| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment 23:20 - Jun 1 with 1723 views | unstableblue |
GK - XX, Walton, Palmer*
LB - Davis, XX
LCB - XX, Greaves
RCB - OShea, Kipre
RB - XX, Furlong
LCM - XX, Taylor
RCM - Matusiwa, XX
LW - Philogene, Clarke, Mehmeti
#10 - XX, Nunez, Egeli (U21)
RW - XX, McAteer
CF - XX, XX, Hirst
16 kept, 10 new players needed
10 is still a lot, especially with 4 players only as the continuum, and as per someone’s recent post two of these will need to be £30m plus, three will need to be £20m plus, and we’ll need some cracking loans.
My priority is striker, then LCM, then #10… but I understand people’s view that Goalkeeper is a priority.
Any of the suggested retained players get moved on? Is that where you’d strengthen?
*doubt Palmer stays for a third spot? [Post edited 2 Jun 14:59]
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| £77.1m wages, £112.8m transfers (£135m in time) gave us 4 wins last outing on 08:11 - Jun 2 with 1420 views | unstableblue |
And we need 10+ wins, 11+ draws to survive in the Prem.
The retained list above for me is superior to what Sunderland came up with, but they then spent £155m on 15 new players.
So much around Portman Road, the training ground and coaching set-up has improved to give us some further competitiveness. New training ground facilities will be a boost.
But that recruitment and player care team has really got to up its game.
Zhaka was only ‘£17.3m’ from Leverkusen, but wages massively raised the ceiling at The Black Cats at £137,500 per week (3 year deal). I have no idea of who our highest player is currently with the premier league accelerator now added - but surely miles from this??
Again as suggested on the board we may well need 2 x £30m and 3 x £20m players. And some great loans to compete.
What a huge and challenging summer of player trading ahead, with the World Cup to slow things, can’t fricking wait to see how it unfolds.
Come on you blue back room boys and girls!! [Post edited 2 Jun 8:16]
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 09:58 - Jun 2 with 1294 views | surreyblue |
That's largely where I am as well, assuming no planned change to the formation. I'd perhaps like to see another #10 in that list (with Nunez effectively acting as cover for both CM and CAM). |  | | |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 10:27 - Jun 2 with 1223 views | jayessess |
I had a long form crack at this for Blue Monday Blog
https://bluemondaypodcast.word
Landed in much the same place ...
First XI: GK: NEED; LB: GOT (Davis), LCB: NEED, RCB: GOT (O’Shea), RB: NEED; LCM: NEED, RCM: GOT (Matusiwa); LW: GOT (Jaden), CAM: NEED, RW: NEED; CF: NEED (NEED: 7 Starters, GK, RB, LCB, LCM, CAM, RW, CF)
Second XI: G: GOT (Walton); LB: NEED, RB: GOT (Furlong), RCB: GOT (Kipré), LCB: GOT (Greaves); LCM: NEED, RCM: GOT (Taylor); LW: GOT (Clarke), CAM: NEED, RW: GOT (McAteer); CF: GOT (Hirst)
Additional Squad Depth: GOT Johnson, Núñez, Mehmeti, Walle Egeli*, NEED CF (Need 4 Squad players: LB, LCM, CAM, CF) [Post edited 2 Jun 11:51]
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:04 - Jun 2 with 1131 views | NthQldITFC |
Yup, similar from me.
I think Walton has made quiet improvements to his game over the last couple of years (slow-maturing keeper) and I'd be happy with him as number 1 - the relationships are built and work well.
I think Greaves could well be maturing enough to be first choice LCB, but another CB, needed anyway, ideally able to play R and L like Kippers.
I've also got a sneaking suspicion that Kasey Mac might really blossom, but we probably need another RW anyway even in Wes stays.
I'd like us to sign Ivan too, and probably let Hirst go, as controversial as that is in some quarters. Ivan's a better footballer and has developed enough to merit another season. If we don't sign him, I'm still happy with Hirst as 3rd striker.
Also, be good to keep Johnson - does that mean that the back up LB or someone else has to be U21? [Post edited 2 Jun 11:06]
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:08 - Jun 2 with 1099 views | BseaBlue |
Yeah I think you have nailed it. Personally, I think it is vital we sign a starting goalkeeper as well as a centre back with real quality and physical presence that can compliment Dara.
