Anyway… The transfer window is due to close next Tuesday at 6pm UK time so I thought I’d take a quick look at what I expect from the remainder of open season and give my view on the business we’ve done so far.
And it’s a case of so far so good for me. When Mike Ashley appeared on television prior to the final game of the season and made his now infamous promise to invest many, including me, were left feeling rather suspicious. I mean we’d heard it all before right? And after years of zero investment in the playing squad and a steady stream of departures why else would we think any different?
Well to be fair, it has been and I have to say that if the window closed now I’d be pretty happy. Certainly more happy than I ever envisaged I’d be back in May. Whilst the job isn’t done and we’re still light in certain areas of the pitch we have gone for signings that are a level above what I was expecting.
Of course it’s early days in the NUFC careers of all the new guys, but certainly on reputation, stature and early performances the signs seem to be good. I’ve been impressed with Chancel M’Bemba and think he’ll be a fantastic acquisition while Georginio Wijnaldum will do well. Mitrovic up front has all the qualities to thrive in the Premier League and even Florian Thauvin is off the mark already, albeit against a League Two side.
In terms of what we’ve done in the window I’m happy so far. Can we expect any further changes in the final few days though? Well I personally don’t think so as the tone from Steve McClaren seems to have changed. In fact he’s effectively said we’re not looking for anymore but not to rule it out.
So my question, or questions I should say, to you lot are…
1 – How do you think we’ve done regarding transfers?
2 – How do you think our new signings will do this season?
3 – Do you think we’ll sign anyone else before the window closes?
And for a special bonus…
4 – Do you’ll think we’ll lose any first-team players in this transfer window?
Over to you.
Eric – my point is that despite spending £50m this window, we still seem reluctant to spend over £15m on a player – and if that’s us operating within our means then fair enough. But it does mean that real quality – like Gini, Mitrovic & Thauvin will be harder to get and quality like that won’t often be found in that price bracket – so when you get chance to sign some real quality, then we have to take it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The problem that I can see emerging, going back to the discussion with TDS before, is that Colo and Mbemba are not really a ‘partnership’. They are like playing two little centre forwards, it doesn’t work as well as a little and large combo. That’s why Mbemba has been played with success at RB, with Taylor played in the middle… We kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford.
DJG(Quote)
SHARPY he does not know mate,he just thought it strange its for Sunday,so maybe be its a bit iffy,never know where these reporters get their imfo
icedog(Quote)
Everton have Stones (top player – might be leaving), Jagielka (same age as Colo) and then kids at centre back.
Villa have Richards, Okore, Clark, Baker and Senderos. None of which are particularly great.
Saints have Caulker (relegated twice in a row), Yoshida, Gardos and Fonte (31 but still decent)
Swans have Williams (31 and their best CB), Fernandez, Amat and Bartley (24 and played 7 times in the PL last season)
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I’m well chuffed with our purchases. All quality with 3 decent potentials in the forest lads & toney.
I’ll be even more chuffed if we don’t lose a purple.
Mike said we’ll build so I’d imagine he didn’t mean in one window, with this in mind and the fact SM likes 1 up front, we’ll not buy another forward, esp at 15mil..
In defence, we have dummett, Lascelles and a couple of reservists. we’ll not sign any defenders this window.
Can’t complain
Gashley(Quote)
They are both 6′ tall so not exactly midgets…and Mbemba seems to have a bit of a jump on him, while Colo can concentrate more on position.
My point is, if McClaren has decided these are his first choice centre backs, then it would really damage team spirit to go back on that now. Need to give them a chance at least.
Colo simply has to play if fit (assuming his form isn’t terrible) because we need someone in that key position with experience of the PL. Mbemba and another foreigner would be a disaster.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Toondarnsarf
Everton, Swansea, Saints etc…. Have you seen Arsene’s 3rd and 4th choice CB’s! I hope they are playing again on Sat lunchtime. John Stones, £40million for that. Is Jose sniffing paint?!
