Del's Signings (So Far)

[Harry]

Before McInnes was appointed, a lot of people were calling for a Manager who had Championship experience, one who knew this division etc etc.

Now - I'm not getting carried away as there is a long hard season ahead of us, but so far I am pleased with Del's acquisitions and I think he has firmly put to bed those who doubted his nouse about this level of football.

I am also extremely pleased with type of character and the age of his recruits. I believe he is really beginning to make his mark on this squad, getting in the players he wants and trusts, and potentially building a squad that can stay together for a few years and grow together.

As Lloyd Grossman used to say.... Lets look at the evidence :

Tom Heaton - 26 years old, 50 appearances at Championship level. Good experience already, still young for a keeper and yet to reach his prime, lots of potential and upside to this.

Ricky Foster - 27 years old, 240 SPL appearances (15 for Rangers). Experienced, versatile, still young. Was brought in initially as a quick fix but in my opinion has done enough to deserve a place in the squad, although perhaps not to be deemed a first XI.

Mark Wilson - 28 years old, 215 SPL appearances (98 for Celtic). Experienced, versatile, still a good age and plenty more to see from this lad.

Greg Cunningham - 21 years old, 2 Prem and 40 Championship appearances. Young, bags of upside, served his apprenticeship in this division.

Paul Anderson - 24 years old, 149 Championship appearances. Young, served his apprenticeship in this division, loads of potential.

Steve Davies - 24 years old, 83 Championship appearances. Young, best years ahead of him and has shown an eye for a goal when fit.

Stephen Pearson - 29 years old, 24 Prem, 91 Championship & 136 SPL appearances. Experienced, versatile. Brought in initially to do a job and arguably earned himself a contract. Still a good couple of years left in him yet, but does need to produce more.

Jody Morris - 33 years old, 124 Prem and 12 Championship appearances. Experienced head, leader, organiser, trusted former player. In spite of the age, I firmly believe this one will turn out to be a shrewd signing.

So, as the evidence tells us Lloyd, Del certainly knows his Championship players. Those who perhaps purported that he didn't know this division have hopefully been proven wrong (again, I know there's a long way to go).

Forget the signings made last year - he was buying for the battle raging at the time. The war still goes on and he's now assembling his RED ARMY. There is plentiful Championship experience in there, a smattering of Prem experience & a shed of SPL experience. There is also a good balance between youth and experience, and plenty of future potential. Morris and probably Pearson aside, this set of signings can stay together for a number of years and really build a good future for our club.

I for one, am liking what I see so far.

[Welcome To The Jungle]

Before McInnes was appointed, a lot of people were calling for a Manager who had Championship experience, one who knew this division etc etc.

Now - I'm not getting carried away as there is a long hard season ahead of us, but so far I am pleased with Del's acquisitions and I think he has firmly put to bed those who doubted his nouse about this level of football.

I am also extremely pleased with type of character and the age of his recruits. I believe he is really beginning to make his mark on this squad, getting in the players he wants and trusts, and potentially building a squad that can stay together for a few years and grow together.

As Lloyd Grossman used to say.... Lets look at the evidence :

Tom Heaton - 26 years old, 50 appearances at Championship level. Good experience already, still young for a keeper and yet to reach his prime, lots of potential and upside to this.

Ricky Foster - 27 years old, 240 SPL appearances (15 for Rangers). Experienced, versatile, still young. Was brought in initially as a quick fix but in my opinion has done enough to deserve a place in the squad, although perhaps not to be deemed a first XI.

Mark Wilson - 28 years old, 215 SPL appearances (98 for Celtic). Experienced, versatile, still a good age and plenty more to see from this lad.

Greg Cunningham - 21 years old, 2 Prem and 40 Championship appearances. Young, bags of upside, served his apprenticeship in this division.

Paul Anderson - 24 years old, 149 Championship appearances. Young, served his apprenticeship in this division, loads of potential.

Steve Davies - 24 years old, 83 Championship appearances. Young, best years ahead of him and has shown an eye for a goal when fit.

