January Transfer Window Rumours

[helmclaret]

Anthony delivered some excellent corners on Friday night, but no one has the desire to get on the end of them. Pires has also delivered some good ones this season.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Yes, O'Shea. Pires took it and has taken few if any since that game.
I don't think we can count E-R's goal even though it did follow a corner.
Over 107 corners taken so far this season in the league, and just one goal.
No one can think that a less than 1% conversion rate is acceptable surely?

Difficult to judge but I don’t think we are set up to be effective from set pieces.

Taking a stab at it but I imagine we are one the smallest sides in the league. How many outfield players do we have over 6 foot, I am thinking maybe 2?

[NewClaret]

Anthony delivered some excellent corners on Friday night, but no one has the desire to get on the end of them. Pires has also delivered some good ones this season.

Agree with this. As well as being our best overall performance, I thought, we also delivered the best corners of the season. Anthony mainly. Not sure if the wind helped a bit but he knocked some wicked ones in that really should’ve been converted.

I love the looping corners just under the bar/on the line. I think they’re the toughest for defenders to defend against. No margin for error with their clearance. And it needs next to no contact from the attacker if they get there. Usually worst you get is another corner.

Even if they don’t go in I think building sustained pressure in that way ultimately weighs psychologically, whereas out swingers and the ones more edge of the 6 yard box/penalty area are just too easy to defend against.

[claretspice]

Anthony's corners were fine (as they have been since he took over - definite improvement on Brownhill) but they lacked the whip of a top quality corner taker like McNeil, Blake and Gudmundsson. Pires does provide more whip but our other problem is that we're oddly short of players who really attack the ball. No accident that our only direct set play goal was O'Shea heading home a Pires corner and that's the department in which we've arguably missed Dara the most.

[taio]

Difficult to judge but I don’t think we are set up to be effective from set pieces.

Taking a stab at it but I imagine we are one the smallest sides in the league. How many outfield players do we have over 6 foot, I am thinking maybe 2?

Certainly more than two outfield players in our squad over 6 foot. I would have thought at least double that featured on Friday.

[claretspice]

I make it 4 who started on Friday - Egan, Esteve, Humphreys and Rodriguez. However I reckon there will have been games this season when we've only had 2 - Esteve and Foster, and Foster doesn't really play his height. It is an issue.

[IanMcL]

Difficult to judge but I don’t think we are set up to be effective from set pieces.

Agree. Teams that are desperate to keep winning, pile players into the box and have a 50-50 chance of winning a header at least. Teams that are desperate not to concede, set up to stop breaks podt corner and will rarely score.

The Arsenal new approach, seems profitable. No one in the middle, all at the back. All the zonal markers like statues, with no one to grab.

Player moves to take corner, all swarm from back post to take up positions. They arrive, with momentum, as the ball arrives. They can out jump static defenders.

Scored two the other night.

[NewClaret]

I make it 4 who started on Friday - Egan, Esteve, Humphreys and Rodriguez. However I reckon there will have been games this season when we've only had 2 - Esteve and Foster, and Foster doesn't really play his height. It is an issue.

Anthony is 6ft but he’s usually taking the corner.

[RVclaret]

We do have a smallish starting 11 and not just that, the two cbs (usually main threats) aren’t really ‘aggressive’ headers of a ball. Esteve, despite his size, is in the bottom 25% for % of headers won in the division vs peers. Egan-Riley, when he plays, is similar. Flemming seems to attack the ball well with his head as does Humphreys. We did try a few different things against Boro which I liked but it’s definitely a ‘needs improvement’ area of our game.

[taio]

I make it 4 who started on Friday - Egan, Esteve, Humphreys and Rodriguez. However I reckon there will have been games this season when we've only had 2 - Esteve and Foster, and Foster doesn't really play his height. It is an issue.

I'd be very surprised if we've started games this season with just two when you think of Esteve, Worrall, Humphreys, Egan-Riley, Laurent, Foster, Rodriguez, Flemming..

[morninbob]

I would say Egan Riley is better in the air than esteve, despite being 4 inches shorter.

[JimmyRobbo]

Slightly off-topic but it is something that has concerned me since Tarks and Mee left. Our

CBs don't seem to be able to attack crosses in the opposition box. THB and DOS were the only ones since VK's arrival. Beyer, Esteve, E-R, Humphrys all seem to lack the nous and desire. It takes a particular set of skills which are hard to coach.

Edit: Oops! Forgot an actual transfer link. Not sure I believe it. Doesn't seem to match our criteria.

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/12/08 ... xit-nears/

[NewClaret]

We do have a smallish starting 11 and not just that, the two cbs (usually main threats) aren’t really ‘aggressive’ headers of a ball. Esteve, despite his size, is in the bottom 25% for % of headers won in the division vs peers. Egan-Riley, when he plays, is similar. Flemming seems to attack the ball well with his head as does Humphreys. We did try a few different things against Boro which I liked but it’s definitely a ‘needs improvement’ area of our game.

