Is there anyone that thinks that signing a centre forward would be counter-productive?

[jdrobbo]

Flemming getting fitter, stronger and more effective with each passing game…

Jay Rod just off the back of a good run in the side, leading the line and a key player in our upturn…

Lyle Foster back into the matchday squad after two months out…

Hountonji patiently waiting in the wings

…would signing another forward be counter-productive, with us currently doing so well?

Could another position now be deemed more essential?

Personally, I think I’d look to use the loan market: I suspect most will think we MUST go ‘all in’ on a recognised goal scorer?

[Mattster]

I've always said a new striker would make next to no difference. With Foster returning It's even more pointless. Right wing is probably the only position we need to be looking to make a signing now that we've signed Sonne as depth at right back.

[Stalbansclaret]

If I knew Foster could stay injury free and definitely had his heart in it then I’d probably be OK with what we’ve got but as these things cannot be guaranteed I’d look to bring in a striker on loan .

[hoosier-daddy]

I've said many times that using the loan market until the end of the season is absolutely fine. Players not getting enough football at a higher level, is perfect for both parties. Signing a centre-forward counter-productive? Not at all.

1. Foster is back but unfortunately, we cannot depend on him.
2. Hountonji hasn't proven he's good enough - we need someone proven at this level.

I think signing a forward is obvious. We just might need 1 more player in midfield too.

[randomclaret2]

Signing players when things are going well is the best time to do it. None of our strikers are prolific. Jayrod is a veteran. Hountondji doesnt appear to be quite up to it whilst Foster does miss games for a variety of reasons. Just a few reasons why I think we Should be looking to bring a striker in, but like you I'd be happy if it were a loan signing.

[jedi_master]

I fully understand what you’re saying John, and Flemming in particular has utterly changed how we look going forwards in the last few games, he’s been outstanding (hold my hands up there as I was worried about what I’d seen so far pre-Norwich).

However, personally I’d like to see us loan out Houtondji and bring in a physical line leader as a different option (dare I say it, the link with McBurnie makes sense to me when I look at our squad). I think another winger would also be good, unless Benny is imminently fit and available. I’m not sure we have that game changer for tight games against those that come to frustrate us.

Assuming the right back is joining, we need nothing else and should look to loan quite a few out.

[daveisaclaret]

We've had two performances which have lifted everyone's mood and made us look like the frontrunner to win the league. However, what we've not had is any assurance that we're going to do better when teams come to us and sit ten men behind the ball. I think a goalscoring striker who could play with Flemming behind him would be a big help to us for that.

[dougcollins]

Even when he plays, Foster has never been prolific.

[bobinho]

I think if we are going to play to the strengths of a lone striker, then yes, we get one.

Fleming looking like he always has looked. A handful, but not necessarily the answer on his own.

J Rod is so far past it, no-one can actually read the date on the packaging.

Foster has on occasion looked the real deal, but we can’t rely on him whatsoever.

Hountondji patiently waiting in the wings because he’s nowhere near really.

So yes, a goal scorer in January please. There will be those who suggest even Kane would struggle to score in this side because of the poor service, but that’s improving game by game.

[ksrclaret]

I think a striker is less essential now we've slightly tweaked the way we play since that second half at Norwich. Flemming and Brownhill both seem to be playing as number 10s, with the threat in behind coming mainly from Anthony but increasingly from Hannibal too at Sheff Utd.

We've got Jay and Sarmiento that can come in as replacements for those two should the need arise. I'm not sure how Foster fits in to be honest, but we've coped very well without him for most of the season anyway.

I still think we're short of an alternative to play wide right though.

[Dyched]

A forward is a must.

Foster won’t stay fit until May and even if he does, doesn’t have goals in him.

We can play Flemming up top with J Rod back up. If Flemming doesn’t play, J Rod starts with Foster back up. If Brownhill gets injured, Flemming can drop back and J Rod come in and Foster back up. Foster back up is fine. Another forward will just cover us a little. More so for Brownhill tbh. Whilst not a forward he’s top goalscorer and the biggest threat.

