saintant

Sulemana is a strange one. He came in at a time we were odds on to be relegated so it must have come as no surprise when the inevitable happened. He arrived as a work in progress type of player with a lot of growing and improving to do - a prospect but by no means the finished article. As I recall he had about one half decent game in an end of season match against a half-hearted Liverpool. My question about him is what gives him the impression he is too good for us? He has proved nothing yet so why not buckle down, do some learning, get some games in and prove what he's all about because so far I haven't a clue whether he's bad, medium, good or brilliant. We gave him a chance so why not repay us with a little loyalty. Maybe there's a queue of big clubs waiting for him to give them the nod but my impression is that he thinks he's far better than he's shown so far.

We were told Mowbray would be permanently on the road for weeks but that is certainly not reflected in the signings we've made. Maybe he has done a lot of travelling but hasn't managed to unearth any gems. It's a strange window so far for us in terms of incoming players.

There seems to be confusion as to when the new contract was offered. From what I've read it was at the start of the close season and the recent 'news' from the Echo is merely the fact that the offer is still on the table. Whether Adams will change his mind and decide to sign it I guess depends on what offers come in for him. If only Everton are interested I can see him signing a new contract with us.

I think Fraser will be a definite starter assuming his attitude is right. Still only 28 so, if he can recreate his best form, he'll walk into our side. Should be chomping at the bit because he's never had many opportunities at Newcastle and probably joined them at the wrong time. Not so sure about Holgate but will reserve judgement.

Maybe. Fraser will probably play on the left instead of Edozie.

But presumably, by the same token, we only have to pay instalments for players we sign - or are we somehow treated differently?

But presumably, by the same token, we only have to pay instalments for players we sign - or are we somehow treated differently?

Had trouble loading. Probably isn't worth reading once never mind three times. Hope this one works.

The original message says he was offered the deal earlier in the summer and it remains on the table so no appeasing of fan opinions for my money.

I agree that Wilcox doesn't come across as a hatchet man. However, maybe the new guy in charge of the purse strings was brought in to insist the unpalatable stuff gets done without emotional involvement. It's often the bean counters who ruin everybody's fun. If he plays hardball to release funds then deals can't get done.

The trouble with saying we'll have a stronger squad by the time the window closes is, if you leave it late, you are at the mercy of how multiple deals involving multiple players and clubs pan out. Often you end up scrambling around for the scraps while your real targets vanish before your eyes. With the money we've brought in many of us probably hoped the club would be proactive and get some exciting deals done ahead of the summer sales closing day madness. Sure, we don't know what is going on behind the scenes but the count down is on so hopefully well start hearing some good news. If nothing is clear by a day or two before the window shuts I worry we'll miss the boat.

The trouble with saying we'll have a stronger squad by the time the window closes is, if you leave it late, you are at the mercy of how multiple deals involving multiple players and clubs pan out. Often you end up scrambling around for the scraps while your real targets vanish before your eyes. With the money we've brought in many of us probably hoped the club would be proactive and get some exciting deals done ahead of the summer sales closing day madness. Sure, we don't know what is going on behind the scenes but the count down is on so hopefully well start hearing some good news. If nothing is clear by a day or two before the window shuts I worry we'll miss the boat.

The trouble with saying we'll have a stronger squad by the time the window closes is, if you leave it late, you are at the mercy of how multiple deals involving multiple players and clubs pan out. Often you end up scrambling around for the scraps while your real targets vanish before your eyes. With the money we've brought in many of us probably hoped the club would be proactive and get some exciting deals done ahead of the summer sales closing day madness. Sure, we don't know what is going on behind the scenes but the count down is on so hopefully well start hearing some good news. If nothing is clear by a day or two before the window shuts I worry we'll miss the boat.

I agree to an extent but having players on the back burner ready to come in is no guarantee they'll be available when you want them. Presumably they'll be decent players who will also be on the radars of other clubs so it's a very delicate balancing act as we all know.

Or Biden or Starmer 🙂

I get that we won't spend anywhere close to all the money we've received this window and have myself stated the reasons why I agree with that on here. However, I hoped, and still do, that we will make at least one marquee signing that generates some real excitement and anticipation. We have generated good money in return for losing JWP and Lavia so it would be great to see some of that spent on a player who genuinely raises our hopes for the season. We've had enough bad news and disappointment, time for a marquee signing to excite us.

Fans are nervous and I don't think you can blame us after how we missed out on signing a striker last summer - we're following the form but hoping Wilcox prove there's nothing to worry about. It is very easy to get sucked into a position at the end of the window where you either panic buy or get nobody.

Obviously the one scenario we cannot allow to happen is to sell Che and get no replacement - I'm assuming Wilcox and co are not that daft.

If true I guess we can draw the conclusion that we don't want him meaning either Che is staying or we have someone else lined up.

I'm pretty sure, looking at the state Everton are in financially, we could match or better anything they can offer. That depends on whether we are keen to keep him or have good alternatives waiting in the wings. Either way this needs to be resolved soon or we could be left facing another last minute scramble for a striker and, our experience tells us, that does not end well. Everton need to do a deal now or we should tell them to look elsewhere.

Or a dwarf's relative.

Not sure how much truth there is in this. If KWP goes and we get Ben Johnson he'd be a good replacement as he also plays on both wings and would be excellent in the Championship.

It's a decent height for a full back.

We pay him a lot of money so if his head is elsewhere he needs to return it to the club who are paying him a fortune to do his job. The money these guys earn - just get on and do what you're paid for because it's not a bad life.

Well said!