Rate the Transfer Window

[Colinjb]

Ok. I'm going for a 7.

This has been positive, wholesale changes in personnel that have been desperately needed for a long, long time. But, let's not forgive past neglect, this has been needed! It is not surprise and delight, this is finally doing the spring cleaning.

The players that have come in, Downs and Quashie are raw...... But on the whole, they are adding what we need. It did involve us selling the crown jewels to do though. Robinson apart, the cupboard is now bare...... So these guys HAVE to come good. But, the signs are there that these guys will give the manager what he needs. Jelert, Jander and Roerslev look very exciting to me.  

We still have weaknesses though, and, worryingly, it could be the spine of the side, Jander aside we have focused on adding width. Questions remain at GK, CB, CM and CF. 

All digits crossed that these additions unlock ability in and enhance our existing talent. But, I reserve judgement a little.

 

[saintant]

I think Will Still quickly realised that he needed to be utterly ruthless in removing the linger of Russball from the squad and he's done that in a clinical manner. It had to be done although I never thought we'd see so many out of the door. He now has the chance to put his own stamp on the side with players brought in to fit his systems and I can imagine he's very excited about that. We'll know after about ten games whether this root and branch reset is going to work but I have high hopes that it's going to revolutionise us in a good way.  

[woodsaint1]

Fuckin hell. Just score the window as you see it. Don't need to score it in the hope of digging this post out in 9 months time to say 'Ha I told you our recruitment was average'.

Im scoring it a 8.5 total

Incomings 8/10

Azaz, Fellows and Scienza look to be the exciting, creative players we've been crying out for.

Jander looks an excellent prospect and could displace Downes if his wee tummy isnt up to it.

Quarshie, Roeslev and Jelert look like solid young additions who will focus on defending first. For too long we've relied on 'defenders' who didnt do much defending.

Downs I think just needs time. His finish in pre season showed that theres plenty of quality there, although it will be tough beating out Archer, Stewart and AA for one spot in 4231. Plenty of competition which hopefully brings out the best in them.

If I'm being greedy, I would have liked a new starting GK, as Bazunu and McCarthy have plenty of flaws. That being said we got promoted with them both before, and we wont be as defensively wide open this season under Still.

Outgoings 9/10

Genuinely believed we would have kept Fernandes, but if he wanted out then we needed to cash in. To get over 80m for him and Dibling after the season we just had is great business.

Better still, to get rid of the likes of Sulemana, Onuachu, Bednarek, BBD, Smallbone, ABK Bree, Taylor (and likely Edozie and Aribo), and some for sizeable sums is impressive.

Yes we can all pick a 'deadwood' player who is still here, but we were never going to be able to completely clean house in one window. It will take a few.

We need to build a PL team between now, January and next summer and this has been a good start

Edited Monday at 22:51 by woodsaint1

[CSA96]

Well, I am going for an 8, as much for getting rid of the vast amount of **** that we have cleared out, as the acquisitions. I think it might actually be a 7.5 because I wanted a new GK and the striker position is a bit of a question mark still. I'm also a bit surprised that for Spors and Still's comments on adding physical profiles, aggression and more athletic players that we didn't add a unit to the midfield. Maybe Jander is good enough to make me forget about that, but let's see

Overall though, it's nice to have a squad that is the right size (!!!) and has the right profiles for the way the manager wants to play. My feeling after the Watford game was that we were a playoff team, but that was without Jelert, Jander, Fellows and Scienza involved and Azaz had only just started learning people's names. Flynn was messing around with his chicken again and missed out also. So that's as many as five starters missing. Let's see...

I am just glad to see it freshened up though, as that group last season had built a lot of ill feeling and made us all feel unenthused towards our football club. It was important to freshen it up on the pitch and likewise, to freshen up the dressing room. We've definitely done that, so credit to Johannes and Rasmus (!)

Over to you, Will...

