You are absolutly playing this transfer window right! I remember when I grew up and read about completed transfers in the weekly football paper (this was before transfer windows), much easier days. Internet and social media has ruined it.

I don't think it matters what a local journo writes. Any modern agent would be hawking his client out to every club to get as much money as possible. There is so much underhanded discussion going on, that I can't imagine any club wrapping up any signing without another interested party knowing.

The point is valid as Peter Ridsdale once said 'Show me a club's annual wage bill and I will show you their final position in the league table.' Of course you are right that there will upset to the balance, and especially relegated teams seems to struggle to adapt event with parachute money. Bielsa proved that a world-class manager can turn dust into gold. The large turnover of managers in Championship shows that most clubs are not able to find their Bielsa. Wage wise I think we are mid-table which is quite good, considering the large decifit the club is running each year. We are going to punch above our weight it's either by being very good at player trading like Brentford or getting a top top manager like Bielsa.

Good reflexes and distribution is still an upgrade on Walton. I can't remember last we had a keeper that was claiming his box. That was Raya's weakness as well. Probably the curse of the modern keeper. Thinking about I can't remember an opposition either having a keeper dominating their box since Konstantopoulos of Boro. He was a massive unit that one.

Might be because he just became available? He started their first league game 9th of August. Phillips also has a mistake in him:

Good workout and another win. Much more dominant today than vs Fleetwood. The starting 11 is probably close to the team starting on Saturday and probably should've been 3 or 4 up at the break if Armstrong had finsihed like he use to. Ben Brereton looks like an upgraded version, much stronger and fitter. 2 excellent finishes and a good allround performance. Rankin-Costello has a wonderful engine and was a constant outlet on the right, which allowed Brereton to join in as a striker at times. Much better than Nyambe offensively, but not as good defensively. Thought Wharton was pretty good, looks much more like a man and had decent distribution as well. The back four however didn't operate as unit and was Feeney was given a golden opportunity when Bell was 10 metres behind the rest of the line preventing offside. Bell looked off-pace in general and wasteful in possesion. Left-back is an obvious weakness to be addressed. Dolan had another great showing. Started with tracking back 50yards at full sprint which prevented a dangerous opportunity. Very quick, good dribbler and really good work-rate. Pretty certain he will be preferred to Chapman who only bothers when the ball is in his feet. Dolan seems to have similar qualities but with work-rate. Thought Davenport looked good when he came on. Dictated the play, tackled and generally looked busy. Dan Pike came on for his debut and gave a solid impression, especially since he is usually a right back. He is only 18, so a bit suprising he has been involved with the seniors. Think this will be his first full year for the U-23. A proper full-back who competes and generally is very depdendable.

I actually saw Brewster and Vale matchup last year, when the U23 went to Anfield and gave Liverpool a lesson. Vale led the line superbly with hold-up play and intelligent running while Brewster was in Tyler Magloire's pocket all game. Butterworth was the star player that night and the Liverpool commentators was certain that he would become a PL player. Also seen Vale give 30 mill pound Mangala of Man City the run-around. Vale certainly has potential and I agree that a 19/20 year old can make an impact. A much better option than keeping Samuel around for sure. I know the coaches worked with his confidence when he was younger.

If we can afford someone like Whiteman, Garner would be very good choice on loan. All-action midfielder with senior experience from United. Regular England youth international as well.

I remember Jonathan Walters was here, scoring goals for fun as an 18-year old, and the main man of the team that reached FA Youth final. Had to be let go after stealing from team-mates. So incredible stupid on his part, but we missed out on the player he became later on.

While I think Buckley is better than Mols, I'm genuinly curious about what you think about him as a player, regards to his strengths etc? The times I've watched him he has always been a 7 of 10. Good energy, decent feet. What is his best position? Seen him played at the wing but strucks me more of an attacking midfielder.

I think that is a fair constructive point.

Having watched Buckley dominating U-23 football against your Liverpool, Arsenal etc, I'm very confident that he has the talent and ability to become a great player for us. Several of the senior players have publicly said they are big fans of him (including Dack). I will agree he might need to fill up a bulk up a bit, but I think the biggest transition from U-23 football has been the tempo. You have less time on the ball which resulted in him playing himself into positions where he was outmuscled. There was improvement post-covid, and I think he is a type of player which just need time and experience to adapt. His best position will probably as an offensive midfielder or a deep 10. I don't get negativity on here. He is been at the club since 8, and probably the biggest offensive talent in a few years. Give him a chance without expecting him to be a world beater in his first season. Modric is fine example on how a slight player can grow with experience.

