(That long since we've had any, couldn't find the thread)

Alan Nixon: "Top Liverpool starlet Cameron Branagan will Ben allowed out on loan in Jan.

Bolton lead the race for the 20 year old midfielder"

Edited December 11, 20169 yr by Ratwhite

22 minutes ago, Whitesince63 said:

Some rubbish talked on here at times. We need two quality players for each position and we have it on the left with Akin and Max and now we have it on the right with Luca and Gazza. Christie’s obviously back up if needed. Schuey has said he wants wingers and strikers so why can’t you just accept that instead of inventing conspiracy theories about unrest between Schuey and Fergal. Schuey has clearly stated that Larrazabal is a full back so where is the need to question it?

I see it nothing more than good management by SS and FH.

If we end up with two more quality wingers, then it’s a masterstroke.

If we don’t then at least he knows he’s got Gaizka/Lorrazabel as an option (I think he may have/use this anyway at some point this season)

One thing I’m not having (which I don’t think anyone is saying on here) is that their internal discussions are colossal disagreements which will hamper us.

They may not always agree, but SS will have trust in FH now especially after bringing Rodrigues and Kenny in last January.

Fergal and SS are signing players that are flexible and can play a number of positions allowing SS extra tactical options , to say they have had some kind of fallout is pure speculation personally I am in the no evidence of any falling out camp

lets be honest, we don't have 3 right backs up to starting games

we may have 2

we may not have 1

35 minutes ago, masi 51 said:

SS post match interview. A rift maybe too strong but SS believes he has 3 right backs and no right wingers in his squad

Wait till the injuries kick in.

25 minutes ago, Dr. Feelgood said:

Wait till the injuries kick in.

They certainly will, but i think it will be in central defence not right back

54 minutes ago, Rizlar said:

Fergal and SS are signing players that are flexible and can play a number of positions allowing SS extra tactical options , to say they have had some kind of fallout is pure speculation personally I am in the no evidence of any falling out camp

exactly this. Stephenson and the Spaniard can both play further forward, Stephenson has played in centre mid for Dundee, Christie offers cover at CB.

3 hours ago, TrickyTrotter said:

Does highlight that we need 4 more up front. None of Randall, McAtee, Warren and Ritchie are starting. At least 2 don’t make the match day squad.

Been willing Warren to work since he arrived but it’s not happening at this level. Was he a winger when he was a prolific goal scorer? L1 loan at best but more likely L2.

Ritchie has great energy and promise again L1 loan if he’s lucky this season. Randall and McAtee likely departures.

So 1 more winger assuming Larra can play there. 2 strikers and at least 1 more CAM, 2 if McAtee goes.

I'll stick my neck out and predict that, rightly or wrongly, McAtee goes nowhere. Because 1. we won't get much of a fee with 1 year left so why would we sell? and 2. if he goes, that's another player we need to replace and there are already enough gaps up front.

Would I like us to sign a bone fide championship-experienced no.10 that's better? Course I would. I just don't think we will, and even if we do where does that leave RR (currently a nailed on starter)? McAtee gets grouped with Randall as players we can ditch, but there's no comparison. Randall is a midfielder that can venture forward (like Dempsey) but nowhere near being a striker. McAtee is a striker that can also play as a 10, but never a midfielder. He'll be on the bench most weeks IMO, covering for RR and whatever striker we bring in, and he'll do a half decent job (and get criticised on here if we've lost).

2 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

I'll stick my neck out and predict that, rightly or wrongly, McAtee goes nowhere. Because 1. we won't get much of a fee with 1 year left so why would we sell? and 2. if he goes, that's another player we need to replace and there are already enough gaps up front.

Would I like us to sign a bone fide championship-experienced no.10 that's better? Course I would. I just don't think we will, and even if we do where does that leave RR (currently a nailed on starter)? McAtee gets grouped with Randall as players we can ditch, but there's no comparison. Randall is a midfielder that can venture forward (like Dempsey) but nowhere near being a striker. McAtee is a striker that can also play as a 10, but never a midfielder. He'll be on the bench most weeks IMO, covering for RR and whatever striker we bring in, and he'll do a half decent job (and get criticised on here if we've lost).

