Signings (or lack of )

Now before any one is thinking I'm having a go at the club by my thoughts here I'm not.

I'm just sat here thinking to myself about our summer transfer activity and how Russell Slade was bought in to take our recruitment and overall drive of the club forward or should I say the next level (John fentys words not mine ) but I cant help but think it's all been a bit of an anti climax or damp squid whatever you want to call it.

We sold Bogle for around a million quid and with the season week or so away we genuinely have no replacement bought in to replace our main striker, now I'm not saying we should blow cash on a player but what I am saying is genuinely were is our "striker" which will replace him ?

We made the management change to push out club forward and show ambition this season as again John fenty said on paper he wants a top end finish and he felt bignot was not going to deliver that , well hang on a minute selling Bogle and chancing your luck on trialists with days away from the start of the season is not exactly showing intent or supporting the manager with funds needed to deliver the finish fenty wants at the end of the season.

I'm genuinely not sure what to think ATM we have bought in a few young lads in on frees from clubs and taken a chance , we have some still on trial which is normal practice but were is this Bogle money or at least a part of it being invested in another bogle or to strengthen us for the present to really improve on last season.

I don't know if it's John not making money available for a player or if Russell hasn't found anyone but again the whole reason for the management change was to kick on but I can't help but feel a little short changed .

I am not having a go like I said but I really am struggling to see what we are really trying to do as getting some trialist here and hoping he has something is all well and good but come on let's face it we need some real quality and fast if we are going to get what the man himself said he wanted and that's a playoff finish.

It could be that clubs, players and agents know we have some of the Bogle money left and are making over the top demands? It could also be we aren't offering enough to our top target.

Having said that I too am concerned that we currently have 4 defenders meaning we need at least 3 defensive additions with the season starting in 2 weeks! Far from ideal when we have had our week away bonding.

Still time of course and RS must be as frustrated as any fan

Why would slade be looking to sign a player to replace bogle. Russ has never worked with or knows anything about him as he had already left before the manager joined.

Slade is building quite a good, positive team here and the fact that we havent filled the number 9 shirt yet suggests he isnt finshed in the striking department yet. There are some of his targets i.e maynard that have moved elsewhere so he has been knocked back a few times but that shows we are looking for quality rather than bringing in for numbers.

Regarding having or not having the squad complete before now i dont think other than mansfield any other team in league two have completed their business yet and that is why the window is open till August 31st.

If youve seen half of the pre-season games so far you will see we have nothing to panic about.
Move on

Quoted from Stew0_0

Regarding having or not having the squad complete before now i dont think other than mansfield any other team in league two have completed their business yet and that is why the window is open till August 31st.

Maybe there are teams still looking to bring players in but I would very much doubt there are any teams in League 2 that only have 4 defenders on the books and no left back ....

Pretty sure we spent a chunk of the Bogle money during the transfer window on ....Jones, Osbourne, Clement, Yussuf, Gunning, didnt we? (Maybe even some more that arent immediately springing to mind)...also we have signed 6 players under RS....including Dembele and Cardwell who are attacking options, Cardwell looking promising so far regards replacing Bogles goals.

So ....no lack of signings in reality JB.

damp squid,

It's a squib (just saying)

I mean, all squids are damp.

Would be nice to have a left back before the season starts though

Two nights ago Graham Rodger was at Notts County watching the Walker kid play for Forest against County.

The number 9 shirt is still vacant.

I am not panicking about a striker at all. The fact we have signed a striker this week in Cardwell and still haven't designated the 9, leaves me with no doubt that a new striker will be coming in, Walker or somebody else.

Looking at the squad that went daaan saaaaf plus McAlister there's a lot of players there. No doubt RS will need to unload some at least on loan if only to reduce the wage bill a bit.

I suspect that a fair bit of Boglecash has already been spent on signings last season and that RS will be in no hurry. He will be pleased with the performances of the strikers so far and will want to see them against more of the Barnsley type opposition. If he is going to spend my guess would be that he will wait and see first but he will have alternatives in mind.

It will be interesting to see who plays in the next game or two after Boston because he must be getting close to deciding his opening day line up.

What's the point in worrying? I'm sure management know what they are doing.

The only slight concern for me is we have 5 defenders including Keeble and about a dozen midfielders, some of whom must surely be moved on. We have quite a few strikers as well and possibly another to come. I think we need to bring in 3 or 4 players and ship a few out and we're sorted.

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Looking at the squad that went daaan saaaaf plus McAlister there's a lot of players there. No doubt RS will need to unload some at least on loan if only to reduce the wage bill a bit.

I suspect that a fair bit of Boglecash has already been spent on signings last season and that RS will be in no hurry. He will be pleased with the performances of the strikers so far and will want to see them against more of the Barnsley type opposition. If he is going to spend my guess would be that he will wait and see first but he will have alternatives in mind.