Don't know why but I could see one of Philogene or Clarke moving on and a replacement coming in. |  | | |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:15 - Jun 2 with 1064 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:04 - Jun 2 by NthQldITFC |
Yup, similar from me.
I think Walton has made quiet improvements to his game over the last couple of years (slow-maturing keeper) and I'd be happy with him as number 1 - the relationships are built and work well.
I think Greaves could well be maturing enough to be first choice LCB, but another CB, needed anyway, ideally able to play R and L like Kippers.
I've also got a sneaking suspicion that Kasey Mac might really blossom, but we probably need another RW anyway even in Wes stays.
I'd like us to sign Ivan too, and probably let Hirst go, as controversial as that is in some quarters. Ivan's a better footballer and has developed enough to merit another season. If we don't sign him, I'm still happy with Hirst as 3rd striker.
Also, be good to keep Johnson - does that mean that the back up LB or someone else has to be U21? [Post edited 2 Jun 11:06]
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I think people underestimate how important having a 'hang your hat on' number 1 is in the PL for a newly promoted team. Walton is a passable keeper and a decent back up to have but not of the necessary quality for us at this level. You need someone very comfortable with the ball at their feet, who can navigate an elite press and get us playing as well as being a top shot stopper and dominating their box. Not asking much! But you need a keeper that can tangibly win you points. For different reasons, Muric and Palmer were a disaster last time. | | | |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:18 - Jun 2 with 1043 views | _CliveBaker_ |
Looks about right although I'd quite like to see 2 starting CM's come in. Matty Sewer had a good season but I'm not sure he's cute enough in possession for PL level. No doubt has a role to play though. |  | | |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:21 - Jun 2 with 1033 views | burnbudgiesburn |
I'm close to that as well, but with Henry Gray as 3rd choice and U21 so frees up another slot.
A lot also depends on what system we intend to play. Leif probably hasn't improved enough defensively to play in a 4 so a switch to a back 3 probably gets the best out of him.
In that case someone like Tyrone Mings would be a great signing ticking a lo of boxes - experienced pro, versatile covering a couple of positions. Whether he thinks he can get someone further up the chain is another matter.
Recruitment is 100% key for me. The comment about we are going up with a better squad than Sunderland did is spot on. But we definitely need 10 and a minimum 5 of those will have to be above the level of anyone else currently in the squad. | | | |
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:36 - Jun 2 with 953 views | HighgateBlue |
Can't disagree with much of that, but McKenna hasn't shown a lot of inclination to use Egeli in the centre, even when we were struggling to make anyone work in that slot. But he's still very young, and in McKenna we very much trust.
Still crying into my beer about Burns, but it's pretty inevitable that he leaves, despite having been the most effective in that position. |  | | |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:47 - Jun 2 with 921 views | NthQldITFC |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:15 - Jun 2 by tractorboy1978 |
I think people underestimate how important having a 'hang your hat on' number 1 is in the PL for a newly promoted team. Walton is a passable keeper and a decent back up to have but not of the necessary quality for us at this level. You need someone very comfortable with the ball at their feet, who can navigate an elite press and get us playing as well as being a top shot stopper and dominating their box. Not asking much! But you need a keeper that can tangibly win you points. For different reasons, Muric and Palmer were a disaster last time. |
Yeah, Muric could have been that but for a few sliding doors moments and perhaps a personality thing. Bloody shame.
I do think Walts has improved though, with his feet and generally, and I also don't think we'll be baiting the anywhere near so much as last time. Not at all averse to a new keeper, but also comfortable with Walts starting off the season in that role. Good character, well established. | |
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| Egeli and Burns on 11:50 - Jun 2 with 888 views | unstableblue |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:36 - Jun 2 by HighgateBlue |
Can't disagree with much of that, but McKenna hasn't shown a lot of inclination to use Egeli in the centre, even when we were struggling to make anyone work in that slot. But he's still very young, and in McKenna we very much trust.
Still crying into my beer about Burns, but it's pretty inevitable that he leaves, despite having been the most effective in that position. |
I have this romantic view that Egeli is going to absolutely thrive in the different style of the Premier League.
I do note McKennas view that last season was actually hugely beneficial for him, and he’ll come back stronger. Those wonderful cross field passes (well 2 or 3) leave me full of hope.