My take on McAtee v Randall is pretty simple.

Neither will be first choice starters.

If we need to get a goal late in a game I would rather McAtee came on rather than Randall. If we were looking to bolster the defence I would not want either coming on.

If we can bring better in no issue if both leave. I would hate to think we are looking at players who are not better than Randall. McAtee continues to frustrate was always a total nuisance when played against him, looks healthier again at start of the season, I am convinced there is a player in there but rapidly losing faith.

McAtee lost some timber?

22 minutes ago, Johnnyrotten said:

I'll stick my neck out and predict that, rightly or wrongly, McAtee goes nowhere. Because 1. we won't get much of a fee with 1 year left so why would we sell? and 2. if he goes, that's another player we need to replace and there are already enough gaps up front.

Would I like us to sign a bone fide championship-experienced no.10 that's better? Course I would. I just don't think we will, and even if we do where does that leave RR (currently a nailed on starter)? McAtee gets grouped with Randall as players we can ditch, but there's no comparison. Randall is a midfielder that can venture forward (like Dempsey) but nowhere near being a striker. McAtee is a striker that can also play as a 10, but never a midfielder. He'll be on the bench most weeks IMO, covering for RR and whatever striker we bring in, and he'll do a half decent job (and get criticised on here if we've lost).

totally fine with mcatee, he can do a job, and help turn games around or see them out

I don't get Randall and he's one of the strangest signings I've seen all things considered

I hope for all concerned he can find a new club one way or another

3 hours ago, masi 51 said:

SS post match interview. A rift maybe too strong but SS believes he has 3 right backs and no right wingers in his squad

I get that but doesn’t imply a rift to me. It just seems that with players coming and going we’re in the usual process of seasonal squad building and we don’t know what’s in the pipeline or how many first choice options haven’t materialised.

It’ll sort it itself out eventually.

5 minutes ago, Zico said:

totally fine with mcatee, he can do a job, and help turn games around or see them out

I don't get Randall and he's one of the strangest signings I've seen all things considered

I hope for all concerned he can find a new club one way or another

I understand why Randall was signed - talented lad - but he arrived half the player he was in the past, having scored plenty for Exeter in L2 and one in five for Posh playing something similar to the Sheehan role. I just don’t think he’s strong or athletic enough to hack it in the higher divisions. We are unlikely to recoup the outlay on him so I guess we have to build him up and find a better role for him or let him go, take the hit and move on.

13 minutes ago, Wanderlust said:

I understand why Randall was signed - talented lad - but he arrived half the player he was in the past, having scored plenty for Exeter in L2 and one in five for Posh playing something similar to the Sheehan role. I just don’t think he’s strong or athletic enough to hack it in the higher divisions. We are unlikely to recoup the outlay on him so I guess we have to build him up and find a better role for him or let him go, take the hit and move on.

Evatt panic buy.

Player in there but I fear that a combination ir negativity from himself and fans is making things worse.

Genuinely reckon he'll come good for us, you don't get to his level being shite.

Mcatee too. He was running at Everton and we need that. Influences the game when he comes on and did so during the play off final. Setting up Dalbys cracker was sublime !!

3 hours ago, desperado said:

I see it nothing more than good management by SS and FH.

If we end up with two more quality wingers, then it’s a masterstroke.

If we don’t then at least he knows he’s got Gaizka/Lorrazabel as an option (I think he may have/use this anyway at some point this season)

One thing I’m not having (which I don’t think anyone is saying on here) is that their internal discussions are colossal disagreements which will hamper us.

They may not always agree, but SS will have trust in FH now especially after bringing Rodrigues and Kenny in last January.

My sense is that any frustration from SS is more about the size of our budget and need to look to loans impinging on the pace at which we can get players in, exacerbated by the WC and clubs who might be loaning out being a bit behind in their pre season arrangements

I dont read anything into it that there is friction about what's required or whether this player or that is the right one. If our playing budget is as bottom six as suggested, FH is trying to be creative re solutions by appointing the Euro scout to find us bargains.