It will be interesting to see who plays in the next game or two after Boston because he must be getting close to deciding his opening day line up.

He will have his targets regarding the no 9 shirt, as it is.  it seems that the squad at the moment has plenty of pace and goals in it even if it is against lower opposition, plenty of twists and turns to come yet.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Now before any one is thinking I'm having a go at the club by my thoughts here I'm not.

I'm just sat here thinking to myself about our summer transfer activity and how Russell Slade was bought in to take our recruitment and overall drive of the club forward or should I say the next level (John fentys words not mine ) but I cant help but think it's all been a bit of an anti climax or damp squid whatever you want to call it.

We sold Bogle for around a million quid and with the season week or so away we genuinely have no replacement bought in to replace our main striker, now I'm not saying we should blow cash on a player but what I am saying is genuinely were is our "striker" which will replace him ?

We made the management change to push out club forward and show ambition this season as again John fenty said on paper he wants a top end finish and he felt bignot was not going to deliver that , well hang on a minute selling Bogle and chancing your luck on trialists with days away from the start of the season is not exactly showing intent or supporting the manager with funds needed to deliver the finish fenty wants at the end of the season.

I'm genuinely not sure what to think ATM we have bought in a few young lads in on frees from clubs and taken a chance , we have some still on trial which is normal practice but were is this Bogle money or at least a part of it being invested in another bogle or to strengthen us for the present to really improve on last season.

I don't know if it's John not making money available for a player or if Russell hasn't found anyone but again the whole reason for the management change was to kick on but I can't help but feel a little short changed .

I am not having a go like I said but I really am struggling to see what we are really trying to do as getting some trialist here and hoping he has something is all well and good but come on let's face it we need some real quality and fast if we are going to get what the man himself said he wanted and that's a playoff finish.

I think Karleigh Osbourne will sign which will give us 4 centre backs, left back is still the priority and a striker would be the cherry on top.

Is Tom Sawyer on the trip? I think he signed a pro contract at the same time as Keeble but not heard him mentioned (I don't think).

Lack of signing 6 summers signing 🤔 Pointless thread

Quoted from OllieGTFC

Lack of signing 6 summers signing 🤔 Pointless thread

Two (shall we say) 'mature' centre halves and no left back by the end of July would suggest a lack of signings in my book.

Quoted from Abdul19

I mean, all squids are damp.

Provably [url=http://theasiancookshop.co.uk/dried-squid-3269-p.asp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7azThuOa1QIVh5PtCh2WKAuWEAQYAiABEgJRDfD_BwE]untrue[/url].

With all the talk of a "Bogle replacement", are we forgetting that Sam Jones scored 7 goals in 16 games in the second half of last season after Bogle left.

He should easily be aiming for 20+ goals next season.

Quoted from Abdul19

I mean, all squids are damp.

Not if they are deep fried they are not.

Does all transfer money that comes in have to be re-spent on players? At clubs like ours, we should probably be investing in the infrastructure a bit more? Or even paying off some of those 'benign loans'.

How many backroom staff have we signed this summer?

Linked up with the Tech on the fitness side of things

Invested in the pitches at Cheap side.

Got some lovely new dugouts.

And it will soon be announced that every season ticket holder will be getting a  silver drinks flask engraved with the club crest.

Worried that we have not signed a striker for the No 9 shirt ?

Not me we have scored nearly 30 goals already,

I know some of the opposition have not been top notch,

BUT

You can only beat the team in front of you and one of them was from the championship.

I think we have a decent squad. 17 or 18 players good enough for this level, good enough to take us up? I think it'll be down to attitude and team work. It's not always the most gifted and talented individuals that win the leagues.

Quoted from Maringer

Provably [url=http://theasiancookshop.co.uk/dried-squid-3269-p.asp?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7azThuOa1QIVh5PtCh2WKAuWEAQYAiABEgJRDfD_BwE]untrue[/url].

Ooh, I stand corrected (said the man in the orthopedic shoe)!

Quoted from lukeo

I think we have a decent squad. 17 or 18 players good enough for this level, good enough to take us up? I think it'll be down to attitude and team work. It's not always the most gifted and talented individuals that win the leagues.

Slade will make sure we have a good work rate and organised,

So we will be near or in the play offs,

Even if we do not sign another striker but we will need a left back and another centre half.

Why do we need another Bogle when the club was criticised for having a quality goal scorer and playing to his strengths, which in turn meant over time we relied heavily on what he was brought into the team to do?

I'm not too fussed personally where the goals come from as long as we are at the business  end of the table.

As for spending the transfer profits, I think Slade wants to reduce the overall number to ensure a closer group where all are involved, and would rather that than 10 pros with long faces bringing the place down.

A left back, another centre back, and maybe anither striker. No panic , if we can't get there are still loans.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Slade will make sure we have a good work rate and organised,

So we will be near or in the play offs,

Even if we do not sign another striker but we will need a left back and another centre half.

