It’s almost here. What do we need to bring in? Seen the Wagner link earlier today. Certainly wouldn’t surprise me if we went for a left back.

*gets popcorn*...

...is this the discussion thread or the links thread

colne-claret wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 03, 2024 8:37 pm

It’s almost here. What do we need to bring in? Seen the Wagner link earlier today. Certainly wouldn’t surprise me if we went for a left back.

Has to be a left back ahead of a striker or two.

We need wing backs who are capable of overlapping. Humphreys offers nothing as a left back going forward, and pires seems to underlap a lot which may or may not be at the managers instruction. Roberts has a tendency to drift inside too. So in my opinion this should be the area. That and a striker.

Absolutely vital we have an alternative to Cullen. In previous seasons we have had Cork and Berge who also dictated games. Now we are totally reliant on Cullen, if he got injured I could see us completely collapsing because Brownhill and Laurent's big weaknesses are receiving the ball off the back line.

Yes, ideally a left back and a striker, but apart from those, I'd settle for keeping who we have, because you can bet your bottom dollar that other clubs will have envious eyes on some of our players, particularly our centre back pairing.

Our "goals against" column won't have gone unnoticed.

Definitely a striker. Would possibly free up Houtondj to go out on loan somewhere. Wouldn't be surprised if Tresor, Ekdal and Delcroix moved on.

Just a striker, assuming Redmond and Ramsey are going to be back (relatively) soon for selection. Go all out for someone we believe can get 10-12 goals in half a season.

Bit woried that someone might make a move for Steve and Brownhill in this window.

Centre mid and striker.

If Brownhill is off at the end of the season, we need to get ready to replace him. Hopefully we’re in and around the top two so we can aim high.

Possibly a right back too given Roberts is likely off at the end of the season.

MDWat wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 11:45 am

Centre mid and striker.

If Brownhill is off at the end of the season, we need to get ready to replace him. Hopefully we’re in and around the top two so we can aim high.

Possibly a right back too given Roberts is likely off at the end of the season.

If we get back up I reckon they’ll both stay for one last crack at the Premier league.

More outs than in.

Unless you are guaranteed promotion and any player coming in will be good enough to play in the prem, then it's dead money.

Any of these players coming in likely require departures - the squad is still too big.

The obvious vacancy is up front, and I'd not be averse to Hountondji then going out on loan to get more experience of English football.

I'm not sure there's a massive case for upgrading any other position unless there are outgoings. I don't think we need to replace Brownhill in January because firstly, I suspect we'll keep him until the summer (and possibly beyond if we get promoted) and secondly, I think we signed his replacement in the summer in Laurent and/or Hannibal, both of whom are athletic, box-to-box type midfielders. If we have any other vacancies, I'd say they are:

- right wing: less of an issue than it was because Anthony has fitted in so well there (begging the question why it took so long), and the likes of Redmond and Tresor can operate there, but we do still have a surfeit of players who prefer the left so if we can move one or two out, there would probably be a case for a creative right sided forward (replacement for JBG really).

- Left back: really not an immediate priority because all of Pires, Humphrys and Decroix are fine in their different ways in that position at this level. I'm not sure any are Premier League left backs though so if we can trade players out, an upgrade doesn't hurt.

- Right back: Roberts has made the starting position his own and if we go up I'd be surprised if he doesn't stay, but if Sambo isn't judged good enough, we're short of cover.

Also an argument that we're short on cover for Cullen as a deep-lying midfield playmaker, but again we've plenty of midfielders on the books.

Left back and striker please Alan

The main reason we need reinforcements is that we have slipped and are now about 4th favourites to go up. We cannot afford that.

Now, I think that is overthink by stats analysts looking at xD or reporters moaning about our creativity. Defences win titles, not sure some see this. But we do have weaknesses that need addressing.

But I do agree that some positions are well stocked already. The main issues for me are right wing and centre forward. We need a £15m CF who can hold the ball up, ideally with some pace, and score. A loan is possible. Right wing I expect a move for Whittaker. But this would need cash generating. I wouldn’t touch the defence, it is too good to touch, so that gets us to our well stocked CM and LW. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the club choosing to sell Brownhill, and a couple of the wingers, probably Tresor and Koleosho.

