23 Aug 2024 18:11:58
On Hughes.
I don't see why there is so much flak. Yeah, we have not signed Zubimendi (not really his fault either) but the deals he has pulled off for the 4 youngsters leaving is top draw.
The only thing he has failed at so far, as far as I'm concerned. Is getting Trent, Mo and Virgil's contracts sorted out.
I've noticed he likes a complex deal as well, we all knew Zubimendi was highly unlikely to happen. Yet, he got further than most before. The rumour that currently persists with Branthwaite, is just not happening but it wouldn't surprised me if he tried or is trying on the sly ?.
23 Aug 2024 18:20:23
The we got further than most in the Zubimendi deal trophy is going to look great next to the we came closer than anyone else to winning the quadruple trophy ?.
23 Aug 2024 18:24:01
Priorities for Hughes:
1. Sorting out contracts (some we may just let leave for free I guess)
2. Improve the squad
3. Raise funds from selling
So far he's done the least important in my opinion.
23 Aug 2024 19:00:55
I ve been very critical. He has done well with Sales to be fair. From the outside it does look like there was a poor planning when it comes to incomings. This squad does have room to improve. The contract stuff really does need sorting. At least he has done some stuff this summer but it's so so late. Let's see how he gets on with the contracts. Letting all three go on a free would be considered negligence in my book. still need to improve the squad with signings too to win the league. I think we are missing a little to attain that goal. I'd love a top six. Still think that improves the first 11 the most. It might not be as much of a squad need as we have players that can play there but if we could get a top one in, I think we become a very dangerous team. CB is also quite important. The frustration is being close and not giving us the best chance. Likewise, if we lose Trent on a free, that will be a very bitter pill to swallow. Those three players leaving would be a gaping whole in the quality of the squad and there would need to be big money spent replacing them. Will they do what's necessary is what I wonder. Let's see. Jury is very much out.
23 Aug 2024 19:14:01
imo, he needs to get Trent on a new deal ASAP and sign another CB cos we're light there. If Virgil gets injured for a month, I'd be concerned. Two of the remaining three (assuming we don't sell Gomez) would need to step up big time and I'm not entirely sure they can.
Extensions for Virgil and Salah can be handled between now and Christmas.
Don't think midfield, right wing etc. are priority areas. We can do with what we have for now.
23 Aug 2024 19:33:31
Don't bother he is doing a great job according to some. I really hope I have to eat humble pie in May/ June. I don't think I will.
23 Aug 2024 20:20:00
May be one reason for the initial focus on sales is to release funds to then allow us to agree one or two new contracts. I couldn’t see how all three could stay unless there was a compromise on salary demands or released capacity on the wage bill.
The other reason for the sales is that none of the players leaving are good enough really to make our first team, so better to let them go to get first team football or at least a better chance of it. Seems sensible to prioritise it.
I’m hoping the buying priority is a first team addition at CB.
23 Aug 2024 20:21:56
Tounge in cheek JK, just pointing out we would of signed him. If not for a change of heart, which can't be held against both parties.
Dean. Those 3 things are basically his job haha. Arguably it is hard to improve most of the first 11. Hence why we went for some in the 6. We do need a body or to for depth purposes as well. I'm will to be patient with that tho, the contracts less so tbh. They should of been the priority.
Davey I agree, 6 and another CB would be more than enough. Jury is still out, I just don't think it has been as bad as people make out.
SR, in an ideal world that would be the least acceptable ?.
Carlo, go back under your bridge mate ?.
23 Aug 2024 20:43:11
Thanks Thefields for that comment I'm certainly not a troll. As I said January or May will tell a story. I won't bow to any self proclaimed super fan. Good night.
23 Aug 2024 21:28:10
Glad you got the reference Carlo ?.
I wouldn't class myself as a super fan, far from it. I would just rather support the club I love, than be a doom and gloom merchant. Look on the brighter side, it may brighten your day laa.
23 Aug 2024 21:31:47
The fields.
My reply was also tongue in cheek.
I’d love nothing more than us to be lifting that premier league title come next May.
23 Aug 2024 21:50:28
Brilliant JK ?.
Aye that would be perfect, we can hope mate.
23 Aug 2024 22:05:11
Yep let’s hope. Really lucky on injuries, Slot keeping on the players on side. Of course we have a chance.
23 Aug 2024 22:25:27
I really don’t know how I would rate Hughes, but surely the contracts isn’t only his fault. I mean they could’ve sorted out this situation before he came in, which in my opinion would’ve been appropriate considering they’re three of our most important players.
23 Aug 2024 23:52:03
Hughes doesn't not deal with contract renewal.
That's us the technical directors job - Julian Ward.
At least be disappointed at the right person.
24 Aug 2024 09:25:12
Not only do you have to be lucky with injuries, you got to hope the refs don't screw things up for you too much as well. The year we won the title, we were lucky with both and also, we played absolutely out of our skins as we won 22 out of 23 games with 1 draw at Utd, a record in all top 5 leagues in Europe.
For me that is where the league was won cos no one could ever keep up with that rhythm. Let's see what happens.