You say ready to break into the first team here but it seems a stretch to assume considering how little he played and how far down the pecking order he was. Either way, across these 3 seasons, assuming he is a regular at Stoke again which seems a safe bet. The chances are slim that he would have ended that period with more Championship appearances. So I don't see how he would have been a more attractive proposition or how his career would have been in a better place had he stayed. You say his stock would have risen, but bis stock has risen. Had he been a regular for 3 seasons here, which as I said seems incredibly unlikely but you disagree. Why would his stock have risen any more. Either way, he proves that he is a capable Championship defender. I also very much doubt that he went to Spurs expecting to barge straight in.

But he hasnt had to compete with those players, bar half a season in which he would have had the experience of training against the likes of Kane with top coaches. At best, he would have played as much football here as he has done anyway and will do this season. And thats assuming that he would have suddenly gone from 4th/5th choice here to 1st or 2nd. And had he stayed here. Why would that have left him in a better position next summer compared to the position he will be in already? Spurs has been a good move because rather than keeping him around, theyve been able to choose really good moves for him to play regularly. He will go into next summer with 100+ Championship games under his belt, having really improved his reputation.

I dont get why the inexperience of the owners is relevant. The important thing is that the squad has lots of it, surely? All they do is keep signing cheques. I must say that I am also not convinced by Parkinson now they are no longer a stand out side at the level. Their squad in the lower leagues was full of players on their last legs that were still far too good but they do have a fair few now that are far from over the hill. Windass, Hardie, potentially O'Brien, Rathbone, Brunt, Longman etc.

It wasnt a comparison. I was saying that he is taking Weimann's place in the squad. Although if he is to be our direct and only alternative to Cantwell, then he has to be considered a proper first team player and will be compared to senior players as if they are equal to him. I never said that Wrexham would be play off contenders.

Nothing wrong with discussing signings now. As mentioned above, don't get why we can comment on other teams but must reserve judgement on ours. Tyjon at the moment is taking Weimann's spot in the squad, covering Cantwell. My post was more just a general update on transfers. People make out as if Phillips made a terrible choice joining Spurs but 2 and a half years of potentially regular football, moreso than he would have got here and on a much higher wage IMO justifies it. I suspect Spurs will sell him next summer and there wont be a shortage of takers. Stoke overall I suspect will do marginally better than last season. Wrexham do have a few younger players than they once did but they do have a core of Championship proven, experienced players. That might not be fashionable in this world of projects but its important. Hardie and Windass alongside Smith should get them a few goals and they also want Keiffer Moore. If they can get Lewis O'Brien that would be a big statement of intent. If they remember to fill out the paperwork. Dont see them as low as you think.

Knew that was coming.

Perhaps not, mismanagement up until now really weaken our hand. It was more about the choice of replacement. We have to find better than that which will involve paying a fee.

Seems to be currently injured.

Hard to argue with that. A meeting took place and minutes were sent to the club. There shouldnt be a delay from there unless they are trying to mislead.

Ash Phillips has rejoined Stoke and their fans are buzzing. This will take him to 2 and a half years of (almost certainly) regular first team football so will leave him in really good stead. Wrexham are starting to get busy. They have signed Hardie and now Windass who both will give them added goals. They signed a Kiwi left back, Thomason as a squad player from Bolton and still seem strong on chasing O'Brien.

Its obviously not a linear comparison for De Neve to replace anyone. You could argue that Ribeiro replaced Beck. He came in when Beck got injured. De Neve will play where Hedges played with Hedges where Dolan was so I suppose thats the closest comparison. Tyjon is currently in the place of Weimann. Either way, if Tyjon gives the output that Dolan or Weimann gave us then its an excellent breakthrough season. (And I suspect only season) But a huge ask.

Im not sure selling the best right back possibly in the league to a supposed direct rival (in terms of objectives) and replacing with someone they discarded seems wise. Think hes had injury problems and isnt that good.

