Are you happy with our transfer activity ?

[foxinyourbox]

So important that we spend the extra Champions League money well in this window, we may not see the like again and spending wisely could be the breakthrough to the next level we all hope for.

[Unclenobhead]

24 minutes ago, SystonFox said:

Why do we need another right back? Simpson is the best rb in the country.

Because who is going to play there if/when he gets injured,suspended or thrown in jail?

 

[SystonFox]

Ah the old Simpson in jail joke. Mans a legend show him more respect. I'll step in at rb and do a decent job

[Unclenobhead]

3 minutes ago, SystonFox said:

Ah the old Simpson in jail joke. Mans a legend show him more respect. I'll step in at rb and do a decent job

Well if you're ok with strangling women mate then knock yourself out. He is a decent footballer but respect, that is something he will have to earn back

[SystonFox]

I'd say he's earnt it, he has done nothing but behave as far as I am aware.

[Unclenobhead]

Just now, SystonFox said:

I'd say he's earnt it, he has done nothing but behave as far as I am aware.

That's ok then 

[lfu]

39 minutes ago, SystonFox said:

Why do we need another right back? Simpson is the best rb in the country.

That's like asking why we need a backup GK because we have Kasper.

[tsintskaro]

Even if club gets that boy from City,that is not enough

he is inside box player and not one who participates in setup

0 creativity in midfield 

 

[SheppyFox]

So far yes but we still need a lot more as everyone is saying

[Daggers]

6 hours ago, Unclenobhead said:

Really?  Who would have been your choice of manager and why would they be better than shakey?  

 

Also which players do you think we could have realistically brought to the club other than those we have and continue to be linked with ie iheanacho,Evans/Gibson,and siggy?

 

I'm not having a go here by the way I'm just genuinely interested to hear what you say. 

We could be linked with Messi, Ronaldo and the exhumed body of Bob Marley, but that doesn't mean anything because they haven't been signed. So, based on actual signings to date, I'm not wowed. I'm not going 'yep, this is where we start regularly pushing for a top 6 spot'.

 

What players I want doesn't come down to names I want to see because it's a drawn out process over the summer. I'd still be circumspect if I supported most other clubs.

 

With regards Shakey, he represents a style of football and club management that I don't believe matches up with the stated ambitions of the owners. We got shot of the bloke who could have done that.

[Thracian]

4 minutes ago, Daggers said:

We could be linked with Messi, Ronaldo and the exhumed body of Bob Marley, but that doesn't mean anything because they haven't been signed. So, based on actual signings to date, I'm not wowed. I'm not going 'yep, this is where we start regularly pushing for a top 6 spot'.

 

What players I want doesn't come down to names I want to see because it's a drawn out process over the summer. I'd still be circumspect if I supported most other clubs.

 

With regards Shakey, he represents a style of football and club management that I don't believe matches up with the stated ambitions of the owners. We got shot of the bloke who could have done that.

I presume you mean Pearson (who did much to get rid of himself) because Ranieri could much more likely have got us relegated.   

[Unclenobhead]

24 minutes ago, Daggers said:

We could be linked with Messi, Ronaldo and the exhumed body of Bob Marley, but that doesn't mean anything because they haven't been signed. So, based on actual signings to date, I'm not wowed. I'm not going 'yep, this is where we start regularly pushing for a top 6 spot'.

 

What players I want doesn't come down to names I want to see because it's a drawn out process over the summer. I'd still be circumspect if I supported most other clubs.

 

With regards Shakey, he represents a style of football and club management that I don't believe matches up with the stated ambitions of the owners. We got shot of the bloke who could have done that.

You said nope to the question are you happy with the level of activity in the transfer market.  We have 2 signed and iheanacho apparently very close so I assume you don't rate these players and think we are set for a 40 point target. 

 

You said you not happy with the appointment of Shakespeare too. 

 

Thsts fine and as a fan you have a right to an opinion but but you still haven't said what signings would have made you happy or which manager should have replaced ranieri, you can't just knock the club and moan about lack of ambition without offering an opinion of what could be done differently can you?  You just have so maybe you can I don't know?