Stephen Pearson - 29 years old, 24 Prem, 91 Championship & 136 SPL appearances. Experienced, versatile. Brought in initially to do a job and arguably earned himself a contract. Still a good couple of years left in him yet, but does need to produce more.

Jody Morris - 33 years old, 124 Prem and 12 Championship appearances. Experienced head, leader, organiser, trusted former player. In spite of the age, I firmly believe this one will turn out to be a shrewd signing.

So, as the evidence tells us Lloyd, Del certainly knows his Championship players. Those who perhaps purported that he didn't know this division have hopefully been proven wrong (again, I know there's a long way to go).

Forget the signings made last year - he was buying for the battle raging at the time. The war still goes on and he's now assembling his red army. There is plentiful Championship experience in there, a smattering of Prem experience & a shed of SPL experience. There is also a good balance between youth and experience, and plenty of future potential. Morris and probably Pearson aside, this set of signings can stay together for a number of years and really build a good future for our club.

I for one, am liking what I see so far.

24 year yr olds young??? agree that del has bought well for the money spent

[sglosbcfc]

I agree 100% Harry. There were lots of positives to take from the Forest game.

[Harry]

24 year yr olds young??? agree that del has bought well for the money spent

Yep, at worst, a good 7 or 8 more years at this level.

[Garland-sweden]

Agree with you Harry. This could be good. COYR.

[Kibs]

I'm happy with what he has brought in, with our supposed cutbacks and relatively small budget, he has attracted some good players and I'm looking forward to a couple more coming in.

It's all good on paper but the proof will be in the pudding - as they say.

[Oops]

Before McInnes was appointed, a lot of people were calling for a Manager who had Championship experience, one who knew this division etc etc.

Now - I'm not getting carried away as there is a long hard season ahead of us, but so far I am pleased with Del's acquisitions and I think he has firmly put to bed those who doubted his nouse about this level of football.

I am also extremely pleased with type of character and the age of his recruits. I believe he is really beginning to make his mark on this squad, getting in the players he wants and trusts, and potentially building a squad that can stay together for a few years and grow together.

As Lloyd Grossman used to say.... Lets look at the evidence :

Tom Heaton - 26 years old, 50 appearances at Championship level. Good experience already, still young for a keeper and yet to reach his prime, lots of potential and upside to this.

Ricky Foster - 27 years old, 240 SPL appearances (15 for Rangers). Experienced, versatile, still young. Was brought in initially as a quick fix but in my opinion has done enough to deserve a place in the squad, although perhaps not to be deemed a first XI.

Mark Wilson - 28 years old, 215 SPL appearances (98 for Celtic). Experienced, versatile, still a good age and plenty more to see from this lad.

Greg Cunningham - 21 years old, 2 Prem and 40 Championship appearances. Young, bags of upside, served his apprenticeship in this division.

Paul Anderson - 24 years old, 149 Championship appearances. Young, served his apprenticeship in this division, loads of potential.

Steve Davies - 24 years old, 83 Championship appearances. Young, best years ahead of him and has shown an eye for a goal when fit.

Stephen Pearson - 29 years old, 24 Prem, 91 Championship & 136 SPL appearances. Experienced, versatile. Brought in initially to do a job and arguably earned himself a contract. Still a good couple of years left in him yet, but does need to produce more.

Jody Morris - 33 years old, 124 Prem and 12 Championship appearances. Experienced head, leader, organiser, trusted former player. In spite of the age, I firmly believe this one will turn out to be a shrewd signing.

So, as the evidence tells us Lloyd, Del certainly knows his Championship players. Those who perhaps purported that he didn't know this division have hopefully been proven wrong (again, I know there's a long way to go).

Forget the signings made last year - he was buying for the battle raging at the time. The war still goes on and he's now assembling his RED ARMY. There is plentiful Championship experience in there, a smattering of Prem experience & a shed of SPL experience. There is also a good balance between youth and experience, and plenty of future potential. Morris and probably Pearson aside, this set of signings can stay together for a number of years and really build a good future for our club.

