Agree with the view expressed by many that Gaspar will be a good player, but perhaps the wrong type of player for Edwards’ system. May be proved wrong there, but we won’t know until it’s too late for it to be rectified. Fingers crossed we pull a rabbit out the har and sign someone like Norton-Cuffy next week. Inheriting players that don’t suit what you want to do is one thing. Being given new players that still don’t fit the system is inexcusable.
I've tried not to harp on about our failings in the transfer department too much, but I must say we've made a total Horlicks of this one.
I think we definitely need an(other) RWB, although given we have someone who can play there (albeit probably not naturally), plus Kamara, and Ngakia hanging around still (is he U21 for this season?) means I doubt we'll sign one, certainly not before we do lots of other deals both ways
Did I imagine that stuff Duxbury said about us hitting the reset button, and getting younger, faster, stronger?
Problem is, won't Arsenal think exactly the same as United? Why would they loan is Norton-Cuffy to sit on our bench?
It depends what ‘guarantees’ they give. It’s always odd when clubs want guarantees over anything. They’re constantly going on in the media about how quickly things change and how unpredictable it is. N-C might be s*** and not play more than 5 games as a result. But if Edwards wants a “flyer” and we go to Arsenal saying he’ll be our first-choice at the start of the season (when up to speed) and it’s up to him to stay there, then I don’t see what more they could ask.
I was hoping we'd sign both Laird and Telles this month from Man U. as then we'd have really double-glazered this transfer window.
Given the total lack of alternatives for the current system, at least Gaspar will be used, even if it is yet another case of a square peg in a round hole
I just remember how turd Cassetti looked at RWB in his first month and how majestic he was at RCB. I think Gaspar would be perfect there.
I mean, I have been saying for the past few days that this is exactly why the Laird deal wasn’t happening…
Not doubting his quality, doubting his ability to play as the RWB that Edwards wants/needs. Flat back 4, he would easily be the best RB in the league. Problem is we play 3 at the back. So unless he really is going to go into this RCB slot, which is highly doubtful, his signing makes no sense. Especially when it’s blocking players like Laird joining who would fit exactly what Edwards wants/needs. Instead we have Giaretta telling these pacey wide wing backs that their game time isn’t guaranteed due to us signing an OAP from Spain.
Yes if only we'd signed the Kane Wilson who's so far only managed 56 league minutes off the bench for a crap Bristol City side, all would have been rosy!
Apparently has looked really good offensively and defensively for QPR and their fans really like him. Still, glad we chose a slow full back who is unable to play wing back.
Edwards definitely didn’t want him. Gaspar was his first choice. It can’t be helped that his legs have unexpectedly gone, mere weeks after signing for us.
And remember “some fans” need to stop questioning when a manager gives a straight answer to a straight question. Everyone is happy with the squad and the fans should not cause negative vibes.
My guess is he would have preferred Laird over Gaspar but was genuinely overall “happy with the squad”. Hause, Choudhury, and Davis and got to keep Sarr and Pedro. I’m sure Gaspar has since been a huge disappointment for Edwards and the Board.
Might be worth a bit of light due diligence before signing players just because you can. Such basic competence might prevent future disappointment in the future.
Bayo to sort out the Bayats? Manaj? The reserve keeper? Or are you referring to the loanees who will be gone in the summer when we don’t go up? Asprilla looks good to be fair, but I think the overall transfer window was poor, especially with a long term view in mind.
The loanees look very good. Yes will need to be replaced or re-loaned next summer. We couldn’t of course have afforded to buy them outright. Historically we’ve not spent money in the championship and loanees have been excellent for us. Bayo looks like a goalscorer if he’s given the service at least. Manaj, a free punt (other than wages) looks more speculative. Didn’t look like a natural scorer but at least looked a mobile back up until his injury. Shame we couldn’t land Archer.
Laird ended up with just 1 goal and 2 assists all season - the last contribution being way back on 10th of October; and, typically, 1 of his 2 assists was in their early season win against us. He would have probably been better than Gaspar, mind, but he didn't end up setting the league alight again. Also Christie ended up with 1 extra goal contribution in fewer minutes. Still, on the plus side we've now got Andrew going forwards, who maybe wouldn't have gotten a chance had we signed Laird on loan.
There is more to football than stats, especially when you opt to cherry pick two stats to suit your narrative. There are countless other stats that determine how well a wing back performed that are more suitable than the total number of goals scored across a season which is pretty meaningless. Also - even assists is pretty useless and doesnt factor in the fact that they may have an absolute donkey up top who have spurned hundreds of good chances created by a wing back. Anyone with eyes can see Laird would have offered more to the side than Gaspar did, and had he come in maybe RE could still have been in a job (or at least a few weeks longer at least). RE system required two attacking, mobile wing backs and we signed a codger who doesnt have the mobility to cross the half way line. Andews is a very nice positive, but I am not giving the club undue credit for the fact we have three utter crocks at RB.
Tailed off after a good start at QPR, and the fact that he's gone to Brum for such a fee probably indicates that he isn't that good (yet, anyway), but still would have been a far better signing than Gaspar