[Daggers]

23 minutes ago, Thracian said:

I presume you mean Pearson (who did much to get rid of himself) because Ranieri could much more likely have got us relegated.   

Nope. CS is Pearson-lite, operating the club with player power at the fore. We've seen similar tactics, similar signing procedures (but now with a weakened scouting network) and very similar tactical shortcomings.

 

NP was needed to overhaul the club to turn the ship around. The board state that the aim is to challenge for European qualification every season - do you seriously think CS is going to manage that based on what we saw last season, Tony? CR was trying to do the job that still needs to be done, the squad still needs an overhaul in style and staff. 

 

I really hope he has another gear to shift into, I really hope he can sort a better summer than we had last year, I really do, but I can't help but doubt he's the man for the task in hand. So I'm trusting in the board once more because the last time I felt like this about a new manager we won the Prem!

[Daggers]

17 minutes ago, Unclenobhead said:

You said nope to the question are you happy with the level of activity in the transfer market.  We have 2 signed and iheanacho apparently very close so I assume you don't rate these players and think we are set for a 40 point target. 

 

You said you not happy with the appointment of Shakespeare too. 

 

Thsts fine and as a fan you have a right to an opinion but but you still haven't said what signings would have made you happy or which manager should have replaced ranieri, you can't just knock the club and moan about lack of ambition without offering an opinion of what could be done differently can you?  You just have so maybe you can I don't know?

Go back and re-read what I posted, and don't make assumptions - because you know what they say? It makes an ass out of u and mptions. I'm not sure why they say that as it makes no sense.

 

We haven't signed Nacho, therefore he is irrelevant to the conversation. If you seriously believe the two signings to date have transformed us into a Top 6 side then good for you, and I'll have a couple of pints of it too. Cheers.

 

I didn't say CS shouldn't have been caretaker manager, he was appointed manager after the season finished. I'm not naming names because it's a fool's errand. There were better managers available, there were better managers able to be tempted away from their posts. 

 

I didn't "knock the club", I expressed reservations regarding the appointment and a lack of enthusiasm resulting from actual signings to date. Life isn't polar, there's shades of opinions, this is mine, in the gray. 

[Thracian]

51 minutes ago, Daggers said:

Nope. CS is Pearson-lite, operating the club with player power at the fore. We've seen similar tactics, similar signing procedures (but now with a weakened scouting network) and very similar tactical shortcomings.

 

NP was needed to overhaul the club to turn the ship around. The board state that the aim is to challenge for European qualification every season - do you seriously think CS is going to manage that based on what we saw last season, Tony? CR was trying to do the job that still needs to be done, the squad still needs an overhaul in style and staff. 

 

I really hope he has another gear to shift into, I really hope he can sort a better summer than we had last year, I really do, but I can't help but doubt he's the man for the task in hand. So I'm trusting in the board once more because the last time I felt like this about a new manager we won the Prem!

Shakespeare had to manage with what he had last season and worked wonders in the short time he had a sufficiently fit and able squad.

 

As for the first half of the season the disappointment was as much down to metaphorical own goals as the personnel.

 

We had an unsatisfactorily disruptive pre-season, had insufficient time to train and integrate our new players properly, had to cope with the massive loss of Kante, and didn't have the staff or preparation to change our style even if it had been wise or necessary.

 

I'm not sure what it is about the European challenge you think Shakespeare can't achieve 'though I presume your doubts have a sound enough basis.

 

He managed pretty well in the latter stages of our Champions League journey to the point I'd say the Sevilla and Atletico games represented our best efforts overall despite the first half in Seville being a bit bleak.

 

It's too early to say how this close season's recruitment is going - or will go.

 

Iheaneco's still not a certainty and any optimism about any of our recruits should perhaps be tempered by the false optimism of last season when we saw Musa looking magical against Barcelona and really thought that the likes of Mendy, Kapustka and Slimani would add to our depth rather than leaving so many of us shaking their heads.

 

But on top of all that the main problem last season was the dramatic loss of team spirit and togetherness. Whatever the reason or reasons it left a gapping wound which took months and a change of manager before the healing process started.

 

Recovery's still not complete. One or two festering sores remain but I do believe there's a chance the new season will start with the team fit, focused and all-but united, if not quite fully tuned.

