Onwards and upwards!

[zztop]

Hopefully, the Taylor signing will keep you "negatives" quiet for a while.

Those of you that were going on about the two earlier signings not being defenders and criticising both the new players and the Management should now humbly admit that it is possible to sign a mixture of youth and experience, covering defence, midfield and forwards - in one transfer window! I didn't think this is rocket science but many of you "negatives seemed to think so.

It also appears that the signings have been done with financial restraint. I know that we do not have details of wages, etc, but I hope that the "negatives" will wait for facts before they bring up wages as a potential issue.

I know some of you would rather the Club have sat on their hands rather than improve the squad due to the finances, but I trust the current board to have done their homework. In fact, in the absence of hard evidence to the contrary, I feel obliged to support them. Losing the two loanees will be tough enough anyway, but to do so without someone else challenging for their places, would be even worse.

So far, with a few days to go, we still have two of our most sellable players in Demerit and Loach. Both of these have the potential to increase their value over the next 6 months in the league and, in Demerits case, the World Cup. It may be that they go in this window, but I think we can cope with the loss of either, but better off financially.

Financially, there have been no new surprises, with Fransen having enough confidence to lend £0.5m, unsecured, and Ashcroft apparantly willing to underwrite the rights issue and lend more money if required. We hear rumours of new investors and we will hopefully be almost debt free in a few months.

On the field, I feel that we have the basis of a good team who could be challenging for the top six spots. If they could get their act together, they would be dangerous. They aren't performing at the mo, but I do not think that we should be battling to stay up as there are far worse teams than us in this division. Positive thinking is important, from the fans on this board, from fans at the games, through the team and Management.

So, why don't we give them a break, get behind them and see them move into the top six.

[Bobby Downes]

why would it keep people quiet, he is utter dog t u r d

[telboy]

Could`nt have put it better myself,ZZTOP.
Where are the moaners now?

[UHORNS]

Thank you both for your humble opinions.Now will you both kindly JOG ON!!!

[SM#16]

Again, clearly missing my point previously!

[kingjames77]

Hopefully, the Taylor signing will keep you "negatives" quiet for a while.

Those of you that were going on about the two earlier signings not being defenders and criticising both the new players and the Management should now humbly admit that it is possible to sign a mixture of youth and experience, covering defence, midfield and forwards - in one transfer window! I didn't think this is rocket science but many of you "negatives seemed to think so.

It also appears that the signings have been done with financial restraint. I know that we do not have details of wages, etc, but I hope that the "negatives" will wait for facts before they bring up wages as a potential issue.

I know some of you would rather the Club have sat on their hands rather than improve the squad due to the finances, but I trust the current board to have done their homework. In fact, in the absence of hard evidence to the contrary, I feel obliged to support them. Losing the two loanees will be tough enough anyway, but to do so without someone else challenging for their places, would be even worse.

So far, with a few days to go, we still have two of our most sellable players in Demerit and Loach. Both of these have the potential to increase their value over the next 6 months in the league and, in Demerits case, the World Cup. It may be that they go in this window, but I think we can cope with the loss of either, but better off financially.

Financially, there have been no new surprises, with Fransen having enough confidence to lend £0.5m, unsecured, and Ashcroft apparantly willing to underwrite the rights issue and lend more money if required. We hear rumours of new investors and we will hopefully be almost debt free in a few months.

On the field, I feel that we have the basis of a good team who could be challenging for the top six spots. If they could get their act together, they would be dangerous. They aren't performing at the mo, but I do not think that we should be battling to stay up as there are far worse teams than us in this division. Positive thinking is important, from the fans on this board, from fans at the games, through the team and Management.

So, why don't we give them a break, get behind them and see them move into the top six.

Good post zz.. I dont think the current squad is good enough for Top 6 but it's certainly good enough to keep us up. What we need in the summer is new investment and lots of it with hard cash to sign some quality (2-3 players tops) which would add to a GOOD side. That's the difference between average and Top 6.

Aside from that, I agree with everything else zz, nice one.

[PaddingtonsYellowArmy]

Good post zz.. I dont think the current squad is good enough for Top 6 but it's certainly good enough to keep us up. What we need in the summer is new investment and lots of it with hard cash to sign some quality (2-3 players tops) which would add to a GOOD side. That's the difference between average and Top 6.

Aside from that, I agree with everything else zz, nice one.

r u still drinking salad juice twice a day?

[WatfordRich]

I agree what you say about Loach but not Demerit. I don't see how somoeone with 5 months on their contract can increase in value.?? If he has a good World Cup he is gone..............on a free.

[zztop]

I agree what you say about Loach but not Demerit. I don't see how somoeone with 5 months on their contract can increase in value.?? If he has a good World Cup he is gone..............on a free.

Whoops, a good point, I forgot that.

