Holmes_and_Watson

4 out of 10 for me. That's partially a reflection on the mess that was needed to be cleared up, rather than on all the work Spors and co did to get players in, and others to get players out the door. After all that, I think we're weaker than the last time we got promoted. We've replaced the likes of KWP, Bednarek, Stu and Che with players who haven't performed at that level, or up and coming players. That's not to say that the incoming players won't be able to step up. Any rating is subject to change and the recruitment team could well have brought in plenty of gems. It can be tougher to convince players to take a step down to join, rather than keep those that have come down with you. But as a snap shot, a quick look indicates it's the difference, for me, of finishing fourth and fighting to get into the playoffs. Hopefully Still and the new recruits won't have the same issues Martin had. The squad depth is still an issue, despite all of the churn. SR have never really replaced Romeu and more recently Adams. We lack an all round center forward and proper defensive midfielder with technical ability. hopefully Jander will be the latter, and Still's system mitigates the need for the former. Time will tell. There's lots of reservations around our 'keeper position too. Technically, SR solved it by bringing in Ramsdale, but it's Baz and McCarthy again for this season. Despite all the gloomy bits, there's no doubt we have an engaged ownership group, still working hard to get their model to work. That makes a difference, when you look at other clubs. Player trading is a solid 5 out of 10 for me. Excellent in moving on younger players for a profit (Livramento, Lavia, Tella, Alcaraz, Dibling and Fernandes), but let down by the bloated squad and having to gut the squad on more than one occasion. Arguably, we've not made massive losses on any individual (Sule and TP for example), which was part of the goal. SR will be pleased the overall wage bill continues to reach where they wanted it to go, even if we have lost out on some PL seasons, and overall it was a bit bloated. We will have more flexibility should we go back up.

I'm not quite sure if you're setting up an Only Fans account or not after that post. 🙂

Dildo ninjas are everywhere

Well, there's our new captain.

The presenter actually just said there's been a lot of willies. But that turned out to be a lot of will he, won't he's. 🙂

Try dropping something, only to catch it low and to your left.

Think of the merchandising! Besides, Chelsea used to have one.

Well, if you're going to be speciest about progressing the club...

Agile, aggressive, front pawed, a better catcher than Baz... Is Leo a free agent?

Clinton Morrison with the inside Palace scoop...by repeating all the things those around him have just said. Stunning insight.

SSN saying that Palace aren't walking away from £35million, never mind what they were telling people. 🙂

Under an hour left. So a good time to remind everyone to watch their fingers when that window SLAMS shut. In Saints news, how many games does Baz have to play, before Pep realises he's the chosen one? Stunned they've gone and signed someone else.

If he's in the German second division, he could end up back here after falling into our trawling net. 🙂

Consistent with the medium and close range shots. 🙂

People said it would be a Long-shot to get a 'keeper in, and SR got a bit confused.

Meh. His kettle purchasing isn't really up to our standards. 🙂

We're just getting the squad numbers down! Look at them all. Just as well we were operated extra dressing rooms a couple of seasons back. 🙂

John Lewis would be an insane signing.

With under a day left in the transfer window, I think we’re still weaker than the team that got promoted in 23/24. We’re not massively weaker, but the drop in quality is telling. We’ve lost the PL experience of KWP, Bednarek, Stu and Adams since then. The 3 bright spots of last season, in Fernandes, Dibling and Ramsdale, are no longer here this season to compensate. While Mads has plenty of PL experience, the others follow the SR model. To be part of a side promoted to the PL, they are all going to have to make a step up. That includes Azaz and Fellows who were at least highlights of teams in our division, which will help. In terms of squad depth, the basis is there. As everyone has said, we need to move on those who don’t want to be here, or don’t have a playing future here, in order to bring in some extra quality. Baz’s upgrade is currently on loan with Newcastle, so it looks as though that position is set. Likewise, Archer is being given the nod, with no one providing the all-round quality Adams gave. It looks as though other funds in this position went on Downs. But we can hope, with BBD’s departure. If Jander isn’t going to be a starting DM, then it’s a position that could really do with strengthening. Likewise, a left sided attacking midfielder would be ideal. A lot depends on outgoings of Edozie, Aribo, Smallbone, possibly Sesay on loan, and even someone’s late bid for Downes. Elsewhere, I can’t imagine Bree getting many minutes now with Jelert’s arrival. As much as I think he’d be fine in the squad, he’s going into the last year of his contract. Here’s hoping for more computer game fun from the media team.

Adam Lallana: Help or hindrance when it comes to gel?

Darn Duolingo! I was going for that. I figured a Steve McClaren accent would see me through.

Not sure the council will grant planning permission for that, Wade. 🙂

Friend

Awesome work Spors! Getting Smallbone in years before joining the club, to remove any worries at the end of this window.