I for one, am liking what I see so far.

I agree 100%. I would like to see a dominant Centre-Half though, before the deadline.

[Chivs]

I agree 100%. I would like to see a dominant Centre-Half though, before the deadline.

I concur also. I'm reasonably happy with the signings. As Harry points out, they generally have experience and youth which is good.

However, the key position that needed sorting was (is!) centre back. I'm sure Del is still working on this but I hope Amougou isn't the outcome.

My other two worries so far this season include the absolutely woeful Gillingham performance. I don't mind the players losing or playing badly (I'm a City fan; I'm used to it). I do mind the seeming lack of urgency in the Cup game. We aren't in the Cup any more because various players just couldn't be arsed. This worries me that Del allows this attitude to pervade.

Finally, I'm concerned that he made Fontaine captain. I'd be a better choice for captain than Fontaine.

I hope these are forgotten by Christmas though.

[Fuber]

While i think del has put a few doubters out; i dont see the harm of getting plays from the lower leagues, after all, considering players that have made it at this level, have tended to come from the lower leagues, ie. Graham, Doyle, Austin, Adomah, and Le Fondre (who we puldve had) to name a few.

Theres no harm for going for the targets he has done, as it is less of a risk, can still get a gem from the lower leagues if our scouting were improved (which im hoping it will be).

[CityFarAndWide]

Imagine what Del could of done with the money Gary chucked into the black hole

[Guest Mr Wendall]

Yes he's made some good signings, but to say he's proved hImself is getting a bit carried away - saying that though I think he will have more than proved himself come the end of the season

[Forza Revolution]

We have to give him a chance / full season. Keep the Faith, Always Believe

[citywest30]

I agree with Kibs, on paper looks very good and I'm excited by the prospect of what this squad could do assuming we do get a cd and a pacy striker (and Buzsaky, tho looking very unlikely now). But how often do teams on paper not live up to expectations. Let's hope this isn't one of them. Time will tell. Let's get going with a win tonight. Come on city!

[Martyn Hocking]

Imagine what Del could of done with the money Gary chucked into the black hole

Er, GJ got us into a play-off final. That was the basis on which he was given cash to play with and I wouldn't say it was exactly wasted on the likes of Maynard and Hartley.

[Kid in the Riot]

My other two worries so far this season include the absolutely woeful Gillingham performance. I don't mind the players losing or playing badly (I'm a City fan; I'm used to it). I do mind the seeming lack of urgency in the Cup game. We aren't in the Cup any more because various players just couldn't be arsed. This worries me that Del allows this attitude to pervade.

Well, he bollocked the players at HT and FT and got them in for training first thing the next morning so I would say the players were well aware that he wasn't happy with that performance.

There was quite significant changes to the team Saturday and the attitude was much better.

For whatever reason, we just don't do cup matches.

[CityFarAndWide]

Er, GJ got us into a play-off final. That was the basis on which he was given cash to play with and I wouldn't say it was exactly wasted on the likes of Maynard and Hartley.

Yes he got us into the play off final but that doesnt say that he didnt waste a large chunk of pennies on the likes of styvar

[Guest MrVinta8]

Before McInnes was appointed, a lot of people were calling for a Manager who had Championship experience, one who knew this division etc etc.

Now - I'm not getting carried away as there is a long hard season ahead of us, but so far I am pleased with Del's acquisitions and I think he has firmly put to bed those who doubted his nouse about this level of football.

I am also extremely pleased with type of character and the age of his recruits. I believe he is really beginning to make his mark on this squad, getting in the players he wants and trusts, and potentially building a squad that can stay together for a few years and grow together.

As Lloyd Grossman used to say.... Lets look at the evidence :

Tom Heaton - 26 years old, 50 appearances at Championship level. Good experience already, still young for a keeper and yet to reach his prime, lots of potential and upside to this.

Ricky Foster - 27 years old, 240 SPL appearances (15 for Rangers). Experienced, versatile, still young. Was brought in initially as a quick fix but in my opinion has done enough to deserve a place in the squad, although perhaps not to be deemed a first XI.

