Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: kippaxvilla2 on December 01, 2020, 01:34:01 PM
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Where do we need to upgrade to move the squad forward? Also where do we need extra cover of quality? Quite a bit still needed I think anyway. When I refer to upgrades I mean players that need to be replaced in the first team potentially.
Martinez, Heaton, Steer - Okay no upgrades or additions needed.
Cash, Elmo - Not this season maybe next if Elmo goes.
Targett, Taylor - Taylor upgrade needed to start games. Targett as back up.
Mings, Konsa, Engels, - Mings upgrade needed to start games. Mings as back up.
McGinn, Hourihane, Luiz, Nakamba - upgrades for McGinn and Hourihane needed. Maybe Ramsey as the Hourihane long term replacement.
Barkey, Grealish, Traore, Trez El Ghazi - upgrade on Trez needed. Replacement cover for El Ghazi.
Watkins, Davis, Wesley - At least one replacement of Davis needed.
I am trying to jump on the positive bandwagon started by Paulie. Wouldn't it be lovely if we can upgrade these areas in the next two windows.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
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Bloody hell I forgot about Trez and El Ghazi - now added.
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You've pretty much covered it I think. No reserves worthy of the name to allow us to replace any of the non-performers is the main problem. Watkins getting crocked is a worry. That and defensive re-inforcements could possibly be looked at in January although what will be available as an upgrade/better than the reserves is debatable.
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Barkley will have to be replaced too, he's only on-loan.
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Barkley will have to be replaced too, he's only on-loan.
I think owners might push the boat out to get him here permanently. Talk is we might ask Chelsea to name their price in January.
Last night AEM was our final attacking change and also doubled up as our back up CB on the bench so I think that suggests areas where we desperately need some fresh faces.
Hause has been out for a while now and Engels disappeared from 18 again so really they aren't long term options.
Think if we can move Taylor out in January we'll get another left back in aswell.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
Stop calling him hologram. It's just not funny and we'd be a Championship side if it wasn't for his contribution.
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Martinez, Heaton, Steer - As good a selection of keepers as you could reasonably expect.
Cash, Elmo - Guilbert should be added here, I'd have confidence in him if anything happens to Cash or Elmo. Right back is the least of our problems I reckon.
Targett, Taylor - Targett is OK on his day and links well at times with Jack, if he doesn't become more consistent though would like an improvement in the summer. Taylor nowhere near good enough.
Mings, Konsa, Engels, - Konsa easily good enough and improving all the time. Mings not good enough, and needs an upgrade urgently. God knows what's happened with Engels, but it hasn't worked, so could do with a utility defender to replace him.
McGinn, Hourihane, Luiz, Nakamba - I agree, McGinn and Hourihane not good enough for where we want to be. Would cash in on McGinn while thhere might still be buyers for him. I really like Luiz but we'll probably HAVE to replace him. Nakamba isn't good enough.
Barkley, Grealish, Traore, Trez El Ghazi - Trez and El Ghazi nowhere near productive enough. Not enough time to decide on Traore yet, but I can't see what he has that will make him a successful wide attacking player in the Premier League. It's certainly not pace or intent to beat players. I hope we get Barkley permanently. Jack obviously a godlike genius.
Watkins, Davis, Wesley - Watkins has started well, and I'd take a short term loanee in January while we wait to see if Wesley can come back and add to our options up front. Davis isn't good or reliable enough, get rid.
In terms of priorities, I'd be looking for somebody better to partner Konsa, and a more athletic and reliable alternative to McGinn. Another attacking option up front, even if a short term loan in January would be ideal.
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I think the likes of Mings would up their game if they knew there was a replacement who was quite capable of filling the position sat on the bench. At the moment the first eleven virtually picks itself and they are swanning along in the comfort zone. So any decent addition to the squad of sufficient quality to hold down a position would strengthen the entire team.
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We definitely need a physically-imposing central MF, to allow Luiz to become the playmaker that he can be.
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I'd like to see Ramsey given some gametime between now and the transfer window; he may answer some our questions, particularly those concerning McGinn.