I wouldn't spend on a left back this season, barring injuries. All efforts to go into a goalscorer.

Strongly suspect that we can't afford to buy what we need due to the madness of 23/24 spending, so it will be a loan such as Ferguson.

MDWat wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 11:45 am

Centre mid and striker.

If Brownhill is off at the end of the season, we need to get ready to replace him. Hopefully we’re in and around the top two so we can aim high.

Possibly a right back too given Roberts is likely off at the end of the season.

For me, getting ahead of the market and replacing those guys a window early is the absolute priority. Although I also would like to see Massengo given more game time so of the two I’d say RB.

With Pires and Humphrey’s able to slot in at LB, Delcroix coming back who can also play there and even presumably Esteve in a worst case scenario, given our plethora of CB’s, I can’t see how that is a priority.

Strikers I still feel we have enough if we can get Foster and Flemming fit. Big ask based on injury records, I agree. I wouldn’t be against an Obafemi recall.

Honest view is we probably have a strong enough squad to do it without additions if we are getting players back fit. Any additions should be about adding real quality.

Cannot believe the LB calls. Doesn’t nobody rate Pires? I think he’s looked the best of our summer signings so far.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:55 pm

Cannot believe the LB calls. Doesn’t nobody rate Pires? I think he’s looked the best of our summer signings so far.

I thought he looked a bit average for a short while but I must say he’s impressed me more of late. In fairness this could be likely due to needing time to settle. Both he and Humphreys offer something different and are more than fine for this season in my view.

Overall I don’t think we need to add and i’d rather focus on recovering Ramsey, Redmond, Foster and Benson. If I’m pushed then a new striker and get Hountondji a Championship loan.

I'm not expecting much incoming activity and am not worried about that, I think we're going to be fine.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:55 pm

Cannot believe the LB calls. Doesn’t nobody rate Pires? I think he’s looked the best of our summer signings so far.

I like Pires aswell, I don’t think we’re in a rush for another left back for this division. We can play Humphreys against the better sides, who’s better defensively, and Pires against the so called weaker sides because he’s far better in an attacking sense.

Two strikers are needed, unless we want to give youth players some time off the bench which would reduce it to one. That striker needs to be a replacement for Jay and is going to lead the line for the next few years. Jay has bought us some time this season. Spend a chunky amount, maybe even sell a few fringe players ie Delcroix, Ekdal, Tresor etc to make it happen.

Is there money in the kitty to spend? I think there will be if Pace and Co think we're in with a realistic shout of promotion. They're venture capitalists, debt isn't necessarily a bad thing to these types of people.

The overwhelming priority in this window is to hold on to the key players what we have.

Esteve, Koleosho, Trafford, Cullen. Don't be tempted to try and get a little bit of money for Brownhill or Roberts.

This is the nucleus of players that we simply must retain. To a lesser extent CJ but I don't think we're in as much danger of receiving a bid.

After that, I would like to see a new Striker, and if we can secure one then Hountondji to be loaned out. It feels like I'm one of the few players that sees the potential in him but he needs minutes in England. Lower end Champ or Top end L1 would be mega.

If there was even a grain of truth in the Foster fee being 25m, I wouldn't be against selling him as long as there is enough time to source his replacement. (There was 100% interest, and talks, but unsure of the fee).

I would also like closure to Tresor. Either sell or loan him or get him in the side.

Left and Right back would be the first positions I would be looking at were we to get promoted so whilst I agree there's enough quality to get us by till the end of the season, depending on how aggressive we're going to be then no harm done in trying this window.

Not asking for much I know!

Jan isn't a great time to get recruits imo and depends who leaves.

For sure I think at some point soon we need new fullbacks to take this team forward (probably both sides), probably still need a centre mid, striker and maybe a goalscoring winger.

I think if we are adding to this group it needs to be with players who may step up to PL level- quality over quantity. I'll take a JBL.

Replacing Tresor with JBL would be excellent business.

Any rumours

BigGaz wrote: ↑ Is there money in the kitty to spend? I think there will be if Pace and Co think we're in with a realistic shout of promotion. They're venture capitalists, debt isn't necessarily a bad thing to these types of people.