Mark Wilson - 28 years old, 215 SPL appearances (98 for Celtic). Experienced, versatile, still a good age and plenty more to see from this lad.

Greg Cunningham - 21 years old, 2 Prem and 40 Championship appearances. Young, bags of upside, served his apprenticeship in this division.

Paul Anderson - 24 years old, 149 Championship appearances. Young, served his apprenticeship in this division, loads of potential.

Steve Davies - 24 years old, 83 Championship appearances. Young, best years ahead of him and has shown an eye for a goal when fit.

Stephen Pearson - 29 years old, 24 Prem, 91 Championship & 136 SPL appearances. Experienced, versatile. Brought in initially to do a job and arguably earned himself a contract. Still a good couple of years left in him yet, but does need to produce more.

Jody Morris - 33 years old, 124 Prem and 12 Championship appearances. Experienced head, leader, organiser, trusted former player. In spite of the age, I firmly believe this one will turn out to be a shrewd signing.

So, as the evidence tells us Lloyd, Del certainly knows his Championship players. Those who perhaps purported that he didn't know this division have hopefully been proven wrong (again, I know there's a long way to go).

Forget the signings made last year - he was buying for the battle raging at the time. The war still goes on and he's now assembling his RED ARMY. There is plentiful Championship experience in there, a smattering of Prem experience & a shed of SPL experience. There is also a good balance between youth and experience, and plenty of future potential. Morris and probably Pearson aside, this set of signings can stay together for a number of years and really build a good future for our club.

I for one, am liking what I see so far.

Alot of fans @ this club doubted him. Even thought throughout the football community he is regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in the country.

[Esmond Million's Bung]

Yes he got us into the play off final but that doesnt say that he didnt waste a large chunk of pennies on the likes of styvar

So let's pick out the only manager to give us any bit of success in the past 10 years, because of course some forum users believe it to be cool, bur totally forget the utter crap Millen left us with and don't get me started on that ***** Coppell, who by the way both achieved absolutely **** all.

[Robbored]

How can anyone be happy with the signings that McInnes has made when City are one game ( a defeat ) into the new season?

None of us have no idea how effective any of his signings will be so this thread praising the manager is a bit premature. I was hoping for an aggressive and dominant midfield performance from Morris against the Gills but he was shocking.

Plus........he still hasn't signed a right sided commanding centre half or a pacey striker.

Lets get at least 10 games into the new campaign before pass judgement on players we've barely seen play.

[citywest30]

Of course you can be happy with the signings. It can be based on what they've done previously in their career and what we think they may help us to achieve but as many of us have said at this stage it is just happiness and excitement of the prospect. Of course we have to wait and see if they turn out to be good signings or not. You would hope that at least half of them (4/8 by the time he's finished) would be good 'uns.

[downendcity]

How can anyone be happy with the signings that McInnes has made when City are one game ( a defeat ) into the new season?

None of us have no idea how effective any of his signings will be so this thread praising the manager is a bit premature. I was hoping for an aggressive and dominant midfield performance from Morris against the Gills but he was shocking.

Plus........he still hasn't signed a right sided commanding centre half or a pacey striker.

Lets get at least 10 games into the new campaign before pass judgement on players we've barely seen play.

After the last couple of seasons, and everyone hopeing there would be a clear out of some of the overpaid dross accumulated under Millen and Coppell surely you have to allow fellow fans a degree of positive optimism now that McInnes has done that and is building his own team.

However, your "praising the manager is a bit premature " tone is remeniscent of posts you were making about Gary Johnson while we were all walking up Wembley Way in 2008.

[Robbored]

After the last couple of seasons, and everyone hopeing there would be a clear out of some of the overpaid dross accumulated under Millen and Coppell surely you have to allow fellow fans a degree of positive optimism now that McInnes has done that and is building his own team.

My point is that whilst Mcinnes has had a squad clear out and started to bring in some new blood, we as fans have no idea yet whether these new players will prove to be good signings. Let be honest we have seen some very poor additions to the squad over recent years.