Edited Tuesday at 00:50 by CSA96

[Toadhall Saint]

5 hours ago, CSA96 said:

Well, I am going for an 8, as much for getting rid of the vast amount of **** that we have cleared out, as the acquisitions. I think it might actually be a 7.5 because I wanted a new GK and the striker position is a bit of a question mark still. I'm also a bit surprised that for Spors and Still's comments on adding physical profiles, aggression and more athletic players that we didn't add a unit to the midfield. Maybe Jander is good enough to make me forget about that, but let's see

Overall though, it's nice to have a squad that is the right size (!!!) and has the right profiles for the way the manager wants to play. My feeling after the Watford game was that we were a playoff team, but that was without Jelert, Jander, Fellows and Scienza involved and Azaz had only just started learning people's names. Flynn was messing around with his chicken again and missed out also. So that's as many as five starters missing. Let's see...

I am just glad to see it freshened up though, as that group last season had built a lot of ill feeling and made us all feel unenthused towards our football club. It was important to freshen it up on the pitch and likewise, to freshen up the dressing room. We've definitely done that, so credit to Johannes and Rasmus (!)

Over to you, Will...

I’m with you so thanks for writing exactly my thoughts.

[Toussaint]

7 for me, that’s assuming the new signings are what we hope they are. I’m yet to be convinced Bazunu has improved since his last stint. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

Probably a 7.

A whole lot of changes, hopefully that will make their mark in a positive light.

The only underwhelming thing is that players we’ve been looking to ship out for some time, some are either still here or only out on loan. It’s a shame we couldn’t have brought in a few more quid for some of these players, but wages were always going to be the stumbling block.

[Football Special]

8 hours ago, Colinjb said:

Ok. I'm going for a 7.

This has been positive, wholesale changes in personnel that have been desperately needed for a long, long time. But, let's not forgive past neglect, this has been needed! It is not surprise and delight, this is finally doing the spring cleaning.

The players that have come in, Downs and Quashie are raw...... But on the whole, they are adding what we need. It did involve us selling the crown jewels to do though. Robinson apart, the cupboard is now bare...... So these guys HAVE to come good. But, the signs are there that these guys will give the manager what he needs. Jelert, Jander and Roerslev look very exciting to me.  

We still have weaknesses though, and, worryingly, it could be the spine of the side, Jander aside we have focused on adding width. Questions remain at GK, CB, CM and CF. 

All digits crossed that these additions unlock ability in and enhance our existing talent. But, I reserve judgement a little.

 

Spine of the side has not been addressed, lack physical presence in midfield, GK is poor , we're going to be relying on scoring a lot of goals again like 23/24 as there won't be many clean sheets

 Not sure if Still has worked out who will play up top, Archer seems to be best option but needs support and someone to create space for him, no point playing long balls to him 

Lots of new faces only time will tell if Still can make a team out of them. 

Overall window 5/10 

Edited Tuesday at 06:45 by Football Special

[Patches O Houlihan]

9 hours ago, saintant said:

Don't agree that the Pompey game will be a litmus test or much of an indicator other than maybe how we cope under pressure. It's a one-off huge derby game and the first for some in the squad so trying to play football will almost go out the window. Much rather judge in a handful of games time when Will Still has had more time to work with the squad and the players start to gel.

You could argue the derby is a test of nerve and innate natural instinctive ability under pressure. There won't have been time for the players to have absorbed much - certainly in attacking areas. They'll be making it up as they go along and reacting instinctively.

Let's hope the on paper quality shows up. Azaz was put in that position against Watford and certainly acquitted himself pretty well (despite the error). 🤞

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Surely it's hard to give a proper rating until a) you've seen the new arrivals play and b) at least half the season has gone? I remember being excited by Sulemana's arrival for instance, but he was a perpetual disappointment. All the new signings on paper look good acqusitions ie right age, not too expensive, speak English etc etc and hopefully Spors is a good judge. My one concern is we haven't signed an experienced, wily leader a la Jimmy Case. I remember when LM brought him in on a free from Brighton most thought WTF, but he was so important to the development of MLT, Shearer, Wallace etc. Pound for pound McMenemy's finest signing and when you remember who he signed that's quite an accolade.