The overwhelming priority in this window is to hold on to the key players what we have.

Esteve, Koleosho, Trafford, Cullen. Don't be tempted to try and get a little bit of money for Brownhill or Roberts.

This is the nucleus of players that we simply must retain. To a lesser extent CJ but I don't think we're in as much danger of receiving a bid.

After that, I would like to see a new Striker, and if we can secure one then Hountondji to be loaned out. It feels like I'm one of the few players that sees the potential in him but he needs minutes in England. Lower end Champ or Top end L1 would be mega.

If there was even a grain of truth in the Foster fee being 25m, I wouldn't be against selling him as long as there is enough time to source his replacement. (There was 100% interest, and talks, but unsure of the fee).

I would also like closure to Tresor. Either sell or loan him or get him in the side.

Left and Right back would be the first positions I would be looking at were we to get promoted so whilst I agree there's enough quality to get us by till the end of the season, depending on how aggressive we're going to be then no harm done in trying this window.

Not asking for much I know!

On the highlighted points:

I think it’ll be more a case of loans to buy. Think we only have one loan left that can make up a Matchday squad but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a chance on that and maybe carry more loanees than they can play but assume some injuries, suspensions, etc will sort that out -otherwise Matchday rotations.

It’s crossed my mind that they, or Brighton, might cancel Sarmiento’s contract. Wouldn’t be heartbroken with that depending on who might replace him, but overall would prefer we kept this squad together than kept changing.

I would personally cash in if any decent offers come in for either, but can only see that for Brownhill and very unlikely I’d say. He’ll want to run it down and follow the money like Hendrick, Mee and Tarks.

Player? Something you’re not telling us BigGaz? FWIW, I see a player in Hountondji too and would much prefer to see him given game time than get someone else in and loan him out. Unless it’s an absolutely huge increase in quality.

Think there will be bids for Esteve from the likes of Wolves and other struggling Prem sides

Tresor - Will be loaned out

Foster - Hopefully we will get a decent bid for him

Bring in at least 1 striker and a decent RW who can score goals.

With injured players returning i wouldn't spend anything unless we can add some real quality. As someone said earlier, dead money unless we're signing someone who can make the step up should we be promoted.

Also not forgetting fees can be inflated in the Jan window.

We've got to 2nd playing fairly ordinary stuff aside from the defensive set up and we're now seeing improvements, no urgent need to tinker in my opinion.

Ric_C wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:00 pm

Think there will be bids for Esteve from the likes of Wolves and other struggling Prem sides

Tresor - Will be loaned out

Foster - Hopefully we will get a decent bid for him

Bring in at least 1 striker and a decent RW who can score goals.

I can't imagine any club putting a decent bid in for Foster with his injury record

Ric_C wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:00 pm

Think there will be bids for Esteve from the likes of Wolves and other struggling Prem sides

Very much doubt the club would accept any offer for Esteve. No fee will compensate for the loss of promotion and his value isn’t going to decrease.

Ric_C wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 5:00 pm

Think there will be bids for Esteve from the likes of Wolves and other struggling Prem sides

Tresor - Will be loaned out

Foster - Hopefully we will get a decent bid for him

Bring in at least 1 striker and a decent RW who can score goals.

That would be Tella

Just don’t sell Steve

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 2:55 pm

Cannot believe the LB calls. Doesn’t nobody rate Pires? I think he’s looked the best of our summer signings so far.

What have you seen that makes you think he’s our best signing of the summer? Josh Laurent is the only correct answer for best summer signing

Any rumours concerning transfers to and from BFC?

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 4:46 pm

On the highlighted points:

I think it’ll be more a case of loans to buy. Think we only have one loan left that can make up a Matchday squad but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a chance on that and maybe carry more loanees than they can play but assume some injuries, suspensions, etc will sort that out -otherwise Matchday rotations.

It’s crossed my mind that they, or Brighton, might cancel Sarmiento’s contract. Wouldn’t be heartbroken with that depending on who might replace him, but overall would prefer we kept this squad together than kept changing.

I would personally cash in if any decent offers come in for either, but can only see that for Brownhill and very unlikely I’d say. He’ll want to run it down and follow the money like Hendrick, Mee and Tarks.