 

There's every indication we'll have up to six new signings and I've no doubt so far, that the ones who've actually put pen to paper will integrate easily and represent a strengthening of their respective areas.

 

It's how we cope with and react to the prospective loss of Mahrez that will be key. Because, for all that we seem to have signed some guaranteed goals and assists (if the Iheanesco deal works through) we'll also likely be losing some goals and assists that might not be replaced if the status quo remains. 

 

I know there are some who believe we need to pass and keep the ball better to get into - and compete - in Europe but there are different ways in football to be successful and good coaches should make the best of the material they've got to work with, whatever that approach needs to be.

 

I'd love to see us play mesmerising pass-and-move football but that's not what won us The Premiership and I don't mind what adaptation wins it a second time if we're so blessed. 

 

Or what approach will allow us to challenge  even for the top six which would certainly satisfy me for now if that level of improvement could be maintained thereafter.

 

Ironically, given your last sentence, I supported Ranieri's appointment but lost faith in him by September last year.

 

Conversely I doubted Shakespeare as a coach but gradually warmed to the bloke because I thought he worked better with people.

 

One thing's for sure though. There's a fascinating season ahead and it sure beats wondering if we'll lift ourselves out of Division One. .                             

       

[Unclenobhead]

1 hour ago, Daggers said:

Go back and re-read what I posted, and don't make assumptions - because you know what they say? It makes an ass out of u and mptions. I'm not sure why they say that as it makes no sense.

 

We haven't signed Nacho, therefore he is irrelevant to the conversation. If you seriously believe the two signings to date have transformed us into a Top 6 side then good for you, and I'll have a couple of pints of it too. Cheers.

 

I didn't say CS shouldn't have been caretaker manager, he was appointed manager after the season finished. I'm not naming names because it's a fool's errand. There were better managers available, there were better managers able to be tempted away from their posts. 

 

I didn't "knock the club", I expressed reservations regarding the appointment and a lack of enthusiasm resulting from actual signings to date. Life isn't polar, there's shades of opinions, this is mine, in the gray. 

Fair enough, like I said I wasn't having a go, we are all on the same side at the end of the day. I just think we are doing ok for a club that has finished in the top flight top 6 once since the 60's. A top 6 club we are not but I feel we are heading in the right direction. 

[SystonFox]

10 hours ago, lfu said:

That's like asking why we need a backup GK because we have Kasper.

Valid point, why do we need a backup gk? We've got Kasper 

[StriderHiryu]

The news of our 40M+ bid for Sigurdsson surely marks a new era of spending potential for the club. Whilst in many ways this is really exciting, it also makes me a little cautious of what our club will become. What made our title win so special was that we did it without buying the title. We raised a genuine team who went through tick and thin in Deeney Day and  The Great Escape to come together to inspire football fans and clubs around the world. Now to compete for a European spot regularly we do have to spend more money and act like a "big club," but I hope we do it sensibly rather than in the vulgar way that Chelsea, Man City and these days even Man United do. Sure Chelsea won the Champions League and I am sure their fans love that, but they basically paid for it bar the development of John Terry. Anyone with enough money can do that.

 

I would like to see the club develop local players and find other talented young players to supplement that. Then we can buy 1-2 marque signings a year in positions we know we are weak in to add experience to the team. That would hopefully be both a sustainable and a respectable model where we have players that are proud to wear the shirt and do the fans justice. We might be quite a few years off being able to do this given the strength of our academy, but in players like Chilwell, Gray, Ndidi, Maguire and Ihenacho (hopefully) we have a spine that hopefully stay with us for years. I really don't think you can underestimate the bond our core group of players like Kasper, Wes, Drinkwater, Vardy, etc have and how it helped us be so successful. I hope we can replicate that bond again with the next generation and claim that Champions League trophy that is missing in our cabinet :). 

[Guest Col city fan]

10 minutes ago, Worthington said:

Inbound yes....Guess one or two more as we're still being linked with Evans and the like!4

Not so happy that the likes of Zieler and Mendy, who obviously want 'out' are still leeching the benefits of being a 'pro' here... 

