- Print Topic - Archive

I get the point...

In an ideal world you would have a proven striker, or a player in any position, who is desperate to play for Town.  Be of an ideal age, good character and be more than happy to uproot his family to come here for probably average wages at this level.

Alas...

Anyone proven at this level gets a move higher up the ladder and with that more money (or in the case of someone like Paul Mullin a mega money move to any level), therefore largely putting them out of our reach.  In the unlikely event that there's a club at this level that have a surplus of proven players, they're not really likely to let them come to a rival are they?  I'm thinking a club like Bradford, they've got a glut of strikers who could potentially strengthen our frontline.  But they're only 9 points ahead of us in the table, having played a game more.  Having taken them close earlier in the season at BP, Mark Hughes might well see us as a potential threat so he'll be buggered if he's going to boost our options.

That leaves exploiting the leagues below which a) takes away the proven element of the wish and b) every fornicator is trying to do this which is why you're seeing clubs shell out a fortune on non-league strikers with a decent season behind them.

The only other option, really, is to bring in someone from the higher levels who is unproven.  Unfortunately they do come in incredibly green and raw.

I'm disappointed Hurst didn't address the lack of striking options earlier.  I think he needs to accept that he's not going to find the perfect option, he'll have to give way on something.  But I also think it's a bloody hard ask to find someone who's going to give us what we need.

If we're talking predictions.

I reckon Maguire-Drew leaves in the window to [insert South-East side in League Two/Conference].

This isn't based on any intel at all, purely a prediction.

Quoted from diehardmariner

If we're talking predictions.

I reckon Maguire-Drew leaves in the window to [insert South-East side in League Two/Conference].

This isn't based on any intel at all, purely a prediction.

I agree with you. I think JMD will go, Hurst just said he's back in training but needs to up his fitness, a repeat of what he has said about JMD many times.

Sourse prematch Accrington.

Keeping quiet in hope someone makes a big booboo and helps me climb out of relegation ;D

Quoted from DB

I agree with you. I think JMD will go, Hurst just said he's back in training but needs to up his fitness, a repeat of what he has said about JMD many times.

Sourse prematch Accrington.

Which will be a great shame. Its amazing despite our extensive checks to "ensure they are the right fit" Hurst continues to sign players who aren't fit enough, don't track back enough.

He simply isn't that type of player and it should be Hurst's job to get the best out of these mercurial players.

He seemed a good fit to me when he scored the winning goal in the play-offs.

Im quite surprised that JMD hasnt been loaned out. With no sign of starting a match here, farm him out to a lower league team for a month or two, then I can also see him leaving in January.

Yes he will forever go down in the annals of GTFC history, but only because he was in the right place at the right time. Sadly that doesnt mean he is a player worthy of a regular starting position in the League.

edit: had to edit as I had spelt annals incorrectly!!!

I would like to see JMD start more games, particularly at home, forget the tracking back that’s why you have players like Clifton who get everywhere. JMD has the skill to create and score goals sadly what has been missing in home matches, do we really need eleven workhorses?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Which will be a great shame. Its amazing despite our extensive checks to "ensure they are the right fit" Hurst continues to sign players who aren't fit enough, don't track back enough.

He simply isn't that type of player and it should be Hurst's job to get the best out of these mercurial players.

He seemed a good fit to me when he scored the winning goal in the play-offs.

I really like JMD but you could argue he did the job he was brought in to do last year, but it’s potentially a different challenge this year (and, realistically, not a position we were expecting to be in when he was signed almost exactly a year ago). His contract’s up at the end of the season and he’s realistically got until mid-Jan to prove he’s fit or he’s probably going to be looking at a loan & leave on a free.

Like I’ve said before, he must have the best record in the squad in terms of “goal involvements” if you want to call it that. He makes stuff happen and we all know where we’ve been lacking this season. It might end up being a decision between keeping him or Wearne, or JMD himself might push for a loan/move rather than spending six months on the bench & struggling in the summer.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Which will be a great shame. Its amazing despite our extensive checks to "ensure they are the right fit" Hurst continues to sign players who aren't fit enough, don't track back enough.

He simply isn't that type of player and it should be Hurst's job to get the best out of these mercurial players.

He seemed a good fit to me when he scored the winning goal in the play-offs.

Clearly signed for non league, and even in that league I doubt he would have got a regular 90 mins. More of an impact player when needing a goal.

Quoted from ginnywings

Clearly signed for non league, and even in that league I doubt he would have got a regular 90 mins. More of an impact player when needing a goal.

That is not the point. Whichever league we are in he keeps signing players who do not fit the profile he really wants - he wants duracell bunnies first and foremost and even a cursory look shows that JMD is not that player. Wearne will go the same way and presumably he was signed to be a league player.

I don't care what style we play but it seems daft to keep signing players to try to mould them into what you want when these types find it very difficult. It is asking too much for every player to be like Harry Clifton and just turn on their sublime skills when they are also a work horse.

I'm gonna guess that it's easier and more achievable to take a player who has technical abilities but a lower work ethic/physical attributes and install a level of graft and/or improved fitness levels on them, as opposed to taking a workhorse type and improve their technical capabilities.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That is not the point. Whichever league we are in he keeps signing players who do not fit the profile he really wants - he wants duracell bunnies first and foremost and even a cursory look shows that JMD is not that player. Wearne will go the same way and presumably he was signed to be a league player.

I don't care what style we play but it seems daft to keep signing players to try to mould them into what you want when these types find it very difficult. It is asking too much for every player to be like Harry Clifton and just turn on their sublime skills when they are also a work horse.

I take your general point but in the case of JMD I don't think it holds water. We signed him to get us out of non league, to be a player whose work rate deficiencies we could carry at that level against the park the bus type sides. And also to use as an impact player against the better sides. Which is how he was used. And it worked, just a year earlier than expected! So Hurst has used him exactly as he wanted to last season, no failure at all in the transfer.

The new level we find ourselves at changes his calculation as to how to use him though. Personally I'd rather see more of him but I don't think it was a flaw of Hurst to sign him in the first place, quite the opposite.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That is not the point. Whichever league we are in he keeps signing players who do not fit the profile he really wants - he wants duracell bunnies first and foremost and even a cursory look shows that JMD is not that player. Wearne will go the same way and presumably he was signed to be a league player.

I don't care what style we play but it seems daft to keep signing players to try to mould them into what you want when these types find it very difficult. It is asking too much for every player to be like Harry Clifton and just turn on their sublime skills when they are also a work horse.

It may not be your point, but I think it is valid one. Not all players are signed to be first choice, play every 90 mins types.

It's a squad game and some players are just squad members to be used in certain situations.

Now we have gone up a level, some will fall by the wayside. If he hadn't had another year on his contract, I doubt he would have got an extension.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Which will be a great shame. Its amazing despite our extensive checks to "ensure they are the right fit" Hurst continues to sign players who aren't fit enough, don't track back enough.

He simply isn't that type of player and it should be Hurst's job to get the best out of these mercurial players.

He seemed a good fit to me when he scored the winning goal in the play-offs.

Otis Khan of the present and Nathan Arnold from the past says you're wrong (plus the fact that he's kept Scannell on, so he obviously believes in him)

In his pre-match (Accrington) Hurst spoke of some players being similar within the squad, emphasizing that he is building a squad from which he picks a team to perform against a specific opposition. He also spoke that he has been looking for a strike for about 18 months.

As he pointed out, some of the strikers he targeted ( In leagues above us ) wouldn't be released by their clubs, other strikers offered to him by their agents were not a fit, for unmentioned reasons, for his squad.

So the likes of JMD and probably Wearne may leave in January. JS is on record as saying that we need to improve the squad every transfer window. Let's hope we get that all elusive striker and replacements for the loanees who will return to their respective clubs.

I think PH makes less mistakes in the transfer market than most managers, and when does make a mistake he gets rid sharpish
When he signed JMD I think he was fairly sure we’d be in the national league again this season and would have played a much bigger part
Bottom line is that although he makes things happen occasionally, he’s not a league two player

Quoted from diehardmariner

I'm gonna guess that it's easier and more achievable to take a player who has technical abilities but a lower work ethic/physical attributes and install a level of graft and/or improved fitness levels on them, as opposed to taking a workhorse type and improve their technical capabilities.

In JMD case it’s not just fitness or work rate which can be instilled he is also just slow when he tries to track back he is running in treacle . I don’t think you can give people pace anymore then you can give them skill.

Quoted from forza ivano

Otis Khan of the present and Nathan Arnold from the past says you're wrong (plus the fact that he's kept Scannell on, so he obviously believes in him)

i asked on another thread the other day if Scannell was anywhere near fitness and making it into the matchday squad

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

i asked on another thread the other day if Scannell was anywhere near fitness and making it into the matchday squad

Having Scannell back would be like a new signing...etc etc etc...

We are a decent striker away from having a chance to get near the playoffs or if not, I feel we may be looking over our shoulder and potentially drawn into a relegation battle... It's as simple as that and Hurst has a big challenge in the next window to get it right (alongside the board making funds available).

I would like to think someone like Dallas is on our radar, but who knows.
If Solihull still want the money they quoted in the summer (what I heard), then it wont happen.

One thing I hope doesn't happen, is that he goes for another youngster from reserve level and doesn't give them a chance (ie Richardson).

In the summer, I said that we wouldn't of been stupid to take a punt on Joe Nuttall from Scunthorpe and based on him already scoring 9 in a very poor Scunthorpe side, that might of worked out well. Who knows.

Lets see what it brings.

Now we have a Head of Recruitment we might find a decent striker in January.

Let's hope so. ;D

Quoted from grimsby pete

Now we have a Head of Recruitment we might find a decent striker in January.

Let's hope so. ;D

If the unions get their way there’s gonna be loads on the run up to Christmas

Quoted from wiggers

Billy Waters and Harry Smith on my wish list. Think we need another wide player also. Would like to see all young loans head back to their clubs and Hurst sign established lower league players instead.

I wonder how accurate this is, £1,500 a week according to this: https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/barrow/

Grimsby Towns apparently: https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/grimsby-town/

If it is correct, I guess the likes of the loan players including McAtee, Pepple and Simmonds are subsidised by the parent clubs, as I can't imagine us paying those full salaries in this league, but who knows, gates are up.

Hurst says, in his pre-match chat with Matt Dean, that “a couple of loan players might go back, their clubs might call them back or the players might want to go back” in January. Personally wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar situation to last year where Revan, Bapaga, Towler and Hunt all went back and were replaced with more experienced players.

Elsewhere, Tshimanga to Stockport rumoured to be on the cards.

Yeah agreed, bapaga for example, once he found his feet was in the side quite often and won pens and got some goals and assists, but he still got sent back in Jan. Towler did brilliantly and was recalled I believe. Hunt was taken back by Sheffield wed to get him in league 2. Revan was out of his depth and went back.

I think pepple, Richardson and simmonds are likely to go if we think we are in with a chance of signing a couple of more experienced forwards.

I like Richardson, clever feet. I'd like to see him, Clifton, mcatee with kiernan

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

I wonder how accurate this is, £1,500 a week according to this: https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/barrow/

Grimsby Towns apparently: https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/grimsby-town/

If it is correct, I guess the likes of the loan players including McAtee, Pepple and Simmonds are subsidised by the parent clubs, as I can't imagine us paying those full salaries in this league, but who knows, gates are up.

I don't see how a website would know all this, so not sure it is true, but if it was, what I would be concerned about is that our top 6 earners are all defenders (taking away the top 3 as they are not our players).

Screams that we need to recruit at least one top quality attacking player in January.

Our new Head of Recruitment Analysis was taking in King's Lynn v Stevenage today in the FA Cup Second Round.

Maybe he’s had an email about Luke Norris? 👀

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Our new Head of Recruitment Analysis was taking in King's Lynn v Stevenage today in the FA Cup Second Round.

bit of a coincidence , coz someone at the match was talking about us possibly being interested in their big lanky centre forward, who knows Hurst somehow(?). I presume they're talking about Gold Omotoyo

Quoted from forza ivano

bit of a coincidence , coz someone at the match was talking about us possibly being interested in their big lanky centre forward, who knows Hurst somehow(?). I presume they're talking about Gold Omotoyo

Hurst embraced Omotoyo at the end of our game at their place last season. He's scored a few goals for them this season but I don't think he's league standard having seen him quite a bit.

There are some gems at that level, like Langstaff who Notts County signed in the summer but I don't think any of the King's Lynn team are players we would take a punt on.

Looking forward to the Going for Gold headlines in the transfer gossip columns.

You're playing catch up.

Quoted from Abdul19

Looking forward to the Going for Gold headlines in the transfer gossip columns.

You're playing catch up.

The heat is on. The time is right.
It’s up to you to play your game

(Or something like that!)

Vadine Oliver has only started 3 games since joining Bradford. Andy Cook's form has left him on the bench. He ticks alot of boxes.

Quoted from forza ivano

bit of a coincidence , coz someone at the match was talking about us possibly being interested in their big lanky centre forward, who knows Hurst somehow(?). I presume they're talking about Gold Omotoyo

Lots of links to Omotoyo after his performance and the Hurst embrace at the end of the game.

But I wonder if the Head of Recruitment was looking at someone who Hurst got a brief look at quite recently, Stevenage's Jamie Reid.

Slightly fallen out of the starting line-up in the league of late and Evans will no doubt want to boost his options/shuffle his pack a little in January, even more so with a bit of a windfall coming from their cup run which will no doubt see them getting some TV money from their trip to Aston Villa in the New Year.

Pure speculation but the Cambridge striker that scored on Saturday.

John Bostock still without a club and currently training with Notts County...

Don't know anything about him but looks like he would've been with Palace at the same time as Scanz so i'd say it's a dead cert

He's a holding midfielder who has never lived up to his early hype.

If ever there was a position where I felt confident we won't be looking to strengthen in the window, it's probably this one.

Bennett to finally sign?

Have a mate that supports welling and reckons ade azeez is being watched by clubs in the conference premier / Vanarama premiership and league 2

Putting 2 and 2 together means I’ve not one clue if that’s town!

What about having a look at Pollock at Boston?
15 this season with a bang average team in that league.
Hat trick today.

Quoted from TAGG

What about having a look at Pollock at Boston?
15 this season with a bang average team in that league.
Hat trick today.

Agent Shaun is on the case

Looking through the squad I think most of us would be really happy with the situation with the goalkeepers, defence and central midfield.

Max and Pardington

Efete / Cropper
Glennon / Amos
Maher / Waterfall / Smith

Green / Holohan / Morris / Clifton / Hunt* / Khouri

After this we start to get very thin and it’s glaringly obvious where we need to be looking.

Wingers - Khan. Include Clifton again here.

Centre forwards - McAtee and Taylor.

Kiernan’s loan is up.

I think it would be fair to say Orsi and JMD are not in Hurst’s plans. Pepple, Richardson and Simmonds make up the numbers but they haven’t really proved much.

The Orsi situation seems odd to me, I can only guess he hasn’t impressed in training. He rarely gets on to the pitch to show why he shouldn’t get more chances.

Hunt is another odd one. I was quite vocal about not being bothered whether he came back at the time. I think he’s a good player but I thought it was a move for a position we didn’t need. He had a run of three games in September where he completed 90 mins but we managed a single point. Since then we’ve barely seen him. I wouldn’t want him to and don’t think he will leave this window but it seems he’s got one foot in the JMD club atm.

On the plus side, we have got together 75% of a decent League Two squad in 6 months. We are desperate for two good players in the wing and centre forward positions though aren’t we (not earth shattering news, I know).

Scott Pollock, attacking midfielder, aged 21 at Boston United - 13 goals in 19 appearances inc hat-trick on Saturday, 15 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions.

Maybe too much of a jump huh?

As for National League - top scorers, could do with a striker who scores regular in League Two - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/national-league/top-scorers

Top 25 scorers in League Two, not a Grimsby player in sight.... McAtee flying the nest....time to sign a striker? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/league-two/top-scorers

"We aint got no facking money! Look, we doing the best we can, if ya don't like it, don't fackin come!"

As well as improving our striking options I feel we need to be introducing more creativity in our midfield and get a wide player who can also add goals and some more physicality up front.

Surprised to see one poster yesterday suggesting we need a new left back as I feel the defence is one area that is pretty decent although if Bennett suddenly changed his mind I would be happy to have him on board.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

As well as improving our striking options I feel we need to be introducing more creativity in our midfield and get a wide player who can also add goals and some more physicality up front.

Surprised to see one poster yesterday suggesting we need a new left back as I feel the defence is one area that is pretty decent although if Bennett suddenly changed his mind I would be happy to have him on board.

We’ve got a creative midfielder (Hunt) who we paid money for (unusual) who doesn’t even get on as sub.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

We’ve got a creative midfielder (Hunt) who we paid money for (unusual) who doesn’t even get on as sub.

Whats he created when he’s played? When he has started, i think he’s been dissapointing

Quoted from Hagrid

Whats he created when he’s played? When he has started, i think he’s been dissapointing

I agree with you, he's certainly not the same as when he came on loan last year.

Quoted from Hagrid

Whats he created when he’s played? When he has started, i think he’s been dissapointing

I didn’t suggest he had. Hurst made a point of saying he had chased his signature, we gave him a three year deal and he’s been warming the bench for the last month. Odd.

Most of Hunt's success came from linking up with McAtee last season and he's not played a single minute with him yet this season. Get the two of them on the pitch together and they might both start producing?

Quoted from Chrisblor

Most of Hunt's success came from linking up with McAtee last season and he's not played a single minute with him yet this season. Get the two of them on the pitch together and they might both start producing?

Watched him play about 12 minutes for Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano in pre season. Passes being pinged around and players moving into 'pockets'. ' He stitches moves together when the ball is on the deck and strikes the ball well. Problem is, our midfield is a game of head tennis and a physical battle much of the time.

I am still surprised that he has had so little chance since Morris lost form and confidence.

Quoted from Croxton

Watched him play about 12 minutes for Wednesday against Rayo Vallecano in pre season. Passes being pinged around and players moving into 'pockets'. ' He stitches moves together when the ball is on the deck and strikes the ball well. Problem is, our midfield is a game of head tennis and a physical battle much of the time.

I am still surprised that he has had so little chance since Morris lost form and confidence.

I’m a big fan of Hunt but I’m now thinking that we haven’t got the players with the movement to make the most of his passing. I often say it but our off the ball movement is woeful and is possibly the reason we now seem to be picking more attritional midfielders.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I’m a big fan of Hunt but I’m now thinking that we haven’t got the players with the movement to make the most of his passing. I often say it but our off the ball movement is woeful and is possibly the reason we now seem to be picking more attritional midfielders.

Hunt is still a young player putting him in for a couple of starts does him no favours, give him a run of 6+ games and you’ll see he’ll make a difference, I’m amazed he didn’t get thrown on yesterday.

The problem we have here is that it looks like Hurst sees Holohan and Clifton as undroppable which I’m not sure is right, both have been decent this season, neither have the passing ability and skill with the dead ball Hunt has.

We arguably have the strongest mid field we’ve had in ages, yesterday that’s not why the game was lost but if selection was right that’s where it and others should be won.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Hunt is still a young player putting him in for a couple of starts does him no favours, give him a run of 6+ games and you’ll see he’ll make a difference, I’m amazed he didn’t get thrown on yesterday.

The problem we have here is that it looks like Hurst sees Holohan and Clifton as undroppable which I’m not sure is right, both have been decent this season, neither have the passing ability and skill with the dead ball Hunt has.

We arguably have the strongest mid field we’ve had in ages, yesterday that’s not why the game was lost but if selection was right that’s where it and others should be won.

My point is that Hurst doesn’t trust his forwards to score so picks the midfielders who are more likely to score than those who are more likely to create.

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

Scott Pollock, attacking midfielder, aged 21 at Boston United - 13 goals in 19 appearances inc hat-trick on Saturday, 15 goals in 23 appearances in all competitions.

Maybe too much of a jump huh?

As for National League - top scorers, could do with a striker who scores regular in League Two - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/national-league/top-scorers

Top 25 scorers in League Two, not a Grimsby player in sight.... McAtee flying the nest....time to sign a striker? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/league-two/top-scorers

"We aint got no facking money! Look, we doing the best we can, if ya don't like it, don't fackin come!"

Scott Pollock is definitely on our radar

Quoted from MuddyWaters

My point is that Hurst doesn’t trust his forwards to score so picks the midfielders who are more likely to score than those who are more likely to create.

It's a bit of a conundrum in that we don't seem to create enough actual chances for any striker to score.

Nearly all of our better play is from too deep so I don't think the answer is just to get one or two league 2 quality strikers in, as welcome as that would be but also a change of mindset to be more attacking in the first place. Its all right "defending as a team" but there is no one in advanced positions when we win the ball.

It is a bit of a test this for Hurst who often seems to eventually hit on the right formula in the end, but it would be nice for an upturn in form before the new year.

Quoted from Surrey97

Scott Pollock is definitely on our radar

It might be when location works in our favour for once.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

It's a bit of a conundrum in that we don't seem to create enough actual chances for any striker to score.

Nearly all of our better play is from too deep so I don't think the answer is just to get one or two league 2 quality strikers in, as welcome as that would be but also a change of mindset to be more attacking in the first place. Its all right "defending as a team" but there is no one in advanced positions when we win the ball.

It is a bit of a test this for Hurst who often seems to eventually hit on the right formula in the end, but it would be nice for an upturn in form before the new year.

Without name dropping, I’m friends with a former Premier League midfielder who has often told me that really good midfielders need really good movements in front of them, either to receive the ball or to create space for runners. If you watched Giroud yesterday, his movement arguably created all three French goals.

This is our problem. There’s no guile about us without Taylor and very little off the ball movement. That’s why our passing is so pedestrian at times.

Just pointing out that I mentioned Scott Pollock on 25th October in a different thread, so unless anyone else can find earlier evidence then I'm having at least some share of that one. 8)

https://forum.thefishy.co.uk/Blah.pl?m-1666620233/highlight-Pollock/id-1601757#id1601757

You've enquired about Tom Hopper apparently.
Doesn't start for us, plays a bit part but is club captain.

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

You've enquired about Tom Hopper apparently.
Doesn't start for us, plays a bit part but is club captain.

be a fee involved in that i'd imagine

Quoted from Hagrid

be a fee involved in that i'd imagine

We paid 150k nearly 3 years ago - Can't imagine it would be much. Might be a loan anyway I was told - Wage would be the issue I would imagine.

What’s going on with Vernam? Return was rumoured to have fallen through last minute in the summer when one of your other wingers did/didn’t go to Wigan, or something along those lines.

I'd definitely have Tom Hopper here. Perhaps the Lincoln fans can enlighten us but I seem to remember him being a player in the Taylor mould. Fairly clever, holds the ball up, brings others into play, etc. Bit more mobile than Taylor too, I'd imagine. Has played the vast majority of his career in L1.

Hopper has already done Boston, Scunny and Lincoln, so saving the best 'til last hopefully.

He'd be an excellent replacement for Taylor and a good age too.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Most of Hunt's success came from linking up with McAtee last season and he's not played a single minute with him yet this season. Get the two of them on the pitch together and they might both start producing?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Without name dropping, I’m friends with a former Premier League midfielder who has often told me that really good midfielders need really good movements in front of them, either to receive the ball or to create space for runners. If you watched Giroud yesterday, his movement arguably created all three French goals.

This is our problem. There’s no guile about us without Taylor and very little off the ball movement. That’s why our passing is so pedestrian at times.

These.  In bucket loads.

It was also with McAtee having that free role, which he isn't playing at the minute.  I'd also add to that he had Bagapa and Sousa stretching teams from wide too, playing them in behind and across the lines.

Hunt's technically excellent, the problem is the rest of the team don't make the runs that he needs for him to make use of his vision and passing range.  He's not slow and has quick feet too, in the absence of someone to take advantage of what he can offer I wouldn't mind seeing him trying to do that advanced midfield role, buzzing in and around the striker(s).

Clifton, Green and Holohan will all run beyond the frontman, but their runs are relatively straight and predictable.  They need someone who brings them into play from a central point, as opposed to someone picking their runs out.  Frustratingly last season we lacked these runners, whereas this season we lack the thing we had last.

There's so many things missing from our attacking output at the minute, but I think a central point, i.e. Taylor Mk II, changes that.  That allows McAtee to drop into his favoured position, which in turn allows eye of the needle passing from Hunt and it also gives a focal point for the central runners.  I'd also argue it would allow Khan and Kiernan to stretch teams a bit more as they've the options of going long and wide or short and inside.

What's Tony Rees up to these days, anyone?

Quoted from Son of Cod

I'd definitely have Tom Hopper here. Perhaps the Lincoln fans can enlighten us but I seem to remember him being a player in the Taylor mould. Fairly clever, holds the ball up, brings others into play, etc. Bit more mobile than Taylor too, I'd imagine. Has played the vast majority of his career in L1.

He is a good player, works hard and is definitely more than a goal scorer, unselfish and must be good to play with - Also chips in with goals - Relatively mobile but a good focal point for an attack - I feel he is finding it harder at L1 but then there are a lot of good players and clubs that have splashed some dollar, so maybe I am being unfair - He doesn't start much but that is due to Jack Diamond offering more really.

Quoted from ska face

What’s going on with Vernam? Return was rumoured to have fallen through last minute in the summer when one of your other wingers did/didn’t go to Wigan, or something along those lines.

He is just a squad player, when all are fit he doesn't start - We have had some injuries so recently he has started more but they are coming back so I would expect he will drop to the bench again.

Was trying to think how I knew the name Tom Hopper then it clicked...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-32950519

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

He is a good player, works hard and is definitely more than a goal scorer, unselfish and must be good to play with - Also chips in with goals - Relatively mobile but a good focal point for an attack - I feel he is finding it harder at L1 but then there are a lot of good players and clubs that have splashed some dollar, so maybe I am being unfair - He doesn't start much but that is due to Jack Diamond offering more really.

On paper, he's the exact striker we are crying out for. Taylor but younger, fitter, more mobile and more of a goal threat. Then the issue is everyone, and I mean everyone will be in for him. Maybe location can work in our favour here? But if we offer say 1.5k a week and Salford offer 4k, location becomes irrelevant.

Regarding Pollock, doesn't he also play the sort of McAtee role, ie not a natural striker? Hursty clearly thinking long term with both of these.

Hopper would be an outstanding signing, if true.

Quoted from Mariner_09

On paper, he's the exact striker we are crying out for. Taylor but younger, fitter, more mobile and more of a goal threat. Then the issue is everyone, and I mean everyone will be in for him. Maybe location can work in our favour here? But if we offer say 1.5k a week and Salford offer 4k, location becomes irrelevant.

Regarding Pollock, doesn't he also play the sort of McAtee role, ie not a natural striker? Hursty clearly thinking long term with both of these.

I had heard it was more likely to be a loan - I can see that as he is contracted I think with us until Summer 2023 - I would imagine he is on 3.5k a week with us, Captain and used to be a regular starter - I would imagine we may pay some of that depending on what we need to do in terms of freeing up wages. I really like him, you can never say definitely but I personally think he would tear it up at L2 and push you right up the table.

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

I had heard it was more likely to be a loan - I can see that as he is contracted I think with us until Summer 2023 - I would imagine he is on 3.5k a week with us, Captain and used to be a regular starter - I would imagine we may pay some of that depending on what we need to do in terms of freeing up wages. I really like him, you can never say definitely but I personally think he would tear it up at L2 and push you right up the table.

We've been saying for months, if we're a honest, that a top striker of that ilk will turn us from mid table also runs to a serious side. Maybe a loan with a view to a permanent when his contract ends in the summer. 3.5k may have to drop to 2.5k or something, naturally you'll be earning less.

Does anyone know what our top earners are on?

Quoted from Mariner_09

We've been saying for months, if we're a honest, that a top striker of that ilk will turn us from mid table also runs to a serious side. Maybe a loan with a view to a permanent when his contract ends in the summer. 3.5k may have to drop to 2.5k or something, naturally you'll be earning less.

Does anyone know what our top earners are on?

Wasn't their a thread some months ago that suggested McKeown and Hansen were on £3k per week.

According to this site Morris, Hunt and Glennon are on £2.5k per week with loan players on more.

https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/grimsby-town/

Quoted from DB

Wasn't their a thread some months ago that suggested McKeown and Hansen were on £3k per week.

According to this site Morris, Hunt and Glennon are on £2.5k per week with loan players on more.

https://salarysport.com/football/sky-bet-league-two/grimsby-town/

If that's right then paying a top striker 3.5k isn't "breaking the wage structure", strikers tend to earn more anyway.

I'd imagine Waterfall's a decent earner as well, maybe Holohan as well.

If I was Max Crocombe I'd be asking for a pay-rise ;D

Quoted from Mariner_09

If that's right then paying a top striker 3.5k isn't "breaking the wage structure", strikers tend to earn more anyway.

I'd imagine Waterfall's a decent earner as well, maybe Holohan as well.

According to them Waterfall £2k and Holohan £1.2k per week.

Apart from mcatee & he at luton they wont be anybody in our squad on 2k-3k a week , only a guess tho , but i would definatly pay tom hopper that if we could attract him here in jan window

Does anyone really think a website that lists the personal salary of every player from Man City to Thailand’s Muangthong Utd, as well as people playing in every sport from American Football to Tennis (over 50,000 individual salaries, according to them), can be given any credence? You’d be better off looking for salaries in tea leaves.

Quoted from fishcake63

Apart from mcatee & he at luton they wont be anybody in our squad on 2k-3k a week , only a guess tho , but i would definatly pay tom hopper that if we could attract him here in jan window

And give him a 2.5 year contract, he's a promotion challenging type player.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Just pointing out that I mentioned Scott Pollock on 25th October in a different thread, so unless anyone else can find earlier evidence then I'm having at least some share of that one. 8)

https://forum.thefishy.co.uk/Blah.pl?m-1666620233/highlight-Pollock/id-1601757#id1601757

Lies. You're talking pollocks

Quoted from Surrey97

Scott Pollock is definitely on our radar

Maybe I'm being a bit too Machiavellian here, but if this is true, then I find it very interesting that pearson (on our coaching staff) has gone there on loan. Will be working and playing alongside Pollock almost every day; absolutely perfect for giving Hurst N Doig the complete lowdown on him

If Hopper is right, wonder if he was a suggestion from the new scout?

Quoted from ska face

If Hopper is right, wonder if he was a suggestion from the new scout?

Be a good connection if there is one.

Hopper really is a League 1 player and he'd be a proper decent signing. Exactly the sort of player we are missing without Taylor. A real focal point.

The only reason I could see this as a possibility is, he knows he will play and he's fairly local.

Quoted from forza ivano

Maybe I'm being a bit too Machiavellian here, but if this is true, then I find it very interesting that pearson (on our coaching staff) has gone there on loan. Will be working and playing alongside Pollock almost every day; absolutely perfect for giving Hurst N Doig the complete lowdown on him

A bit like what Trent and Hendo are doing with Bellingham? ;)

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Be a good connection if there is one.

Hopper really is a League 1 player and he'd be a proper decent signing. Exactly the sort of player we are missing without Taylor. A real focal point.

The only reason I could see this as a possibility is, he knows he will play and he's fairly local.

Like someone said earlier though it will be down to money at the end of the day whether he is based in Lincoln or Exeter. Nobody is going to forgo an extra £1000 a week if they can get it.

Enquiring is one thing but whether we are prepared tp pay him what he is worth is open to debate.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Like someone said earlier though it will be down to money at the end of the day whether he is based in Lincoln or Exeter. Nobody is going to forgo an extra £1000 a week if they can get it.

Enquiring is one thing but whether we are prepared tp pay him what he is worth is open to debate.

Jase was very clear in his interview. Money is there, but we will not break the wage structure for one striker because it upsets the squad harmony and makes future negotiations an absolute nightmare.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Jase was very clear in his interview. Money is there, but we will not break the wage structure for one striker because it upsets the squad harmony and makes future negotiations an absolute nightmare.

Everyone knows a striker demands higher wages than a full back - it is what it is.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Jase was very clear in his interview. Money is there, but we will not break the wage structure for one striker because it upsets the squad harmony and makes future negotiations an absolute nightmare.

That's very clear to me too in that we won't be getting our first choice striker anytime soon!

Strikers cost money and if we don't pay it they won't be coming.

Quoted from forza ivano

Maybe I'm being a bit too Machiavellian here, but if this is true, then I find it very interesting that pearson (on our coaching staff) has gone there on loan. Will be working and playing alongside Pollock almost every day; absolutely perfect for giving Hurst N Doig the complete lowdown on him

Are you thinking he's got a range of tactics - subliminal messaging maybe? Pollock opens his locker and there's a town shirt in there, Pearson comes over and says 'sorry mate, no idea how that got in there!'. Hops in his car to go home and the sat nav is set to DN35....that sort of thing?

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

Are you thinking he's got a range of tactics - subliminal messaging maybe? Pollock opens his locker and there's a town shirt in there, Pearson comes over and says 'sorry mate, no idea how that got in there!'. Hops in his car to go home and the sat nav is set to DN35....that sort of thing?

lmfao - hadn't thought of it from that angle.

5 league clubs looking at loaning Sam Bell.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-loan-striker-january-7881459

I can't remember if he was any good whilst here. No idea if we are one of the 5.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

5 league clubs looking at loaning Sam Bell.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-loan-striker-january-7881459

I can't remember if he was any good whilst here. No idea if we are one of the 5.

He looked ok for 55 mins at Solihull, apart from that he was entirely forgettable. Wasn't at Dagenham when he scored mind.

Someone mentioned Bostock earlier, he has just signed for Notts County

Quoted from Mariner_09

He looked ok for 55 mins at Solihull, apart from that he was entirely forgettable. Wasn't at Dagenham when he scored mind.

He was quick, had a good first touch and looked to turn defenders. One of the few good things about my first and last visit to Solihull. If we don't keep Keirnan and Wearne he would slot in. Has a trick or two like Richardson and just as direct.

Quoted from Croxton

He was quick, had a good first touch and looked to turn defenders. One of the few good things about my first and last visit to Solihull. If we don't keep Keirnan and Wearne he would slot in. Has a trick or two like Richardson and just as direct.

agree Croxton. looked far more like a decent League player than what I've seen from Pepple, Richardson or simonds

JMD rumoured to be Yeovil-bound 👀

Quoted from ska face

JMD rumoured to be Yeovil-bound 👀

Just seen that on twitter, tbh ska, not surprised he's being off loaded, certainly with Scannel on his way back.

He's probably a player who is likely to do best at that level. Lots of ability with the ball at his feet and an eye for goal, but his apparent inability to do the running required in the Football League means that it's no surprise he's played most of his football in the National League.

If he goes he will leave good memories behind given his contributions to our promotion campaign.

Quoted from ska face

JMD rumoured to be Yeovil-bound 👀

https://www.ytfc.net/transfer-maguire-drew-signs-for-yeovil-town/

One month loan and then going to be permanently signed in the January window :-/

Has anybody told Hurst that he's going to sign permanently in January?

https://gtfc.co.uk/maguire-drew-join-yeovil-on-loan/

;D

A player of great ability but tracking back, or tracking back enough is not in his DNA and he seems to lack the natural fitness to do it. With our extensive checks to ensure the right fit you would have thought it would have been noticed.

Shame he has gone but on to the next one of many wide creative players who never seem to last long.

I agree. He's just not a natural athlete. Some, like Clifton, can run all day, most players can be trained up to a level where they can run enough but there will inevitably be some who aren't physically capable of doing enough running. Good for him that he's got a great deal of skill and an eye for goal, as he'll still have a decent career.

Thank you JMD for getting us promoted

Must be an agent’s stream, the bloke’s a walking highlight reel. Would be a travesty if his record at GTFC was reduced to just that winner in the PO final considering his contribution after he joined.

Very healthy 1 in 4 strike rate and must have a good few assists to his name too, but he's only managed one full season at any league 2 club he's played for, so clearly non league is where he excels.

Good luck to him. I enjoyed his brief appearances and he almost always created something whenever he got the chance.

Yeah lack of pace that's going to be even more exposed at this level where more teams are more pushed forward against us. Lack of fitness and less willingness to track back against teams attacking us. He just isn't suited to league 2 football and it can't surprise anyone he has moved on.
BUT he was great for us in NL, has real ability and an eye for goal, did the job he was recruited to do in 6 months instead of 18.
Thanks Jordan, that playoff final game will always be his highlight but he had made a real contribution plenty of times before that.
I thought he might get more of a look in this season than he has mind.

Don’t shoot the messenger, heard Ashley Nadesan is being offered around and that Town are one of a few interested 👍

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Don’t shoot the messenger, heard Ashley Nadesan is being offered around and that Town are one of a few interested 👍

Seems a Hurst sort of player, willing runner and had a good spell at Carlisle a few years back. Spoke to a fellow Carlisle fan I know well and he said that for what Nadesan lacks in quality he makes up for in work effort. Not a bad size either at 6'2. Wouldn't mind it at all.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Don’t shoot the messenger, heard Ashley Nadesan is being offered around and that Town are one of a few interested 👍

Be happy with that. Always liked him, he's a good player at this level.

Came off injured in their last game though. Is something going on at Crawley? They're selling Tom Nichols as well who I thought we might be in for.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Be happy with that. Always liked him, he's a good player at this level.

Came off injured in their last game though. Is something going on at Crawley? They're selling Tom Nichols as well who I thought we might be in for.

Paying a premium to Dom Telford so a bit of balancing the books I imagine as they aren’t tearing the league up as they thought they might, especially with the owner being involved in Crypto.

I’d be well happy with him . Very pacy , direct and a good finisher. Remember him running us ragged at Crawley a couple of years back

Nadesan is out for 8 weeks. Crawley's whole squad is on the transfer list.

Quoted from ska face

If Hopper is right, wonder if he was a suggestion from the new scout?

Heard at third hand that 3 League Two clubs are in for him, one of them us. Currently he is warming the bench so maybe that, and the fact that he was born in Lincolnshire, having played for Boston, Scunny and Lincoln, maybe we might have a chance!

January comes around the agents start taking to players that aren’t playing much about getting them more game time via a move and on the back of it some commission to help boost the agents cash flow.

Grimsby started pretty well but have drifted badly recently and are now 16th in league 2, they pay ok but not the best they are a bit geographically isolated which means either relocating (renting), a potential longer commute or working away from the family all week and staying in digs.

The lads are good lads, the training looks good but the facilities though much better are still relatively basic at best. The manager expects high standards as you’d expect but even if you sign you’re not guaranteed to play, which could be the main reason why you’re seeking a move. In fact quite often the starting 11 contains up to 7/8 of the lads who won promotion.

The manager is regarded as a decent bloke as is his team, the owners are also decent and leave the footballers to it. However this club has a long standing reputation for not look after its players and they’re reps have found them difficult to deal with or at least when Fenty was in charge, that’s changed beyond recognition but mud sticks and takes a while to wash off.

Or you could move to X club for similar money as Grimsby will pay which actually is more than you earn now but it’s closer to home the manager tells us you’ll start for sure as long as you’re fit and the Mrs isn’t going to give you hassle for not doing the school run and you’ll see your kids at bedtime. There’s a commute but it’s not a long one so you’re pre training warm up won’t be as long after being in the car for 2 hours so a bit less work to do in training and possibly a shorter day. Also they’re muting a goals bonus but that’s TBC.

Y and Z clubs both want you they’ll pay a fair bit more as they’ve been made aware (by the agent) that they both want you and we can leverage a lot more money than Grimsby and Club X can pay. It’s further away but they’ll subsidise your accommodation and it’s £500 per goal guaranteed. The last lad we played there did well, starts a lot and I’ve had calls from bigger clubs asking about him this week.

So ……

This is completely fictitious of course but before everyone gets excited thinking we’ve got a Whymark, Mendonca, Reddy, Connel or Amond etc…coming in it might be just worth considering it’s a competitive market before people start bashing the club for not fulfilling the supporters wish lists. Unlike some I know the club will do its best with what it has to improve us.

I hope I’m wrong but I suspect it will be last minute.com a fair bit of loan trading and a couple that we’ve never heard of joining to warm the bench and start odd games, of course fingers crossed alongside the lad who chooses Grimsby ahead of club X, Y and Z.

Expectations may need to be managed.

UTM!

BTW, winning the next 2 and beating Burton in the cup would help all round I think.

Seems to me a lot of excuses already being put forward as to why we will not be able to attract players but let’s face it we are not the only club in quite an isolated position and do Carlisle, Barrow or even Morcombe have bigger playing budgets than us?

Think Hurst has appeared to go for quantity rather than quality in the summer window and this needs addressing. The majority of our players are good pros and decent players for this level but we need 2 or 3 better quality, McAtee level, to move us forward. All teams at our level will have their fare share of loanees unfortunately we have 3 forwards who are just not good enough at this stage of their career and need upgrades.

Heard nothing but positive comments about Hopper from Lincoln fans but no local rumours that he’s on the move.

Apparently two L2 clubs have made bids for Ryan Bowman at Shrewsbury.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Apparently two L2 clubs have made bids for Ryan Bowman at Shrewsbury.

I seem to recall that Hurst likes him as well.

Got sent off 3 mins after coming on yesterday didn’t he?

Does fit the bill..known to Hurst, striker at tail end of career, legs gone, but does score -,wages won’t be colossal. Location though?

Seem to remember Jolley was trying to sign him a few seasons back and he went to Scotland instead?

Right, so rumoured so far we have:

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker
Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker
Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker
Couple of unknown fullbacks
Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker

Only about 100 hours to go until the pens are unleashed.

Quoted from ska face

Right, so rumoured so far we have:

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker
Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker
Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker
Couple of unknown fullbacks
Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker

Only about 100 hours to go until the pens are unleashed.

As well as Scott Pollock and Tom Hopper?

Quoted from Teesknees

As well as Scott Pollock and Tom Hopper?

Not forgetting Joe Ringpiece on another thread.

Quoted from Teesknees

As well as Scott Pollock and Tom Hopper?

Yes, sorry, good spot.

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker
Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker
Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker
Couple of unknown fullbacks
Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker
Tom Hopper - Lincoln, Striker
Scott Pollock - Boston, Winger
Nick Haughton - Fylde, Winger

Come on Brad throw it in the ring

Yeah believe we were in for him before he went to Motherwell. Been a handful against us in the past aswell.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Not forgetting Joe Ringpiece on another thread.

A case of Chinese whispers, this one. I have it on good authority that we have strong interest in Sebastian Ring’s double-barrelled brother, Joe Ring-Pearce. Could be a star for us.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Be happy with that. Always liked him, he's a good player at this level.

Came off injured in their last game though. Is something going on at Crawley? They're selling Tom Nichols as well who I thought we might be in for.

Tom Nichols has gone to Gillingham.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64109595

Quoted from DB

Tom Nichols has gone to Gillingham.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64109595

Decent singing on paper I guess, other than geography not sure what the attraction would be.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Decent singing on paper I guess, other than geography not sure what the attraction would be.

££££

Quoted from Mikey_345

££££

I would suggest you’re spot on there.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Decent singing on paper I guess, other than geography not sure what the attraction would be.

