I cant remember that last time we signed so many players in one window that so obviously and directly improved the starting XI

This season: Walker, Hartman, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Tchaouna. Arguably Dubravka

And maybe Tuanzebe and Broja when fit

When did this last happen?
2 years ago I'll give you Berge. Any others?

3 years ago

Did we sign Maatsen, Tella and Cullen all in one window? Along with Beyer, THB and Vitinho? I know some were obviously loans. But all improved our 11.

I don’t think there is much argument about Dubravka. In time Trafford may be better, but Dubravka as well as being a fine all round keeper has experience and solidity and that is what we need right now

Kompany's first summer.

Interesting comparing this summer to VK first summer.

VK certainly signed a lot of good players, Maatsen, Trafford, Tella, Cullen, THB, Beyer, Zaroury, Benson, Vitinho - but did they improve the side on the previous year in all those areas? McNeil, Pope, Tarkowski, Mee, Cornet, Collins, Weghorst (arguably) and Westwood it could be argued would have got in the side ahead of most of those mentioned quite comfortably.

Cullen was probably an upgrade on Westwood, Tella would have got in one way or another, Maatsen probably an upgrade on Taylor at the time - then I'm struggling. Beyer and THB over mee and Tarkowski? Benson and Zaroury over Cornet and McNeil? Trafford over Pope? Not for one minute belittling VK's time here but I think the selections made this summer have been streets ahead of that achieved by VK or Dyche in terms of improving the starting 11.

What Parker should also be praised for is the way he has got Ekdal back to the player he was when he first came. Often when a player goes on loan it's the beginning of the end, but not in this case, he's got games and fitness into him and he's been terrific so far this season.

This summer has been a big difference. Both full backs definite improvements, Les and Florentino look terrific, keeper has been class. If he gets Broja fit, definite upgrade. I'm really struggling to think of a bigger improvement over a summer - probably have to go back to Stan's era.

Luppy wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 23, 2025 12:52 pm

I'm really struggling to think of a bigger improvement over a summer - probably have to go back to Stan's era.

2013 wasn't bad:

Heaton > Grant
Jones > McCann
Arfield > Paterson (often played out wide)
Kightly > Stanislas