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Players to replace Mings and McGinn. Massively overrated twosome. Neither as good as they think they are. A spell on the sidelines/some competition for their shirts would be ideal.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
Stop calling him hologram. It's just not funny and we'd be a Championship side if it wasn't for his contribution.
I find it a little bit funny.
You never know, another player might have come up with the goods and allowed us to escape the Championship. You have form for liking mediocre midfield players, as I remember a similar defence of Westwood.
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I see school's out for TriflingVilla again!
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For me, in rough order of priority
January:
- Replacement for Davis. I rate him highly, but he's far too injury prone. Either a young striker, or a player on a short term loan if it looks like our top target won't be available until the summer
- Replacement for Nakamba. At the moment, McGinn can't be dropped despite being not-that-great. A stronger player than Marv would allow that to happen.
- Flog Guilbert, assuming he's still not rated by Smith.
- Try to move Lansbury on, even if it means subsidising a portion of his wages
Summer:
- Retain Dougie
- Retain Barkley
- Replacement for Engels
- Replacement for Neil Taylor
- Replacement for Hause
- Replacement for Elmo
- Replacement for AEG
- Replacement for Hourihane
In roughly that order of priority. I'd not be that bothered if we went in to 2021/2 with El Ghazi & Hourihane still at the club, but very much on the list of players to replace. I like Conor, he's got a good attitude and has done the club well in his time. Where we're going - he'd be fine in domestic cup games, and the odd league match.
El Ghazi - I think we could do with replacing - he's just not good enough - but is low enough in the pecking order that I'd not be massively concerned as long as he's restricted to mostly appearing in cup games.
Elmo - I could live with Elmo being given a year's extension if there's no obvious replacement available, but he's coming to the end of his career and we need to look to replace him sooner rather than later.
The others - shouldn't be anywhere near the squad of an established, top half club.
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Trez will be here next season, done enough so far bar finishing to suggest he's kicked on a bit although would be surprised if he's still starting majority of games.
AEG will be moved on along with Lansbury, AEM, Taylor (end of contract) and then those out of favour like Engels and Freddie. Those two could go out in January I think on loan to try to raise their value again. Nakamba vulnerable aswell given he's hardly been used so far this season in the league.
Important we try to hang on to our crown jewels players again although will remain tough given they're getting more attention.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
Stop calling him hologram. It's just not funny and we'd be a Championship side if it wasn't for his contribution.
I find it a little bit funny.
You never know, another player might have come up with the goods and allowed us to escape the Championship. You have form for liking mediocre midfield players, as I remember a similar defence of Westwood.
Whether Hourihane is good enough right now for a top half PL side is not what is in question here. It's whether fans should have some respect for a player who has always given 100% in the shirt and made a massive contribution to our promotion as well as some decent performances to help us survive.
If you really think it's funny then you must be a child.
As for Westwood, fucking hell fancy dragging up posts from over 3 years ago. I never thought he was a world beater but yes, I didn't think he was as bad as some on here did. Neither did Sean Dyce as it happens and Westwood has since played over 120 games for Burnley, a big chunk of those whilst the team he wasn't good enough for laguished in the Championship.
I see you now think McGinn and Mings aren't very good either so I think I'll carry on ignoring your views on players.
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I agree Chris. I can't help but have a soft spot for Conor. Worked hard to get where he is and as you say, absolutely vital in getting us up. Play off scored, penalty in the shootout and if memory serves, a great sweeping pass to start the move for our first goal in the play off final.
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We definitely need a physically-imposing central MF, to allow Luiz to become the playmaker that he can be.
Definitely, a young Gareth Barry if we could find him would be ideal. I think quite a few might move on in January. It's clear Smith isn't one for squad rotation and there are a number that are surplus to requirements it seems. Think all the below should have no problems picking up offers from elsewhere.
Nakamba - not good enough and not getting any minutes
AEG - as much as I've wanted him to come good, last night was probably the final straw
Engels or Hause - Hause is fine at championship level as would Engels be, clearly an issue with Engels behind the scenes. Tuanzebe might come back into the reckoning although it's competition for Mings I'd prefer.