Pete's not a million miles away IMHO if we get to the Jan window doing o.k.by being organised add a bit more talent then who knows ?

Just heard on Radio Humberside that we are in negotiations with Paul Dixon but he does have offers from other clubs

Slade was very positive in his view of Dixon and it was clear he would like to sign him.
He may have other offers    but the fact he has spent the last couple of weeks  here must put Town in pole position.
Havnt seen him myself  but his pedigree is decent and the general consensus is he is a solid defender.

Would be decent signing if happens. I'm actually quite pleased and relaxed of how Slade is carrying out his business.

All good things comes to those who wait type attitude.

In Slade and Wilko we trust UTFM

The Bogle money was always only going to be used to keep the bank manager happy . That's the reality facing a L2 club . We're not going to start splashing out on players we can't afford and anyone who thinks we should , should donate their bank account to gtfc and see how they feel . Any big sales we make guarantees gtfcs future for a few more years and I'm happy with that .

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

The Bogle money was always only going to be used to keep the bank manager happy . That's the reality facing a L2 club . We're not going to start splashing out on players we can't afford and anyone who thinks we should , should donate their bank account to gtfc and see how they feel . Any big sales we make guarantees gtfcs future for a few more years and I'm happy with that .

Agree 100%

Quoted from moosey_club

Pretty sure we spent a chunk of the Bogle money during the transfer window on ....Jones, Osbourne, Clement, Yussuf, Gunning, didnt we? (Maybe even some more that arent immediately springing to mind)...also we have signed 6 players under RS....including Dembele and Cardwell who are attacking options, Cardwell looking promising so far regards replacing Bogles goals.

So ....no lack of signings in reality JB.

Maxwell's wages as well. More of the Bogle money was frittered away on wages for player's who didnt play (or who came in and the players they replaced didnt leave so we had to pay two sets of wages) than should have been the case that's for sure

Is there a January window this season?

Forget the million pounds it as long gone. Remember how we all praised Bignot for getting so many players in?? You don't do that with fresh air even just paying their wages. We had a big squad, too big that must have cost a fortune. Bigclot was high maintenance no doubt about that. Add to that the other costs of breaking contracts to get rid of staff everyday running costs and settling any existing debt payments you soon loose a million. No doubt this will be revealed in the clubs annual statement.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Now before any one is thinking I'm having a go at the club by my thoughts here I'm not.

I'm just sat here thinking to myself about our summer transfer activity and how Russell Slade was bought in to take our recruitment and overall drive of the club forward or should I say the next level (John fentys words not mine ) but I cant help but think it's all been a bit of an anti climax or damp squid whatever you want to call it.

We sold Bogle for around a million quid and with the season week or so away we genuinely have no replacement bought in to replace our main striker, now I'm not saying we should blow cash on a player but what I am saying is genuinely were is our "striker" which will replace him ?

We made the management change to push out club forward and show ambition this season as again John fenty said on paper he wants a top end finish and he felt bignot was not going to deliver that , well hang on a minute selling Bogle and chancing your luck on trialists with days away from the start of the season is not exactly showing intent or supporting the manager with funds needed to deliver the finish fenty wants at the end of the season.

I'm genuinely not sure what to think ATM we have bought in a few young lads in on frees from clubs and taken a chance , we have some still on trial which is normal practice but were is this Bogle money or at least a part of it being invested in another bogle or to strengthen us for the present to really improve on last season.

I don't know if it's John not making money available for a player or if Russell hasn't found anyone but again the whole reason for the management change was to kick on but I can't help but feel a little short changed .

I am not having a go like I said but I really am struggling to see what we are really trying to do as getting some trialist here and hoping he has something is all well and good but come on let's face it we need some real quality and fast if we are going to get what the man himself said he wanted and that's a playoff finish.

Do  you honestly believe we still have any of Boggles money left ????

Have a read of this, I'm not moaning or having a dig at gtfc but this is how clubs like ours should react to a sale of a top player. Be as open and honest as possible giving the fans an idea of what will happen with the money.  
https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk.....le-of-ollie-watkins/

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

Do  you honestly believe we still have any of Boggles money left ????

£100K to Solihull Moors-£100K to Gateshead -massive wage bill-don't think we got anywhere near a million-a lot of add-ons which haven't materialised-a lot extra spent on backroom staff-Slade given a limited budget-several players he wanted wouldn't accept "terms" offered.  = Bogle money nearly gone=done the best he can-late signings expected hopefully

Quoted from golfer

£100K to Solihull Moors-£100K to Gateshead -massive wage bill-don't think we got anywhere near a million-a lot of add-ons which haven't materialised-a lot extra spent on backroom staff-Slade given a limited budget-several players he wanted wouldn't accept "terms" offered.  = Bogle money nearly gone=done the best he can-late signings expected hopefully

They'll be some Bogle money left not loads but some, don't forget while we did have a big squad after January people where still coming to games and buying stuff in the shop etc...the club didn't stop taking money through the regular channels. I doubt we where taking less money than we where spending plus we would have got more TV income than the last 6 seasons not millions but a slice. If the balance sheet was less than last year I'd be amazed and we would have certainly been banging the season ticket drum louder.