Just been taken over, and the new owners are loaded. Imagine they’ll have a full overhaul

I am told Ryan Bennett is a target for Paul Hurst in January

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

I am told Ryan Bennett is a target for Paul Hurst in January

why does it need to be January - Ryan's a free agent so he could sign tomorrow if he wanted

i fail to see Bennett signing for us, UNLESS, PH had a plan! Let him get back to fitness while training with us, then get him a loan close to Grimsby to get him match fit then Bingo, we sign him and have the best CB in League Two, yes?

Charlie Austin signs for Swindon

Quoted from Hagrid

Charlie Austin signs for Swindon

Good signing, dropped off a bit since leaving Southampton but his goals to games ratio still stands up well. He’s played there before and is from that part of the world, easy fit that one.

Isaac olaofe signs for Stockport excellent signing and showing intent early in the window 👀

Quoted from 123614

i fail to see Bennett signing for us, UNLESS, PH had a plan! Let him get back to fitness while training with us, then get him a loan close to Grimsby to get him match fit then Bingo, we sign him and have the best CB in League Two, yes?

This doesn’t make any sense.

It was written lounge in cheek, but to say it doesn't make sense is ridiculous.. He WAS training with us, he IS on loan at Boston, all he has to do now is to sign for GTFC! Makes perfect sense to me. Not saying it will happen, but your statement is crap.

Think you’re getting mixed up there. Pearson’s on loan at Boston, Bennett’s still without a club.

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

Quoted from ska face

Think you’re getting mixed up there. Pearson’s on loan at Boston, Bennett’s still without a club.

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

jeez, imagine the reaction if we did, given the quality of strikers other L2 sides have signed. Several posters would self combust

Quoted from ska face

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

Hope so.

With Lavery’s Canadian roots, him and Pepple could open up Lincolnshire’s premier Poutine pop-up.

Alan’s Poutine

Quoted from 123614

It was written lounge in cheek, but to say it doesn't make sense is ridiculous.. He WAS training with us, he IS on loan at Boston, all he has to do now is to sign for GTFC! Makes perfect sense to me. Not saying it will happen, but your statement is crap.

😂

Errr….

‘Lounge in cheek’ is good.

Both of your posts are gobbledigook.

Quoted from ska face

Think you’re getting mixed up there. Pearson’s on loan at Boston, Bennett’s still without a club.

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

I would. Plenty of league experience and a few goals. Contract to the end of the season with a year option seems like a no-brainer to me. Hurst will obviously have his own opinion about how he'd fit in but seems like a realistic option

Quoted from ska face

Yes, sorry, good spot.

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker
Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker
Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker
Couple of unknown fullbacks
Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker
Tom Hopper - Lincoln, Striker
Scott Pollock - Boston, Winger
Nick Haughton - Fylde, Winger

Spoke to haughtons agent seems he won’t be going anywhere until the summer which is a shame wouldn’t mind him as a future replacement for Mcatee

Quoted from ska face

Think you’re getting mixed up there. Pearson’s on loan at Boston, Bennett’s still without a club.

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

Indeed, old age and short term memory loss comes to the fore!

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Spoke to haughtons agent seems he won’t be going anywhere until the summer which is a shame wouldn’t mind him as a future replacement for Mcatee

Pollock is eyed as the Mcatee replacement, I very much believe this is one we’re going to land based on what I’ve heard.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Pollock is eyed as the Mcatee replacement, I very much believe this is one we’re going to land based on what I’ve heard.

Pollock lives in Northampton. Boston train in Doncaster twice a week so he only comes to Lincolnshire every other week. Big difference doing that commute a couple of evenings a week and having to do it every day or move up here.

Not saying it won't happen but it's not as simple as him being at Boston so he's local. He looks very good in a poor side but not sure he's quite a ready made replacement yet. Certainly got age on his side and is the kind of player we should be after with a view to selling if he does well.

Anybody spotted Bogle at Millfields yet??🤔🤔🤔😂

With all the shenanigans going on at Crawley, it wouldn’t surprise me if their team will be cherry picked. Someone like Aramide Oteh or even Don Telford maybe? Just taking a wild guess tbh

Quoted from monkeyboy

Jake hessentahler?

Just what we need another hard working mid fielder, that said I’d take him over Green tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/lifesprettytuff/status/1609604344483045378?t=w-SDAYBkuoOyTD9jmR0Wpg&s=08

Don't know the quality of the source, but interesting. 7 in 20 playing in the league above

Jebbison would be some signing

Quoted from forza ivano

https://twitter.com/lifesprettytuff/status/1609604344483045378?t=w-SDAYBkuoOyTD9jmR0Wpg&s=08

Don't know the quality of the source, but interesting. 7 in 20 playing in the league above

Never in a million years

If he signs, I'll show my gash in M&S front window

Come on as a sub in each of their last two games so seems very, very unlikely.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Come on as a sub in each of their last two games so seems very, very unlikely.

I have a mate that’s a Sheff United fan and says the intention for them is that he goes out on loan, however I’d be very very shocked if it’s here. The only links are that it’s local and Hurst and Heckingbottom are good friends.

Seen a few people of Twitter mention Jake Young from Bradford

They signed him in the summer on a 3 year deal from FGR but hasn't featured in the league since October. Scored 4 in 12, 6ft 1 and Bradford fans seem to really rate him. Seemingly he spoke out about being dropped and Hughes hasn't played him since.

Plenty of league experience and only 21.

PH said Scanz will get his deal extended to the end of the season but we’d see nothing before the cup game. It sounded like he knows who he’d like but their clubs will have to bring someone in before letting a player come to us.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

PH said Scanz will get his deal extended to the end of the season but we’d see nothing before the cup game. It sounded like he knows who he’d like but their clubs will have to bring someone in before letting a player come to us.

Hmm, remember hearing that all summer, and last January, and the summer of 2021. Not saying we won't sign anymore, I have faith in Hursty, but I'm getting frustrated by the same line being trotted out every window and then us signing the Pepples and Simmonds of this world late on in windows.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Hmm, remember hearing that all summer, and last January, and the summer of 2021. Not saying we won't sign anymore, I have faith in Hursty, but I'm getting frustrated by the same line being trotted out every window and then us signing the Pepples and Simmonds of this world late on in windows.

It’s not the same line though is it? All he said was that it’s unlikely anything would happen before the cup game.

Though true in terms of personal this is a very tired narrative the manager and the club will do all they can to bring in the best talent, why wouldn’t they? I get really irritated when people insinuate the opposite when they in reality don’t know the facts.

If you check out a Jason Stockwood interview with I think DN35 a few months ago he talks through that PH had a deal agreed with a striker he wanted early in the last window but their club pulled it at the 11th hour, you would assume because they didn’t have a backfill.

The January window is different to the summer one as generally players aren’t out of contract so it tends to happen a bit slower as it’s often 1 in and 1 out. I think 4 L2 clubs have brought people in early as of Friday but 2 of them at least where free agents.

ST - Beck or Jebbison; FW/AM - Pollock or Dallas

If we signed 2 of the above that would be signal of intent for pushing the play offs.

Jebbison
Khan - McAtee - Dallas

Quoted from Nutsy

ST - Beck or Jebbison; FW/AM - Pollock or Dallas

If we signed 2 of the above that would be signal of intent for pushing the play offs.

Jebbison
Khan - McAtee - Dallas

Pollock didn't do much against King's Lynn yesterday. I think people are getting a bit too excited about him. He lives in Northampton and travels to Doncaster for Boston training two evenings a week.

If Doncaster, Stevenage, Sutton, Wimbledon, Orient or Walsall are interested, you would expect them to be a more likely destination.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Pollock didn't do much against King's Lynn yesterday. I think people are getting a bit too excited about him. He lives in Northampton and travels to Doncaster for Boston training two evenings a week.

If Doncaster, Stevenage, Sutton, Wimbledon, Orient or Walsall are interested, you would expect them to be a more likely destination.

One off game for a 21 year old, who is 2nd top scorer in their league for a poor performing team is still impressive!

We have definitely taken bigger chances, on far worse prospects.

I completely agree with the location aspect again, but as has been mentioned this is always against us unless the second coming of Messi is born in NE Lincs!

Quoted from Nutsy

One off game for a 21 year old, who is 2nd top scorer in their league for a poor performing team is still impressive!

We have definitely taken bigger chances, on far worse prospects.

I completely agree with the location aspect again, but as has been mentioned this is always against us unless the second coming of Messi is born in NE Lincs!

He may move for a full time 2 year deal.

Mark Beck - Gateshead top scorer

Quoted from Nutsy

One off game for a 21 year old, who is 2nd top scorer in their league for a poor performing team is still impressive!

We have definitely taken bigger chances, on far worse prospects.

I completely agree with the location aspect again, but as has been mentioned this is always against us unless the second coming of Messi is born in NE Lincs!

I've seen plenty of Pollock for Boston this season and last season, he is a good player, particularly this season in a poor team. He's more of a 10 in the free role but doesn't play on the edge like McAtee. His close control is good and he's a calm finisher in the box but it's a big step up. Yesterday he didn't get on the ball and overhit every deep free kick.

He would be a good signing on a 2-3 year deal but I just think he will have options closer to home this month or in the summer.

Quoted from Nutsy

One off game for a 21 year old, who is 2nd top scorer in their league for a poor performing team is still impressive!

We have definitely taken bigger chances, on far worse prospects.

I completely agree with the location aspect again, but as has been mentioned this is always against us unless the second coming of Messi is born in NE Lincs!

Location is not always against us Nutsy, that's a myth. At least it is not against us more than anywhere else. In the 60 odd years I have been going we have signed players from all over the UK and abroad.

For the vast majority of players it isn't a choice between Grimsby and xxxx (insert name of favourite place in the UK) as there are relatively few clubs vying for any particular player.

There are many and varied reasons for a move, including if more than one club is in for them, money, prospects, whether they know the manager or other players, marital status etc.

Most players are not at any club for too long, they will move to progress their career. They are not going to Grimsby or anywhere else because they like say fish in our case or Northampton because they like shoes.

Wherever they move to they don't live in the worst areas, they live in the nice suburbs or surrounding villages.

Of course Location CAN play a part if they are lucky enough to have more than one offer but that applies to every club as it depends on where the player is currently based. For example if a player is based in the south, and he has offers from us and a southern team that might sway him unless we can offer him better terms. Conversely if he is based in Yorkshire or the Midlands he might choose us if other things are equal, but even then players go from one end of the country to another at the drop of a hat, say like Khan to Grimsby from London or Maguire Drew to Yeovil.

Players basically just come to play; if they want anything else they will travel to it in their down time (nightlife or whatever)

Some players will never come here, for plenty of reasons just as some would never go to Barrow or Crawley, but plenty will.

Mark Beck who plays for Darlo? No ta, surplus to requirements at Harrogate and York didn't want him in the Conference North.

Has scored against us in the league though, the big lump.

When I first saw that rumour about Jebbison I thought absolutely not a chance but been told by somebody at the club we are in for him.. you’d have to imagine a host of other L1 and L2 clubs are aswell.

There’s no way Hurst will go for Beck. He’s too old and below L2 standard by some way. Conference north his level.

Hopper on at half time for Lincoln makes that one seem a bit less realistic.

Walker (playing up top for Dagenham) looks a very tidy player. Good all round striker.

Jake Young is a name doing the rounds now. Not sure on whether it’d be a permanent on loan deal.

Spoke to my mate earlier (plays for Wrexham) told him about the gtfc rumours with Dallas and he said wasn’t interested today 1 bit was looking at the floor most of the time I have to be honest I really hope we are in for him 🤞

Jebbison on the bench today..can't see that one coming to fruition tbh.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Jebbison on the bench today..can't see that one coming to fruition tbh.

On the bench due to injuries, they’re in the market for a forward. Not saying that he’ll end up here and I very much don’t think he will but they are very much looking to let him go out and get game time 👍

Harry Boyes recalled by Sheff Utd from loan at FGR. Did well at Solihull last year & someone mentioned on here the Head of Recruitment had identified the fullbacks as an area for improvement. Is it a maybe?

Quoted from GhostDan

When I first saw that rumour about Jebbison I thought absolutely not a chance but been told by somebody at the club we are in for him.. you’d have to imagine a host of other L1 and L2 clubs are aswell.

Be very surprised if jebbison is loaned out .He is in their match day squad every week .Even if he was I think it would be a team challenging for the top of league 2 or a league 1club .But we can live in hope as he would IMO be a very good signing

Quoted from Norseman

Be very surprised if jebbison is loaned out .He is in their match day squad every week .Even if he was I think it would be a team challenging for the top of league 2 or a league 1club .But we can live in hope as he would IMO be a very good signing

He got 20 minutes today...

[url]https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64092515[/url]

Remember our new Head of Recruitment came to us from Lincoln so will have had a ready made portfolio of players, many from leagues above ours, all ready to make enquiries about.
Head of Recruitment's often have contacts who are scouts, and not just in this country. We may end up with a (insert random country here) wonderkid, but more likely it'll be a last minute loan from a team at the bottom end of league 2 who hasn't scored a goal in 4 seasons.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Remember our new Head of Recruitment came to us from Lincoln so will have had a ready made portfolio of players, many from leagues above ours, all ready to make enquiries about.
Head of Recruitment's often have contacts who are scouts, and not just in this country. We may end up with a (insert random country here) wonderkid, but more likely it'll be a last minute loan from a team at the bottom end of league 2 who hasn't scored a goal in 4 seasons.

One snippet I picked up from the recent interview with Matt Dean and Jason Stockwood was that our Head of Recruitment has lots of experience "including some interesting experience abroad" so an obscure foreign signing could well be on the cards.

Quoted from Norseman

Be very surprised if jebbison is loaned out .He is in their match day squad every week .Even if he was I think it would be a team challenging for the top of league 2 or a league 1club .But we can live in hope as he would IMO be a very good signing

Completely agree it's unlikely but that being said, surely if the aim is for him to play as many games as possible - there's more chance of that with us, than a team already doing well in L1 or L2, who you'd assume will already have fit and firing strikers.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

One snippet I picked up from the recent interview with Matt Dean and Jason Stockwood was that our Head of Recruitment has lots of experience "including some interesting experience abroad" so an obscure foreign signing could well be on the cards.

I doubt it - https://www.lawsocieties.eu/news/brexit-impact-on-football-player-transfers/6001959.article

No chance of signing him, but a player that’s just been released is Jake Jervis. Would think he would be well out of our range and could see him playing maybe league 1 if he gets a club

Just been speaking to a Sheff United fan at work, and I mentioned the rumours about Jebbison. He seemed to think it's quite likely they will loan him out. He's only getting game time at the minute because they are so low on strikers. He thinks they'll be getting a couple in, and when they do they'll loan him out.

Quoted from Roast Em Bobby

Just been speaking to a Sheff United fan at work, and I mentioned the rumours about Jebbison. He seemed to think it's quite likely they will loan him out. He's only getting game time at the minute because they are so low on strikers. He thinks they'll be getting a couple in, and when they do they'll loan him out.

If there’s any chance of seeing Jebbison at Blundell Park any time soon, he’ll be wearing a Burton Albion shirt.

Why would they loan him out to a L2 club when he's already proven that he can score goals in L1? Lincoln need a striker, that's a much more likely destination.

Not reading much into it but Fiacre Kelleher been recalled by Bradford as he was on loan at Solihull as they are viewing to sell him to another club. I remember him playing for Macclesfield - just a stab in the dark.

Boyes would be an excellent signing as was top LB in team of the year when we went up, probably on Hursts radar as I’ve been informed that Head of Recruitment is pushing for new full backs but Hurst is stubborn, only wants correct characters with the right personality through the door.

Haven’t heard any concrete news of Jebbison yet other than a few that think they have spotted a black Mercedes with his private plate? Could be pure jibberish but not heard that we are in for him myself…

Quoted from Nutsy

One off game for a 21 year old, who is 2nd top scorer in their league for a poor performing team is still impressive!

We have definitely taken bigger chances, on far worse prospects.

I completely agree with the location aspect again, but as has been mentioned this is always against us unless the second coming of Messi is born in NE Lincs!

Well, footballers aren't the brightest sparks - they know we have the biggest seal colony in the UK on our doorstep!

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Haven’t heard any concrete news of Jebbison yet other than a few that think they have spotted a black Mercedes with his private plate? Could be pure jibberish but not heard that we are in for him myself…

yyeessss that’s the kind of content we like in this thread

Pretty sure Lincoln have over the past couple of seasons made a couple of signings from the Irish League so new HOR may have a decent scouting network over there.

Would be surprised to see a new LB tbh. Don’t think we have a need for another - RB on the other hand possibly.

Forest are looking to get rid of players. Emmanuel Dennis prob off to sheff United, they’ve sent a loan player back already. Maybe one of their strikers non first team squad fits into the equation

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Haven’t heard any concrete news of Jebbison yet other than a few that think they have spotted a black Mercedes with his private plate? Could be pure jibberish but not heard that we are in for him myself…

By the process of elimination, if it’s not jibberish then it must be jebberish.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Would be surprised to see a new LB tbh. Don’t think we have a need for another - RB on the other hand possibly.

Glennon and Amos is more good enough I think but Cropper doesn't seem to have any luck with injuries so I would like to see a RB come in this month.

Think this thread probably summarises the sort of situations we're likely in. Might not be these names but could be Dennis needs to go to Sheff Utd for them to let Jebbison join Lincoln for them to let Hopper leave.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Glennon and Amos is more good enough I think but Cropper doesn't seem to have any luck with injuries so I would like to see a RB come in this month.

To be honest, I think both Amos and Glennon have flattered to deceive this season so far. After a really good start I think Glennon has looked a pale shadow of himself, arguably down to him suffering with an illness I believe. Amos has looked good and back to his former self in patches but isn't at the levels he showed in the run-in last season.

If the opportunity comes up to strength any area of the pitch we should do so (providing they're the right fit, of course!).

Quoted from diehardmariner

To be honest, I think both Amos and Glennon have flattered to deceive this season so far. After a really good start I think Glennon has looked a pale shadow of himself, arguably down to him suffering with an illness I believe. Amos has looked good and back to his former self in patches but isn't at the levels he showed in the run-in last season.

If the opportunity comes up to strength any area of the pitch we should do so (providing they're the right fit, of course!).

First half v Stockport I thought Amos was excellent, maybe less so 2nd half - Glennon has been quite disappointing but, if he's been ill, that's understandable.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

First half v Stockport I thought Amos was excellent, maybe less so 2nd half - Glennon has been quite disappointing but, if he's been ill, that's understandable.

I agree.

When they’re both at the top their game, they are comfortably better than adequate left backs.

Quoted from diehardmariner

To be honest, I think both Amos and Glennon have flattered to deceive this season so far. After a really good start I think Glennon has looked a pale shadow of himself, arguably down to him suffering with an illness I believe. Amos has looked good and back to his former self in patches but isn't at the levels he showed in the run-in last season.

If the opportunity comes up to strength any area of the pitch we should do so (providing they're the right fit, of course!).

I'd cut them both some slack, Glennon has played around 40 first team games in his career and Amos a handful more. They're still learning their trade and it won't always work well for them.

On the other side Michee is playing at a higher level than before which has been evident, but he seems to be getting is head around it a bit and Cropper has 20 games under his belt.

Quoted from diehardmariner

To be honest, I think both Amos and Glennon have flattered to deceive this season so far. After a really good start I think Glennon has looked a pale shadow of himself, arguably down to him suffering with an illness I believe. Amos has looked good and back to his former self in patches but isn't at the levels he showed in the run-in last season.

If the opportunity comes up to strength any area of the pitch we should do so (providing they're the right fit, of course!).

Before Salford he’d played one game (Doncaster) since October due to injury and illness. You’re being incredibly harsh..

His absence has coincided with our poor form..

Quoted from devs

Mark Beck - Gateshead top scorer

Gateshead? (blink)(blink(1))

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Mark Beck who plays for Darlo? No ta, surplus to requirements at Harrogate and York didn't want him in the Conference North.

Has scored against us in the league though, the big lump.

Good, because we need to keep the likes of Mark Beck & Jack Lambert who are absolutely flying. Keep it up & we will be up there end of the season.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Why would they loan him out to a L2 club when he's already proven that he can score goals in L1? Lincoln need a striker, that's a much more likely destination.

He was linked with Everton in the Summer and it was rumoured we looked at a loan, posts on our message board suggested he was on 12k a week and we couldn't afford paying a large chunk of that.

Wouldn't read much in to Hopper coming on as sub either - We had gone down to 10 men against Ipswich in the first half and obviously played a bit more direct and he holds the ball up well. He is definitely on the fringes of our team.

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

He was linked with Everton in the Summer and it was rumoured we looked at a loan, posts on our message board suggested he was on 12k a week and we couldn't afford paying a large chunk of that.

Wouldn't read much in to Hopper coming on as sub either - We had gone down to 10 men against Ipswich in the first half and obviously played a bit more direct and he holds the ball up well. He is definitely on the fringes of our team.

A couple of the player salary web sites (if the're to be believed) have Hopper down as earning £80K per year, not sure if that's right or not but if he wants away then salary does not sound like a blocker.

Quoted from ska face

yyeessss that’s the kind of content we like in this thread

Unless they filled up on the A180 or was in Millfields car park then it’s all balderdash.

Come on Surrey97 give us a scoop.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Come on Surrey97 give us a scoop.

Surrey97 said that Ryan Bennett was likely to sign remember

Some proper high scoring Bentley scale names on here so far.

Not a signing but good news, odd though as someone on Twitter told me he’d been speaking to a member of Andy’s family and he was “definitely going back to Hull in January”.

https://twitter.com/sam_allen567/status/1610289058349039616?s=21&t=TXsi8r72orcFGjGo_SFEcA

Quoted from GyMariner

Surrey97 said that Ryan Bennett was likely to sign remember

Consult the standings. Surrey97 only person on here who knows what he’s on about, just about everyone else talks shïte

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Not a signing but good news, odd though as someone on Twitter told me he’d been speaking to a member of Andy’s family and he was “definitely going back to Hull in January”.

https://twitter.com/sam_allen567/status/1610289058349039616?s=21&t=TXsi8r72orcFGjGo_SFEcA

Excellent news regarding Smith. Overall he has been very consistent, ok he had a bad game against Salford but you forget how young he is, it happens with young players. Sure he will play a big part throughout the rest of the season. Also means in my opinion no changes are required in the centre back position, very happy to continue with Smith, Waterfall, Maher and Pearson for remainder of the season.

Quoted from ska face

Consult the standings. Surrey97 only person on here who knows what he’s on about, just about everyone else talks shïte

Yer, but it passes the time at least 😂

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Not a signing but good news, odd though as someone on Twitter told me he’d been speaking to a member of Andy’s family and he was “definitely going back to Hull in January”.

https://twitter.com/sam_allen567/status/1610289058349039616?s=21&t=TXsi8r72orcFGjGo_SFEcA

Yeah that's great news, I thought maher replacing him recentishly was a sign he was going to be recalled by Hull in Jan.

Must be said, I rate Smith and I'm pleased he's staying, but I've also been impressed with Maher in the games I've seen him play at BP. A bit more controlled and less "Up and at 'em" than Waterfall and Smith (to a lesser degree), but he certainly looks a decent player. It was good to see that the three playing together in the middle did a good job the other day and three at the back could certainly be useful in tough away games especially.

3 at the back has too be the way forward so we need Smith to stick around so great news.

Three at the back worked against Stockport because they play direct football through the middle. Don't think it would work all the time against teams that like to play down the wings. Horses for courses and all that.

JT was saying he thought Pearsons loan was being extended. If that’s the case I’d think we’d be in the market for another centre half. 3 senior centre backs isn’t enough to head into half a season with. Especially with, despite a good performance against stockport, all of them having a few question marks against them recently.

You’re also only one red card or injury away from having no cover.

Quoted from ska face

Consult the standings. Surrey97 only person on here who knows what he’s on about, just about everyone else talks shïte

Hey come on I gave you the Kiernan signing 😉

Quoted from Mikey_345

JT was saying he thought Pearsons loan was being extended. If that’s the case I’d think we’d be in the market for another centre half. 3 senior centre backs isn’t enough to head into half a season with. Especially with, despite a good performance against stockport, all of them having a few question marks against them recently.

You’re also only one red card or injury away from having no cover.

Pretty sure once the first month is out the way a loanee can be recalled at anytime which reduces the need to sign an additional centre back. There also comes a time when youngsters like Goundry have to be given a chance otherwise why keep them on the books? We all want the local lads to get a chance and I think if a fifth choice back up is required it should be the young lad.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Pretty sure once the first month is out the way a loanee can be recalled at anytime which reduces the need to sign an additional centre back. There also comes a time when youngsters like Goundry have to be given a chance otherwise why keep them on the books? We all want the local lads to get a chance and I think if a fifth choice back up is required it should be the young lad.

I was always of the opinion you could only call a long term loan (half a season) back within a transfer window? I might be wrong though and I suppose it depends how long Pearsons loan is extended.

As for Jaz, I’d rather see him get some football out on loan to develop some more than sit here on the off chance of an injury crisis.

I suppose though it depends who’s available. PH won’t just bring players in for the sake of it - if there’s no one that he thinks can add to the squad long term and it would just be for cover, then we should probably keep Pearson here instead?

Quoted from Mikey_345

I was always of the opinion you could only call a long term loan (half a season) back within a transfer window? I might be wrong though and I suppose it depends how long Pearsons loan is extended.

As for Jaz, I’d rather see him get some football out on loan to develop some more than sit here on the off chance of an injury crisis.

I suppose though it depends who’s available. PH won’t just bring players in for the sake of it - if there’s no one that he thinks can add to the squad long term and it would just be for cover, then we should probably keep Pearson here instead?

Hursty said in the summer that before we'd brought Smith back that there was another player he was very close to getting another CB in, wonder if we may go back in for whoever that was.

As much as I like Shaun Pearson and think he’s been a fantastic ambassador for the club, he’s currently playing for a side 19th in the National League North and has played less than 10 minutes of league football since May 2017, some 5 and a half years ago.

As harsh as I felt his release was at the time (particularly given the fact he was replaced by Nathan Clarke), I think there’s enough evidence to suggest that he’s no longer up to the rigours of EFL football.

As such, I think we probably are a centre half light and would think that will be rectified this month. Assuming the Ryan Bennett ship has sailed, I would imagine the intention would be to bring someone in permanently given that Smith is unlikely to be with us beyond this season.

I imagine the transfer wish list comprises something like a full-back, centre half and a couple of forwards (with Simmonds likely to go back to Birmingham). We also have an abundance of centre mids, but given we signed Burgess, Callum Jones, Joey Jones and Holohan after Christmas last year it still would not surprise me if Hurst looked to strengthen in that area too.

It’s gonna be interesting to see where Connor wickham ends up after not going further than his 6 month contract at the veggies. Maybe it was down to his attitude, didn’t put a lot of graft in but, when you score 9 in 20 games you have to wonder.

Multiple League Two clubs interested in Bolton’s Amadou Bakayoko, who Ian Evatt says will be allowed to leave once the club’s valuation is met. 27, 6ft 4” and scored 13 in League One in last season.

Certainly fits the bill; would he be within our financial grasp? I’d like to think this is the calibre of player we are looking at.

https://youtu.be/V1w3WcwHOZ0

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

It’s gonna be interesting to see where Connor wickham ends up after not going further than his 6 month contract at the veggies. Maybe it was down to his attitude, didn’t put a lot of graft in but, when you score 9 in 20 games you have to wonder.

I think he's probably left them to go higher hasn't he rather than them releasing him?

Quoted from Poojah

Multiple League Two clubs interested in Bolton’s Amadou Bakayoko, who Ian Evatt says will be allowed to leave once the club’s valuation is met. 27, 6ft 4” and scored 13 in League One in last season.

Certainly fits the bill; would he be within our financial grasp? I’d like to think this is the calibre of player we are looking at.

https://youtu.be/V1w3WcwHOZ0

No doubt he'll get snaffled up by one of the many North West clubs at this level. Calibre we're looking for but probably struggle to attract.

Quoted from Mariner_09

No doubt he'll get snaffled up by one of the many North West clubs at this level. Calibre we're looking for but probably struggle to attract.

Salford bound according to reports

Quoted from Mariner_09

No doubt he'll get snaffled up by one of the many North West clubs at this level. Calibre we're looking for but probably struggle to attract.

Difficult to disagree with that assessment, but I wonder how many of those clubs see a number 9 as their top priority this window? Salford have been linked with the player, but they already have 6ft 6” Matt Smith at their disposal, as we discovered last week.

I don’t know the minutiae of our transfer budget, but if there’s a position we need to push the boat out for l, surely that’s it.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I think he's probably left them to go higher hasn't he rather than them releasing him?

Exactly this, his contract expired and he's likely Championship bound

Quoted from Mikey_345

I was always of the opinion you could only call a long term loan (half a season) back within a transfer window? I might be wrong though and I suppose it depends how long Pearsons loan is extended.

As for Jaz, I’d rather see him get some football out on loan to develop some more than sit here on the off chance of an injury crisis.

Goundry is at Matlock for the rest of the season on loan according to this:

https://www.matlocktownfc.co.uk/weekly-news-271222.asp#:~:text=The%20Gladiators%20also%20now%20have%20defender%20Jaz%20Goundry,have%20their%20say%20on%20all%20matters%20Matlock%20Town.

I'm under the impression that the reason it's quiet on here for solid rumours is that it is just that, quiet, so far...

Quoted from Mikey_345

Before Salford he’d played one game (Doncaster) since October due to injury and illness. You’re being incredibly harsh..

His absence has coincided with our poor form..

If it's harsh to suggest that we could do better and look to improve, then I'll happily fall on that sword.

I like all four of our fullbacks, I think they've all got attributes that they bring and I think for all them their shortcomings are things that can be worked on. But I don't think it's an area we can look at and just think we don't need to consider improving.

If their lack of experience at this level, collectively, is a reason to cut them some slack then it should also be something that might need addressing in the interim.

Hull are set to sign both Aaron Connelly and Malcolm Ebiowei on loan so it's probably not the worst place to look at to see who potentially could be coming over the bridge on loan, especially with Rosenior's comments regards Hurst and his happiness at Smith's development here.

Billy Chadwick has been linked with us a few times and has been playing for their Under 21's since October after a year out after an ACL op.

Sure it wouldn't appease those who want an experienced and proven striker rather than an Academy prospect but wouldn't be one that surprised me.

26 pages in and no signings made!! ;D ;D

Hurst's comments the other day that we shouldn't necessarily expect any early signings would indicate to me we're probably looking at players who are going to be moved on from or loaned from higher league clubs. Even if a deal is agreed in principle, you're often reliant on other incomings at clubs for the player to be released.

Lets be honest - its probably dependant on what the result on Saturday is and who we potential draw, as to what our transfer targets and budgets are. Win and the funds will be greater. If anyone comes in prior i'd guess it to be from a local radius or a up and coming player.

Kyle Hudlin recalled by Huddersfield from his loan at Wimbledon. Done intercourse all so would imagine it's to loan him somewhere he'll get more game time rather than to play him.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Kyle Hudlin recalled by Huddersfield from his loan at Wimbledon. Done intercourse all so would imagine it's to loan him somewhere he'll get more game time rather than to play him.

It’s easy, as a Town fan, to forget how unprolific he actually is. He’s scored 0 goals in 13 league appearances for Wimbledon and scored 5 last season, 3 of which were against us. He caused us no end of trouble but I’d like to think we can do better.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Kyle Hudlin recalled by Huddersfield from his loan at Wimbledon. Done intercourse all so would imagine it's to loan him somewhere he'll get more game time rather than to play him.

I'd love to be at Cheapside if he got reunited with Andy Smith.

Hudlin is absolutely terrible

Just to be clear, there is no rumour re Hudlin, just think it's likely he'll join another L2 or Conference team on loan.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Kyle Hudlin recalled by Huddersfield from his loan at Wimbledon. Done intercourse all so would imagine it's to loan him somewhere he'll get more game time rather than to play him.

If we're just going to mention random strikers, how's Ollie signing Touray Sisay doing at Accrington!? ;-) I've a feeling Hurst won't go in for him myself though....

Well, since there’s sod all going on and I know the sum total of fúck all (about who we might be in for or anything else for that matter), let me pour some tenuous fuel on the fire that we might, possibly, just maybe have some interest in Bolton’s Bakayoko.

Here he is scoring a first-half hat-trick against Hurst’s Town back in 2016, in a game that absolutely no one remembers ever even happened.

https://youtu.be/NKcDmGVPBb4

And here he is scoring, getting a Shrews man sent off and getting sent off himself sent off a week before Hurst took the Shrewsbury job, a game Hurst will 100% have watched back in detail.

https://youtu.be/uZKPP8AGKfA

Oh, and here is scoring the winner against Hurst’s Shewsbury the following season.

https://youtu.be/kuy0TZ9ByAM

There’s absolutely no way Hurst won’t be well aware of the bloke. And he fits the bill. Big. Strong. Proven. Available. Known to Hurst. League 2 clubs in for him. Given Hurst’s penchant for going back in for players that have done him over (Jack Makreth, Aswad Thomas, Scott Brown and Toto spring to mind), there must be an morsel of interest, surely?

So there we have it, I’m officially calling this a substantiated rumour. Watch this space…

Quoted from Poojah

So there we have it, I’m officially calling this a substantiated rumour. Watch this space…

I hope Rob and skaface inserted a relegation clause into your Fishy contract or you’re going to be an expensive luxury in Division 2 (or the Iron-Bru Scunny forum) next season.

You’ll be like Kinkladze when he hung around at Man City. Those twinkle toes won’t be much good when Massive Mike from Messingham’s scything you down every week.

Notts County are apparently interested in Scott Pollock as well.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

I hope Rob and skaface inserted a relegation clause into your Fishy contract or you’re going to be an expensive luxury in Division 2 (or the Iron-Bru Scunny forum) next season.

You’ll be like Kinkladze when he hung around at Man City. Those twinkle toes won’t be much good when Massive Mike from Messingham’s scything you down every week.

In that event I’ll just sulk on the digital sidelines like some kind of virtual Benito Carbone, all the while continuing to bank my 40 gold stars a week, until such a time some corrupt Italian forum comes in for me with an offer that cannot be refused.

Quoted from Poojah

In that event I’ll just sulk on the digital sidelines like some kind of virtual Benito Carbone, all the while continuing to bank my 40 gold stars a week, until such a time some corrupt Italian forum comes in for me with an offer that cannot be refused.

I’ll play the role of paulo di canio on the sidelines after ‘lightly’ pushing Paul Alcock

Only able to watch on and regret my actions

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

I hope Rob and skaface inserted a relegation clause into your Fishy contract or you’re going to be an expensive luxury in Division 2 (or the Iron-Bru Scunny forum) next season.

You’ll be like Kinkladze when he hung around at Man City. Those twinkle toes won’t be much good when Massive Mike from Messingham’s scything you down every week.

Anybody who played against Lincs League football against Messingham in the 70’s and early 80’s will know it was a very unpleasant experience with Graham Rusling rearranging my nose a distinctly painful memory!!

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Not reading much into it but Fiacre Kelleher been recalled by Bradford as he was on loan at Solihull as they are viewing to sell him to another club. I remember him playing for Macclesfield - just a stab in the dark.

Just spotted Kelleher has been snapped up but didn't see which team he has gone to.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Just spotted Kelleher has been snapped up but didn't see which team he has gone to.

U’s should know. Colchester.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Just spotted Kelleher has been snapped up but didn't see which team he has gone to.

2.5 year deal for Colchester

Quoted from A.l.f.

Lets be honest - its probably dependant on what the result on Saturday is and who we potential draw, as to what our transfer targets and budgets are. Win and the funds will be greater. If anyone comes in prior i'd guess it to be from a local radius or a up and coming player.

I’m not sure the result on Saturday will make much difference from a budget perspective, I suspect the budget is already defined. But I agree it might be significant. A win and a decent 4th round draw makes a more attractive proposition for a player seeking a move - loan or otherwise.

Loan offer for Hudlin rumoured

Quoted from HerveJosse

Loan offer for Hudlin rumoured

But for who? Not sure he’s a Hurst player and in truth, he’s done excrement all since coming in to the league…

Quoted from aldi_01

But for who? Not sure he’s a Hurst player and in truth, he’s done excrement all since coming in to the league…

Well us obviously or I wouldn’t have posted it. We admired his performance against us last year and he needs game time somewhere.

Kyle hudlin supposed to be very close 👀 I would be happy with that one tbh still think we are another striker short though

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kyle hudlin supposed to be very close 👀 I would be happy with that one tbh still think we are another striker short though

15% of his career goals have been against us...

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

15% of his career goals have been against us...

Which would indicate he doesn’t actually score that many…

Quoted from aldi_01

Which would indicate he doesn’t actually score that many…

As I recall the play off final if he hadn’t got injured when he did we could very easily still be in Tthe National League. As we of all supporters should know as we have had plenty there is more to being a number .9 then scoring goals.

We wont be signing some red hot striker with loads of career goals.

Every name mentioned will be followed by comments about his lack thereof.

It is ever thus.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kyle hudlin supposed to be very close 👀 I would be happy with that one tbh still think we are another striker short though

Hursty’ll need a box to stand on.

Personally would be a bit underwhelmed by Hudlin, but having come across the footage of his ‘collision’ with Smith, I had forgotten that the flick-on Hudlin won had pretty much put Dallas through on goal before the ref blew the whistle.

A double bonus, really.

https://mobile.twitter.com/jackBrighton8/status/1549878070873669632

Is he the one that is 6' 9''. ?

Man City was going to sign him by all accounts.

City had to settle for Haaland ;D in the end.

Hudlins stats are slightly better than I thought having had a look (a goal roughly every 180 minutes of game time), but still would be surprised if we’re in for him.

Regardless of who we sign, hopefully we don’t write them off before they play for us (said more in hope than expectation). The amount of times a signing has been criticised then they’ve turned out to do well for us. One example I remember is the grief Hurst got for signing a young centre back from Hull…

So if it is Hudlin, I’ll wait until seeing him before judging…

Can’t say I’d be too excited if he signed. If you were gonna pick players from last years Solihull side you’d have Dallas or Sbarra over Andre the Giant…

If he does sign, Hurst had better make sure he's left upfield at corners or the fecker will probably stick it in our net again.

One thing that would be an immediate positive, is his ability to win a ball and bring others in to play. Big physical presence giving more room for McAtee and Khan to get in and around for the second ball…

He's caused chaos every time he's played against us. Not that bad a record for Solihull.

Play to his strengths and his size makes him a threat against anyone.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kyle hudlin supposed to be very close 👀 I would be happy with that one tbh still think we are another striker short though

I wouldn't. He's absolutely shite.

Some Poxy twitter account has posted this.

Wouldnt believe a word

Quoted from headingly_mariner

He's caused chaos every time he's played against us. Not that bad a record for Solihull.

Play to his strengths and his size makes him a threat against anyone.

All I would say, based on what little I’ve seen on him, is that if his footballing ability is up to League Two standard then he should be scoring a lot more goals than he has done historically. At 6ft 9” he is an absolute anomaly; the graphic below gives you a good idea of the height advantage he has over even other ‘big’ players:

His record suggests to me that he hasn’t got the best footballing brain or great technical ability, though perhaps that’s something Hurst feels he can coach into him (if there’s any truth in the rumour) and perhaps the reason Huddersfield took a punt on him. Alternatively, it might also mean he’d be absolutely nowhere near the professional game we’re he 6ft.

[img]https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/TOB-COMP-TALLEST-FOOTBALLERS.jpg[/img]

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Posted what mate?

About Hudlin

https://mobile.twitter.com/AaronPJourno/status/1610664316348383235

I thought the same until Mendonca1995 mentioned it. He’s got not-too-bad a record, now not sure what to believe.

Well, this young ITK journo hasn’t posted since September until today, and so that post can be taken with a pinch of salt. That said, I might be mistaken but hasn’t Mendonca1995 had a couple of correct tips in the past?

Edit: it seems he has

If we need a tall striker I'd rather we'd kept Manny. I don't rate Hudlin one bit.

We’re already a team severely lacking in pace going forward. Hudlin makes Gary Jones look quick.

Quoted from Poojah

Personally would be a bit underwhelmed by Hudlin, but having come across the footage of his ‘collision’ with Smith, I had forgotten that the flick-on Hudlin won had pretty much put Dallas through on goal before the ref blew the whistle.

A double bonus, really.

https://mobile.twitter.com/jackBrighton8/status/1549878070873669632

I'm convinced that our half time team talk was basically "make sure you take that lanky fecker out the game."

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I'm convinced that our half time team talk was basically "make sure you take that lanky fecker out the game."

I remember at the time a lot of discussion about that challenge by Smith won us the game.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I'm convinced that our half time team talk was basically "make sure you take that lanky fecker out the game."

Similar scoring ratio as Jamille Matt before joining us.

Hudlin needs a winger that can cross a ball.....as we don't have any then no point in signing him.

Id be disappointed if it was true put it that way. I dont rate him at all, clearly Wimbledon didnt, but if he signs he’ll have my support

Quoted from moosey_club

Hudlin needs a winger that can cross a ball.....as we don't have any then no point in signing him.

Think we’ve got plenty of ability to put a ball in. Glennon is just one example. His delivery is quality for this level and we do get our full backs very high….

I thought Manni was a much better player than hudlin

He doesn’t have to be the only forward player we sign in the window. Suprised at the negative reaction.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Suprised at the negative reaction.

Are you new here?

Still surprised people go on about how we should’ve kept Mani - well covered ground that he was offered a deal but didn’t want to sign as he wanted to be first choice somewhere and we couldn’t guarantee him that, being a week after the POs and a division higher.

Quoted from HerveJosse

He doesn’t have to the only forward player we sign in the window. Suprised at the negative reaction.

I think people are just offering their opinions on a prospective signing; I don’t think anyone’s getting out of hand. Regardless, fan opinion on arrival is rarely a good barometer of how well a player is going to do.

You make a good point though; I expect us to make 2, possibly 3 attacking signings, depending on what happens with the 3 young loanees. I remember that crazy window 10 years ago (wow, that’s gone quick), when all of the fuss was about whether we’d get Hannah back from Bradford, to then go and sign Brodie completely out of the blue, followed by both LJL and Hannah a few days later.

It may take time, but I see us being busy.

Quoted from ska face

Are you new here?

Still surprised people go on about how we should’ve kept Mani - well covered ground that he was offered a deal but didn’t want to sign as he wanted to be first choice somewhere and we couldn’t guarantee him that, being a week after the POs and a division higher.

Neither are good enough or what we need. I've mentioned him before - I thought Scott Quigley was the type of player we needed - the only player to take the p!ss out of Luke Waterfall last season, albeit only up to the sending-off. Clearly out of favour at Stockport once they'd signed (the overrated) Wootton. Got goals for Rochdale right away and then got injured.

Quoted from ska face

I thought the same until Mendonca1995 mentioned it. He’s got not-too-bad a record, now not sure what to believe.