DJG(Quote)
You know TDS, I would agree with you if we could rely on Taylor being fit. But we cannot. He seems to set up well with Coloccinni but history tells us that he has rubber bands for achilles, glass for a jaw, putty in his shoulder and string for hamstrings.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Saylor, Lascelles, mbemba, Colo, dummett.. Satka, Good, will do until Jan window
Gashley(Quote)
Mark/Gashley. I am not complaining either, I just want another CB or Charlie Austin 🙂 4 days to go. Colo has given us the runaround and played shyte so I am not willing to trust him, whatever Steve believes.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This window we have added Gini, Mitrovic, Thauvin, Mbemba, Darlow, Lascelles and Toney and lost who? Jonas, Raylor, Abeid and Cabella. Maybe include Santon and MYM in that list too if you want.
Every single outgoing player either failed or got to an age he could no longer contribute. The only significant contribution from any of them last season was Jonas’ last day heroics.
And yet some people STILL complain???
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I’d love both but TDS seems to have it right.
I still have a feeling Sissoko might leave…
Gashley(Quote)
TDS
Colo is a liability in the air. How many headed goals do we concede, where he has let the opponent get a run on him. It doesn’t matter how tall he is if his feet don’t leave the ground! The point is, he needs someone like Taylor beside him and Taylor needs footballing ability beside him. That’s why that particular partnership works, as you had alluded to before. Will Mbemba be able to provide that? It’s too early to tell. He just seems to me like the smaller footballing type of Cb, who brings the ball out.
DJG(Quote)
DJG
I agree! They were torn apart my Liverpool and very lucky not to lose that game. Looks like they’re both doubtful.
Chelsea have who? Terry, Cahill, Zouma and then? A kid or Ivanovic? Both Terry and Ivanovic started badly so no surprise they’re after Stones. They’re desperate!
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
ERIC
I know. Such a shame he can’t have a run of staying fit. Maybe a new coaching and fitness team will keep him fit? I can only cross my fingers…
I just cannot imagine the profile of player that could realistically be signed at the moment. Big money player displaces the first choice CBs, experienced PL squad player as a good 1st choice but why would they leave unless it’s for big money or regular football? Foreigner add more complications as they need to get used to the league. Young promising defender from the Championship? We already have Lascelles.
Taylor when fit can be a beast. Especially when he has Colo to do the thinking part.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
DJG
From what I’ve seen, Mbemba can provide the athleticism that Colo has clearly lost. Hopefully Colo can concentrate more on position and managing the defence. I’ve said it before that I think Colo tried to do much when alongside Willo because Willo is just so limited as a footballer. I do respect what Willo has done with limited talent but I’m glad that we’ve got other options now.
I know what you’re saying regarding Taylor, and hopefully he can play more, especially if they have beasts in the air.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS: I am not really complaining. I am worried that we only have one shortish CB as an addition to an area that was obviously lacking last year and for many years before that – 190 Fkin goals conceded in 3 years. We have upgraded with MBemba, I think, but have you seen him play? I bloody haven’t, I only watched Anderlecht play against The ****. I never saw Lascelles either until pre-season, have you?
Hopefully it will be addition by subtraction as well. Goodbye Mike Williamson and welcome our Brave New World.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC
Never seen Lascelles play and only seen Mbemba in the highlights really. Certainly need to give the latter time and I’m hoping that McClaren rates Lascelles and can turn him into a PL defender. I have no opinion on him though.
We had a tall plank in defence last year and things didn’t go so well either.
And a crucial point to note is that Fabio Cannavaro is 5’9″…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
If we’d signed Lascelles in this summer & not last year would we still be chuntering ??
CC(Quote)
TDS: Alreet then, so you are relying on a 33 year old who wanted to be away, a sick note and various other players that you haven’t seen play 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thought I’d check out others…
Jagielka (6′) – same as Mbemba and Colo
Koscielny (6’1″)
Terry, Rio and others (6’2″)
McNair, Man Utd (6′)
Rojo (6’1″)
Amat, Swans (6′)
Williams, Swans (6′)
Plenty of decent centre backs that aren’t really tall. I just had a look around and there aren’t actually that many 6’3″ and above these days.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Dear God, TDS! How pig headed can you be?!
It’s called a squad. Not a first choice eleven that will play every game. If a new defender came in for £10m I guarantee you he wouldn’t expect to be named in the same on Saturday. He would appreciate being in a good squad, where he has a chance of success. Otherwise why would Stones want to go to Chelsea? Would he play every week? What about Cabaye to PSG? Did he play every week? Or maybe Lascelles and Darlow? Why did they leave Forest as they could be playing every week in a worse league.