I follow Burns on Insta and he’s out in the States doing intensive ball work. Remembering he had a short season. I would personally have him back as second choice RW, he was one of the few old guard who didn’t look out of place at Prem level. But then again I wouldn’t give him a 2 year deal.
He’s been a huge asset for this team. | |
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| Matusiwa on 11:52 - Jun 2 with 863 views | unstableblue |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:18 - Jun 2 by _CliveBaker_ |
Looks about right although I'd quite like to see 2 starting CM's come in. Matty Sewer had a good season but I'm not sure he's cute enough in possession for PL level. No doubt has a role to play though. |
Yes I did hesitate on putting ‘Marty Sewer’ in the starting berth.
The guy had some imperious games for us. I remember first half against Millwall at home he was imperious.
But he does play on the edge a bit. And whilst far far quicker than Morsy, he’s not that rapid.
His role is crucial to any success. | |
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:53 - Jun 2 with 852 views | nodge_blue |
As we haven't heard anything from the club about Burns, i wonder if he may still be in their thoughts about retaining? |  |
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:56 - Jun 2 with 833 views | hsg78 |
I would say they will have to spend significantly in excess of £150m in order to survive.
And with that being said, I think we will see more departures that listed. I suspect one of Clarke or Philogene will go, and possibly Mehmeti too. Player sales (Muric + 1/2 others) will go a long way too.
Agreed, Palmer will go. Look at Sunderland - their 3rd choice keeper is on the market for ~£10m, which is what we paid for our new 1st choice last time round.
We've absolutely got to be bold and brave, and with our investments in the recruitment team and training facilities, plus without the burden of the volume of infrastructure projects we had to undertake to get PR ready last time round, we are far better placed.
Really excited to see what £150m+ will buy. £150m on the continent buys you a lot more than the same amount in the English leagues. | | | |
| Johnson on 11:57 - Jun 2 with 822 views | unstableblue |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 10:27 - Jun 2 by jayessess |
I had a long form crack at this for Blue Monday Blog
https://bluemondaypodcast.word
Landed in much the same place ...
First XI: GK: NEED; LB: GOT (Davis), LCB: NEED, RCB: GOT (O’Shea), RB: NEED; LCM: NEED, RCM: GOT (Matusiwa); LW: GOT (Jaden), CAM: NEED, RW: NEED; CF: NEED (NEED: 7 Starters, GK, RB, LCB, LCM, CAM, RW, CF)
Second XI: G: GOT (Walton); LB: NEED, RB: GOT (Furlong), RCB: GOT (Kipré), LCB: GOT (Greaves); LCM: NEED, RCM: GOT (Taylor); LW: GOT (Clarke), CAM: NEED, RW: GOT (McAteer); CF: GOT (Hirst)
Additional Squad Depth: GOT Johnson, Núñez, Mehmeti, Walle Egeli*, NEED CF (Need 4 Squad players: LB, LCM, CAM, CF) [Post edited 2 Jun 11:51]
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Thanks jayesses - will digest blog
Yes you’ve landed on the same view on the starting 11 situation. 7 new starters is sobering.
I had pondered on Johnson. Have him behind Furlong in a third Left back role, who could also go RW if we were going really solid away from home (à la Spurs)
And likely he may be retained as squad depth. He actually had an important role last season filling in for Davis. But he’d barely feature in the new season. | |
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:59 - Jun 2 with 801 views | Dubtractor |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:15 - Jun 2 by tractorboy1978 |
I think people underestimate how important having a 'hang your hat on' number 1 is in the PL for a newly promoted team. Walton is a passable keeper and a decent back up to have but not of the necessary quality for us at this level. You need someone very comfortable with the ball at their feet, who can navigate an elite press and get us playing as well as being a top shot stopper and dominating their box. Not asking much! But you need a keeper that can tangibly win you points. For different reasons, Muric and Palmer were a disaster last time. |
As a team who will be battling at the bottom, you need a keeper who will regularly be a man of the match candidate, who will not let in too many saveable shots.
That very evidently was not the case for us last time round. Too many soft goals from long distance in particular, with Palmer and Walton weak on low shots. |  |
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| Johnson on 12:03 - Jun 2 with 766 views | jayessess |
| Johnson on 11:57 - Jun 2 by unstableblue |
Thanks jayesses - will digest blog
Yes you’ve landed on the same view on the starting 11 situation. 7 new starters is sobering.