[andya]

They moan cos we havent got a "raw meat merchant" type centre half. They moan when we sign a "raw meat merchant" type centre half. Moan moan moan moan moan.
There are some characters who would moan if they were given a free ticket for the FA Cup final in the Royal box because they werent sitting next to the Queen.

[Keano]

if you scroll down the succession of thread titles since xmas it starts to sound like the 5 stages of grief.

i think we are finally at acceptance, although this poor run is sending a heavy relapse into depression

[harry hornet]

Hopefully, the Taylor signing will keep you "negatives" quiet for a while.

Those of you that were going on about the two earlier signings not being defenders and criticising both the new players and the Management should now humbly admit that it is possible to sign a mixture of youth and experience, covering defence, midfield and forwards - in one transfer window! I didn't think this is rocket science but many of you "negatives seemed to think so.

It also appears that the signings have been done with financial restraint. I know that we do not have details of wages, etc, but I hope that the "negatives" will wait for facts before they bring up wages as a potential issue.

I know some of you would rather the Club have sat on their hands rather than improve the squad due to the finances, but I trust the current board to have done their homework. In fact, in the absence of hard evidence to the contrary, I feel obliged to support them. Losing the two loanees will be tough enough anyway, but to do so without someone else challenging for their places, would be even worse.

So far, with a few days to go, we still have two of our most sellable players in Demerit and Loach. Both of these have the potential to increase their value over the next 6 months in the league and, in Demerits case, the World Cup. It may be that they go in this window, but I think we can cope with the loss of either, but better off financially.

Financially, there have been no new surprises, with Fransen having enough confidence to lend £0.5m, unsecured, and Ashcroft apparantly willing to underwrite the rights issue and lend more money if required. We hear rumours of new investors and we will hopefully be almost debt free in a few months.

On the field, I feel that we have the basis of a good team who could be challenging for the top six spots. If they could get their act together, they would be dangerous. They aren't performing at the mo, but I do not think that we should be battling to stay up as there are far worse teams than us in this division. Positive thinking is important, from the fans on this board, from fans at the games, through the team and Management.

So, why don't we give them a break, get behind them and see them move into the top six.

Good post

[harry hornet]

why would it keep people quiet, he is utter dog t u r d

Poor post

[Whippendell Woods]

They moan cos we havent got a "raw meat merchant" type centre half. They moan when we sign a "raw meat merchant" type centre half. Moan moan moan moan moan.
There are some characters who would moan if they were given a free ticket for the FA Cup final in the Royal box because they werent sitting next to the Queen.

Well she is in her 80's and doesn't like football anyway....

[krisvad]

Hopefully, the Taylor signing will keep you "negatives" quiet for a while.

Those of you that were going on about the two earlier signings not being defenders and criticising both the new players and the Management should now humbly admit that it is possible to sign a mixture of youth and experience, covering defence, midfield and forwards - in one transfer window! I didn't think this is rocket science but many of you "negatives seemed to think so.

It also appears that the signings have been done with financial restraint. I know that we do not have details of wages, etc, but I hope that the "negatives" will wait for facts before they bring up wages as a potential issue.

I know some of you would rather the Club have sat on their hands rather than improve the squad due to the finances, but I trust the current board to have done their homework. In fact, in the absence of hard evidence to the contrary, I feel obliged to support them. Losing the two loanees will be tough enough anyway, but to do so without someone else challenging for their places, would be even worse.

So far, with a few days to go, we still have two of our most sellable players in Demerit and Loach. Both of these have the potential to increase their value over the next 6 months in the league and, in Demerits case, the World Cup. It may be that they go in this window, but I think we can cope with the loss of either, but better off financially.

Financially, there have been no new surprises, with Fransen having enough confidence to lend £0.5m, unsecured, and Ashcroft apparantly willing to underwrite the rights issue and lend more money if required. We hear rumours of new investors and we will hopefully be almost debt free in a few months.

On the field, I feel that we have the basis of a good team who could be challenging for the top six spots. If they could get their act together, they would be dangerous. They aren't performing at the mo, but I do not think that we should be battling to stay up as there are far worse teams than us in this division. Positive thinking is important, from the fans on this board, from fans at the games, through the team and Management.

So, why don't we give them a break, get behind them and see them move into the top six.

Firstly, let me say this is a great post by zztop. I, like others, may not agree we can challenge for top6, but most of the rest I do agree with.

I find it pretty remarkable that we - as a club in a tight financial position - can secure the services of a young, highly thought-of player with 3 SPL seasons under his belt, the world's 49th biggest talent (I do realise that list is worthless but still to appear on it, Buckley must have something) and a seasoned pro.

While the seasoned pro has been brought in to plug a hole straight away, the two youngsters have been brought in for next season. We are actually thinking ahead. And we're spending money we don't have - true, but I put my faith in the board to make the right decisions here. And I feel that Fransen's unsecured loan shows faith in the club and the board - and if he believes his 500k are safe in the hands of the board - I can't see why fans should worry about us spending less than 500k on two talented players.


