Dimmu

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

Almost unrecognizable with his new beard!

I wouldn’t mind Sharp but these two are dead to me. 

Get him one of these and sign him up!

 

He’s clearly not the 20 goal a season striker we are looking for then. Move on. 

The less than optimistic fans appear to have 3 main gripes:
1. Paul Warne - personality and tactics
2. Not replaced McGoldrick with 20 goal striker
3. Not spent money in transfer market (especially Bielik & Knight monies).
 
1. If some people don't like Warne, they will not be persuaded otherwise. To me, he is a breath of fresh air, honest, down to earth, "says it as he sees it". Prefer that to non-communicative people we have had in the past. Everyone knows what he wants - staff, players and fans. Now he nearly has the personnel he wants, we shall see what his tactics and style of play are. Lets give it half a dozen games (Home and Away) before we make a judgement.
3. We have brought in Bradley, Nelson,  - to replace Davies, Stearman, & Chester. Much as I love and admire Curtis Davies, his time had come. Bradley & Nelson are a huge improvement in our defence from last year and we still have Cashin and the dependable Forsyth when required.
Although there have been the occasional shaky moment against Championship & Premier League opposition, I think they have already shown a vast improvement in aggression and organisation in defence. Last year we conceded 46 goals (4th best in the League). I shall be disappointed if we concede 35 this year. I would also expect the number of penalties we concede to be greatly reduced, owing to their experience.
Haydn Roberts has chosen to go elsewhere, but potentially Elder is a better, experienced replacement (yet to be proved I know).
Also at wing back is Ward, who has already probably produced more quality crosses into the box than we had last year.
Bradley, Nelson & Ward will be on very decent money (probably more than those they have succeeded), together with their Agents fees.
Our Transfer Budget, as we keep reminding people, comprises of wages, agents fees and transfer fees. 
Wilson & Washington have yet to make impacts due to injuries, but the glimpses we have seen have been promising.
2. We scored 67 goals in the league last year (7th highest in League) - McGoldrick 22.
Replacing those goals is, I think, the biggest challenge.
But I am optimistic. Unlike others, I expect us to score at least 10 from deadball situations - we look threatening right now. Ward's crossing will produce more goals. I just see more goals coming from open play because we have better quality going forward (Ward, Elder, Wilson).
Collins & Washington will both get double figures and there is still plenty of time for new additions.
 
In summary, I believe we have spent quite a bit of money on our new signings. The pre-season injuries, niggles have been disappointing but I firmly believe if we can get a reasonable start, we will get better and better as the new players gel. Call me optimistic but I think we will concede no more than 35 goals and at least match last years goals scored of 67. Still time to add goals in the transfer market or loan market.
 
 
 
 
 

Meanwhile:

Meanwhile: