DCFC1388

This would be welcome news. 8 might seem a lot but it depends on the make up of the 8. Our CBs are all getting on about and all out of contract at the end of the season. IF there’s an option for a permanent here that can give us 3-4 years service plus bringing in Mengi then that would be a sensible option. So there’s 2 gone. 
Lawrence and Joz are the only senior wife forwards and Lawrence is out of contract end of season. Roberts perm plus a loan here, so that’s 4 signings.
CKR and Baldcock, yes I spelt it wrong I know, both out of contract jan and end of season, Carrol for experience and physicality, Delap and someone on a free that can give a few years like a Diedhiou if not gone anywhere. So that’s 6 gone just on shoring up the gaps and still allowing for our own to get game time. 

I think that's about what we actually do need - I know everyone has been saying we don't need that many but I think we do
GK - Marshal is off (it seems almost certain), Alsopp is on a 12 month contract, Roos contract expires end of season
RB - Byrne (contract up EOS) + youth players who will benefit more from occasional action/starts than pressure of playing every week
LB - Fozzy (contract EOS) is getting on a bit, Buchanan gives us 2nd option - Probably fine here
CB - We have 3, all old, all on 1 year (max) deals - Need to bring in minimum 2 options
CM - Shinnie (Contract EOS), Bird, Knight, Bielik - If all were fit we'd be fine but I still think we need some proper cover for Bielik
AM - Morrison and Lawrence (contract EOS), Sibley (for me) needs to be rotated out more often - A few weeks playing impact sub role and ease him back in - Think he needs protecting from the constant pressure of games like Boro (get kicked all over the pitch, barely and time/space etc)
Wide-Mids - Jozwiak? Is that it? Definitely need more here
ST - Baldock (contract Jan?) plus Stretton who I still think would benefit from taking away the pressure of being a 'starter' - Would bring in someone who's a 'different option'
 
On Saturday we ended the game with Bird, Watson, Buchanan and Stretton in our 'attacking 5' - That (for me) is too much responsibility on too many young players - If you have 2/5 they have chance to blend in, mess things up, get told where to go and what to do a bit more by the experienced heads - Stretton looks a real talent but when he comes on he legs it around the pitch chasing everything because his adrenaline is up so much from playing first team football - Compare that to Baldock who's physically very similar, who holds his position so the defence/midfield know where to aim for to pick him out

Absolute quality player.
My only gripe with him is the number of times he finds him in acres of space but doesnt then attack the space infront of him with any purpose. When he does he looks quality, like in the play upto Birds chance, would like to see it more from him.
Jagielka was the same yesterday too, absolute quality but when he had space infront he didnt advance into he opted to pass to someone instead.

Micah Richards is not the first to say this, I've heard it from plenty of pundits. It's such a lazy thing to say. They clearly didn't watch us after the lockdown. 

I have a feeling he won't be risked for Tuesday but will be all set to go against Forest.

When you consider the depth of our squad - much as we'd like to think otherwise, many of the youngsters are not yet 90 minute players and certainly not whole season signings. It does them no good struggling to play, they should play because they are good enough.
I don't think Rooney wants to settle for mid-table as an aim this season. If he gets more players in to allow depth and experience then we'll be going for top 6 - IMHO.

I am certain that Wayne knows who he wants and has probably spoken to the clubs involved.

Reporter from BBC Radio 5 at the game said that Rooney had told him that he's confident the transfer embargo will be lifted on Tuesday...

It's hard to argue against this.
Players come without the big price tags, expectations are a lot lower and in many cases having been released they probably feel they have a point to prove.
What works even more in our favour is that the signings have been limited to 12 months, you would imagine this will be Jagielka's last before retirement, however the others will be playing for one more contract be it at Derby or elsewhere, almost like an extended trial.
Morrison has to prove he has the hunger for the game still, started well so far, showing frustration today as the team were not pushing up. This isn't one last contract, but a chance to revive his career at a decent level.

I was happy with the 5 loans he managed to get in last season too.
This season has been a triumph of hope over adversity for sure. I wonder who the 'missing 8' are?! ?

Controlled the first half with the game going more into Boro's the second. Was very physical as Rooney expected and a draw against a fairly good Boro side isn't to be sniffed at. 
Sibley struggled a little today. Talent is there but they nullified his driving runs well. He did draw the best save of the match though and he will be in the goals this year if Rooney keeps playing him. Bird was quality again, recycling the ball and linking well between defense and attack. He's going to be an asset. 
That was Shinnies type of game. Physical. Lots of tackling. Lots of tracking back. Played well.
Morrison a class above at this level. Vision, touch, tackling, passing, positioning. All fantastic. Makes it all look so easy. Keep it up!! 
Obviously Jags and Davies played well, and Roos marshalled it well behind them with some big saves, good footwork and decent punches. Seems to be more confident this year than last.
Joz's ball carrying ability is some of the best in this league. Just needs that finishing touch in front of goal. Confidence to strike it and we've got a huge threat.
Not a classic match but I'll take a draw, plus forest lost so what's not to like.

I actually kind of like that. 

And yes it could be worse haha

February this year. We beat them 2-1.

Mengi and either Elanga or Simms are the players i think would take us a giant stride forward this season

I think we are close to being ok right now and could probably make a fist of it as we are. For my money the priorty order for signings:
A quick CB
Short term cover at DM (ideally right footed)
A striker better than Baldock (i.e. does what Baldock does but more clinical)
RW/RAM - Ideally a left footed player

Why does last seasons form come into it? If we had won 3 out of 3 this season would you say we have won 4 in 18 or 3 out of 3?
And, if you do want to include last season, Forest are now 2 wins in 17 so pretty similar to us.

Sibley on the right and Joz on the left with Morrison dictating through the middle. It has potential.

Why does last seasons form come into it? If we had won 3 out of 3 this season would you say we have won 4 in 18 or 3 out of 3?
And, if you do want to include last season, Forest are now 2 wins in 17 so pretty similar to us.

If we had the same sort of options on the bench in Stearman & Forsyth on Saturday to bring on and help see the game out we would've come away with at least a draw vs Peterborough

Why does last seasons form come into it? If we had won 3 out of 3 this season would you say we have won 4 in 18 or 3 out of 3?
And, if you do want to include last season, Forest are now 2 wins in 17 so pretty similar to us.

Why does last seasons form come into it? If we had won 3 out of 3 this season would you say we have won 4 in 18 or 3 out of 3?
And, if you do want to include last season, Forest are now 2 wins in 17 so pretty similar to us.