Same here. We don't seem to be offloading the players either we don't want or that don't want to be here. This will matter, wage wise. We need a squad, of course, but as many have said, we need a squad of improving quality.

[Jacnah]

On 10/07/2017 at 08:07, Thracian said:

Assuming Iheanacho's arrival we seem to be hitting some of our targets and I've reasonable optimism that we will land some more. On top of that we'd seem to have at least a couple of new arrivals from our own development squad by way of a bonus. 

 

We do need more - right back cover for sure, one (at least) or even two wingers, a genuinely creative central midfielder/free-kick specialist and some might say another centre-back - and perhaps, though I hope not - we may eed a quality goalkeeper.

 

But we've got as much as I anticipated so far because these things don't all happen at once or at our convenience.      

Good point. We'll have to see whether they are going to be good enough, but progression to the senior squad is, at the very least, promising.

 

When assessing the window as a whole, we shouldn't ignore the importance of binding some of our senior sqaud up on longer term contracts. Most of this was done last year to be fair and whilst its not a guarantee, it at least ensures we should get reasonable prices if they do decide to jump ship.

 

 

[Jacnah]

4 hours ago, StriderHiryu said:

The news of our 40M+ bid for Sigurdsson surely marks a new era of spending potential for the club. Whilst in many ways this is really exciting, it also makes me a little cautious of what our club will become. What made our title win so special was that we did it without buying the title. We raised a genuine team who went through tick and thin in Deeney Day and  The Great Escape to come together to inspire football fans and clubs around the world. Now to compete for a European spot regularly we do have to spend more money and act like a "big club," but I hope we do it sensibly rather than in the vulgar way that Chelsea, Man City and these days even Man United do. Sure Chelsea won the Champions League and I am sure their fans love that, but they basically paid for it bar the development of John Terry. Anyone with enough money can do that.

 

I would like to see the club develop local players and find other talented young players to supplement that. Then we can buy 1-2 marque signings a year in positions we know we are weak in to add experience to the team. That would hopefully be both a sustainable and a respectable model where we have players that are proud to wear the shirt and do the fans justice. We might be quite a few years off being able to do this given the strength of our academy, but in players like Chilwell, Gray, Ndidi, Maguire and Ihenacho (hopefully) we have a spine that hopefully stay with us for years. I really don't think you can underestimate the bond our core group of players like Kasper, Wes, Drinkwater, Vardy, etc have and how it helped us be so successful. I hope we can replicate that bond again with the next generation and claim that Champions League trophy that is missing in our cabinet :). 

just a question - was this ever directly reported, as opposed to a 'report on other reports', from a credible source? 

 

My impression is that we expressed an interest at some point, got a knock back, either the player wasnt interested or the price was to high, and have not been back since. All the reporting is just unsubstantiated 'noise'. A bit like the Deeney report may well have been a week or so back.

[cc_star]

Very happy with Maguire, Ibbora & hopefully Nacho

 

Still think we need a RB to push Simpson & we'll need to fill the squad out if last season's disasters of Mendy, Slim, Zieler & Mussa all depart

 

[StriderHiryu]

16 minutes ago, Jacnah said:

just a question - was this ever directly reported, as opposed to a 'report on other reports', from a credible source? 

 

My impression is that we expressed an interest at some point, got a knock back, either the player wasnt interested or the price was to high, and have not been back since. All the reporting is just unsubstantiated 'noise'. A bit like the Deeney report may well have been a week or so back.

I believe both the BBC and John Percy reported it. Of course we will never know how much the bid was really worth as the club won't reveal it.

 

Even if the bid didn't happen, the points still apply with the Slimani purchase from last year. It's definitely a far cry from the days of League One!

[lfu]

7 hours ago, SystonFox said:

Valid point, why do we need a backup gk? We've got Kasper 

Because injuries happen, and if we didn't have Zieler we would've had to put Hamer in goal when Schmeichel broke his hand. We would've been fvcked even more than we already were.

 

Same goes for if Simpson gets injured. The only other player in our squad who can play as a RB is Amartey, and he's been deemed not good enough for that position.

[SystonFox]

I still don't see why we need a backup gk. wasting valuable space in the matchday squad