Some crazy stats there.

The Sky commentator in the Leeds game got it spot on when he said their opener “proved the importance of set piece goals in breaking down resolute defences”. Until that point Derby had contained them well. Deadlock broken and they undo them again two minutes later.

Against teams playing low blocks we’ll pick up a lot of corners and free kicks in dangerous areas. We really need to learn to make the most of them. I’d have half of my training sessions on them!

I think most know I wasn’t impressed with the Anthony signing and in some ways he’s turned out to be what I thought he would be, but where he’s way better is delivery from dead balls. I’d gladly have him as first name on the teamsheet for that reason alone, just would like to see someone busting a gut to get on the end of them.

[Enola Gay]

Oops! Forgot an actual transfer link. Not sure I believe it. Doesn't seem to match our criteria.

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/12/08 ... xit-nears/

That’s one hell of a disconnect between headline and article there. One random ex-scout saying he thinks a move back would suit him is some way away from ‘set to rejoin’.

[GrahamBranchsPerm]

Agree NewClaret it's important but that was Leeds first or second goal in Donkey's from a corner. They have real issues too in this regard. Ironically Roden gets stick off their fans for being useless in the opponents box.

Think this is a part of what now makes Arsenal so good - good technical footballers and beasts with it - can score physical goals too, plenty of them.

Maybe hard to 'have it all' as you go down the pyramid.

Jay Rod attacked the balls, can time an attacking header. Flemming too, as pointed out. Defo a different skill than facing the ball and nutting it clear , i.e. a defensive header.

Agree as well Anthony's corners were miles better.

Need to keep working on it, score a few, and belief can grow fast. CJER getting his first goal is a nice milestone that will give him the mentality he can get more, even if it was lucky.

UTC

[ElectroClaret]

Down to the manager, obv, if this is a possibility, but as long as his possible return doesn't signal the exit door for Esteve as some kind of replacement...

[jojomk1]

Edit: Oops! Forgot an actual transfer link. Not sure I believe it. Doesn't seem to match our criteria.

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/12/08 ... xit-nears/

But can he play as a striker ?

[summitclaret]

I make it 4 who started on Friday - Egan, Esteve, Humphreys and Rodriguez. However I reckon there will have been games this season when we've only had 2 - Esteve and Foster, and Foster doesn't really play his height. It is an issue.

It's a massive issue. We struggle to score and being more or less useless from set pieces is a key area for improvement. We've done well defending them for such a small and none aggressive team. I am amazed that teams aren't exploiting that.

Ekdal would make a big difference at our corners, but we can't leave out CJER.

[BigGaz]

In 530 league appearances between them, Mee and Tark scored 19 goals

Or, 0.04 goals per game. Not all of those were headers from corners either.

I am not sure we are missing, or have missed that aspect of their game too much.

I dread to think how many corners that would have been from as well. This is getting dangerously close to impacting my xHaveMates from 0.2 to 0.0 so will pack it in

[JimmyRobbo]

In 530 league appearances between them, Mee and Tark scored 19 goals

Or, 0.04 goals per game. Not all of those were headers from corners either.

I am not sure we are missing, or have missed that aspect of their game too much.

I dread to think how many corners that would have been from as well. This is getting dangerously close to impacting my xHaveMates from 0.2 to 0.0 so will pack it in

Fair comment. They looked dangerous, though. They created danger.

We haven't since they left. Quite noticeably.

[NewClaret]

Agree. Teams that are desperate to keep winning, pile players into the box and have a 50-50 chance of winning a header at least. Teams that are desperate not to concede, set up to stop breaks podt corner and will rarely score.

The Arsenal new approach, seems profitable. No one in the middle, all at the back. All the zonal markers like statues, with no one to grab.

Player moves to take corner, all swarm from back post to take up positions. They arrive, with momentum, as the ball arrives. They can out jump static defenders.

Scored two the other night.

No word of a lie, I invented that corner and I think the Arsenal coach has seen it and copied it!

I’ve been coaching my kids team to do it for 2-3 years. Start in a group by the goal line behind the 6 yard box and as the corner taker runs to take it, use that and the ball flight time to get in to the box. We score a decent amount for a kids team off corners because the opposition are all used to man marking and have no idea where to go.

It used to be a real struggle to get the kids to do it. Now Arsenal do it all of a sudden it’s much easier!!!

Seems so obvious to me. Rules out man marking, leaves the zonal markers blind sighted to the runners and static by comparison. Really tests them in a way ‘normal’ corners don’t.

