Underwhelmed..

[KeepUpLino]

It’s seems the general consensus on this forum is that we have so far completed some very shrewd business in the transfer market..

 I think we’ve done ok so far, nothing to get excited by that’s for sure.. I’d say we definately need a new GK, CM and a decent  forward.. hope there’s more business to be done 

Am I the only one who’s slightly underwhelmed at the moment?

[Phileas Fogg]

Not sure about that.. Weimann is an experienced Championship player who’s spent most of his career at better clubs than us.. Watkins is a far better player than his stint at Norwich suggests and adds more attacking options.. Adelukan is an exciting signing who will improve.. Webster is potentially a better centre half than Flint.. Hunt is an established Championship right back who specialises in the position.

I think they’re good signings so far, and agree that there’s room for more. Now the World Cup is ending things will accelerate a bit.. I’d expect a busy few weeks. Definitely not underwhelmed.. quite impressed actually.

[Kodjias Wrist]

Most championship teams will still be after one or two players as well, at least we have got ours in early. 

[Robbored]

24 minutes ago, KeepUpLino said:

 I think we’ve done ok so far, nothing to get excited by that’s for sure.. I’d say we definately need a new GK, CM ......hope there’s more business to be done 

Am I the only one who’s slightly underwhelmed at the moment?

I think you probably are the only one that feels underwhelmed.

And.........there is still business to do.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

24 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

Not sure about that.. Weimann is an experienced Championship player who’s spent most of his career at better clubs than us.. Watkins is a far better player than his stint at Norwich suggests and adds more attacking options.. Adelukan is an exciting signing who will improve.. Webster is potentially a better centre half than Flint.. Hunt is an established Championship right back who specialises in the position.

I think they’re good signings so far, and agree that there’s room for more. Now the World Cup is ending things will accelerate a bit.. I’d expect a busy few weeks. Definitely not underwhelmed.. quite impressed actually.

I agree, but without some actual quality in centre midfield I predict more of the last 2 seasons.

 

[1960maaan]

6 minutes ago, Robbored said:

.........there is still business to do.

I hope this is true. Saw a link with the Fleetwood keeper , I know nothing about him, but I would like to see at least 2 signings if we don't lose anyone else.

[Phileas Fogg]

5 minutes ago, Esmond Million's Bung said:

I agree, but without some actual quality in centre midfield I predict more of the last 2 seasons.

 

Yes, everyone knows you think that! 

[JoeAman08]

4 minutes ago, Esmond Million's Bung said:

I agree, but without some actual quality in centre midfield I predict more of the last 2 seasons.

 

Thing is that quality costs big money usually. I am all for a new central midfielder but now that Brownhill can be used there regularly and Walsh will have a full preseason I think we are better than last summer in that spot. Also Korey looks even more motivated and fit(maybe put on some more muscle?). Think the midfield 2 doesn’t do our midfield justice but I feel they are better than they get credit for. Hopefully having COD and Watkins on the wings will ease the burden on them some as they are tireless workers.

[One BCFC]

My feeling is that it's all very much signings that are safe after the departures of Reid and Flint.

With the current squad we will be lower-mid table though, there are just too many teams worse than City atm for us to be worried about relegation and also a few of the bigger clubs are having a worse time in the transfer market like Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. We'll be 'ok'.

[JoeAman08]

1 minute ago, One BCFC said:

My feeling is that it's all very much signings that are safe after the departures of Reid and Flint.

With the current squad we will be lower-mid table though, there are just too many teams worse than City atm for us to be worried about relegation and also a few of the bigger clubs are having a worse time in the transfer market like Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. We'll be 'ok'.

Kind of how I feel. Now if all of them hit the top of what they could be then we have a special season. Example Webster and Hunt play 40 league games and Weimann bags 12 goals. Don’t think it will all come together like that though and we will end up similar to last year. Outside chance of better if Brownhill and COD have big years. 

That is the real future of our promotion chances though, our youth. Kelly, Brownhill, O’Dowda, Walsh, Adelakun and Vyner. Add Webster to that as well and maybe 1-2 of the u23s and they are the ones with the big potential. Keeping them is the big problem but they all have the chance to be at least top championship players. 