I had pondered on Johnson. Have him behind Furlong in a third Left back role, who could also go RW if we were going really solid away from home (à la Spurs)
And likely he may be retained as squad depth. He actually had an important role last season filling in for Davis. But he’d barely feature in the new season. |
Think the 7 new starters probably conditions whether it's worthwhile fiddling about trying buy/sell fringe players like Johnson.
Maybe he's desperate to go play every week somewhere, maybe a great replacement opportunity presents itself, otherwise... [Post edited 2 Jun 12:04]
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 12:07 - Jun 2 with 740 views | hype313 |
| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 11:53 - Jun 2 by nodge_blue |
As we haven't heard anything from the club about Burns, i wonder if he may still be in their thoughts about retaining? |
Judging by his socials, he's all in on LA |  |
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| Egeli and Burns on 12:20 - Jun 2 with 666 views | HighgateBlue |
| Egeli and Burns on 11:50 - Jun 2 by unstableblue |
I have this romantic view that Egeli is going to absolutely thrive in the different style of the Premier League.
I do note McKennas view that last season was actually hugely beneficial for him, and he’ll come back stronger. Those wonderful cross field passes (well 2 or 3) leave me full of hope.
I follow Burns on Insta and he’s out in the States doing intensive ball work. Remembering he had a short season. I would personally have him back as second choice RW, he was one of the few old guard who didn’t look out of place at Prem level. But then again I wouldn’t give him a 2 year deal.
He’s been a huge asset for this team. |
Given how much recruitment in the Premier League costs (or evidently in the Championship in the RW position), if Kieran rates Burns sufficiently at his age, and with his recent injuries, I wouldn't let the difference between 2 years' wages and one year's wages be a deal breaker.
I just think that there's little chance of Egeli or McAteer departing (age, cost, potential), and we know that Kieran was already looking to add in that position with Azeez, so it seems obvious that there will be another proper money addition in that position. If that is so, then I just can't see Burns staying, as much as (a) he is rightly held in high esteem for his historical contribution, (b) he's a top bloke, and (c) he is actually doing it in the present, as our most consistent RW option last year when he was available.
Huge asset indeed. | | | |
| Egeli and Burns on 12:26 - Jun 2 with 639 views | jayessess |
| Egeli and Burns on 12:20 - Jun 2 by HighgateBlue |
Given how much recruitment in the Premier League costs (or evidently in the Championship in the RW position), if Kieran rates Burns sufficiently at his age, and with his recent injuries, I wouldn't let the difference between 2 years' wages and one year's wages be a deal breaker.
I just think that there's little chance of Egeli or McAteer departing (age, cost, potential), and we know that Kieran was already looking to add in that position with Azeez, so it seems obvious that there will be another proper money addition in that position. If that is so, then I just can't see Burns staying, as much as (a) he is rightly held in high esteem for his historical contribution, (b) he's a top bloke, and (c) he is actually doing it in the present, as our most consistent RW option last year when he was available.
Huge asset indeed. |
I suppose if Burns wants to stay then McAteer has to go get a loan somewhere? | |
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| Latest thinking on retained list and priority recruitment on 12:28 - Jun 2 with 628 views | Chris_ITFC |
I know Leif is crucial to how we play, but playing a formation with 2 LBs seems a bit radical.  |  |
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| Egeli and Burns on 12:29 - Jun 2 with 621 views | hype313 |
| Egeli and Burns on 12:26 - Jun 2 by jayessess |
I suppose if Burns wants to stay then McAteer has to go get a loan somewhere? |
If Burns does stay he'll only be a squad player, and to be honest, given what I posted above, he's looking like he's moving to LA. [Post edited 2 Jun 12:33]
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| Johnson on 13:13 - Jun 2 with 461 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Johnson on 12:03 - Jun 2 by jayessess |
Think the 7 new starters probably conditions whether it's worthwhile fiddling about trying buy/sell fringe players like Johnson.
Maybe he's desperate to go play every week somewhere, maybe a great replacement opportunity presents itself, otherwise... [Post edited 2 Jun 12:04]
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Johnson left West Ham because he didn't want to be a bit-part utility man. But he's fallen into the same box here. And we would probably be a bit silly to let him go for the sort of offer we would get. He's a good athlete with PL physicality and proved very effective in that right wing role in certain away games in 24/25. Can cover left back too. You need a couple of those utility players across your squad of 25. [Post edited 2 Jun 13:14]
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