I just think he would fit in perfect for us with his height and ability to bring other into the game for example the likes of khan and Mcatee to play off we put a lot of crosses into the both most games and there’s never really any height in there I maybe wrong but IMO I think he could be ok for us

Quoted from Mendonca1995

I just think he would fit in perfect for us with his height and ability to bring other into the game for example the likes of khan and Mcatee to play off we put a lot of crosses into the both most games and there’s never really any height in there I maybe wrong but IMO I think he could be ok for us

Box

We need to look for someone who can work with McAtee till end of season if Hurst thinks that's Hudlin then fair enough.. rebuild the front line in the summer when McAtee has gone to Luton and more options are available..

I personally thought he looked a decent footballer when he played against us. No pace, that's for certain, but movement and general positioning was OK and a decent touch when he had the ball at his feet.

Not sure I'd be overly keen to sign him as I fear it would lead to too much punting upfield, but there's no doubt that, if the ball is put into the right place and close enough to him, any defender is going to have a hard time winning an aerial challenge against him, as we found out to our cost a couple of times last season.

Can't help but feel he'll generally have a career where he's a freakish substitute coming on in an attempt to rescue games more often than not.

Quoted from It Bites

I thought Manni was a much better player than hudlin

Other than the 3 games against Town how much have you seen of Hudlin?

Worth noting the lad is 22 and has only played 50 odd games in the NL and featured in about a dozen for Wimbledon in the EFL, he’s hardly going to be the finished article is he?

We get crosses into the box and have 2/3 lads who can deliver a dead ball reasonably well at this level. Plus his size would make him difficult to mark as he learns his craft. I’m not convinced but he could offer us something different.

This next bit will be red crossed to f**k but here goes….Mani scored 2 important goals for us but from what I recall his first touch and ability to get the ball to stick was pretty average at best and that was at NL level. Like I say he’ll always be a play off hero but I find it quite hard to get teary eyed on what a good footballer he is.

Hudlin isn’t happening, it’s a completely made up rumour

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Neither are good enough or what we need. I've mentioned him before - I thought Scott Quigley was the type of player we needed - the only player to take the p!ss out of Luke Waterfall last season, albeit only up to the sending-off. Clearly out of favour at Stockport once they'd signed (the overrated) Wootton. Got goals for Rochdale right away and then got injured.

Completely agree regarding Quigly. He didn’t bother us after the sending off because, inexplicably, he was the player withdrawn to bring someone one to fill the void vacated by Sarcevic. That changed the game more than the red card itself I thought, as they then had no out ball and we were able to pin them in, eventually wearing them down.

Only thing is, isn’t Quigley on a season long loan? So likely not available to the summer. Signing Hudlin would feel very much like a stop gap until the end of the season to me, sort of player who might get the best out of McAtee in the short term. His touch was pretty good and he was a right handful, the game at West Ham changed upon his departure. He did hold the ball up and flick it on well, best example of that was how Dallas was clean through on goal after he got his head injury. I’m not negative about this at all, he’ll certainly be an improvement and allow McAtee to play in his proper position and allow the ball to stick up front better than it has since Taylor’s injury, but as always, I won’t believe it until it’s confirmed.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Hudlin isn’t happening, it’s a completely made up rumour

Hudlin rumour officially quashed. Move along chaps, nothing to see here.

Thank fu.ck for that . I want us to be signing a recognised quality striker now , especially as we’re losing JM in the summer.

Kyle Hudl-not-in as I like to call him.

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

Thank fu.ck for that . I want us to be signing a recognised quality striker now , especially as we’re losing JM in the summer.

Bit in bold, I think we all feel the same way, personally I don't think we will until the summer at best.

Heard the Hopper rumour from my Lincoln contact without prompting him. He also said it needs the chain reaction mentioned for it to happen too.

Must have missed something about Hudlin because in the whole 86 minutes he played against us last season he was unplayable.

He's awkward, gangly and looks nothing like a footballer. A bit like Mani, who many are still fawning for. I'm not saying he's the answer or even suggesting that we'll end up going in for him. But considering we look desperate for an alternative option, just what are people expecting as an alternative...The real Ronaldo circa 1997?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Must have missed something about Hudlin because in the whole 86 minutes he played against us last season he was unplayable.

He's awkward, gangly and looks nothing like a footballer. A bit like Mani, who many are still fawning for. I'm not saying he's the answer or even suggesting that we'll end up going in for him. But considering we look desperate for an alternative option, just what are people expecting as an alternative...The real Ronaldo circa 1997?

He only ever seems to play well against us though and when it’s put in the air. With the ball at his feet he looks like a Sunday league footballer.

If he was a 3rd choice off the bench from time to time then maybe, but I’m certain if he wasn’t almost 7ft he’d be absolutely nowhere near a professional football club.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Must have missed something about Hudlin because in the whole 86 minutes he played against us last season he was unplayable.

He's awkward, gangly and looks nothing like a footballer. A bit like Mani, who many are still fawning for. I'm not saying he's the answer or even suggesting that we'll end up going in for him. But considering we look desperate for an alternative option, just what are people expecting as an alternative...The real Ronaldo circa 1997?

There’s certainly a good argument to be had that he’s more akin to what we need than the likes of Pepple and Simmonds right now, both in terms of experience and playing style.

If, by the end of the window, we’ve sent one of those two back and signed Hudlin plus another, slightly more proven target man (e.g. one of Tom Hopper, Joshua Kayode, Harry Smith or Amadou Bakayoko) then I’d be happy as Larry. There would also be a sense of intrigue about seeing our kryptonite last season and our tallest ever player in a Town shirt.

But, if he were to be our only signing of that type, and only on loan, I think there’s still a sizeable risk that we’re going to be itching for the elusive number 9 we all seem to want into next summer.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Must have missed something about Hudlin because in the whole 86 minutes he played against us last season he was unplayable.

He's awkward, gangly and looks nothing like a footballer. A bit like Mani, who many are still fawning for. I'm not saying he's the answer or even suggesting that we'll end up going in for him. But considering we look desperate for an alternative option, just what are people expecting as an alternative...The real Ronaldo circa 1997?

Don't remember it like that at all in the PO final. Other than a nervy first ten minutes we'd been the better team in the first half and then they scored against the run of play at the death. Not through brilliance from Hudlin but because Amos had switched off and is about a foot shorter than him. The reason his going off made a difference was that our midfield, Fox in particular, were bossing theirs in the middle so their only outlet was long balls and flick ons. But for all their attempts at doing that, how many chances did they actually create?

If he were to be signed as an alternative off the bench then it's an asset to have I suppose but if he was going to be our starting striker I'd be very disappointed.

Footy insider reporting that Town, Northampton and Rochdale are in for Nick Haughton. Very good source and normally very reliable

Quoted from mariner91

Don't remember it like that at all in the PO final. Other than a nervy first ten minutes we'd been the better team in the first half and then they scored against the run of play at the death. Not through brilliance from Hudlin but because Amos had switched off and is about a foot shorter than him. The reason his going off made a difference was that our midfield, Fox in particular, were bossing theirs in the middle so their only outlet was long balls and flick ons. But for all their attempts at doing that, how many chances did they actually create?

If he were to be signed as an alternative off the bench then it's an asset to have I suppose but if he was going to be our starting striker I'd be very disappointed.

He came on in 2nd half against Wimbledon and was predictably shite (and we were terrible in that half, too) and didn't score. I know he's put a few away against us, but he looks really terrible to me and I'm amazed he ended up at Huddersfield.

Quoted from LH

Heard the Hopper rumour from my Lincoln contact without prompting him. He also said it needs the chain reaction mentioned for it to happen too.

This chain reaction is so frustrating. Is there a case that Hursty aims too high for too longer and then when something else crops up for the 1-2 players we're hanging on for, all the other ones who maybe weren't quite as good, but better than what we have, are gone so we're left with young loanees.

Quoted from LH

Heard the Hopper rumour from my Lincoln contact without prompting him. He also said it needs the chain reaction mentioned for it to happen too.

I’ve heard the same as well.

Quoted from Mariner_09

This chain reaction is so frustrating. Is there a case that Hursty aims too high for too longer and then when something else crops up for the 1-2 players we're hanging on for, all the other ones who maybe weren't quite as good, but better than what we have, are gone so we're left with young loanees.

We could potentially have someone like Hudlin now but nearly everybody is saying he's excrement and they want better.

Jebbison to Lincoln then & Hopper to us. Just need those tight-fisted inbreeds up the road to get their hands in their pockets.

Quoted from pontoonlew

He only ever seems to play well against us though and when it’s put in the air. With the ball at his feet he looks like a Sunday league footballer.

If he was a 3rd choice off the bench from time to time then maybe, but I’m certain if he wasn’t almost 7ft he’d be absolutely nowhere near a professional football club.

I'll honestly have to take your assessment on that because I've not seen him anywhere near enough other than when he played against us last season.

No doubt his height is his major attribute. But how many players could you say the same about when it comes to pace etc.?

I agree on the 3rd choice point. To be absolutely clear, I'm not advocating we make a move for him as our main striker. But at present when we're chasing a game, would I rather see Hudlin warming up for the last 15 minutes or Pepple....

Quoted from ska face

Jebbison to Lincoln then & Hopper to us. Just need those tight-fisted inbreeds up the road to get their hands in their pockets.

But it's like selling a house. So if the Jebbison thing (assuming it's him, but it doesn't really matter who it is) doesn't happen and he goes to Burton or Barnsley or something then we don't get the Hopper deal. Maybe this is showing really how thin strikers are on the ground. Sure Hursty finds it as frustrating as we do.

Quoted from tanga_the_indestructible

He came on in 2nd half against Wimbledon and was predictably shite (and we were terrible in that half, too) and didn't score. I know he's put a few away against us, but he looks really terrible to me and I'm amazed he ended up at Huddersfield.

He came on in the 86th minute.

Dunno if it's harsher that you've rated his performance as shite or pointed out that he failed to score.

Quoted from pontoonlew

He only ever seems to play well against us though and when it’s put in the air. With the ball at his feet he looks like a Sunday league footballer.

If he was a 3rd choice off the bench from time to time then maybe, but I’m certain if he wasn’t almost 7ft he’d be absolutely nowhere near a professional football club.

Reminds me of Kevin Francis whenever we used to play Stockport

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Reminds me of Kevin Francis whenever we used to play Stockport

Youre right but it would have been Birmingham City. He was prolific in the lower leagues for Stockport though

I love some of the assessments of Hudlin, I don't know what people have to do with their days if they've got enough time to watch recordings of SHM and Wimbledon to form the opinion he's crap.

Fans are pretty crap at judging players.

Huddersfield thought he had enough promise to take him on, but Bob the bus driver (insert made up fan of your choice) says he's garbage based on one viewing.

Quoted from ginnywings

Fans are pretty crap at judging players.

Huddersfield thought he had enough promise to take him on, but Bob the bus driver (insert made up fan of your choice) says he's garbage based on one viewing.

To be fair to them they might have seen him against us twice, totalling 86 minutes during which time he only scored three times.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

To be fair to them they might have seen him against us twice, totalling 86 minutes during which time he only scored three times.

You'd think the combination of Hudlin's height and Sbarra's delivery would have caused havoc for more than just us. What changed the game that night, more than Hudlin's introduction was Michee's injury. Meant we had to put Smith out there who, for all his quality, is not cut out to be a full back. Sbarra tore him a new one for the last 20 mins.

Connor Wickham has just left FGR after 9 goals in 20 appearances. He'll sign for someone at top end league 1 or bottom of champ but we can dream

2 bids made for players 1 turned down the other one ongoing also hursty rules out haughton and hudlin

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I love some of the assessments of Hudlin, I don't know what people have to do with their days if they've got enough time to watch recordings of SHM and Wimbledon to form the opinion he's crap.

Somebody on here described him as playing like a greyhound chasing a balloon and I’ve barely stopped thinking about it’s accuracy since.

0 goals in 13 league games this year & just 4 in 23 in the league below the season before hardly goes a long way in proving those theories wrong.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

2 bids made for players 1 turned down the other one ongoing also hursty rules out haughton and hudlin

I believe him on the Hudlin rumour, not so sure about Haughton..

Not in for Kyle Hudlin, so thats that one done and dusted.

https://mobile.twitter.com/HumbersideSport/status/1611029284218626049/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1611029284218626049&currentTweetUser=HumbersideSport

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

I believe him on the Hudlin rumour, not so sure about Haughton..

Yeah seemed a bit quirky with that one tbf hope it’s true mind

Chalk me up for a point on Hudlin, Ska

Under the impression the rejected bid is Haughton, no idea on other

Quoted from pontoonlew

Under the impression the rejected bid is Haughton, no idea on other

I'm not surprised that she's rejected us, she's hardly going to leave Man City to come here.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Under the impression the rejected bid is Haughton, no idea on other

CORRECT

He didn’t sound like that deal was dead though, one rejected bid doesn’t necessarily mean it’s over. We can go back in with an improved offer if we want. Be daft to go in with the maximum we’ll pay on Jan 4th.

Quoted from Mariner_09

He didn’t sound like that deal was dead though, one rejected bid doesn’t necessarily mean it’s over. We can go back in with an improved offer if we want. Be daft to go in with the maximum we’ll pay on Jan 4th.

Agree, the fact that we're "putting bids in" would suggest we're spending some money on fees which is another sign of progression compared to we're we've been.

Quoted from Mariner_09

He didn’t sound like that deal was dead though, one rejected bid doesn’t necessarily mean it’s over. We can go back in with an improved offer if we want. Be daft to go in with the maximum we’ll pay on Jan 4th.

Deal is over unfortunately mate ☹️

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Deal is over unfortunately mate ☹️

Well, you win some you lose some.

Also, which one of you is wrong re Hudlin? ;)

Quoted from Mariner_09

Well, you win some you lose some.

Also, which one of you is wrong re Hudlin? ;)

Yep I got this one wrong (in the end) no probs admitting it

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Yep I got this one wrong (in the end) no probs admitting it

Does fessing up to duff info mean you lose fewer points in the transfer goss table?

Quoted from Mariner_09

Does fessing up to duff info mean you lose fewer points in the transfer goss table?

Haha yeah possibly but I can tell you haughton deffo ain’t happening

shows intent, cant fault the club for that

Quoted from pontoonlew

Chalk me up for a point on Hudlin, Ska

We’ll see at the end of the window mate. 1pt pending.

I’m not fussed on Haughton tbf, it’s a big step up from playing Buxton & Banbury to then be expected to fill McAtee’s boots against Bradford & Swindon.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Under the impression the rejected bid is Haughton, no idea on other

Expecting Pontoonlew to drop into the relegation zone with this call.

Not really sure why any league club would be interested in Haughton. He's 28 and playing in the National League North. Doing well there admittedly but you'd think he's 4 or 5 years too late to get a move to the EFL.

Quoted from gtfc98

Not really sure why any league club would be interested in Haughton. He's 28 and playing in the National League North. Doing well there admittedly but you'd think he's 4 or 5 years too late to get a move to the EFL.

Yeah agreed and his record when in NL wasn’t that impressive so a step up from that again is a big ask.

Bakayoko is one I’m quite intrigued in, although it looks he will end up at Salford. Being from Cov and also following them I saw quite a lot of him. It would be fair to say he ended up being the ‘boo boy’ for the fans but that was because he never consistently put the ball in the back of the net. For how we would utilise him i think in league 2 he would be a good signing and what we could do with. I’d imagine his wages and fee would be a stumbling block tho.

Quoted from gtfc98

Not really sure why any league club would be interested in Haughton. He's 28 and playing in the National League North. Doing well there admittedly but you'd think he's 4 or 5 years too late to get a move to the EFL.

He's had a crack at it before as well and didn't work out. I work with a lad who captains Bradford PA though and he says Haughton is the best player in their league. Doesn't mean he's good enough but does seem to be plenty of interest.

Has Tshimanga signed for Birmingham yet?

[img]https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/02/20/11/alan-partridge.jpg?quality=75&width=1200&auto=webp[/img]

The rumour I’ve heard is Charles Vernam heading back to Town

Quoted from wiggers

The rumour I’ve heard is Charles Vernam heading back to Town

By eck, the olde uns are the best!...

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

By eck, the olde uns are the best!...

We're interested in prolific Rochdale striker Clive Platt.

Quoted from wiggers

The rumour I’ve heard is Charles Vernam heading back to Town

I’ve heard this too nearly happen in September apparently

i'v also heard this & also tom hopper but lincoln got to get players in before they get done , could be nonsense & it come off an imp so likely to be just that

Quoted from wiggers

The rumour I’ve heard is Charles Vernam heading back to Town

If this happens will he be signing for his hometown club or leaving his hometown club?

Quoted from gtfc98

Not really sure why any league club would be interested in Haughton. He's 28 and playing in the National League North. Doing well there admittedly but you'd think he's 4 or 5 years too late to get a move to the EFL.

This.

If the rumour is true that the deal is dead….and there could be all sorts of reasons for that being the case…..I was struggling to get past the fact that he’s 28, playing conference north, and he’s not coming to one of the big 6 in L2?! Can’t imagine that we can’t afford a fee, or wages….so he may be going elsewhere.

Genuine question how much is an 28 year old in NLN worth? Big fees for players from the lower leagues is usually predicated on either sell on potential or longevity? I’ve never seen Haughton play so he could be absolutely incredible but at 28 he doesn’t really have either. I can’t see any his transfer fee being particularly high.

Quoted from fishcake63

i'v also heard this & also tom hopper but lincoln got to get players in before they get done , could be nonsense & it come off an imp so likely to be just that

It sounds feasible and they’re definitely two players that would improve us quite clearly I’d imagine. Hope, if they were to happen, they’d be permanents so they could be part of our promotion winning side next season 😃

Quoted from wiggers

The rumour I’ve heard is Charles Vernam heading back to Town

Wouldn’t be surprised. We were hours away in the summer on deadline day until Lincoln had a late bid for one of their other attackers, so wouldn’t let others out.

Hasn’t had much game time and if we were interested then I’m sure we still are..

Funny one, Vernam. Early on was always a player who looked to have “quality”, but rarely had much impact on games. Got packed off to Chorley on loan when it looked to be the end of him here, banged in a couple of goals, got recalled and came back in what was his best spell during his time at Town.

Even then, he scored 5 in 16, 3 of which came in that Colchester game when he scored that goal.

We let him go to Bradford where he scored 4 in 37 in his first season then a more respectable 8 in 33 last time out, which got him his move to Lincoln where he’s scored 1 in 19.

I’m conflicted, to be honest. I always liked Charles Vernam, but then he frustrated me 90% of the time. Would he bring us anything we don’t already have? I’m not so sure.

have to agree here with Poojah. is it because he's an ex town player that we ignore his stats, which , lets face it, aren't the best. or does he bring something else.

Quoted from Poojah

Funny one, Vernam. Early on was always a player who looked to have “quality”, but rarely had much impact on games. Got packed off to Chorley on loan when it looked to be the end of him here, banged in a couple of goals, got recalled and came back in what was his best spell during his time at Town.

Even then, he scored 5 in 16, 3 of which came in that Colchester game when he scored that goal.

We let him go to Bradford where he scored 4 in 37 in his first season then a more respectable 8 in 33 last time out, which got him his move to Lincoln where he’s scored 1 in 19.

I’m conflicted, to be honest. I always liked Charles Vernam, but then he frustrated me 90% of the time. Would he bring us anything we don’t already have? I’m not so sure.

Think he would be and in fact has been a very good player at this level. His game is far more than goals though as a wide player. How many chances he creates and how he can change the momentum of a game by getting at the full backs is just as important.

I saw him walking through the centre of Leeds with his missus once and I couldn’t get over the size of his forehead. Enormous fod. Sorry.

Bradford fans seem to rate him though.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Think he would be and in fact has been a very good player at this level. His game is far more than goals though as a wide player. How many chances he creates and how he can change the momentum of a game by getting at the full backs is just as important.

Did he play wide for us? I’m not being sarcy, I just remember him being more of a number 10 than a winger. He was definitely a “striker” when Burton nicked him off us / we sent him packing:

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brewers-confirm-signing-former-derby-4345895.amp

Vernam signing for a third time? Charles the third?

Quoted from Poojah

Did he play wide for us? I’m not being sarcy, I just remember him being more of a number 10 than a winger. He was definitely a “striker” when Burton nicked him off us / we sent him packing:

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brewers-confirm-signing-former-derby-4345895.amp

Definitely out wide mate. Not saying he didn’t have the odd time upfront but he is a winger..

Vernam had a really good season with Bradford last year, he’d be a good signing imo. I can’t see it though, just seems to be a name we see crop up every year, although there was confirmed interest when he went to Bradford instead.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Vernam had a really good season with Bradford last year, he’d be a good signing imo. I can’t see it though, just seems to be a name we see crop up every year, although there was confirmed interest when he went to Bradford instead.

Was almost done on deadline day this season mate. Only the sale of a Lincoln forward stopped it.

You would imagine the recruitment guy helped get him to Lincoln so maybe there’s a link, not sure how these things work.

We have to have a back up plan for McAtee’s exit at the end of this season so maybe that’s in Hurst’s mind, think they’re a bit different but like someone said above I think Chas could fill the 10 role.

Who knows? I’d be happy to see him back though.

Quoted from Mariner_09

It sounds feasible and they’re definitely two players that would improve us quite clearly I’d imagine. Hope, if they were to happen, they’d be permanents so they could be part of our promotion winning side next season 😃

We are only after permanents according to PH in the interview earlier today.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Was almost done on deadline day this season mate. Only the sale of a Lincoln forward stopped it.

He only signed for Lincoln in the summer of 22 were they really going to let him go after just two months?

Sounds like a Brian Clough type decision if so, very odd.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

He only signed for Lincoln in the summer of 22 were they really going to let him go after just two months?

Sounds like a Brian Clough type decision if so, very odd.

On loan yes..

Well, I didn’t see that one happening 👀👀👀

Have not seen this anywhere else must be a prank.

But then we did sign Gary Birtles .

I would like to see it confirmed.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Well, I didn’t see that one happening 👀👀👀

You have to admire the folk who take their time to make up this excrement, most of us couldn’t be arsed…

10k a week!!! What a load of cobblers.

He,d never fit in with 1878 philosophy due his betting ban.

From Wiki "he received a four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules" plus £150K fine.

Quoted from DB

He,d never fit in with 1878 philosophy due his betting ban.

From Wiki "he received a four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules" plus £150K fine.

I’m sure Jason isn’t immune from a bet now and again. He does have shares in racehorses.

Quoted from DB

He,d never fit in with 1878 philosophy due his betting ban.

From Wiki "he received a four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules" plus £150K fine.

Scunny probably a better fit then.

That Sturridge one was doing the rounds about a week ago. Obviously completely made up. I just don't get why people would fabricate and spout nonsense like this.

In other news, and this could be nothing but a very reliable mate's brother's girlfriend's daughter saw Omar Bogle in his trunks at the leisure centre complaining to a member of staff about the slide currently not being in use.

Quoted from Son of Cod

That Sturridge one was doing the rounds about a week ago. Obviously completely made up. I just don't get why people would fabricate and spout nonsense like this.

In other news, and this could be nothing but a very reliable mate's brother's girlfriend's daughter saw Omar Bogle in his trunks at the leisure centre complaining to a member of staff about the slide currently not being in use.

Bogle's career is on the slide!

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Well, I didn’t see that one happening 👀👀👀

Danny Braithwaite will be frothing at the mouth with that rumour.

Quoted from Poojah

Did he play wide for us? I’m not being sarcy, I just remember him being more of a number 10 than a winger. He was definitely a “striker” when Burton nicked him off us / we sent him packing:

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brewers-confirm-signing-former-derby-4345895.amp

I thought Vernam benefitted greatly from having Billy Clarke , Benson , Glennon around him at that time. All three technically good players and seemed to click/gel from the off.
Left to his own devices I didn't think he was a world beater although Colchester may argue that point 😆

Quoted from moosey_club

I thought Vernam benefitted greatly from having Billy Clarke , Benson , Glennon around him at that time. All three technically good players and seemed to click/gel from the off.
Left to his own devices I didn't think he was a world beater although Colchester may argue that point 😆

No reason to suggest that he couldn't benefit from having Otis Khan, maybe Alex Hunt and obviously Glennon. Think he'd work well with McAtee and playing off this illusive new striker. On the face of it, we have the players that would suit his game.

Vernam definitely a wide player, though not one who got to the byline too often - he did his best work running with the ball and cutting inside. I'd be happy to have him back and I think he'd link up well with the likes of Khan and McAtee. We still wouldn't have the focal point up front if those three were playing, of course, but it might work out. If he did come, I tend to think that it might indicate Kiernan was moving on. When Khan was interviewed the other day, he mentioned that Hurst had asked him to play on the left so he doesn't see that as his usual position (he's generally right-sided, I think?). Vernam used to play on the left so I could see Khan moving across to the other side if he did join.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlrwFoUbq2c

I could not believe we loaned him out to Chorley so I went to watch him do this at Chesterfield.

Turn volume down a little. Makes it easier listening. As already said, he will press, run channels, attack defences, chase down the centre and convert penalties. Would give Hurst options within a game.

Quoted from Croxton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlrwFoUbq2c

I could not believe we loaned him out to Chorley so I went to watch him do this at Chesterfield.

Turn volume down a little. Makes it easier listening. As already said, he will press, run channels, attack defences, chase down the centre and convert penalties. Would give Hurst options within a game.

Someone who could take a penalty would go a long way!

[tweet]1611315351588900866[/tweet]

Charlie Austin back at Swindon !

Already been mentioned by someone but Jake Young form Bradford is possible, any move would be a loan. But I expect it’ll be a bit of a waiting game this window. A lot of our business will be dependent on other clubs bringing other players in first.

Quoted from Surrey97

Already been mentioned by someone but Jake Young form Bradford is possible, any move would be a loan. But I expect it’ll be a bit of a waiting game this window. A lot of our business will be dependent on other clubs bringing other players in first.

Here we go, as close to from the horse's mouth as it gets!

Wouldn't surprise me if we got Hopper and Young in, we need two forwards as I expect Simmonds will go back, Bim is very raw and probably not up to it at this stage of his career, Richardson is a young lad, and more of a McAtee backup than a striker. That leaves with just a 34 year old Taylor who's coming back from a serious hamstring injury and Orsi, who has started 1 league game all season.

Vernam originally came (on loan from Derby) as a central forward/number 10, but was then converted to a wide player and had his best spell for us under Holloway when he first came.

He was brilliant in that role for that spell until the season got cut short, would be a big upgrade on Maguire-Drew, i'd say.

Hopper would be a great signing if we can make it happen. He’s in his 10th season, all of which have been in League One which would suggest, having only just turned 29, he’s every bit good enough to play at that level.

50 goals in 256 appearances so not prolific, but 7 or 8 goals a season in League One should roughly translate to 10-15 in League Two which, given the other things a physical striker would bring to the party, would be a very healthy return.

A big man who can finish and pops up in the right places; just what we need.

https://youtu.be/xLlRTOSEBKA
https://youtu.be/n1_AwfOBzhw
https://youtu.be/DDSrBORTaJA
https://youtu.be/X7Co4Vz3b_4

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Well, I didn’t see that one happening 👀👀👀

Woz what are you playing at getting up early to post this crap.

Don't do it again I expect better from you. :)

Without question Vernam's spell at Town was indifferent until he came back from Chorley with the bit between his teeth.

But it was also the only time that he really had a settled position and sustained run in the team.  Quick glance of his starts and in his first full season with us he had runs of three-sets of 6 consecutive starts   Incidentally both of the first two sustained runs saw us pick up 10 points from 15 and a cup win in each, our best form all season.  Was also when he was he in a quite exciting and interchangeable 3 of himself, Pringle and Embleton behind the strikers.

When he came back, he was pretty much exclusively on the left wing.  Yeah his stats are loaded heavily towards a real purple patch including the Colchester hat-trick, but he was genuinely unplayable in that spell.  Bradford away always sticks out in my mind where they just couldn't cope with him, regardless of how many players they put on him.  He and Glennon developed a really nice understanding, in all honesty for that alone I'd be keen to see if it could be rekindled by bringing him back.

8 goals from 28 games in League Two last year.  A goal or an assist every 155 minutes from the wing.  Yeah, I'll take that.

I would be happy with Vernam, he's inconsistent, but that's why he's hovering around the lower leagues, and not higher up.

He's played a lot for lincoln, so not sure it will happen

Quoted from diehardmariner

8 goals from 28 games in League Two last year. A goal or an assist every 155 minutes from the wing. Yeah, I'll take that.

Stats Fans: As a comparison, JMD, who a player like Vernam would effectively be replacing, has a goal or an assist every 227 minutes in League Two

Quoted from diehardmariner

Stats Fans: As a comparison, JMD, who a player like Vernam would effectively be replacing, has a goal or an assist every 227 minutes in League Two

I didn't dislike JMD, but if we end up 'replacing' him with Vernam, that a good bit of business

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I didn't dislike JMD, but if we end up 'replacing' him with Vernam, that a good bit of business

Do we know if Vernam would be a loan or a permanent? I'm sure Hursty will want 18 month or 2.5 year contracts if we can manage them.

If we give players 2-3 year deals, surely that makes it easier to convince players to move to the area as well, meaning we don't have to pay over the odds necessarily. Obviously with Hopper and Vernam having played most of their careers in Lincs, this wouldn't be such an issue.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Do we know if Vernam would be a loan or a permanent? I'm sure Hursty will want 18 month or 2.5 year contracts if we can manage them.

If we give players 2-3 year deals, surely that makes it easier to convince players to move to the area as well, meaning we don't have to pay over the odds necessarily. Obviously with Hopper and Vernam having played most of their careers in Lincs, this wouldn't be such an issue.

Hurst said in his Burton prematch that he wants to sign players on permanent deals, not loans. 2 years was mentioned.

Quoted from DB

Hurst said in his Burton prematch that he wants to sign players on permanent deals, not loans. 2 years was mentioned.

Does 2 years mean 18 months or 2.5 years though? That will be unclear until any hypothetical announcement. I'd hope this Jan is seen as a precursor to the summer, getting some players in for a promotion tilt next season.

I was told last summer that Vernam was both eager and close to signing initially with us on a permanent deal and only another chance in League One (also location playing a factor) was enough to sway him with Lincoln.

From very early on it wasn't a good fit for either party, which is why we nearly ended up getting a loan deal so short after him signing for them. All three parties were quite happy to get any deal moving. As mentioned by others, only the sale of Anthony Scully to Wigan curtailed it as Mark Kennedy didn't want to be short of bodies/options.

As it happens, it hasn't really worked out for Scully at Wigan and surprise, surprise he could be heading back to Lincoln on a loan deal in the very near future. Which could, in turn, create the potential for a departure from Sincil Bank...

Another case of us waiting for things to happen further up the chain.

From what's been posted it looks like a wait and see job for incomings, with everything in the jigsaw waiting to be put into place. Hurst did say he will not make a signing for the sake of it, so it may be, and I hope not, that we may get nobody.

Not a future prospect I like but it may be a possibility or just shenanigans from Hurst. Time will tell.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Woz what are you playing at getting up early to post this crap.

Don't do it again I expect better from you. :)

Sorry Pete, and others.

I was up with sleep deprivation as my lad wanted me to open my birthday presents from about 1 this morning

I’m hoping the panel can see past this mediocre misdemeanour and i promise to do better in the coming weeks and months

Quoted from diehardmariner

I was told last summer that Vernam was both eager and close to signing initially with us on a permanent deal and only another chance in League One (also location playing a factor) was enough to sway him with Lincoln.

From very early on it wasn't a good fit for either party, which is why we nearly ended up getting a loan deal so short after him signing for them. All three parties were quite happy to get any deal moving. As mentioned by others, only the sale of Anthony Scully to Wigan curtailed it as Mark Kennedy didn't want to be short of bodies/options.

As it happens, it hasn't really worked out for Scully at Wigan and surprise, surprise he could be heading back to Lincoln on a loan deal in the very near future. Which could, in turn, create the potential for a departure from Sincil Bank...

Another case of us waiting for things to happen further up the chain.

I wonder if this was the player Jason Stockwood was referring to when he was on DN35, said a deal had been agreed with a good player and fell through at the last minute.

Like I said above I'd be more than happy to see him back, lets just hope there is some truth in it and PH can land it.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I would be happy with Vernam, he's inconsistent, but that's why he's hovering around the lower leagues, and not higher up.

He's played a lot for lincoln, so not sure it will happen

He has only played recently due to injuries. I don't rate him at all to be honest - L1 is a step too far.

Hopper would be very good at L2 in my opinion.

Tomorrow’s opponents Burton have just recalled striker Louis Moult from his loan at Motherwell. I might be misremembering but I’m fairly sure Hurst tried to sign Moult about a decade ago when he left Nuneaton, instead opting to sign for Wrexham.

Had a decent record in the SPL with Motherwell previously, before moving to Preston. 6ft. 30 years old. A possibility?

Quoted from Poojah

Tomorrow’s opponents Burton have just recalled striker Louis Moult from his loan at Motherwell. I might be misremembering but I’m fairly sure Hurst tried to sign Moult about a decade ago when he left Nuneaton, instead opting to sign for Wrexham.

Had a decent record in the SPL with Motherwell previously, before moving to Preston. 6ft. 30 years old. A possibility?

He's Injured

Quoted from Hagrid

He's Injured

Fúck him, then.

Quoted from ska face

A reminder of the summer window’s hall of fame/shame:

Surrey97
Pontoonlew
Hagrid
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mendonca1995
Corkyefes
coddy60

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It Bites (R)
Lukeo (R)
Telegraph Sport (R)
WozofGrimsby (R)

Those in the top 6 all have decent record with this kind of thing, Surrey97 the undisputed ITK poster but pontoonlew not far behind. The bottom 4, unfortunately, completely out the loop.

Quoted from It Bites

Danny Johnson ???

By the looks of the reports, Walsall want to keep him but feel Mansfield are asking too much (his contract expires in 6 months and is 29). They must be the favourites to sign him, you'd think he'd want to stay there?

Vernam was talented from the off. I couldn't believe that Jolley wasn't playing him. He really struggled to get our quality attacking players in the team. Barely played Dembele and sent Vernam out on loan.

For all the shite Holloway did, he allowed Vernam to play and recognised his quality.

Had a really good season at Bradford as well and would fit perfectly into our system in one of the wide slots. Think he would have better offers than ours though.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Vernam was talented from the off. I couldn't believe that Jolley wasn't playing him. He really struggled to get our quality attacking players in the team. Barely played Dembele and sent Vernam out on loan.

For all the shite Holloway did, he allowed Vernam to play and recognised his quality.

Had a really good season at Bradford as well and would fit perfectly into our system in one of the wide slots. Think he would have better offers than ours though.

He barely played Dembele because he had already checked out of Grimsby mentally. I think the final game he played was when someone passed to him and he was busy tying his laces as he fought for our lives.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Vernam was talented from the off. I couldn't believe that Jolley wasn't playing him. He really struggled to get our quality attacking players in the team. Barely played Dembele and sent Vernam out on loan.

For all the shite Holloway did, he allowed Vernam to play and recognised his quality.

Had a really good season at Bradford as well and would fit perfectly into our system in one of the wide slots. Think he would have better offers than ours though.

Him and Khan on either side would be a real threat at this level.

As much of a W4nker as Holloway was, think we've played our best football I've seen under him that first season. Billy Clarke was brilliant and I liked the way which Grandin used to float around the pitch Glennon and Benson was quality aswell.. I just don't know what went wrong from there.

Newport striker rumoured to be heading out, possibly to Gillingham. 29-year-old centre forward, definitely a number 9 type, 6ft 3”, 9 in 32 so far this season plus a 1 in 4 record in League 1 last year.

I forget the name.

Quoted from ska face

Newport striker rumoured to be heading out, possibly to Gillingham. 29-year-old centre forward, definitely a number 9 type, 6ft 3”, 9 in 32 so far this season plus a 1 in 4 record in League 1 last year.

I forget the name.

Well it ain’t Bogle ‘cos there’s no way in earth he’s 6ft 3”.

Quoted from Poojah

Well it ain’t Bogle ‘cos there’s no way in earth he’s 6ft 3”.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Bogle

Quoted from MuddyWaters

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Bogle

Well if Wikipedia’s the source of truth the we’re all fúcked. His own employers reckon he’s 187cm, which is roughly 6ft 1”.

https://www.newport-county.co.uk/teams/first-team/forward/omar-bogle/

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve embellished a couple of inches myself in my time, but Bogle was never that big.

Ryley Towler: Portsmouth sign defender from Bristol City
If only we were half as good at spotting young strikers

Talking to a Lincoln fan I have and he has been in the know previously, he told me Hopper could happen but there is no chance of Vernam he reckons, he says he probably won't even be available.

Quoted from Poojah

Well if Wikipedia’s the source of truth the we’re all fúcked. His own employers reckon he’s 187cm, which is roughly 6ft 1”.

https://www.newport-county.co.uk/teams/first-team/forward/omar-bogle/

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve embellished a couple of inches myself in my time, but Bogle was never that big.

Didn’t have you down as someone that named theirs…

Quoted from aldi_01

Didn’t have you down as someone that named theirs…

If he’s named it he certainly wouldn’t round down by 0.35 inches…

Hopper has started for Lincoln today

Quoted from Madeleymariner

Hopper has started for Lincoln today

Jebbison has scored for Sheffield Utd.

Quoted from Davec

Talking to a Lincoln fan I have and he has been in the know previously, he told me Hopper could happen but there is no chance of Vernam he reckons, he says he probably won't even be available.

Thanks Yoda

You’d imagine our budget just increased somewhat…

Quoted from pontoonlew

You’d imagine our budget just increased somewhat…

It might come crashing back down if we end up potentially travelling to Boreham Wood in 3 weeks time.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

It might come crashing back down if we end up potentially travelling to Boreham Wood in 3 weeks time.

Keep thinking we’re going to get Fleetwood away, hope it’s not an omen

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Keep thinking we’re going to get Fleetwood away, hope it’s not an omen

They're League 1 so if we do we can start talking about who we want in Round 5.

Quoted from ska face

Think you’re getting mixed up there. Pearson’s on loan at Boston, Bennett’s still without a club.

Anyway, Caolan Lavery won’t be offered another contract at Scunny once his deal expires in Jan due to their embargo. 4 in his last 5, would you have him?

Another 3 for Lavery today, that’s 9 in 18 now for the team at the foot of he conference 👀

Quoted from ska face

Another 3 for Lavery today, that’s 9 in 18 now for the team at the foot of he conference 👀

We should offer Swann 100k, a lottery ticket and a betting slip with Arsenal to win the prem

Quoted from lukeo

We should offer Swann 100k, a lottery ticket and a betting slip with Arsenal to win the prem

Considering he’s out of contract in a week or two that offer maybe a tad generous…

Quoted from Mikey_345

Considering he’s out of contract in a week or two that offer maybe a tad generous…

Just a betting slip of Arsenal to win the Prem then. We will pay him for it when he proves he's a) placed the bet, and b) paid for it.

Important to remember Scunny are bottom of the league, if it was any other club we wouldn’t be looking at a player with such a previously poor record. Highly doubt he’d be what we’re looking at/need.

Interestingly it looks like Umerah is subject of a lot of L1 interest, a player we turned down in the summer…

Quoted from lukeo

We should offer Swann 100k, a lottery ticket and a betting slip with Arsenal to win the prem

Is that to buy the club?, if it is the £100k is too much. Just the lottery ticket and betting slip will do.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Important to remember Scunny are bottom of the league, if it was any other club we wouldn’t be looking at a player with such a previously poor record. Highly doubt he’d be what we’re looking at/need.

Interestingly it looks like Umerah is subject of a lot of L1 interest, a player we turned down in the summer…

Agree with this, we already have too many “squad players” and in reality when you look at his goals to games ratio in the EFL that’s where you’d see him being.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Important to remember Scunny are bottom of the league, if it was any other club we wouldn’t be looking at a player with such a previously poor record. Highly doubt he’d be what we’re looking at/need.

Interestingly it looks like Umerah is subject of a lot of L1 interest, a player we turned down in the summer…

Like Podge's? *wink* Lavery's a 1 in 5 man in the FL, is on form, soon to be a free agent and is realistic. I don't think anyone is suggesting give him a long term deal but currently Hurst isn't confident enough to start our only fit striker, who has scored 3 times in his last 40-odd appearances, including 22 appearances in the national league. Perhaps PH is hoping for better. I hope so.

Never knew his contract was all but up. Be interesting to see what happens to him once it is officially over.
Obviously my original message was more tongue in cheek with Swanns gambling.

Quoted from immariner

Like Podge's? *wink* Lavery's a 1 in 5 man in the FL, is on form, soon to be a free agent and is realistic. I don't think anyone is suggesting give him a long term deal but currently Hurst isn't confident enough to start our only fit striker, who has scored 3 times in his last 40-odd appearances, including 22 appearances in the national league. Perhaps PH is hoping for better. I hope so.

I know it’s tongue in cheek but the Podge not scoring before us thing is a bit of a myth, he had a 1 in 4 record in L2 and the majority of those were from the wing.

Anything expected to happen this week? I see both Tom Hopper and Charles Vernam played for Lincoln at the weekend so we can probably rule both of those out.

Quoted from gtfc98

Anything expected to happen this week? I see both Tom Hopper and Charles Vernam played for Lincoln at the weekend so we can probably rule both of those out.

Who Lincoln get in will determine who they let leave.

Quoted from gtfc98

Anything expected to happen this week? I see both Tom Hopper and Charles Vernam played for Lincoln at the weekend so we can probably rule both of those out.

Looking through the thread what I think you can expect is that nobody will agree on who we want, what we want and why we want them to be followed up with whoever we get won’t be good enough! I’m struggling following some of the ideas here other than some people hoping clubs give up the fabled 20 a season striker… if we do get one then they currently won’t be scoring at that rate and it will be by good research, good fortune or both that we end up with a new signing scoring a dozen goals in the season run in. That or we take a punt on someone scoring well in conference north or south which itself comes with risks.

Lavery - not good enough with 30 in 176 (at this level, ignoring current conference form) according to most; although current form is going well.
Hopper - 50 in 246 at this level is good enough… go figure?
I appreciate they’re two different players, probably two different styles, etc.

My expectation is that we are looking for two up top and perhaps cover elsewhere. Two up front will be a wily old pro to hold up the ball and bring McAtee, Khan, Scannell into the game but they won’t necessarily be a goal scorer. The second will be a loan or a gamble on a swift forward younger than 21 who would be able to stretch defences when played through. But what do I know…

We already have the later, in the form of Richardson. I think we’ll see a bit more of him in the next few weeks and I think he’ll score a few.

We need to stop deciding a player isn't good enough because of his previous record. McAtee is a prime example.

Just because a player hasn't torn up any trees before, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement if he has the basics.

PH has already said as much in one of his interviews.

Quoted from ginnywings

We need to stop deciding a player isn't good enough because of his previous record. McAtee is a prime example.

Just because a player hasn't torn up any trees before, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement if he has the basics.

PH has already said as much in one of his interviews.

Absolutely. Get the right players in the right team.

Look at Otis Kahn, average record, was being played at wing back by Leyton Orient and struggling to get in their side. Looks a very good attacking player for the level and will probably hit double figures this season from wide.

