Holmes_and_Watson

Hopefully won a lottery and grudgingly having to enjoy every moment of it.

Taking the 11 below (posted earlier), compared to the side that went down (even if the formation was different) McCarthy (improvement overall on Baz, though miss that passing) Sugawara, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor (unproven with Sugawara (KWP will be a miss), Taylor has experience and considered an upgrade on Perraud. Central defence improved on what came down in Salisu, ABK and Lyanco (although we loaned Bednarek and Stephens out at the time) Downes, Smallbone, Aribo (a decline, but different. JWP at a level above. Lavia talented, but might not have lasted, while Stu wasn't at near his best. We've now got an excellent Downes, Smallbone who developed really well, and a fitter, more mobile Aribo. AA, BBD (AA didn't have a good PL season last time, but was key last season. BBD has had PL goals, and we'll just have to see how effective an Adams replacement he is in other areas. Finishing would seem likely to be better. A lot relies on Martin getting the best out of a side that is in a much better place than the one that went down. But the side obviously can't just match the lot that came down. It has to be a lot better to stay up. I see 6 improvements (McCarthy, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor, Downes) 2 same (AA, Aribo) 2 unproven (Sugawara, BBD) 1 decline (Smallbone against JWP - so not a disaster here)

A near peak RussBall midfield ! 🙂 Also an 11 with 3 new signings, 2 loans made perm and 1 resign in McCarthy. More than half the side with some work done to it. Looking at the backups, there's not a lot screaming out as direct competition. That 11 is the strongest by a fair bit. Hopefully, it's knowing that it's starters/direct competition that will take a little longer, if required, this window.

McCarthy Sugawara, THB, Bednarek, Stephens, Taylor Downes, Smallbone, Aribo AA, BBD Backups: Lumley, Lis, Bree, Edwards, Wood, Manning, Larios, Lallana, Alcaraz, Stewart, Edozie, SAA, Dibling Probably on their way: Sule, Mara, ABK, KWP, TP, Meghoma

Spectrum

Defeatist. Champions or nothing! 🙂

My New Model Army for our civil war.

Order

It's a start. But I know I won't stop wringing my hands until I protect everyone from any risk I could moan about. Bikes, Fast walking... Oh, why must we trade speed for lives?! Join my campaign for zen walking now!

Break

Back home. Opens thread. First post I see quotes SOG using dead babies as part of whatever the discussion has turned into.

Sub cover / stand in across a number of midfield roles. Leadership qualities Big club experience to help players and staff Looking to develop as a coach, so will be assisting there too. Free transfer Useful for the squad. But I'd like to think the club are looking at a Stu replacement, and someone else to cover Downes (unless Charles is serious first team competition).

In his brief appearance he did fine. With us being light in that area, I was wondering if we were going to see a little more of him next season. Wishing him all the best for his loan season. It will be great for his development.

I wouldn't either. If I'm being asked to fund the side you're all going to have to cheer on your team of subbuteo players. Happy to sacrifice club success for my own personal stinginess. 🙂

Sorry to hear about your dog. 😒

Friendless

And that's all I want. A decent year's pay for a decent day's work.

I'm going to pretend that the smog was a bit thicker than it actually is, when I get back from this coal delivery. That's bought me a couple of mins to write this, before giving it to a passing urchin who will take it to SaintsWeb Towers. It's great working for modern companies. So much better than the old days.

I had a sniffy approach to the Scottish League. But our own successful recruitment from there, put that to bed. Also, the recruitment there is working hard to unearth even cheaper gems than perhaps even we would have gone for. They can't afford to make too many mistakes, and we get the benefit of that.

Patience

My boss has nipped out to taunt some orphans and the unfortunates who find themselves in the workhouse. Just got time to write this with my quill pen and get the messenger boy to take it to the telegraph office.

Based on the players we used last season, and no longer have, then I'd say we'd be looking to replace Fraser, Stu and Brooks (and he was a Tella stand in). Another DM would be ideal, depending on Charles. But lots of options and flexibility also impacted by the formation Martin goes for. My understanding is that Taylor could be the left side of a back 3. Also that Lallana can operate in deeper midfield positions (and out left based on his experience there). If it's 2 up front, AA prefers that position, and would be Brereton Diaz's partner. BBD, as you say, can play put wide too. Martin found out before the end of last season, who wanted to leave at that time. Could be any of Lumley, Bree, ABK, KWP, Mara, Sule and/or Alcaraz to name the most likely. If KWP leaves, no reason why Bree can't get opportunities in the squad. A number of these were peripheral or put on loan, giving room for youngsters in the squad. Martin will have assessed the development of Charles, Edozie, SAA and Sibling to see how much first team football is likely. Recent injuries with Larios, Ballard and Stewart to take into account too. With 2 of those forwards, and Mara maybe going, another there might be needed too. It looks to be a busy month.

Soggy

In other news, NASA still awaits contact from their missing astronauts. "We can only hope their training, and bravery, sees them through this crisis," said Rod Jobsworth, Flight Director at the Mission Control Centre. "We're unaware of the nature of the fault," he continued. "We were all on our lunch break when it happened, so didn't see it. And the crew were all on theirs, so wouldn't have interrupted that to tell us from their end." On the future of the programme, Mr Jobsworth told press that "We'll try for another launch in the spring. Sadly, these are just the risks you have to accept, even in an office as well run as NASA."

Farmer Saint prepares the Circle of Trust for the next onslaught of transfer gossip...