Player? Something you’re not telling us BigGaz? FWIW, I see a player in Hountondji too and would much prefer to see him given game time than get someone else in and loan him out. Unless it’s an absolutely huge increase in quality.

Why would we consider cancelling Sarmientos loan? He’s one of the big reasons the recent performances have been better, you were one of the ones who disagreed with me in the summer and said there was no evidence that Sarmiento would be good in the number 10 role. It’s actually been the number 10 that he’s performed his best

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:08 pm

Why would we consider cancelling Sarmientos loan? He’s one of the big reasons the recent performances have been better, you were one of the ones who disagreed with me in the summer and said there was no evidence that Sarmiento would be good in the number 10 role. It’s actually been the number 10 that he’s performed his best

Agree he’s been excellent in the 10 and I would be playing him there every week with Koleosho and Anthony either side.

My point about cancelling is I don’t see him playing in the 10 regularly if Brownhill, Cullen, Hannibal and Laurent all remain fit. I think Parker seems too cautious to play that kind of team regularly - so I could see why he or Brighton may want to cancel, or how we might feel of all our loans he’s one we could sacrifice if we think there’s a better way to get more balance (or quality) in the side by cancelling the loan.

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:04 pm

What have you seen that makes you think he’s our best signing of the summer? Josh Laurent is the only correct answer for best summer signing

I don’t really get the hype for Laurent to be honest. He looks very much an average Championship player to me, albeit one that seems to compliment us a lot (and it’s not always your best players, vs best team). Also seems a great guy.

He wouldn’t be anywhere near my team if all the midfielders were fit and to be honest not sure he’ll play that much this season. Good option from the bench though as seems to have an impact somehow.

Pires has looked quick, gets forward on the overloads way more than Roberts on the other side, plays in and makes good runs forward in the half spaces really well, decent crosser (particularly from dead balls), has never let us down defensively despite looking a bit unconventional at times. In short, whenever he plays I feel we look way more likely to score because he drives us forward, can cross, can shoot.

To be fair to Parker I think Humphreys was a better bet for Stoke given how they launched it in the box every time. I’d love to see the brakes off though, with Pires at LB and the Anthony, Sarmiento, Koleosho attacking midfield.

So no transfer rumours then

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:08 pm

Why would we consider cancelling Sarmientos loan? He’s one of the big reasons the recent performances have been better, you were one of the ones who disagreed with me in the summer and said there was no evidence that Sarmiento would be good in the number 10 role. It’s actually been the number 10 that he’s performed his best

Sarmiento isn’t a world beater however he’s an actual winger and if fans remember at the start of the season we had a shed load of wingers then 3 weeks later we were struggling to field even one,I wouldn’t let anyone go out on loan apart from Tresor to sell him and Ramsey and Beyer for only a month to get them fit.

boatshed bill wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:07 pm

Any rumours concerning transfers to and from BFC?

Nah, just the usual suspects showing us how much more than everyone else they know about everything

This thread title should read ….. i know more than you do

Hugill report from.Blackpool Gazette. )Platform is riddled with ads)

https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/spor ... an-4896138

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:57 pm

I don’t really get the hype for Laurent to be honest. He looks very much an average Championship player to me, albeit one that seems to compliment us a lot (and it’s not always your best players, vs best team). Also seems a great guy.

He wouldn’t be anywhere near my team if all the midfielders were fit and to be honest not sure he’ll play that much this season. Good option from the bench though as seems to have an impact somehow.

Pires has looked quick, gets forward on the overloads way more than Roberts on the other side, plays in and makes good runs forward in the half spaces really well, decent crosser (particularly from dead balls), has never let us down defensively despite looking a bit unconventional at times. In short, whenever he plays I feel we look way more likely to score because he drives us forward, can cross, can shoot.

To be fair to Parker I think Humphreys was a better bet for Stoke given how they launched it in the box every time. I’d love to see the brakes off though, with Pires at LB and the Anthony, Sarmiento, Koleosho attacking midfield.

Think you’re being a touch harsh on Laurent. I thought he was a poor signing when we made it but he’s done well whenever he has been called upon. A no frills type, sure, but significantly better than I anticipated he would be.