Not sure what people expect really, in reality we are a small club in a relatively small Town. We finished around mid table last season after too long in non league. Gates last season where at time decent and other time disappointing and we had no bonus from TV cup run income too add to the coffers.

Yes we have a management team that is respected in the game but in essence we are like most teams at our level we sign players who have spent their careers in the lower leagues and hope they hit some decent form as part of a fit, organised and gelled team. Some do some don't if most do your i with a chance.

I actually believe that in reality there is no such thing as "a signing that makes the hair on the back of you neck stand up" at our level anymore as "well known" players don't tend to come down the divisions to play anymore as hey earn enough in the higher leagues.

Russ has done with what he has brought in o.k. and is clearly using evolution rather than revolution to move us forward which as was proved last season under Bignot has to be the way.

  .

Quoted from toontown

Maxwell's wages as well. More of the Bogle money was frittered away on wages for player's who didnt play (or who came in and the players they replaced didnt leave so we had to pay two sets of wages) than should have been the case that's for sure

Haha,,,i knew there was someone else ...cheers...


mind you i wish you hadnt reminded me now  

Its interesting how it looks like Exeter have sold a few players for fees in the last few years

Pathetic thread by someone who clearly is bored and just decides that 6 decent signings and a handful of trialists in a team who are unbeaten in preseason and actually look good isn't good enough for him so kick-starts the doom and gloom brigade, jog on your boring.

I'd be surprised if we didn't sign Karleigh Osborne who sounds decent from reports and is a bit of a beast which would compliment Collins and/or Clarke well. I'd also be surprised if we didn't sign at least one of Mustoe or Dixon so we'll get a left back. Would love to see Robinson signed as well for a bit more power and pace going forward but think that boat has sailed now.

Quoted from newarkmariner

Pathetic thread by someone who clearly is bored and just decides that 6 decent signings and a handful of trialists in a team who are unbeaten in preseason and actually look good isn't good enough for him so kick-starts the doom and gloom brigade, jog on your boring.

If you actually read it and engaged a brain cell you would see I wasn't having a go  

Not really worried at this point as it's hard to gauge where we are up to in terms of overall squad quality until there's a chance to make a comparison with other L2 rivals. I'd probably feel a bit more relaxed if we had at least one left back of good quality and at least one more centre back, plus a quality striker - as many have pointed out, but it's obviously a work in progress and there's every chance that the squad might contain 4 or 5 different players by the new year compared to that that which starts the season. Obviously, a poor start would provoke concern, but every reason to be optimistic of at least holding our own I think.

I'm generally more at ease with Slade in charge than I would be if it was Bignot, or even Hurst.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

They'll be some Bogle money left not loads but some, don't forget while we did have a big squad after January people where still coming to games and buying stuff in the shop etc...the club didn't stop taking money through the regular channels. I doubt we where taking less money than we where spending plus we would have got more TV income than the last 6 seasons not millions but a slice. If the balance sheet was less than last year I'd be amazed and we would have certainly been banging the season ticket drum louder.
  .

The accounts should be out soon. Will be interesting to see how much of a jump we've had from 2016.

Quoted from chaos33

Not really worried at this point as it's hard to gauge where we are up to in terms of overall squad quality until there's a chance to make a comparison with other L2 rivals. I'd probably feel a bit more relaxed if we had at least one left back of good quality and at least one more centre back, plus a quality striker - as many have pointed out, but it's obviously a work in progress and there's every chance that the squad might contain 4 or 5 different players by the new year compared to that that which starts the season. Obviously, a poor start would provoke concern, but every reason to be optimistic of at least holding our own I think.

I'm generally more at ease with Slade in charge than I would be if it was Bignot, or even Hurst.

Has this man found another club yet?

Quoted from newarkmariner

Pathetic thread by someone who clearly is bored and just decides that 6 decent signings and a handful of trialists in a team who are unbeaten in preseason and actually look good isn't good enough for him so kick-starts the doom and gloom brigade, jog on your boring.

We have no idea how good or decent they are until we have seen them play a few League 2 games.  

Quoted from arryarryarry

We have no idea how good or decent they are until we have seen them play a few League 2 games.  

Same go`s for all the other teams in League 2, pre season talk and results are just pie in the sky till the real stuff starts

Quoted from Garth

Same go`s for all the other teams in League 2, pre season talk and results are just pie in the sky till the real stuff starts

Exactly.