 

[Lanterne Rouge]

10 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

Thing is that quality costs big money usually. I am all for a new central midfielder but now that Brownhill can be used there regularly and Walsh will have a full preseason I think we are better than last summer in that spot. Also Korey looks even more motivated and fit(maybe put on some more muscle?). Think the midfield 2 doesn’t do our midfield justice but I feel they are better than they get credit for. Hopefully having COD and Watkins on the wings will ease the burden on them some as they are tireless workers.

I think we`ll see COD playing much more centrally a lot of the time TBH. 

[Ivorguy]

13 minutes ago, One BCFC said:

My feeling is that it's all very much signings that are safe after the departures of Reid and Flint.

With the current squad we will be lower-mid table though, there are just too many teams worse than City atm for us to be worried about relegation and also a few of the bigger clubs are having a worse time in the transfer market like Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. We'll be 'ok'.

We really have no idea where this season will end up. Firstly it will depend on us, i.e. LJ getting the players, old and new, to play to the system he chooses.  Secondly, we have even less idea of how it will turn out for other teams, especially those promoted and relegated.  It is a question of wait and see and go with hope.

COYR

[Slack Bladder]

Being underwhelmed is ok. After all look at England, I didn't expect them to do anything in this world cup.

The weight of expectation, doesn't do anybody any favours.

I'm pretty sure we might get a couple of loans in before the season starts. Otherwise I think we have the players to do ok, may be not set the league on fire, but we'll be ok.

[JoeAman08]

7 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said:

I think we`ll see COD playing much more centrally a lot of the time TBH. 

He looks dangerous there to he honest but all the preseason I have seen so far has been 442 with wingers. Now they do drift inside quite often on the ball but as it stands I don’t see a change of formation and not sure he can play in a 2. 

[WhistleHappy]

19 minutes ago, Red Right Hand said:

I think we`ll see COD playing much more centrally a lot of the time TBH. 

A  'COD LOT' ?   -  I like it !   

[Fpcity]

Our signings so far have been realistic ones for a club like ours rather then 99% of the rediculous suggestions posted on here. 

I think we'll sign a couple more plus a big one to get the fans excited. 

[Nibor]

We definitely need to do more, and given the transfer income we can expect that to happen.

Goalkeeper, striker, central midfielder and if Bryan goes a left back.

We have a first team squad of 31 on paper but there are still some players to go out too IMO. 

Djuric, Hegeler and probably Taylor will get moved on towards the end of the window I think as we hang on to see if anyone wants to pay for them. 

There'll be half a dozen loans out for the development group (Bakinson, Morrell, Hinds, Lemonheigh-Evans, Holden, Edwards).

That puts us at about 21 which is small, and it will be interesting to see whether Taylor Moore, Niclas Eliasson, Zak Vyner and Lloyd Kelly are considered good enough to play a serious part off the bench this season.

I expect we'll get one or two loans in from the Prem but those could make any range of impact from Tammy to Kent, so I'm still expecting three or so permanent signings.

[Robbored]

56 minutes ago, Esmond Million's Bung said:

I agree, but without some actual quality in centre midfield I predict more of the last 2 seasons.

 

We all think that.

Problem is virtually every Championship clubs are after the same type of player. They are few and far between and any that do become available are expensive.

That why Championship clubs have European scouting set ups.

[pillred]

52 minutes ago, One BCFC said:

My feeling is that it's all very much signings that are safe after the departures of Reid and Flint.

With the current squad we will be lower-mid table though, there are just too many teams worse than City atm for us to be worried about relegation and also a few of the bigger clubs are having a worse time in the transfer market like Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. We'll be 'ok'.

I don't know about you but ok doesn't really cut it for me, hope we are going to be a bit better than that.

[Mr Popodopolous]

15 minutes ago, Nibor said:

We definitely need to do more, and given the transfer income we can expect that to happen.

Goalkeeper, striker, central midfielder and if Bryan goes a left back.

We have a first team squad of 31 on paper but there are still some players to go out too IMO. 

Djuric, Hegeler and probably Taylor will get moved on towards the end of the window I think as we hang on to see if anyone wants to pay for them. 

There'll be half a dozen loans out for the development group (Bakinson, Morrell, Hinds, Lemonheigh-Evans, Holden, Edwards).

That puts us at about 21 which is small, and it will be interesting to see whether Taylor Moore, Niclas Eliasson, Zak Vyner and Lloyd Kelly are considered good enough to play a serious part off the bench this season.

I expect we'll get one or two loans in from the Prem but those could make any range of impact from Tammy to Kent, so I'm still expecting three or so permanent signings.