Agree with you on Pires though, who has come in for plenty of unnecessary flak on here. Sure, he looks like he’s going to fall over his own feet a bit too often but his first touch is excellent, and I agree with all your other points.

Humphreys doesn’t look that much a left back to me but I’m sure he’s Esteve’s replacement when he inevitably leaves. No immediate need for a left back, in my view.

Right back is the obvious gap. Who plays there if Roberts is out again? Humphreys was in no way a right back and Sambo clearly needs development before he’s ready for a run of games at this level.

Not a rumour but I'd like to see us go in for Kwame Poku at Peterborough. He's going to be a top player and having missed out on signing Toney from them I think we should make a move.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 04, 2024 7:38 pm

Agree he’s (Sarmiento) been excellent in the 10 and I would be playing him there every week with Koleosho and Anthony either side.

My point about cancelling is I don’t see him playing in the 10 regularly if Brownhill, Cullen, Hannibal and Laurent all remain fit.

So where does Flemming fit into your side then? He seems a long way down your pecking order.

MDWat wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 05, 2024 9:31 am

Think you’re being a touch harsh on Laurent. I thought he was a poor signing when we made it but he’s done well whenever he has been called upon. A no frills type, sure, but significantly better than I anticipated he would be.

Agree with you on Pires though, who has come in for plenty of unnecessary flak on here. Sure, he looks like he’s going to fall over his own feet a bit too often but his first touch is excellent, and I agree with all your other points.

Humphreys doesn’t look that much a left back to me but I’m sure he’s Esteve’s replacement when he inevitably leaves. No immediate need for a left back, in my view.

Right back is the obvious gap. Who plays there if Roberts is out again? Humphreys was in no way a right back and Sambo clearly needs development before he’s ready for a run of games at this level.

I wasn’t intentionally criticising him - noting he’s impactful and also has a good claim for being in our best team vs best 11 individuals - just that I see him more as a sub when everyone is fit whereas Pires is a starter and has had really big impact in games, which is why I’d say he’s our best summer signing. Anthony - who I also wasn’t keen on - probably has a valid claim for that title too and I dread to think where we’d be without his goals/assists.

Pires has got a ‘Bambi on ice’ look about him sometimes, hadn’t he? Can also be done too easily on occasion, but fortunately that’s never caught us out. But otherwise really good going forward. I think he’ll need a lot of improvement this season to become a premier league player but certainly top 3 attacking left back at Championship level.

Agree with you about Humphreys. I think the club know his time will be fairly limited with us and have acted to bring in his replacement which is a great way to do business and must also be reassuring to players like Esteve to know that their development won’t be blocked when the time is right. He is a good option to have at LB against teams like Stoke who use long throws/set pieces. I think Parker has got his choices right there and that’s also why he used Laurent vs Stoke. Good management.

Agree also at RB. I’m one that always wants to see more of the young lads so I’d be fine relying on Sambo as back up for the rest of the season but arguably we then need two in summer. I’d love Assignon back. I know he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea but thought he looked very good going forward (and had every right to claim for that pen given it was our last hope late at Spurs).

Wagner played his best at left wing back in a back five for Philly, he takes every set piece. I was surprised he didn’t leave at the end of last season tbh. Double figures in assists this season, really nice left foot.

nil_desperandum wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 05, 2024 9:48 am

So where does Flemming fit into your side then? He seems a long way down your pecking order.

Definitely is, I’ve not been that impressed with him so far. It’s early in the season, hampered by injuries and could change, but he looks a bit slow to me all things told (understand that may be because he needs a run to find match fitness).

I’ve seen some good link up play and think his movement in the box is top class, but in the Championship where teams will low block us I think we need a tricky player in the 10 - someone who is good on the half turn, turns defence in to attack quickly, good in tight spaces, can beat/go past a man and open up the pitch… and I’d say Sarmiento has looked more like doing that than anyone. And as 123 said, I wasn’t particularly excited about his arrival and definitely didn’t see him as a 10 but I think he’s transformed us whenever he’s played there.

KRBFC wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:21 am

Wagner played his best at left wing back in a back five for Philly, he takes every set piece. I was surprised he didn’t leave at the end of last season tbh. Double figures in assists this season, really nice left foot.

Playing at a low level.