Summer transfer madness thread

[brian green]

I have never met Randy Lerner but my son has.  He was invited to join him at a restaurant table.  My son is more than capable of recounting the meeting should he ever choose to do so but I have always thought the kindest impression I could hold of Lerner is that he was a very rich, well meaning buffoon.

[garyshawsknee]

Like Dudley Moore in Arthur, but without the vast amounts of alcohol.

[Hairbandinho]

Wolves surely must be up there possibly even above us in terms of potential promotion.

This season the league is much much harder than last season.

[ozzjim]

Twitter is linking us to Robert Snodgrass today. Would be a top player in the Championship, but the fee being talked about is £7m plus, which is an awful lot for a player who'll be 30 in September.  Bruce has previously admitted to wanting him though, so there's every chance it's a genuine link. Veretout's fee + McCormack's wages (and possible fee) would probably about cover the outlay too.

As an aside, I still think we need another centre-back. We've no idea about the durability of Samba, or how many games we'll get out of Terry. Sadly, we know all too well about Baker's durability (or lack of). Granted the 3 of them (and Jedinak) should all be able to cover each others' absences, but my big fear is what happens if/when Chester gets injured. A back 2 containing any combination of that 4 would be so slow it'd force our defence to set-up so deep  it would hinder the whole team.

None of the younger CBs that we have look to have the physicality to play in the Championship yet (Suliman in particular looks to be very lightweight). Did somebody previously say that De Laet can play as a CB in emergencies...?

Could actually see this happening. Think Snodgrass would be a great fit for us even if it is another short term move.

Actually a wide player who can score and takes good free kicks. He was great for Hull last season but it just hasn't worked out for him at West Ham so they'll probably look to move him on with all the money they're spending.

Snodgrass would be a brilliant signing for anyone in this division. Wolves can sign the Neves, Costa, Jota etc, but if we can add a player or two that can add goals from out wide and the middle of the park while giving us a tiny bit more creativity, I think we will be top 2. We are so solid through the spine now, you cannot argue with Bruce for achieving that. Add in a Snodgrass and Ojo on loan and we are brilliantly equipped. With Hogan, Kodjia, RHM, Gabby and Davis we probably have enough.

[Matt Collins]

Wolves surely must be up there possibly even above us in terms of potential promotion.

This season the league is much much harder than last season.

I think it's easier

Newcastle were certs to go up last year and Brighton has been consistently top four

Boro look strong but not as strong as newcastle. Don't think Wednesday are any stronger. Hull and Sunderland will do well to compete at the top of the league

Wolves could be a threat I agree, but it's unknown and even if they do I still think there are more places up for grabs. If not sure Leeds or reading will have the same sort of season

[SoccerHQ]

Wolves surely must be up there possibly even above us in terms of potential promotion.

This season the league is much much harder than last season.

Really don't see it.

Two of the relegated teams will be no higher than mid table and will have sort of season we did last year imo (Hull and Sunderland).

Boro will be up there but I'd be amazed if they dominate like Newcastle did.

You'll get surprise teams but that's the case in any season.

[tomd2103]

Twitter is linking us to Robert Snodgrass today. Would be a top player in the Championship, but the fee being talked about is £7m plus, which is an awful lot for a player who'll be 30 in September.  Bruce has previously admitted to wanting him though, so there's every chance it's a genuine link. Veretout's fee + McCormack's wages (and possible fee) would probably about cover the outlay too.

As an aside, I still think we need another centre-back. We've no idea about the durability of Samba, or how many games we'll get out of Terry. Sadly, we know all too well about Baker's durability (or lack of). Granted the 3 of them (and Jedinak) should all be able to cover each others' absences, but my big fear is what happens if/when Chester gets injured. A back 2 containing any combination of that 4 would be so slow it'd force our defence to set-up so deep  it would hinder the whole team.

None of the younger CBs that we have look to have the physicality to play in the Championship yet (Suliman in particular looks to be very lightweight). Did somebody previously say that De Laet can play as a CB in emergencies...?

Could actually see this happening. Think Snodgrass would be a great fit for us even if it is another short term move.

Actually a wide player who can score and takes good free kicks. He was great for Hull last season but it just hasn't worked out for him at West Ham so they'll probably look to move him on with all the money they're spending.

Snodgrass would be a brilliant signing for anyone in this division. Wolves can sign the Neves, Costa, Jota etc, but if we can add a player or two that can add goals from out wide and the middle of the park while giving us a tiny bit more creativity, I think we will be top 2. We are so solid through the spine now, you cannot argue with Bruce for achieving that. Add in a Snodgrass and Ojo on loan and we are brilliantly equipped. With Hogan, Kodjia, RHM, Gabby and Davis we probably have enough.

I wouldn't go as far as brilliant, but he would be a good, solid signing for us or anyone else for that matter.  Add him on the left and a target man to the team and it begins to look strong:

                                     Johnstone

Bree / De Laet        Chester              Terry              Taylor

Elmohamady        Whelan        Lansbury/ Hourihane    Snodgrass

                              ?                    Hogan / Kodjia

Plenty of options on the bench as well. 

[Ads]

Boro were dire last year in part because there was a 30 yard gap between their midfield and often lone frontman.

They've added Asombalonga and over paid for him given his injuries and the time it takes the chunk to get match fit. But he is decent and quick when he actually is fit. They're solid at the back and unspectacular in the middle of the park.

I think they're the only relegated side who will trouble the top six and I would imagine their aim is automatic promotion.

I think Wednesday and Derby will be where they usually are, although I think Leeds and Reading will drop away. Readings lack of a decent striker made it a surprise they finished as well as they did.

Norwich's manager is a complete rookie. They're obviously hoping that being German and having worked in Dortmund is all that's needed. They really ought to have done better with the players they have, but could compete for the play offs.

Wolves have followed the same route last season; 20 and 21 year olds as part of Mendes stable. Another unknown quantity, but getting rid of Batth from their starting XI has to be a positive for them.

Cardiff are likely to be competitive. Fulham too.

Hull and Sunderland in particular would shock me if they finished top half.

Man for man or unit for unit we have the best squad. No excuses for anything but automatic promotion.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Man for man or unit for unit we have the best squad. No excuses for anything but automatic promotion.

Sounds about right to me.

[sid1964]

if we don't get promoted this season - Bruce should never be allowed to manage a football club again! - he will have zero excuses for me!

[Hairbandinho]

Do people genuinely think we have the best squad in the league?

[Brend'Watkins]

Who has a better one?

[olaftab]

This season the league is much much harder than last season.

Do you mean last season it was easy for Newcastle and Brighton and this season there are no outstanding teams?

[olaftab]

Do people genuinely think we have the best squad in the league?

Not sure about the best but we probably have the oldest.

[robbo1874]

For what it's worth, I've had the piss taken in the last week or so by a forest fan and a QPR supporter- mainly about the JT signing, but neither expects we'll go up next season. Call it jealousy if you will, but the signings have been underwhelming to say the least. No idea how we'll fair, but my own thoughts are the transfer dealings have been fairly dismal so far.