I think too much is being read into Pace’s comments. We’ll see if this is the case over the next few days.

To say that we don’t need to strengthen is fine, assuming key players stay fit. We’ve a few areas where an injury would be a really big problem for us.

It’s also worth thinking about how long it takes to bed players into our system - Brownhill was a necessity - and how big a summer we might need due to OOC players.

We’ve been storing up a problem for too long and we need to start addressing it in this window with at least a couple of signings.

Brighton have spent £240m over the past few years and have massive debts owed to the owner for his loans
They have bought poorly and they are behind us.So what you say,I say spending poorly gets you knowhere

I think we would all agree that spending poorly gets you nowhere.

Woodleyclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 4:53 pm

Brighton have spent £240m over the past few years and have massive debts owed to the owner for his loans
They have bought poorly and they are behind us.So what you say,I say spending poorly gets you knowhere

Nobody is saying “let’s buy some rubbish expensive player.” We’re just saying players like we have been linked with would help us stay up and that would be worth it seeing as they are low risk.

Yes, spending that much money on poor players won't do you many favours. Spending absolutely nothing won't either, though. Especially when that is mixed with players leaving and, let's face it, an ageing squad.

Someone said on the previous page that we'll be left needing around 6 new players this summer with potential (and in some cases very likely) departures. Can anybody truthfully imagine that we will get anywhere close to managing that number of incomings? As someone else pointed out, we've stored up these issues for a while now.

just reminding everybody that AP also said he likes to under promise and over deliver

He does say "so far" in his twitter post.

Yes I'm clutching

Boden has said it looks like If we want Collins we would have to break the bank.

Not looking good

“Break the bank”. Wonder what our definition is for that.

SGr wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:17 pm

“Break the bank”. Wonder what our definition is for that.

"exciting times"?

The number of completed transfers in the PL at this stage is irrelevant.

Let's see how many at the end of the month and if we have got our name on Sky's billboard.

To be fair, Boden doesn't have a clue about us anymore.

SGr wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:17 pm

“Break the bank”. Wonder what our definition is for that.

1 million pounds

I think on the evidence of tonight a reserve centre back from the Championship is low down on the priority list in any case.

Where did you think transfer money was coming from? ALK borrowed money to buy the club, the club is effectively buying itself new owners with the clubs income.

So £60-80M and interest on top is owed, who is funding this loan? The clubs income, its not coming directly from ALK pockets.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 6:59 pm

Where did you think transfer money was coming from? ALK borrowed money to buy the club, the club is effectively buying itself new owners with the clubs income.

So £60-80M and interest on top is owed, who is funding this loan? The clubs income, its not coming directly from ALK pockets.

You are not allowed to ask that question on here.

boatshed bill wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:04 pm

You are not allowed to ask that question on here.

Plenty of questions that need answering, nobody seems to know.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:53 pm

Plenty of questions that need answering, nobody seems to know.

Apparently these are exciting times.
Seems like the game was exciting at least.

Says it all when it can disappear from the front page!

Are people still pushing the spending lots of money buys you nothing malarkey? Then using other clubs as examples of how it doesn't work?

What about when it does work? And why do we assume that we can't do better and make astute signings?

We're always so negative, why not think of what we could do if we did manage to spend more? If Dyche got the same backing as other clubs give their managers we'd be doing brilliantly. If he can turn players who for the most part previously have been labeled as premier league failures into established players then imagine what he could do with some real talent?

How much other teams like Brighton have spent hasn't got anything to do with Burnley, they are a different club with a different staff. We don't have to spend badly like they have. By spending more it doesn't automatically mean you spend badly. In fact, you're more likely to make good signings the more you spend.

Does mean we should be buying flops from Germany like Chelsea regardless of their ability?.Sean is the best manager in the Premier league at raising and nurturing players who have been overlooked by others who didn't cost a fortune
We cant afford even £1m bad signings and must be very careful who ,if anyone we sign

A clear view of the current transfer situation for the Premier League. When you look at the transfers completed, it's evident that there is very limited action.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55803504

I don't think there is any point rushing in and over paying for players in January.

Our squad is competing against people that have spent a huge amount of money. We're not 'desperate' in any positions.

If right player, right price, then great. If not, we've got the players to finish mid table this year so let's rebuild in the summer.

blake's wand wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 8:42 am

I don't think there is any point rushing in and over paying for players in January.

Our squad is competing against people that have spent a huge amount of money. We're not 'desperate' in any positions.

If right player, right price, then great. If not, we've got the players to finish mid table this year so let's rebuild in the summer.

