Why does it have to come down to positives and negatives every time? The main point is that we are not close to signing anyone.

Not seen the game today but a bit of negativity towards McCloughlin already. The guy has not long signed, still getting used to his new team and manager. Give him a chance!!

No, I rated him and think he will become good player for us. Can get box to box

On the transfer front, he added: "There is nothing close at the minute but we are working hard behind the scenes. We want more players and we will get them when we can." you missed out some important bits of the quote. You know, the positive bits. Reads slightly differently when you include it all!

Really good goals today. Yuki looks good, Cantwell look much better fitness wise after a full pre season. Onwards to Friday game now

Lordy Lordy you couldn’t make this stuff up 😂😂

What's Cantwell done in a season that makes you think he's any good? Based on his past he's fantastic pre Rovers. In a Rovers shirt I've not seen anything to tell me he's a championship level player, probably even league 1. In 2 friendlies I'd prefer Tyjon over Cantwell. Mcloughlin looked poor today. Wharton miles ahead of him.

Again, not too much can be concluded from a friendly especially against such poor opposition but its certainly a useful exercise and confidence to win so convincingly. It does look clear what the likely team will be going into the new season. De Neve feels like someone Ismael trusts/will trust more than Kargbo, athletic without being really quick, works really hard, you can tell hes played a lot at left back, perhaps not the most decisive in attacking positions. Kargbo is the opposite, a bit wild, looks like someone who will frustrate at times but certainly has the ability to make things happen. Cantwell looks like he will really benefit from a pre season. I still stand by my comments about bringing in someone to help not to overburden Tyjon (and also that we need some security with a new deal) but hes certainly got a swagger and something about him so exciting to see a bit more from him. We certainly need a right winger (LMM seemingly has been quickly accelerated through to make up the numbers, hopefully his time will come in years to come) and a more direct alternative to Ohashi who should benefit having settled and having been rested up somewhat, he is a composed, natural finisher in front of goal. I have always said he is better leading the line that playing off, presses well and gets in behind even though hes not quick. No surprise we won so much more with him up top compared to Gueye as he suits the other players more and is more intelligent.

Feel like we're getting to the waiting to see which prem loans are available stage

Going off those highlights Ohashi looks a yard quicker than last season. Could make a huge difference to his overall game with a full pre-season behind him.

I’m expecting it to pick back up once the Spain trip is done

Ismael said that we arent close to anything and that we will get players in "when we can." I hope doing business hasnt become less of a priority now we have filled a few squad spots or off the back of winning friendlies. Still certainly short and also need some things resolving.

Close the Academy.

Not only that, a couple of friendlies in which you would have a strong argument to say that Cantwell was our best player. Still also dont understand calling McLoughlin a terrible signing either.

Russo is what I think most of you think Gueye is - best athlete on the field, but can't score for toffee. 🤣 She runs her blood to water, but bloody hell she's got no striker instincts at all. We have too many good players to be this ineffectual.

Well hopefully hes just good enough to play straight away, and it looks promising in that regard, so signing on solves itself. His agents will look at their clients and their own earning potential and know a good Championship season will make them a lot more money than skulking round the reserve leagues and loans for a couple of seasons.

Ozzy Osbourne Rest In Power

Unfortunately in a world with money driven agents with agendas that’s no longer the case agents and maybe parents too would likely rather see/say their son is an Arsenal player it’s sad but it’s a reality was mentioned on here before we need to sit down with him and get him to commit before we invest loads of game time in him. No point in doing so only for him couple months down the line to jump ship

Agreed. Needs game time but also too much exposure might not work in his favour. Cantwell gets injured a lot of responsibility will land on his head. If we can sign a Rw who can operate anywhere across the front line would definitely damp any burden on the squad

Considering he's taking up an ESC slot you'd have to think they're looking to move him on.

He doesn't look out of place which, as a 17 year old, is very exciting. I'd be more excited if we had any chance of keeping him of course - but yes I think he eases the pressure on the scouting team finding a direct backup to Cantwell. I think you could focus your efforts elsewhere and a couple of players could rotate in at 10 across the season. Reassess in December.

We’ve been poor so far. No tempo and getting over run in midfield.

I agree on Philips. On Tyjon I dont think its loyalty, its recognising that your own value and career progression is reay tied up in how many first team games you are playing. Its worth more to his career playing first team in the Championship than U21s for a prem team.

bring him on for 20 mins in selected games,see how he handles a competetive game then take it from there,he definately needs to leave the u21s behind

They played Phillips as much as they dared - he wasn't ready. He clearly thought he was better than he is as he scarpered at the first opportunity. Tyjon has already moved once in his career so I wouldn't expect any loyalty from him.