretty high for SRs liking. He's back towards his best since then. That said, it would seem silly to let him go. As it stands, he's a starter. He's going to be a very useful squad player, even if we bring others in. Contracted until 2026, so no rush there either.

I wonder what the ones they do catch at vetting have said, if people like this got through.

Not hiding it that well, since we get to read all about the same views every day (and now every 10 minutes, it seems) 🙂

"Route One football is part of my DNA", said Martin to 442. "I was a massive admirer of Taylor, and watching the simple effectiveness of Wimbledon later on, was something I knew I wanted to aspire to." Sorry, just thinking of a changed Martin in the PL. 🙂 I thought Baz should have been pulled out of the team, a lot earlier in our relegation season. His weaknesses were there and the team didn't make use of his strengths. I can't imagine the personal impact of going through that. Would we have gone up, if he hadn't got injured? Maybe. You'd have to weigh up a lot of incidents. McCarthy brings more presence and shot stopping. Alex also got the benefit of team relentlessly drilled to pass from all over the park. Baz was key to that. We got to play crisp passing moves higher up, as Alex would have struggled more there. And that suited us and pushed us forward. With no Baz for next season, we could well have to limit that passing right at the back again. As opponents hunt it down in pressing packs (see Farke at Norwich or us vs Liverpool), that might not be terrible. Either way, we're going to need more than a target man. Either formation Martin used relied on a mobile, hard working forward. One able to drop deep to bring in runners, be physical enough to hold it up and be mobile enough to get up and be on the end of things. If we want a player who just wants to receive it, Mara was an example. Sure, Woods offers more than that, but it's an example how limited systems are with 10 players using it.

I can only assume here, not having seen much of them. I agree he's not going to be our new Downes. Our players are pretty flexible, and Lallana could provide alternatives to Will, and a departing Stu. I agree that both require a lot of movement. So, back to that fitness con. He looks to have both the intelligence and technical ability. My first thought of him playing deeper was due to age/ pace. But Brighton did have some other excellent midfielders, so I'd not rule out a bit of it being tactical/ flexible there too.

I thought of the wages bit, but left it off because surely they've learned. Hmmm, now that I'm typing that... 🙂 I gave them credit of structuring it properly. The appearances, although not goals admittedly, I put under fitness. 13 starts and 12 sub appearances. Not having paid attention, was he moved into a more attacking role last season? He was playing a deeper role for a while, I think?

The Hammers of Truth: Providing info, and burning witches, since 1895.

Strangers on the net, exchanging their thoughts Bickering on the net What were the chances they'd be whingers Over signings of left wingers Before the night was through Close season gossip was always Sinatra's favourite. Pros Experience of a number of midfield roles, all of which we have gaps in. A vocal player, demanding on the pitch Free Played at the world's bestest club at it's bestest ever time under it's bestest ever manager International, and Champions League player Brings knowledge of both Liverpool's and Brighton's setup. Is keen to develop coaching and set standards Nivea Boy is a replacement for Stu's hair An example of a player who moved onto a bigger club from us, which is what SR want to see their signings aspire to. Cons Cloud over how he left last time Suggestions on the personality behind his actions Fitness Concern on how well he gets on with Jack regarding the teacher's pet role.

Could they have a fire sale of a few before the end of June. Then sell Branthwaite to Man It's for 75m, while paying up Broja over a structured deal? Hopefully they don't sell enough and get docked points.

Be

Edwards won't get the Real job as the board will be split over whether to go for him or the pound for pound best manager in Europe, and former Luton boss, Nathan. 🙂

Logical

We've gaps from Stu, Che, and Alex (with Baz injury) going/gone. And from the loan ends of Downes, Fraser and Brooks. From the minutes they all got (with Brooks it's also a Tella replacement Martin was looking for), they are gaps to be filled. Agreed that the club will be only too aware of their financial limits, and will want to do this as cost effectively as possible. Where they can keep someone, they'll try that. No surprise the club has offered contracts to Alex and Che and will hopefully be in for Downes and Fraser. While they'll look at other positions (why leave it to the last minute), I'd be surprised if they were the focus over the above. I can see a back 5 too. Martin will want Stephens playing a part. So it's either that, or him taking the place of Manning, or at right back, with KWP switching. The back 3 seems the best of those.

Never a bad thing to be reminded of.

I popped the Village Idiot Society's Village Idiot of the Decade on ignore for the day yesterday. Going by the responses, I've missed another day of jaw dropping whataboutery, deflection and ignorance. When I saw hostages were freed, I remembered Soggy telling us that they were much safer with Hamas. I guess they and their families are giving the IDF a real telling off. Terrible to see the casualties. Sadly Soggy's master plan for conflict resolution doesn't translate into the real world. If only it were that simple, like he is.

I doubt whoever they bring in is going to matter much, while they sort out their idealogical crises during some wilderness years. In that time they will have Reform's votes to win back, while possibly lurching to the right and then back again. If Reform don't amount to anything lasting, getting a broad church back might be quicker. Their next leader who matters probably isn't from the current lot. But will be someone who comes forward when people get sick of Labour being as bad and their internal fighting.

I agree that we shouldn't be considering Jason Steele until we know exactly where he stands on Lallana's departure. Hang on, I might have read all of today's posts too quickly...

Hall