Quoted from gtfc98

Anything expected to happen this week? I see both Tom Hopper and Charles Vernam played for Lincoln at the weekend so we can probably rule both of those out.

Lincoln are expecting to get Scully back from Wigan as evidently they haven’t made any of the transfer payments but their squad is quite small so whether that will allow them to release anyone is probably doubtful but the Hopper rumour is quite prevalent over here as well so maybe some truth in it.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Lincoln are expecting to get Scully back from Wigan as evidently they haven’t made any of the transfer payments but their squad is quite small so whether that will allow them to release anyone is probably doubtful but the Hopper rumour is quite prevalent over here as well so maybe some truth in it.

Both Hopper and Vernam don't start when everyone is fit for us. Clearly we need more attacking options and neither are firing in L1 - There is a rumour regarding Scully, as well as others too. I think Hopper is the more likely as his wages will be bigger and will enable us to bring better quality in.

I think Hopper will be sought after in L2 though and Salford/Stockport have also been mentioned here, but he is a local lad and that may play in your favour. I would imagine it could be a loan.

Hooper and Vernam's game time has been relatively limited. You would have thought with inevitable new signings at Lincoln that is going to push them further down the pecking order.

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

Both Hopper and Vernam don't start when everyone is fit for us. Clearly we need more attacking options and neither are firing in L1 - There is a rumour regarding Scully, as well as others too. I think Hopper is the more likely as his wages will be bigger and will enable us to bring better quality in.

I think Hopper will be sought after in L2 though and Salford/Stockport have also been mentioned here, but he is a local lad and that may play in your favour. I would imagine it could be a loan.

Stockport have already spent 200k on Olaofe and brought Stretton in from Derby so I highly doubt they'll be going after Hopper as well.

Quoted from ginnywings

We need to stop deciding a player isn't good enough because of his previous record. McAtee is a prime example.

Just because a player hasn't torn up any trees before, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement if he has the basics.

PH has already said as much in one of his interviews.

Connell & Amond both arrived with a poor record aswell

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Connell & Amond both arrived with a poor record aswell

Always going to be the same at our level. We aren't going to be signing a 26 year old 6ft 3" striker that's banging in 20+ goals at League 1. That's where clubs have to be savvy and sign those players they think have the potential to improve here or do more than they have elsewhere - Connell and Amond are a prime example. Bringing the lad in from Lincoln for recruitment shows we're trying to do that.

Looking purely at numbers isn't usually a good indicator. As most of us are similar to your average lower league fans - we only see players when we play them. Often knowing sweet FA about them other than what wikipedia or TransferMrkt says.. Should wait 'til we've actually seen them play before judging.

Otherwise, if you want 'good numbers', you're taking a gamble on a player moving up - which usually end up being a Hearn/Bogle or a Jackson/Montel Gibson..

People's expectations sometimes does puzzle me.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Always going to be the same at our level. We aren't going to be signing a 26 year old 6ft 3" striker that's banging in 20+ goals at League 1. That's where clubs have to be savvy and sign those players they think have the potential to improve here or do more than they have elsewhere - Connell and Amond are a prime example. Bringing the lad in from Lincoln for recruitment shows we're trying to do that.

Looking purely at numbers isn't usually a good indicator. As most of us are similar to your average lower league fans - we only see players when we play them. Often knowing sweet FA about them other than what wikipedia or TransferMrkt says.. Should wait 'til we've actually seen them play before judging.

Otherwise, if you want 'good numbers', you're taking a gamble on a player moving up - which usually end up being a Hearn/Bogle or a Jackson/Montel Gibson..

People's expectations sometimes does puzzle me.

I believe Amond was being played out wide when he turned up here as an out and out striker. The numbers weren't great but he wasn't being played as a striker so they were never going to be.

Otis Khan, came in as a winger but has spent the last couple of years playing wing back. On current form that looks like an absolute waste of his talent.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I believe Amond was being played out wide when he turned up here as an out and out striker. The numbers weren't great but he wasn't being played as a striker so they were never going to be.

Otis Khan, came in as a winger but has spent the last couple of years playing wing back. On current form that looks like an absolute waste of his talent.

Exactly my point, numbers without context are somewhat irrelevant.

For example if someone’s made 40 appearances but only been brought on as a sub for 10/20 here and there that isn’t the same as 40 starts/90mins.

I always find the argument that Podge’s record was poor before we signed him a little odd. He’d averaged 10 goals a season in the division above for 4 seasons straight. I’d be very happy if we signed a player with such a record now (

Yeah, it's one of those things that gets trotted out so often it's become fact. Like how we were on a great run when Bonetti had his face smashed in!

Quoted from headingly_mariner

Absolutely. Get the right players in the right team.

Look at Otis Kahn, average record, was being played at wing back by Leyton Orient and struggling to get in their side. Looks a very good attacking player for the level and will probably hit double figures this season from wide.

In fairness, almost every review of Khan from former clubs was a positive one.

Completely agree with right players in right team and I’m absolutely convinced somebody capable of scoring 12-15 goals a season up front could sweep up in this team. With McAtee and Khan creating behind them, there has to be somebody out there that would relish the amount of chances we create.

I do think it’s important we have a crack at replacing McAtee this window instead of starting next window, given the struggles we’ve had. We all know we’re unlikely to get a like for like, but we need to give ourselves a good chance of at least getting close.

Latest name branded on Twitter is Emile Acquah (Maidenhead)

22 years old, scored 8 this season in 22 games and is 6ft 3.

Contract also expires at the end of the season

Quoted from Youngy

Latest name branded on Twitter is Emile Acquah (Maidenhead)

22 years old, scored 8 this season in 22 games and is 6ft 3.

Contract also expires at the end of the season

I'm not sure the pitch can cope with much more water on it... :B

Quoted from Mikey_345

Always going to be the same at our level. We aren't going to be signing a 26 year old 6ft 3" striker that's banging in 20+ goals at League 1. That's where clubs have to be savvy and sign those players they think have the potential to improve here or do more than they have elsewhere - Connell and Amond are a prime example. Bringing the lad in from Lincoln for recruitment shows we're trying to do that.

Looking purely at numbers isn't usually a good indicator. As most of us are similar to your average lower league fans - we only see players when we play them. Often knowing sweet FA about them other than what wikipedia or TransferMrkt says.. Should wait 'til we've actually seen them play before judging.

Otherwise, if you want 'good numbers', you're taking a gamble on a player moving up - which usually end up being a Hearn/Bogle or a Jackson/Montel Gibson..

People's expectations sometimes does puzzle me.

Fully agree with this. Good goal scorers don’t tend to hang around at this level and the key is finding players that have the ability to improve and will fit in with how the team plays.

Current league top scorer Sam Hoskins only scored 44 goals in 255 games up to this season. This year he’s scored 16 in 20. Kristin Dennis is third top scorer and he didn’t look great for us.

Colchester signings are interesting. Matt Jay from Exeter, unreal player.

Wearne has returned from his loan spell. (Torquay United on Twitter)

Would be a weird one considering he only signed in the summer, but Hartlepool are sniffing around Bryn Morris apparently.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Would be a weird one considering he only signed in the summer, but Hartlepool are sniffing around Bryn Morris apparently.

Not exactly set the world alight has he?

Saw this on Twitter, just thought i'd share.

Young goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright is expected to join in the next week once his termination of his loan is completed with Peterborough. Their addition of Norris has left him third choice and the player grew up in Grimsby. Grimsby only have 1 first team gk

Quoted from Meza

Saw this on Twitter, just thought i'd share.

Young goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright is expected to join in the next week once his termination of his loan is completed with Peterborough. Their addition of Norris has left him third choice and the player grew up in Grimsby. Grimsby only have 1 first team gk

He’s best mates with Ollie and still lives with his family in the area so makes sense location wise. Permanent or a loan deal?

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

He’s best mates with Ollie and still lives with his family in the area so makes sense location wise. Permanent or a loan deal?

Unsure, it was off one of the Transfer (want to be in the know) sites lol. I'm sure others may have heard if its true.

[tweet]1612524311004450818[/tweet]

Quoted from Son of Cod

Would be a weird one considering he only signed in the summer, but Hartlepool are sniffing around Bryn Morris apparently.

Could see it. Only on a one year here. We have plenty of midfield options. Home town club as well.

I think Morris was one of our best players earlier in the season when we were playing better football. He got injured and has struggled since but so has the rest of the team.

Quoted from Meza

Unsure, it was off one of the Transfer (want to be in the know) sites lol. I'm sure others may have heard if its true.

[tweet]1612524311004450818[/tweet]

Looks like a reputable journalist to me.

Quoted from gtfc98

Looks like a reputable journalist to me.

The Wacca dude is full of excrement from everything I’ve seen of him.

Quoted from Meza

Unsure, it was off one of the Transfer (want to be in the know) sites lol. I'm sure others may have heard if its true.

[tweet]1612524311004450818[/tweet]

10 Bentleys

Tyriek Wright recalled by Villa from his loan at Bradford and then sold permanently to Plymouth. Potentially a spanner in the works if we are in for Jake Young.

Morris is our only midfielder who can receive the ball from defence under pressure. We'd need to be in the market for another CM if he left.

Also, looks like Charles Vernam has just followed DN35 Podcast, unless they're on the wind-up. ;D

https://twitter.com/DN35GTFC/status/1612552055604023296?t=Cgxi6BfHftWQPhtP-pRrNA&s=19

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Morris is our only midfielder who can receive the ball from defence under pressure. We'd need to be in the market for another CM if he left.

Also, looks like Charles Vernam has just followed DN35 Podcast, unless they're on the wind-up. ;D

https://twitter.com/DN35GTFC/status/1612552055604023296?t=Cgxi6BfHftWQPhtP-pRrNA&s=19

Not a wind up mate..

As for Morris, liked him earlier in the season but been unlucky with injuries at the wrong time. He only has a deal til the summer so if someone’s offering him more than that you can’t really blame the bloke.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Morris is our only midfielder who can receive the ball from defence under pressure. We'd need to be in the market for another CM if he left.

Also, looks like Charles Vernam has just followed DN35 Podcast, unless they're on the wind-up. ;D

https://twitter.com/DN35GTFC/status/1612552055604023296?t=Cgxi6BfHftWQPhtP-pRrNA&s=19

Yep, agree on Morris. Started the season very well and I'd say he's our best all round midfielder. Clifton and Holohan both great engines, Green an absolute warrior, Hunt good technically...Morris can do what the rest do competently, I'd say he's more on the Hunt/tidy side of things but he's grittier than Hunt. He's obviously struggled since coming back from injury but I think he'd be a loss. Fortunately the guy who mentioned the Hartlepool rumour has elaborated and said that his source is usually bang on but has reiterated to him that he's just heard they're interested and that nothing concrete has happened yet, so let's hope it stays that way.

Quoted from Meza

Saw this on Twitter, just thought i'd share.

Young goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright is expected to join in the next week once his termination of his loan is completed with Peterborough. Their addition of Norris has left him third choice and the player grew up in Grimsby. Grimsby only have 1 first team gk

Not sure why any young goalkeeper would come here unless he is first choice .Hurst never names a keeper .Any young lad playing championship u23 level would be better staying where he is for his development

Quoted from Son of Cod

Yep, agree on Morris. Started the season very well and I'd say he's our best all round midfielder. Clifton and Holohan both great engines, Green an absolute warrior, Hunt good technically...Morris can do what the rest do competently, I'd say he's more on the Hunt/tidy side of things but he's grittier than Hunt. He's obviously struggled since coming back from injury but I think he'd be a loss. Fortunately the guy who mentioned the Hartlepool rumour has elaborated and said that his source is usually bang on but has reiterated to him that he's just heard they're interested and that nothing concrete has happened yet, so let's hope it stays that way.

I think that's a good summary on Morris.  A good all-rounder without really having an outstanding attribute like Green does with his tenacity.

I like the lad and I think our better football came with him sitting in that holding role.  But I think unless he's happy to be a squad player, we need to look at better to progress.  Be that Hunt who comes in and really takes a grab of that quarter-back style role where he dictates everything at the pivot, or someone else.   But I don't see Morris displacing either Green or Holohan, or even Clifton, in Hurst's mind and with us paying a fee for Hunt, it really wouldn't surprise me to see him move on.

Regards Vernam, there's talk that Scully to Lincoln could go through before the weekend if hiccups are avoided.  That should pave the way for Vernam to come back home, taking in each of his 13 home town/villages as he weaves up the A46 in the process.

Wearne is back from his loan at Torquay. Wonder if that's a short term measure with Keirnan likely not hanging around, Keke having gone back and JMD shipped out and he needs a body in the building in the meantime.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

The Wacca dude is full of excrement from everything I’ve seen of him.

He got 2 correct signings in the summer and this transfer is almost complete (confirmed by multiple sources) so give him some respect please.

Quoted from wacca wacca

He got 2 correct signings in the summer and this transfer is almost complete (confirmed by multiple sources) so give him some respect please.

You logged in to the wrong account?

Quoted from SteffiMariner

You logged in to the wrong account?

no, reading in third person is the easiest way for people

Quoted from wacca wacca

He got 2 correct signings in the summer and this transfer is almost complete (confirmed by multiple sources) so give him some respect please.

Nice touch of self praise there

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Nice touch of self praise there

no need for hatred on here, unite fans as one

Quoted from wacca wacca

He got 2 correct signings in the summer and this transfer is almost complete (confirmed by multiple sources) so give him some respect please.

Somebody’s Mum coming on to defend the accuracy of their sons transfer rumours must be a Fishy first

Have I missed a rumour? Who is Wacca referring to as almost done deal?

Quoted from pontoonlew

Somebody’s Mum coming on to defend the accuracy of their sons transfer rumours must be a Fishy first

already stated i spoke in third person to make it easy to read while passing. there has been far too much slander on my good name today and it is not acceptable

Quoted from Davec

Have I missed a rumour? Who is Wacca referring to as almost done deal?

harvey cartwright loan until the end of the season. crocombe competition is needed and peterborough now have 3 loan keepers (cartwright 3rd choice)

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Tyriek Wright recalled by Villa from his loan at Bradford and then sold permanently to Plymouth. Potentially a spanner in the works if we are in for Jake Young.

Bradford City signed a West Ham winger who has been on loan at Newport, so maybe Jake Young still an opportunity

Quoted from wacca wacca

already stated i spoke in third person to make it easy to read while passing. there has been far too much slander on my good name today and it is not acceptable

Slander is spoken. Libel is written.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Slander is spoken. Libel is written.

doesn’t change the fact that there is a witch hunt against me on the fishy

Quoted from wacca wacca

doesn’t change the fact that there is a witch hunt against me on the fishy

"me" or "him"? I'm struggling to keep up which with tense you're talking in..

Quoted from Mikey_345

"me" or "him"? I'm struggling to keep up which with tense you're talking in..

first person, michael, given that third person is apparently inhumane based off the reaction

Quoted from wacca wacca

doesn’t change the fact that there is a witch hunt against me on the fishy

Being a tool on Twitter doesn’t help you

Quoted from wacca wacca

doesn’t change the fact that there is a witch hunt against me on the fishy

A witch hunt??? I just said the rumours you posted on Twitter were full of excrement. That’s not a character assassination or an instruction for people to pile on.

Quoted from KingsleysHair

Being a tool on Twitter doesn’t help you

could you show me to where on my twitter i have been a ‘tool’?

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

A witch hunt??? I just said the rumours you posted on Twitter were full of excrement. That’s not a character assassination or an instruction for people to pile on.

several instant upvotes anytime a post about me is made. you could have asked me about my source as i can back up the only 2 transfer claims i have made this window, both born in grimsby

Quoted from wacca wacca

doesn’t change the fact that there is a witch hunt against me on the fishy

You ok hun?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Slander is spoken. Libel is written.

Are they both defamation, legally speaking, or is that an entirely different sub-section?

Quoted from wacca wacca

could you show me to where on my twitter i have been a ‘tool’?

Difficult when you deleted your tweets about the Bradford fire which led to plenty of people giving you their opinions.

Quoted from KingsleysHair

Difficult when you deleted your tweets about the Bradford fire which led to plenty of people giving you their opinions.

that was on my old account sir, i am happy to post that tweet again if you would like?

We finally manage to shake off the reputation that the Fishy is the worst place to discuss Town with the arrival of Grimsby Town Praise and Grumble and then Wacca rocks up on here. FFS.

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

Quoted from wacca wacca

that was on my old account sir, i am happy to post that tweet again if you would like?

No need. You’ve just proven yourself to be a tool as I said earlier.

Keep going Wacca, who cares if rumours are ultimately wrong the national press do it everyday along with Sky sports and the assorted bunch of You Tubers they get on every day who are clueless as to what’s really happening in the transfer window.

It's fcking annoying when you see a new post and think great it might be news of a transfer then you see it's nothing to do with transfers it's just some fcking irrelevant foreskin talking tosh! Can we not just limit this thread to transfer news!

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

Vernam ?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Vernam ?

My guess is someone who's been mentioned by absolutely nobody

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

Care to give a name.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

Heeeerrreee wwweeeeee gggoooooooooooo

Been told Vernam is highly likely to happen at some point

Quoted from wacca wacca

He got 2 correct signings in the summer and this transfer is almost complete (confirmed by multiple sources) so give him some respect please.

Put "Wacca is surprising laid back for a person so ITK"

Not sure why we would want Vernam, there must be a reason he has pent the last few years moving from club to club. Surely if he is that good he wouldn't be moving on every year. I await the red crosses for dissing a player who had a dozen good games for us in over a year. :)

Quoted from gtfc98

Put "Wacca is surprising laid back for a person so ITK"

Can someone go straight to the bottom of the transfer goss table? >:(

Quoted from Mariner_09

Can someone go straight to the bottom of the transfer goss table? >:(

👋 👋 👋

Quoted from lukeo

JM

Jose Mourinho?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Jose Mourinho?

Jim Montgomery

Back up keeper

Quoted from lukeo

JM

Josh Morris?

Quoted from wacca wacca

several instant upvotes anytime a post about me is made. you could have asked me about my source as i can back up the only 2 transfer claims i have made this window, both born in grimsby

I apologise if I’ve caused any upset on my comments. They were meant in an off the cuff way. Kinda like if I said my brother was full of excrement, he mostly is but I don’t wish him any bad feelings or owt.

Quoted from lukeo

JM

Luton are letting us keep McAtee forever?!?!

Quoted from Mariner_09

Luton are letting us keep McAtee forever?!?!

Or is his brother coming to join him

I’d be amazed if Vernam wasn’t back at town when the window closes.

Quoted from lukeo

JM

Jack Muldoon?

Quoted from Mariner56

Jack Muldoon?

I can’t see that happening but has a 1 in 3 scoring ratio at Harrogate

Quoted from lukeo

JM

The winner this week, will have skin

Quoted from lukeo

JM

If you know who it is why not just post the name ffs!

Quoted from Teesknees

If you know who it is why not just post the name ffs!

He doesn’t 🙄

Quoted from Teesknees

If you know who it is why not just post the name ffs!

Previous league tables suggest he doesn't.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

[img]https://media.tenor.com/images/25423ad302639a2351f7c60b34583a9a/tenor.gif[/img]

Muldoon is 33 years old. I strongly suspect that this shout is cobblers.

Quoted from chaos33

Muldoon is 33 years old. I strongly suspect that this shout is cobblers.

Thought he was at Harrogate not Northampton?

Quoted from chaos33

Muldoon is 33 years old. I strongly suspect that this shout is cobblers.

Cobblers you say?

https://www.ntfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/goalkeeper/jon-maxted/

Quoted from Teesknees

If you know who it is why not just post the name ffs!

Quoted from ska face

A reminder of the summer window’s hall of fame/shame:

Surrey97
Pontoonlew
Hagrid
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mendonca1995
Corkyefes
coddy60

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It Bites (R)
Lukeo (R)
Telegraph Sport (R)
WozofGrimsby (R)

Those in the top 6 all have decent record with this kind of thing, Surrey97 the undisputed ITK poster but pontoonlew not far behind. The bottom 4, unfortunately, completely out the loop.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

think you need to give out a little more info if you want Ska to take you seriously ;D

How about a few more JM’s:

Josh McCeachran
Jamille matt
Javier Manquillo

Hopper & Chas starting for the Gimps in the pizza cup tonight

Muldoon ain't coming, I can all but guarantee that, although he will be leaving (whoops) Harrogate
Lavery on the other hand, rumours around Scunny are gaining traction that he's on his way to us

I don't think Muldoon will be leaving Scunny.

Havent a clue who we are signing tbh but its frustrating waiting.

We need a striker for me and a good passing playmaker in the middle. dont think we are over short anywhere else unless Kiernan goes, hopefully scannel will make that right side his for the rest of the season

Dont think we have issue anywhere else, obviously other areas could be improved but quiet happy with what we have.

Quoted from monkeyboy

Havent a clue who we are signing tbh but its frustrating waiting.

We need a striker for me and a good passing playmaker in the middle. dont think we are over short anywhere else unless Kiernan goes, hopefully scannel will make that right side his for the rest of the season

Dont think we have issue anywhere else, obviously other areas could be improved but quiet happy with what we have.

I thought Hunt was the playmaker (on his first loan stint) he might not have impressed since signing permanent but i don't think he's had a decent run of games as he?

Ok so what have we heard so far then rumourwise?

Gold Omotayo
Jack Muldoon
Tom Hopper
Charles Vernam
Brendan Kiernan (perm)
Daniel Jebbison
Harvey Cartright
Kyle Haughton

If the football authorities had any idea how many idiots were on the loose in a typical transfer window, I'm sure they'd cancel it and go back to the old system
This thread keeps sprouting 6 pages and I fall for it every time!!

See Hopper scored early for the Gimps

hopper & vernam both start could both be staying put

Jake Young not even on the bench for Bradford tonight.

Quoted from fishcake63

hopper & vernam both start could both be staying put

It’s the Papa Johns. As I’ve said previously, I’d be amazed if he wasn’t at Town this month…

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Incoming, and it’s neither of Waccas suggestions

Hope he's quicker on the pitch.

Quoted from ginnywings

Hope he's quicker on the pitch.

It’s death by a thousand cuts. If you keep saying ‘incoming’, you’re bound to be right eventually.

Hopper gets their 2nd goal tonight !!

Quoted from Mikey_345

It’s the Papa Johns, really don’t think that’s a ringing endorsement. As I’ve said previously, I’d be amazed if he wasn’t at Town this month…

You have the confidence of a man with insider information 🤔

Quoted from acko338

Hopper gets their 2nd goal tonight !!

He won’t be joining us I don’t think would like him here mind but can’t see this one happening

So..... Hopper and / or Vernam ??

Realistic?

Desirable?

Real targets?

Quoted from Meza

Ok so what have we heard so far then rumourwise?

Gold Omotayo
Jack Muldoon
Tom Hopper
Charles Vernam
Brendan Kiernan (perm)
Daniel Jebbison
Harvey Cartright
Kyle Haughton

None of these to sign, apart from maybe that young keeper.

jebbison is just laughable to be honest scored for sheff utd in fa cup at weekend & been coming off bench in league games he not coming to lge 2

Owen Windsor still without a club

Quoted from LH

We finally manage to shake off the reputation that the Fishy is the worst place to discuss Town with the arrival of Grimsby Town Praise and Grumble and then Wacca rocks up on here. FFS.

today is my first ever time commenting on here (despite many mentions of my name before). if you got that reputation then it’s down to you, not me

Quoted from monkeyboy

Owen Windsor still without a club

Clearly an issue with attitude, hasn't seemed to settle at any of his loan clubs and the fact he hasn't even managed a local non-league move in the 6 months since he's been a free agent suggests something isn't right, unless he's injured of course.

https://therealefl.co.uk/2023/01/10/exclusive-lincoln-city-winger-set-for-switch-to-county-rivals/

Suggesting we are set to sign Vernam on loan until the end of the season.

PH interview said we may get 2 in .We may get none .So we might be nervously waiting for nothing 😁

Quoted from Youngy

Clearly an issue with attitude, hasn't seemed to settle at any of his loan clubs and the fact he hasn't even managed a local non-league move in the 6 months since he's been a free agent suggests something isn't right, unless he's injured of course.

https://therealefl.co.uk/2023/01/10/exclusive-lincoln-city-winger-set-for-switch-to-county-rivals/

Suggesting we are set to sign Vernam on loan until the end of the season.

Hurst said that we're only interested in permanents currently. I'm told that Vernam will join us and it'll be a permanent deal.

Quoted from monkeyboy

Owen Windsor still without a club

What the fu(k Is it with the Windsor’s at the moment!

Quoted from monkeyboy

Owen Windsor still without a club

There’s a reason for that.

Bradford fans would love Vernam back, and they are in the play-offs, i think that says a lot...

Also, wouldn't read too much into who plays and who doesn't, sometimes transfers escalate very quickly....

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Bradford fans would love Vernam back, and they are in the play-offs, i think that says a lot...

Also, wouldn't read too much into who plays and who doesn't, sometimes transfers escalate very quickly....

Yeah I think the lad they just lost who they had on loan (Tyreik Wright I believe) just moved to Plymouth top of league one? Had a few loan spells at this level and other clubs wasn't impressed with him, but has shone at Bradford and they are gutted they are losing him - sometimes about an environment and style of play which some players fit into better than others. I bet that Otis Khan wasn't really missed by Orient or Tranmere but I think he's been excellent this year. I've learnt my lesson about writing players off that I thought wouldn't succeed years ago when Hurst brought Nolan in and I thought that he was a spoilt brat at Lincoln who was useless..

There’s certainly legs in the Vernam rumour, under the impression one of those other bids Hurst spoke about is making progress but no idea on who (and if it’s actually Vernam)

Can’t add any fuel to the rumour, but if we are indeed in for Tom Hopper (as quite a few have suggested), here are his two goals for Lincoln last night in the pointless pizza trophy. Both scrappy goals, but equally the type of goals we’re not scoring currently.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AWtjUgXRAHU

Quoted from pontoonlew

There’s certainly legs in the Vernam rumour, under the impression one of those other bids Hurst spoke about is making progress but no idea on who (and if it’s actually Vernam)

the other bid is a no go and was for Haughton at Fylde

Quoted from Hagrid

the other bid is a no go and was for Haughton at Fylde

Didn't Hurst say we weren't in for Haughton in the same interview as saying that we'd put bids in for two attacking players?

Quoted from Son of Cod

Didn't Hurst say we weren't in for Haughton in the same interview as saying that we'd put bids in for two attacking players?

dont believe a word Paul Says!

Quoted from Son of Cod

Didn't Hurst say we weren't in for Haughton in the same interview as saying that we'd put bids in for two attacking players?

He could say that, as he knew Haughton was a no-go by that point so wouldn't want to give away our interest to other clubs.

Haha both good points, why am I even factoring anything Hurst says into this!

In other news, Gillingham have continued splashing the cash taking Timothee Dieng from Exeter and Walsall and Tranmere both linked with Jamille Matt.

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Yeah I think the lad they just lost who they had on loan (Tyreik Wright I believe) just moved to Plymouth top of league one? Had a few loan spells at this level and other clubs wasn't impressed with him, but has shone at Bradford and they are gutted they are losing him - sometimes about an environment and style of play which some players fit into better than others. I bet that Otis Khan wasn't really missed by Orient or Tranmere but I think he's been excellent this year. I've learnt my lesson about writing players off that I thought wouldn't succeed years ago when Hurst brought Nolan in and I thought that he was a spoilt brat at Lincoln who was useless..

I think Jon Nolan got a bad reception everywhere primarily because he looked like Angry Kid. If he looked like Brad Pitt I think he would’ve had a decent career in the Championship

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/m2jgg1c6/BD0-D9-F52-FF3-A-4-CBF-86-DA-0758-D2-E4-B157.webp[/img]

Quoted from Son of Cod

Haha both good points, why am I even factoring anything Hurst says into this!

In other news, Gillingham have continued splashing the cash taking Timothee Dieng from Exeter and Walsall and Tranmere both linked with Jamille Matt.

I assume this is from OFF?
Tim Dieng been a brilliant player at L2 level for years and someone who I would of loved to have gone for but geography probably wasn't in our favor on this one.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Haha both good points, why am I even factoring anything Hurst says into this!

In other news, Gillingham have continued splashing the cash taking Timothee Dieng from Exeter and Walsall and Tranmere both linked with Jamille Matt.

What’s going on with Exeter, seemingly jettisoning a load of regular first-team players to League Two clubs?

Matt is an odd one, flitting between being bang in form and bang average at random intervals throughout his career. I remember very little of his time here, other than that Notts County goal.

Quoted from Meza

Ok so what have we heard so far then rumourwise?

Gold Omotayo
Jack Muldoon
Tom Hopper
Charles Vernam
Brendan Kiernan (perm)
Daniel Jebbison
Harvey Cartright
Kyle Haughton

.... and Uncle Tom Cobbley and all, and Uncle Tom Cobbley and all 😉

Quoted from GtfcGarner

I assume this is from OFF?
Tim Dieng been a brilliant player at L2 level for years and someone who I would of loved to have gone for but geography probably wasn't in our favor on this one.

Yes mate, the Matt rumour is from OFF but there's an article too:
https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/sources-walsall-and-tranmere-rovers-in-battle-to-sign-league-one-attacker-with-fees-agreed/
Whether or not that means Walsall are trying to bring in Matt and Johnson though, remains to be seen. I think a lot of clubs are looking at the standard of the league and thinking with a few reinforcements, a playoff push is not inconceivable.

Quoted from Poojah

What’s going on with Exeter, seemingly jettisoning a load of regular first-team players to League Two clubs?

Matt is an odd one, flitting between being bang in form and bang average at random intervals throughout his career. I remember very little of his time here, other than that Notts County goal.

Yep, Matt is an odd one. I'd have never said he'd go on to do as well as he has done since his time with us. A combination of improving and having a Newport team that played heavily to his strengths that had a peak Podge pulling the strings in it perhaps was what kickstarted his career?

Funnily enough I was looking at our squad from that season yesterday. We had Dialljang Jaiyesimi, Siriki Dembele, Charles Vernam, Jamille Matt and Mallik Wilks. And we finished 22nd, surviving on the penultimate day. That's an alarming array of attacking talent for L2 when you look at what that lot has gone onto achieve since being with us.

Matt was good here, but in a poor team.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Matt was good here, but in a poor team.

i wouldnt say the team were poor. id actually go as far to say that the managers style (or lack of it) was poor

Quoted from Hagrid

the other bid is a no go and was for Haughton at Fylde

First exclusively broken my me and I was SHOT DOWN!

Lee Angol has gone to Sutton.

Quoted from Hagrid

the other bid is a no go and was for Haughton at Fylde

100% the bid was for haughton 👍

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Matt was good here, but in a poor team.

He wasn't good here. His form was not good at all, he started to improve as he was leaving.

It was a poor team, but I think his shocking form coincided with some off field problems. I seem to remember his family living some distance away and his child having a bad accident. So it's pretty understandable.

If it was a ‘bid’ for Houghton at Fylde, are we to assume it was an offer, as in a fee? If it was, I wonder what we were prepared to pay? I’d find it hard to accept that our wage proposal wasn’t as good if not better as a big L2 club compared to what he’s paid in Conference north. Maybe it was a 1 year offer. Would love to know the detail.

If I recall correctly, isn’t he 29? If I was the player and I knew that a league club wanted to sign me and my ‘non league’ parent club stood in the way, I’d be pretty cross as it’s possibly his final chance to play at EFL level. Guess there’s not enough detail for anyone to judge.

Fylde have a shed load of money, it was our fee that was rejected, it’s not like they really need what we’ve likely bid for him.

He’s probably on a decent wage there too

Right. Wonder what the player wanted.

Quoted from chaos33

Right. Wonder what the player wanted.

Isn't there a school of thought that he wanted to stay until the summer?

Plus they're going well in NLN and have a very good chance of winning the title this season.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Plus they're going well in NLN and have a very good chance of winning the title this season.

Anyone told him we’ve got an equal chance of winning the fa cup

Incoming - it's the taxman at Scunny

So, if HMRC are circling the wagons at Scunny, would a sneaky bid now for Lavery be worthwhile, before the carrion crows gather and the HMRC go in to finish the scalping ??

Surely any form of goal poacher is worth a look with the amount of chances being set up, but not scored ??

Wouldn’t even need to pay for him. His contract ends this month and they’re not in a position to offer him a new one. Not saying I’d have him but someone will do.

I’ll be honest. There’s players who would improve us being snapped up by clubs at or below our position. It would be nice, given our increased income, if we were competitive with clubs like Sutton.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I’ll be honest. There’s players who would improve us being snapped up by clubs at or below our position. It would be nice, given our increased income, if we were competitive with clubs like Sutton.

I’m not aware of Sutton signing someone we have ever been after so not really sure how that’s relevant. Paul Hurst has been successful in his last few windows, I’m sure he’ll improve us again - like he’s done everytime.

Quoted from Mikey_345

I’m not aware of Sutton signing someone we have ever been after so not really sure how that’s relevant. Paul Hurst has been successful in his last few windows, I’m sure he’ll improve us again - like he’s done everytime.

Other than Otis, please tell me how successful the last window was.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Other than Otis, please tell me how successful the last window was.

Niall Maher.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Niall Maher.

3rd choice centre back most of the season.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Other than Otis, please tell me how successful the last window was.

He’s improved the squad consistently. Glennon, Khan, Green & Maher are all better than who they replaced. Resigning Clifton and Smith (loan).

Now if you want to say we need a striker, yep that’s true. But let’s not let that turn into a “the summer was a excrement window” because it simply wasn’t.

Over the last three windows he’s turned a, quite frankly disgraceful, relegation team into a promotion winning NL team and then a competitive and solid league 2 standard squad - important to remember.

The owners speak about incremental but continuous improvement. That’s what we’ve seen. Not always going to get everything right, but it’s always better than it was.

Slade: Summer 2017 and Holloway: Summer 2020 are poor windows…

Quoted from Mikey_345

He’s improved the squad consistently. Glennon, Khan, Green & Maher are all better than who they replaced. Resigning Clifton and Smith (loan).

Now if you want to say we need a striker, yep that’s true. But let’s not let that turn into a “the summer was a excrement window” because it simply wasn’t.

Over the last three windows he’s turned a, quite frankly disgraceful, relegation team into a promotion winning NL team and then a competitive and solid league 2 standard squad - important to remember.

The owners speak about incremental but continuous improvement. That’s what we’ve seen. Not always going to get everything right, but it’s always better than it was.

Slade: Summer 2017 and Holloway: Summer 2020 are poor windows…

Last Januarys window was successful. It, and the subsequent signings of Holohan and Cropper, turned the season round. Please don’t pretend Green is an improvement on Fox. I like Green but he’s not as good as Fox. Glennon is an improvement on Crookes I grant you but he hasn’t had the impact most of us expected but our striking options remain limited at best.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Last Januarys window was successful. It, and the subsequent signings of Holohan and Cropper, turned the season round. Please don’t pretend Green is an improvement on Fox. I like Green but he’s not as good as Fox. Glennon is an improvement on Crookes I grant you but he hasn’t had the impact most of us expected but our striking options remain limited at best.

I forgot Fox was the only midfielder we lost/released in the summer… I wasn’t comparing him to Fox.

As for Glennon, I beg to differ. He has been unlucky with injury and illness the last month or two. Before that he was part of a defence that didn’t ship many. Before his last appearance in the league in October (other than Salford) he played 14 of which 6 were clean sheets. He has also bagged quite a few assists (6 in 19 so almost one in three) as well as looking a real threat further up the pitch, scoring twice aswell.

If you’re expecting Roberto Carlos though in League 2, yes you may be disappointed.

Now you’re correct we need more up front - 100% agree. But if we get that in this window I reckon we become a real handful in this league.

However you seem to let the lack of strikers influence your judgement of the squad as a whole. It’s an improvement from last year, and last year was an improvement on the year before…

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I’ll be honest. There’s players who would improve us being snapped up by clubs at or below our position. It would be nice, given our increased income, if we were competitive with clubs like Sutton.

Bit in bold, though we don't know if PH has been in for any of them so we can't truly say if we've missed out on them. If we haven't been in for them then the experienced professional football manager with 100's of games under his belt and a few promotions at various levels does not appear to agree with you.

Just because another club signs a player you can't just assume they'd improve us. However progression by the club has meant we've appointed someone who looks at potential signings for a living so I would expect us to get a bit better at this now.

I also agree that Green is not an upgrade on Fox but he does offer something in a specific role and we've seen that in the last couple of games.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I also agree that Green is not an upgrade on Fox but he does offer something in a specific role and we've seen that in the last couple of games.

How about Raikhy, Burgess, Coke or Joey Jones - which is the point I was making.

For me Morris was also a decent signing and hunt although he doesn't play him .I think all we are missing is that up top partnership of a scorer and assister .But to be honest surely most people must look at our first 11 and then the bench and see not much is wrong

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Last Januarys window was successful. It, and the subsequent signings of Holohan and Cropper, turned the season round. Please don’t pretend Green is an improvement on Fox. I like Green but he’s not as good as Fox. Glennon is an improvement on Crookes I grant you but he hasn’t had the impact most of us expected but our striking options remain limited at best.

I don't think we have to pretend. He's an improvement in terms of what we needed in the squad. We've lacked a player like Green for ages in midfield. Someone who does exactly what he does, kicks and scraps for every single ball. The type of player who have done a job on us for donkeys years.

Fox was a good player and absolutely integral in the final stages of the season. But, despite a promising start, he was in and out got a variety of reasons and his post-Barnet form massively masked his contribution over the season.

I was disappointed to see him go but I think he was someone we could afford to lose. The likes of Holohan and Clifton are similar players and capable of doing that role, with a better output of goals too. Green, on the other hand, is the type of player I firmly believe we needed to get. He gives us the nasty side that all good teams have.

Hurst's 3 proper transfer windows (not even going to consider the bargain bucket one from Jan 2021) have seen him bring in improvements every time. Yeah, sure, there's some that haven't worked out but show me a manager who gets every single signing spot on. No reason to think that Hurst won't get it right this month too.

Lee Angol just signed for Sutton from Bradford. May put Jake Taylor closer to Bradford's first team and make the (rumoured) move to us less likely.

If the Rumours are true I don't think Vernham on loan is the answer at all . We can do better than that .

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Last Januarys window was successful. It, and the subsequent signings of Holohan and Cropper, turned the season round. Please don’t pretend Green is an improvement on Fox. I like Green but he’s not as good as Fox. Glennon is an improvement on Crookes I grant you but he hasn’t had the impact most of us expected but our striking options remain limited at best.

Purely from the side of curiosity, what were your expectations coming into this season?

I'll accept anyones view of how transfer windows have gone because that's the beauty of the game, we can all have different opinions and each can be right in some shape, form or size.

What I find interesting is what people's expectations are when it comes to transfer windows. I'm a lover of football generally, I play, I coach, I watch but I don't have half a clue about most of the names mentioned on here. Unless they've played well at BP or they have some reputation attached from a previous Club higher up that has given them national recognition I don't have a clue what type of player we're linked with, how they play etc etc. So when people write a player of straight away I wonder what the basis is.

If we're expecting to sign ready made proven players at L2 or above, do people genuinely expect that a) their clubs would want them to leave, b) we're going to be the only club interested, c) we have the resources to buy/pay players of this nature (not forgetting that we're talking about a whole squad here, not just a singular marquee player), d) we have a holistic package (location, infrastructure etc) that gives us an edge over those clubs who are also interested?

Without wanting to open up previously discussed topics such as geography, I do wonder where the expectation comes from that we can/will sign players that are categorically better than what we have. Of course we all hope for that and this is part of the continuous improvement someone has already mentioned, but we're not a Club built to shortcut our way with vast riches. Our best route with CI will be looking at players with potential, players who have room to grow and improve and as they do so individually, we grow as a team collectively but whilst being able to at least hold their own in L2 as a starting point. Typically these players will not be on the average football fans radar and won't bring the excitement that a big name often would. As others have said, that doesn't mean they're not capable and perhaps some are too quick to judge on whether they've been valuable signings or not well in advance of when judgement should be made.

Quoted from It Bites

If the Rumours are true I don't think Vernham on loan is the answer at all . We can do better than that .

Vernam scored 8 & assisted 4 times in 28 games last season at this level, I’m not sure how people don’t think that’s an improvement on what we have?

Quoted from pontoonlew

Vernam scored 8 & assisted 4 times in 28 games last season at this level, I’m not sure how people don’t think that’s an improvement on what we have?

It's the loan side that bothers me . I know he has ability

Despite being mostly doom & gloom when town are losing, you can't argue with the improvement of the squad barring a striker. Paul maybe had the excuse of the quick season turnaround so couldn't plan targets not knowing which league we would be in but this window he's had a good 4 months worth of time to have a look.

Have we improved our squad from the Conference? Yeah I would say so, Glennon's output from LB is decent and I think he's an upgrade on Crookes from last year and Amos is more of an adequate back-up. We nicked Niall Maher who has had to be patient for his chance but you can see a player in there who is a ball-playing centre back with composure. Otis Khan who's probably been my signing of the season is a winger who will run and commit players and more than often contributes. Echo what others have said about Green, shades of Stacy Coldicott just goes about his work and probably does the unnoticed things but is loved by his team mates. Kiernan is an upgrade on Sousa for me, both lack end product but you'll get 90 minutes graft with Kiernan with the odd game where he has a good 8/10.

Morris
Hunt
Wearne

Only permanent signings we have made I'm abit meh about really.. Morris had a good spell of games before getting injured doing abit of everything without being spectacular, Hunt is being wasted as a footballer and must be doing something wrong not to get in the team and Wearne has gone and had a successful loan spell at Torquay might be shades of Vernam after his loan at Chorley? So I would say 5/8 permanent signings have definately improved the squad.. If you can retain the best of your players next year then add to it I would say that in progress in the right direction.

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Purely from the side of curiosity, what were your expectations coming into this season?

I'll accept anyones view of how transfer windows have gone because that's the beauty of the game, we can all have different opinions and each can be right in some shape, form or size.

What I find interesting is what people's expectations are when it comes to transfer windows. I'm a lover of football generally, I play, I coach, I watch but I don't have half a clue about most of the names mentioned on here. Unless they've played well at BP or they have some reputation attached from a previous Club higher up that has given them national recognition I don't have a clue what type of player we're linked with, how they play etc etc. So when people write a player of straight away I wonder what the basis is.

If we're expecting to sign ready made proven players at L2 or above, do people genuinely expect that a) their clubs would want them to leave, b) we're going to be the only club interested, c) we have the resources to buy/pay players of this nature (not forgetting that we're talking about a whole squad here, not just a singular marquee player), d) we have a holistic package (location, infrastructure etc) that gives us an edge over those clubs who are also interested?

Without wanting to open up previously discussed topics such as geography, I do wonder where the expectation comes from that we can/will sign players that are categorically better than what we have. Of course we all hope for that and this is part of the continuous improvement someone has already mentioned, but we're not a Club built to shortcut our way with vast riches. Our best route with CI will be looking at players with potential, players who have room to grow and improve and as they do so individually, we grow as a team collectively but whilst being able to at least hold their own in L2 as a starting point. Typically these players will not be on the average football fans radar and won't bring the excitement that a big name often would. As others have said, that doesn't mean they're not capable and perhaps some are too quick to judge on whether they've been valuable signings or not well in advance of when judgement should be made.

