Well, that’s yer lot. Show over. Antennae withdrawn as we have a few months off combing obscure links for transfer rumours.
The window has shut until January so get over it. I know I have.
But we did do some business, some of which was verging on the intriguing with the South American scouting set-up seemingly justifying its existence. Or pulling a couple of chinchillas out of the proverbial sombrero if you’re less cynical than me.
Rather than giving my opinion on our summer dealings, I thought I’d place you in the reliable hands of my posse to offer their impressions of how it all went down. So without further ado, allow me to reintroduce the four horsemen.
Alex A reckons: SW has obviously had to curtail his spending in comparison with last season!
As for the signings themselves, Marcelino Nunez looks very promising and as he gets used to his teammates I’m certain he can have quite an influence on our fortunes.
Gabriel Sara comes with a good reputation and as we are now in the Championship, I would expect him to add his considerable skills and help us to at least stay in the top 10.
As for the loans, Isaac Hayden comes with a lot of promise when he recovers from his injuries. I fully expect him to be part of Dean Smith’s starting eleven once he regains full fitness. I was quite underwhelmed when I saw we’d got Aaron Ramsey in, but he delivered an almost perfect pass for our goal on Saturday. I see him more as a useful sub,
In summary, I’m fairly pleased with the new signings and seeing them deliver on their obvious potential.
There have been no major departures as I write, but I feel that if worthwhile offers came in for Max Aarons or Teemu Pukki I wouldn’t be surprised to see both leave.
Alex B proffers: You asked us how do we think Webber/Smith have done in this window but maybe it’s more like how has Webber done and what input has Smith had maybe in positional requirements but not in the actual recruitment?.
Hayden is a typical Webber signing as a loan to buy if certain parameters are met, the first is getting him fit to play so for me it is no good looking at his injury record. If you did you wouldn’t take a risk on him so at present the jury is out on this one.
Sara is another to arrive with an injury and has shown a few good touches in his time on the pitch, again the jury is out but I’m pleased with what I have seen. He’s young, versatile and hopefully will be a roaring success
Nunez is probably the midfield dynamo that Smith said the club had been following for a while. A cheeky Panenka and brilliant free kick has shown what he is capable of, but he has also shown lack of awareness of others in better scoring positions.
There were lots of rumours about loans coming in from Villa but I didn’t see Ramsey mentioned until he arrived. He’ll probably be mainly used as a sub but it’s a long season so we’ll wait and see.
Cutty announces: Roll up, roll up to the Smith & Webber recruitment circus. Well, only three have Webber’s fingerprints on them: Hayden who is injured and therefore is a don’t know, Sara who is recovering from injury and we haven’t seen much to be able to say much, which leaves Nunez who seems a gem.
Ramsey I think is very much a Smith-influenced loan but it’s too early to make a judgment. I’m also going to include four others: Danel Sinani who Smith has brought in from the cold and looks good, Liam Gibbs who Smith has brought in from the young hopefuls and looks the business, Todd Cantwell who Smith has given a final chance to and is grabbing it with both hands, and Josh Sargent who Smith is now using properly and looks a star player.
So I will only chalk one up for Webber and that’s Nunez, but four for Smith as in Gibbs, Cantwell, Sinani and Sargent. Sara, Ramsey and Hayden remain unknown maybes.
As I write, no player of note has been sold and left us with a problem, so the show’s been a good ‘un for me.
Bernie Owen considers: I asked back in May for a CDM, another striker and a midfielder to score goals. Nunez could well be that attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, haven’t seen enough of Sara yet to know if he’ll fit CDM, or will Hayden eventually fill that position. I could see both of them in that area.
Gibbs was looking good there, but ankle ligaments equal weeks out. Nothing really seen up front apart from Sargent getting to play centrally and he has started scoring goals – could be a transfer saved.
Now with the window creaking towards closed I want to see a left back come in. Even if only for a three-month loan and if he can cover centre back even better.
Unless we get a silly offer it looks like Max will be here a bit longer, and a couple of fringe players could go out on loan until January.
The squad looks okay as long as we don’t break too many of them. The bench looks really strong and able to transform games.
For those interested in those who have left the Club, Alex B unearthed the following:
Matthew Dennis (undisclosed, MK Dons)
Rocky Bushiri (undisclosed, Hibernian)
Dan Adshead (undisclosed, Cheltenham Town)***
Przemyslaw Placheta (loan, Birmingham City)
Flynn Clarke (loan, Walsall) returned to NCFC development squad yesterday)***
Bali Mumba (loan, Plymouth Argyle)***
Christos Tzolis (loan, FC Twente)
Pierre Lees-Melou (£2.1m, Brest)
Josh Martin (loan with option to buy, Barnsley)
*** These three mystified Alex, and I was particularly astounded at Bali Mumba’s loan-out myself.
Don’t be afraid to tell MFW what you think of our achievements during the transfer window too – we’re always pleased to hear from you. Especially if you know what happened to our new temporary left back.
So that’s farewell from the Posse for now – I’m sure they’ll be back in the near future:
So we didn’t get a left back in , what odds will you get on a Byram injury in the next couple of games.
