Deano’s wishlist - the Jan transfer speculation/guaranteed nonsense thread

[A Northern Soul]

We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.

Really good point.  If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out.  I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him.  Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.

Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality

[Toronto Villa]

We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.

Really good point.  If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out.  I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him.  Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.

Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality

I don’t think anything has changed in that regard. He needs multiple leaders at the club to employ that approach. Chester is the best of a weak bunch so not a lot you can in terms of change.

[hilts_coolerking]

Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality

Did he really say that?  There's bigging up your team and there's talking out of your arse.

[Toronto Villa]

Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality

Did he really say that?  There's bigging up your team and there's talking out of your arse.

It was a Brentford thing and when asked about it very early on after he joined us he said he’d like to it here but made no commitment to it. He couldn’t have made that statement having just walked through the door.

[hilts_coolerking]

It was a Brentford thing and when asked about it very early on after he joined us he said he’d like to it here but made no commitment to it. He couldn’t have made that statement having just walked through the door.

Ah, fair enough.

[Ads]

A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.

[Steve67]

A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.

If we can squeeze in a right back too, that would be a good.  I think I'd be happy with a re-think from the club now in terms of our ambitions for promotion and for them to say that we are going to assess the squad for the rest of the season and try to build more steadily. Other than Grealish, SJM, Kalinic I would happily pay for the taxi for any other player to leave. Maybe not Davis as I think he might be worth hanging on to.

[Lastfootstamper]

A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.

Ar. Jack's presence meant we could keep the ball higher up the pitch, and took the pressure off this position. Without him as a shield, our soft underbelly is exposed for all to see. Even with him back, it's now looking like we won't storm the division til this is addressed. You don't go up drawing 5-5 every week.

[footyskillz]

Rico Henry scored v Stoke and Sawyer's looked very good .

Bring these 2 in asap!

[JJ-AV]

We need to stick with him and back him IMO. The initial improvement was so stark that it was clear it’d drop off eventually, but the performances recently are concerning. However we’re down the Smith path now and we need to back him.

We need a pair of fullbacks and a centre mid he can work with. A left back and centre mid as a minimum. I know it’s been said but if we can get the two lads from Brentford it might change the tide a bit. Abraham and Jack are on board with the manager so if those two can come in and hit the ground running and we get Hause up to speed all of a sudden we look a different prospect.

[VinnieChase84]

Buy Henry, recall Clark. That’s our leftback issue sorted immediately. Sell Taylor to anyone who will take him

[Toronto Villa]

Found a buyer for Taylor and Whelan

[tomd2103]

Buy Henry, recall Clark. That’s our leftback issue sorted immediately. Sell Taylor to anyone who will take him

I think Clark is naturally a right back who sometimes plays left back isn't he?

[eamonn]

Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?

[tomd2103]

Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?

Don't know to be honest mate.  I always thought the verdict was that he was a centre half by trade, but was a bit on the small side so played full-back.  Naturally right footed but, could cover on the left.

May have got that wrong though.