An excellent post!

Could I also add that some players who we think may be the answer may actually have quite inflated reputations and example being Lee Angol who has had 5 clubs and 1 loan in the last 5 years and has played 118 games and scored on average a goal every 5 games, not a disaster but not sure that is the kind of stats I'd be comfortable us breaking the bank for. .

The other thing I have a bit of trouble understanding is how people cam judge if a player we've signed is any good when we may only have seen 10 minutes of them here and there. These players may have featured in the pizza cup for longer game time but attendances would suggest not many people have seen these players play more minutes either.

I am firmly in the camp of just trust the manager and his team as they do it for a living, yeah sometimes it will go wrong sometimes it will work, it's the same for every club.

Same old story really isn’t it, think a lot of the frustration lies in the fact that fans probably feel we’ve done all we can do to help, but aren’t really seeing the results. My main criticism of Hurst still stands, I think he’s far too picky and is too risk averse when it comes to bringing people in. He’ll spend 4 weeks saying we won’t bring people in for the sake of it, but I bet there hasn’t been a “deadline day” pass without him bringing in a bit of squad filler.

A fortnight off from league duty plus good wins against Stockport and Burton will have taken some of the pressure off, which is a good thing, but surely we can’t go another 6 months with the current striking options.

Fortune favours the brave, take a punt.

My sentiment at the closure of the last transfer window was one of general satisfaction with a hint of frustration that we weren’t able to sign a number 9. It was clear that Richardson and Simmonds were what they were; fallback options to pad out the numbers.

For what it’s worth, I actually think Richardson is a talent - he just wasn’t what we most urgently needed in terms of playing style. I do think though that if we can sign a physical presence who can act as a focal point, then he will add a lot more value in the second half of the season than he has in the first half.

There is more to this transfer window than just getting a big man up top, but I do feel that whether we do or whether we don’t make a satisfactory signing in that mould will define it. At this stage, I am confident that we will.

Alex Ferguson signed some crap in his time
Arsne Wenger did the same

They don't always work out, but compare our team to the team when Hurst took over.....

Back to this thread i created last summer, apologies in advanced for the flashbacks caused.
https://forum.thefishy.co.uk/Blah.pl?m-1652352251/s-0/

Quoted from ska face

Same old story really isn’t it, think a lot of the frustration lies in the fact that fans probably feel we’ve done all we can do to help, but aren’t really seeing the results. My main criticism of Hurst still stands, I think he’s far too picky and is too risk averse when it comes to bringing people in. He’ll spend 4 weeks saying we won’t bring people in for the sake of it, but I bet there hasn’t been a “deadline day” pass without him bringing in a bit of squad filler.

A fortnight off from league duty plus good wins against Stockport and Burton will have taken some of the pressure off, which is a good thing, but surely we can’t go another 6 months with the current striking options.

Fortune favours the brave, take a punt.

I think the thread Jarmo has just brought back from the dead perfectly underlines why Hurst might not gamble.

Quoted from ska face

Same old story really isn’t it, think a lot of the frustration lies in the fact that fans probably feel we’ve done all we can do to help, but aren’t really seeing the results. My main criticism of Hurst still stands, I think he’s far too picky and is too risk averse when it comes to bringing people in. He’ll spend 4 weeks saying we won’t bring people in for the sake of it, but I bet there hasn’t been a “deadline day” pass without him bringing in a bit of squad filler.

A fortnight off from league duty plus good wins against Stockport and Burton will have taken some of the pressure off, which is a good thing, but surely we can’t go another 6 months with the current striking options.

Fortune favours the brave, take a punt.

I agree with most of this but as most things tend to do, it comes with another side of the coin.

If Hurst signed players because the fans called for their support and efforts to be rewarded with signings, if he brought in useless players that added no value we'd critique the lack of quality he's signed, something all managers are judged on.

As you pointed out, deadline day has resulted in players arriving that go on to be bit-part and look all the part squad fillers. Usually these are only loans or short term deals though, which suggests he knows they're not quite the quality we need, he knows he'll need to move them out in a short timescale once he finds the quality he wants and offers the longer contracts to. Unless of course they impress enough to warrant an extended stay (Cropper).

The part I fully agree with is the frustration side. It's exciting seeing new players arrive and the hope they'll be the catalyst for improved performances, more goals, more points and any other positive aspect so naturally we all crave it, especially when we've supported in such great numbers this year. I also aligned with Herts in trusting the manager though, I think his longer term track record proves he is fairly astute and unless players move on to progress, he generally gets it spot on for who he retains, releases and length of contracts awarded.

The "we won't bring people in for the sake of it" line is just code for the players we really want won't come because we won't match their demands.

Thismanga is a good example - Hurst wanted him but wasn't prepared to pay the fee and/ or wages.

I think it is more of a Hurst thing than the club; he seems to revel in the underdog battling against the teams who spend more. To be fair that has served us well in his present spell, but obviously at some point we will have to get in higher quality players whose demands are high if we are ever serious about getting to league 1.

There is also an element of keeping our new found fans; I was still going to watch Michael Leary etc but new fans will want to see an obvious progression which includes transfers that gives them a bit of excitement.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

The "we won't bring people in for the sake of it" line is just code for the players we really want won't come because we won't match their demands.

Thismanga is a good example - Hurst wanted him but wasn't prepared to pay the fee and/ or wages.

The counter to that argument though is that Tshimanga is also a perfect example of why you don't spend 250k on a striker in the Conference. I'd love to know what we're offering as I think there must be a middle ground between being a bit too tight with the purse strings and going full Wrexham. Or are we already at that middle ground and you actually do have to offer these massive fees? We'll never get to see them as fans but I'd love to see specific numbers.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

There is also an element of keeping our new found fans; I was still going to watch Michael Leary etc but new fans will want to see an obvious progression which includes transfers that gives them a bit of excitement.

I actually think all new fans should have to give a couple of hundred quid to Peter Beagrie or Adam Proudlock and sit there and watch them wipe their backsides with it and flush it down the toilet as only then will they be true fans. If you're a minor then you have to watch Barry Conlon and Peter Sweeney smash up your Playstation or cut the head off your favourite stuffed toy. Then and only then can your child be considered a Town fan.

Quoted from Son of Cod

The counter to that argument though is that Tshimanga is also a perfect example of why you don't spend 250k on a striker in the Conference. I'd love to know what we're offering as I think there must be a middle ground between being a bit too tight with the purse strings and going full Wrexham. Or are we already at that middle ground and you actually do have to offer these massive fees? We'll never get to see them as fans but I'd love to see specific numbers.

I actually think all new fans should have to give a couple of hundred quid to Peter Beagrie or Adam Proudlock and sit there and watch them wipe their backsides with it and flush it down the toilet as only then will they be true fans. If you're a minor then you have to watch Barry Conlon and Peter Sweeney smash up your Playstation or cut the head off your favourite stuffed toy. Then and only then can your child be considered a Town fan.

You won't sign any players if you assume it might be wasted because of a serious injury.

Your second point is funny but we want to keep our new fans and attract more, and a key element to that is to show you are ambitious when it comes to signing players.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

You won't sign any players if you assume it might be wasted because of a serious injury.

Your second point is funny but we want to keep our new fans and attract more, and a key element to that is to show you are ambitious when it comes to signing players.

I think the point is putting all your eggs in one basket. Chesterfield suffered massively after his injury. Whilst we had nowhere near that level of ability upfront, we did have a better spread around the team. It's an interesting discussion - but i think £250k at conference level is just bonkers for one player.

Just pushing out the boat doesn't always work, we've done it before. Green and Hanson where on ridiculous money apparently...

Hurst recently admitted he maybe a bit too picky and with the Recruitment guy coming in, he may have to change that. I would be surprised if we didn't bring some quality in this window..

Quoted from ska face

Same old story really isn’t it, think a lot of the frustration lies in the fact that fans probably feel we’ve done all we can do to help, but aren’t really seeing the results. My main criticism of Hurst still stands, I think he’s far too picky and is too risk averse when it comes to bringing people in. He’ll spend 4 weeks saying we won’t bring people in for the sake of it, but I bet there hasn’t been a “deadline day” pass without him bringing in a bit of squad filler.

A fortnight off from league duty plus good wins against Stockport and Burton will have taken some of the pressure off, which is a good thing, but surely we can’t go another 6 months with the current striking options.

Fortune favours the brave, take a punt.

I agree with your 1st two paragraphs, but not taking a punt. The idea of throwing thousands for the sake it is not realistic. Many on here already complain about the number of players who have left because it didn't work out. If the 'Punt' didn't work out and it cost thousands then both you and I would be complaining. We already have Hunt, who isn't playing regularly, who cost money; so any future investments will have to work.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

You won't sign any players if you assume it might be wasted because of a serious injury.

I think you have to factor that in to a certain extent though. It's not assuming the worst, it's risk management isn't it? Can we afford to potentially wasted 250k on a player? I don't think we can, but 100-150k? Like I said, I'd love to know if we're offering that kind of money for a striker or are we fishing around in the 25-75k bargain bucket? We're constantly told how hard it is to find a striker but without figures it's hard to contextualise that as a fan and that's part of the frustration for me.

Just remember. For every John Mcatee there’s at least 5 serge Makofo’s

Quoted from Son of Cod

The counter to that argument though is that Tshimanga is also a perfect example of why you don't spend 250k on a striker in the Conference. I'd love to know what we're offering as I think there must be a middle ground between being a bit too tight with the purse strings and going full Wrexham. Or are we already at that middle ground and you actually do have to offer these massive fees? We'll never get to see them as fans but I'd love to see specific numbers.

I actually think all new fans should have to give a couple of hundred quid to Peter Beagrie or Adam Proudlock and sit there and watch them wipe their backsides with it and flush it down the toilet as only then will they be true fans. If you're a minor then you have to watch Barry Conlon and Peter Sweeney smash up your Playstation or cut the head off your favourite stuffed toy. Then and only then can your child be considered a Town fan.

I think Barry Conlon would be more likely to eat your cherished goldfish in front of you than smash up your PlayStation.

The Tshimanga argument is crazy. This article explains quite clearly how that transfer, amongst others, was funded.

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-financial-chief-reveals-how-spireites-are-funding-new-signings-3355793

In short; they had a good million quid (and probably the rest) in their back pocket from an insurance policy that covered them against the loss of gate income through Covid, despite those costs effectively already having been covered via solidarity payments and grants.

Could we have competed regardless? Of course we could, but that would have meant a circa £400k hole in our playing budget, meaning you’d have had to lose four or five from the likes of McAtee, Taylor, Fox, Holohan, Sousa, JMD, Efete - and not necessarily the ones you’d choose.

Ultimately, we were comfortably outspent by at least 4 sides last season, and yet we won promotion. Football is a team game, and whilst it’s obvious we need more talent in the striking department, it doesn’t make sense to do so to the detriment of the rest of the pitch.

I understand the desire for a marquee signing; they’re exciting and there has been a real dearth of them for a long, long time. Bogle probably fits into that bracket, and possibly Hearn too. The day we signed Brodie and Devitt on load certainly raised eyebrows. Before that it was probably Michael Reddy, even then only here because he was crocked. And before that David Nielsen. So a maximum of 6 over a period of 20 odd years isn’t many, and fewer than most clubs I’d have thought.

But where are Scunny right now? And Wrexham? And Chesterfield? There’s something to be said for a diligent, live within your means approach.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

The "we won't bring people in for the sake of it" line is just code for the players we really want won't come because we won't match their demands.

Thismanga is a good example - Hurst wanted him but wasn't prepared to pay the fee and/ or wages.

I think it is more of a Hurst thing than the club; he seems to revel in the underdog battling against the teams who spend more. To be fair that has served us well in his present spell, but obviously at some point we will have to get in higher quality players whose demands are high if we are ever serious about getting to league 1.

There is also an element of keeping our new found fans; I was still going to watch Michael Leary etc but new fans will want to see an obvious progression which includes transfers that gives them a bit of excitement.

We’d just been relegated and needed a complete rebuild I’m not convinced we realistically had £250k to spend on 1 player. You make some assumptions in your post about Hurst’s way of thinking and operating when he’s never to my knowledge disclosed that. I’m not sure you know him personally but I may be wrong.

Well, we are good third of the way through the transfer window and nothing doing yet.

Hope Matt Dean can glean something at today's presser, but I doubt it with PH.

Just noticed in 1990/91 we got our second consecutive promotion with players like Gary Birtles and Tony Rees in the side.
None of our players scored more than mid teens in goals. Shows that a team with multiple scorers can do the business…..just saying

Ska, how long before those that posted “incoming” start to lose points? 😂

How much would John McAtee give to have a selfless Tony Rees type player to bounce off?

He has really missed Taylor's brain, positioning, and clever hold up play that no one gives Taylor credit for when playing.

McAtee also returned the service as Taylor quietly went to receive McAtee's passes to score a good amount of his goals last yesr.

Will Hurst be seeking a new double act or just trying to get another Taylor type in this transfer window?

Big money doesn't always bring success, especially when looking at Chesterfield's dramatic fall when Thismanga was injured, and now isn't always No 1 on the team sheet !

Quoted from Mikey_345

Ska, how long before those that posted “incoming” start to lose points? 😂

5pm👀

Quoted from acko338

Big money doesn't always bring success, especially when looking at Chesterfield's dramatic fall when Thismanga was injured, and now isn't always No 1 on the team sheet !

To be fair, Chesterfield’s decline started before that; when their manager got sacked for molesting the back room staff. That kind of behaviour is frowned upon, even at the moral vacuum that is the Technique Stadium (had to look that up).

Fortunately for him, it’s ok at Fylde, so it he got the happy ending he was after all along…

Quoted from wacca wacca

5pm👀

Rob, is there any way you could add a button that’s, like, the opposite of a gold star? Like maybe you only get to use it once a year or something, but when you press it you release the dogs, or the bees, or the dogs with bees in their mouth, and when they bark they shoot bees at you, to that user’s precise location (as obtained via their IP address or something)?

I’m not into coding or anything like that, but I assume it can’t be that difficult? Maybe a plug-in or something?

Quoted from wacca wacca

5pm👀

Are you suggesting a signing is imminent?

Quoted from Poojah

Rob, is there any way you could add a button that’s, like, the opposite of a gold star? Like maybe you only get to use it once a year or something, but when you press it you release the dogs, or the bees, or the dogs with bees in their mouth, and when they bark they shoot bees at you, to that user’s precise location (as obtained via their IP address or something)?

I’m not into coding or anything like that, but I assume it can’t be that difficult? Maybe a plug-in or something?

yet i’m the bad person here…

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Are you suggesting a signing is imminent?

later today an announcement is likely. could be delayed until the morning depending on if they go for a flashy announcement

Quoted from wacca wacca

yet i’m the bad person here…

Not saying you’re not a bad person mate (though admittedly I say that without having seen the contents of your internet history, and I’m getting vibes which range anywhere from “absolutely revolting” to “5 years in prison”), just a bit of a whopper. That’s all. x

Quoted from Poojah

Rob, is there any way you could add a button that’s, like, the opposite of a gold star? Like maybe you only get to use it once a year or something, but when you press it you release the dogs, or the bees, or the dogs with bees in their mouth, and when they bark they shoot bees at you, to that user’s precise location (as obtained via their IP address or something)?

I’m not into coding or anything like that, but I assume it can’t be that difficult? Maybe a plug-in or something?

Why not just get rid of ticks, crosses, gold stars and approval ratings altogether? Why do people need to have their opinion validated by someone else, after all it's only an opinion.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Why not just get rid of ticks, crosses, gold stars and approval ratings altogether? Why do people need to have their opinion validated by someone else, after all it's only an opinion.

You can turn off the tick and cross feature

Quoted from wacca wacca

later today an announcement is likely. could be delayed until the morning depending on if they go for a flashy announcement

Ah yes, the standard cover multiple bases so I’ve got a greater chance of sounding ITK tactic.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Why not just get rid of ticks, crosses, gold stars and approval ratings altogether? Why do people need to have their opinion validated by someone else, after all it's only an opinion.

Helpful sometimes to know wether or not to take what someone is saying with a pinch of salt mate.

For example someone constantly saying incoming during a transfer window is going to be right eventually…

Quoted from wacca wacca

later today an announcement is likely. could be delayed until the morning depending on if they go for a flashy announcement

Right, come on then. If you “know” that much - you know who and for how long….

Quoted from Mikey_345

Ska, how long before those that posted “incoming” start to lose points? 😂

Any incomings need to be same day, ideally within the next couple of hours - don’t want people doing a shout at 6am then everyone sat hitting F5 until midnight.

Big black mark against LocalLadGTFC for Tuesday’s false alarm. Sorry, I don’t make the rules

Quoted from Mikey_345

Helpful sometimes to know wether or not to take what someone is saying with a pinch of salt mate.

For example someone constantly saying incoming during a transfer window is going to be right eventually…

Didn't somebody do quite well in the summer by calling signings based on the clubs social media activity?

Quoted from ska face

I don’t make the rules

Don't hate the player, hate the game ;D

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Didn't somebody do quite well in the summer by calling signings based on the clubs social media activity?

Not sure which window it was but one time we were only announcing on a Thursday it seemed - something like 6/7 weeks in a row. Every Thursday you'd get a tone of "incoming 👀 " posts!

Quoted from Mikey_345

Not sure which window it was but one time we were only announcing on a Thursday it seemed - something like 6/7 weeks in a row. Every Thursday you'd get a tone of "incoming 👀 "

That was Summer 2021 - midway through the Shaun Pearson video, the camera randomly zoomed in on the Boreham Wood ground who Kabongo Tshimanga played for at the time.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Helpful sometimes to know wether or not to take what someone is saying with a pinch of salt mate.

For example someone constantly saying incoming during a transfer window is going to be right eventually…

Is it though? I remember those of us who didn't want the Mike Parker shares transferred by the trust to Fenty getting roundly shouted down by several on here. Sometimes people are right, sometimes they're wrong but it's the breadth of opinions that matter.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Not sure which window it was but one time we were only announcing on a Thursday it seemed - something like 6/7 weeks in a row. Every Thursday you'd get a tone of "incoming 👀 "

It was our friend It_Bites, if memory serves. Got three or four right on the trot before getting a couple wrong and admitting that he’d been reverse engineering Town’s social media patterns. Got to give a point for ingenuity, if nothing else.

Personally, I’d be surprised if we announced a signing much more than 24 hours ahead of a match (with the exception of the final day of the window), but time will tell.

Yep, hands up.. I went for the bites tactic and fell flat on face. Won’t be baited again 🤣

Quoted from Poojah

Not saying you’re not a bad person mate (though admittedly I say that without having seen the contents of your internet history, and I’m getting vibes which range anywhere from “absolutely revolting” to “5 years in prison”), just a bit of a whopper. That’s all. x

an admin claimed i ruin tbe reputation despite users sending threats about releasing bees on me despite all i did was say that a signing is iminent, which is true. this site really is hate filled and i hope i can work with the admins to stop that.

Scunthorpe have also offered Lavery an extension to his deal which has been approved by the national league. Down to the player if he wants to stay.

Quoted from Poojah

The Tshimanga argument is crazy. This article explains quite clearly how that transfer, amongst others, was funded.

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-financial-chief-reveals-how-spireites-are-funding-new-signings-3355793

In short; they had a good million quid (and probably the rest) in their back pocket from an insurance policy that covered them against the loss of gate income through Covid, despite those costs effectively already having been covered via solidarity payments and grants.

Could we have competed regardless? Of course we could, but that would have meant a circa £400k hole in our playing budget, meaning you’d have had to lose four or five from the likes of McAtee, Taylor, Fox, Holohan, Sousa, JMD, Efete - and not necessarily the ones you’d choose.

Ultimately, we were comfortably outspent by at least 4 sides last season, and yet we won promotion. Football is a team game, and whilst it’s obvious we need more talent in the striking department, it doesn’t make sense to do so to the detriment of the rest of the pitch.

I understand the desire for a marquee signing; they’re exciting and there has been a real dearth of them for a long, long time. Bogle probably fits into that bracket, and possibly Hearn too. The day we signed Brodie and Devitt on load certainly raised eyebrows. Before that it was probably Michael Reddy, even then only here because he was crocked. And before that David Nielsen. So a maximum of 6 over a period of 20 odd years isn’t many, and fewer than most clubs I’d have thought.

But where are Scunny right now? And Wrexham? And Chesterfield? There’s something to be said for a diligent, live within your means approach.

I don't think anybody is talking about living beyond your means.

We had just sold a record number of season tickets, we suddenly had new forward thinking owners and we needed a striker. It is not unreasonable to accept that to get one you want you have to pay a premium.

If we don't pay for one it is not the end of the world, but if we are looking further and further down the list to find one that we deem affordable then I think that is disappointing as in terms of money coming into the club it could hardly have gone better over the last 18 months.

Quoted from KingsleysHair

Ah yes, the standard cover multiple bases so I’ve got a greater chance of sounding ITK tactic.

or the tactic that the media people at the club do not work 24/7 and it’s a signing that will be completed most likely towards the end of the day…

Quoted from Mikey_345

Right, come on then. If you “know” that much - you know who and for how long….

2.5 year deal but i will not ruin the surprise for the vast majority who prefer not knowing. welcome to personal message me about it

Quoted from wacca wacca

an admin claimed i ruin tbe reputation despite users sending threats about releasing bees on me despite all i did was say that a signing is iminent, which is true. this site really is hate filled and i hope i can work with the admins to stop that.

Mate, I don't think he is actually going to release bees on you. I think it's what the kids call these days... 'a joke'.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Mate, I don't think he is actually going to release bees on you. I think it's what the kids call these days... 'a joke'.

i am very aware of that, Michael, but the irony of him and an admin claiming i have ruined the rep (long earned rep) of the fishy in 2 days is incredible. all of them are afraid of their own toxicity and i will not stand for that. we are all here as one supporting the team we love

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Scunthorpe have also offered Lavery an extension to his deal which has been approved by the national league. Down to the player if he wants to stay.

Think they are under an embargo atm, not sure if this extends to contract extensions though...

Quoted from wacca wacca

i am very aware of that, Michael,

That's twice I've been called Michael on here this week - starting to think I'm in trouble with my mum as that's the only other time I get called it.. ;D

Quoted from coddy60

Think they are under an embargo atm, not sure if this extends to contract extensions though...

Seems NL are looking at it on a 'case by case basis' whatever that means!

Quoted from wacca wacca

an admin claimed i ruin tbe reputation despite users sending threats about releasing bees on me despite all i did was say that a signing is iminent, which is true. this site really is hate filled and i hope i can work with the admins to stop that.

Mate, it was a fúcking Simpson’s quote. :)

You have my personal assurance that no one will be setting dogs, bees, or dogs with bees in their mouth, on you. Rest easy.

https://youtu.be/nlIQ2KCYG7Y

Lavery is a bit silly if he signs an extension as he will get a.much better deal if he is a free agent so no transfer fee. If a club has to pay a few grand for him that will reduce what they could have offered if he was free.

Bakayogo just signed for FGR so rules that one out..

Quoted from grimsby pete

Lavery is a bit silly if he signs an extension as he will get a.much better deal if he is a free agent so no transfer fee. If a club has to pay a few grand for him that will reduce what they could have offered if he was free.

I agree, but if the offer to Lavery has come from the owners, they could have found that offering an extension, and then selling him before the end of the transfer window will make them a few quid. I doubt they actually give a flying banana about their players and their situation(obviously) and are only in it to make money from them where they can.

Quoted from wacca wacca

2.5 year deal but i will not ruin the surprise for the vast majority who prefer not knowing. welcome to personal message me about it

I've taken the bait - you've got a p.m.

Quoted from Poojah

It was our friend It_Bites, if memory serves. Got three or four right on the trot before getting a couple wrong and admitting that he’d been reverse engineering Town’s social media patterns. Got to give a point for ingenuity, if nothing else.

Personally, I’d be surprised if we announced a signing much more than 24 hours ahead of a match (with the exception of the final day of the window), but time will tell.

Yeah it was me . I got a few right . I think Khan late on a Friday night was my best call . Lol

Hurst on RH: both bids for players mentioned last week been turned down and doubtful they'll happen. Said no to every name asked about (Pollock/Vernam), nothing happening before Saturday.

However I never believe a word PH says these days about transfers. And those answers he's given have made me convinced on that been the right view...

https://twitter.com/HumbersideSport/status/1613561128881164290

A dispiriting update, and again disappointing to hear how our bids keep getting turned down - is our budget really as competitive as Hurst and the owners suggest? On the targets front I honestly don't even know why Matt Dean bothers asking for updates since Hurst just rebuffs every single name he ever puts to him.

Quoted from Chrisblor

A dispiriting update, and again disappointing to hear how our bids keep getting turned down - is our budget really as competitive as Hurst and the owners suggest? On the targets front I honestly don't even know why Matt Dean bothers asking for updates since Hurst just rebuffs every single name he ever puts to him.

Especially when he said no about Haughton last week.... When most of us know it was Haughton. I never believe a word he says anymore in these ;D

"Think we've been linked with Charles Vernam the last 4 windows".... I wonder why that is Paul!?

Every time I hear ‘incoming’ it makes me reach for the Xbox for a quick game on worms!

What happened to the player whose initials you posted the other day Luke?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Every time I hear ‘incoming’ it makes me reach for the Xbox for a quick game on worms!

What happened to the player whose initials you posted the other day Luke?

Amazing how many people have replied or comment about that. It was 2 letters in a post yet people have gone crazy..
For what it's worth it was an accidental post in the wrong thread! I was obviously tired when I did it and only just seen the replies to it...

Anyway, just watched PH. I can't help but laugh at his replies. His.body language and smirks, he's clearly got something or someone up his sleeve and everyone whose throwing names around are miles out

Quoted from lukeo

Amazing how many people have replied or comment about that. It was 2 letters in a post yet people have gone crazy..
For what it's worth it was an accidental post in the wrong thread! I was obviously tired when I did it and only just seen the replies to it...

Yeah like fúck. It was you hinting at Jack Marriot (who Gillingham appear to be after), and merely underlines why you have such a poor reputation on these matters. Ideally you’d be banned off here during transfer windows. Unfortunately I don’t make the rules!

Quoted from lukeo

Amazing how many people have replied or comment about that. It was 2 letters in a post yet people have gone crazy..
For what it's worth it was an accidental post in the wrong thread! I was obviously tired when I did it and only just seen the replies to it...

Quoted from Chrisblor

https://twitter.com/HumbersideSport/status/1613561128881164290

A dispiriting update, and again disappointing to hear how our bids keep getting turned down - is our budget really as competitive as Hurst and the owners suggest? On the targets front I honestly don't even know why Matt Dean bothers asking for updates since Hurst just rebuffs every single name he ever puts to him.

Tumbleweed time, isn't it? Every window we get a bit excited that the club, with increased revenue and apparently more attractive, is going to magic a rabbit out of the hat. You can see from the signings already made in L2 who has got the money to spend, rightly or wrongly, and that they'll get them integrated into their squad sooner than the rest. It's just not Hurst's way, is it?

Quoted from Mikey_345

Helpful sometimes to know wether or not to take what someone is saying with a pinch of salt mate.

For example someone constantly saying incoming during a transfer window is going to be right eventually…

When she shouted "fire fire", they just shouted "liar liar".

ITK reps are hard won and easily lost.

Quoted from lukeo

Amazing how many people have replied or comment about that. It was 2 letters in a post yet people have gone crazy..
For what it's worth it was an accidental post in the wrong thread! I was obviously tired when I did it and only just seen the replies to it...

Anyway, just watched PH. I can't help but laugh at his replies. His.body language and smirks, he's clearly got something or someone up his sleeve and everyone whose throwing names around are miles out

https://youtu.be/jvQyRXoCA_Y

Quoted from lukeo

Amazing how many people have replied or comment about that. It was 2 letters in a post yet people have gone crazy..
For what it's worth it was an accidental post in the wrong thread! I was obviously tired when I did it and only just seen the replies to it...

Anyway, just watched PH. I can't help but laugh at his replies. His.body language and smirks, he's clearly got something or someone up his sleeve and everyone whose throwing names around are miles out

never commit a crime, you'd be torn to shreds on the stand!

Quoted from wacca wacca

5pm👀

Checks time…

Quoted from Poojah

Checks time…

i did immediately follow up that post with another that there’s a chance it may have to wait until the morning due to the media team

Quoted from wacca wacca

i did immediately follow up that post with another that there’s a chance it may have to wait until the morning due to the media team

You sound like Prince Harry. You put it out there mate; don’t whinge people quote you back verbatim without the nuance you now say you intended.

Give us a clue……?

Quoted from wacca wacca

i did immediately follow up that post with another that there’s a chance it may have to wait until the morning due to the media team

You did also say people should DM you for the apparent name of this player… still waiting.

Quoted from wacca wacca

5pm👀

Is my watch fast, i make it after 5pm. ;D ;D ;D

I had a little chuckle watching that video. A pretty unfazed PH batting off names all over the place.

I'm sure we will see some movement over the next couple of weeks.

More of a tease than a tart with no knickers

Was also wondering where my PM was.
Quite prepared to offer a full and public retraction for my previous comments about Wacca, but have got nowt as yet.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Was also wondering where my PM was.
Quite prepared to offer a full and public retraction for my previous comments about Wacca, but have got nowt as yet.

Not the only one..

Giving the attention seeker loads of attention seems the sensible way to try to intercourse him off.

Quoted from Mikey_345

You did also say people should DM you for the apparent name of this player… still waiting.

i said to one person to DM me and i replied. for the rest i put out a huge hint on twitter

Quoted from wacca wacca

i said to one person to DM me and i replied. for the rest i put out a huge hint on twitter

Yer it was me. Obviously full of it.

Quoted from wacca wacca

i said to one person to DM me and i replied. for the rest i put out a huge hint on twitter

Big place Twitter, can you narrow the search a little

Quoted from Mikey_345

Not the only one..

If it looks like 💩

And it smells like 💩

It’s probably Dominic Samuel

(Name plucked out of thin air btw!)

Quoted from Simon

Big place Twitter, can you narrow the search a little

@imwacca

James Scott leaving Hull.

I’d have him, imagine he’ll end up SPL or League 1 though.

Allegedly Wacca Wacca is Filippe Noche reincarnated

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

If it looks like 💩

And it smells like 💩

It’s probably Dominic Samuel

(Name plucked out of thin air btw!)

Tend to agree, and it was clear from the start he was full of it. Think sometimes it’s important to call these new accounts of trolls out early though.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

If it looks like 💩

And it smells like 💩

It’s probably Dominic Samuel

(Name plucked out of thin air btw!)

Too greedy.

https://youtu.be/QOBDhLlRMDY

Quoted from DB

Allegedly Wacca Wacca is Filippe Noche reincarnated

Or just a muppet

Pepple gone back. Spare forwards shirt.

Wacca Wacca is the worst Fishy poster since Getyourfactsright.

Quoted from wacca wacca

i did immediately follow up that post with another that there’s a chance it may have to wait until the morning due to the media team

They have now employed another expert member of staff on the media team so things should be much better.(clap2)

Quoted from HatTrickHero

Pepple gone back. Spare forwards shirt.

2 with Keke going back. There’s definitely an incoming on the way, we’re horrendously light up front now

Judging by what Wacca's tweet said the other day which i posted on here (so feel some responsibility lol) and that was Harvey Cartright, so if your not going to name the player you can't take the credit, so i'm going for Harvey Cartright.......final answer. ;D

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

2 with Keke going back. There’s definitely an incoming on the way, we’re horrendously light up front now

Yep, no logic in sending him back if we don’t have someone lined up to come in before the weekend. I suspect they’re already in but holding off announcing it until the last possible moment.

More wacca bacca than wacca wacca.

Good luck to Bim. Cant have been easy for him being sent up here and never gave less than his all

Ok so it seems waca is alluding to someone with the initials CW. There is a 20 year old midfielder at Scunthorpe that goes by the name Cameron Wilson. Played the majority of their last two games and scored a goal.

Ryan Taylor injury setback in the extended Hullberside interview.

Quoted from quebec38

Ok so it seems waca is alluding to someone with the initials CW. There is a 20 year old midfielder at Scunthorpe that goes by the name Cameron Wilson. Played the majority of their last two games and scored a goal.

Anyone taking Wacca seriously need to question their own sanity.

Hurst's full presser: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dvzp0r

JMD will return after the weekend; no discussions about permanent move or loan extension
Stephen Wearne is back in contention; was happy about coming back and wants to play here
Bim Pepple has gone back to Luton; "has a lot of development ahead of him"
Fourth round draw is disappointing but "a good challenge"
John McAtee will be ineligible if it's Luton
Luke Waterfall's injury is lasting longer than expected; expected to miss this weekend
Ryan Taylor has had a setback; "quite a bit after January" for a return
Jordan Cropper is "months away"

Searched twitter for @imwanca but nothing useful came up?

Quoted from quebec38

Ok so it seems waca is alluding to someone with the initials CW. There is a 20 year old midfielder at Scunthorpe that goes by the name Cameron Wilson. Played the majority of their last two games and scored a goal.

There’s also Connor wickham!!!

👀👀👀

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Hurst's full presser: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dvzp0r
JMD will return after the weekend; no discussions about permanent move or loan extension
Stephen Wearne is back in contention; was happy about coming back and wants to play here
Bim Pepple has gone back to Luton; "has a lot of development ahead of him"
Fourth round draw is disappointing but "a good challenge"
John McAtee will be ineligible if it's Luton
Luke Waterfall's injury is lasting longer than expected; expected to miss this weekend
Ryan Taylor has had a setback; "quite a bit after January" for a return
Jordan Cropper is "months away"

Also mentioned we were close to signing somebody for this weekend but the parent club had injuries in the squad and as of now, the player is required

Quoted from quebec38

Ok so it seems waca is alluding to someone with the initials CW. There is a 20 year old midfielder at Scunthorpe that goes by the name Cameron Wilson. Played the majority of their last two games and scored a goal.

tbf I’ve got a scunny supporting mate who said he missed training so could potentially be something in that?

Quoted from quebec38

Ok so it seems waca is alluding to someone with the initials CW. There is a 20 year old midfielder at Scunthorpe that goes by the name Cameron Wilson. Played the majority of their last two games and scored a goal.

Maybe someone like Charlie Wakefield from Yeovil not sure if he is still there.

Quoted from Meza

Maybe someone like Charlie Wakefield from Yeovil not sure if he is still there.

Some truth in this according my Yeovil supporting friend

Quoted from Mariner_09

Some truth in this according my Yeovil supporting friend

Hope not, he’s not very good.

If it's Connor Wickham, I will get my flange out in M&S front window.

As if we could sign Connor Wickham!

Wacca telling people it’s Cameron Wilson from Scunny.

Stop. Listening. To. This. Wet wipe.

There is no CW signing

Feel a bit sorry for Pepple that the picture used on the OS is him missing a golden chance against Sutton!

Quoted from Abdul19

Feel a bit sorry for Pepple that the picture used on the OS is him missing a golden chance against Sutton!

To be fair, Hursty didn’t give him many photo opportunities.

A few people mentioning that Richardson has gone back to Burnley also, if true we are very short on the ground unless we have signings tomorrow.

Quoted from Davec

A few people mentioning that Richardson has gone back to Burnley also, if true we are very short on the ground unless we have signings tomorrow.

Richardson did go back when he was injured, but as far as I'm aware his loan deal is until the end of the season and heard nothing about him recalled or the agreement cancelled

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Richardson did go back when he was injured, but as far as I'm aware his loan deal is until the end of the season and heard nothing about him recalled or the agreement cancelled

The guy who provides digs for Khouri has said on Facebook that Khouri confirmed it to him.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

The guy who provides digs for Khouri has said on Facebook that Khouri confirmed it to him.

Well if that's the case, shame on Khouri, that's not information players should be sharing, the club should be the first to make a statement.

It’s not like Khouri’s made a statement, maybe he’s expected his mate not to go blabbing on Facebook.

Now if anyone’s got any gossip, feel free to DM me in confidence.

I have no knowledge of any dealings, but I thought ph had something up his sleeve?

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Well if that's the case, shame on Khouri, that's not information players should be sharing, the club should be the first to make a statement.

Mate where do you think rumours come from??

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Well if that's the case, shame on Khouri, that's not information players should be sharing, the club should be the first to make a statement.

What the guy said was that he asked Khouri and Khouri confirmed it. Khouri hasn't come home and spread the gossip, he's just confirmed something that he's been asked.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

The guy who provides digs for Khouri has said on Facebook that Khouri confirmed it to him.

The fact Hurst has done a presser this afternoon, talked about Pepple and Simmons going back and not mentioned Richardson suggests that's not the case.

A loanee who has barely played has potentially returned to his parent club. He's hardly revealed who really killed JFK has he?

Actually apparently he does know and has told wacca - just DM him and he'll reveal all.

According to the bloke who provides Evan’s digs, Richardson has gone back with a glute injury.

A case of mountain out of molehill and a bit of a male private move from the bloke telling the fan base what Evan mentioned.

Quoted from KingsleysHair

According to the bloke who provides Evan’s digs, Richardson has gone back with a glute injury.

A case of mountain out of molehill and a bit of a male private move from the bloke telling the fan base what Evan mentioned.

I wonder if he injured his glute on Saturday whilst deflecting Harry's shot?

Simmonds, Richardson, Pepple and Taylor all out of the picture…..
Doesn’t leave much in the way of forwards if true.
Personally, I’d be disappointed if Richardson had gone, but something must be afoot/imminent.

Can anyone within sight of the BP floodlights keep an eye out for any late night activity please?

Quoted from wacca wacca

i did immediately follow up that post with another that there’s a chance it may have to wait until the morning due to the media team

me n mikey still waiting for our p.m.s ...........
if you can't do the time don't do the crime.......

Depends when he spoke to Evan Khouri, doesn’t it?

Richardson was back at Burnley before and over Christmas and only came back into the squad after New Year.

An awful lot of activity going on across League 2, it does seem bizarre how often we seem to be in the position of moving later than everyone else

Quoted from pontoonlew

An awful lot of activity going on across League 2, it does seem bizarre how often we seem to be in the position of moving later than everyone else

My point earlier. Everyone else shopping in Aldi and we’re waiting for the food bank to open.

We need a big nasty illegitimate up front. But not another Stefan Payne panic buy.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

My point earlier. Everyone else shopping in Aldi and we’re waiting for the food bank to open.

Must have been a decent food bank last summer if it included Kieran Green, Niall Maher, Otis Khan and Andy Smith. Only Ben Fox decided to reject our "food bank wages" too.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Must have been a decent food bank last summer if it included Kieran Green, Niall Maher, Otis Khan and Andy Smith. Only Ben Fox decided to reject our "food bank wages" too.

Andy Smith was here last season and isn’t our player.

Quoted from pontoonlew

An awful lot of activity going on across League 2, it does seem bizarre how often we seem to be in the position of moving later than everyone else

I am as anxious as everybody on here to see a new signing. However, Hurst managed to get the right people in last January and they got us promoted. I think it will be a wait and see and trust Hurst's judgement.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Andy Smith was here last season and isn’t our player.

We could have signed Messi at 12.01 on New Year's Day and you'd have said he was past his best and it all seemed a bit rushed.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Andy Smith was here last season and isn’t our player.

He is until the end of the season. Which is all that really counts. McAtee isn't our player, either. Does that mean any goals he scores don't count?

It is sort of amusing that we're now on page 77 of the January Transfer Window Thread and there haven't been any transfers as yet!

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

We could have signed Messi at 12.01 on New Year's Day and you'd have said he was past his best and it all seemed a bit rushed.

Well he is past his best. His best was about 5/6 years ago!

77 pages & no signings as yet 🤣

The interview with Matt Dean yesterday. If you look at Paul Hurst’s face, it wasn’t the normal expressionless face we see when he’s quizzed about incoming signings. You can see that he’s struggling to hold back a cheeky wry smile.

I just love to watch Paul in action around signing times 😂😂

Quoted from DB

I am as anxious as everybody on here to see a new signing. However, Hurst managed to get the right people in last January and they got us promoted. I think it will be a wait and see and trust Hurst's judgement.

We didn’t have a January window last year

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Must have been a decent food bank last summer if it included Kieran Green, Niall Maher, Otis Khan and Andy Smith. Only Ben Fox decided to reject our "food bank wages" too.

It’s interesting though isn’t it because all 4 have been good for us and none of them were signed in the last few days of the window, whilst almost all of our last minute signings turned out to be garbage.

I’m sure we’ll sign ‘somebody’ but history dictates that holding out to the last few days doesn’t often leave you with the best options

Quoted from pontoonlew

It’s interesting though isn’t it because all 4 have been good for us and none of them were signed in the last few days of the window, whilst almost all of our last minute signings turned out to be garbage.

I’m sure we’ll sign ‘somebody’ but history dictates that holding out to the last few days doesn’t often leave you with the best options

Totally agree. I would like to think that the point of having a Head of Recruitment is to identify your targets then go and get them. I’d not thought about the timeline of the summer signings but, in general, you’re right. The later the signing, the less successful they’ve been.

Quoted from pontoonlew

It’s interesting though isn’t it because all 4 have been good for us and none of them were signed in the last few days of the window, whilst almost all of our last minute signings turned out to be garbage.

I’m sure we’ll sign ‘somebody’ but history dictates that holding out to the last few days doesn’t often leave you with the best options

It's January 12th. There are 31 days in January.

Quoted from pontoonlew

It’s interesting though isn’t it because all 4 have been good for us and none of them were signed in the last few days of the window, whilst almost all of our last minute signings turned out to be garbage.

I’m sure we’ll sign ‘somebody’ but history dictates that holding out to the last few days doesn’t often leave you with the best options

Garbage signings like Dieseruvwe who signed on 18th February?

78 pages and not one signing ??)

But i have a feeling that may change today

Hurst, or my mental health, might benefit from him not making out that we keep getting knocked back and anyone we do pick up is a second, third or fourth option.

Once we’ve signed some players I wonder what stick some people will choose to beat the club with. I’m 100% sure the manager and club are doing their best, why wouldn’t they?

It seems highly likely, given that we announced the return of two loan strikers to their parent clubs yesterday, that we’ll announce at least one signing today.

Whatever deals have been done have probably been done for a while. Whether or not there’s any merit in such an approach, it’s pretty common knowledge that Hurst likes to keep his cards close to his chest for as long as possible in the build up to a match.

I may be wrong of course, but let’s just see where we are come tea time tonight.

Do you reckon Hurst is like this with his kids?

"Nope. I'm aware that you like that game, you've linked yourself with it for your last three birthdays and I've had some good reports on it but as of now at this stage it is very much still a part of the stock on the shelves at Argos."

Quoted from Son of Cod

Do you reckon Hurst is like this with his kids?

"Nope. I'm aware that you like that game, you've linked yourself with it for your last three birthdays and I've had some good reports on it but as of now at this stage it is very much still a part of the stock on the shelves at Argos."

100% ;D

Quoted from Poojah

It seems highly likely, given that we announced the return of two loan strikers to their parent clubs yesterday, that we’ll announce at least one signing today.