[Saint86]

Reminds me of Koeman's first window - came in after the squad was ripped apart with loads of players leaving and having to make a load of new signings - most of which were quality for where we were at and created the foundations for the best saints side in the past 30-40years.

Edited Tuesday at 07:17 by Saint86

[egg]

5 for me, although I'm cautious as I haven't the new boys play. 

Like others have said, GK isn't good, although a Baz upgrade was never in the cards. 

I'm OK with the CB's and have no issues with Stephens at this level. Hopefully THB picks up, and if he does, the new boys should do well in a back 4. Quarshie looks a year or so away for me, but Mads looks brilliant. 

CM doesn't have the right balance. Azaz offers us what we need further up, but that doesn't help is further back. 

Out wide we've recruited really well on the face of it. My main concern though is who's on the end of Fellows balls into the box. I'd like to think Archer will come good, but let's see. 

In short, CB aside where we're ok, the spine ain't the best imo, but the bits on the side are decent. 

I think we have a play off squad.

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Surely it's hard to give a proper rating until a) you've seen the new arrivals play and b) at least half the season has gone? I remember being excited by Sulemana's arrival for instance, but he was a perpetual disappointment. All the new signings on paper look good acqusitions ie right age, not too expensive, speak English etc etc and hopefully Spors is a good judge. My one concern is we haven't signed an experienced, wily leader a la Jimmy Case. I remember when LM brought him in on a free from Brighton most thought WTF, but he was so important to the development of MLT, Shearer, Wallace etc. Pound for pound McMenemy's finest signing and when you remember who he signed that's quite an accolade.

I'm guessing they wanted Stephens to fulfill that role. I don't disagree though, it's why I really wanted us to sign Romeu even if he is a bit slower and less capable than before.

[Dman]

4 minutes ago, egg said:

5 for me, although I'm cautious as I haven't the new boys play. 

Like others have said, GK isn't good, although a Baz upgrade was never in the cards. 

I'm OK with the CB's and have no issues with Stephens at this level. Hopefully THB picks up, and if he does, the new boys should do well in a back 4. Quarshie looks a year or so away for me, but Mads looks brilliant. 

CM doesn't have the right balance. Azaz offers us what we need further up, but that doesn't help is further back. 

Out wide we've recruited really well on the face of it. My main concern though is who's on the end of Fellows balls into the box. I'd like to think Archer will come good, but let's see. 

In short, CB aside where we're ok, the spine ain't the best imo, but the bits on the side are decent. 

I think we have a play off squad.

I think this is where I'm at, although I have to dissagree with the CM comments. We essentially have 3 of the best central players in this division and I really like the look of the German lad who imo will replace Downes and be the "number 6". 

There are a lot of 'what if's' for me. If still can get the balance right in the middle, if still can get Archer firing, if the new lads are as good as they look on the face of things, if Bazunu doesn't do bazunu things... We have the bases of a side that could, maybe should, piss the leauge (with Leciester getting a points deduction).

All in all, I'm a lot more excited for the season than I was a month ago. 

[Baird of the land]

Maybe a 6. On paper scienza, Azaz and Fellows should provide much needed options. Let see if still can show some managerial ability in using them.

Downs is definitely dragging it down. When we needed a striking upgrade we've got a long term project.

[trousers]

31 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I'm guessing they wanted Stephens to fulfill that role. I don't disagree though, it's why I really wanted us to sign Romeu even if he is a bit slower and less capable than before.

Yep, another Romeu advocate here. If he's willing to come here then surely it's a "nothing to lose" scenario for us?

Yes, ok, despite being a free transfer, he'd command a decent wage, so there's is a risk of throwing a few bob down the plughole if he picks up an injury or ends up being a bench warmer, but in the general scheme of things, signing him (on a one season contract) would surely be right down there on the riskometer...? 

And, yes, I also acknowledge that going down the 'old boys' path hasn't paid off the last few seasons (Lallana & Walcott) but just because those ones didn't work out particularly well doesn't mean another can't. 