Players move to improve themselves over the long term, not to demand they play in the first team right from the off. They have to prove themselves.
Please, stop thinking that every player will player every game and start realising it’s a squad game.
I’m really shocked by your inability to understand the such basic realities about football squads.
Stuart79(Quote)
ERIC
Well…firstly, I didn’t say that I didn’t want a top centre back signed in this window. I’ve just said that I think that boat has sailed based on Colo getting an extension, Mbemba being signed and Taylor both getting McClaren’s support AND being fit. I just think it’s time we moved on from that area and stopped being negative about the players we have.
I’m relying on a Rolls Royce of an Argentinian who at one point wanted to put his family ahead of his career, a passionate Geordie who can hopefully stay fit, an exciting young signing with pace and great athleticism and a couple of young players keen to prove themselves at our club. Sound better? 🙂
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Just to clarify my stance in this debate – I am neither complaining or chuntering. I’m simply saying if we can get a real quality CB in before the window then we should. Then we can allow someone to leave in Jan if that’s the case. But equally, if we could get Austin in before the window closes I hope that happens too. Then we can allow either Cisse or Riviere leave in Jan.
Sharpy17(Quote)
In summary of TDS’ view we shouldn’t sell Williamson and Taylor and replace them someone better than Colo. So the question is, how do we improve?
Stuart79(Quote)
@stu. At the same time Ashley won’t waste 15-20mil on a player who’s gonna be benched for half a season.
Gashley(Quote)
I’ll be very surprised if we sign a centerhalf or striker, not saying we couldn’t do with them but SM asked for patience. Let’s see these players bed in first
Gashley(Quote)
I can’t see us spending that much on a defender, Gashley.
Stuart79(Quote)
I am not totally against what TDS is saying but I just don’t get that he doesn’t see what Colo’s weaknesses are – he has feet of clay. However, he is really good on the ball, slow, and gets out of position sometimes. He needs someone strong in the air and a bit of a bully next to him.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
By the way, I’m not saying we will sign a defender, I doubt we will. But all things considered I think it would be wise if we could get rid of Williamson.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart
You’re arrogant and stuck in the past.
We are not Chelsea or PSG. Top players don’t join us to compete in a squad and maybe get games in the League Cup when they can showcase themselves in the CL in another league and angle for a move to a CL club in a big league.
Lascelles and Darlow joined us because we’re a step up from Forest. You expect us to sign a defender who has been playing fairly regularly for a team than finished 6th in Germany last year or a player who played fairly regularly for Monaco last season and they only missed out on the CL in a play-off.
The latter is more likely but I bet he can go somewhere with European football. The only reasons he would want to join us at 26 are for a big payday (I bet he already has that at Monaco) or as a stepping stone to join a PL CL club in a couple of years.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I think Colo and Taylor are good together because they complement each other. But Taylor cannot be relied upon to play more than half a season. MBemba was signed as Colo’s replacement, long term. We have not signed the player to complement Colo’s skill-set. And if he is playing every week that is what we need. TAYLOR WILL BREAK DOWN, soon.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I hope I am wrong 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
STUART
I said it earlier, but I’m getting really fed up with you “summarising” my views and just completely making up bullshit that I never said.
How about you just leave me to tell people about my views and leave them to interpret them the way they see fit rather than you mistranslating things to serve your own purposes.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
ERIC
I do see his weaknesses and I saw how he played well with Taylor last season. But I don’t see us signing a pricey centre back from abroad and having a partnership of Mbemba and someone else new to the league. I’d say that’s setting ourselves up for a disaster. We can see how the 4 centre backs do and we’ll have to sign another one in the next couple of years anyway.