Whatever deals have been done have probably been done for a while. Whether or not there’s any merit in such an approach, it’s pretty common knowledge that Hurst likes to keep his cards close to his chest for as long as possible in the build up to a match.

I may be wrong of course, but let’s just see where we are come tea time tonight.

It wouldn't surprise me if the announcement doesn't happen until 2pm tomorrow. We know Hurst doesn't like to give any team news away at the presser on Thursday so why announce a new striker on Friday.

As you and many others have said, I doubt that we would be sending back loan strikers without an alternative so let's see what happens.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Do you reckon Hurst is like this with his kids?

"Nope. I'm aware that you like that game, you've linked yourself with it for your last three birthdays and I've had some good reports on it but as of now at this stage it is very much still a part of the stock on the shelves at Argos."

"Let's see what you get for Christmas"

"But dad it's February.."

Quoted from Mikey_345

"Let's see what you get for Christmas"

"But dad it's February.."

Older sibling Wacca ‘I know what you’ve got for Christmas!’

Kid: pull other one-no you don’t!!!

Wacca: I was with Dad when he bought the presents and so I saw them!

Kid: Ok what have I got?

Wacca: I’m not telling you!!!!…

Kid: Right I’m off to get my dog with bees in it’s mouth and then you’ll bloody tell me!!

Wacca day wacca day the real Timmy mallet of football

Quoted from Simon

78 pages and not one signing ??)

But i have a feeling that may change today

There have been plenty of signings. Just not for us

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Garbage signings like Dieseruvwe who signed on 18th February?

Didn’t Gav Holohan sign in March aswell?

Quoted from Sandford1981

Older sibling Wacca ‘I know what you’ve got for Christmas!’

Kid: pull other one-no you don’t!!!

Wacca: I was with Dad when he bought the presents and so I saw them!

Kid: Ok what have I got?

Wacca: I’m not telling you!!!!…

Kid: Right I’m off to get my dog with bees in it’s mouth and then you’ll bloody tell me!!

Wacca: Send me a text message and then I won't tell you anyway.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Garbage signings like Dieseruvwe who signed on 18th February?

You’ve named one player from last season when we didn’t have a January transfer window?

Rather us make the right signings and not rush them to get anyone through the door. I imagine that the likes of Gillingham signings will of atleast doubled their wages from their current clubs or been given ridiculously long deals which can come back to bite them in the behind further down the line. I'll imagine we will see 2 new forwards come through the door, another centre-back, another right back and possibly a winger. Got another half of the month yet where probably players are going to be shifted left right and centre for other clubs to get in there own targets kind of like a game of chess, we could have our fingers burnt by waiting too late or end up with the man we wanted.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Must have been a decent food bank last summer if it included Kieran Green, Niall Maher, Otis Khan and Andy Smith. Only Ben Fox decided to reject our "food bank wages" too.

I'm not entirely sure this really proves your point to be honest. Maher has only just started getting into the starting lineup and has done OK so far.

Green has been hit and miss but people seem to be clinging to this notion that we've missed a player like him. I'm not saying he's been a poor signing, but I think he only really excels in physical games and is exposed against footballing sides. The idea that you need a Green type player doesn't really stack up for me in the modern game where they give away too many fouls and don't offer enough technically.

Otis Khan has been a very good signing and Smith has been good, although I'd argue he's stood out less at this level. So 2 of those 4 signings I think we can say have definitely been a success. But what of all the other signings you didn't mention too?

For what it's worth, I don't think it's fair to say we've had poor recruitment. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with raising the clear shortcomings we've had in finding another striker.

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Rather us make the right signings and not rush them to get anyone through the door. I imagine that the likes of Gillingham signings will of atleast doubled their wages from their current clubs or been given ridiculously long deals which can come back to bite them in the behind further down the line. I'll imagine we will see 2 new forwards come through the door, another centre-back, another right back and possibly a winger. Got another half of the month yet where probably players are going to be shifted left right and centre for other clubs to get in there own targets kind of like a game of chess, we could have our fingers burnt by waiting too late or end up with the man we wanted.

With Cropper months away and Michee having a fragile body, right back would be a priority position for me.

Do we come up against many footballing sides in League 2? Maybe once or twice a season, aside from that the divisions an absolutely reeking, dogshít-ball battle in mud baths and ploughed fields. Green’s done well since he came in considering he’s been injured and stepped up a division.

Quoted from ska face

Do we come up against many footballing sides in League 2? Maybe once or twice a season, aside from that the divisions an absolutely reeking, dogshít-ball battle in mud baths and ploughed fields. Green’s done well since he came in considering he’s been injured and stepped up a division.

Quite often PH has mentioned (in the early part of the season) he was playing through an injury. That gives you a good indication of the character of him, sort of bloke that needs persuading he can’t run a broken leg off.

Quoted from pontoonlew

You’ve named one player from last season when we didn’t have a January transfer window?

The transfer window still impacts clubs below, even though they aren't bound by it. Proof that biding our time worked.

Danny Collins signed for us on a free transfer outside of the transfer window.

If we have to discard Dieseruvwe because there isn't a transfer window in the National League then we can only judge Paul Hurst on the following transfer windows at Grimsby Town:
August 2016 - signed Dean Henderson.
January 2021- mitigating circumstances.
August 2022.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

August 2016 - signed Dean Henderson.

…and then didn’t play him.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Garbage signings like Dieseruvwe who signed on 18th February?

Whoa, whoa! Hold on a second. Manny might not be what we need in L2, but he scored 5 in 13 games. These included vital ones in the playoffs, without which we wouldn’t be where we are today. Have some respect, please.

Quoted from gtfc98

It's January 12th. There are 31 days in January.

30 days have September, April June and November.
all the rest have 31 except February which has 28 except on a leap year.

and January which has 84

Quoted from Belfast Town

Whoa, whoa! Hold on a second. Manny might not be what we need in L2, but he scored 5 in 13 games. These included vital ones in the playoffs, without which we wouldn’t be where we are today. Have some respect, please.

He scored more than 5. Yeovil, Woking, 3 at Eastleigh, 2 in the playoffs. He could've had a hat trick at King's Lynn!

Quoted from Poojah

…and then didn’t play him.

I think one thing Hurst learned by moving on from here was the need to be a lot more ruthless with those who have done well for him over a long period of time, much to McKeown's detriment last season (and the season before until Eastwood got injured).

Don't think sending Simmonds and People back means we are guaranteed a signing lined up, since Wearne and JMD have returned from their loans. Both are capable to step into the squad and offer something.

But agree that we need more up top than Mcatee, Orsi, Richardson and Kiernan (when played their)

Do you reckon we can get to 100 pages before we announce a new signing! :)

Quoted from Les Brechin

Do you reckon we can get to 100 pages before we announce a new signing! :)

It definitely will be up to 100, as there is nobody imminently incoming.....

Quoted from Les Brechin

Do you reckon we can get to 100 pages before we announce a new signing! :)

Bentley 6

Also which thread will be longer by Jan32, this or the Scunny one?

Scunny will have finished by the end of the 60 days HMRC notice period !

Won't be Barratt's homes , though !!

Quoted from Poojah

It seems highly likely, given that we announced the return of two loan strikers to their parent clubs yesterday, that we’ll announce at least one signing today.

Whatever deals have been done have probably been done for a while. Whether or not there’s any merit in such an approach, it’s pretty common knowledge that Hurst likes to keep his cards close to his chest for as long as possible in the build up to a match.

I may be wrong of course, but let’s just see where we are come tea time tonight.

Let's hope it's scones, cream and jam of your choice 8) 8) 8)

or

bread and butter ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from DB

Let's hope it's scones, cream and jam of your choice 8) 8) 8)

or

bread and butter ;D ;D ;D

More like bread and dripping

So I am interested in just what the new Head of Recruitment's job specifications are and how much sway does he have regarding signings etc. Is he just another (albeit higher paid), Scout that emails his recommendations for PH to peruse, or does he have some say as to who we actually sign. I'll be interested to know the answer.

Also I need some help with my grammar, which end does the comma go in the event you use brackets, it's always bothered me, not knowing?

The thread would probably be half as long if we didn’t get an update on how many pages there are every 10 minutes.

Quoted from ska face

The thread would probably be half as long if we didn’t get an update on how many pages there are every 10 minutes.

Good thing you don't make the rules!

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I wonder if he injured his glute on Saturday whilst deflecting Harry's shot?

Could have been Harry Kanes penalty coming back to earth.

Quoted from 123614

So I am interested in just what the new Head of Recruitment's job specifications are and how much sway does he have regarding signings etc. Is he just another (albeit higher paid) Scout that emails his recommendations for PH to peruse, or does he have some say as to who we actually sign. I'll be interested to know the answer.

Also I need some help with my grammar, which end does the comma go in the event you use brackets, it's always bothered me, not knowing?

Might be missing a joke here :-/ but if your serious things like commas/fullstops come after the brackets are closed, but exclamation/question marks appostrophes etc. can be at the end within the brackets if they relate only to what was written in the brackets, or outside if related to the whole sentence/statement.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Wacca: Send me a text message and then I won't tell you anyway.

i replied to all 14 PM’s i got on here thank you. been keeping updates on my twitter @imwacca as there is a post limit here

Quoted from 123614

So I am interested in just what the new Head of Recruitment's job specifications are and how much sway does he have regarding signings etc. Is he just another (albeit higher paid) Scout that emails his recommendations for PH to peruse, or does he have some say as to who we actually sign. I'll be interested to know the answer.

Also I need some help with my grammar, which end does the comma go in the event you use brackets, it's always bothered me, not knowing?

I admit occasionally we say we've beaten xyz clubs to a players signature, but for anybody really in demand we seem unwilling to match what they can command.

That's fair enough if that is our strategy, so it is probably where this analyst will be useful- identifying recruits that are off the beaten track as it were, but even then Hurst will obviously have the final say.

I'm just doing my bit to get to 100 pages.

Prediction: Town announce the signing of a striker in the next two-and-half hours.

* Based on absolutely nothing, I know fúck all (ask my wife)

Quoted from Madeleymariner

Might be missing a joke here :-/ but if your serious things like commas/fullstops come after the brackets are closed, but exclamation/question marks appostrophes etc. can be at the end within the brackets if they relate only to what was written in the brackets, or outside if related to the whole sentence/statement.

Thank you, no joke, was a serious question.

Quoted from Poojah

Prediction: Town announce the signing of a striker in the next two-and-half hours.

* Based on absolutely nothing, I know fúck all (ask my wife)

Am with you with that would not surprise me in slightest

They’re just taking the píss now… ;D

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1613918034497789957

Quoted from Poojah

They’re just taking the píss now… ;D

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1613918034497789957

Signing imminent - it's B.Corp

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Signing imminent - it's B.Corp

typical Hurst signing

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Signing imminent - it's B.Corp

CDAJATL?

They must have something up their sleeves to put out such a tone deaf tweet about helping climate change with some "goals."

They seem very excited by it.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

They must have something up their sleeves to put out such a tone deaf tweet about helping climate change with some "goals."

They seem very excited by it.

It’s like Christmas Day and you’re pretty sure you saw that present you really, really wanted at the back of your parents’ wardrobe a couple of weeks ago, but you’re nearly at the bottom of your pile of presents and, with no sign of it anywhere, you’re starting to sweat a bit. Alas, the sneaky fúckers have hidden it out of sight by the sofa.

My apologies go out to our good friend wacca, who’s just learned that Father Christmas isn’t real.

Just wanted to do my bit to get this thread up to 100 pages before any new signings are announced. Come on folks, if we all pull together, we can do it!

I'm officially banned from doing or saying anything in the slightest when it comes to new signings so I'll just sit here and watch this thread go to 100 pages and 1 signing...

Biggest hint yet, it's surely this guy, currently at Lincoln.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/matty-virtue/profil/spieler/2

Can't ignore a signal like that.

It's beginning to look a lot like ............. Inbound

Quoted from It Bites

It's beginning to look a lot like ............. Inbound

We remember last window mate! ;D

Quoted from Poojah

They’re just taking the píss now… ;D

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1613918034497789957

I think this is an EFL deal that all clubs are in on but the club have added their own comment to it as it's about the values they (and B Corp) stand for.

Quoted from Mikey_345

We remember last window mate! ;D

Harsh but fair lol

Quoted from It Bites

It's beginning to look a lot like ............. Inbound

What lets your theory down this time round is that we have a new person managing our social media accounts and they started this month too. We also have league games so social media activity will always be different to pre-season when there isn't much going on.

Quoted from Poojah

It’s like Christmas Day and you’re pretty sure you saw that present you really, really wanted at the back of your parents’ wardrobe a couple of weeks ago, but you’re nearly at the bottom of your pile of presents and, with no sign of it anywhere, you’re starting to sweat a bit. Alas, the sneaky fúckers have hidden it out of sight by the sofa.

My apologies go out to our good friend wacca, who’s just learned that Father Christmas isn’t real.

It's usually more like the Christmas when you ask for that expensive special toy everyone wants but your parents get you the cheap rip off version from Poundland that breaks before the turkey's cooked.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

They must have something up their sleeves to put out such a tone deaf tweet about helping climate change with some "goals."

They seem very excited by it.

You trying to say climate change is just a lot of hot air?

Quoted from wacca wacca

i replied to all 14 PM’s i got on here thank you. been keeping updates on my twitter @imwacca as there is a post limit here

Yes, I did eventually get a reply, but only to say that was supposedly hush hush was now on his twitter feed
Oliver Sarkic , if you're in the lest bit interested is Wacca's scoop (which he has qualified , brilliantly, by saying that 6 other clubs are interested)

Can that be added to your list Ska?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I think this is an EFL deal that all clubs are in on but the club have added their own comment to it as it's about the values they (and B Corp) stand for.

Load of nonsense - "There are over sixty activities for participants to choose from, ranging from having a meat-free family meal"

Thought we had Forest Green Rovers to do that for us - I'll stick to my Steak & Kidney Pukka Pies 🤣

Jamille Matt signs for Walsall.

15 more to make the 100 …..

Quoted from forza ivano

Yes, I did eventually get a reply, but only to say that was supposedly hush hush was now on his twitter feed
Oliver Sarkic , if you're in the lest bit interested is Wacca's scoop (which he has qualified , brilliantly, by saying that 6 other clubs are interested)

Can that be added to your list Ska?

Anyone else want to confirm this is what Wacca told them?

Cannot count…..it’s 16!,

Quoted from forza ivano

Yes, I did eventually get a reply, but only to say that was supposedly hush hush was now on his twitter feed
Oliver Sarkic , if you're in the lest bit interested is Wacca's scoop (which he has qualified , brilliantly, by saying that 6 other clubs are interested)

Can that be added to your list Ska?

the ‘hush hush’ one was wilson i think you may find. i only put it on my twitter once other sources reported it many hours after my first tweet. get your facts straight before you keep coming for me, for no reason

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Anyone else want to confirm this is what Wacca told them?

sarkic was not mentioned to anyone here as that was on my twitter days ago. i revealed the name (wilson) to the 14 on here and asked them to keep it quiet for now to not ruin the fun. other sources then reported it anyway

seeing a lot of twisting my words on here today which is completely not neccesary. as is it clear that all the fickle and bitter fans are on this forum, i will be exclusive reporting on twitter @imwacca with news and updates. i hope the moderators can work to stop the toxicity on this site

Quoted from wacca wacca

seeing a lot of twisting my words on here today which is completely not neccesary. as is it clear that all the fickle and bitter fans are on this forum, i will be exclusive reporting on twitter @imwacca with news and updates. i hope the moderators can work to stop the toxicity on this site

You're not Fillipe are you ?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Jamille Matt signs for Walsall.

Wonder if that means Mansfield are selling Johnson then?

Quoted from wacca wacca

the ‘hush hush’ one was wilson i think you may find. i only put it on my twitter once other sources reported it many hours after my first tweet. get your facts straight before you keep coming for me, for no reason

I think you'll find it's actually GetYourFactsRight.

Wacca is more deluded than Donald Trump, and his "news" is less believable.

Quoted from wacca wacca

sarkic was not mentioned to anyone here as that was on my twitter days ago. i revealed the name (wilson) to the 14 on here and asked them to keep it quiet for now to not ruin the fun. other sources then reported it anyway

Pete O’Rourke on Twitter reports we’re “set to sign” Mikey O’Neill on loan. Midfielder from PNE

Seem to remember us being linked with him before..

Looks like we're going back in for Preston's O'Neill. We almost got him in the summer.

https://twitter.com/SportsPeteO/status/1613953404551794712?t=IG8RjV7oKiSxGmJraHKe2A&s=19^[/sup][sup]

The one area PH said in his latest interview that we weren’t looking to strengthen!!

Quoted from Mikey_345

Pete O’Rourke on Twitter reports we’re “set to sign” Mikey O’Neill on loan. Midfielder from PNE

Seem to remember us being linked with him before..

hurst tried to get him on deadline day (summer) and it failed just before the deadline. made 6 preston appearances since but all off the bench. skillful attacker

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

The one area PH said in his latest interview that we weren’t looking to strengthen!!

he’s an attacking midfielder/winger, not the core of the midfield like hurst said he isn’t after. no links for out and out midfielders at all

Quoted from ginnywings

Wacca is more deluded than Donald Trump, and his "news" is less believable.

all of my news has been the last 3 days and i have provided updates on each (inc one breaking down) so no need for the constant childish comments

Quoted from wacca wacca

he’s an attacking midfielder/winger, not the core of the midfield like hurst said he isn’t after. no links for out and out midfielders at all

Semantics I think, midfield is midfield albeit there are different roles within this generic description, one thing he ain’t is a striker!

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Semantics I think, midfield is midfield albeit there are different roles within this generic description, one thing he ain’t is a striker!

do your research before coming on here chatting sh*t, preston fans have described him as much more a strikee than a midfielder, like mcatee. people on here are so negative constantly

I never thought I’d say this but at times like this I reflect on and appreciate the glory years of wumming we had under Ipswin, Humbercod et al.

They were masters of their craft.

On a quiet news day, Rob would send them on to the board to ‘cause some bollöcks’, and they’d use all their nous and intelligence to press the buttons of even the most placid poster.

Now we have the younger generation, such as Mr W Wacca, who post bûllshit on every social going and then when someone challenges them, they go running to the ref (or their Mum) screaming they’ve been touched.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

I never thought I’d say this but at times like this I reflect and appreciate the glory years of wumming we had under Ipswin, Humbercod et al.

They were masters of their craft.

On a quiet news day, Rob would send them on to the board to ‘cause some bollöcks’, and they’d use all their nous and intelligence to press the buttons of even the most placid poster.

Now we have the younger generation, such as Mr W Wacca, who post bûllshit on every social going and then when someone challenges them, they go running to the ref (or their Mum) screaming they’ve been touched.

It's called the Prince Harry Syndrome

Quoted from Mikey_345

Pete O’Rourke on Twitter reports we’re “set to sign” Mikey O’Neill on loan. Midfielder from PNE

Seem to remember us being linked with him before..

Would imagine he is the player Hurst said was close to joining before an injury meant he was suddenly involved with [his club’s] first team - one of their strikers did his cruciate Tuesday night.

Quoted from ska face

Would imagine he is the player Hurst said was close to joining before an injury meant he was suddenly involved with [his club’s] first team - one of their strikers did his cruciate Tuesday night.

But Preston have brought in striker Delap on loan from Man City today..........

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

I never thought I’d say this but at times like this I reflect on and appreciate the glory years of wumming we had under Ipswin, Humbercod et al.

They were masters of their craft.

On a quiet news day, Rob would send them on to the board to ‘cause some bollöcks’, and they’d use all their nous and intelligence to press the buttons of even the most placid poster.

Now we have the younger generation, such as Mr W Wacca, who post bûllshit on every social going and then when someone challenges them, they go running to the ref (or their Mum) screaming they’ve been touched.

The days of MaccaBilk. They had skills.

O’Neill would be an odd one on loan IMO. We have McAtee for that role and players who can slot in there should we need them. We do need a #10 but as a long term perm replacement ideally.

Nice to have back up, but can’t imagine that’s what the player or Preston are ideally wanting.

Quoted from pontoonlew

O’Neill would be an odd one on loan IMO. We have McAtee for that role and players who can slot in there should we need them. We do need a #10 but as a long term perm replacement ideally.

Nice to have back up, but can’t imagine that’s what the player or Preston are ideally wanting.

We need competition in McAtee’s role, especially if Richardson has gone back.

Quoted from wacca wacca

do your research before coming on here chatting sh*t, preston fans have described him as much more a strikee than a midfielder, like mcatee. people on here are so negative constantly

You keep harping on about the toxic fishy then tell me I’m chatting excrement, poor English for a start, so seems you bring any abusive comments you receive on yourself. The Peter O’Rourke twitter announcement and Wikipedia both describe him as an attacking midfield player. Yes he can play further forward but still doesn’t make him a striker so my comments were accurate and hardly negative, unlike my opinion of you.

Quoted from It Bites

It's called the Prince Harry Syndrome

Is it? Why do you say that?

We appear to be doing great things on the none football side but struggling to deliver what the hardcore fans want, getting school kids in for "Debate Mate" and getting involved in climate change initiatives is all well and good but looking around the ground at our last home game at all the empty seats with "Reserved" stickers on them is quite worrying really, can't see us retaining 6000 season ticket holders next season and with teams around us all doing business once again we are getting left behind so we really are in need of a boost on and off the pitch, honestly thought today would be the day we pulled one out the bag

Quoted from wacca wacca

all of my news has been the last 3 days and i have provided updates on each (inc one breaking down) so no need for the constant childish comments

Yes, this is why we'd rather you stopped posting here.

Quoted from ex-merseymariner

But Preston have brought in striker Delap on loan from Man City today..........

Timeline works out then, if Riis was replaced today/yesterday.

Few bits from O’Neill -

https://twitter.com/pnefcacademy/status/1594993134521307138?s=46&t=vSTR8a2-yMI5eBUuLFWgbg

For me this window is the important one. As I have said before this season is still a bonus for me after the playoff heroics. It was a late finish and an early start for us and not knowing what division we were going to be in understandably hampered our recruitment. However that was then and this is now. It is perfectly acceptable for fans to use this window as a barometer to our future ambition and for the playing side to match the improvements off the field. I did expect for us to be more ahead of the game than we are. However we aren't half way through the window yet and as we know everything can change fairly quickly.

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565359508712472579?s=46&t=vSTR8a2-yMI5eBUuLFWgbg

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565360193671774208?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565359793212121090?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565360055351926785?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565359913336963074?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565360296323170305?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

Started for Preston last weekend.

https://mobile.twitter.com/pnefc/status/1611686862849966082

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

I never thought I’d say this but at times like this I reflect on and appreciate the glory years of wumming we had under Ipswin, Humbercod et al.

They were masters of their craft.

On a quiet news day, Rob would send them on to the board to ‘cause some bollöcks’, and they’d use all their nous and intelligence to press the buttons of even the most placid poster.

Now we have the younger generation, such as Mr W Wacca, who post bûllshit on every social going and then when someone challenges them, they go running to the ref (or their Mum) screaming they’ve been touched.

We get the excrement young WUMs because the big clubs hoard them. It’s killing the game.

Quoted from ska face

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565359508712472579?s=46&t=vSTR8a2-yMI5eBUuLFWgbg

We have got plenty of players that can do that ;D

Quoted from Poojah

Started for Preston last weekend.

https://mobile.twitter.com/pnefc/status/1611686862849966082

Is he wearing a wacca wacca on his head?

Are you his agent ska?

O’Neill to Town was posted on the Preston forum at half-ten this morning, for what it’s worth. Would prefer we were sorting some permanent deals out, but the kid looks a talent.

https://www.pne-online.net/forum/index.php?threads/january-2023-transfer-window-rumours-and-discussion.3437199/page-306#post-4389261

Quoted from ska face

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565360296323170305?s=46&t=1jdgtW37DYxeSTKdKbw15g

Doing your best to get us to 100 pages before a signing aren’t you mate.

I’m just trying to help all the luddites on here who aren’t on Twitter

as plenty of you older fellow on here do not approve of my reporting methods and that i am a man of my word, i will let everyone here decide if i permantly delete my account or not. vote by ✅ or ❌ and if tick hits 30 before cross hits 10 then i will stick to my word.

also admins you are welcome for the increased ad revenue since my arrival 3 days ago, it has been a VERY active forum in that time and i have over 300,000 impressions on twitter from it.

Quoted from ska face

I’m just trying to help all the luddites on here who aren’t on Twitter

That'll be me then.

He does look a talented lad to be fair and so what if he's another midfielder. The point of a team is to improve over time and if he's better than what we have, then I'm all for it, even if it is a loan deal.

Quoted from wacca wacca

also admins you are welcome for the increased ad revenue since my arrival 3 days ago, it has been a VERY active forum in that time and i have over 300,000 impressions on twitter from it.

Rob will have the exact stats but I’d bet it’s not even in the top 3 busiest weeks of the last year. The ad revenue goes to the upkeep of the site so will only keep The Fishy as the number one GTFC excrement talking forum on the internet for the forseeable.

Quoted from wacca wacca

as plenty of you older fellow on here do not approve of my reporting methods and that i am a man of my word, i will let everyone here decide if i permantly delete my account or not. vote by ✅ or ❌ and if tick hits 30 before cross hits 10 then i will stick to my word.

Dont get bullied in to going off here . I dont know if you are right and i am not realy bothered either way . But you have a right to say what you want and make predictions without being picked on

Quoted from livvo

The days of MaccaBilk. They had skills.

True. True.

Quoted from MaccaBilk

True. True.

Now I do hope this is the biggest comeback since Lazarus.

Quoted from wacca wacca

also admins you are welcome for the increased ad revenue since my arrival 3 days ago, it has been a VERY active forum in that time and i have over 300,000 impressions on twitter from it.

Before you delete your account I would like to offer you a warm wholehearted thank you from the Royal Institute of Women's Knickers and Secondhand Vauxhall Astras for your excellent services to targeted ads on The Fishy.

Quoted from MaccaBilk

True. True.

Jesus walks.

Quoted from wacca wacca

as plenty of you older fellow on here do not approve of my reporting methods and that i am a man of my word, i will let everyone here decide if i permantly delete my account or not. vote by ✅ or ❌ and if tick hits 30 before cross hits 10 then i will stick to my word.

55 of you voting to keep me, should have read what i said before casting a vote. glad to see i’m popular here especially since bigger sources have broke the wilson rumour now.

Quoted from LH

Rob will have the exact stats but I’d bet it’s not even in the top 3 busiest weeks of the last year. The ad revenue goes to the upkeep of the site so will only keep The Fishy as the number one GTFC excrement talking forum on the internet for the forseeable.

lets see the stats. 56 votes on a post is the most i’ve seen on here

Quoted from wacca wacca

55 of you voting to keep me, should have read what i said before casting a vote. glad to see i’m popular here especially since bigger sources have broke the wilson rumour now.

55 voted you to leave. Only one wanted you to stay.

I did not vote but please stay you have created a lot of interest on here.

Mainly bad but a lot of interest. ;D

Quoted from MaccaBilk

True. True.

excrement the flipping bed he's back

Morris to Hartlepool might have some legs, Keith Curle says he spoke to him a few weeks ago -

https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united-boss-keith-curle-responds-to-bryn-morris-transfer-interest-question-3983901

Read he was at their game last Sunday too. Not too extraordinary if he’s a Hartlepool fan, mind.

Quoted from wacca wacca

55 of you voting to keep me, should have read what i said before casting a vote. glad to see i’m popular here especially since bigger sources have broke the wilson rumour now.

The bigger sources:
[tweet]1614028731344887812[/tweet]

Quoted from MaccaBilk

True. True.

When I saw this I could just hear the smash of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s music and JR shouting OH MA GAWD..

Mikey O’Neill had a run out for Preston v Huddersfield in R3 of fa cup last week so must be well thought of at Preston

Quoted from LH

The bigger sources:
[tweet]1614028731344887812[/tweet]

Wait…so you’re saying an account with 164 followers who has never actually got a scoop or anything correct isn’t a big source?

I was getting my hopes up!!

Hopefully this is one of those days where we keep a new signing under wraps until shortly before kick off.

Quoted from wacca wacca

lets see the stats. 56 votes on a post is the most i’ve seen on here

Filipe Noche and GYFR put your measly 56 crosses to shame.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Hopefully this is one of those days where we keep a new signing under wraps until shortly before kick off.

Luke Spokes to start today then…

Jake Young joins barrow on loan

Quoted from grimsby pete

55 voted you to leave. Only one wanted you to stay.

I did not vote but please stay you have created a lot of interest on here.

Mainly bad but a lot of interest. ;D

55 thought they voted for me to leave but forgot to read what i had said*

Looks like we’ve signed O’Neill and he’s in the squad from GTFC Twitter…

Town twitter new name on team sheet?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1614256099686813697

"We are delighted to announce the signing of attacking midfielder Mikey O’Neill from Preston North End on a loan deal until the end of the season."

https://gtfc.co.uk/oneill-signs/

Also, Lincoln have signed Olamide Shodipo (a winger).

Would think we’re likely to be seeing Vernam here this window now Lincoln have strengthened.

Quoted from Hagrid

Cup tied! Typical

😄

Don’t take this the wrong way but this is a classic Fishy post. It’s the first time in donkeys we’ve had to worry about cup-tieing this late on - think of it as a positive!

as apparently everyone misunderstood my wording of my voting post i will give everyone a second chance. vote either yes ❌ or no ✅. if no wins then i will deactivate my account. replying to this with your reasons for wanting me gone counts as an extra vote

😂
Sorry….thought you’d gone after a resounding and emphatic vote!
Need some attention?

Quoted from chaos33

😂
Sorry….thought you’d gone after a resounding and emphatic vote!
Need some attention?

the ‘resounding and emphatic’ vote actually came out 55-1 in favour of me as it was misread by seemingly all. i made sure to address that so no votes were wrongly made this time. i stand by the decision of the current vote

Errr…..55 votes said ‘see ya’ and one said ‘stay’.

Quoted from chaos33

Errr…..55 votes said ‘see ya’ and one said ‘stay’.

The attention seeking sadcase deliberately said he'd leave it everyone ticked his post instead of crossing it, the opposite to what is usually expected when reacting to the shite posts dribbling out of his brain and onto this message board.

Nobody cares, except you obviously. Stay, don't stay, post, don't post, but just stop fooking rabbiting on.

You have a massive sense of your own self worth for some reason. Nothing you have said has materialised, so stop banging your own drum.

I haven't ticked or crossed you because I don't care whether you stay or go.

Quoted from ginnywings

Nobody cares, except you obviously. Stay, don't stay, post, don't post, but just stop fooking rabbiting on.

You have a massive sense of your own self worth for some reason. Nothing you have said has materialised, so stop banging your own drum.

I haven't ticked or crossed you because I don't care whether you stay or go.

56 votes say people here do care that i go or stay👍🏻 i have said 2 rumours in the last 2 days so can’t expect them to be announced yet until early next week

Cut the attention seeking BS, after a 5-0 defeat and poor league form over the last 10 games, I would like to know from Hurst and the board how they are going to ensure we don't slip out of the EFL again over the next 17 days.

Quoted from wacca wacca

as apparently everyone misunderstood my wording of my voting post i will give everyone a second chance. vote either yes ❌ or no ✅. if no wins then i will deactivate my account. replying to this with your reasons for wanting me gone counts as an extra vote

Are you Donald Trump? 🍊

Quoted from wacca wacca

as apparently everyone misunderstood my wording of my voting post i will give everyone a second chance. vote either yes ❌ or no ✅. if no wins then i will deactivate my account. replying to this with your reasons for wanting me gone counts as an extra vote

Cupid stunt….

Grow up ffs.

Quoted from Townforlife

Are you Donald Trump? 🍊

That or Donald Duck because nothing he says makes sense but I’m sure he’s sat feeling he’s important and having a laugh at our expense. So let’s keep him happy by commenting on his crap

connor wickham liked my tweet about CW, proof on my twitter. is that good enough for all of you in here to stop the hatred? the man himself has spoke.

Quoted from wacca wacca

connor wickham liked my tweet about CW, proof on my twitter. is that good enough for all of you in here to stop the hatred? the man himself has spoke.

Just shutup and grow up.

Quoted from Hagrid

Just shutup and grow up.

saying that before checking genuine proof from the player, mature.

Quoted from wacca wacca

connor wickham liked my tweet about CW, proof on my twitter. is that good enough for all of you in here to stop the hatred? the man himself has spoke.

I thought CW was Cameron Wilson?

Quoted from wacca wacca

connor wickham liked my tweet about CW, proof on my twitter. is that good enough for all of you in here to stop the hatred? the man himself has spoke.

But on another comment on Twitter you say it’s clearly not Wickham and that you’re not that stupid? I’m so confused.

Quoted from wacca wacca

connor wickham liked my tweet about CW, proof on my twitter.

So did Prince Andrew and Rolf Harris but fingers crossed they won’t hold it against you.

Just ignore the tedious trolls, guys. It's really easy.

Quoted from Maringer

Just ignore the tedious trolls, guys. It's really easy.

they have too much hatred in them to listen to you. excellent advice though

Quoted from Chrisblor

The attention seeking sadcase deliberately said he'd leave it everyone ticked his post instead of crossing it, the opposite to what is usually expected when reacting to the shite posts dribbling out of his brain and onto this message board.

just proving the poor reading & comprehension skills by the kind of people who use this site as they fell for the same trick again😂

I thought OT was about suggested incoming transfers, but it seems to have disintegrated about somebody on an ego trip! :K)

Somebody confirmed that JS said money is available for new players. 2 years ago Day said the same in that disastrous January transfer window.

It may be me being cynical but these comments are literally identical, and no money has been spent. So is this an ownership ploy, which didn't work in Days' case, of keeping the supporters happy? Hurst said that bids have been turned down, but were they bids to attract a player or unrealistic cheeky bids to get somebody on the cheap?

We now have recruitment staff to identify future players, and if they know their job, then they should also know how much these targets will cost. So the players they are looking at should be in our budget range, if our offers are knocked back and the player is one we want then put in a second more realistic offer.

I know we have had bumper ST sold but as somebody pointed out walk ins have gone down making the income only marginally more, but more. The cup revenue is there for all to see so the money has to be there unless this has been spent on the new influx of non playing staff.

16 days to go until the window closes, and to define our 1st season back in the EFL. Hurst said on record to the camera he wants permanent signings not loans. Yesterday he now wants loans and moans about the money spent by clubs at the bottom of the league. He forgot that Wrexham, Chesterfield and Notts Cty spent huge amounts of cash last year and are till in the NL.

1878 talked about being open and transparent as a club. As much as I like them and Hurst Blundell Park is covered in net curtains, with little, if any, transparrancy.

What is that you want to know that is being concealed? Be specific, so we can all judge it objectively.

It’s already been mentioned that the fans forum may be moved as it’s a day before our FA cup 4th round tie. Still, don’t miss an opportunity to moan and clobber the club will you.

The entitlement amongst some on here is astonishing.

Quoted from DB

It may be me being cynical but these comments are literally identical, and no money has been spent. So is this an ownership ploy, which didn't work in Days' case, of keeping the supporters happy? Hurst said that bids have been turned down, but were they bids to attract a player or unrealistic cheeky bids to get somebody on the cheap?

We now have recruitment staff to identify future players, and if they know their job, then they should also know how much these targets will cost. So the players they are looking at should be in our budget range, if our offers are knocked back and the player is one we want then put in a second more realistic offer.

players may come from league 2 clubs so the sellers may not want to sell to a divisional rival

certain players may not be for sale due to the teams fortunes or clubs playing one off against another

its likely that, because of former issues, clubs may be put off dealing with us still

clubs may require replacements through the door first before allowing players to leave

the amount we offer for a player may not be enough to even spark an interest

the selling club may speak to the player first to gauge interest

injuries to players/ low squad numbers at the selling club

wages offered

the old location equation!

all in all, there are numerous reasons that 'could' be stopping us getting players in.

Quoted from DB

Somebody confirmed that JS said money is available for new players. 2 years ago Day said the same in that disastrous January transfer window.

It may be me being cynical but these comments are literally identical, and no money has been spent. So is this an ownership ploy, which didn't work in Days' case, of keeping the supporters happy?

I think one of those two people have earned the right, by demonstrably keeping his word and moving the club forward, to be believed.

Quoted from DB

1878 talked about being open and transparent as a club. As much as I like them and Hurst Blundell Park is covered in net curtains, with little, if any, transparrancy.

Serious question - what do you actually want to see? What information do you think the general public are entitled to see, laid out in front of them in black and white?

A specific transfer budget? Names of targets? Should the club cc the Telegraph in when they’re emailing bids across to other clubs?

Quoted from DB

1878 talked about being open and transparent as a club. As much as I like them and Hurst Blundell Park is covered in net curtains, with little, if any, transparrancy.

Seriously, what more do you want…

Cc’ing on the stationary order email?

to further add to my point above. we may have a healthy transfer budget available, but are there terms with that? not derogatory towards anyone btw

say we've bid £100k for a player. id say its possibly not an upfront amount but maybe the instalments don't meet the expectations of the selling club, or the sell on % isn't what they see as realistic. maybe the bid is based on a set number of appearances or what the wind is blowing according to the beaufort scale on match day. who knows?

or maybe our targets are just not realistic!

there's so many quality players out there that appear to be without a club. it makes you wonder why

Quoted from wacca wacca

also admins you are welcome for the increased ad revenue since my arrival 3 days ago, it has been a VERY active forum in that time and i have over 300,000 impressions on twitter from it.

I wondered earlier in this thread if we’re basically dealing with a 14 year old trying to carve a Twitter career and this pretty much seals the deal.

The entitled responses to challenges and the hyper-sensitivity around it too suggests a modern day ‘yoof’ who hasn’t yet had the experience that if you spout nonsense around hardened geezers like Town fans you’re going to be politely informed about it. Or told you’re a pr1ck, anywhere between the two really.

Quoted from DB

Somebody confirmed that JS said money is available for new players. 2 years ago Day said the same in that disastrous January transfer window.

It may be me being cynical but these comments are literally identical, and no money has been spent. So is this an ownership ploy, which didn't work in Days' case, of keeping the supporters happy? Hurst said that bids have been turned down, but were they bids to attract a player or unrealistic cheeky bids to get somebody on the cheap?

We now have recruitment staff to identify future players, and if they know their job, then they should also know how much these targets will cost. So the players they are looking at should be in our budget range, if our offers are knocked back and the player is one we want then put in a second more realistic offer.

I know we have had bumper ST sold but as somebody pointed out walk ins have gone down making the income only marginally more, but more. The cup revenue is there for all to see so the money has to be there unless this has been spent on the new influx of non playing staff.

16 days to go until the window closes, and to define our 1st season back in the EFL. Hurst said on record to the camera he wants permanent signings not loans. Yesterday he now wants loans and moans about the money spent by clubs at the bottom of the league. He forgot that Wrexham, Chesterfield and Notts Cty spent huge amounts of cash last year and are till in the NL.

1878 talked about being open and transparent as a club. As much as I like them and Hurst Blundell Park is covered in net curtains, with little, if any, transparrancy.

Just about spot on Have to be carefull with being transparent bit tho. as you do not want to let clubs know how much you have to spend as prices go up if you have a good wedge and they know . But for is to believe what is said we have to see that money is being spent to get x y z player or its just empty words tjust to try and keep us happy

Think yesterday’s result could be the wake up call to splash the cash.

We are seeing umpteen cases of lesser clubs getting players who have been mentioned on here as possible targets. I understand that Bradford City may be offering silly money, but that does not apply to Barrow and others

Time to dip into the unbudgetted cash and buy.

Quoted from chaos33

What is that you want to know that is being concealed? Be specific, so we can all judge it objectively.

It’s already been mentioned that the fans forum may be moved as it’s a day before our FA cup 4th round tie. Still, don’t miss an opportunity to moan and clobber the club will you.

The entitlement amongst some on here is astonishing.

New training ground. All we know is there is a major problem, but the location and problem have never been stated, nor has an alternative.

Hurst said, and I am a supporter of Hurst, 8 days ago we want to sign permanent players and yesterday we want loans. 8 days and the type of players has changed. Why?

JS we have money to spend and also the extra cash from the cup runs. No permanent signings in 14 days.

Hurst. We've had bids turned down. Why? If he wants a player and JS says the money is there why hasn't the bid been upped?

As said above I am a supporter of Hurst and 1878, but it is them that talk about being open. So why not open up and give answers to the above points? None of the above should wait until a fan's open day but should be part of the narrative when the relevant topics are spoken about. Yes, I do understand that nobody is going to say who we are putting a bid in for, but if nothing comes of it then names can be mentioned.

Quoted from ska face

Serious question - what do you actually want to see? What information do you think the general public are entitled to see, laid out in front of them in black and white?

A specific transfer budget? Names of targets? Should the club cc the Telegraph in when they’re emailing bids across to other clubs?

See my reply above post.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Seriously, what more do you want…

Cc’ing on the stationary order email?

See my reply above post.

Quoted from denni266

Just about spot on Have to be carefull with being transparent bit tho. as you do not want to let clubs know how much you have to spend as prices go up if you have a good wedge and they know . But for is to believe what is said we have to see that money is being spent to get x y z player or its just empty words tjust to try and keep us happy

Absolute rubbish!

Maybe some of the players PH wants are being offered as loans rather than being able to sign permanently.

Andy Cook benched again for Bradford yesterday. Seems like Hughes has switched system and Vadaine Oliver is the main man now. Bradford fans talking about Cook potentially being allowed to leave...

I do think that 1878 will have a tougher ride because of how long we let their predecessor get away with things. I said all along that getting back into the EFL in less than 3 years would be an incredible achievement so we are at least 2 years ahead of any optimistic expectation I had. The turnaround from beating Solihull to playing away at Orient on the opening day was ridiculously short so many targets will have already been snapped up by the time we knew what division we were in.

This season I want to see us in mid-table, I would like to see us beat our best position since 2006, which is 14th and I definitely don't want to see us dragged into a relegation fight; that would be unforgivable. When owners come out and say "money is there" it adds pressure and expectation. Whether there is £5 or £500k, there is still money there but what you are able to do with it is very different. Jason said that he put £250k in to help with cashflow recently and many people will interpret that as £250k is available for transfers this month. This can be a problem with transparency, it creates false expectation.

A week ago Hurst spoke about only wanting permanent signings this month and the first signing to rock up is a kid on loan. His comment about preferring loans last night was a bit bizarre to say the least. I think Hurst and the board need to sit down and make sure they land a decent signing or two this week on a permanent to settle a few nerves.

Like I've already said, being sucked into a relegation fight would be unacceptable. The other week Jason said he would get us out of League 2 at some point; I think we all want him to be the man at the helm when we finally play at our highest level since 2004.

Suppose it could depend on what we are willing to pay. The money may be there, but other teams may be willing to pay more than we are for the same player.

Looks to me like the board aren't willing to just chuck money at it and are thinking more of a long term organic approach.

Fans are impatient and want everything now, not tomorrow.

Having said that, the time to complain will be on Jan 31st if we haven't improved the squad.

