smiler just what I've said if we sign a defender on loan needs to be up to top of league one level ready to come straight in. A permanent signing needs to be thought up to lower championship level. Clarke?
We can't afford the wages of oven ready established Championship players. We have to take older players on their way down the ladder but who still have something to offer (example Woody), maybe have a punt on players with fitness issues (example Becchio back in the day), young players on the way up (example Clarke), or players from clubs higher up the ladder who need another chance (example Olosunde). Its a balancing act. So far Clarke has done well enough. I dont think the January window should be used just to plug a gap that we have in January but might not have in February. That would be a long term commitment to fill a short term need. We don't have that luxury. Only do it if it is someone who has something long term to offer. Someone who might hold a place down even when everyone else is fit.
Oxford seem to be the benchmark for our league so Saturday should tell us whether we can cope short term defensively. Disappointing we are being linked with yet another crock(Bristol C winger Adelakun).
OK - you're in charge for the January transfer window and you've got no budget. So you have to sell to be able to afford new players but you can return loanees to be replaced by other loanees. What'ya gonna do?
For me - return Barlaser and Morris. Bring in two powerful replacements in same positions.
Sell Vassell. Invest in a midfield general.
Job done.
Apart from the erroneous but understandable condemnation of Barlaser, I'd probably stick with my original plan. I've no confidence in Morris getting any goals for us and there might be better options available on the loan market. I'd still sell Vassell - whose value might have risen considerably after his last (first) two goals.
Whether we invest in a midfield general, or a permanent CB is debatable. With Lindsay returning, we've got strength in midfield with Crooks and creativity with Barlaser and Wiles. I take Smiler's point about the short term nature of our defensive problems, but any injury to our remaining back four could make us very thin on the ground. On balance I'd probably go for a permanent CB as a replacement/cover for Woody.
So in summary, return Morris, sell Vassell, buy a permanent CB and ask Ogbene who he thinks we should bring in on loan up front who he could be most effective with.
However, if nothing happens I won't be too disappointed or surprised!
Glennmiller I did agree with you at the start of this thread but Barlaser he's come good since then so got to keep him. Morris & Clarke can go for me. A defender & big forward both up to this level who are match fit/sharp for me in.
I agree with you on the following especially the bit about asking Ogbene who he would like to partner in attack.
'So in summary, return Morris, sell Vassell, buy a permanent CB and ask Ogbene who he thinks we should bring in on loan up front who he could be most effective with.'
I also new Morris was going New Years day I was asked to keep it quiet will not be missed now we have got thunder boots Vassell ready to bust a few nets. Get the Kayode kid back job's a good un it's about time we started using our young players. We need cover for the defence plus a holding midfielder. I can't see anyone coming in until the last week.
i would like to see Hastie Ogbene on opposite wings with Olosunde and Clarke in the full positions, which with Thompson and Mattock suspension and injuries maybe only Warne's choice, never been a fan of square peg round role strategy.
in case of players to bring in we need a CB and why not Smallwood in the holding role would allow Barlaser or wiles to be more attacking yes we have Lindsey for that role.
we have 3 wingers Hastie Lamy Ogbene another one needed to balance the team just need warn to use them properly
morris is a striker like Vassell use them as strikers play the wingers we have
We're away at a top side. Need 3 in midfield. Don't rate Clarke or Hastie. Sooner see Hinds at left back if we don't bring a defender in. Lindsay back a bonus for us.
Morris leaving is a mistake the only guy at the club that wins headers when we punt it forward, Vassell plays above 10% for 3 games and now he is our saviour after 1.5 seasons of being a waste of space, you guys are so fickle.
everyone else is doing their business early to make the most out of the window we will reduce the squad size and then if lucky do a last minute deal. I am really annoyed about Morris going back it shows a lack of ambition and forward planning, relying on Smith and Vassell as cover for Freddie doesn't fill me with a lot of hope, we need to bring someone else
derby miller I totally agree when it comes to Vassell 2 wonder goals don't make a striker of Vassell I was just stating that warne has to use him in that position then he can't hide anymore
I quite like Morris myself, but I don't think there is much if anything to choose between him and Smith. If the situation is that Norwich want him to start every week, then he has to try his luck elsewhere because although he has done ok he hasn't done enough to nail down a starting place with us, and a player we own shouldn't be left out just to accommodate a loanee. That doesn't reflect badly on us at all. He is Norwich's player so it isn't our decision to make. I agree that we need to get another forward in now.
Morris did ok for us , and as said wins his fair share in the air, is quick and has some physical presence about him. His problem, which has also been said before, is his lack of goals. Around 120 competitive games and only 18 goals.
A couple on here seem to think its a good idea to bring Kayode back !!!!. This is a young lad who has played 3 times for Chesterfield in the National league and around 20 times in the National league North. He struggled at Chesterfield and did the same for Gateshead until recently where he seems to be getting up to speed in this 6th/7th tier of English football. He needs leaving where he is and continue his development. I know a few on here can spot talent from twenty minutes of a mickey mouse game or from a couple of minutes highlights on TV, but bringing J.J back makes no sense at all.
It's funny nobody is saying bring back Jerry Yates. Did well in the championship when he came in for Proctor and played alongside Moore. Moved to Carlisle on loan and did well. This season he is in the 4th tier (not 6th or 7th) and doing well with Swindon who top the division. He has played 23 times and scored 11 goals for them. I believe we should look to sell him if Swindon or anybody is interested, because i do believe the second division is his level. However, i also believe he would be much better at the moment than J.J or Proctor of the loanees. I could be wrong though because i do not have that magic eye who can spot somebody 'who has got it,trust me'
This loan window is vital for us. We now need a striker who can hold it up, and a midfield general. I also agree with Glen Miller that a centre back is required, albeit permanent or loan. If Smith gets injured we have nobody who can hold the ball up.