One of the Hopalong Cassidy crew should be back after the world cup.
It’s an interesting gamble.
Hi Bernie
I guess the thinking is that the Mayor can cover or even Gibson [please no] at a very big push.
To be fair Kenny has done okay when he remembers that the LB shouldn’t really be on the right wing when we’re on the receiving end of a break.
Cheers
Despite all the links and hoo hah about getting a left full/wing back in the building sadly that never bore fruit, I rate Byram as our classiest defender he is a worry over fitness. Such a crying shame players with dodgy bodies often turn out to be top players never reaching the summit. Like Louis Thompson now at Pompey just suffered a double leg break that’s his 3rd major one. Matt Jarvis terrible history. Thompson had it in him to be a top box to box midfielder we needed and perhaps still do.
As to what we have, Nunez, once he has a few more games under his belt he will be the diamond, I think much the same of Sara. Ramsey, no disrespect to him, but I am against loans of this type, we have our own youngsters deserving the break, if they are not good enough then the Academy coaching needs looking at. In fairness, he has not shown a lot to us, but that one ball into the box was a peach.
Sinani, Cantwell and Hernandez are almost like new signings, we expect Cantwell to be in his Lamborgini next summer, pity he can not get a little of Hernandez has in wanting to stay here for ever. (Another player who looks to be putting his roots down. in Gods county)
As a little aside, Twitter and other delights of the internet were very close to wanting to disregard our Argos advertiser, then he bangs one in and low and behold he is better than sliced bread. What a darn fickle lot some football supporters are. Unless you are scoring, people miss the other aspects of the game, like creating space for others by dragging defenders out, getting us 40-50 yards up the pitch etc . No wonder I am almost bald.
I think you’re a bit harsh on both Ramsey and our academy. Ramsey’s just won played a big part in winning the U-19 Euros and already been selected for the U-21s. I doubt if any of our academy are anywhere near that level. Given the relative demographics of the big city clubs compared to ours it’s hardly surprising we struggle to unearth guys capable of making it to the very top.
As fans, of course we want to see our own players developed. But we aren’t in danger of being kicked out of our job after a few poor results, so I can’t really blame Smith for wanting the best quality players out there that he kind find.
Hi Keith
I’m not against the Ramsey loan in itself as in if he’s available and Smith thinks he can do a job then, why not?
The question of *how good is one club’s academy against that of another* is very interesting – perhaps MFW’s NCFC Academy expert Will Grant could shed some light on this because I certainly can’t.
Cheers
Hi Lad
I have the same high hopes for Nunez as you and I think they are realistic.
Louis Thompson has had simply dreadful misfortune over the years and I’m sure all NCFC supporters wish him all the very best.
Of course, fans are as fickle as a footballer’s form!
Cheers
The transfer window is shut but loans can still be made so the game’s still a foot.
Hi Cutty
I think if ever we were going to loan a LB we’d have done it by now – we’ve had enough notice fer Chrissakes!
Cheers
Very poor. After what the supporters had to endure last season we deserve more than stand-ins in vital positions.
Hayden was a loan instead of a purchase because of worries about his fitness, so why would we trust him as our only specialist CDM? We only have two senior centre backs.
We were told we were looking for a left back and Smith wasn’t exactly selling the position when he said that the new player would only be playing for a few weeks. What if he played brilliantly or could cover other positions? Usually we are told on deadline day that there are no more incoming, it seems that we tried and failed.
Sara and Nunez look great but will eventually get injured filling in at left back.
Hi Gil
i have never liked buying players carrying injuries or who are injury prone but it’s Webber’s way as it saves a few bob.
His fingers must have been badly burned by Rashica and Tzolis.
When it comes to LB I doubt we tried that hard tbh.
Cheers
As they say tomorrow’s another day and rumours will start before the first cup of coffee is downed.
Can Webber find a free LB or DM or is he climbing Any mountain that is in a remote area of South America or just maybe he will stay till after the AGM on the 12th to curry favor with the new share holders.
I think overall it’s been an unexpected window in that some players we expected out have stayed and proving an asset, some slots needed filling and weren’t and then emergency cover wasn’t found for the LB slot.
We still have players that seem to be on the fringe ie Gibson, Rashica will these become a problem if not getting game time, Gibson at Burnley was asked to train away from the club so there’s history.
Cantwell can walk come may so will Webber try and get him to sign a deal pending on the ‘P’ word.
Aaron’s had a couple of loan offers will they come back in January.
Mumba has a recall in January will that happen ??
Such is the life of a football supporter trying to out guest each other.
Hi Alex
I’m not too sure that we do have a January recall on Bali actually and even if we do we’re likely to have Dimi, McCallum amd Sorensen all back anyway.
Second guessing transfer deals gets harder by the season!
Cheers
I think it was Connor said that he asked Smith it the option was there for a recall and was told that season long loans were looked at in January from both clubs to assess their needs one or both could cancel if needed or a recall if the parent club has a requirement for the player.