[Elizabeth]

Flemming getting fitter, stronger and more effective with each passing game…

Jay Rod just off the back of a good run in the side, leading the line and a key player in our upturn…

Lyle Foster back into the matchday squad after two months out…

Hountonji patiently waiting in the wings

…would signing another forward be counter-productive, with us currently doing so well?

Could another position now be deemed more essential?

Personally, I think I’d look to use the loan market: I suspect most will think we MUST go ‘all in’ on a recognised goal scorer?

I think the timing is right for the question.

Breaking down your appraisal of the 4 players you've highlighted.

Flemming - yes he is thankfully more or less proper match fit now however I think he is not currently being played
in his best position. His two recent goals could have been scored playing from a deeper position and he dropped deep for his beautiful pass out to Humphreys yesterday that led to our opener. I want to see him playing behind a striker.
Jay Rod - remains a good back up striker but is now unlikely to be able to be a consistent starter.
Lyle Foster- historically cannot be relied on between now and the end of the season
Hountonji- still too raw and learning the role.

I think the way the defence and midfield are currently operating the striking position is the one in need of improvement. One or two good wins inspired by Brownhill and Flemming's goals don't change my mind as we still have half a season to go and there is very little between 4 strong teams aiming for only 2 automatic promotion places.

[warksclaret]

ABSOLUTELY we do. Parker has performed miracles when Foster has been unavailable through the use of Fleming and Sarmiento, but as we know Fleming has missed a few and also been asked to play in his not natural position. Sorry but Jay and Hountondji cannot be considered as potential starting strikers. The only two games we have lost were where we had to rely on both with no proper fit striker available. At Sunderland (where Hountondji missed a headed sitter) and Millwall where Foster was injured and Fleming ineligible.

We need it because Foster has sadly an injury record with us, and Fleming has also had injuries keeping him out, for not only competition, but to really work the opposition central defenders. For me if its the only position we fill other than Sonne joining I will feel that could decide our promotion

[Darnhill Claret]

I don't think we need anyone. We have too many players on our books
I think we need to sell a couple who are unlikely to get minutes, if possible.
Sambo needs championship game time, or Scottish prem, or a top European league, so loan required for him like we managed for CJ.
Houndtonji needs game time here, in the FA Cup and off the bench. If he doesn't cut it, he needs to be allowed to leave. If a loan, perhaps Scotland. Are we still linked to Dundee?

[Milltown1882]

McBurnie is the one that’ll come in for that.

[Jakubclaret]

It's a pity odsonne featured for palace before being loaned out to leicester never appeared last night despite being on the substitutes bench don't think RVN rate or SC will be sent back to CP it's a pity the rules don't allow for 3 other than registered he would have ticked the boxes wages permitting.

[ClaretLoup]

After January we have to play a whole procession of park-the-bus teams. A better quality striker than the ones we have at the moment might give us the edge in quite a few of these fixtures.

[Vegas Claret]

Depending on how far Benson is a winger might be a bigger priority, injury to Anthony leaves us very short

[taio]

I hope a striker will be our top, and possibly only, priority in the upcoming transfer window, so long as the right type of forward is available and affordable. If one can be signed and score double figures, that would hugely support our efforts for automatic promotion.

[OssyClaret]

Januarys task for me…

Trim the fat - Sambo, Delcroix, Dodgson, Tresor, Redmond

Succession Planning - Beyond our Trio of Josh’s in centre midfield, we are woefully short of depth (more so than any other position for me) and the identifying and dipping in and out of a new midfield prospect for future seasons should be prioritised.