Quoted from DB

Hurst said, and I am a supporter of Hurst, 8 days ago we want to sign permanent players and yesterday we want loans. 8 days and the type of players has changed. Why?

That’s not what he said in the slightest..

Training Ground - Does it matter? It's the worst kept secret going as to where it is. But they don't want to go public until it is confirmed. They're professional, just like how they don't announce we're talking with a player until he's signed, they won't announce we're in advanced talks to build somewhere until everything is sorted. This isn't about transparency, this is about diligence and professionalism.

Hurst saying permanent and then saying loans - It's Hurst. Honestly, it carries no weight. He literally trolls everyone in every interview. He gives nothing away other than lots of red herrings.

A transfer budget - It's there. We spent £100k on Alex Hunt, the last time we spent that type of money we had ITV Digital pumping money into our bank accounts. There's nothing to say we have to spend all our budget in the first two weeks of the window.

Player bids - the budget will have a limit, I also suspect Hurst is too guarded with his spending of it. On that I think he definitely needs to ease up. But it's him spending the budget, 1878 only set it. They can't (and shouldn't) dictate how it's spent.

Quoted from diehardmariner

. We spent £100k on Alex Hunt,

When Hunt came in on loan he was brilliant. Now he spends most of his time on the bench after 24 games. £100k for a player to sit on the bench takes a lot of acceptance in this team and league.

Some bonkers assertions are being thrown around at the moment and some people’s sense of entitlement with regard to what the manager and owners should be sharing in the public domain is beyond belief.

I must be missing a thread on here or some news reports or maybe my Twitter feed is faulty but many posters seem to know for sure that we’re not offering enough money, there is no money, the manager isn’t doing enough, we’re not making bids, the manager is being stubborn (biggest unsubstantiated one of the lot) 1878 spend too much money on scotch eggs and they’re happy with mediocrity. Oh yeah and I forgot a few clubs have signed a few players we’ve missed out on.

All I do know is that the club will be doing everything they can to improve the playing squad and my challenge to any one who disputes that is why wouldn’t they?

We are what we’ve always been, a small club with limited means located in an area with a certain reputation that takes a bit of time to get to by car. It may surprise some that we’re arguably not the most attractive proposition an agent could present to his client.

To suggest the club aren’t doing what they can is absurd especially when I suspect that on this forum there isn’t anyone who can back that claim up with examples and facts.

Quoted from DB

When Hunt came in on loan he was brilliant. Now he spends most of his time on the bench after 24 games. £100k for a player to sit on the bench takes a lot of acceptance in this team and league.

Talking of Hunt, had a chat to the bloke next to me and we was in agreeance that bringing him in yesterday was wring. Not because we don't rare him, because we both agreed we did. But because he's been sat on the bench week in week out, not getting any game time. Then all of a sudden, 4 0 down, 10 men, away from home... He brings him on. How.do you think Hunt feels about that. I'd be questioning my gaffer if it was me (in a polite way obviously)

Agree Herts. Don’t you think that the man most frustrated with our failure to land a proper striker is Hursty? I’m sure he is.

As fans, it feels like we’ve got a new gf after allowing the last one to cheat on us and take the urine with us for 20 years, but you always knew they’d never dump you and leave you in the mire so you went along with it. Now we’ve got a new one, we’re hypersensitive to everything and it’s unfair on her.

And Hursty, your mate, who your previous gf didn’t let you see, is now back. Yes he has flaws as all mates do but you’re happy you’re allowed to see him again! Am I taking this too far?

Maybe 1878 will have to take stock and decide that we’ll have to throw more money at it in the short term if we’re to succeed. We need to keep home fans onside or they won’t renew ST. Equally, Hursty won’t want to sign someone for 300k on 3k a week, completely upsetting the harmony of the squad. That’s why incremental improvements are the way to go as you move as one. There are some players in this side that aren’t good enough to challenge at the sharp end of the league for sure but we definitely aren’t getting relegated.

I think the promotion and the amazing circumstances that it came in raised expectations to a ridiculous level, and we’re now seeing what we really are. A bang average L2 team.

Quoted from lukeo

Talking of Hunt, had a chat to the bloke next to me and we was in agreeance that bringing him in yesterday was wring. Not because we don't rare him, because we both agreed we did. But because he's been sat on the bench week in week out, not getting any game time. Then all of a sudden, 4 0 down, 10 men, away from home... He brings him on. How.do you think Hunt feels about that. I'd be questioning my gaffer if it was me (in a polite way obviously)

A while ago I was at a corporate thing hosted by Ray Parlour and he talked about when he was sub in the europa league final for Middlesbrough. They where 4 - 0 down to Sevilla and Steve McLaren told him to get stripped as he was going on, Ray asked “how can I influence the game at 4 - 0” Steve didn’t have an answer. All we can hope is that Hunt went on yesterday to get some minutes before starting on this coming Saturday.

Quoted from DB

When Hunt came in on loan he was brilliant. Now he spends most of his time on the bench after 24 games. £100k for a player to sit on the bench takes a lot of acceptance in this team and league.

Which is an argument against the point of paying money for Hunt and then leave him on the bench, a particular argument that I'm struggling to disagree with to be honest.

But you were querying if money was actually available, comparing the words of Stockwood with an empty promise from Philip Day.

Quoted from denni266

Just about spot on Have to be carefull with being transparent bit tho. as you do not want to let clubs know how much you have to spend as prices go up if you have a good wedge and they know . But for is to believe what is said we have to see that money is being spent to get x y z player or its just empty words tjust to try and keep us happy

The arguement that it’s not sensible to let other clubs s know you have funds to buy is rather shot to pieces when Jason is not shy to tell everyone they have just put another £250 k into the coffers.

Quoted from DB

New training ground. All we know is there is a major problem, but the location and problem have never been stated, nor has an alternative.

Hurst said, and I am a supporter of Hurst, 8 days ago we want to sign permanent players and yesterday we want loans. 8 days and the type of players has changed. Why?

JS we have money to spend and also the extra cash from the cup runs. No permanent signings in 14 days.

Hurst. We've had bids turned down. Why? If he wants a player and JS says the money is there why hasn't the bid been upped?

As said above I am a supporter of Hurst and 1878, but it is them that talk about being open. So why not open up and give answers to the above points? None of the above should wait until a fan's open day but should be part of the narrative when the relevant topics are spoken about. Yes, I do understand that nobody is going to say who we are putting a bid in for, but if nothing comes of it then names can be mentioned.

New training ground, like all building projects get bogged down in legal and planning. When Scartho Library was being transformed from Public Library to Community Hub there were complaint letters from Immingham and Cleethorpes on how it would look. Never mind from Scartho. One mans training ground is another cesspit of noisy traffic. And god forbid enjoyment.
All managers want to sign permanent players instead of loanees. Just because it's on his Christmas list, it's not what Santa brings.
JS has said there is money however just being to buy players doesn't mean you can service their age demands. There is a budget, and if you cross that budget "misery" as David Copperfield was told.
Also our geography doesn't attract players with families. We are at the end of the line, on the edge, next stop North sea. Centrally placed clubs will get a better pick. Even Newcastle Utd has to pay better than the rest as they are way up North. But they have Sheiks and Oil Wells so can double wages.
I have written before that this is not Football Manager where you click a player out and click a player in.

Quoted from GrimPol

New training ground, like all building projects get bogged down in legal and planning. When Scartho Library was being transformed from Public Library to Community Hub there were complaint letters from Immingham and Cleethorpes on how it would look. Never mind from Scartho. One mans training ground is another cesspit of noisy traffic. And god forbid enjoyment.
All managers want to sign permanent players instead of loanees. Just because it's on his Christmas list, it's not what Santa brings.
JS has said there is money however just being to buy players doesn't mean you can service their age demands. There is a budget, and if you cross that budget "misery" as David Copperfield was told.
Also our geography doesn't attract players with families. We are at the end of the line, on the edge, next stop North sea. Centrally placed clubs will get a better pick. Even Newcastle Utd has to pay better than the rest as they are way up North. But they have Sheiks and Oil Wells so can double wages.
I have written before that this is not Football Manager where you click a player out and click a player in.

That's funny. In all the decades I've been going we've signed players from all over the UK and abroad and a good percentage of them had families.

We are not way up north, and we are not way down south.

If any particular player is lucky enough to have more than one offer, it is up to us to make it worthwhile.

Quoted from HerveJosse

The arguement that it’s not sensible to let other clubs s know you have funds to buy is rather shot to pieces when Jason is not shy to tell everyone they have just put another £250 k into the coffers.

He clearly said that £250k is for cash flow purposes. It doesn't mean we're lining up to use that money on a transfer.

In terms of the context of this window, we should consider that our next six games are against sides below us in the league. Obviously it doesn't always work out this way, but these games are a crucial opportunity to get at least 10 points on the board and pretty much secure our safety. Some will be tough, Colchester for example are in great form, but we should have enough to beat most of these sides. We shouldn't panic and sign players who weren't part of the plan. Hopefully we can add a couple of players to our attacking options and then relax a bit after the next six games and look forward to the summer.

Quoted from DB

Hurst said, and I am a supporter of Hurst, 8 days ago we want to sign permanent players and yesterday we want loans. 8 days and the type of players has changed. Why?

I’m not a stenographer, but I’m pretty certain you’ve misquoted him across two separate interviews there. He was previously asked about the two bids they’d made for players and when asked if they were loan or permanent he said “permanent deals is what we’re looking at at this moment in time, nothing wrong with loan deals but it depends what they are, what they look like….”

So how, or why, some have decided that means the club won’t be touching loans again this season is beyond me. Suppose you hear what you want to hear at times.

Quoted from DB

New training ground. All we know is there is a major problem, but the location and problem have never been stated, nor has an alternative.

More embellishment on your end. Where has this “major problem” come from? They’ve also said that the details can’t be released for commercial reasons, which is common sense really. Does the club really want to be announcing that large parcels of land are up for sale around town? Is it in the landowners’ interests to be holding discussions in the public domain? It’s like selling a house - you do the discussions through solicitors or estate agents, not on Facebook or via sky writer. Not sure how anyone would benefit from these discussions being made public either?

Quoted from DB

JS we have money to spend and also the extra cash from the cup runs. No permanent signings in 14 days.

Hurst. We've had bids turned down. Why? If he wants a player and JS says the money is there why hasn't the bid been upped?

Nobody’s said the bids haven’t been upped, for a start - do you honestly expect an official bid-by-bid commentary on each potential transfer? You also have to appreciate that one club’s valuation of a player might not be the same as ours. Haughton, for example, might be worth hundreds of thousands to Fylde if he gets them promoted to the NL, in commercial revenue, ticket sales, sponsorships, TV money etc. Is he, a 29-y/o NLN player who’s never done it in the league, as valuable to a mid-table League 2 side? Probably not.

Just seems to me that you’re bored more than anything.

You have to wonder if people are bored, obtuse, miserable or just dopey. The loans comments have just been taken out of context and then used, by all sorts of crass assumptions, as a stick to beat the club with. Truth is, Hurst would almost definitely like a blend of permanents and loan players. Like everyone else.

Quoted from chaos33

You have to wonder if people are bored, obtuse, miserable or just dopey. The loans comments have just been taken out of context and then used, by all sorts of crass assumptions, as a stick to beat the club with. Truth is, Hurst would almost definitely like a blend of permanents and loan players. Like everyone else.

But he specifically said he wanted permanent signings and now claims he wish he could have more loans, that’s not building for the future and most of the loanees we’ve had have been shite.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Some bonkers assertions are being thrown around at the moment and some people’s sense of entitlement with regard to what the manager and owners should be sharing in the public domain is beyond belief.

I must be missing a thread on here or some news reports or maybe my Twitter feed is faulty but many posters seem to know for sure that we’re not offering enough money, there is no money, the manager isn’t doing enough, we’re not making bids, the manager is being stubborn (biggest unsubstantiated one of the lot) 1878 spend too much money on scotch eggs and they’re happy with mediocrity. Oh yeah and I forgot a few clubs have signed a few players we’ve missed out on.

All I do know is that the club will be doing everything they can to improve the playing squad and my challenge to any one who disputes that is why wouldn’t they?

We are what we’ve always been, a small club with limited means located in an area with a certain reputation that takes a bit of time to get to by car. It may surprise some that we’re arguably not the most attractive proposition an agent could present to his client.

To suggest the club aren’t doing what they can is absurd especially when I suspect that on this forum there isn’t anyone who can back that claim up with examples and facts.

I don’t think many are suggesting anybody isn’t working hard, it’s very obvious they are.

The issue is, we’re working hard on it and not really producing what we need in the market, despite the fact there’s obviously some budget there. So we’re either not doing very well whilst working hard, or we’re being way too picky with what we’re after.

I think it’s both of the above, and my biggest concern is that we are working hard, because if it’s going to be this much of a slog every window it’s going to be a tough few windows coming up.

Quoted from pontoonlew

But he specifically said he wanted permanent signings and now claims he wish he could have more loans, that’s not building for the future and most of the loanees we’ve had have been shite.

Jeez, he said he would like more loans. What’s this got to do with the permanents he wants. Don’t you see?

Quoted from pontoonlew

But he specifically said he wanted permanent signings and now claims he wish he could have more loans, that’s not building for the future and most of the loanees we’ve had have been shite.

Maybe he wants both, personally I think we need some surgery in defence, at least one more forward an experienced back up keeper and arguably someone to come in and take over from McAtee, I doubt we’ve got the means to bring all of that in on permanent deals.

Quoted from chaos33

Jeez, he said he would like more loans. What’s this got to do with the permanents he wants. Don’t you see?

Yes, after previously saying he wanted more permanent players in this window.

So either he’s decided to increase the number of heads or he’s struggling in the perm market, either one of those are an issue, especially given the majority of his current loans haven’t worked.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I don’t think many are suggesting anybody isn’t working hard, it’s very obvious they are.

The issue is, we’re working hard on it and not really producing what we need in the market, despite the fact there’s obviously some budget there. So we’re either not doing very well whilst working hard, or we’re being way too picky with what we’re after.

I think it’s both of the above, and my biggest concern is that we are working hard, because if it’s going to be this much of a slog every window it’s going to be a tough few windows coming up.

Not aimed at you personally but I’m not sure how you can on one had say we’re too picky and then on the other say we need to bring in quality. Surely one comes with the other?

Don’t understand the loans thing everyone seems to be losing their senses about. We currently have 4 and can use 5. He may want to bring in a back up Keeper on loan, that’s then 5.

I interpret what he has said, coupled with previous statements, that he doesn’t want anymore than 5 as then you have to start factoring that into selections.

As we know, quite a lot of transfers these days are loans with a permanent at the end of it (I’m sure that’s the possibility re vernam).

Let’s say player A is a target for the summer as their deal runs out, but we’re trying to move early on that. If they’re on more money and in a higher league are they likely to accept a wage cut now or go on loan first to keep the their full wage until the end of the season before accepting a lesser offer?

We probably need 5/6 in this window imo. We saying something like 4 permanents and two loans is an issue? Really?

Quoted from ska face

I’m not a stenographer, but I’m pretty certain you’ve misquoted him across two separate interviews there. He was previously asked about the two bids they’d made for players and when asked if they were loan or permanent he said “permanent deals is what we’re looking at at this moment in time, nothing wrong with loan deals but it depends what they are, what they look like….”

So how, or why, some have decided that means the club won’t be touching loans again this season is beyond me. Suppose you hear what you want to hear at times.

More embellishment on your end. Where has this “major problem” come from? They’ve also said that the details can’t be released for commercial reasons, which is common sense really. Does the club really want to be announcing that large parcels of land are up for sale around town? Is it in the landowners’ interests to be holding discussions in the public domain? It’s like selling a house - you do the discussions through solicitors or estate agents, not on Facebook or via sky writer. Not sure how anyone would benefit from these discussions being made public either?

Nobody’s said the bids haven’t been upped, for a start - do you honestly expect an official bid-by-bid commentary on each potential transfer? You also have to appreciate that one club’s valuation of a player might not be the same as ours. Haughton, for example, might be worth hundreds of thousands to Fylde if he gets them promoted to the NL, in commercial revenue, ticket sales, sponsorships, TV money etc. Is he, a 29-y/o NLN player who’s never done it in the league, as valuable to a mid-table League 2 side? Probably not.

Just seems to me that you’re bored more than anything.

I'm interested to know why permanent deals are of no longer interest, after only 8 days on from making that statement, and that was made only 7 days into the transfer window. There is nothing wrong with loan players to fill an injury gap etc.but the regular team should be made up of permanent signings.

I'm not too if it was JA or AP but one of them said the new training ground has hit a major problem, as mentioned on previous threads if you care to read them.

As I posted I do not expect any information from the cub on transfer targets negotiations etc. However, it would be nice to be told something like ' We put in a bid n last week for XYZ player which was rejected '. That would give fans an indication as to where Hurst wants to strengthen the squad and who we are interested in.

As for boredom, not me. Ask me a sensible question about the reasons for my post and most of the time I will answer.

At the end of the day we all want the best for Town and, I believe 1878, originally spoke of transparency not me.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Maybe he wants both, personally I think we need some surgery in defence, at least one more forward an experienced back up keeper and arguably someone to come in and take over from McAtee, I doubt we’ve got the means to bring all of that in on permanent deals.

If we don’t have the means to do almost all of that permanently then we have a problem.

McAtee replacement & at least 1 striker simply have to be perm. We also probably need better competition at RB which is potentially the only one I’d accept seeing us loan, to allow Efete some breathing room.

Quoted from DB

I'm interested to know why permanent deals are of no longer interest,

Again, he didn’t say that… or anything remotely like it!!

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Some bonkers assertions are being thrown around at the moment and some people’s sense of entitlement with regard to what the manager and owners should be sharing in the public domain is beyond belief.

I must be missing a thread on here or some news reports or maybe my Twitter feed is faulty but many posters seem to know for sure that we’re not offering enough money, there is no money, the manager isn’t doing enough, we’re not making bids, the manager is being stubborn (biggest unsubstantiated one of the lot) 1878 spend too much money on scotch eggs and they’re happy with mediocrity. Oh yeah and I forgot a few clubs have signed a few players we’ve missed out on.

All I do know is that the club will be doing everything they can to improve the playing squad and my challenge to any one who disputes that is why wouldn’t they?

We are what we’ve always been, a small club with limited means located in an area with a certain reputation that takes a bit of time to get to by car. It may surprise some that we’re arguably not the most attractive proposition an agent could present to his client.

To suggest the club aren’t doing what they can is absurd especially when I suspect that on this forum there isn’t anyone who can back that claim up with examples and facts.

Excellent post, and exactly what I've been saying too.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Not aimed at you personally but I’m not sure how you can on one had say we’re too picky and then on the other say we need to bring in quality. Surely one comes with the other?

I keep bringing it up but Josh Umerah proves my point somewhat, Hurst decided not to sign him and he’s having a good season in a shite side.

For what ever reason Hurst chose not to sign him and that decision has been proven wrong. We’ve sacrificed quality to then end up dithering & ending up with nowt.

And that’s just the one we know about…

Quoted from Mikey_345

Again, he didn’t say that… or anything remotely like it!!

He told JT he wanted loan players, which is the opposite of a permanent player.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Don’t understand the loans thing everyone seems to be losing their senses about. We currently have 4 and can use 5. He may want to bring in a back up Keeper on loan, that’s then 5.

I interpret what he has said, coupled with previous statements, that he doesn’t want anymore than 5 as then you have to start factoring that into selections.

As we know, quite a lot of transfers these days are loans with a permanent at the end of it (I’m sure that’s the possibility re vernam).

Let’s say player A is a target for the summer as their deal runs out, but we’re trying to move early on that. If they’re on more money and in a higher league are they likely to accept a wage cut now or go on loan first to keep the their full wage until the end of the season before accepting a lesser offer?

That's good in theory but it also allows the manager to have an extended look at the player and note any faults, and then say thanks but no thanks leaving the player in limbo.

It's amazing how many players we get through despite all our background checks and insistence they are the right fit.

Quoted from DB

He told JT he wanted loan players, which is the opposite of a permanent player.

No, he simply did not. You are inferring that’s all he wants, to do so is misrepresenting what he actually said.

Loans always form the basis of a squad at this level but your being very selective in what you’ve taken from what he said

Quoted from DB

He told JT he wanted loan players, which is the opposite of a permanent player.

How old are you, six?

Quoted from pontoonlew

I keep bringing it up but Josh Umerah proves my point somewhat, Hurst decided not to sign him and he’s having a good season in a shite side.

For what ever reason Hurst chose not to sign him and that decision has been proven wrong. We’ve sacrificed quality to then end up dithering & ending up with nowt.

And that’s just the one we know about…

He had a decent return at Whealdston last year but up until then his career has been pretty average in non league. This season is 8 goals in 23 games, yeah maybe, but you can’t blame Hurst for wanting better than that players record suggests.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I keep bringing it up but Josh Umerah proves my point somewhat, Hurst decided not to sign him and he’s having a good season in a shite side.

For what ever reason Hurst chose not to sign him and that decision has been proven wrong. We’ve sacrificed quality to then end up dithering & ending up with nowt.

And that’s just the one we know about…

I'm not sure it's dithering. I just think he's missed out on his targets. Still plenty of the window to go and we aren't looking for many players. Lots of business done towards the end of the window.

Fairly confident we will see a couple of key decent additions this window. I'm happy that we are trying to do it sustainably, there's a terrifying warning about overspending up the road. The owners have said we will make a loss this season and they are supporting the budget.

Im confident that with a bit of patience the changes will pay off. We've paid a few fees, we've gone for a few longer contracts and we are aiming to get talent we can improve permanently.
We've hit a bit of excrement form, the same panicky flappy nonsense from our bad spell last year is being trotted out.

Quoted from DB

I'm interested to know why permanent deals are of no longer interest

Again, you seem to have just imagined this. You’ve imagined Hurst has publicly declared he is ONLY looking for permanent signings, now imagined he’s contradicted himself and said he’s no longer interest in them? Are you doing this consciously?

Quoted from DB

I'm not too if it was JA or AP but one of them said the new training ground has hit a major problem, as mentioned on previous threads if you care to read them.

The only reference I can find to any problem, let alone a “major problem” is from yourself. Not saying Stockwood hasn’t said the issue is with the landowner or their solicitors (which I think is more accurate), but a “major problem” which needs communicating to all & sundry, and then an alternative site(s) to be announced, is perhaps over-egging it somewhat.

Quoted from DB

As I posted I do not expect any information from the cub on transfer targets negotiations etc. However, it would be nice to be told something like ' We put in a bid n last week for XYZ player which was rejected '. That would give fans an indication as to where Hurst wants to strengthen the squad and who we are interested in.

You’d imagine discussions are still ongoing, or will be until the end of the month. Maybe even into the summer - Hurst said a few weeks back that some of the players he really wanted won’t be available til the summer, and has asked fans to be patient. We were in for Bogle one season, got knocked back and had to wait until the following summer to sign him. We were negotiating with Halifax to buy Green all summer. Would be daft to start announcing to everyone who the club are in for.

Quoted from headingly_mariner

I'm not sure it's dithering. I just think he's missed out on his targets. Still plenty of the window to go and we aren't looking for many players. Lots of business done towards the end of the window.

Fairly confident we will see a couple of key decent additions this window. I'm happy that we are trying to do it sustainably, there's a terrifying warning about overspending up the road. The owners have said we will make a loss this season and they are supporting the budget.

Im confident that with a bit of patience the changes will pay off. We've paid a few fees, we've gone for a few longer contracts and we are aiming to get talent we can improve permanently.
We've hit a bit of excrement form, the same panicky flappy nonsense from our bad spell last year is being trotted out.

And look what happened after that bad spell. All those spouting negative nonsense were proved to be right all along. Oh hang on a sec...

All it took was a 5-0 drubbing and a touchy post match interview to get this thread travelling towards 100 pages!

Quoted from lukeo

I'm officially banned from doing or saying anything in the slightest when it comes to new signings so I'll just sit here and watch this thread go to 100 pages and 1 signing...

I wrote this on page 82.. now 2 days later we're 1 or 2 commentd away from being on page 100 and we made 1 signing.
Maybe I'll stick to potential stats rather than potential signings!

Quoted from lukeo

I wrote this on page 82.. now 2 days later we're 1 or 2 commentd away from being on page 100 and we made 1 signing.
Maybe I'll stick to potential stats rather than potential signings!

I think you deserve some points in the January standings for that prediction Luke.

Unless admin have a new signing up their sleeve in the very near future?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

All it took was a 5-0 drubbing and a touchy post match interview to get this thread travelling towards 100 pages!

To lighten the mood a little, not the first time some kind of drubbing incident has made headlines…

https://youtu.be/JZEXyzBdtGg

Quoted from ska face

Again, you seem to have just imagined this. You’ve imagined Hurst has publicly declared he is ONLY looking for permanent signings, now imagined he’s contradicted himself and said he’s no longer interest in them? Are you doing this consciously?

The only reference I can find to any problem, let alone a “major problem” is from yourself. Not saying Stockwood hasn’t said the issue is with the landowner or their solicitors (which I think is more accurate), but a “major problem” which needs communicating to all & sundry, and then an alternative site(s) to be announced, is perhaps over-egging it somewhat.

You’d imagine discussions are still ongoing, or will be until the end of the month. Maybe even into the summer - Hurst said a few weeks back that some of the players he really wanted won’t be available til the summer, and has asked fans to be patient. We were in for Bogle one season, got knocked back and had to wait until the following summer to sign him. We were negotiating with Halifax to buy Green all summer. Would be daft to start announcing to everyone who the club are in for.

What I like about this site is that we all have our own opinions, some of yours I agree with and some I don't. What I am pretty sure about is that the club has to show some intent of improving this transfer window, preferably with somebody that can score goals at BP. Otherwise, I think quite a few of the record ST holders may not renew for next season.

We also need another defender, as Saturday showed that without Waterfall we are woefully short in this department.

Did I get 3 points for my correct in bound ?

interesting that Tranmere, Mansfield and Wrexham are being linked over here to Derry striker Jamie McGonigle.

have seen him play, albeit on tv, and he's rated very highly at the brandywell.

Quoted from DB

What I like about this site is that we all have our own opinions, some of yours I agree with and some I don't. What I am pretty sure about is that the club has to show some intent of improving this transfer window, preferably with somebody that can score goals at BP. Otherwise, I think quite a few of the record ST holders may not renew for next season.

We also need another defender, as Saturday showed that without Waterfall we are woefully short in this department.

I think we’ll end up with at least one, maybe 2, new full/wing-backs, one CF on a permanent contract (probably until the summer), one more on loan. Think the season will peter out and we’ll finish 17th, knocked out away at Luton in the next round, 4200 STs next year.

Seen it in the tea leaves.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

interesting that Tranmere, Mansfield and Wrexham are being linked over here to Derry striker Jamie McGonigle.

have seen him play, albeit on tv, and he's rated very highly at the Brandywell.

Ugh, that name brings back bad memories.

Quoted from ska face

I think we’ll end up with at least one, maybe 2, new full/wing-backs, one CF on a permanent contract (probably until the summer), one more on loan. Think the season will peter out and we’ll finish 17th, knocked out away at Luton in the next round, 4200 STs next year.

Seen it in the tea leaves.

With cropper out for months and effete struggling at league 2 level on a regular basis I would hope a RB is on our shopping list. However to be fair both our LBs are struggling badly defensively, albeit Glennon looks good going forward.

Smith had an absolute nightmare yesterday and maybe needs resting for a bit but I think he's up to league 2 standard so we don't need to panic for CD.

The thing that really annoys me is that we have been playing mcatee out of position since he came back due to the awful decisions made with regard to strengthening in attack during the summer. We had better players (Mani and even Abrahams) at the club than almost any of the forwards we recruited (pepple, simmonds, orsi, richardson). Kiernan (wide/forward) being the exception. We didnt even need to worry about location etc, mani was already playing at the club, can anybody think we wouldn't have a better squad if we'd kept him, compared to pepple.

I just don't buy the claim that we couldn't keep him as he wanted first team football, it's a sop to the fans and a polite way of allowing a player to move on. I'm sure mani hasn't made enough money from football to be turning down 400 extra quid a month above what Halifax were offering or whatever it would have taken to keep him. The real reason was that Hurst didn't really fancy him, not at NL level and certainly not in the League. He didn't play him much last season despite quite a few goals and admitted after the notts county game he was persuaded to include him on the bench by other staff. It's alright thinking we can sign someone better, but then you have to actually go and do that, not end up relying on orsi, simmonds and pepple who he obviously hasnt really trusted either (understandably).

This meant as soon as taylor was injured we were massively hamstrung and when mcatee came back he was played out of position. So we have one of tye best no. 10s in the division but we aren't utilising him in that position to his best due to such poor recruitment for the no. 9 spot. I personally didn't think either mani or especially Abrahams would be that great in league 2 but they were certainly better than what we ended up with.

I think last season Hurst signed two players in Abrahams and then Mani that he wasn't convinced by, but those 2 players were transformative for us just in giving us experienced options up front for when taylor and or mcatee had to go off. Mani couldn't bring in other players like taylor but he had more goal threat and could hold the ball up a bit. Abrahams didn't have the ability of mcatee or goal scoring ability, but he worked very hard, had some pace and was strong.

I just think that hursts reluctance last summer to pull the trigger on signing a CF just because he isn't exactly what he wants is coming back to bite, hard. Surprising really when he took the risk last season and was rewarded for it. And the fact is the player he was all keen on getting (orsi) he has very rarely trusted to start a game leading the line, or even come on as sub much.

I am disappointed because I do think we've squandered a great opportunity this season - we won't have that 6 figure worth no. 10 playing for us next season so we will be at a disadvantage compared to this season. However Hurst certainly came up with the goods with his mid season transfers last year so let's hope he does it again and we can make amends for the mistakes inbthe summer and at least make the second part of the season interesting.

Frustrated me even then that Hurst didn't throw down the gauntlet to Mani and say "there's no guarantees, but show me that you're my main man". No player should have the guarantee of a starting place, be it Mani, Taylor, McAtee, Clive Mendonca!

But he didn't. I'm not going to argue that he felt he could do better then Mani, he probably could and should have looked to do so. But even in a scenario where he brings in this fabled superstar striker and Taylor becomes second choice...there is always a chance that one of them is unavailable (with recent evidence to support that) in the case of Taylor. As you say, as a 3rd choice, who do you want to call up from Mani or Pepple/Simmonds et al.

I get the distinct impression he felt he owed Mani a degree of honesty and didn't want to sign him knowing he'd have him well down the pecking order to start with. That's honourable, but not helping us. I think he also expected more from Orsi, in what role I'm not sure as he looks neither a Taylor type nor a McAtee and we've not played a system yet that doesn't require those type players.

Hopefully see some movement this week for an out and out number nine as that's what I feel we are absolutely dying for. I know he got pelters last time he was here but I think that Jamille Matt was in an incredibly poor side but would of been perfect for us.

I think this is the transfer window where Hurst has to probably take abit of a gamble, listen to the new recruitment lad on his suggestions as we really do need another 4 or 5 able bodies through that door. The loan signings of Pepple and Simmonds haven't worked out and Orsi has left alot to be desired.

A new CB with some pace to rival Andy Smith would freshen it up as Smith has dipped in and out of form this year. New RB essential, Efete needs competition and someone that maybe could rival him for that spot, I don't know where Swindon got their right-back from on Saturday but he was absolutely on the money with every ball he put into that box each time - probably better than a L2 quality player.

I don't think we are a million miles away, as stated in previous posts that I think that Hurst stayed too loyal to some players that probably haven't got the quality to be L2 players but they was the one's that got him promoted in the fashion in which we did it - understandable and commendable that they have been given the opportunity but we must supply better to compete at the right end of this league.

What would I like our team to look like come the end of the window? Something a little like below

GK: Crocombe - (I think he's been excellent all year, comes with little faults but a safe pair of hands)

LB: Glennon/ New Signing - Glennons output going forward probably spares him some blushes but I think theres tonnes more to come from him.

CB: Waterfall/Maher - Luke's a leader and someone you would want with you down in the trenches, he has his limited abilities but if you ask him to kick/head/defend he will do exactly that. Maher has never really had the run of games to cement himself in the team but I like what I've seen of him.

CB: Smith/ New Signing - Somebody with pace that can get us that little bit higher, I believe Rollin Menayese been made available? Just like Smith but probably more of a seasoned pro just to take the weight from Smith's shoulders
.
RB: Efete/ New Signing - Will be first to admit that I've not been Michee's biggest fan this year and at times just looks like he's derift of confidence and a spell out the team would of done him good. For his build and pace why he never bombs forward running at players more often frustrates me. Another seasoned pro to come in and compete with him at RB.

CM: Holohan/ Hunt - Been abit meh from me, think Gav has had quite a few stinkers recently and probably gone under the radar from it. Hunt just must not of been doing it in training or showing anything as this team needs someone who can spray a football around the pitch and he is that man.

CM: Green/ New Signing - Think Greens been a good signing, good old fashioned battling midfielder who leaves nothing out there. Played through injuries and you know what your getting every time he is on the pitch - 100%. Someone in the big physical mould of Swindon's Khan would be perfect and I earmarked him when they signed him from Chesterfield.. Someone who can receive that ball on a half turn and drive at a defence and get you 10 yards up the pitch.

AM: McAtee/O'Neill - Too early to judge on O'Neill yet but looks like he has got something about him and Hurst has courted him since the summer. McAtee not been playing in his familiar position and looks so frustrated at times with the lack of quality around him

W: Kiernan/Clifton - Harry been outstanding so far this year and early shout for POTY, Kiernan is a L2 winger in his finest, will give you a few good games followed by a few average ones and chip in with a goal now and again, works hard and his end product is average at best but what more are you going to get at L2 level?

W: Khan/ New Signing - Echo the same with Harry. Khan has been up there with Harry on individual performances shining by himself at times, he will run at a fullback and commit them which we've needed this year. Would try find a permanent back up to him that could play on either wing.. Someone with genuine pace that can stretch a defence.

ST: New Signing x2 - An area we MUST improve this window, I don't think we will go down but I don't want to get sucked into a relegation dogfight.. We are so much better than that. With the way we play it's always effective to have someone who can shield the ball and bring others into play. It wouldn't surprise me to see an absolute battering ram around 6''3 to come in. Hurst has been after Ryan Bowman for a couple of windows and he's been made available so wouldn't shock me to see us make a move.

Some interesting points made but I’m not having that Abrahams was any good as a striker. If you wanted the ball keeping in the corner for 90 mins then he’s your man. If you wanted it sticking in the onion bag, you need better.

Both had signed elsewhere by 5th July, think contract discussions were the week before. Not asking too much to have expected better quality replacements to be found within the next two months.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Frustrated me even then that Hurst didn't throw down the gauntlet to Mani and say "there's no guarantees, but show me that you're my main man". No player should have the guarantee of a starting place, be it Mani, Taylor, McAtee, Clive Mendonca!

But he didn't. I'm not going to argue that he felt he could do better then Mani, he probably could and should have looked to do so. But even in a scenario where he brings in this fabled superstar striker and Taylor becomes second choice...there is always a chance that one of them is unavailable (with recent evidence to support that) in the case of Taylor. As you say, as a 3rd choice, who do you want to call up from Mani or Pepple/Simmonds et al.

I get the distinct impression he felt he owed Mani a degree of honesty and didn't want to sign him knowing he'd have him well down the pecking order to start with. That's honourable, but not helping us. I think he also expected more from Orsi, in what role I'm not sure as he looks neither a Taylor type nor a McAtee and we've not played a system yet that doesn't require those type players.

How do you know what Hurst said to Mani? Who BTW seemed to have a really poor first touch which is something we need in a striker at this level.

I noticed a few people are suggesting Hurst should "take a punt" of "gamble", isn't that whet he did with Simmons, Orsi and Pepple?

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Hopefully see some movement this week for an out and out number nine as that's what I feel we are absolutely dying for. I know he got pelters last time he was here but I think that Jamille Matt was in an incredibly poor side but would of been perfect for us.

I think this is the transfer window where Hurst has to probably take abit of a gamble, listen to the new recruitment lad on his suggestions as we really do need another 4 or 5 able bodies through that door. The loan signings of Pepple and Simmonds haven't worked out and Orsi has left alot to be desired.

A new CB with some pace to rival Andy Smith would freshen it up as Smith has dipped in and out of form this year. New RB essential, Efete needs competition and someone that maybe could rival him for that spot, I don't know where Swindon got their right-back from on Saturday but he was absolutely on the money with every ball he put into that box each time - probably better than a L2 quality player.

I don't think we are a million miles away, as stated in previous posts that I think that Hurst stayed too loyal to some players that probably haven't got the quality to be L2 players but they was the one's that got him promoted in the fashion in which we did it - understandable and commendable that they have been given the opportunity but we must supply better to compete at the right end of this league.

What would I like our team to look like come the end of the window? Something a little like below

GK: Crocombe - (I think he's been excellent all year, comes with little faults but a safe pair of hands)

LB: Glennon/ New Signing - Glennons output going forward probably spares him some blushes but I think theres tonnes more to come from him.

CB: Waterfall/Maher - Luke's a leader and someone you would want with you down in the trenches, he has his limited abilities but if you ask him to kick/head/defend he will do exactly that. Maher has never really had the run of games to cement himself in the team but I like what I've seen of him.

CB: Smith/ New Signing - Somebody with pace that can get us that little bit higher, I believe Rollin Menayese been made available? Just like Smith but probably more of a seasoned pro just to take the weight from Smith's shoulders
.
RB: Efete/ New Signing - Will be first to admit that I've not been Michee's biggest fan this year and at times just looks like he's derift of confidence and a spell out the team would of done him good. For his build and pace why he never bombs forward running at players more often frustrates me. Another seasoned pro to come in and compete with him at RB.

CM: Holohan/ Hunt - Been abit meh from me, think Gav has had quite a few stinkers recently and probably gone under the radar from it. Hunt just must not of been doing it in training or showing anything as this team needs someone who can spray a football around the pitch and he is that man.

CM: Green/ New Signing - Think Greens been a good signing, good old fashioned battling midfielder who leaves nothing out there. Played through injuries and you know what your getting every time he is on the pitch - 100%. Someone in the big physical mould of Swindon's Khan would be perfect and I earmarked him when they signed him from Chesterfield.. Someone who can receive that ball on a half turn and drive at a defence and get you 10 yards up the pitch.

AM: McAtee/O'Neill - Too early to judge on O'Neill yet but looks like he has got something about him and Hurst has courted him since the summer. McAtee not been playing in his familiar position and looks so frustrated at times with the lack of quality around him

W: Kiernan/Clifton - Harry been outstanding so far this year and early shout for POTY, Kiernan is a L2 winger in his finest, will give you a few good games followed by a few average ones and chip in with a goal now and again, works hard and his end product is average at best but what more are you going to get at L2 level?

W: Khan/ New Signing - Echo the same with Harry. Khan has been up there with Harry on individual performances shining by himself at times, he will run at a fullback and commit them which we've needed this year. Would try find a permanent back up to him that could play on either wing.. Someone with genuine pace that can stretch a defence.

ST: New Signing x2 - An area we MUST improve this window, I don't think we will go down but I don't want to get sucked into a relegation dogfight.. We are so much better than that. With the way we play it's always effective to have someone who can shield the ball and bring others into play. It wouldn't surprise me to see an absolute battering ram around 6''3 to come in. Hurst has been after Ryan Bowman for a couple of windows and he's been made available so wouldn't shock me to see us make a move.

Good post, I think you're suggesting 7 signings? Which actually in reality is probably what we need but won't get.

Quoted from toontown

With cropper out for months and effete struggling at league 2 level on a regular basis I would hope a RB is on our shopping list. However to be fair both our LBs are struggling badly defensively, albeit Glennon looks good going forward.

Smith had an absolute nightmare yesterday and maybe needs resting for a bit but I think he's up to league 2 standard so we don't need to panic for CD.

The thing that really annoys me is that we have been playing mcatee out of position since he came back due to the awful decisions made with regard to strengthening in attack during the summer. We had better players (Mani and even Abrahams) at the club than almost any of the forwards we recruited (pepple, simmonds, orsi, richardson). Kiernan (wide/forward) being the exception. We didnt even need to worry about location etc, mani was already playing at the club, can anybody think we wouldn't have a better squad if we'd kept him, compared to pepple.

I just don't buy the claim that we couldn't keep him as he wanted first team football, it's a sop to the fans and a polite way of allowing a player to move on. I'm sure mani hasn't made enough money from football to be turning down 400 extra quid a month above what Halifax were offering or whatever it would have taken to keep him. The real reason was that Hurst didn't really fancy him, not at NL level and certainly not in the League. He didn't play him much last season despite quite a few goals and admitted after the notts county game he was persuaded to include him on the bench by other staff. It's alright thinking we can sign someone better, but then you have to actually go and do that, not end up relying on orsi, simmonds and pepple who he obviously hasnt really trusted either (understandably).

This meant as soon as taylor was injured we were massively hamstrung and when mcatee came back he was played out of position. So we have one of tye best no. 10s in the division but we aren't utilising him in that position to his best due to such poor recruitment for the no. 9 spot. I personally didn't think either mani or especially Abrahams would be that great in league 2 but they were certainly better than what we ended up with.

I think last season Hurst signed two players in Abrahams and then Mani that he wasn't convinced by, but those 2 players were transformative for us just in giving us experienced options up front for when taylor and or mcatee had to go off. Mani couldn't bring in other players like taylor but he had more goal threat and could hold the ball up a bit. Abrahams didn't have the ability of Mcatee or goal scoring ability, but he worked very hard, had some pace and was strong.

I just think that Hursts reluctance last summer to pull the trigger on signing a CF just because he isn't exactly what he wants is coming back to bite, hard. Surprising really when he took the risk last season and was rewarded for it. And the fact is the player he was all keen on getting (orsi) he has very rarely trusted to start a game leading the line, or even come on as sub much.

I am disappointed because I do think we've squandered a great opportunity this season - we won't have that 6 figure worth no. 10 playing for us next season so we will be at a disadvantage compared to this season. However Hurst certainly came up with the goods with his mid season transfers last year so let's hope he does it again and we can make amends for the mistakes in the summer and at least make the second part of the season interesting.

1. So you are saying that PH is a liar?

2. So tell us how you know PH didn't fancy Mani.

3. Once again people don't understand how recruiting new players works.

4. So do you think PH should 'pull the trigger' on a CF he doesn't want?

This post is typical of people who think we can buy a player just like buying a tin of beans off a Supermarket shelf. I don't know how many times I've tried to explain it, but it just doesn't seem to click with some people.

Not a rumour in any way.
But Danny Johnson's loan at Walsall has expired, and returned to Mansfield....

If we need a right back, maybe Josh Emmanuel over at T’tahgers could be the answer? Versatile player (can play left back/ right mid also) and not getting any game time. Also, was at Ipswich while hurst had his very brief ‘dalliance’ in Suffolk.

2 + 2 = 9

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

If we need a right back, maybe Josh Emmanuel over at T’tahgers could be the answer? Versatile player (can play left back/ right mid also) and not getting any game time. Also, was at Ipswich while hurst had his very brief ‘dalliance’ in Suffolk.