While the events in this window have largely been very positive, I'd still like us to move a few players out this window. We managed to move Lump and Sadler for a bit, but we have 5 bigger earners who are out of contract inthe summer - I would have liked us to get a wee bit for them rather than letting them go on a free. This doesn't look like happening and it's not a big problem for me, but it would have made the window perfect.

So let's talk about next season then. We stand to lose a number of bigger earners freeing up a large chunk of wages.

Demerit, Lee, Eustace, Harley and Hoskins are the notables. Add to them the loanees we have this season - Tom and Angela and maybe also H and we have quite a depleted squad. But we will also have a wage budget that will allow us to bring players in.

Someone in another thread said "unless Malky is planning a total revamp in the summer...." - well I think that's exactly what will happen. Out of the 5+3 mentioned above we already have brought in replacements for 3. We have Hendo to take Hoskins place on the bench as the forward sub (done that more or less already) and we may have Travner to cover at left back when Harley leaves. We will still need to strengthen the side as we are very light already but I feel that with a few key signings we will have a very decent side.

The lineup after next window then...

Lee/New GK
Hodson - Taylor - Mariappa - Doyley
Cowie - McGinn - Jenkins - Buckley/New LW
Graham - New Forward/Buckley

I think we'll sell Loach. Lots of talk about him going now but it seems he's staying for the time being. If we do sell him it's either extend Lee's contact or get in someone else. I'd like to see Lee's loyalty rewarded but I think a new man will be better.

The defense seems to be okay pretty well but we'll need cover at CD and LB.

The midfield is pretty inexperienced but has skill. I'd like us to get in a left footed LW to allow Buckley to play up top. And we also need some cover (unless that is Severin Could also be Kiernan if he stays). We might see Gibson or Bryan as cover for Cowie but probably not Young to cover at LW.

Up top, things depend on us signing HH or not. If we do, along with Buckley, we have a decent trio. I think - however - that we can get more for the money elsewhere so I'd probably leave HH and bring in someone else.

So to summarize:

We have eight 1st team players leaving in the summer (9 if we sell Loach). We have have replaced 3.

We need:

GK
CD
LB
CM - holding (or use Severin)
CM - Attacking
LW
CF

You may feel all this is a little premature as we haven't even got through the current window but hey. This season was always about survival and building for the future. Don't forget we a shipping out high-earners at the end of the window. Players whose wages can probably cover two new players wages each. If we manage to get through to july without going bust (don't forget we still need a couple of millions along with the rights issue going through) we will be in a much better position. We still won't be rich but we'll be almost through carrying the wage structure put in place by Simpson/Ashton/Boothroyd and we can start building again. So as zztop says - onwards and upwards. Future is bright and all that.

[Spud]

Hopefully, the Taylor signing will keep you "negatives" quiet for a while.

Those of you that were going on about the two earlier signings not being defenders and criticising both the new players and the Management should now humbly admit that it is possible to sign a mixture of youth and experience, covering defence, midfield and forwards - in one transfer window! I didn't think this is rocket science but many of you "negatives seemed to think so.

It also appears that the signings have been done with financial restraint. I know that we do not have details of wages, etc, but I hope that the "negatives" will wait for facts before they bring up wages as a potential issue.

I know some of you would rather the Club have sat on their hands rather than improve the squad due to the finances, but I trust the current board to have done their homework. In fact, in the absence of hard evidence to the contrary, I feel obliged to support them. Losing the two loanees will be tough enough anyway, but to do so without someone else challenging for their places, would be even worse.

So far, with a few days to go, we still have two of our most sellable players in Demerit and Loach. Both of these have the potential to increase their value over the next 6 months in the league and, in Demerits case, the World Cup. It may be that they go in this window, but I think we can cope with the loss of either, but better off financially.

Financially, there have been no new surprises, with Fransen having enough confidence to lend £0.5m, unsecured, and Ashcroft apparantly willing to underwrite the rights issue and lend more money if required. We hear rumours of new investors and we will hopefully be almost debt free in a few months.

On the field, I feel that we have the basis of a good team who could be challenging for the top six spots. If they could get their act together, they would be dangerous. They aren't performing at the mo, but I do not think that we should be battling to stay up as there are far worse teams than us in this division. Positive thinking is important, from the fans on this board, from fans at the games, through the team and Management.

So, why don't we give them a break, get behind them and see them move into the top six.

Top post. Weve been stretched to the limit all season. I think Malky and the team deserve alot of credit for punching way above their weight. If the board members (current and previous) had shown the same commitment, deisire, hard work and effort as the team, wed be 'solvent' and pushing for promotion. We cant underestimate how well our players have done, a mixture of inexperience and youth is usually a recipe for disaster but the players have shown great maturity and have done their best.

It wont shut the moaners up tho ZZ. Im sure most have em are either on a wind up or have their own agenda.