Satisfied with our business?

[scousefan]

Compared to last year we are short of Zamora and Wilson up front, with Murray coming in. Both had their problems so on the face of it that's not a bad swap. However it's not the same this year due to the absence of loans. This leaves us seriously exposed. Hemed stayed fit last year. One bad injury to Hemed or Murray (or loss of form) would leave us with too few striking options.

As has been said we can hope that Knocky or March help to back them up. I think we also have to hope that one of the younger players steps up.

The January window may be tough for us. On the face of it Stephens may be gone - perhaps for less than offered now. We could also be exposed to losing others. It's critical to get Kayal to sign a contract. January won't be a good time to be looking for a striker - but I think we will have no option...

 

[Stat Brother]

If nothing else it's nice to have NSC divided down footballing lines.

After immigration, religion and Brexit it'll be refreshing to have 2 factions that shouldn't (although you never know with NSC) end up with veiled racism.

All we need is catchy names for Team No Striker Will Cost Us and Team Make The Playoffs Anyway.

 

[ATFC Seagull]

Yes. Although disappointed with the way the Stephens thing has gone down.

 

[sparkie]

Yes, really happy no one has been sold.

2 tasks for our recruitment team for January 1st :

1 - Sign a decent central midfielder to cover both Rohan Ince's absence for trial, and/or Dale Stephens' sale.

2 - Sign another forward as an upgrade on Elvis.

GO.....

 

[Ernest]

Reminded me of the times when Dick Tight FORGOT to TOP up his PAY as you GO on DEADLINE day and NOBODY got SINGED.

 

[S'hampton Seagull]

We did most of what we needed, but not all. I think not bringing in the pacey striker / No10 will cost us a shot at the top two. We are praying on not picking up an injury to either Murray or Hemed.

 

[crabface]

Always said il be happy if we kept Stephens. However with him wanting out maybe would have been better to re invest, lets just hope he knuckles down.

Would have loved to see a striker come in, however if the wingers chip in we should be ok providing there are no injuries.

This team is stronger than last seasons.

 

[JC Footy Genius]

Satisfied as in keeping our squad intact and making some useful, needed additions/cover yes. Satisfied as in pushing on to match the increased challenges from a stronger league this season ....not so sure.

Middlesbrough kept their strong squad intact after narrowly missing out the season before last and had spent over 16m at this period ... (making further big signings in Jan) still only just pipped us to promotion though.

Which might suggest we haven't done enough or as last season's example shows splashing the cash isn't necessarily the answer in mounting a serious auto promotion challenge ... time will tell.

 

[Icy Gull]

Very disappointed we couldn't get in a number 10 but we have kept the squad together and even if we don't go up it should be a fun season. There will be an implosion in the close season this year if we don't go up and we'll be needing lots of new players or graduates from the DS for next season.

 

[5ways]

Kept the core of the squad together which is very good. However we desperately need a Baldock upgrade, and would have liked to move on some deadwood - Ince, Manu and perhaps Kaz.

 

[B.W.]

Sam B should have been pushed to the bench, other than that, a good window...

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

If Zamora can still run get him back on a small retainer and pay as you play to help us out.

 

[doogie004]

I'll guess we will find
Out over the next couple of games with two players that wanted out

 

[MrSnuggles]

We have to put our trust in CH and if he believes we are good enough to challenge for automatic promotion, at least til the next window opens then lm happy that he's happy! We have a versatile squad and have several players that could fill that number 10 role that everyone seems so hung up upon. Towell, Knockeart, March, Murphy to name but 4. I'm excited by our options and if Baldock can find his goalscoring boots this season then l think we are in good shape all across the pitch. With the squad we are always going to put out a strong bench and change things if necessary. We have some very good youngsters knocking in the managers door also. The futures bright for the blue and white stripes!!