Guilbert - I'm not sure Cash is all that better but Smith clearly thinks both Cash and Elmo are better
Heaton - very expensive reserve, likely to go on loan and Steer is more than an adequate back up anyway
Davis - if Wesley is back, he will be allowed go on loan.
Likes of Elmo and Taylor will likely run out their contracts. Presume Kalinic will get a nice redundancy cheque and Lansbury paid out also.
LCB and LCM the two priority positions to strengthen.
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I think people are being a bit optomistic about Wesley being back. I don't think we should be counting him as a viable option from Jan, I doubt he's going to be back properly fit before March.
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Whether Hourihane is good enough right now for a top half PL side is not what is in question here. It's whether fans should have some respect for a player who has always given 100% in the shirt and made a massive contribution to our promotion as well as some decent performances to help us survive.
Reminds me of a certain poster on here that never had a good word to say, quite the opposite, about Alan Hutton. When the Scottish Cafu scored 'that' goal against the Rags he never came back on here for weeks. Now that I did a little bit (read extremely) funny.
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I think people are being a bit optomistic about Wesley being back. I don't think we should be counting him as a viable option from Jan, I doubt he's going to be back properly fit before March.
Yeah, I think we at least need a loan striker, just to ease Wesley back in to things. We don't want another James Chester situation where a great pro ends up being perma-crocked because we've had no option but to play them through an injury crisis.
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The Priorities
1. Centre back For Mings
2 wide attacker For Trez
3 Midfielder
Not sure we will buy Barkley because of his injury problems.
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January - upgrade on Trez, cover for Luiz and a striker.
Summer - ungrade on Mings, another attacking midfielder.
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I actually find it amusing that a player who has so much pride playing for the Villa, went back on the train to Bournemouth in his Villa shirt after gaining promotion and has now gained England recognition from his performances and lauded by the majority of Villa fans is now deemed to be replaceable.
Who is this upgrade that posters want to replace Mings with? Some even think this is the number 1 priority!
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Mings is a Villa legend already. A cult figure, but it doesn't stop him from dropping the odd bollock or having a stinker.
We still need that central midfielder to protect the defence but Dean doesn't seem to play that way.
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I know its not in the zeitgeist of the times that ALL new Villa players must be under 25 and have tremendous sell=on potential but I would strengthen the squad sooner rather than later with some genuine experience. There are some very experienced players on frees that could be in our squad in a month for nothing on a 6 month deal. I know youre going to say Drinkwater.
up front for when Watkins is having a bad day - Sturridge or Mandzukic
centreback to give Tyrone a day off on an off day - Ezequiel Garay
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I actually find it amusing that a player who has so much pride playing for the Villa, went back on the train to Bournemouth in his Villa shirt after gaining promotion and has now gained England recognition from his performances and lauded by the majority of Villa fans is now deemed to be replaceable.
Who is this upgrade that posters want to replace Mings with? Some even think this is the number 1 priority!
John Stones? Loan deal?
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I actually find it amusing that a player who has so much pride playing for the Villa, went back on the train to Bournemouth in his Villa shirt after gaining promotion and has now gained England recognition from his performances and lauded by the majority of Villa fans is now deemed to be replaceable.
Who is this upgrade that posters want to replace Mings with? Some even think this is the number 1 priority!
Mings has never played consistently well in the top division, that's the bottom line. Most are suggesting competition for his place might be a good thing.
Not sure what his choice of clothing on public transport have to do with anything. International recognition sure but it's the worst group of centre halves in over 25 years that I can recall. Mings isn't even the best centre back at the club Id argue.
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At best Mings is an adequate PL defender, since he got his England caps he’s been strolling around the pitch like Paolo Maldini. You only have to look at his positional play for one of the Brighton goals to see how often he gets it completely wrong.
In time every player in our squad can be upgraded, that’s what top teams do.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
Stop calling him hologram. It's just not funny and we'd be a Championship side if it wasn't for his contribution.