Edited Tuesday at 07:54 by trousers

[Saint Fan CaM]

I’d have to say it’s a 7/10 for me right now and the rationale is quite simple…

Pro’s:

1. with the number of incoming players, it’s easy to forget how much of a task was in front of Spors moving the lesser unsuitable players onwards. I believe Spors has done a remarkably decent job - the list of outgoings is long and while we’ve also lost our best players in Rambo, Dibling and Fernandes, we’ve also gained crucial rebuild funds.

2. the incoming players appear to be of a generally decent level and in terms of numbers, provide a healthy turnaround in 1st team make-up, particularly in creative attacking intent - time will tell of course whether they can all gel and importantly whether Still can get a tune out of them.

Cons:

1. there appears to be a continued ‘blindness’ to the deficiencies in Bazunu and Stephens competency, which in terms of the latter is a difficulty masked by the Captaincy. This chink in the armour of the spine of the team will continue to plague results I fear. Manning as LB adds to the defensive weaknesses we’ve seen, however the window may have possibly solved this.

2. the only true striker addition is Downs and so far, he doesn’t appear to have the necessary guile to make a huge impact, although again it’s early days and the midfield/winger additions may influence his output greatly. It just feels like it’s an area that has once again received a lack of attention, although AA, Stewart and Archer with their past performances could very well be enough to fire Saints to the top…we’ll see.

Edited Tuesday at 07:52 by Saint Fan CaM

[Greedyfly]

45 minutes ago, egg said:

5 for me, although I'm cautious as I haven't the new boys play. 

Like others have said, GK isn't good, although a Baz upgrade was never in the cards. 

I'm OK with the CB's and have no issues with Stephens at this level. Hopefully THB picks up, and if he does, the new boys should do well in a back 4. Quarshie looks a year or so away for me, but Mads looks brilliant. 

CM doesn't have the right balance. Azaz offers us what we need further up, but that doesn't help is further back. 

Out wide we've recruited really well on the face of it. My main concern though is who's on the end of Fellows balls into the box. I'd like to think Archer will come good, but let's see. 

In short, CB aside where we're ok, the spine ain't the best imo, but the bits on the side are decent. 

I think we have a play off squad.

This echoes it for me but I will give it a 6 because I think the cleanse job that happened cannot have been easy and yet we got rid of a lot of shit which is brilliant and upgraded in some areas - but not as many as I'd like (GK, CF).

 

I also think deep lying CMs shouldn't be an issue if Downes can pull his head of out his arse - he started like this last time around and was then brilliant so fingers crossed there.

 

IF it all clicks and the 2 CMs can become generals we should have enough to challenge for auto's but its not a given without a recognised quality striker.  Hoping LND finds his old Championship form one more time and for a longer stint or that Archer steps up is quite the ask.

[spyinthesky]

I agree particularly about a 'proper' No 9.
Also the squad is a tad lightweight and may be bullied by bigger, more direct, teams.
All that said, I hope the excitement I'm feeling about the squad I see on paper will be translated onto performances on the pitch.

[saintant]

54 minutes ago, egg said:

5 for me, although I'm cautious as I haven't the new boys play. 

Like others have said, GK isn't good, although a Baz upgrade was never in the cards. 

I'm OK with the CB's and have no issues with Stephens at this level. Hopefully THB picks up, and if he does, the new boys should do well in a back 4. Quarshie looks a year or so away for me, but Mads looks brilliant. 

CM doesn't have the right balance. Azaz offers us what we need further up, but that doesn't help is further back. 

Out wide we've recruited really well on the face of it. My main concern though is who's on the end of Fellows balls into the box. I'd like to think Archer will come good, but let's see. 

In short, CB aside where we're ok, the spine ain't the best imo, but the bits on the side are decent. 

I think we have a play off squad.

I'm expecting the goals to be shared around and we won't be reliant on Archer. I think Will Still is going to be asking Fellows, Scienza and Azaz to all look to be regular goal scorers not just providers. All 3 look to have the tools to be able to take on opponents, get in the box or within shooting range and should give us a fair bit of extra fire power.