I have no problem with that on account that we have a lot of other positions to fill. Samuel and Graham didn't to much last season, and it opens up for Vale and Butterworth.

Have to agree, a 3 year contract for a 32-year old shouldn't be allowed unless you are Messi or Ronaldo.

Yes I think he went back to Barrow where he was on loan. Think it's fair since there is several youngster higher rated and a raft of centre-back talents coming through from the U-18/U-23 as well.

Westwood would be a very decent signing. Could get a couple of good years out of him and a chance to groom a number 2. Appearantly a lot of Wed supports still rate him as the best keeper in the Championship. An experienced vocal keeper would improve the young defence as well. Probably not worth to get the hopes up..yet

No he didn't and neither did I claim it either. Reed was our best midfielder and I couldn't either understand the reason for not being played more.

They tried for him, but Fulham had a better offer. According to Rich Sharpe.

You have a point, but I think we need more leaders and stronger characters. The dressing room seems united and everybody gets on. I would worry that it is "too nice" if you don't have the characters that will not accept defeat and demand more from teammates. The championship team was filled with captains. Hendry, Berg, Sherwood, Shearer, Batty etc

Maddison has ability, but did poorly for Hull and only played 7 games (4 starts) with one goal to show for it. He's also rumoured to be a poor character. Might be worth a punt, but I think Mowbray will be reserved bringing in a player that might disrupt the dressing room.

Not Peacock or Dailly, but a proper defender and leader like Craig Short would do. Listened to Friedel on Roverschat podcast and he was very clear on how important it was to have a leader like him heading away balls in the Championship. He also said Gary Flitcroft was very undervalued for being a great leader put demand on the team as well as giving praise when needed. We've been missing a quality midfield enforcer for a long time. Maybe Travis can grow into the role, but the impression I get from the other players he might not be the brightest to have that respect from the others.

I thought Bell improved after new year and can be used as a backup. A first choice left-back of Cunningham standard would be great. Keeper, centre-back, left-back in that order would probably the most important ones. Probably needs someone to replace Graham and Whiteman might be a good option in midfield. He sounds a bit like Sherwood which we are missing. A proper box-to-box midfielder who can make the team tick. Travis is a very handy, but he's not going to control a game. I also think the most important factor if we are aiming for play-offs is getting more consistency out of the current bunch. We need at least 2-3 players to have a breakthrough season like Armstrong to have any chance regardless on who we bring in. We are not solid enough and too few players contribute with enough goals.

I think he is referring to Lucas Neill

In fairness we only got Lenihan and Williams. Mulgrew is expected to leave. I reckon Wharton is the best bet of the rest. At least as backup. Magloire couldn't get a game in League One on loan and is not good enough in the air even if he's quick. Carter and Grayson needs a loan to grow. Wharton has experience and is tougher now. Can head and has a decent left foot. There is also a raft of promising centre backs coming through in the U23/U18. Like Isac Whitehall, only 18. We need at least one more experienced centre back when injuries and suspensions kick in.

I agree, all those gave potential as good Championship players. JRC is an intelligent footballer who can play any where. Played right wing-back for the U-23 lately. Very involved forward and scored a few as well. Suprisingly good in the air. Butterworth is very sharp. Direct, Great left foot, flair, bit arrogant and greedy. Have struggled with a Long term back injury all season. Not sure what the status is. Would've been involved if not according to Mowbray. Massive fan of Buckley, think he has the most potential of the lot. Has a lot of fans among senior players and Staff. Can create, score, pass and go past People. Great work-rate too. However probably the one Who needs most time to adapt. Needs to fill out a bit, but more important 1 second quick er decision making and finding pocket of space. Good signs towards the end of season. Jack Vale is another favorite of mine. Good allround striker with a bit of everything. Led the line well for the U-23 although he's not the biggest. Good balance, decent pace and can go past a player. Appearantly the New nutmeg king in Dacks absense according to Bennett. Might need a loan.