Obviously we havent seen that much of him, and I am guessing that your post is somewhat tongue in cheek. But he definitely appears to be somewhat "raw" but that is not a huge criticism of him to say so. He is a winger we signed for a low fee relative to the league from Serie B so it is what youd expect. Wingers in general especially ones like Kargbo tend to be frustrating at times, but its also a skillset we didnt have and it can open up space for others too. We have seen signs of things that I am sure will frustrate and that suggest that he is raw. Running the ball out of play, giving away silly fouls, blazing shots miles over the bar, trying to beat too many players etc. I remember v Wolves which I think was his debut, having a player like him was exciting because we havent seen it for a long time, he terrified their defenders but didnt really achieve much at the end of it. He got into one good position and ended up diving and getting booked. There is also clearly something to work with though. He is absolutely rapid, he can take players on and there have been glimpses where he has got things right in the final third. He showed great composure to set up Dolan v Plymouth and yesterday that cross was excellent. He is the kind of player you want to see. It does seem though that Ismael is likely to go into the season favouring to start a perhaps more safe choice in De Neve. I hope Kargbo can really push on this season and also avoid injury as there is definitely something in there.

Our win record when he starts compared to when he doesnt wouldnt back that up.

I think its easy to box off McLoughlin as an experienced defender and liken him to Batth as a result as he is his direct replacement but he doesnt appear to be of the exact same profile. Batth was a brilliant Championship old fashioned defender. A leader, wins everything in the air, and an excellent out and out defender. Obviously not very quick and nothing special on the ball, so you have to play to his strengths. If so, he will play a big part in getting clean sheets, and he did that. McLoughlin obviously will give us the balance of being left footed, and he seems a bit more likely to be comfortable on the ball if we need him to bring it out. Maybe more similar in style to Hyam, who is decent on the ball, a good defender but not necessarily a really commanding one. McLoughlin filled in competently at left back at Hull (you would never even consider Batth to play at full back at any point in his career) but struggled to often nail down a regular centre back slot at Hull. Happy to put the mix up for the goal down to him never having played with his new team mates before.

I certainly wouldnt be opposed to another midfielder. Buckley needs to go and it made no sense to renew the contract of Forshaw. Aside from seemingly becoming a glorified cheerleader, good around the place etc. Tavares has been our most significant summer signing so we really need him to provide proper competition for the main 2, if they stay, that is for sure. Baker did that as you mention.

I dont think he fits into this team, when he comes in for Ohashi we suffer both because he is a big downgrade but also he isnt the type of striker to just slip into our current team, he is totally different. If it meant selling him to both upgrade and get someone that fits the style better, then by all means sell.

Someone as a more direct alternative to Ohashi. Gueye can be an impact sub if needed.

Need a striker too. Moreso than a central midfielder IMO but I would like both. Hopefully its not just loans from here on in. Maybe one or two at a push. Definitely should buy a new right winger.

I find that crazy considering you are basing it on a couple of friendlies in which Cantwell played twice as long in and stood out, but there you go. But the Mcloughlin one. Had you said underwhelming or something similar, it might not have been as shocking. But to say terrible, I was hoping for a bit more reasoning just for the sake of discussion.

No I didn't, I just said that I hope that urgency hasnt reduced. What you are suggesting wouldnt even be "negative" from me but youve made a massive deal out of it. Havent been negative about any of our signings, suggested a few of our players could have better seasons for various reasons, but suppose its a hard tag to shake though especially when one or two like yourself seem intent on policing it.

I think its a crazy thing to say even from the 2 friendlies. Cantwell started them both and was arguably our best player in both. He didnt have a very good first season overall but he had 2 spells (right near the end and one before Christmas) where he did well. In competitive games. He has obviously done more in a Rovers shirt than Tyjon who has barely worn one at senior level. Im not on about today with McLoughlin. He had that one mix up together with Ribeiro but otherwise he was fine. But you said he was a terrible signing when he hadnt been confirmed. I asked why you think that but for whatever reason you ignored it. Terrible is a strong word so I wanted some clarity on why you felt so strongly.

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.

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.

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.