MGLCFC

My own take on Luke Thomas is that his loan to Sheff U was a huge mistake. He was always going to be under pressure as a defender in a team that were barely fit to be in the Premier League. It's likely he regressed there and lost confidence. He then goes to Boro low on confidence and appears to have under performed as well. However, let's remember, here's a player that kept Mo Salah out of the game. I feel there is a player in there, but someone needs to get this into his head, as I fear psychologically his mind is not in the right place at the moment. Perhaps a fresh start at a lower level may be the answer.

OK, perhaps not the best of terms. He has shown promise that he has the attributes to be successful in the Premier League in his few chances at Arsenal, whereas Soule is an unknown quantity is this league. He may turn out to be the next wonderkid, but he could also turn out to be a flop.

Yes, I totally agree, but there were an awful lot of chances created in the video, which were wasted. I suppose all I'm suggesting is there is evidence that he does create quite a few chances, whether or not the video reel is disproportionate to the times he wastes possession, then I agree this is not clear. I fully understand videos are only likely to show the best bits.

Numbers can be somewhat misleading. From the video reel, it looked like poor finishing rather than a lack of chances created.

Personally think Reiss Nelson is a saver bet. He has performed well in the Premier League already. Soule may have the potential to have a higher ceiling and be a better player, but conversely he is unproven in this League and could flop. €30m + bonuses is a lot to risk.

Bin this one, loan Reiss Nelson, Weighorst and Carvalho and buy Hamer (sure he has a £15m release clause) or Nanasi.

It's a second pre-season game. It's all about getting minutes in, and developing ideas. Results aren't that important, ironing out issues that need addressing is what pre-season is all about.

Cooper has a big job on convincing Leicester fans he's the right man for the job. He doesn't want to start by being on the defensive. I can't believe he'd alienate the majority of fans by selecting Ward as his first choice keeper. He needs to win some of us over so I'm guessing Ward would be a desperation selection if needs must (hopefully).

Fair point, but if we are at the bottom of the food chain, then unfortunately options are likely to be uninspiring.

Yes, the original post just got in before mine (literally as I pressed submit) - couldn't be bothered to edit it.

Managed by Frank O Farrell

Dion Dublin Steve Sims Kasey Keller

And a fridge

I was led to believe Praet and Nacho were on good salaries - perhaps I'm misinformed

Sometimes the average Joe squad players turn out to be hugely successful - Albrighton, Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Winks, Solano, Fuchs, Okazaki to name a few. Just think sometimes it's how they are managed. Take Vestergaard last year - certainly below Joe average prior to the start of the season, yet was one of the players of the season, albeit at Championship level.

You could add to that Praet, Nacho, Albrighton plus the loaned players who have returned to parent clubs (Akgun, Casadei, Doyle). There is a huge salary saving over the last 2 years. If we can offload Soumare and maybe Faes and or Daka, that must, in total, equate to over £300000 a week in savings. I appreciate the club will have to accommodate new players, but still the net gain should be huge.

What are our finances? Signing both over 5 years, would probably only amount to around £10m to £12m per year. I'm sure there is money to spend, it's just about being a little creative in how we do it.

Depends if it's a like for like swap to get around accountability rules.

Thought Okoli was around €15m which included lots of add ons. Would be surprised if we have paid more than about €7m initially. However, I'm just guessing, so you may be correct.

Perhaps we want to snap up a few free transfers whilst they are still available. I still think we'll spend £30m to £40m over the window. It only works out at most £8m per year on 5 year contracts.

My membership is just a download (no card this year). I presume if you buy anything in the shop, you'll hold it near the card reader to accumulate any discount.

Not sure if you really know and are just taking the p1ss, but mine this year is a mobile download. Don't know if there is a plastic card available. I suspect not.

Like I said in my original post, I'm not being downbeat, but realistic and I take on board your points. Burnley dominated the league the season before but were poor in the Prem, yet without the upheaval of changing manager and an unproven squad at this level. When we last won the Championship we got 100 points, kept the same manager, yet stayed up through a phenomenal run over the last 12 games, having sat at the bottom of the table for the most part of the season. There is a big gulf now between being a very good Championship side and a lower end Premier League side. Having said all that, I think with some solid additions and a manager who appears to be a good motivator, we can avoid relegation, which must be our primary aim. I look forward to the coming season and hope we can compete at a level that means we can build for future successes.

Did we - it all looked a bit edgy in April. We had an exceptional Championship squad but many are unproven at Premier League level. Losing quality players who underperformed in 22/23 will be hard to replace, not impossible. Anyone who thinks staying up will be easy must have their blue tinted glasses on. I'm not a defeatist, just a realist. I expect a difficult season and would be over the moon if 3 other teams finish below ourselves. But let's not kid ourselves that the current squad is going to be good enough unless there are some decent additions.

Is he though?