I find it a little bit funny.
You never know, another player might have come up with the goods and allowed us to escape the Championship. You have form for liking mediocre midfield players, as I remember a similar defence of Westwood.
Whether Hourihane is good enough right now for a top half PL side is not what is in question here. It's whether fans should have some respect for a player who has always given 100% in the shirt and made a massive contribution to our promotion as well as some decent performances to help us survive.
If you really think it's funny then you must be a child.
As for Westwood, fucking hell fancy dragging up posts from over 3 years ago. I never thought he was a world beater but yes, I didn't think he was as bad as some on here did. Neither did Sean Dyce as it happens and Westwood has since played over 120 games for Burnley, a big chunk of those whilst the team he wasn't good enough for laguished in the Championship.
I see you now think McGinn and Mings aren't very good either so I think I'll carry on ignoring your views on players.
Ignore away.
I try my best to ignore your views, but your love of mediocre midfield players and precious style, grates.
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Trez, hologram and taylor need immediate replacements. The rest can wait until the summer.
Stop calling him hologram. It's just not funny and we'd be a Championship side if it wasn't for his contribution.
I find it a little bit funny.
You never know, another player might have come up with the goods and allowed us to escape the Championship. You have form for liking mediocre midfield players, as I remember a similar defence of Westwood.
Whether Hourihane is good enough right now for a top half PL side is not what is in question here. It's whether fans should have some respect for a player who has always given 100% in the shirt and made a massive contribution to our promotion as well as some decent performances to help us survive.
If you really think it's funny then you must be a child.
As for Westwood, fucking hell fancy dragging up posts from over 3 years ago. I never thought he was a world beater but yes, I didn't think he was as bad as some on here did. Neither did Sean Dyce as it happens and Westwood has since played over 120 games for Burnley, a big chunk of those whilst the team he wasn't good enough for laguished in the Championship.
I see you now think McGinn and Mings aren't very good either so I think I'll carry on ignoring your views on players.
Ignore away.
I try my best to ignore your views, but your love of mediocre midfield players and precious style, grates.
If you'd like to be banned again, just say the word.
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Yes, ok. That would be great.
Better than one of those vague PM warnings about conduct that can't be replied to (or at least I think can't be replied to).
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I actually find it amusing that a player who has so much pride playing for the Villa, went back on the train to Bournemouth in his Villa shirt after gaining promotion and has now gained England recognition from his performances and lauded by the majority of Villa fans is now deemed to be replaceable.
Who is this upgrade that posters want to replace Mings with? Some even think this is the number 1 priority!
Mings has never played consistently well in the top division, that's the bottom line. Most are suggesting competition for his place might be a good thing.
Not sure what his choice of clothing on public transport have to do with anything. International recognition sure but it's the worst group of centre halves in over 25 years that I can recall. Mings isn't even the best centre back at the club Id argue.
I still think he's o.k for mid table premier league but think his crime is simply making us believe in the promotion run in we were seeing the second coming of God when reality is he's been Vlaar standard at premier league and level below what the likes of Ugo, Mellberg, Laursen and Southgate all produced for us at this level.
England could go one of two ways I suspect. If he starts he'll probably be in a back 3 that will protect his shortcomings at highest level and he might have a good tournament like Vlaar did in 2014 or he'll be exposed by some of best forwards in world football and come back lacking confidence.
We need a new CB regardless given Hause has been injured for ages and isn't very good and Engels last played a game in March. Wesley will probably play for us again in premier league before Engels does which is pretty bizarre.
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A real shame Engels is not in the frame anymore. I really think there is a good player in there.
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A real shame Engels is not in the frame anymore. I really think there is a good player in there.
Agreed, it's a real pity. Had no pace on the turn but seemed a classy defender particularly early on last season. Shane Long tore him a new one that day and the reported row Engels had with Smith afterwards regarding tactics seem to have done for him (Engels had a valid point if true). Konsa is the present and future in that position though.