We are still lacking depth, especially at the right hand side. We have gotten away with it for now, but how long can we keep playing players out of position to fill that role. It's great when JBG is fit, but he is hardly reliable to remain so.

My concern is Ben Mee usually picks up an injury towards the back end of a season, and the could cause big problems, but with the players practically playing every 3 days, the time for niggles to settle down is none existent so we are at a higher risk of players being side-lined, and we just dont have the depth to cover that.

I'd have expected there to be more bargains available from the championship and below. Surely they are desperate for cash.

Its a big ask to address everything in 1 window if waiting until summer, we ideally probably need rightback, at least 1 winger ideally right winger if only one, central midfielder, striker ideally if we sell 1/2 of our current ones, plus if Tarks goes a centre half and the hope we keep hold of Pope. Thats some ask !!!!!!

ClaretAL wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:25 am

My concern is Ben Mee usually picks up an injury towards the back end of a season, and the could cause big problems, but with the players practically playing every 3 days, the time for niggles to settle down is none existent so we are at a higher risk of players being side-lined, and we just dont have the depth to cover that.

Apart from the FA Cup games and the re-arranged Fulham game, by mid February we will be playing once/week until Tuesday May 11th when we play Leeds

I wonder if we have identified a powerful, pacey and creative right sided midfield player and are Pace and Dyche pulling out all the stops to sign him?

If Dyche wants a £20 million player (and the player is interested in the move) can Pace deliver the cash?

s6t9a2f3f wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:31 am

Its a big ask to address everything in 1 window if waiting until summer, we ideally probably need rightback, at least 1 winger ideally right winger

The right side of the team needs to be substantially strengthened. Grealish tore us to shreds on that side last night and with other world class left wing attackers such as Zaha, Stirling, Son, Barnes, Rashford etc. Our right flank is very vulnerable in most games. We are just halfway through the season and all of these players will be licking their lips when they meet us in the remaining games.

At present Tarks steps out to cover that side but if he goes/is injured or suspended and replacements have not been sourced I can’t see Long, Bardsley, Lowton and our injury prone wingers being able to cope.

IMO it is vital that we recruit now to solve the problem immediately before we run out of luck.

IWOODLOVETT wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 11:15 am

The right side of the team needs to be substantially strengthened. Grealish tore us to shreds on that side last night and with other world class left wing attackers such as Zaha, Stirling, Son, Barnes, Rashford etc. Our right flank is very vulnerable in most games. We are just halfway through the season and all of these players will be licking their lips when they meet us in the remaining games.

At present Tarks steps out to cover that side but if he goes/is injured or suspended and replacements have not been sourced I can’t see Long, Bardsley, Lowton and our injury prone wingers being able to cope.

IMO it is vital that we recruit now to solve the problem immediately before we run out of luck.

Completely agree. Our right sided attack is not good enough its that simple. Mcneil and Taylor however are immense and have proved that consistently.

We need a right winger with pace to get us forward quicker and is naturally right footed and can put decent crosses on. I don't mind Brady or JBG but they aren't good enough but are more than adequate backup for each side. A quality right winger would excel this team to a new level

The problem is that both Brady and JBG are natural left footers, so are less comfortable playing defensively on the right and both wingers routinely cut inside to cross with their favoured left foot when attacking. Opposition coaches know all of these weaknesses and will set up to exploit them.

Zaha world class that's priceless!Hes almost as adept as Grealish for diving and conning refs, hes definitely world class at that.

Woodleyclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 11:44 am

Zaha world class that's priceless!Hes almost as adept as Grealish for diving and conning refs, hes definitely world class at that.

To me there’s no comparison, Zaha has flashes of brilliance, but Grealish constantly affects the game, which is Bourne out by the number of chances, assist’s and goals

claretlegend wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:12 am

I'd have expected there to be more bargains available from the championship and below. Surely they are desperate for cash.

So did I. Maybe they're just holding out as long as possible to get the best prices, but think we might see some movement there in the next few days as the deadline nears.

That said, if we are looking below Championship level, I think we're looking in the wrong place - we need players that can come in and make an impact to our team.

DomBFC1882 wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 11:21 am

Completely agree. Our right sided attack is not good enough its that simple. Mcneil and Taylor however are immense and have proved that consistently.

We need a right winger with pace to get us forward quicker and is naturally right footed and can put decent crosses on. I don't mind Brady or JBG but they aren't good enough but are more than adequate backup for each side. A quality right winger would excel this team to a new level

We hit the next level in the 2nd half when Cork came on.
Central midfielder is were our problems have lied this season and not right side midfield.

Top Claret wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:17 pm

We hit the next level in the 2nd half when Cork came on.
Central midfielder is were our problems have lied this season and not right side midfield.