I’d love us to do it. If anyone from the club is reading I can come along and coach the lads, I’m available

[BigGaz]

Fair comment. They looked dangerous, though. They created danger.

We haven't since they left. Quite noticeably.

As is yours TBF. Goals doesn't accurately reflect the intangibles, like fear factor, taking their best defenders away from other threats etc, skittling folk out of the way to create space for others.

[NewClaret]

Fair comment. They looked dangerous, though. They created danger.

We haven't since they left. Quite noticeably.

Exactly this. I always think with corners and set-pieces in general you can build a pressure on back lines. Push them right back, test them, make them uncomfortable. The response from the crowd and general momentum it brings can then pay dividends in different ways.

Parker is in touching distance of my ideal style at the moment. I like the build up play (know many don’t), the control with the ball, the patterns, the patience to try and fashion an opening. But I like set pieces to be direct and threatening. Nothing frustrates me more than a 5 yard sideways/backwards one anywhere in the opposition half! At corners the vast majority are direct now, but I like the odd routine even when they don’t quite work to add variety - the Boro one was good but we’ve had a few of them recently that were good ideas that didn’t come off.

I feel we are getting there. Basically, I’d like to take something from the Kompany era but maintain the Dyche identity of being a threat from set plays. If we could marry the both I’d be a happy claret!

[beddie]

If Newcastle want Trafford in January besides the high fee we’d want what’s your thoughts on looking at Almiron coming our way in the deal?

[Woodleyclaret]

If Traff goes we go for Nick Pope and Dan Burn in any deal

[colne-claret]

If Newcastle want Trafford in January besides the high fee we’d want what’s your thoughts on looking at Almiron coming our way in the deal?

Would be amazing but can’t see it happening. Not sure he’d want to drop out of the prem.

[colne-claret]

Trafford is easily replacable. Great potential but money would be better spent elsewhere IMO if we get a big offer.

[Stonehouse]

No word of a lie, I invented that corner and I think the Arsenal coach has seen it and copied it!

I’ve been coaching my kids team to do it for 2-3 years. Start in a group by the goal line behind the 6 yard box and as the corner taker runs to take it, use that and the ball flight time to get in to the box. We score a decent amount for a kids team off corners because the opposition are all used to man marking and have no idea where to go.

It used to be a real struggle to get the kids to do it. Now Arsenal do it all of a sudden it’s much easier!!!

Seems so obvious to me. Rules out man marking, leaves the zonal markers blind sighted to the runners and static by comparison. Really tests them in a way ‘normal’ corners don’t.

I’d love us to do it. If anyone from the club is reading I can come along and coach the lads, I’m available

I think Burnley was one of the first teams to use the short corner in the late 50’s.

[burnley007]

Does anyone know the current situation with JBL?

He was one of our better players last season, would probably suit our current style too.

[beddie]

Would be amazing but can’t see it happening. Not sure he’d want to drop out of the prem.

Maybe but if Parker can tempt him that we’re going all out to go back up and we want you to be a part of it you never know, wages of course maybe an issue. All this of course would be subject to us getting a good fee for Trafford.

[NewClaret]

I think Burnley was one of the first teams to use the short corner in the late 50’s.

Exactly. This area has a rich history of corner pioneers and I’m just following that tradition. Now we need Eliot Tybebo to enlist my services to help him out

[NewClaret]

Does anyone know the current situation with JBL?

He was one of our better players last season, would probably suit our current style too.

Sadly courted by 3 premier league teams and Strasbourg according to a recent report

[Quicknick]

Does anyone know the current situation with JBL?

He was one of our better players last season, would probably suit our current style too.

Would he want to come back?

[warksclaret]

Sadly courted by 3 premier league teams and Strasbourg according to a recent report

Be extremely surprised if JBL was being courted by 3 PL sides.Some of our fans have an infatuation with him as they do with a number of our ex players. But he is 34 and getting slower by the year. I think he was an immense servant but don't think he is the answer today.We already have 6 wide payers in the squad.

[Quickenthetempo]

Be extremely surprised if JBL was being courted by 3 PL sides.Some of our fans have an infatuation with him as they do with a number of our ex players. But he is 34 and getting slower by the year. I think he was an immense servant but don't think he is the answer today.We already have 6 wide payers in the squad.

He's 26

[nil_desperandum]

He's 26

I think he's got his initials and nationality a bit confused!

[colne-claret]

Be extremely surprised if JBL was being courted by 3 PL sides.Some of our fans have an infatuation with him as they do with a number of our ex players. But he is 34 and getting slower by the year. I think he was an immense servant but don't think he is the answer today.We already have 6 wide payers in the squad.

I assume you are getting mixed up with Gudmundson?

[warksclaret]

I assume you are getting mixed up with Gudmundson?

