02 Jun 2022 07:53:48
Reflecting on last season (required alcohol) and what we need to do better to ensure we don’t go through the same level of pain and anxiety again! (Shout out to Martyn, hope you’re good pal)
Millions of stats out there, but simply looking at the final table below the top six, nearly every team lost or drew as many games, as they won.
So I need to get more realistic if I’m expecting cavalier attacking football as it seems to get higher up the league, and avoiding defeats is actually more important than victories in reality.
We survived on 38points (a point per game) and that’s usually more than enough.
To improve this we need to plug the chasm that was our midfield last season, with a stronger more disciplined midfield, full backs must be specialist in their roles, but also high in goals assists and I believe this in turn will make our cbs look much better.
A strong experienced GK to support and play when required for our young superb number one.
Aaronson looks (on paper, odd video) an excellent start, but we still need two more quality full backs in addition to Dallas and Ayling, a defensive midfielder and one possibly two strikers, as bam bam is not certain to stay injury free.
None of this is new news, or different to what anyone else has said for ages, but for assurance of survival on the magic gravy train, we may have to embrace (compared to previously) draws as positives or the primary objective.
Unless we unearth a couple of billionaires in the meantime of course.
Give me a moment will you…….
02 Jun 2022 09:08:53
Agree with most of that class, one thing to point out is that the young players must be found a way to be slowly filtered into the first team, if they are as promising as we expect they are. A couple of cup venues are not enough for these energized talented young players.
02 Jun 2022 09:32:23
I totally agree with both of you, especially you OP on the young ones. It’s quite worrying that young Cresswell and Dramah are making noises about their futures and the fact that we are looking for signings in their prospective positions. We need Dramah, Cresswell, Joffy, Greenwood, Bate to come through with the other young guns while bringing in signings that give the squad the right balance while being cautious of not upsetting the apple cart. If Orta, Jesse and Radz get this right we will have an enjoyable season instead of that bloody nightmare one we have just had. We are not in the £50 £60 million pound signings mix yet but there are some good additions out there for the right money. We also need to be aware that what we bring in has not only to be quality (no more Firpo’s please) but influential on the young guns, no mavericks filling their heads with crap just players who want to teach them good habits. I would love KP to stay and Raph but if not we will have another £100m to put into players. One last thing, I know further recruitment is needed on the young ones, but please let’s get the first team sorted first then sort that out after. The future is bright lads ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘.
02 Jun 2022 10:14:30
How many of the young ones we have would you start with in the team every week unless injured? Cause if they are not better than most we have in the first team at the moment they are not prem standard. We need players that are better than our current first teamers. Do if that means we have to buy better then so be it. It will inevitably push the young ones a bit further down the pecking order. If they not better than what we have then no point bringing them on as a sun cause you are then weakening the team not bettering it.
I’m not saying they are not good enough but as yet I haven’t seen one I’d put on sheet every week. Not even joffy tbh.
02 Jun 2022 10:37:11
Everyone has basically the same definition of what we need.
Primary is to raise the quality of the starting 11, which intern raises the quality of the bench.
The fine line is not pushing the likes of Cresswell Bate joffy and co back down the list.
It’s a balancing act, but if we want to stay in this league then the first 2 points are primary.
These kids also have to be patient as they aren’t quite ready for the big league week in week out yet.
Maybe a season long loan for a couple of them or even half season so they can be called back if needed to fill in for injuries etc.
It’s gunna be a bumpy few weeks but orta and co have to get the numbers in to give Jesse a full pre season with his ideal first team squad.
02 Jun 2022 11:23:15
Good post Class (and guys )
I differ on gk front though Meslier has regressed last season. he doesn't come for crosses, shot stopping has diminished, distribution awful, lost confidence
; I would much prefer an experienced number 1 goalkeeper . would sell Meslier.
02 Jun 2022 13:01:13
Last season Meslier had no one to challenge him for his place. I would sign an experienced GK, even if he starts as a No2. Messier needs competition to keep the shirt.
03 Jun 2022 06:44:16
Baz Would like us to sign Pope along with his friends Collins and Cornet.