Could still see Hegeler, Djuric and Taylor with roles to play tbh. Certainly in a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 Hegeler screening would do alright, Taylor may not score many but he has ability to provide assists and energy- don't just mean that one we all remember but he provided some in 16/17 first half season. Djuric we certainly haven't seen the best of IMO- not just a big lump, think a fit Djuric would be an asset as part of the squad.

In short, while not necessarily starters I see those 3 as useful squad players, depth- options basically.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

56 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

Thing is that quality costs big money usually. I am all for a new central midfielder but now that Brownhill can be used there regularly and Walsh will have a full preseason I think we are better than last summer in that spot. Also Korey looks even more motivated and fit(maybe put on some more muscle?). Think the midfield 2 doesn’t do our midfield justice but I feel they are better than they get credit for. Hopefully having COD and Watkins on the wings will ease the burden on them some as they are tireless workers.

We seem to be have a surplus of 10 mil from our dealings so far.

The real problem is it's not always the quality of our midfield, it is the lack of discipline and lack of organisation, many of our problems in CM are caused when instead of one of them both Smith and Pack are both caught out ahead the ball when a move breaks down, that leaves a huge hole to be exploited, they should be covering for each other or somebody needs to tuck in there and that very rarely happens.

Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition but organisation must be our key weapon.

Organisation and discipline must be our 2 key weapons.

Organisation, discipline and quality must be our 3 key weapons.

Organisation, discipline, quality and surprise must be our key weapons.

I'll come back in and start again.

 

 

[One BCFC]

12 minutes ago, pillred said:

I don't know about you but ok doesn't really cut it for me, hope we are going to be a bit better than that.

Look at the clubs in this division. We are still little Bristol City in comparison to many, at the moment mid table is realistic and that is where we are as a club right now. It is unrealistic to believe we will just compete with the relegated clubs with signings.

[Fuber]

I'm withholding an opinion until after the first 5 or so games of the season.

It depends more on how you develop the system to the components. I.e. Wilbs in Cotts' 3-5-2.

The thing that concerns me is that if you look at the teams who do well in this division, they have they have Goalkeepers who can help organise their defence or have good distribution. For example last season, other clubs had keepers such as Ruddy, Etheridge, Johnstone, Randolph, Carson, Maxwell, and Bentley. I like Frankie, but he isn't good enough in all attributes to be a Top Half GK.

Same applying to he midfield. Korey and Pack are great on their day, but we simply lack depth to cover for them and competition never heart anyone. 

If we went in for people like Bialkowski, get somone like Hyndman in on loan . And signed someone like Umut Bozok from Nimes. Id be happy with our transfer business.

[J D]

1 hour ago, KeepUpLino said:

It’s seems the general consensus on this forum is that we have so far completed some very shrewd business in the transfer market..

 I think we’ve done ok so far, nothing to get excited by that’s for sure.. I’d say we definately need a new GK, CM and a decent  forward.. hope there’s more business to be done 

Am I the only one who’s slightly underwhelmed at the moment?

Why do we need another CM? We've got Pack, Smith, Brownhill, Walsh, O'dowda (possibly) and Hegeler.

As for a striker, I'd agree with you if Djuric goes.

 

[JoeAman08]

4 minutes ago, Esmond Million's Bung said:

We seem to be have a surplus of 10 mil from our dealings so far.

The real problem is it's not always the quality of our midfield, it is the lack of discipline and lack of organisation, many of our problems in CM are caused when instead of one of them both Smith and Pack are both caught out ahead the ball when a move breaks down, that leaves a huge hole to be exploited, they should be covering for each other or somebody needs to tuck in there and that very rarely happens.

Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition but organisation must be our key weapon.

Organisation and discipline must be our 2 key weapons.

Organisation, discipline and quality must be our 3 key weapons.

Organisation, discipline, quality and surprise must be our key weapons.

I'll come back in and start again.

 

 

I know it is early but watching Smith and Walsh yesterday they seemed to cover well. When Walsh was forward Smith was only a few yards from the CBs and vice versa. It was actually Walsh doing this the most and being the deeper playmaker getting the ball from the CBs. Real player on our hands with Walsh just needs the experience as can be a bit rash in bad spots on the pitch. It is definitely a question whether our CM can keep us competitive in the top half but would be willing to see if Brownhill can make a difference and Walsh getting more experience during the season after a full pre season with the first team. 