If we sign another centre back, it has to be to play WITH Colo or Taylor. I’d just be shocked to see Ashley pay £8m for Mbemba and have him sit on the bench.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Unless we do something really from left field and sign an experienced CB like Williams, Shawcross or Evans…and I can’t see that happening either…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Oh, and by complement each other @182, I don’t mean:
“You have lovely eyes Stevie”
And:
“yes, and you have gorgeous curly hair there, Fab”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Despite all the changes at the club this summer, one thing I’m confident of is that Saylor will spend a decent portion of the season injured.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I reckon it’s pretty obvious what TDS is saying, regardless whether he thinks Colo is good or not. He’s SM’s captain and will be a perennial figure this season. Someone like Dunk would tick the boxes but that’s what Lascelles is here for
Gashley(Quote)
GASHLEY
Thank you. I knew some of you were paying attention. 🙂
I just don’t see the point in going on about things after the boat has sailed. A bit like last summer when Pardew nearly lost his job but clung on. It was pointless speculating about a replacement once that had happened.
And you’re right about Dunk too. Though I would like to see a young RB brought in to challenge Janmaat at least. A few have mentioned Byram but I have no idea if there’s a genuine interest or if it’s just paper bullshit. From what I have read, several PL clubs have scouted him but that doesn’t mean much.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Steve McClaren insists that Newcastle United will build a squad over the next few years – not in the closing stages of the transfer window…
Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren has already stated that he is happy enough with his squad going into the final few days of the transfer window.
It is understood that United’s recruitment plans are to build a squad capable of challenging the top six over the next two or three windows.
Gashley(Quote)
TDS: we are not that far off on agreeing mate. We wont sign another CB, although we need one. The depth is what I cannot see where you are coming from because we only added one defender to a squad where Williamson was mostly first choice (I don’t count Lascelles, yet) .
I am praying to the Gods that Taylor’s hamstrings, achilles, shoulders and jaw hold up.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
@tds. If we’re ever really stuck at RB, Anita or Mbemba will step in or he’ll go 3 at the back.
I think we’re finished for this window
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley: Perennial actually means more than one season 🙂 You can tell me to f off if you want for being a smart ****.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The definition of perennial is “more than one season”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
TDS – Unless you’re going to go and rewrite your comments you can’t deny you think it would be a bad idea to sign another centre half because it would make Colo feel bad.
Stuart79(Quote)
ERIC
You’re right, we’re not that far off.
I don’t agree that we “need” one. Not in the context of this season anyway. But I certainly wouldn’t object if we signed one!
I think when you compare our centre halves to other PL clubs, it’s about where we should be. Most have fringe or young players as 4th choice and we have Lascelles and Dummett there. Chelsea currently have an aging Terry (34), an inexperienced Zouma and Cahill yet they were rated favourites for the league!
Mbemba replacing Willo is an improvement for me. Lascelles/Dummett as 4th choice is decent enough.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
@eric. Did you really need to Google Perennial?
Not so smart **** 😛
Gashley(Quote)
But yes… **** off 😆
Gashley(Quote)
GASHLEY
True. We do have other options at RB. But it would be best if we had someone pushing who wants to make that position his own.
Not sure if we’re finished, but I’d be surprised at another big signing. Still…I think we’re always in the market for a good deal so I bet we’re sniffing around a few players…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I (or rather Google) am going to be a bigger smart ****, because the definition of perennial is also “1.lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring”
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
For the CB thing, one thing is sure, if Taylor gets injured and dont bring that CB who compliment Coloccini, McClaren has many options:
-Mbemba Coloccini is good against the good match up, against a team playing with pacey striker. Mbemba Dummett would be something similar.
-Mbemba and Williamson could work in my opinion regardless of how peopld rate Willo.
-Lascelles Coloccini is a good option and Lascelles could grow in that situation
-Lascelles Mbemba is potentially our future CB partership, why not with Coloccini as DM??
-Dummett Lascelles, Dummett-Coloccini (which worked last season).
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Anyway, enough off this ****. We left this debate behind last week.
In other news are we seeing a change of thinking and attitude from clubs outside the usual top 6? WBA adamant Berahino is not for sale and Everton saying the same about Stones. About time they stood up to these richer clubs. I just hope we do the same and stand firm if we get any big bids. just proves clubs can keep ‘unhappy’ players. They’ll get over it.
Stuart79(Quote)
Finished with buying i meant…but yes we could do with a proper young RB to crank up the pressure on Janmatt. Maybe there’s someone in the ressies..
