19 Aug 2026 14:11:23
Looks like Jones is gone.
19 Aug 2026 14:59:27
Adam Wharton certainly has to be joining now.
19 Aug 2026 15:04:47
Nyoni will take Jones minutes.
19 Aug 2026 15:17:38
Good luck to the lad. With how McTomminey has lit up the Italian league, he could be the next Maradona out there.
Asking Nyoni to go from 21 minutes to 2000 in a midfield where the manager expects the players to run is going to be some ask.
19 Aug 2026 15:24:31
Be like a new signing, JK.
19 Aug 2026 15:30:58
Every young footballer desperately wants the chance that Nyoni is getting. It's up to him now.
19 Aug 2026 15:38:52
Viktor looking forward to see how Nyoni gets on this season.
One thing being overlooked is how much Iraola relies on his bench. Last season he averaged 4-5 subs a game over the league season and made 173 subs out of a possible 190, which made him the 4th most active manager for using his bench in the league, with the primary wave of those subs coming between the 60th-70th minute.
Our bench is going to be significantly used this season. That's where my confidence drops off.
19 Aug 2026 15:40:03
I agree, Vik, can't see the club bringing in Wharton to replace Jones, he's only a squad player.
19 Aug 2026 15:47:18
There are some squeaky bums in here today. I am pretty relaxed, and what will be, will be.
I think for a bit of a reminder of both how good and how bad things have been, everyone should watch the Captains vid with VVD, SG and Souness.
19 Aug 2026 16:24:58
I know this is probably going to be a very unpopular opinion, but I don't think Nyoni is all that. Yes, he's got age on his side, and the minutes now to show what he's capable of, but even as today stands, I don't see how he is even a shadow of a replacement for Jones, as many on here keep saying.
I think we should get Wharton before Man City buy up what's left of the extremely limited pool of English talent. Macca will be gone by January as well anyway imo.
19 Aug 2026 16:32:44
Bit harsh that, mate. Give the kid a chance to play and grow, then judge him.
He has all the ability to make it. For me, the only thing is whether he can develop the consistency needed to get starts and impact games as a sub, which he's sure to be this season.
19 Aug 2026 16:39:15
Well now that you mention it, TIB, but I don't think Wharton is all that. He's never really really stood out for me, and he's not what an Iraola team needs, but hey it's all about opinions, brother. ?
19 Aug 2026 17:18:10
Good luck to CJ and I hope he does well.
Not sure we will bring in a midfield replacement though. Why? We won the league in 2024/25 with a midfield of Grav, Szobo and Macca. 3 main leaders for the 3 positions. Jones, Endo, Elliott and youngsters in support.
Last year we bought Wirz. 4 main leaders for 3 positions. Jones, Endo and youngsters in support.
This year we still have 4 main leaders for 3 positions: lose Jones and gain Elliott.
To me the only way we buy Wharton or any other main first team option is if we sell one of Grav, Szobo, Macca or Wirz. Macca most likely but that's the only way we strengthen there.
Other areas are the priority. Just my opinion - no inside info whatsoever.
19 Aug 2026 17:39:15
Indeed Bil, it is all about opinions. To be even more honest, although I do like some aspects of Wharton's game, I wouldn't say he was a block buster signing either, but we definitely need some more Brits/Irish in that team.
19 Aug 2026 18:59:29
Bulk, I shared your view on Nyoni based on his appearances last year - felt he was very lightweight.
However, watching highlights from the preseason games, he a) seems to have bulked up a bit (and not in a Harvey way!) and b) seems a lot more composed on the ball than he was.
He still needs to show it in the Premier League, but on the basis of what I have seen, I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I guess we'll see.
{Ed025's Note - lets not confuse friendlies with real life Zed..