Lets not get carried away with baseless optimism and give these new players time to see how they shape up.The proof of the pudding is in the eating....

[Kid in the Riot]

Lets not get carried away with baseless optimism and give these new players time to see how they shape up.The proof of the pudding is in the eating....

I actually agree, let's wait and see. I have a feeling Davies could be a hit here though.

In response to the OP, Nyatanga joined us at 21 years old with over 100 appearances at C'ship level and a full Welsh international yet he gets his fair share of stick on here.

Nyatanga is out of contract next summer, out of interest who would offer him a new one?

[Guest Red 'un']

How can anyone be happy with the signings that McInnes has made when City are one game ( a defeat ) into the new season?

None of us have no idea how effective any of his signings will be so this thread praising the manager is a bit premature. I was hoping for an aggressive and dominant midfield performance from Morris against the Gills but he was shocking.

Plus........he still hasn't signed a right sided commanding centre half or a pacey striker.

Lets get at least 10 games into the new campaign before pass judgement on players we've barely seen play.

Success is the ability to go from one failure to another,

with no loss of enthusiam

WINSTON SPENCER CHURCHILL

[glynriley]

I agree 100%. I would like to see a dominant Centre-Half though, before the deadline.

So you're a bit happier now than a couple of weeks ago then ?

[citywest30]

Lets not get carried away with baseless optimism and give these new players time to see how they shape up.The proof of the pudding is in the eating....

To be fair this is what some/a lot of us are saying. As you said, any judgement should be reserved until at least 10 games down the line. But we can still be happy that it looks like we have a better, more balanced squad under Del than we did under Keith, strong cd being the main weak point now.

[TRL]

After the last couple of seasons, and everyone hopeing there would be a clear out of some of the overpaid dross accumulated under Millen and Coppell surely you have to allow fellow fans a degree of positive optimism now that McInnes has done that and is building his own team.

However, your "praising the manager is a bit premature " tone is remeniscent of posts you were making about Gary Johnson while we were all walking up Wembley Way in 2008.

Mcinnes has been lucky, most of that dross had their contracts run out this year. I notice he hadn't done so well moving dross on that is still in contract.

Let's not get carried away here, he just let contracts run out. We didn't make any money back, no matter how small on any of them.

[Strictly Obi]

How can anyone be happy with the signings that McInnes has made when City are one game ( a defeat ) into the new season?

None of us have no idea how effective any of his signings will be so this thread praising the manager is a bit premature. I was hoping for an aggressive and dominant midfield performance from Morris against the Gills but he was shocking.

Plus........he still hasn't signed a right sided commanding centre half or a pacey striker.

Lets get at least 10 games into the new campaign before pass judgement on players we've barely seen play.

I think the damage caused by Coppell & Keef to the club was so severe, it might take more than one summer to repair.

But unlike under Keef, there seems to be real room for optimism.

And yes, you should know more than anyone that it is prudent to allow at least 10 games or so before passing judgement on a manager!

[Kid in the Riot]

Mcinnes has been lucky, most of that dross had their contracts run out this year. I notice he hadn't done so well moving dross on that is still in contract.

Let's not get carried away here, he just let contracts run out. We didn't make any money back, no matter how small on any of them.

So many players were out of contract I don't think it's been so essential to sell. He was also pro-active in paying up the contracts of Lee Johnson and Nicky Hunt in January.

[TRL]

So many players were out of contract I don't think it's been so essential to sell. He was also pro-active in paying up the contracts of Lee Johnson and Nicky Hunt in January.

So expect to see Stewart gone in January?

[Chivs]

Well, he bollocked the players at HT and FT and got them in for training first thing the next morning so I would say the players were well aware that he wasn't happy with that performance.

There was quite significant changes to the team Saturday and the attitude was much better.

For whatever reason, we just don't do cup matches.

The fact that he needed to bollock them at HT is a worry but all teams can have an off-half. The fact that he needed to bollock them at FT is a real worry because it tends to suggest that the HT bollock didn't work!

