Boletus Edulis
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2016
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- Location
- Plymouth
- Supports
- Argyle (and West Ham)
Many of us would probably want to get rid of the January transfer season, but I am interested how well or badly you did from it this year? An article in the Plymouth Harold today suggested it was one of our best for years, though the reason seemed to be based more that we did not lose the crown jewels. Certainly, we did not have the bizarre spectacle of last year where on the last day we were expecting to have Andy Kellett for the rest of the season to be gazumped by Man U. Who can often say that?
I would rate us at a C+/B- and that really because of the loss of Purrington. That night we changed our formation, had a left back not yet fit and had three centre backs and they did not seem to communicate. Guess what? We lost, no surprise there. We are very thin at left back (it is probably the only position that we are). Had we not lost Ben I would have had at us at B/B+.
While none of the incoming are in themselves going to immediately have the opposition quaking in their sock-boots, I do think that collectively we have upped a grade, and the squad is one player up.
The first good bit of business, and this has not happened in recent years, is that we kept our two loanees, so their is consistency in the team. We needed a bit more strength in midfield, bit more up front and a winger. And we got those. The extra centre back was initially a surprise. Most of the new players have played at, or directly come from, league 1 so that is a positive sign. Blissett looks a handful, and Ryan Taylor has a decent pedigree at this level. Sarcevic if he can get fit and work with Carey could be very interesting. Or it may simply not work out, they like other midfield combinations the whole is less than the parts. Sokolik at the back we need to give time, but he has looked a bit shaky so far in an area where previous we were rock solid. Matt Kennedy is 22 which is a bit old for a loanee, but he has played much higher, so maybe he is the bit of the puzzle we have been missing.
In terms of the losses it could have been worse, Purrington is a blow, but at least Carey, Threlkeld, Songoo and Bradley have stayed. It is good Rooney has a chance of more first team football. Either he'll come back from Hartlepool having bagged a load, or will be on his way out next year. Goodwillie clearly raises issues and I do not think it is right to discuss this in football terms. Osbourne for whatever reason did not work out, he was probably one of our higher earners, so him moving is probably right for him and us.
The other thing is that this month has brought in money that might help keep key players for next year. So overall a step in the right direction, rather than a head over heels moment. How was it for you?
I would rate us at a C+/B- and that really because of the loss of Purrington. That night we changed our formation, had a left back not yet fit and had three centre backs and they did not seem to communicate. Guess what? We lost, no surprise there. We are very thin at left back (it is probably the only position that we are). Had we not lost Ben I would have had at us at B/B+.
While none of the incoming are in themselves going to immediately have the opposition quaking in their sock-boots, I do think that collectively we have upped a grade, and the squad is one player up.
The first good bit of business, and this has not happened in recent years, is that we kept our two loanees, so their is consistency in the team. We needed a bit more strength in midfield, bit more up front and a winger. And we got those. The extra centre back was initially a surprise. Most of the new players have played at, or directly come from, league 1 so that is a positive sign. Blissett looks a handful, and Ryan Taylor has a decent pedigree at this level. Sarcevic if he can get fit and work with Carey could be very interesting. Or it may simply not work out, they like other midfield combinations the whole is less than the parts. Sokolik at the back we need to give time, but he has looked a bit shaky so far in an area where previous we were rock solid. Matt Kennedy is 22 which is a bit old for a loanee, but he has played much higher, so maybe he is the bit of the puzzle we have been missing.
In terms of the losses it could have been worse, Purrington is a blow, but at least Carey, Threlkeld, Songoo and Bradley have stayed. It is good Rooney has a chance of more first team football. Either he'll come back from Hartlepool having bagged a load, or will be on his way out next year. Goodwillie clearly raises issues and I do not think it is right to discuss this in football terms. Osbourne for whatever reason did not work out, he was probably one of our higher earners, so him moving is probably right for him and us.
The other thing is that this month has brought in money that might help keep key players for next year. So overall a step in the right direction, rather than a head over heels moment. How was it for you?