[ally_uk]

I'm going to go with a 7.

I would of liked another goal keeper, Never have rated Bazunu.

And a Destroyer type Romeu, Central Midfielder.

 

[whelk]

Happy with it but been happy with some previous transfer windows and turns out we signed loads of duds. Can’t complain about SR’s approach and lot rests now with manager to create a cohesive team.

I’m probably alone with this, but think Aribo could still be a useful asset in this division. Ditto Edozie 

[Toadhall Saint]

4 minutes ago, whelk said:

Happy with it but been happy with some previous transfer windows and turns out we signed loads of duds. Can’t complain about SR’s approach and lot rests now with manager to create a cohesive team.

I’m probably alone with this, but think Aribo could still be a useful asset in this division. Ditto Edozie 

No you’re not alone.

[eurosaint]

OUTS  - 9 

Massive clearout needed and done. Good money for Tyler and Matty✔️

INS - 7.5

Too many unknowns to rate properly but the portents are good✔️

Overall I think the balance is ok and squad depth should be better than most others in the league✔️

Ps. I’m not one of the Baz or Captain Jack haters 😉

[trousers]

1 hour ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Surely it's hard to give a proper rating until a) you've seen the new arrivals play and b) at least half the season has gone?

Of course, but isn't this regular "rate the window" thread 'just a bit of fun' at the end of the day (Brian)? I don't think anyone's claiming it to be a scientific exercise, well, at least not one that's going to trouble the 'Nobel Prize for Science' committee any time soon...  

I could watch 'Death in Paradise' without having a guess at the beginning as to who committed the crime, but where would the fun in that be....?

 

Edited Tuesday at 08:56 by trousers

[Doctoroncall]

1 hour ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Surely it's hard to give a proper rating until a) you've seen the new arrivals play and b) at least half the season has gone? I remember being excited by Sulemana's arrival for instance, but he was a perpetual disappointment. All the new signings on paper look good acqusitions ie right age, not too expensive, speak English etc etc and hopefully Spors is a good judge. My one concern is we haven't signed an experienced, wily leader a la Jimmy Case. I remember when LM brought him in on a free from Brighton most thought WTF, but he was so important to the development of MLT, Shearer, Wallace etc. Pound for pound McMenemy's finest signing and when you remember who he signed that's quite an accolade.

Agree about missing a player like Case. Been like that for a few seasons. Case was fantastic and a favourite. 
 

As to judging the window, you can assess it multiple times through the season, obviously limited now but it seems good business considering the amount of change that was required and having to stay on the right side of PSR, not spending too much while cutting squad costs. 
 

All seems reasonable (on paper), defensive solidity and finishing seem to be areas of slight concern. 

[Brumsaint]

As others say, until I've seen the new additions play it's hard to score it, but I'm hovering around 7.5 at the moment. Worried about GK, not convinced our strikers are good enough and wish we'd managed to shift Edozie, Aribo, Smallbone, ABK and BBD for some kind of transfer fee. All of that would have boosted it up to a higher score, but I'm still feeling more optimistic than I was at the start of the summer despite the losses of Ramsdale, Fernandes and Dibling.

I think Still's been given the tools he needs to have a real go at winning this league. We'll need some luck and for everyone to be fully committed, but judging by the start of the season, there's no team we can't beat.

[Matty's Caddy]

On paper, looks decent, but let’s not get too carried away until we’ve seen them in the flesh for half a dozen games. 
this will be Wills team that we can probably judge him on….

[tdmickey3]

54 minutes ago, eurosaint said:

OUTS  - 9 

Massive clearout needed and done. Good money for Tyler and Matty✔️

INS - 7.5

Too many unknowns to rate properly but the portents are good✔️

Overall I think the balance is ok and squad depth should be better than most others in the league✔️

Ps. I’m not one of the Baz or Captain Jack haters 😉

Agree with that except the Baz and Stephens haters, no one hates them.

My opinion is that Stephens is ok but nothing more but certainly not worth of the extension.