Short Term - If we can shift on some/all of the above I would look for an attacking flair player on loan who might make the difference in a couple of games in the second half of the season

[Anonymous Claret]

The last few performances since the second half at Norwich have been excellent.
I think that we definitely need another striker. Ferguson would be my dream choice followed by Tella but the chances of either of those ending up at the Turf are very slim. I wouldn't mind Mc Burnie as a more realistic option.

The reasoning is that Hountondj has struggled at this level and there are no signs that he will adapt this season.
Jay will struggle to play 2 games consecutively within a few days as the season progresses.
Foster has probably spent more time unavailable for selection than available since he arrived here. Plus he would be ideal against the better teams where he can run onto the ball using his power and strength. Most of the teams we play though will sit deep and Foster often looks lost in these games.
That leaves Flemming who has played the lone striker role really well in the last 2 and half games. If he gets injured or we need to change things during games our options could be very limited.

[Silkyskills1]

I don't see how a goalscorer can be counter- productive to any team anywhere in a league.If someone becomes available it is, as they say, a no- brainer. Goals have been hard to come by this season; never scored more than two after the opening salvo of the first two games. Recently turning one goal into two has been most welcome but the thought of turning two into more has to be part of the short term plan.

[CrosspoolClarets]

It is essential. Our two rivals will strengthen big so we must too.

The key is to get one with the right attributes. Parker will want a striker who is tall, can play with his back to goal and can finish, somebody with the type of attributes of a Calvert Lewin. No way will we get someone with every attribute possible.

Form will ebb and flow so we need options in every position.

[Stonehouse]

McBurnie is the one that’ll come in for that.

NOOOO

[Mattster]

Hountondji being written off when he's barely had any opportunities is frustrating. Especially when his longest appearance was at left wing back vs Sunderland. Worth noting he has a higher xG and more touches in the penalty area from his total 227 minutes (88 of which were spent at left wing back) than Flemming does in his last 275 (all of which were spent at striker).

Needs to be given chances before he's written off. Between. Foster, Jay and Hountondji we have enough striker options. And with Flemming seemingly being seen as a striker by Parker despite very little output there I don't see why we need another when Parker only plays a single striker.

[RVclaret]

With Brownhill playing as a hybrid 10/9 and doing so well, I’m not sure on another striker. Foster coming back and keeping fit until the end of Jan at least would re-assert my thoughts on that. The prospect of Foster and Flemming at full flight interests me in this latest 4-4-2 type shape we’ve been playing, albeit again, Brownhill has been a revelation up there. The only caveat is if there’s another injury (or more) before the end of Jan or if someone really promising is available that would be a ‘no brainer’- in that case I’d try and get Hountondji regular games at this level (Belgian Pro League too). I reckon some more creativity is a priority for me if Tresor, Benson and Redmond aren’t playing/leaving.

[aclaretinstevenage]

We must not sign an "established" striker on loan who is on big wages but can't get a game in their current club; who'll show not a bit of interest in signing for Burnley long term. Better to take a punt on a guy looking to make a step up, give him until the end of the season to make a claim for a permanent deal while we have Foster returning - hopefully for a decent spell - + Jay and Houndtondji as fall back options.

Anyone in mind......yesterday I watched the lad Kone for Wycombe and he looks the real thing and way above League One level.

Just my suggestion.

[Nonayforever]

I think a CF is an absolute must.
Not one to score 15 goals in the remaining games but a forward that hopefully, might be ready for the PL next August. Someone who isn't yet prolific but someone who Parker can see fitting into the team next season.

[hoosier-daddy]

I think a CF is an absolute must.
Not one to score 15 goals in the remaining games but a forward that hopefully, might be ready for the PL next August. Someone who isn't yet prolific but someone who Parker can see fitting into the team next season.

We already have someone who isn't prolific - Foster.
We need someone who will help us now, to help us get to the Premier League as it's not a sure thing.
Let's get there first, collect the 120+ million and worry about next season during the summer.

