Is that a reliable source?
Don't recognise the name
One of the most reliable, I’d say.
I agree with some of what you have posted but I don't agree with the idea that we have only improved the periphery of the squad.ksrclaret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:01 amIt was clear to everyone almost immediately that the 2023 summer window left us with a bloated but totally unbalanced squad that wouldn't be experienced or robust enough for the challenge ahead. I don't think it took a genius to comment on it and BigChaCha certainly wasn't the lone voice as he claims to be.
The recruitment so far has pointed to lessons learned with everyone looking up to the challenge physically and some experience brought in as well. The problem is most of it improves the periphery of the pitch whilst we've lost big players from the spine and not replaced them yet. The challenge now is to make sure we get a minimum of 1 GK, 1 CM, and 1 CF who are all top end in the next few weeks. That will be what determines if we complete this season or struggle to get to 20 points.
That I can agree withksrclaret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:31 pmPerhaps I chose the wrong word but when I said we’ve improved the periphery of the team, I actually meant we’d improved the team down the sides i.e. at full back and down the wings.
Walker and Hartman will very much improve the starting eleven, possibly even Larsen too if he can rediscover the form he showed with us in Spring 2024.
Now we’ve got to get the middle of the pitch sorted out as everyone can see.
As soon as I posted I had the same thought. Alongside a more sprightly striker signing it’d be decent business, but on his wages you’d imagine he’d be THE signing for the position.
He did an updated tweet:
Ah fair enough. The article linked above referenced McGrath’s original article from a while back. Thanks
I didn't realise he's also had two ACL injuries while at Bournemouth! Poor fella. From Parker's pov, the temptation will be to think "if can get him on the pitch for even 15-20 games, he could be the difference", and I totally get that. If his goal contributions win us say 4-6 points across 38 games that's huge. Could be a masterstroke or a "told you so" if he's sat on his behind in the treatment room all season.agreenwood wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:52 pmI love the idea of signing Wilson until I see his injury record. It’s nothing short of appalling…
Bumba was the main ringleader in that, he couldn’t even bring himself to credit Trafford after his great away performance at Brighton.TheFamilyCat wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 8:43 amPlayer ratings count for **** all. Loads of fans, most of whom were smarting over Muric not getting picked, never gave him a fair ride and some blamed him for pretty much every goal we conceded.
18 appearances last season and 0 goals.Darnhill Claret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 1:58 pmRecurring hamstring issues are worrying, the most recent for 9 weeks.
Played for Newcastle and previously Bournemouth
Those 18 games in total equalled less minutes than 4 games in total.
How can signing Callum Wilson say we stay down next season? That doesn't make any sense at all.CoolClaret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 3:21 pmCallum Wilson screams desperation, imo. It's the sort of signing clubs make that end up going down and staying down.
I think Laurent may surprise a few people this year....big strong lad!agreenwood wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:41 amWe arguably need a couple of midfielders.
I can see the argument that we already have a few players to play in the Brownhill role, but we need depth too. We’re probably a Cullen or Hannibal injury from Laurent being a starter. I like the fella, but that would not be ideal.
Clubs that try to gamble on staying up, sign players that are past it on big money with no resale value.ollieclarets8 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 3:39 pmHow can signing Callum Wilson say we stay down next season? That doesn't make any sense at all.
Can’t imagine it being more than a 1 year deal, given fitness concerns.CoolClaret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 4:03 pmClubs that try to gamble on staying up, sign players that are past it on big money with no resale value.
Not saying that we will, that's why I said "it's the sort of signing...."
Seems desperate.
My new favourite comment for July.... thanks.Claretnick wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 4:11 pmI don't think Wilson would want to come here, he always seemed to disrespect us every time he played and scored for Newcastle. I always get the feeling he believes he is too good for us..
I agree with what you say about it coming across as a bit desperate. But you're ignoring the players we have already signed. You're not alone though - had we made the signings later in the window, people would be saying how well we are doing. Look at our players - if we go down, it's massive compared to other Championship teams.CoolClaret wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 4:06 pmYeah probably not, still a waste of a wage, imo.
He's the type that should be going to the MLS/Saudi/wherever now to play at a lower intensity in his final years as a pro.
I agree with you, we definitely need a striker. Not sure an injury prone 34 year old who didn’t score a single goal last season is the answer.
A fair comment.claretonthecoast1882 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 22, 2025 3:36 pmThose 18 games in total equalled less minutes than 4 games in total.
He isn't the answer for us even as a back up option though.