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Fuck me, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Let's not be greedy. Let's not be one of those clubs' sets of fans.
Mings has been great for us, sure he's dropped a clanger or two, but he adds far more than he takes away. He's been called up as a regular international since playing for us, has done some remarkable things and is an absolute role model for younger players and fans.
It's good to have a back up Centre-Back in the squad who is better than Hause, and sturdier than Engels but Mings and Konsa have done well for us.
The goals we're conceding from set-pieces can't be blamed on him, but on the system (or how we coach the system).
And yes, in time we need to upgrade every player in the squad if we can, that's improvement and evolution, but don't kid yourselves that we will get anyone much better than him right now without spending absolutely silly money. The alternative is improving players in-house, and that takes time.
In my view we need another first choice Striker and midfielder as the priority and a back-up centre half would be nice.
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I find it impossible to understand anyone talking about replacing 5 or 6 players again, including the likes of McGinn and Mings, when we are finally getting some stability. We are 9 games in, already have as many points on the board as we did after nearly half a season last time around, and have by and large been the better team in almost all of our games this season. We've also got a largely young team who are still relative novices at this level.
By all means look at a couple of additions if they can add something to the squad, but we are deluding ourselves if we think there is half a first team out there that we can attract in our current position, are substantially better than what we currently have, and that wouldn't cost the thick end of another £250 million.
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In an ideal world I would like a full back, centre half and striker. The striker being the number one priority.
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In an ideal world I would like a full back, centre half and striker. The striker being the number one priority.
This baffles me. For me, Watkins has had one bad game and that was the last game against West Ham. Other than that, he has shown his touch to be sublime in his hold up play (please compare him in this category to Wesley who was abysmal) and likes to run at players. He also makes nice runs but, unfortunately, he is not looked for as frequently as he ought to be. I love Jack as much as anyone, but he sometimes holds on to the ball too long and does not slide a ball through to Ollie. Not all the time and Jack has earned a bit of forbearance, but I just think that Ollie does not get the kind of quality balls and crosses that he thrived upon at Brentford (the irony being that he had several of them this past game and did not make the most of them save the "offside" goal). Part of that is because our other winger does not put many quality balls into the box. I appreciate Trez's work rate, but I do not rate him very much, which is why a pacy wing player is critical in my estimation. Second tier would include a central midfielder to challenge for a place among the likes of Barkley, Luiz, and McGinn.
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In an ideal world I would like a full back, centre half and striker. The striker being the number one priority.
This baffles me. For me, Watkins has had one bad game and that was the last game against West Ham. Other than that, he has shown his touch to be sublime in his hold up play (please compare him in this category to Wesley who was abysmal) and likes to run at players. He also makes nice runs but, unfortunately, he is not looked for as frequently as he ought to be. I love Jack as much as anyone, but he sometimes holds on to the ball too long and does not slide a ball through to Ollie. Not all the time and Jack has earned a bit of forbearance, but I just think that Ollie does not get the kind of quality balls and crosses that he thrived upon at Brentford (the irony being that he had several of them this past game and did not make the most of them save the "offside" goal). Part of that is because our other winger does not put many quality balls into the box. I appreciate Trez's work rate, but I do not rate him very much, which is why a pacy wing player is critical in my estimation. Second tier would include a central midfielder to challenge for a place among the likes of Barkley, Luiz, and McGinn.
The point with the striker being that after Ollie, we have nothing at all. That means that he can't afford to have a bad game, let alone get injured.
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In an ideal world I would like a full back, centre half and striker. The striker being the number one priority.
This baffles me. For me, Watkins has had one bad game and that was the last game against West Ham. Other than that, he has shown his touch to be sublime in his hold up play (please compare him in this category to Wesley who was abysmal) and likes to run at players. He also makes nice runs but, unfortunately, he is not looked for as frequently as he ought to be. I love Jack as much as anyone, but he sometimes holds on to the ball too long and does not slide a ball through to Ollie. Not all the time and Jack has earned a bit of forbearance, but I just think that Ollie does not get the kind of quality balls and crosses that he thrived upon at Brentford (the irony being that he had several of them this past game and did not make the most of them save the "offside" goal). Part of that is because our other winger does not put many quality balls into the box. I appreciate Trez's work rate, but I do not rate him very much, which is why a pacy wing player is critical in my estimation. Second tier would include a central midfielder to challenge for a place among the likes of Barkley, Luiz, and McGinn.