Bazunu is the glaringly weak link in our squad and I don`t think he is good enough for a team who`s ambition is to be promoted automatically but we are where we are so lets hope he surprises us all.

[saintant]

12 minutes ago, Brumsaint said:

As others say, until I've seen the new additions play it's hard to score it, but I'm hovering around 7.5 at the moment. Worried about GK, not convinced our strikers are good enough and wish we'd managed to shift Edozie, Aribo, Smallbone, ABK and BBD for some kind of transfer fee. All of that would have boosted it up to a higher score, but I'm still feeling more optimistic than I was at the start of the summer despite the losses of Ramsdale, Fernandes and Dibling.

I think Still's been given the tools he needs to have a real go at winning this league. We'll need some luck and for everyone to be fully committed, but judging by the start of the season, there's no team we can't beat.

Regards Dibling I think what we lost when he left was potential because let's be honest he did very little apart from the odd spark early season. So we didn't lose a player who was scoring for fun and providing assists. I think Fellows and Scienza will be upgrades although Tyler, of course, may eventually fulfil his potential.

[OldNick]

I dont think we can rate the window until we've seen them play

[Paul_B]

13 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

is this a bit of fun?

No. Just how I see it. We've been atrocious so far and I know it's very early days but the hangover is still there from last season and it's going to need more than a couple of paracetamol to lift it. We all obviously want the new players to come good, but there's no guarantee. It's not as if we haven't been known to make good players seem very average in the past.....

 

I would obviously love it if we do make the play-offs or better and if that happens I will come back and quote myself admitting I was wrong. But that is going to need a serious turnaround with consistent performances and results, which I just can't see at the moment.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

3 hours ago, trousers said:

Of course, but isn't this regular "rate the window" thread 'just a bit of fun' at the end of the day (Brian)? I don't think anyone's claiming it to be a scientific exercise, well, at least not one that's going to trouble the 'Nobel Prize for Science' committee any time soon...  

I could watch 'Death in Paradise' without having a guess at the beginning as to who committed the crime, but where would the fun in that be....?

 

Death in Paradise makes Scooby Doo plots look complicated.

[JustinR]

average score of 7.55 so far. Think that's not far off

[trousers]

19 minutes ago, Fitzhugh Fella said:

Death in Paradise makes Scooby Doo plots look complicated.

Ha! Exactly....

[trousers]

3 hours ago, saintant said:

Regards Dibling I think what we lost when he left was potential because let's be honest he did very little apart from the odd spark early season. So we didn't lose a player who was scoring for fun and providing assists. I think Fellows and Scienza will be upgrades although Tyler, of course, may eventually fulfil his potential.

Fernandes wasn't exactly prolific for us either (2 goals, 4 assists), although his achievements were obviously stunted by the quality of his team mates and managers....

[East Kent Saint]

So far so good ! 

[gallaghert366@yahoo.com]

10 hours ago, Football Special said:

Spine of the side has not been addressed, lack physical presence in midfield, GK is poor , we're going to be relying on scoring a lot of goals again like 23/24 as there won't be many clean sheets

 Not sure if Still has worked out who will play up top, Archer seems to be best option but needs support and someone to create space for him, no point playing long balls to him 

Lots of new faces only time will tell if Still can make a team out of them. 

Overall window 5/10 

 

[Daft Kerplunk]

Some positives on paper, looks like we should get more goal contribution from midfield, which will be needed to balance the weakness of our front line options.  Better defending as a unit and more attacking pressure on the opposition should mean Baz is less exposed and hopefully the GK coach will help him improve. 

Shame we had to lose Fernandes, really good that we got rid of a heap of players who've had negligible impact, still a few left so perhaps they'll go on loan.  A decent war chest seems to be there should we need additional players in January for a promotion push. 

