Harry_SFC

I know it's only Eastleigh but the young lads have looked very sharp. SAA and Dibling deserve more of a chance this season.

I'm still convinced we will be playing Taylor as a LCB in a 3. He's not really attacking enough to play as a wing back. Leaves Welington and Manning as our LWB's.

Yep we need an alternative to Downes and an upgrade on Smallbone/Aribo.

Agreed. Should all be very competitive matches. Imagine the team might be made up of a fair few youngsters against Eastleigh?

I'd be surprised if he did but i'd also be concerned as it would mean we are starting the season with just 1 proper centre forward!

The club know Tall Paul will be going. Sulemena, KWP, ABK and possibly Alcaraz all likely to go too.

Isn't the 7th August a Wednesday?

Looks like we are signing 21 year old midfielder Kutyu Matsuki from FC Tokyo. He'll be loaned out to Goztepe this season for Visa reasons. Highly rated player over in Japan.

Especially given our fixtures over the first month or so - potential winnable games that we can't afford to waste.

There's still just over month to go but the Striker and CM situation is a big worry. If Downes doesn't sign then you could argue we need a whole new midfield! Aribo didn't fare too well in the Prem last time and Smallbones limitations off the ball will be shown up at a higher level.

Would be nice to get him and Downes in. Badly need two DM's this summer (wouldn't be against loaning Charles back to the championship)

If we play a 3-5-2 next season (pretty likely I'd imagine) then Armstrong and Szmodics would probably be too similar to play as a pair. I'd like to think we are looking for someone a bit more in the mould of Adams (stronger and better at holding the ball) just a better finisher. Not massively clued up on the foreign market but in terms of domestic players - the forwards at Luton wouldn't be bad shouts. Adebayo or Morris.

Tbh with KWPs contract situation we'd do well to get £15 million for him. I'd certainly take a swap. Either way, if West Ham wanted £20m for Downes we should pay it. We know how good he is - that's worth a lot.

Agreed. I'm discounting Mara. That currently leaves us with Stewart who has played about 40 minutes in 18 months and Armstrong who isn't really an out and out striker. If we re-sign Che and get another in that's 3 strikers with Armstrong as a fail safe. About the right amount you'd want really. If we can only spend big in one position it's got to be a CF.

Not bothered about Delap but Philogene going to Ipswich is frustrating, he's a very good player. Greaves is also a solid CB and much better than Nathan Wood.

Still concerned about the lack of proper quality in these signings.

It was intended as neither to be honest, more of an observation 😂

Free Agent FC are back for more

Agreed. I'm not a huge fan of the Wood signing but you're essentially getting a youngish back up player for a couple of million. He did struggle last season but was decent under Martin at Swansea so we'll see.

Tbh I'd give him away for free, let alone taking the first offer we get. In reality I guess the best we could hope for is he goes out on loan to a foreign league and scores a few goals.

On the debate of ex players. Wouldn't be Hojbjerg because he can't pass for toffee. Romeu probably a bit too old/slow now. Can't see JWP leaving West Ham so soon. Reed or Chamberlain would probably be the most realistic.

Get rid of Mara and sign a new striker. That's a new CF, Stewart, Adams and AA who can all play that position if needed.

Left back has been a bit of a problem area for us since Bertrand left. Hopefully we'll finally see one who is decent at defending, even if it isn't a long term signing.

Burnley fans seem genuinely gutted he hasn't signed a new deal.

Swansea fans keen to get rid of him. I am slightly concerned we seem to be after players who aren't necessarily good enough to start (bar O'Riley) What's the point in bloating the squad with back up players?