The point with the striker being that after Ollie, we have nothing at all. That means that he can't afford to have a bad game, let alone get injured.
Right, well I guess I have been working off the assumption that Wesley will make it back at some point. If that is not in the offing, then I would agree.
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He'll be back at some point, but we don't know when that will be. In the mean time, we have no other striking options whatsoever, other than a vague notion that Traore might do a job. Not a thought that inspires me with any confidence, I have to say.
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Yes, ok. That would be great.
Better than one of those vague PM warnings about conduct that can't be replied to (or at least I think can't be replied to).
Deep breathing pal. If you get canned, I can’t take the piss out of you for listening to Christmas carols!
I said before we played Brighton that Danny Welbeck would have been a good backup for Ollie. Clearly not the age of player we sign now, but a one year contact might have tempted him and would’ve given us a chance to take Ollie off after 70 if it’s not working.
I still worry about Watkins getting injured and us being totally knackered.
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There's always Keinan, of course.
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There's always Keinan, of course.
He has changed his name to Keinan Davis-Injured
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Yes, ok. That would be great.
Better than one of those vague PM warnings about conduct that can't be replied to (or at least I think can't be replied to).
Deep breathing pal. If you get canned, I can’t take the piss out of you for listening to Christmas carols!
I said before we played Brighton that Danny Welbeck would have been a good backup for Ollie. Clearly not the age of player we sign now, but a one year contact might have tempted him and would’ve given us a chance to take Ollie off after 70 if it’s not working.
I still worry about Watkins getting injured and us being totally knackered.
Haha. Ok. I'll do my best. I've had carols on today, also. The King Singers! They're the only non heavy music I listen to. Hope you're doing well, mate.
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Yes, ok. That would be great.
Better than one of those vague PM warnings about conduct that can't be replied to (or at least I think can't be replied to).
Deep breathing pal. If you get canned, I can’t take the piss out of you for listening to Christmas carols!
I said before we played Brighton that Danny Welbeck would have been a good backup for Ollie. Clearly not the age of player we sign now, but a one year contact might have tempted him and would’ve given us a chance to take Ollie off after 70 if it’s not working.
I still worry about Watkins getting injured and us being totally knackered.
Haha. Ok. I'll do my best. I've had carols on today, also. The King Singers! They're the only non heavy music I listen to. Hope you're doing well, mate.
You need banning for carols! Unless they are heavy metal ones.
I am concerned we don’t have adequate cover for strikers and Ollie to me looks a tad worrisome at times. And mr hologram/Hourihane whatever we call him is a grafter but goes missing in games but I do think he needs shipping out as the championship is his level. I fear we are stuck in Deanos win/lose streak. Need some gritty draws and stop conceding silly goals. Never happened whilst he has been in charge. We are either brilliant or losing.
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"Whatever we call him"
Be strong pal, write in the 1st person and don't succumb to the peer pressure in the playground.
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I understand Keinan Davis-Injured is now back in training.
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I understand Keinan Davis-Injured is now back in training.
;)
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In every scenario I think we will need a CM come the summer so that must be the priority.
I’m not convinced but AMR but we haven’t player Traore much so getting a new guy in there would be throwing good money after bad.
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*Davis !! Keinan/Steve DAVIS, Curtis/Kevin DAVIES!
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Taylor, Engels, Nakamba, Hourihane, Trez, Anwar, Davis
Those are the players we should be looking at upgrading over the next 2-3 windows for me.
January would probably be a less-aggressive approach and waiting for openings to reduce the workload in the Summer. Also get the ball rolling on the Barkley move. Ramsey might fill one slot too.