It’s the only position we’re really vulnerable tbh
Gashley(Quote)
TDS: a lamppost in a toonshirt is an improvement on Williamson. It will definitely have more movement to it, will not point back at Krul every time Colo wants to pass to it and is incapable of hoofing it up to nobody in particular.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
STUART
Yet again, twisting facts or picking bits out to make a ridiculous point. 79 is your birth year or your IQ?
Get a grip and engage in conversation properly please. I’ve said many things about why we won’t sign another CB (even if I’d be happy if we do) and yes, one of those was that you don’t confirm a player as captain, give him a contract extension and then sign someone to replace him. It would demoralise Colo, destabilise the squad and discredit McClaren. If you don’t see that, then I really pity you and your relationships.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Mark 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC
Willo reminds me a bit of someone I occasionally have to play doubles with in my tennis club night. The kind of guy who just stands there and sometimes calls “yours” as he doesn’t move…then watches me charge around the court and dares to give me a funny look if I fail to get the ball back!
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Exactly TDS, as in Perennial plant, lasts all year… Get your dunce hat on Eric 😛
Gashley(Quote)
Confused Eric…who is “Mark”? Because I am too…confused…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
If Janmaat doesnt, Mbemba as Rb is pretty safe, he can do it as LB too, that can give us the edge in terms of toughness and intensity.
I like the idea of playing with a strong defensive unit, with something like:
—————————Krul———————–
-Janmaat-Mbemba-Taylor-Dummett
———————–Coloccini——————–
With Janmaat given the license to attack like a Winger and combine with Thauvin(Rw), and Dummett being more defensive minded but still overlapping Ayoze(LW). And play with Colback Wijnaldum as Cm, and Mitro the Target Man as focal point.
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
😯 OK Stu… ERM what do you want to chat about 😯 😆
Gashley(Quote)
TDS and Stuart: You 2 don’t seem to like each other that much 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And more bodies for set pieces, offensivelly and defensively. Thauvin has good delivery.
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
There you go again, TDS. Who’s talking about signing a direct replacement for Colo? Not me! I want a centre to be bought to strengthen the depth in that area of the squad. Colo is the man in possession of the shirt and that wouldn’t change until he was injured, suspended or loses form. So let’s forget this talk of demoralising him eh?
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, I don’t mind him. I have a natural empathy with Half baked dim wits… 😯
Stuart79(Quote)
Fkin hell: from wikipedia: “A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. ”
Eric Sykes(Quote)
CHOLO
Now that’s interesting! I don’t agree…but at least it’s an interesting way of looking at our squad! 🙂
I prefer to play Colo with Mbemba/Taylor (depending on the type of opposition), Janmaat and Haidara attacking from full back, 1 more defensive midfielder (Tiote/Colback/Anita), a box to box midfielder (Wiji/Sissoko), then maybe Thauvin and Perez on the wings with SDJ supporting Mitrovic/Cisse.
That leaves a few options…Aarons hopefully as impact sub, Sissoko can also play wide right, we have a proper striker on the bench and we have competition for the bench generally. Sorted.
Everyone entitled to all sorts of opinions on this topic! 🙂
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Eric. 😳 move on, that’s so last week 😛
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley is Mark.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC
Perennial doesn’t just have to refer to plants mate…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS
How do you know Taylor / mbemba wouldn’t suit playing together??
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley: I will move on. My thing with Colo is that he has done it twice now – San Lorenzo and Palace.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC
I don’t like people who can’t debate in an intelligent manner. I also don’t like people who are incapable of accepting rational points.
The concept of a £10m+ centre back joining us from a team in Europe and being told he can compete for a first team spot is incredulous for me. We are not a CL club and I would challenge anyone to think of a centre back that cost £10m+ and bought by a club outside of Europe and didn’t play the majority of games that season (injury permitting). Even £5m+ I’d be surprised.
The clubs with the best defensive records typically have pretty settled defences, especially in the centre. Chopping and changing due to a average game or two isn’t the way to do things. Colo needs to a) stay fit, b) play more games like against Man Utd and c) build a partnership with someone.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Gashley
I don’t know that. I just prefer to have someone with brains AND experience in my ideal centre half partnership. Taylor as the latter and maybe Mbemba has the former, but neither has both.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)