Maybe that’s correct. Anyway I don’t see Plymouth letting him return to base without putting up a fight 🙂
They were never likely to get an emergency left back – it was obvious to anyone potentially coming in that it would only be sort term. And selling/loaning clubs know you’re desperate so up the price. I thought Brandon Williams might have reappeared but maybe he didn’t fancy the Championship, or didn’t endear himself to Smith last season, or his wages were too much, or all 3.
The Aarons situation reminds me of Daryl Russell years ago, who always seemed to be rumoured to be off to bigger clubs. It was surely all agent talk. Aarons has been “certain” to leave in just about every transfer window since he made his debut – yet he’s still here.
Good comparison of Aarons with Russell, although pound for pound I would say that Max is comfortably the better player.
Aarons prefered position has always been as a winger, after leaving Luton after being told he was to small to be a forward player he had trials with Chelsea, Spurs and Wet Spam all gave him the same answer to small and lightweight for a forward.
City took the chance to convert him into a wingback and it has paid off for him but sometimes on his surging runs forward as a winger he forgets his defending duties and Hanley or other have to cover.
Just maybe the bigger clubs see this as a problem and think it’s to later in the day to teach him to be more defensive minded.
I can definitely see the forward ih him now and to me it’s become far more noticeable this season.
I’m relatively pleased.
CDM Hayden, I don’t think we could get a player of his caliber if he didn’t have the injury/ies. For me he offers not just a player who when fit will solve a positional problem we have had for some time (Barring one season of Skip) but has proven himself able to make the step up to PL level. He fits the bigger and stronger but still technically proficient player profile we need. IF he can get and stay fit!
Nunez looks very promising already, works hard, technically very good and I can see him running games at this level.
Sara, looks promising, time will tell.
Ramsey, I’m unsure of, good assist and clearly he’s a player of promise, I have to trust to Smith and Webber that he is able to bring more to the party than Spriggett and Rowe who I would rather see getting minutes.
The current lack of a left back even on loan probably reflects that we don’t want a long loan and no one wants to send anyone to us so short term who can actually improve our lot.
I genuinely think with the squad we have, Smith has no hiding place and we should be top 3-4.
Rashica staying is probably an issue, he is likely on high wages and looks set to be a passenger. The talent is there, but can he get his act together?
Hi Winston
You’re spot on about Hayden – Smith said this morning that they’re arranging a special competitive friendly for him during the international break.
Equally I agree with you about Rashica. Reading between the lines there seems to have been no outside interest whatsoever.
I reckon Hugill will be good to have around, although his game time is sure to be sorely limited I would imagine.
Cheers
What an incredibly sad figure Pukki has become. His hobby agent didnt get him out. Its perfect example of what you should never do when dealing in an international big money business.
When you look at championship clubs transfer business this summer, its obvious that outside those which get parachute money, others do not have any kind of business. Their squads have become younger and younger, no foreign players. Everything is based on hope that maybe some young player becomes a player which could be sold. Premier league must stop those parachute payments, premier league is fantastic league but everyone wants to see different clubs promoted. Nottingham is fine, they have also invested in their squad. No one wants to see Bournemouth playing in the premier league, they get relegated and thanks for that premier league give them about 40 million. HJK already has got 4 million this season UEFA money, its of course great for them and overall great to our football. Majority of other clubs in our league are playing with youngsters, HJK plays with very experienced players because they dont have to try to make profit by selling players. They loan their young prospects to other clubs, so they have understood how to use other clubs in the league. HJK plays this season europa league group games, they start next week against Betis.. In their last round they beat danish Silkeborg, outside Kups other our league clubs could never ever do that. Other clubs struggle financially right away when they get to playing european cup games because of travelling expenses. UEFA pays expenses afterwards.
Hi 1×2
Pukki certainly didn’t look sad when his assist put Hernandez through for the winner against Birmingham on Tuesday – far from it in fact.
I agreed with you many times that it would have been better for him to move on but it didn’t happen and I’m convinced he’ll continue to give us everything, even if he isn’t first choice right now.
It’s interesting to hear your views on the PL – it is true that Bournemouth, ourselves and others are not wanted by the other clubs and also supporters worldwide.
Parachute payments help, of course they do, but they are not rewards. They are in place to help clubs readjust their finances after relegation.
Forest spend £100million on 20 players, Norwich spend £20 million on three who’s right? Don’t ask me because I don’t know 🙂
Thanks for the information on HJK, etc. I didn’t know UEFA paid travelling expenses at all, let alone in arrears!
Kiitos
Just a word on loans The loan window remaining open for EFL clubs for a further three weeks after the transfer window closed. None after January window closes, only an emergency Keeper for 7 days
Under EFL rules, a team can sign a goalkeeper on an emergency loan provided all the professional goalkeepers currently in their squad are unavailable because they are either injured, suspended or away on international duty.
League teams can make as many as eight loan signings but can only include a maximum of five of them in their matchday squad They, can have up to four players from the same club – but only two of them can be over the age of 23.
Thanks for that Lad – I didn’t know the precise rules.