Cork made a huge difference yes but our right sided attack is not good enough regardless of yesterday. When Cork and Westwood played together last season our attacks mainly came down the left. We need improvements on the right side its blatantly obvious. Yes Lowton and brady/jbg have done okay but we need to improve not stand still

Ryan Christie popping up again

willsclarets wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:32 pm

Ryan Christie popping up again

Where?

willsclarets wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:32 pm

Ryan Christie popping up again

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ryan-ch ... ler/188077

Good question. A couple of celtic fans in Glasgae have text me this morning saying so. I'll ask them what their source is. More than likely nonsense probably

We need a right footed winger, someone dangerous on the other flank.

This will makes us less predictable and give us scope to change shape for different opponents or different scenarios, I.e play 3 in the middle wether it be 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 against the bigger boys.

I think with Stephens, Cork, Brownhill and Westwood we have the capabilities to play that, Brownhills energy would be brilliant in a 3 , and i do think that in time Dwight could end up playing as part of a midfield 3 , maybe not with us mind you but definitely at some point in his career.

DomBFC1882 wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:31 pm

Cork made a huge difference yes but our right sided attack is not good enough regardless of yesterday. When Cork and Westwood played together last season our attacks mainly came down the left. We need improvements on the right side its blatantly obvious. Yes Lowton and brady/jbg have done okay but we need to improve not stand still

Agree that Cork being back in the team has made a big difference and really outlined his class. Hard to say that Brownhill hasn't also been doing very well, but Corky brings a calmness and fluidity to our play.

Agree with you though that all of our play last night was from the left. When teams learn how to shut that down we are completely impotent. Definitely need a top class, hard working right winger. Can't say I know who though.

IWOODLOVETT wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 11:30 am

The problem is that both Brady and JBG are natural left footers, so are less comfortable playing defensively on the right and both wingers routinely cut inside to cross with their favoured left foot when attacking. Opposition coaches know all of these weaknesses and will set up to exploit them.

Spot on

Add to that both players don't routinely cut inside, but just about always (making them easy to mark and nullify)
Dublin summed it up on MOTD when he raved about the service from McNeill getting down the left wing on the outside to put in a number of quality crosses
It just doesn't happen down the right side
As much as I appreciate the service that both guys have given to the club, one has to be let go this summer (when their contracts expire)
Said after Sunday that Cork should have started centre last night with Brownhill wide right and still think he is a better option than either
Lingard would have been a good loan option to cover till end of season but looks like he will be going to WHU

A true wide right is essential this summer

The talk of us needing a right footed right winger is rather funny, because every left winger you named there is right footed but plays off the left. And if you start naming the best right wingers where would you start? Salah? Mahrez? Silva? Bale? even Messi used to play from the right before moving Central ala Ronaldo from the left before moving Central. There is nothing wrong with having inverted wingers.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 28, 2021 12:43 pm

Agree that Cork being back in the team has made a big difference and really outlined his class. Hard to say that Brownhill hasn't also been doing very well, but Corky brings a calmness and fluidity to our play.

Agree with you though that all of our play last night was from the left. When teams learn how to shut that down we are completely impotent. Definitely need a top class, hard working right winger. Can't say I know who though.

I'm in agreement with you 100% mate but as mentioned on here Ryan Christie would be excellent

They're fed up with Christie up here, loads of talent but been lacking in effort this season. They want shut. He's difficult to slot into a side too because he's a hole midfielder behind the striker, but they've played him up front. Can play off the left too but hard to see he'd be the answer wide in a four in an SD team. If you get a Ryan Christie playing like he was 2 seasons ago though he's better than anything we have mcneill aside with whom it's a toss up

Not a rumour but Billy Gilmour reportedly wanting out on loan from Chelsea (daily record) He's an absolute class act, though we have enough cover at cm he is a class above.

It is pitiful seeing Brady and JBG (making do) on the right hand side- its almost like playing with 10 men. Yesterday, one of our biggest value signings , Brady, stuck on the right, was absolutely woeful in the last third of the pitch. At times he could not even get a cross off the ground.His cross accuracy is dreadful. His free kicks, which were once sensational, are now hit and miss too. As SD says, these are the basics.

Yesterday we saw the difference in having Cash and Traore playing as a unit on the right for Villa. There are times when Taylor/McNeil combine well together, but on the right hand side our only threat is Lowton taking the ball to the half way line and trying to pitch a long ball over the oppositions central defenders. Most PL teams now play with two robust central defenders, so can snub out our front two. Even Alan Pace must now realise this is No 1 priority. Its a position that should have been filled when Lennon left in Summer