[BigGaz]

Signing players when things are going well is the best time to do it. None of our strikers are prolific. Jayrod is a veteran. Hountondji doesnt appear to be quite up to it whilst Foster does miss games for a variety of reasons. Just a few reasons why I think we Should be looking to bring a striker in, but like you I'd be happy if it were a loan signing.

Exactly this. You fix the roof when the sun is shining, not when it's ******* it down. We need a long term replacement for Jay Rod, Houtondji is more of a work in progress and Fosters availability is patchy, and has attracted interest.

I'd say we need a creative player on the left more than we need a striker but in an ideal world we get both.

[Nonayforever]

We already have someone who isn't prolific - Foster.
We need someone who will help us now, to help us get to the Premier League as it's not a sure thing.
Let's get there first, collect the 120+ million and worry about next season during the summer.

I personally think that we have more than enough firepower to get us into the PL now that Foster has reappeared, however I don't think we have anyone who will cut it in the PL next season.

[hoosier-daddy]

I personally think that we have more than enough firepower to get us into the PL now that Foster has reappeared, however I don't think we have anyone who will cut it in the PL next season.

But when the transfer window 'slams' shut, we're relying on Foster who has needed time out, Hountondji who is unproven, and Jay who will struggle to play too many consecutive games, isn't good enough any longer, and could easily pick up a knock/injury.

It's simply too much to gamble on, going from February until the end of the season. It's 17 games.

[summitclaret]

I think Foster is going to surprise a lot of people IF he can avoid further injuries. He's perfect for away games/counter attacking. I see lots more away points coming our way.

Before people get too carried away, let's see how we deal with the likes of Stoke at home, where we'll be facing more deep lining defensive tactics. We need more creativity - someone like Doak and a goal poacher. There is little point in relying on Benson. I don’t think he has any motivation to play for us now Ditto Tresor.

[beddie]

Ideally yes. We get Jay or Fleming injured and we’re struggling. Foster we just don't know. If we can keep Jay and Fleming fit and avoid injury, unfortunately know one has the answer then I’d like us to push the boat out for Almiron (apologies for constantly mentioning him) I really think he’d be the missing link.

[boatshed bill]

I'm not sure we should sign anyone unless we get rid of a few either on loan or sold.

[hoosier-daddy]

I think Foster is going to surprise a lot of people IF he can avoid further injuries. He's perfect for away games/counter attacking. I see lots more away points coming our way.

And that's my point. We cannot assume that Foster will avoid injuries. We can't cross our fingers and rely on luck/hope. It needs to be the other way around - it needs to be assuming he WILL be out along the way, and so we bring in someone to cover that eventuality.

[boatshed bill]

And that's my point. We cannot assume that Foster will avoid injuries. We can't cross our fingers and rely on luck/hope. It needs to be the other way around - it needs to be assuming he WILL be out along the way, and so we bring in someone to cover that eventuality.

We've not done badly without him, I'd see anything he might bring to the team as a distinct bonus rather than a necessity.

[billyhamilton82]

McBurnie is the one that’ll come in for that.

I know it won't please everyone but I would loan out Hountonji to a lower Champ side where he would get game time and bring in McBurnie on loan.

If we have injuries / loss of form or require a physical element up top McBurnie would be ideal IMO.

Hountonji is still only 22 and lots of room for development and playing first team football would be the best way for that to be cultivated.

[Juan Tanamera]

Let's be a little realistic, the January transfer window is notoriously difficult and expensive, more often than not.

To even imagine we would/could fork out mega bucks on a proven goalscorer is very wishful thinking.

[Marney&Mee]

A forward is a must.

Foster won’t stay fit until May and even if he does, doesn’t have goals in him.

We can play Flemming up top with J Rod back up. If Flemming doesn’t play, J Rod starts with Foster back up. If Brownhill gets injured, Flemming can drop back and J Rod come in and Foster back up. Foster back up is fine. Another forward will just cover us a little. More so for Brownhill tbh. Whilst not a forward he’s top goalscorer and the biggest threat.