He got them in for training on the Wednesday. Blimey, what a task master. Did he also give them DVDs?

I didn't see them on Saturday but pleased to hear the attitude was different. However, it is a concern when the bit part players (Pitman etc) can't be arsed when they are given a chance to shine.

[Robbored]

The fact that he needed to bollock them at HT is a worry but all teams can have an off-half. The fact that he needed to bollock them at FT is a real worry because it tends to suggest that the HT bollock didn't work!

He got them in for training on the Wednesday. Blimey, what a task master. Did he also give them DVDs?

I didn't see them on Saturday but pleased to hear the attitude was different. However, it is a concern when the bit part players (Pitman etc) can't be arsed when they are given a chance to shine.

And what service did these 'bit-part' players actually get? Its bit rich to say that Pitman couldn't be arsed when you weren't even at the game.

[Robbored]

And yes, you should know more than anyone that it is prudent to allow at least 10 games or so before passing judgement on a manager!

Its the new players that I'm waiting to pass judgement on, not the manager who does actually 'talk the talk' better than Johnson and Millen ever did. Question is for this season is, how good a manager will McInness turn out to be now he has a clean slate?

[Monkeh]

Its the new players that I'm waiting to pass judgement on, not the manager who does actually 'talk the talk' better than Johnson and Millen ever did. Question is for this season is, how good a manager will McInness turn out to be now he has a clean slate?

we seem to be playing better football even the poor showing against gillingham we tried to keep it on the deck and play around a bit, so thats a big plus in my book,

We need to see where we are after 10 games if we are out of the bottom 3 its a massive imporvement on the last two seasons thats for sure

[Strictly Obi]

Its the new players that I'm waiting to pass judgement on, not the manager who does actually 'talk the talk' better than Johnson and Millen ever did. Question is for this season is, how good a manager will McInness turn out to be now he has a clean slate?

Be great if he could get us in to the top six..........like Johnson did. Do you think he will?

[Chivs]

And what service did these 'bit-part' players actually get? Its bit rich to say that Pitman couldn't be arsed when you weren't even at the game.

I didn't write my response very well. I meant that it was a concern that Pitman (Nyatanga etc) didn't really try that hard for the Gillingham game (which I was at if that's OK with you).

And those bit part players got exactly the same service as the regular players.

[Robbored]

Be great if he could get us in to the top six... Do you think he will?

Like everyone else I hope he does but I don't think he will. Mid-table and safe from the drop by March would be fine by me.

[Guest Timbo7]

Is it not a little premature to make an assessment of the quality of DMc's recruits:

- Cunningham - played one - lost one

- Anderson - 15 minutes (played one - lost one)

- Davies - played none - unbeaten!

- Heaton - played one - lost one

Particularly given that the OP expresses reservations regarding the two who have played a number of games (some of which we won)!

[Guest Timbo7]

Sorry I forgot -

Wilson - played one - lost one

Morris - played one - substituted - lost one - dropped!

[Mad Cyril]

Judging someone for their ability in the transfer market needs to take account of their ability to sell at the right time too.

Not so sure our finances mean we can just run players down to the end of a contract and leave for nothing.

[Red-Robbo]

However, the key position that needed sorting was (is!) centre back. I'm sure Del is still working on this but I hope Amougou isn't the outcome.

Why? He was the person who stopped the rot in our defence last season and allowed us to pull clear.

I'm baffled why McManus has so many fans here when during his loan spell the defence was still leaking like a sieve.

[Kid in the Riot]

So expect to see Stewart gone in January?

Hopefully before then, but if not January yes.

I think Amouga will sign for us and if DJ agrees to sign then that will be our transfer business for this window tied up. Hopefully before the Cardiff game.

[Martyn Hocking]

My point is that whilst Mcinnes has had a squad clear out and started to bring in some new blood, we as fans have no idea yet whether these new players will prove to be good signings. Let be honest we have seen some very poor additions to the squad over recent years.

