SHA Small Heath Alliance

Docky91

Rab C Nesbitt

Maybe. But the lack of a big 9 and Solis type definitely harmed us

But again, as we’ve established, even when he had them they weren’t playing regularly under the old system. Not until after Blackburn when there was a clear shift did they appear.

I mean I’m sorry, but if you’re not playing a big bodied midfielder vs John Eustace, then you don’t want one.

Alfvoy

Docky91

Thrillhouse

The summer window was clearly botched; on paper a lot of it seemed exciting, but I think - in hindsight - an emphasis on building on what worked in league one, coupled with committing big wages on Dimi and Kyogo, left us on the back foot, particularly from a physical point of view and at that back end of the window when we were scratching around the plug gaps.

January was a course correction, and if this summer follows a similar trajectory, I’m willing to suggest lessons have been learned and we don’t necessarily need to rip up the entire recruitment department.

So was January actually a better window? Or is it the change in system. Because if we go back 6 games, Solis wasn’t playing in favour of Doyle signed in the summer, Priske wasn’t playing in favour of Duksch signed in the summer, Vicente wasn’t playing in favour Roberts signed in the summer, then in the flip you had Panzo playing in favour of Neumann.

Vicente was looking pretty poor often just staying outside and having no one pass to him, Solis was getting worse imo.

So it’s interesting we talk about January so positively when 6 games ago most weren’t playing. I think it’s more to do with a change in system than the players being duds.

Honestly if we’re calling signing a starting centre back, our joint top goal scorer, our best consistent attacking threat (Roberts imo) our best assister from midfield and statistically best defensive midfielder (Doyle), and also Dimi Gray who at times
Looks a step above the division when he’s on his game, a crap window, then my friends you have many more to come.

This is before I even add BOS who someone looks incredible for Nigeria and trash for us, and also Osman who has been electric recently,

I'd love to know which statistic makes Doyle our best defensive midfielder?

BlueSteve

Theres not enough goals in our best XI. I'd use a large part of our budget on recruiting a prolific striker.

BigBarryBoozer

Docky91

Rab C Nesbitt

Maybe. But the lack of a big 9 and Solis type definitely harmed us

But again, as we’ve established, even when he had them they weren’t playing regularly under the old system. Not until after Blackburn when there was a clear shift did they appear.

I mean I’m sorry, but if you’re not playing a big bodied midfielder vs John Eustace, then you don’t want one.

Because we signed two young players from abroad who needed to settle into a new league / environment. They needed time to settle here.

The Solis role is important yes, but the lack of any foresight last Summer whether that be the coach or recruitment team to not think that signing a focal point 9 wasnt needed was baffling and worrying and I feel it was a major reason why we ended up inconsistent and finishing mid-table.

Docky91

Alfvoy

Docky91

Thrillhouse

The summer window was clearly botched; on paper a lot of it seemed exciting, but I think - in hindsight - an emphasis on building on what worked in league one, coupled with committing big wages on Dimi and Kyogo, left us on the back foot, particularly from a physical point of view and at that back end of the window when we were scratching around the plug gaps.

January was a course correction, and if this summer follows a similar trajectory, I’m willing to suggest lessons have been learned and we don’t necessarily need to rip up the entire recruitment department.

So was January actually a better window? Or is it the change in system. Because if we go back 6 games, Solis wasn’t playing in favour of Doyle signed in the summer, Priske wasn’t playing in favour of Duksch signed in the summer, Vicente wasn’t playing in favour Roberts signed in the summer, then in the flip you had Panzo playing in favour of Neumann.

Vicente was looking pretty poor often just staying outside and having no one pass to him, Solis was getting worse imo.

So it’s interesting we talk about January so positively when 6 games ago most weren’t playing. I think it’s more to do with a change in system than the players being duds.

Honestly if we’re calling signing a starting centre back, our joint top goal scorer, our best consistent attacking threat (Roberts imo) our best assister from midfield and statistically best defensive midfielder (Doyle), and also Dimi Gray who at times
Looks a step above the division when he’s on his game, a crap window, then my friends you have many more to come.