An optimistic 6.5  

 

[derry]

I think it has turned out to be a pretty good transfer window. We have shifted about £25m in salaries for a start. Lost a load of players that either weren't good enough or didn't want to be here, that alone was a result. As for the transfers in, they have been outstanding. The key for me is the new engine room, Fellows, Azaz and Scienza. They will put a whole new attacking output for the lucky strikers that are used, Downs should thrive as and when used now we have proper creators and scorers in attack. Jander will give us a new dimension from midfield with his passing and driving runs. Lastly providing we play four at the back the two full backs should improve us. Add that to the players that are still here and we have the basis of a cracking team.

[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. 

[LiberalCommunist]

Solid 8 for me. Really pleased with the clubs ability to move players on, and recruit some exciting talent. 

Tyler and Mattys departure seemed pretty critical in this process, so unusually it doesn't feel we just got bullied by a big club flexing on us. 

It will be rather intriguing seeing how quickly our new recruits adapt to life here. But equally many of us will be keeping a keen eye on the big money departees to see how well they do, and if they live up to their expensive price tags. 

[Dusic]

1 hour ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

4 out of 10 for me.

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. 

The squad depth is still an issue, despite all of the churn. 

Will take issue with these points:

KWP we were extremely fortunate to have last time in the Championship and have replaced him with Roerslev who has been promoted from the Championship and played lots of games in the PL.

In Armstrong's position we have Azaz who has the most goals and assists in the Championship since the start of 2023/4 season plus Fellows who got 14 assists in the league last year.

In Adams' position we have Archer who has regularly scored at this level when he played for Boro, plus another two strikers in Downs and Stewart so more depth than we had last time out.

CB we have kept THB who has successive promotions from this league plus currently have Ronnie Edwards as 5th choice CB - he would start for many teams.

I wouldnt say that most of those mentioned haven't performed at this level - they all have and some have been amongst the best in their position in the league!

Then depth wise it is ludicrously strong as emphasised by Edwards being 5th CB. We will have players not even making the bench who would start in almost every other team.

Aside from the points above, IMO overall we have a stronger squad than last time, certainly in attacking areas and some players like Charles are significantly better than 2 years ago.

[hypochondriac]

1 hour ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

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 think there's weaknesses but I can't really see how anyone could rate us a 4. That seems much to harsh imo.

[egg]

2 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I think there's weaknesses but I can't really see how anyone could rate us a 4. That seems much to harsh imo.

I'm largely with him, although I'm 5/10.

I don't compare to where we were last time we were in the championship as I don't see that as a necessary comparison.

Looking at the spine of the team compared to last season's fiasco, GK is weaker, CB is the same, CM is minus a big Les (and maybe Aribo) and up a Jander who may improve us, AM is minus a Fernandes and up and Azaz so no better, and CF is no stronger.

Then there's the outside areas. RB is different and very good but probably not better, LB is similar. LW and RW are arguably down but I'll take Fellows and  Scienza over a reluctant Dibling and variable Kamaldeen. 

The wage bill is massively down, but we still have players we don't want or need. 

My 5 may be a bit harsh, but the spine of a team is vital, and it's no better despite all the ins and outs, and arguably we're no better elsewhere either. 

What's pleasing though is we've recruited players who'll be really good at this level. 

[lambtiss]

It is a 7 for me until we see how the new players gel and fit into Will Still's style of play.

 

Offensively I think we have improved with Fellows, Azas and Scienza looking like great options. 

Defensively, I still have doubts about the CB pairings although Roerslev looks like a very sound full back which should help.

I would have liked to see an experienced number 9, target man to allow Stewart to bring his fitness up gradually. Bazunu has never won me over, so I would have liked a new first choice GK.

 

Time will tell, starting with the fishy f*****s next week. 

COYR

Edited Wednesday at 12:07 by lambtiss

[Holmes_and_Watson]

44 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Will take issue with these points:

KWP we were extremely fortunate to have last time in the Championship and have replaced him with Roerslev who has been promoted from the Championship and played lots of games in the PL.

In Armstrong's position we have Azaz who has the most goals and assists in the Championship since the start of 2023/4 season plus Fellows who got 14 assists in the league last year.

In Adams' position we have Archer who has regularly scored at this level when he played for Boro, plus another two strikers in Downs and Stewart so more depth than we had last time out.