[JoeAman08]

2 minutes ago, Fuber said:

I'm withholding an opinion until after the first 5 or so games of the season.

It depends more on how you develop the system to the components. I.e. Wilbs in Cotts' 3-5-2.

The thing that concerns me is that if you look at the teams who do well in this division, they have they have Goalkeepers who can help organise their defence or have good distribution. For example last season, other clubs had keepers such as Ruddy, Etheridge, Johnstone, Randolph, Carson, Maxwell, and Bentley. I like Frankie, but he isn't good enough in all attributes to be a Top Half GK.

Same applying to he midfield. Korey and Pack are great on their day, but we simply lack depth to cover for them and competition never heart anyone. 

If we went in for people like Bialkowski, get somone like Hyndman in on loan . And signed someone like Umut Bozok from Nimes. Id be happy with our transfer business.

Keeper main one for me. Happy with forwards but wouldn’t say no to a quick one if Djuric or Taylor were to leave

[INCRED]

1 hour ago, KeepUpLino said:

It’s seems the general consensus on this forum is that we have so far completed some very shrewd business in the transfer market..

 I think we’ve done ok so far, nothing to get excited by that’s for sure.. I’d say we definately need a new GK, CM and a decent  forward.. hope there’s more business to be done 

Am I the only one who’s slightly underwhelmed at the moment?

I wouldn’t say I’m underwhelmed as I think we have bought some decent Championship players that can deal with the physical challenge of a pressing game.

Webster I think is a shrewd buy and potential to play in the Prem if we can keep him fit

Keeper is a must and looks like we are looking at Cairns from Fleetwood.

If Djuric or Taylor leave then hopefully we have a replacement lined up but think Marriott is still one we are after 

Not too worried atm as can see what LJ is trying to do regards personnel and set up of the team

[Esmond Million's Bung]

4 minutes ago, JoeAman08 said:

I know it is early but watching Smith and Walsh yesterday they seemed to cover well. When Walsh was forward Smith was only a few yards from the CBs and vice versa. It was actually Walsh doing this the most and being the deeper playmaker getting the ball from the CBs. Real player on our hands with Walsh just needs the experience as can be a bit rash in bad spots on the pitch. It is definitely a question whether our CM can keep us competitive in the top half but would be willing to see if Brownhill can make a difference and Walsh getting more experience during the season after a full pre season with the first team. 

Like most people I haven't seen enough of Walsh, Brownhill is a quality player but needs a steadying influence to curb his exuberance at times, neither Smith or Pack are organisers or readers of the game, they are players who need to concentrate on their own game.

[Richard Head]

I'm sure Rudolf Hucker has a view on that.

[Mr Popodopolous]

@Esmond Million's Bung

You frequently talk about the weakness in midfield. Could it not though be more of a flaw in the shape/system in how we set up during a lot of our slump last year than the individuals themselves?

Brownhill, Smith, Pack as a 3- would cover certain weaknesses IMO. 

@Fuber

Korey and Pack are a 2. Often up against, especially when we play the better sides, opposition who can and do overload the midfield with anything up to 5 players. I know Brownhill can come inside but Smith and Pack would always be up against it vs good sides.

Example- though it's bit of a unique one.

Say we played Sheffield United vs their optimum side and formation last year with us using orthodox wingers and full backs (I don't mean Wright and Magnuson but Pisano and Bryan). With say O'Dowda and Leko on the wing and Reid and Diedhiou up front.

Given Sheffield United's go to formation last year was a 3-5-1-1 (Brooks behind Sharp).

We would be their 3 v Pack and Smith.

Plus Brooks moving between supporting Sharp and bolstering the central midfield.

Lastly, O'Connell stepping up into midfield as and when. Neither Baker nor Flint IMO had or will have the attributes for that.

So a 4 v 2 or even a 5 v 2 scenario in the central midfield- we'd be absolutely run off our feet tbh. At best dropping back in it would be 5 v 3 or 4 v 3 but still an undoubted disadvantage.

Smith and Pack as a central 2 v good sides? Dunno about that, we'd get badly outnumbered tbh. 

Not all sides at this level play that 3-5-1-1 with a ball playing centre back it's probably fairly unique but to me we'd need a central 3 simply as 4-4-2 at this level is slipping away, for good teams particularly.