This is before I even add BOS who someone looks incredible for Nigeria and trash for us, and also Osman who has been electric recently,

I'd love to know which statistic makes Doyle our best defensive midfielder?

Wins the ball back more than any of our other midfielders (significantly) and just shy of 2nd in tackles per 90 (outside of Solis)

Gavlaaa40

Docky91

Alfvoy

Docky91

Thrillhouse

The summer window was clearly botched; on paper a lot of it seemed exciting, but I think - in hindsight - an emphasis on building on what worked in league one, coupled with committing big wages on Dimi and Kyogo, left us on the back foot, particularly from a physical point of view and at that back end of the window when we were scratching around the plug gaps.

January was a course correction, and if this summer follows a similar trajectory, I’m willing to suggest lessons have been learned and we don’t necessarily need to rip up the entire recruitment department.

So was January actually a better window? Or is it the change in system. Because if we go back 6 games, Solis wasn’t playing in favour of Doyle signed in the summer, Priske wasn’t playing in favour of Duksch signed in the summer, Vicente wasn’t playing in favour Roberts signed in the summer, then in the flip you had Panzo playing in favour of Neumann.

Vicente was looking pretty poor often just staying outside and having no one pass to him, Solis was getting worse imo.

So it’s interesting we talk about January so positively when 6 games ago most weren’t playing. I think it’s more to do with a change in system than the players being duds.

Honestly if we’re calling signing a starting centre back, our joint top goal scorer, our best consistent attacking threat (Roberts imo) our best assister from midfield and statistically best defensive midfielder (Doyle), and also Dimi Gray who at times
Looks a step above the division when he’s on his game, a crap window, then my friends you have many more to come.

This is before I even add BOS who someone looks incredible for Nigeria and trash for us, and also Osman who has been electric recently,

I'd love to know which statistic makes Doyle our best defensive midfielder?

Wins the ball back more than any of our other midfielders (significantly) and just shy of 2nd in tackles per 90 (outside of Solis)

Surprisingly poor at receiving the ball on the half turn though.

ThekombiChronicles

What's needed to push this team on?

We have a strong foundation now and it will be great going into the start of the new season with 3 recognised left backs in the club.

We're going to need a new first choice GK. Ideally, I'd prefer one with more experience. I'd wouldn't mind Patterson from Sunderland if he was available?

If we were going to invest heavily, I'd like us to try and sign Ethan Pye from Stockport if they don't go up. Young English left footed centre back who is highly rated. I think Neumann and Klarer have shown recently that they can be our starting partnership at the back and then it would be good to slowly develop someone around them.

I'd love us to sign someone in the middle of the park with some serious pedigree and understanding of the championship. I would mind someone like a Ross Barkley type signing. We jlcannot be heading into next season with Paik and Iwata being serious starters together.

I'd love to see Osman back, but he does worry with me about his consistency and end product at times.

Assuming Ducksch is moved on, that would leave us with another position to fill. As much as I love Stanno, I wouldn't want to be solely relying on him and August to lead the line next season. I think we need a bit of experience in the top half of the field as well. There's going to be high expectations again and we've seen effect it has had on Jay at times this season.

With months to kill now until the start of the next season, may as well fill that time with talk of potential signings. Personally can't bare another thread about whether the manager should stay or go.

Leithblues

Doyle hasn't been a successful signing, but comparing him to Olly Lee completely detracts from the point your making

The lad played for Sheffield United last year as they racked up 90+ points and came third. He can clearly play

Docky91

Gavlaaa40

Docky91

Agree. However on a side note if you haven’t checked out Kyle Walkers interview talking about Pep and players receiving the ball on the half turn it’s very interesting. (Spoiler, he hates it)

I haven’t but I will definitely check it out. On one hand it’s a surprise he doesn’t like it as it feels as if all his teams expect players to be able to take the ball on the half turn, regularly but when i actually think about the skill set required to take the ball like that and play is so rare that it makes sense for Pep to be completely against it as it’s just asking for trouble

Leithblues

Doyle hasn't been a successful signing, but comparing him to Olly Lee completely detracts from the point your making