CB we have kept THB who has successive promotions from this league plus currently have Ronnie Edwards as 5th choice CB - he would start for many teams.

I wouldnt say that most of those mentioned haven't performed at this level - they all have and some have been amongst the best in their position in the league!

Then depth wise it is ludicrously strong as emphasised by Edwards being 5th CB. We will have players not even making the bench who would start in almost every other team.

Aside from the points above, IMO overall we have a stronger squad than last time, certainly in attacking areas and some players like Charles are significantly better than 2 years ago.

I don't disagree that any/all of our new signings could be excellent for us. A couple were already good at championship level. Mads has plenty of PL experience. I think I've a post saying as much a few days back.

It's a rating subject to change. But we have lost players, since or last promotion, who were among our better players at PL level (regardless of how low a bar that might be). It would be very difficult to replace those, and the rating is a reflection of that.

We still end up with a squad pretty much everyone else is envious of, at our level. That said, we drifted away to 4th place last time, and needed a record run, with those PL players. Even with the resources and incomings we have now, it will take a lot of effort to better that. Hopefully a season from now, I can look back and say it turned into a 10.

[Midfield_General]

6.5 for me. 

The clear-out has been nothing short of amazing. Well done to everyone involved for that, because that was not easy. 

Recruitment-wise though, while I'm excited by some of the signings, we seem to have done things arse about face. The core principle of a good team has always been to get the spine right first and foremost. We seem to have focused heavily on the more peripheral positions and taken a series of risks with the spine. GK, CB and CF could all have been addressed much better for me. Three key errors:

- At GK: Putting all our eggs in the Bazunu basket and not providing any credible competition better than a 34-year-old McCarthy

- At CB: Giving Stephens the extension and keeping him as captain, essentially building the defence around him and all his well-documented weaknesses

- At CF: Taking a huge risk on Downs as our CF signing when we could surely have brought in a much lower risk option who would be more oven-ready and make us less reliant on Archer/ Stewart/ Armstrong (shudder) or goals from midfield

Overall, with our resources when compared to most of the rest of the division, it will be criminal If we don't get play-offs, but I'm pretty sure we will. I'm not convinced the key positions are strong enough for the automatics though. We're already 7 points off top and I think we're going to continue to drop points by giving away avoidable goals at one end and failing to take chances at the other due to the weaknesses above. 

I very much hope I'm wrong and eating my words in May. Then we can all look forward to getting trounced again every week in the Prem. Rinse and repeat. Sometimes I wish I'd been born in Madrid. 

Edited Wednesday at 13:14 by Midfield_General

[Chez]

I have really enjoyed this window. With every player departing it moved us away from the debacle of last season. Having both early sales and buys seemed slightly different (probably isn't in reality) and perhaps reduced the pressure on Spors a little. The speed thereafter felt very normal and everything seemed to be timed perfectly at the end. Unfortunately, although Quarshie and Downs clearly have the physical attributes, they have started a little slowly, which undermines my confidence in some of the other signings, but only a little. 

I had little doubt Ramsdale, Dibling and Fernandes would depart, but wasn't happy loaning Ramsdale and thought Everton got Dibling for a bargain. I may be wrong about both of those things.

I am pretty excited by the Jander signing. I really like players that are comfortable on the ball like him. He is the one player that could make all the difference over the next few years. I look forward to seeing Fellows, but his and Aziz' ceiling is a concern. Scienza not getting games is a slight concern, but need to see him to know what we have got. I'm really pleased we have strengthened at full back. It's such an important position and has bene badly overlooked by us. We seem to be a lot bigger/taller. Hopefully we have added athleticism too helping us do better at set pieces and cutting the space down quicker when we lose the ball.

I felt Baz was always going to be the keeper, so moving swiftly on, the biggest negative was not really filling the defensive midfield role. Downes now needs to refind his form as I don't see Seesay as being ready just yet on his preseason games. I worry also about whether we have that focal point of attack with a guy that can play with his back to goal. We certainly have plenty of options now though. Over to you Mr Still.