1 hour ago, Plums said:

McAtee lost some timber?

He has previously too. Which brings me to the logical conclusion that he mustn't half pile in on at times.

1 hour ago, Plums said:

McAtee lost some timber?

Someone today said that to me

3 for £100 in Ibiza all Summer

57 minutes ago, UKkuhl said:

I think a few out first, Randell & Simons and a few young loaning out.

Simons out? Don't be daft.

McAtee has two goals and two assists in his last 36 League One appearances.

Not sure how we've got from 'might be the least worst of the number 10s Evatt left us with' to 'will affect games coming off the bench in the Championship'.

17 minutes ago, Tombwfc said:

McAtee has two goals and two assists in his last 36 League One appearances.

Not sure how we've got from 'might be the least worst of the number 10s Evatt left us with' to 'will affect games coming off the bench in the Championship'.

Goals and assists aren't the only way of measuring a player's input you know

They might be the stats that FIFA soccer or Sky telly you but that doesn't take in the wider picture of what a player can do

Let's say McAtee makes a run which drags a defender in his direction leaving it open for Sheehan to pass to Dalby who scores

By your metric the latter two get the credit but no mention of McAtee

I'm not saying keep him but to use your stats to get rid is not looking at the bigger picture

Edited July 27Jul 27 by DirtySanchez

38 minutes ago, Cheese said:

Simons out? Don't be daft.

Early last season talk on here was he was a cut above the rest and was destined for big things.

To go from that to one to move on is a heck of a difference.

Only thing I can see is one of him and Erahon becoming the new Aaron Morley and being the odd man out. Not a bad player but down the pecking order and want game time.

9 minutes ago, DirtySanchez said:

Goals and assists aren't the only way of measuring a player's input you know

They might be the stats that FIFA soccer or Sky telly you but that doesn't take in the wider picture of what a player can do

Kind of stats that meant internet football knobs complained when Rodri won the Ballon d'Or because he didn't have the GA numbers of others.

Heskey was often derided for his lack of goals but his strike partners (especially Michael Owen) couldn't speak higher of him and his contributions to their success.

5 hours ago, wakey said:

exactly this. Stephenson and the Spaniard can both play further forward, Stephenson has played in centre mid for Dundee, Christie offers cover at CB.

From his highlights larrazabal looks like he could play as a winger. Not many RBs scoring them type of goals. We're gonna have less possession in a lot of games this season so to have a winger who will be good defensively will be very useful. He could link up well with Stephenson. He looks quick too which will be useful as less possession equals more playing on the break.

Edited July 27Jul 27 by Arrested development

17 hours ago, jmjhb said:

Player signing tomorrow, half 1, club shop.

Did you mean players signing autographs ?

3 hours ago, Plums said:

McAtee lost some timber?

He had absolutely nowt to lose by the end of last year. Think he probably took that one to heart and so spent the vast majority of the immediate aftermath of the play off final (including following days in fannies / Ibiza) without a top on. The lad’s in good nick and from what we hear, he’s dying to be a success here - just need to see it on the pitch now. If he can find it and have a good season in the Champ then he’s got the potential (character wise) to turn himself into a bit of a cult hero. I really hope he can but based on everything I’ve seen to date I just don’t think he’s got the quality to make the step up (genuinely hope I’m wrong before people shoot me down).

5 minutes ago, Eddie said:

He had absolutely nowt to lose by the end of last year. Think he probably took that one to heart and so spent the vast majority of the immediate aftermath of the play off final (including following days in fannies / Ibiza) without a top on. The lad’s in good nick and from what we hear, he’s dying to be a success here - just need to see it on the pitch now. If he can find it and have a good season in the Champ then he’s got the potential (character wise) to turn himself into a bit of a cult hero. I really hope he can but based on everything I’ve seen to date I just don’t think he’s got the quality to make the step up (genuinely hope I’m wrong before people shoot me down).

I also wonder if he has the mentality to make the step up.