Lets not get carried away with baseless optimism and give these new players time to see how they shape up.The proof of the pudding is in the eating....

Agree 100%.

[Monkeh]

Hopefully before then, but if not January yes.

I think Amouga will sign for us and if DJ agrees to sign then that will be our transfer business for this window tied up. Hopefully before the Cardiff game.

he needed to sign by 12 and according to alot of people is woefully unfit, if we sign him don't expect to see him until the end of sept

[Strictly Obi]

Like everyone else I hope he does as well as the great Gary Johnson - but I don't think he will. Mid-table and safe from the drop by March would be fine by me.

I agree, i don't think he will match Gary Johnson's first full season in the Championship. But i think i am optimistic with his latest signings!

[Robbored]

I agree, i don't think he will match Gary Johnson's first full season in the Championship.

There should be a forum rule about defacing/altering someone else's post

[Strictly Obi]

There should be a forum rule about defacing/altering someone else's post

You started it!

[Chivs]

Why? He was the person who stopped the rot in our defence last season and allowed us to pull clear.

I'm baffled why McManus has so many fans here when during his loan spell the defence was still leaking like a sieve.

My memory tells me that the person that stopped the rot was Cisse but I'm happy to be told I'm wrong.

Amougou is of course a better defender than Nyatanga and Fontaine but he seemed to me to get progressively worse.

He was fault against West Ham for their goal and was just woeful at Birmingham. We got draws in both games so you presumably credit Amougou with those points?

[Maltshoveller]

We have to give him a chance / full season. Keep the Faith, Always Believe

This is the problem with modern football

A full season is not a fair chance

A manager needs 2/3 seasons min to get all the players he wants IN and OUT

[Harry]

How can anyone be happy with the signings that McInnes has made when City are one game ( a defeat ) into the new season?

None of us have no idea how effective any of his signings will be so this thread praising the manager is a bit premature. I was hoping for an aggressive and dominant midfield performance from Morris against the Gills but he was shocking.

Plus........he still hasn't signed a right sided commanding centre half or a pacey striker.

Lets get at least 10 games into the new campaign before pass judgement on players we've barely seen play.

I do concur Robbored (and to Timbo07 and others later on this thread too).

I have made a caveat a couple of times in my opening post that it is still early days and there is still a lot for these players to prove, but my point was more around the amount of posters who felt we needed a "Championship Manager", and yet here we have a man who's arrived from the SPL, been criticised for having no experience at this level, and yet, now he's got the opportunity to get stuck into the market properly, is immediately signing players with either a) vast championship level experience, b) championship exposure and lots of potential, or c) both.

Yes, we need to let the squad settle, let new tactics take shape and judge this squad fully at a later date (not necessarily 10 games in, but certainly come Nov/Dec time). We should then have a good idea where we're going, and I believe this will be in the right direction.

[Red-Robbo]

My memory tells me that the person that stopped the rot was Cisse but I'm happy to be told I'm wrong.

Amougou is of course a better defender than Nyatanga and Fontaine but he seemed to me to get progressively worse.

He was fault against West Ham for their goal and was just woeful at Birmingham. We got draws in both games so you presumably credit Amougou with those points?

Credit where it's due, West Ham were expected to annihilate us, so I think the defence as a whole did very well to contain a major threat. wasn't at Brum game, so can't comment on that one.

I know Burnley fans on here suggested he tries hard until he thinks his legs are under the table of the club then he coasts, but I can't say I saw any real evidence of this at AG. Seeing as he'd cost us no transfer fee, I think he'd be a valuable addition this season.

[Guest Red 'un']

Its the new players that I'm waiting to pass judgement on, not the manager who does actually 'talk the talk' better than Johnson and Millen ever did. Question is for this season is, how good a manager will McInness turn out to be now he has a clean slate?

A fanatic is one who cant change his mind,

and wont change the subject

WINSTON SPENCER CHURCHILL

[Brizzle Jordan]

Absolutely delighted with the players Del has recruited so far.

Just a CB and we have a great squad in my opinion.