Agreed. We can afford it and have nothing to lose

[kentonclaret]

We do not currently have a striker on the books who has more than 3 goals against his name after 23 matches so I would have thought that this is an area that definitely needs strengthening. Otherwise, we are totally reliant on Foster regaining full match fitness and sharpness and on Brownhill remaining injury free for the rest of this season.

[RalphCoatesComb]

To answer the OP

It isn't counter-productive. Sign a quality striker and it gives us the option to change our style, if and when required.

UTC

[Boss Hogg]

We definitely need a striker but a loan is fine. Not sure we need to strengthen anywhere else but could loan one or two out.

[123EasyasBFC]

Hountondji being written off when he's barely had any opportunities is frustrating. Especially when his longest appearance was at left wing back vs Sunderland. Worth noting he has a higher xG and more touches in the penalty area from his total 227 minutes (88 of which were spent at left wing back) than Flemming does in his last 275 (all of which were spent at striker).

Needs to be given chances before he's written off. Between. Foster, Jay and Hountondji we have enough striker options. And with Flemming seemingly being seen as a striker by Parker despite very little output there I don't see why we need another when Parker only plays a single striker.

You really need to stop basing all your opinions on stats and actually watch football. Just because hountonji has had more touches and higher XG doesn’t mean he’s any good, he can’t control the ball and hasn’t won any Ariel duels

[jojomk1]

Houdini is not getting much game time for the simple reason that he is not good enough
Jay is also too old and immobile
Ideally, another central striker with pace
And a left back
Plus possibly a CM if Brownhill goes

[123EasyasBFC]

If jay rod, foster and Flemming were to get injured, I would much rather Mcburnie leading the line then hountonji, he needs a loan spell in lower end champ as someone further up suggested

[Mattster]

You really need to stop basing all your opinions on stats and actually watch football. Just because hountonji has had more touches and higher XG doesn’t mean he’s any good, he can’t control the ball and hasn’t won any Ariel duels

Why is there this weird assumption that someone who references stats doesn't watch football?

I'm perfectly capable of both watching football and looking at the stats. Mind blowing, I know

Those two stats suggest Hountondji has better movement in the box than Flemming. It's entirely plausible that Parker doesn't want his striker touching the ball much in the box. Doing most of their work in the build up and then acting as more of a dummy runner to create space for others in the box as we have seen in both Anthony and Brownhill's goals in the last 2 games. If so, though, that makes even more of a case for not bringing in a new striker in January.

[123EasyasBFC]

Why is there this weird assumption that someone who references stats doesn't watch football?

I'm perfectly capable of both watching football and looking at the stats. Mind blowing, I know

Those two stats suggest Hountondji has better movement in the box than Flemming. It's entirely plausible that Parker doesn't want his striker touching the ball much in the box. Doing most of their work in the build up and then acting as more of a dummy runner to create space for others in the box as we have seen in both Anthony and Brownhill's goals in the last 2 games. If so, though, that makes even more of a case for not bringing in a new striker in January.

Those stats don’t suggest hountonji has better movement at all, you aren’t taking into consideration the opposition, how much of the ball we have, it’s an absolute nothing stat.

XG again is a poor stat to run with, sheff united had a higher XG yesterday without creating anything pretty much all game

[DanH90]

Think we definitely need one. Yes we’ve looked good the last two games, but we lack that traditional number 9 that can hold up the ball, bring others into play and contribute with 5-6 goals between now and the end of the season.

Flemming - looked better the last two games but wants to drop deep.

Foster - another option but again isn’t a number 9. Better playing off the left or with another up front

Jay - did a good job for a few games but isn’t the player he was.

Hountondji - to me, doesn’t look as though he will be good enough.

McBurnie I would be more than happy with, think he is someone who could get us over the line. Ferguson I would be astounded with, but it ain’t happening.

[Papabendi]

Couple of injuries up top and we are very much exposed.