Yes I got that absolutely wrong-my concentration is on a par with the Spurs defence. Yes I was talking about JBG. Now JBL is a different kettle of fish, and would not only strengthen us, but be one of our leading goal scorers. There was already PL interest at the end of his loan with us.What I liked about him was he took a number of difficult chances and scored, albeit a few sitters were missed too

[daveisaclaret]

Ignoring the confusion above, Bruun Larsen started in the Bundesliga today. It may be time to get over obsessions with signing former players because it is silly.

[Stonehouse]

Ignoring the confusion above, Bruun Larsen started in the Bundesliga today. It may be time to get over obsessions with signing former players because it is silly.

A bit like our long term injured ,absence makes the heart grow fonder,he had a few good games but rarely managed 90 mins .we need guys that are consistent can play 90 mins and have at least 3 good games in 5 .

[NewClaret]

A bit like our long term injured ,absence makes the heart grow fonder,he had a few good games but rarely managed 90 mins .we need guys that are consistent can play 90 mins and have at least 3 good games in 5 .

I thought he played well every time I saw him. I think his quality would definitely improve us on the right.

I take your point that he was in and out the side which makes ending up our top scorer in the league above even more remarkable.

[NewClaret]

Ignoring the confusion above, Bruun Larsen started in the Bundesliga today. It may be time to get over obsessions with signing former players because it is silly.

I don’t think it’s particularly silly for fans to want to resign the prior seasons top scorer?

Albeit it’s a very slim possibility now, both because he has premier league and Bundesliga interest and also I can’t really see Parker wanting to sign ex-Kompany players.

[jojomk1]

If Traff goes we go for Nick Pope and Dan Burn in any deal

Add Almiron into this deal plus Isak

[Woodleyclaret]

Constructive as always !

[NewClaret]

If Newcastle want Trafford in January besides the high fee we’d want what’s your thoughts on looking at Almiron coming our way in the deal?

I imagine very slim, since he’s on £60k per week and will undoubtedly have ‘top league’ interest, but where I agree with you is that we absolutely should not be selling players like Trafford in January without using them as opportunities to sign a top premier league quality player in return. Whoever that is to.

Overall though I really don’t fancy another reset in January and would prefer we just had a very low key one, with one or two quality additions.

As an aside I really liked Almiron. I always thought he was a huge danger to us every time we played them.

[Spijed]

I imagine very slim, since he’s on £60k per week and will undoubtedly have ‘top league’ interest, but where I agree with you is that we absolutely should not be selling players like Trafford in January without using them as opportunities to sign a top premier league quality player in return. Whoever that is to.

Overall though I really don’t fancy another reset in January and would prefer we just had a very low key one, with one or two quality additions.

As an aside I really liked Almiron. I always thought he was a huge danger to us every time we played them.

How can you convince a "top premier league quality player" to join us when their wage demands will very likely be far beyond our wage structure and also when there is no guarantee we'll be promoted?

[warksclaret]

First priority should be to reduce our current squad-Delcroix (sell), Dodgson (loan out), Tresor (get out the building , probably a loan with commitment to buy), Ekdal loan out now that Worrall is fit), Sambo loan out. That creates 5 spaces . We have had enough time to target a striker. Ferguson of Brighton had a poor game v Leicester so may have put off some PL sides. We are better trying to loan the likes of a young striker trying to prove himself than high earning players like Almiron

[Quicknick]

Anthony delivered some excellent corners on Friday night, but no one has the desire to get on the end of them. Pires has also delivered some good ones this season.

I was watching highlights of an early '00s match earlier. Gareth Taylor got a great header. Taylor in his prime would be ideal.

[jlup1980]

I can't see why we'd look to sign another CB in January. Keane would be too good for this level, but we're stacked with CB's as it is. If the worst happens and we lose Esteve we have Ekdal, Egan, Worrall, and Delcriox waiting in the wings. All of whom should be more than capable in the Championship. File under "made up nonsense".

[NewClaret]

How can you convince a "top premier league quality player" to join us when their wage demands will very likely be far beyond our wage structure and also when there is no guarantee we'll be promoted?

I didn’t word that very well at all.

What I meant was a ‘top league’ player. If that’s where we want to be we need to be signing players that are ‘premier league quality’ - have played at that level before or been in that environment for a while.

Could be because they are out of a new managers plans, fallen down the pecking order or struggled to break in to the team.

Almiron is a poor example because he’ll have buyers, so as a different example, if Chelsea were interested in Traff we might enquire about Chukwumeka for instance. On loan or loan to buy ideally.

My point was more that I’d be declining all offers for our players in Jan because I think stability is key. No player sale is going to be as financially beneficial as promotion and most of our prized assets are on long term deals, so no rush. But if we had to sell I’d be making sure a premier league quality player were coming in the other direction as part of the deal.