2 + 2 = 9

He’s not been getting any game time due to a mysterious (or at least undisclosed) illness. He’s been out for over a year, so would seem unlikely.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

How do you know what Hurst said to Mani? Who BTW seemed to have a really poor first touch which is something we need in a striker at this level.

I noticed a few people are suggesting Hurst should "take a punt" of "gamble", isn't that whet he did with Simmons, Orsi and Pepple?

Hurst himself said that Mani wanted to be first choice, he said this on record. Respectfully (and I'm sure you'll understand), I'm not going to give details as to who/what/where/when as to what else was said. That's not me being shitty either. Feel free to believe or not believe what I've said.

Regards Hurst taking a gamble, it's more about going against his usual grain isn't it? Maybe stretching his wage structure than going for untried and untested or even bringing in a maverick type who doesn't fit in with the dressing room culture.

I completely get Hurst's desire to have a dressing room that doesn't have bad apples, no-one wants someone coming in and uprooting everything. But something needs doing, waiting for this perfect striker isn't working.

The gamble is Hurst lowering his expectations slightly, accepting that he won't get every box ticked and getting someone in who ticks as many of those boxes as possible.

Quoted from Poojah

He’s not been getting any game time due to a mysterious (or at least undisclosed) illness. He’s been out for over a year, so would seem unlikely.

Oh never realised.

We had a few of those over the years. It was called beingfuckinggarbageitis

Quoted from diehardmariner

Hurst himself said that Mani wanted to be first choice, he said this on record. Respectfully (and I'm sure you'll understand), I'm not going to give details as to who/what/where/when as to what else was said. That's not me being shitty either. Feel free to believe or not believe what I've said.

Regards Hurst taking a gamble, it's more about going against his usual grain isn't it? Maybe stretching his wage structure than going for untried and untested or even bringing in a maverick type who doesn't fit in with the dressing room culture.

I completely get Hurst's desire to have a dressing room that doesn't have bad apples, no-one wants someone coming in and uprooting everything. But something needs doing, waiting for this perfect striker isn't working.

The gamble is Hurst lowering his expectations slightly, accepting that he won't get every box ticked and getting someone in who ticks as many of those boxes as possible.

There has to be exceptions to every rule or you don't get anywhere.

I would imagine dressing rooms are like workplaces in general - you get the good the bad and the ugly. Yes you can do your research but human frailties come in many guises and it is part of the manager's job to blend it all together.

He took on Pepple when it is unlikely to have been on his radar and he wasn’t ready for the hurly burly of league 2 so surely the very first thing is a players ability?

It is always a lottery bringing in any player, but they are never here long and as Sears found out if they seriously misbehave they will be shipped out.

A well run club like ours is less likely to encounter problems than we have had in the past with players taking the mick so I think it is safer to take a chance on players.

All this assumes we are prepared to pay what it takes or maverick or no maverick they won't be rocking up here.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That's funny. In all the decades I've been going we've signed players from all over the UK and abroad and a good percentage of them had families.

We are not way up north, and we are not way down south.

If any particular player is lucky enough to have more than one offer, it is up to us to make it worthwhile.

You are intimating that PH/Board are sitting on a pile of money, just counting it and not wanting to spend. What is the sum of money that GTFC is sitting on? What is the budget that PH has, and crucially, how much if anything has he got to spend? As none of us on this forum know, it's all speculation. Just Googling for players that can be bought and getting into a lather on this forum, is getting us nowhere.
Again, some are playing Football Manager without any knowledge of what you can/cannot spend.
To be honest whilst it was an exciting playoff run last season, we used up all our get out of gaol cards. The guy who made things happen is still with us, but since his injury, is a shadow of himself. We are not getting goals, and as teams figure that we have no threat up front, our backs are working overtime. Amos was trying too hard and was unlucky. We weren't doing that well with 11, so 10 made us get thumped 5-0.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I keep bringing it up but Josh Umerah proves my point somewhat, Hurst decided not to sign him and he’s having a good season in a shite side.

For what ever reason Hurst chose not to sign him and that decision has been proven wrong. We’ve sacrificed quality to then end up dithering & ending up with nowt.

And that’s just the one we know about…

Not necessarily so. It's easy to look at raw numbers but that doesn't paint a fully accurate picture because the whole landscape changes if you considered a parallel universe where he signed for us.

Do we play in a way that suits his style? Do we have the players that can give him the right service for his style (a thought applied to any striker)? Does he settle in the area? How does any travelling affect him?

I don't doubt that many aspects of the whole spectrum would largely be the same, but the on-field aspect is so difficult to gauge because we've seen players at all levels who you believe will do well go on to struggle (Dom Telford as a very recent example), and some players who haven't had eye-raising stats go on to do very well. So much can be determined by the quality of the team you're in.

In said parallel universe where Umerah had signed for us and he didn't do well, would you still view him as a quality signing that isn't working out, or would he simply be another sub-standard player Hurst signed because he wouldn't buy quality?

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Not necessarily so. It's easy to look at raw numbers but that doesn't paint a fully accurate picture because the whole landscape changes if you considered a parallel universe where he signed for us.

Do we play in a way that suits his style? Do we have the players that can give him the right service for his style (a thought applied to any striker)? Does he settle in the area? How does any travelling affect him?

I don't doubt that many aspects of the whole spectrum would largely be the same, but the on-field aspect is so difficult to gauge because we've seen players at all levels who you believe will do well go on to struggle (Dom Telford as a very recent example), and some players who haven't had eye-raising stats go on to do very well. So much can be determined by the quality of the team you're in.

In said parallel universe where Umerah had signed for us and he didn't do well, would you still view him as a quality signing that isn't working out, or would he simply be another sub-standard player Hurst signed because he wouldn't buy quality?

That is a very drawn out way of making an excuse for us not signing a player who has scored more goals than any of our players in a considerably shitter team.

Quoted from GrimPol

You are intimating that PH/Board are sitting on a pile of money, just counting it and not wanting to spend. What is the sum of money that GTFC is sitting on? What is the budget that PH has, and crucially, how much if anything has he got to spend? As none of us on this forum know, it's all speculation. Just Googling for players that can be bought and getting into a lather on this forum, is getting us nowhere.
Again, some are playing Football Manager without any knowledge of what you can/cannot spend.
To be honest whilst it was an exciting playoff run last season, we used up all our get out of gaol cards. The guy who made things happen is still with us, but since his injury, is a shadow of himself. We are not getting goals, and as teams figure that we have no threat up front, our backs are working overtime. Amos was trying too hard and was unlucky. We weren't doing that well with 11, so 10 made us get thumped 5-0.

I’ve tried to avoid wading in too much on this in the last couple of days, with emotions running high following the Swindon debacle, but I think the crux of the issue for most people seems to be that, for all the progress we have made as a club in the last 18 months, recruitment and performances do not feel greatly different to your average Fenty-era League Two season.

Even in more recent Fenty seasons we generally had more attacking threat than we do now, be it James Hanson, Wes Thomas, Sam Jones or Omar Bogle, for all their foibles. Christ, even JJ Hooper managed 7 in a season (albeit 3 came in the final game).

I’m not suggesting that any of those players were perfect or particularly brilliant (though Bogle definitely was in the first half of the 16/17 season), we should be doing better than that. And yet, with record season ticket and merchandise sales, reaching the 4th round of the FA Cup (not out) our transfer policy seems almost more austere than ever before.

That perception might well be wrong, but it’s how it looks to the uninformed, from the outside looking in.

One or two are possibly getting a bit too emotional, and one or two a bit two defensive, but there are some reasonable questions being asked, I would say.

Quoted from pontoonlew

That is a very drawn out way of making an excuse for us not signing a player who has scored more goals than any of our players in a considerably shitter team.

It's not an excuse, I'm not the manager of the Club and in need of making excuses why we haven't signed someone.

It's challenging a thought process that applies raw numbers to provide an argument that a player would have added quality to us. I don't believe this can be taken as true because so much changes. It could work against the side of the fence I'm taking it, he could have come here and scored double what he has at Hartlepool. The point being it's not possible to conclusively prove/determine that a player would perform at the same level just off one stat column alone.

Further to that, because you referenced we lost out on a 'Quality' player, if he came here and played poorly and didn't score, would you still call him a quality player? Danilo Orsi hasn't had a consistent run in the team and hasn't made much of a statement in the chances he has had, but given 4 or 5 starts and building up some sharpness do we have a quality striker in our ranks that simply isn't being given a chance to prove it?

Being described as quality is often reserved for players who perform to a high standard. We would naturally get excited about a player who has delivered quality to his current team, but unless and until they do it in a Grimsby shirt then any signing is just that, a signing. John McAtee came in without much fanfare but has proven himself to be worthy of the term quality.

My overall point being a full comparison can't be taken from a single stat column to prove quality, that is only true if we see the same level of performance in a Grimsby shirt and even signings that come in without much evidence of 'quality' can prove otherwise if the team suits them and we bring the best out of them.

Quoted from Poojah

I’ve tried to avoid wading in too much on this in the last couple of days, with emotions running high following the Swindon debacle, but I think the crux of the issue for most people seems to be that, for all the progress we have made as a club in the last 18 months, recruitment and performances do not feel greatly different to your average Fenty-era League Two season.

Even in more recent Fenty seasons we generally had more attacking threat than we do now, be it James Hanson, Wes Thomas, Sam Jones or Omar Bogle, for all their foibles. Christ, even JJ Hooper managed 7 in a season (albeit 3 came in the final game).

I’m not suggesting that any of those players were perfect or particularly brilliant (though Bogle definitely was in the first half of the 16/17 season), we should be doing better than that. And yet, with record season ticket and merchandise sales, reaching the 4th round of the FA Cup (not out) our transfer policy seems almost more austere than ever before.

That perception might well be wrong, but it’s how it looks to the uninformed, from the outside looking in.

One or two are possibly getting a bit too emotional, and one or two a bit two defensive, but there are some reasonable questions being asked, I would say.

Im just wondering if basically they've written this season off as - "We're not going to go up and we won't go down either. So lets spend as little cash and save it for next season, while getting things right off the pitch for next year." If thats the plan I do kind of get it.

This ^^ is what I’ve been thinking for the last few days . Better options in the summer. I didn’t expect anymore than consolidation this season tbh

Quoted from horsforthmariner

Im just wondering if basically they've written this season off as - "We're not going to go up and we won't go down either. So lets spend as little cash and save it for next season, while getting things right off the pitch for next year." If thats the plan I do kind of get it.

It’s a risky strategy if so. Not in terms of potential relegation; I think we’re way better than that, but in terms of season ticket and therefore revenue attrition.

I think our numbers this season were buoyed not only by the optimism which followed our play-off victory, but also the snowballing scarcity of good seats. A poor end to this season and we could see the reverse effect. Lose 2,000 STs and you’re down half-a-million quid before you’ve even started. It’s called Fentynomics.

Quoted from Poojah

It’s a risky strategy if so. Not in terms of potential relegation; I think we’re way better than that, but in terms of season ticket and therefore revenue attrition.

I think our numbers this season were buoyed not only by the optimism which followed our play-off victory, but also the snowballing scarcity of good good seats. A poor end to this season and we could see the reverse effect. Lose 2,000 STs and you’re down half-a-million quid before you’ve even started. It’s called Fentynomics.

Very true.

I would be very surprised if the board, who are fans after all, would expect season ticket holders to renew if they had subjected them to half a season that had been effectively written off. It may seem odd after a 5-0 drubbing but a run at the play-offs is still not implausible given our games in hand and forthcoming fixtures.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Very true.

I would be very surprised if the board, who are fans after all, would expect season ticket holders to renew if they had subjected them to half a season that had been effectively written off. It may seem odd after a 5-0 drubbing but a run at the play-offs is still not implausible given our games in hand and forthcoming fixtures.

After only winning 25% of our home games so far this season, I’d like to think there is better to come.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Very true.

I would be very surprised if the board, who are fans after all, would expect season ticket holders to renew if they had subjected them to half a season that had been effectively written off. It may seem odd after a 5-0 drubbing but a run at the play-offs is still not implausible given our games in hand and forthcoming fixtures.

If we won the next 5 games (all below us, not impossible but highly unlikely) we'll be well in the top half. We still haven't beaten a decent side yet this season. Even in 16/17, with what I thought was objectively worse side, man for man other than Omar, than the one we have now, won at Plymouth, Carlisle, Luton and Blackpool, all of whom made the playoffs at least. We have to improve to think about a top half finish, and one young lad on loan won't make the difference. We've gone over the reasons that we're struggling to attract players but surely it's better to get lads in now, rather than wait until the summer if they're available and I'm sure Hursty thinks the same.

I'd imagine that the plan wasn't to have a squad without anybody wearing the No. 9 shirt at this point in the season. It would be interesting to know just how many players we have missed out on who might have been offered this squad number.

I was hoping that we'd have one or two forwards lined up ready to join soon after the start of January but it obviously hasn't worked out like this.

It is frustrating that we always start the season with a squad which is one or two strikers short of requirements. Probably due, in part, to the way in which the bigger clubs around tend to 'hoard' players in these positions. We're always waiting for somebody to bring someone in then let someone go, or so it seems as far back as I can remember.

When we have paid money to experienced strikers, they've always been towards the back end of their career (Hanson, Green, Taylor) but there just don't seem to be many young, up-and-coming strikers around these days. Certainly none who are being loaned out to us. I suspect that the academy system means that most of the best young prospects are hoovered up by the Premier League/Championship clubs so not many rough diamonds to be found out there.

Last time we made a 'panic' signing of a striker was probably Payne so I hope we manage to get somebody rather better than him in at the club before the end of the month.

I'm all for steady away this season which was going okay until the last few games.
I don't think Hurst should bring anyone in just for the sake getting body's through the door.
Anyone coming in should be players that make the squad better not just bigger.
If we can't get the right players then don't get any.

I think on the subject of season tickets "supporters" will strongly consider a renewal and "fans" may drop off. In terms of writing this season off I just don't think they'd do that and hold investment in the playing squad as it puts you under even more pressure in the summer window. Then again we probably have less player out of contract this summer than we have done for years so who knows? PH did say some of his targets won't be available until the Summer.

So where are we at with some of the rumoured targets?

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker. Can’t play for another football league club this season so looks like he’s be sticking it out at Orient.

Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker. Rumoured to be both available and heading out, Shrews need to offload before any more incomings they say. Long term Hurst target. Could be a go-er

Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker. All gone quiet. Absolute circus at Crawley who have a new manager and have also lost Tom Nicholls and a few others

Couple of unknown fullbacks - no names yet, Harry Boyes seems unlikely (probably off to L1) but defensively and given Amos’ ban and Cropper’s injury, looks like we could do with at least 1 in the door.

Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker. Been injured for months but apparently staying at MK Dons who’ve hardly given him a kick

Tom Hopper - Lincoln, Striker. Still playing & scoring for Lincoln but not first choice. Just passed 100 games for them & club captain, seems unlikely at best

Scott Pollock - Boston, Winger. No idea

Nick Haughton - Fylde, Winger. Rumoured bid rejected, no idea how bothered Hurst is on that front. Do we need another winger/attacking midfielder/no.10?

Vernam - seems most likely of the lot. Not fancied at Lincoln who have just signed a winger from QPR.

Emile Acquah - Maidenhead, Striker. Hurst seemed a bit coy on this one last week, got another 90 in a 3-0 loss at Scunny last time out.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That's funny. In all the decades I've been going we've signed players from all over the UK and abroad and a good percentage of them had families.

We are not way up north, and we are not way down south.

If any particular player is lucky enough to have more than one offer, it is up to us to make it worthwhile.

J M-D leaves
Meanwhile Bradford City sign yet another player
Familiar story I’m afraid.

Signed sealed delivered, Charles Vernam welcome to Grimsby Town. Only way he’s sanctioning the release of JMD is if we have someone else in the door. Kiernan goes back Saturday. That’d leave us 5 players and a returning to fitness Sean Scannell as options for 3 positions.

O Neil
Mcatee
Wearne
Khan
Orsi

Quoted from ska face

So where are we at with some of the rumoured targets?

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker. Can’t play for another football league club this season so looks like he’s be sticking it out at Orient.

Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker. Rumoured to be both available and heading out, Shrews need to offload before any more incomings they say. Long term Hurst target. Could be a go-er

Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker. All gone quiet. Absolute circus at Crawley who have a new manager and have also lost Tom Nicholls and a few others

Couple of unknown fullbacks - no names yet, Harry Boyes seems unlikely (probably off to L1) but defensively and given Amos’ ban and Cropper’s injury, looks like we could do with at least 1 in the door.

Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker. Been injured for months but apparently staying at MK Dons who’ve hardly given him a kick

Tom Hopper - Lincoln, Striker. Still playing & scoring for Lincoln but not first choice. Just passed 100 games for them & club captain, seems unlikely at best

Scott Pollock - Boston, Winger. No idea

Nick Haughton - Fylde, Winger. Rumoured bid rejected, no idea how bothered Hurst is on that front. Do we need another winger/attacking midfielder/no.10?

Vernam - seems most likely of the lot. Not fancied at Lincoln who have just signed a winger from QPR.

Emile Acquah - Maidenhead, Striker. Hurst seemed a bit coy on this one last week, got another 90 in a 3-0 loss at Scunny last time out.

boyes went to lincoln 1-2 weeks ago but would have been a good addition

haughton 29 and in the NLN so surely we don’t even consider it right?

Quoted from ska face

So where are we at with some of the rumoured targets?

Harry Smith - Orient, Striker. Can’t play for another football league club this season so looks like he’s be sticking it out at Orient.

Ryan Bowman - Shrewsbury, Striker. Rumoured to be both available and heading out, Shrews need to offload before any more incomings they say. Long term Hurst target. Could be a go-er

Ashley Nadesan - Crawley, Striker. All gone quiet. Absolute circus at Crawley who have a new manager and have also lost Tom Nicholls and a few others

Couple of unknown fullbacks - no names yet, Harry Boyes seems unlikely (probably off to L1) but defensively and given Amos’ ban and Cropper’s injury, looks like we could do with at least 1 in the door.

Josh Kayode - Rotherham, Striker. Been injured for months but apparently staying at MK Dons who’ve hardly given him a kick

Tom Hopper - Lincoln, Striker. Still playing & scoring for Lincoln but not first choice. Just passed 100 games for them & club captain, seems unlikely at best

Scott Pollock - Boston, Winger. No idea

Nick Haughton - Fylde, Winger. Rumoured bid rejected, no idea how bothered Hurst is on that front. Do we need another winger/attacking midfielder/no.10?

Vernam - seems most likely of the lot. Not fancied at Lincoln who have just signed a winger from QPR.

Emile Acquah - Maidenhead, Striker. Hurst seemed a bit coy on this one last week, got another 90 in a 3-0 loss at Scunny last time out.

Hopper fits the bill for me - Lincoln need an incoming to make that happen I guess - Tyler Walker from Cov?

Quoted from Poojah

It’s a risky strategy if so. Not in terms of potential relegation; I think we’re way better than that, but in terms of season ticket and therefore revenue attrition.

I think our numbers this season were buoyed not only by the optimism which followed our play-off victory, but also the snowballing scarcity of good seats. A poor end to this season and we could see the reverse effect. Lose 2,000 STs and you’re down half-a-million quid before you’ve even started. It’s called Fentynomics.

One thing they will no doubt do next season wherever we finish is apply a substantial increase in season ticket prices . They grossly underestimated demand this year and lost substantial revenue in selling all but 10% percent of home seats at a substantial discount to walk up prices when the revenue ratio previously was more like 60/40. Then we will be back to 3500 season ticket holders and the wheel has gone full circle

This is the transfer thread, the fantasy mathematics thread is presumably somewhere else. Thanks.

Quoted from ska face

This is the transfer thread, the fantasy mathematics thread is presumably somewhere else. Thanks.

It would be a transfer thread if we had like, some transfers.

It's an unwieldy 100 odd pages of not much at all at the moment.

Quoted from ska face

This is the transfer thread, the fantasy mathematics thread is presumably somewhere else. Thanks.

Apologies for thinking there was any link between the amount of income the club gets and it’s transfer policy

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

J M-D leaves
Meanwhile Bradford City sign yet another player
Familiar story I’m afraid.

Still in division 4 with us.

Quoted from ginnywings

It would be a transfer thread if we had like, some transfers.

It's an unwieldy 100 odd pages of not much at all at the moment.

The aim is to keep 100 odd pages of unwieldy “not much at all” in one place so it’s not posted across the rest of the board. That way, if people aren’t interested, they can ignore it.

Quoted from ska face

The aim is to keep 100 odd pages of unwieldy “not much at all” in one place so it’s not posted across the rest of the board. That way, if people aren’t interested, they can ignore it.

Fair point.

We could really do with some meat on the bones now though.

Quoted from ginnywings

Fair point.

We could really do with some meat on the bones now though.

All the usual sources seem to have dried up. I did get a PM from a poster with a decent track record last week with some info. If it pans out, I’ll share. If not, no harm done. Got to be at least a couple in this week surely?!

Quoted from ska face

All the usual sources seem to have dried up. I did get a PM from a poster with a decent track record last week with some info. If it pans out, I’ll share. If not, no harm done. Got to be at least a couple in this week surely?!

You'd like to think so, but it may go to the wire when choices start narrowing for players, or clubs up the food chain have done their business and will start to release one or two surplus to requirements.

Bit like a game of musical chairs in the Jan window.

Quoted from ginnywings

Fair point.

We could really do with some meat on the bones now though.

We could do with some bones first!!

Quoted from ginnywings

You'd like to think so, but it may go to the wire when choices start narrowing for players, or clubs up the food chain have done their business and will start to release one or two surplus to requirements.

Bit like a game of musical chairs in the Jan window.

It seems like musical chairs for us, but other clubs don't seem to have this palava judging by the number of deals already completed. There are always quite a few games in January and it would be nice to strengthen at the start rather than at the end.

I would like to think the reason for this is we have got our eyes on two really good signings which will only materialise after the musical chairs has stopped, but I rather suspect it is more down to the lack of urgency and working steadily down the list of targets till we find one within our price range.

I was watching the EFL highlights tuther day and the most commonly occurring phrases in almost every match shown was 'making his debut' and 'on loan from'.

And then there was us.

The fact that we were played off the park, the commentator had nothing of interest to say about us anyway.

Quoted from horsforthmariner

Im just wondering if basically they've written this season off as - "We're not going to go up and we won't go down either. So lets spend as little cash and save it for next season, while getting things right off the pitch for next year." If thats the plan I do kind of get it.

Not very long ago we were in the National League training with underinflated footballs.

Whilst thirsting for promotion is pretty much hard-wired into every football fan outside the Premiership, I'm not sure the club is ready
for L1 football after its half-season in L2.

We achieved a footballing miracle last season - we can't reasonably expect one every year. We might have to wait until our academy
provides us with a Drinkell/Wilkinson/Donovan striker before we can ascend the footballing pyramid again. So be it.

Personally, I'm just happy that my club is showing plenty of class after nearly two decades of Fenty.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

It seems like musical chairs for us, but other clubs don't seem to have this palava judging by the number of deals already completed. There are always quite a few games in January and it would be nice to strengthen at the start rather than at the end.

I would like to think the reason for this is we have got our eyes on two really good signings which will only materialise after the musical chairs has stopped, but I rather suspect it is more down to the lack of urgency and working steadily down the list of targets till we find one within our price range.

I mean, this is getting boring, but what evidence is there for a ‘lack of urgency’, and that we are ‘working down a list of targets until we find one within our price range” - which I read as us being unwilling to spend. Please point at it.

Somebody must know something 105 pages thus far & only an 18 yr old in the building how is it that every window we seem to dither but other clubs seem to get their business done early , it just gets us fans annoyed a little bit ,for our boredom mr hurst sign some this week so we can maybe get to 200 pages at least talking about some players

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I was watching the EFL highlights tuther day and the most commonly occurring phrases in almost every match shown was 'making his debut' and 'on loan from'.

And then there was us.

The fact that we were played off the park, the commentator had nothing of interest to say about us anyway.

You know we had a player making his debut right?

Quoted from fishcake63

Somebody must know something 105 pages thus far & only an 18 yr old in the building how is it that every window we seem to dither but other clubs seem to get their business done early , it just gets us fans annoyed a little bit ,for our boredom mr hurst sign some this week so we can maybe get to 200 pages at least talking about some players

I think, and it’s just a wild guess here, that if anyone was ‘in the know’ they’d have posted on here already

(And the telegraph could’ve got the exclusive scoop!)

The line is still very much about waiting for other things to happen for it to fall into place...

Which on one hand suggests that we're in for at least one player who's not an Academy kid.  As impressive as I thought O'Neill was on Saturday, I don't think it would have been a case that Preston were waiting to sign someone else to let him go.  Likewise with Simmonds, Richardson et al.

However, we've done this dance a few times before now haven't we?  It feels a bit of a theme of waiting for other things higher up the chain to move and then we get caught short at the last minute.

Lincoln signed Olamide Shodipo on loan at the weekend, a winger from QPR.  However Vernam was still on the bench, coming on for the final few minutes.  I think they've got a few injuries with players coming back in the next couple of weeks, including their top scorer, which could hold up any release of Vernam until they're back and taking his place in the squad.  Arguably could say the same for Hopper, although that's absolute conjecture on my part.  There's a difference between letting a guy go when he's 4th/5th choice winger as opposed to back-up to your main striker.

Much as i would love hopper or vernam i just dont see either joining us now both heavily involved every game for lincoln either starting or off bench

As frustrating as it is, it's not really a surprise.

Much as we'd like to be seen as a well-run club, most agents will be looking for the best possible outcome for themselves and their players and, ultimately, that means money. Add that to our location, we won't be very high on anyone's list.

This thread is basically 105 pages of unsubstantiated 'rumours' (most of which are not even rumours) by bored/anxious/twitchy fans, a lot of whom get angrier by the day and start coming up with reasons why we haven't brought anyone in

EG: Is the Vernam rumour anything other than wishful thinking?

Quoted from gtfc98

You know we had a player making his debut right?

Yes I am aware that we had the loanee, but because of the total balderdash that Town played, we hardly had a mention, full stop. Never mind us having a new exciting loan player. They left the announcement that late that I thought they were doing what is commonly called 'doing a Spokes'

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Yes I am aware that we had the loanee, but because of the total balderdash that Town played, we hardly had a mention, full stop. Never mind us having a new exciting loan player. They left the announcement that late that I thought they were doing what is commonly called 'doing a Spokes'

Unlike the Spokes one, which was apparently the result of the social media team being furloughed at the time, this was clearly intentional.

That said, I do find this particular brand of gamesmanship a bit of a chore. Much like when Hurst suggested McAtee “might be back training with us next week”, only to name him on the bench against Donny, the opposition were already out of sight before the player had had the slightest chance to make an impact. The advantages are minimal.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Yes I am aware that we had the loanee, but because of the total balderdash that Town played, we hardly had a mention, full stop. Never mind us having a new exciting loan player. They left the announcement that late that I thought they were doing what is commonly called 'doing a Spokes'

And our debutant can tell his mates that he is currently the top rated player on The Fishy matchday ratings!

Quoted from Croxton

And our debutant can tell his mates that he is currently the top rated player on The Fishy matchday ratings!

he looks a v. good player btw. I think there were only a couple of occasions during the 70 odd minutes he played where a pass or a touch was awry, and as someone else says he's big enough and strong enough to handle himself

dare i ask have we signed anyone?

Quoted from devs

EG: Is the Vernam rumour anything other than wishful thinking?

Any deals need 3 parties to be on board. Signing club, selling club and the player.

I don't pretend to be "ITK" but more than one person I believe to be such have told me that two of the three parties are all in on such deal, the third are in but don't want to be caught short. I'll leave it to you to decide which parties holds which stance.

The problems with any info filtering out of the club is that it's a) always subject to change and b) always got the potential to be bullshit. I trust the people who've told me that this deal will happen (if the circumstances are right) but they're at the same mercies for points a and b like everyone else.

TL;DR - Yeah, there's truth in the sense that it's on the cards but it's largely out of our hands.

Personal view (and this is based on gut feeling rather than info) is that we're, again, at risk of playing the waiting game and getting nothing. I understand that transfers have moving parts, but sometimes you've gotta make those parts move yourself.

Quoted from Bristol Mariner

dare i ask have we signed anyone?

Bogle, Podge and Townsend all signing today

Bentley 0.00000000000000000000000007

Drinkell …. Wilko and Ford later then ?

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Drinkell …. Wilko and Ford later then ?

'Crofts Sold;' There are signs all over the town.

Am working from home today. And because of the very heavy snow, the kids are off.

PLEASE LET THERE BE A SIGNING

I bet that there isn't another team, certainly in this division, that has over 100 pages on the January Window. If I could be @rsed I would check. Sat here trying to work out if thats good or bad!

Not a rumour, though wouldn't mind signing Simon Murray from Queen's Park; old head and could bring in the vital experience.

My Darlo maet says Mark Beck is a cut above for them, back on form after a bit of an injury.

Quoted from chipsandgravy

I bet that there isn't another team, certainly in this division, that has over 100 pages on the January Window. If I could be @rsed I would check. Sat here trying to work out if thats good or bad!

The Preston version stands at a healthy 353 pages and over 7000 replies. Sure their summer thread had over 1000 pages when I last tried to find some info on Mikey O’Neill.

No use comparing us to the tinpot teams in this division. In terms of chatting pure shíte, we’re clearly Championship level. I thought Bradford’s would be busier, but only around 50-odd pages.

Just on the topic of Bradford, they’re hinting that Luke Hendrie might be allowed out and Donny at looking at him. Would you have him back here for another spell given our problems at fullback?

I reckon there might be legs in Hendrie.

Hurst signed him once before at Shrews and was then very keen to keep hold of him in the summer of 2021, even letting a few deadlines slip before accepting defeat. Hurst doesn't strike me as the type who will let deadlines slip easily either.

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/grimsby-town-hendrie-grist-transfer-5657974

I thought Hendrie struggled a bit in that final season, but he wasn't alone in that. Prior to that I thought he was quality. Defensively very sound and competent going forward. With Cropper looking likely to be out for a while we definitely need something else there. I think Efete has done OK and actually got better as the season has gone on, but if nothing else we need back up and the whole defence would benefit from a bit of shoring up at the minute.

Hendrie would be a decent signing, you’re guaranteed 7/10 every week. In Efete you get the odd 9 followed up by a 0, it’s been a tough start for him but all hope isn’t lost for him. He’s not benefitting from having no competition IMO.

I highly doubt it’ll happen though.

I always rated Hendrie as a defender. He wasn't great during his last season, but that was just generally shambolic all around. He ought to be in the prime of his career but it looks like he has barely had a kick this season. Has he been injured?

Not sure we need another back-up full-back who is injury prone!

How long is Cropper out for? I can't see us having three players who can only play at right back (or do I remember Hendrie covering at LB/CB at times as well?), so that'd probably only be a goer if Cropper or Efete are on their way out. Like Lew says though, solid defender. We could definitely do with more stability in our defence right now.

Quoted from Maringer

I always rated Hendrie as a defender. He wasn't great during his last season, but that was just generally shambolic all around. He ought to be in the prime of his career but it looks like he has barely had a kick this season. Has he been injured?

Not sure we need another back-up full-back who is injury prone!

He's never really locked down the right back spot as his own at Bradford and I think he might even be third choice this season.

Quoted from Son of Cod

How long is Cropper out for? I can't see us having three players who can only play at right back (or do I remember Hendrie covering at LB/CB at times as well?), so that'd probably only be a goer if Cropper or Efete are on their way out. Like Lew says though, solid defender. We could definitely do with more stability in our defence right now.

Hurst said a good few months in his interview so I assume season over and I doubt he’ll be offered a new deal

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Hurst said a good few months in his interview so I assume season over and I doubt he’ll be offered a new deal

I suspect his professional career is done.

Quoted from Mariner_09

I suspect his professional career is done.

I really hope that isn’t the case. He’s barely had the chance to prove himself in the football league, but regardless, what an iconic piece of Town history he and his long throws will forever be.

What injury does he have? Don’t think I caught that

Quoted from chaos33

What injury does he have? Don’t think I caught that

He's done his hamstring, and I believe its something he's suffered with previously

Not saying this is someone on our radar...

But the aforementioned Danny Johnson is back at Mansfield with Nigel Clough seemingly reluctant to either loan him or sell him to a club challenging them for a play-off/promotion slot.

Wonder if Hurst has made a pitch to Clough that we're only like to flounder in the midtable slots but could inflict some pain on those other teams higher up...

Quoted from Poojah

I really hope that isn’t the case. He’s barely had the chance to prove himself in the football league, but regardless, what an iconic piece of Town history he and his long throws will forever be.

Same. He has the best long throws I've ever seen, flat and incredibly hard to defend. But he's had a very serious issue with his hamstring before and they can't seem to get to the bottom of it.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Not saying this is someone on our radar...

But the aforementioned Danny Johnson is back at Mansfield with Nigel Clough seemingly reluctant to either loan him or sell him to a club challenging them for a play-off/promotion slot.

Wonder if Hurst has made a pitch to Clough that we're only like to flounder in the midtable slots but could inflict some pain on those other teams higher up...

If you can stand to listen to Clough for 8 mins (I managed about 5), then this is informative if not interesting -

https://twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc/status/1615337944461484033?s=46&t=TelqQE-_vJLSw5VKgG7O-g

In summary:

- In contention for Mansfield on Sat
- if he plays, he can only play for either Mansfield or Walsall until the end of the season
- couple of bids received for him. One accepted but player doesn’t want to go to that club. Another didn’t meet their valuation
- player says wherever he goes, he’s only going to be signing until the end of the season

That last point sounded a bit odd to me. If someone offered him a 2.5 year deal he surely wouldn’t turn it down & be out of contract in the summer?

Quoted from ska face

If you can stand to listen to Clough for 8 mins (I managed about 5), then this is informative if not interesting -

https://twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc/status/1615337944461484033?s=46&t=TelqQE-_vJLSw5VKgG7O-g

In summary:

- In contention for Mansfield on Sat
- if he plays, he can only play for either Mansfield or Walsall until the end of the season
- couple of bids received for him. One accepted but player doesn’t want to go to that club. Another didn’t meet their valuation
- player says wherever he goes, he’s only going to be signing until the end of the season

That last point sounded a bit odd to me. If someone offered him a 2.5 year deal he surely wouldn’t turn it down & be out of contract in the summer?

I watched the whole thing, mainly because I was mesmerised at the fact a manager could be extremely transparent and the world didn’t end as a result

Don’t think Danny Johnson is the sort of player Hurst wants. Bit of a knob apparently. The last comment supports that.

Quoted from Grantley

Don’t think Danny Johnson is the sort of player Hurst wants.

Absolutely, he scores way too many goals…

Quoted from Grantley

Don’t think Danny Johnson is the sort of player Hurst wants. Bit of a knob apparently. The last comment supports that.

A prolific striker? Nah, don’t want one of them.

Quoted from ska face

If you can stand to listen to Clough for 8 mins (I managed about 5), then this is informative if not interesting -

https://twitter.com/mansfieldtownfc/status/1615337944461484033?s=46&t=TelqQE-_vJLSw5VKgG7O-g

In summary:

- In contention for Mansfield on Sat
- if he plays, he can only play for either Mansfield or Walsall until the end of the season
- couple of bids received for him. One accepted but player doesn’t want to go to that club. Another didn’t meet their valuation
- player says wherever he goes, he’s only going to be signing until the end of the season

That last point sounded a bit odd to me. If someone offered him a 2.5 year deal he surely wouldn’t turn it down & be out of contract in the summer?

Thanks for the summary and the video, I'll save that for any insomnia bouts!

Last point is an interesting one, I think he's out of contract at Mansfield so presuming that he's putting himself out there as a gun for hire. Backing himself to impress again in the second half of the season and putting a few extra quid on his wage when it comes to signing for a new club in June.

Bold and some would say foolish. Kristian Dennis is a great example of someone who can arrive anywhere with a good record and just not click. Equally so, any player is only one bad injury away from not having any bargaining chips at all.

I like the confidence though.

Can't for the life of me imagine Hurst is in, never mind be prepared to pay any sort of fee, for someone who just wants to put themself in the shop window.

Quoted from Mariner_09

I suspect his professional career is done.

Why?

He's 22, and IMO, better all round player than Efete

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Why?

He's 22, and IMO, better all round player than Efete

He's only 22 and spent the equivalent of three years out injured. Talented certainly but his body isn't up to it.

Quoted from Mariner_09

He's only 22 and spent the equivalent of three years out injured. Talented certainly but his body isn't up to it.

Regrettably but true methinks

I don't think he's a better all round player than Efete either.

Efete is a good player. No footballer is flawless. Lots of people with a strong opinion but who don’t understand football criticise him unfairly.

agree with the last two comments

Quoted from chaos33

Efete is a good player. No footballer is flawless. Lots of people with a strong opinion but who don’t understand football criticise him unfairly.

‘Not understanding football’ is a really lazy and quite frankly arrogant way of looking at it.

Efete has had some good games and some quite frankly garbage games, it’s weird to me that people out their fingers in their ears at the latter and pretend it’s not the case.

Any excrement he gets during the games from a minority is unacceptable, but somehow claiming anybody with rational criticism of him ‘doesn’t understand football’ is a complete nonsense.

It isn’t though. Watch football at all levels across the world and see defenders making mistakes. Every league. Every level. You have to take a broader view (you aren’t) and get some perspective. Some people are intolerant of any shortcomings or mistakes. Sure, he makes them, like everyone else, but, as a L2 footballer he is good. Anyone who understands the game will tell you that.

Quoted from pontoonlew

‘Not understanding football’ is a really lazy and quite frankly arrogant way of looking at it.

Efete has had some good games and some quite frankly garbage games, it’s weird to me that people out their fingers in their ears at the latter and pretend it’s not the case.

Any excrement he gets during the games from a minority is unacceptable, but somehow claiming anybody with rational criticism of him ‘doesn’t understand football’ is a complete nonsense.

I think Michee is a terrific athlete but not such a great footballer.

The professionals who know what they’re talking about rate him. That’s good enough for me. I’ll take that over some unrealistic, imbalanced, ill informed moaning twit on a message board.

I think Efete has struggled at times this season and he's also looked desperately short of confidence in periods as well. I still think in terms of all round play he offers more than Cropper who is steady defensively, has a brilliant long throw but offers very little going forward in open play.

I shouldn’t think that criticism/abuse from the stands or elsewhere helps, because he does look like a ‘confidence’ player, but he’s not unlike any other L2 player, ie, not consistently brilliant. If he was, he wouldn’t be here. He’d be playing at a higher level. I think his weakness is not maintaining his concentration - switching off - but on balance, he’s a good L2 wing back. Not perfect. No player is, even at top level, but, as in many other areas…he’s the victim of overstatement and unfair criticism based on not much in the way of realism.

I just saw this on Twitter and thought it was worth sharing. It doesn't mean managers and players shouldn't be criticised or even released/sacked but it might be worth a small minority remembering that they're all people with families as well and it can be done respectfully.

https://twitter.com/JFBLucas/status/1615300695782981633?t=rV3WjfamiXBf9KYdqdAKXg&s=19

Quoted from chaos33

I shouldn’t think that criticism/abuse from the stands or elsewhere helps, because he does look like a ‘confidence’ player, but he’s not unlike any other L2 player, ie, not consistently brilliant. If he was, he wouldn’t be here. He’d be playing at a higher level. I think his weakness is not maintaining his concentration - switching off - but on balance, he’s a good L2 wing back. Not perfect. No player is, even at top level, but, as in many other areas…he’s the victim of overstatement and unfair criticism based on not much in the way of realism.

There’s some bits I completely agree with and other bits I don’t agree with.

I think we’ve had far better at this level over the years and they can truly be described as a ‘good L2 wing back’ I accept you can’t always get stand out and if you do they don’t always stay. Problem is with Efete it often seems 50/50 on whether it’s going to be good or a disaster & very little in between.

There’s a player in there for sure and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him kick on but he’s not consistently shown enough this season to be described as a ‘good L2 wing back’ yet

Absolutely Rodley.
Brilliant post.

Quoted from pontoonlew

There’s some bits I completely agree with and other bits I don’t agree with.

I think we’ve had far better at this level over the years and they can truly be described as a ‘good L2 wing back’ I accept you can’t always get stand out and if you do they don’t always stay. Problem is with Efete it often seems 50/50 on whether it’s going to be good or a disaster & very little in between.

There’s a player in there for sure and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him kick on but he’s not consistently shown enough this season to be described as a ‘good L2 wing back’ yet

Nail on head. The holy grail of consistency would see Michee be a target for richer clubs and gone in the next window. Despite his physical advantages, he is too dependent on being coached through a game. He seems so burdened by the mantra of retaining possession sometimes that he fails to attack the final third, especially early on in games. So many moves falter when he checks back and gives the fullback a day off. No one from Swindon gave Amos an easy ride. Equally, Michee has been involved in free flowing moves resulting in goals like Harry's/ Richardson's last week.

All our full backs are under pressure because there is little hold up play in the final third and they are always having to belt back to cover. I would keep both right backs until summer and concentrate on striker options. Key concern for Michee defensively is his judgement of a dropping ball.

When we are looking forward to a game ,who talks about opposition full backs? We feared Armstrong, he scored. We feared Austin, he scored. Who are Harrogate planning to stop on Saturday? Possibly Clifton.

Harrogate signed three players since we played em.
Little village team can get new signings

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Harrogate signed three players since we played em.
Little village team can get new signings

Yes, defenders Faulds from Bradford and O'connor from Morecombe have plenty of L1 and L2 experience to bolster their defence and back up their industrious midfield and potent attack. Shut the back door as they say. I'd take a 0-0 right now and then regroup.

Neither player needs to move house or partners to move jobs and would almost certainly have baulked at living on the East coast. Canny work from Weaver.

Quoted from Croxton

Yes, defenders Faulds from Bradford and O'connor from Morecombe have plenty of L1 and L2 experience to bolster their defence and back up their industrious midfield and potent attack.

Quoted Text

Shut the back door as they say. I'd take a 0-0 right now and then regroup

.

Neither player needs to move house or partners to move jobs and would almost certainly have baulked at living on the East coast. Canny work from Weaver.

We're a better team than Harrogate. Need Waterfall fit though to organise the back 4 but I think we need a win to stop the rot.

Quoted from Croxton

Nail on head. The holy grail of consistency would see Michee be a target for richer clubs and gone in the next window. Despite his physical advantages, he is too dependent on being coached through a game. He seems so burdened by the mantra of retaining possession sometimes that he fails to attack the final third, especially early on in games. So many moves falter when he checks back and gives the fullback a day off. No one from Swindon gave Amos an easy ride. Equally, Michee has been involved in free flowing moves resulting in goals like Harry's/ Richardson's last week.

All our full backs are under pressure because there is little hold up play in the final third and they are always having to belt back to cover. I would keep both right backs until summer and concentrate on striker options. Key concern for Michee defensively is his judgement of a dropping ball.

When we are looking forward to a game ,who talks about opposition full backs? We feared Armstrong, he scored. We feared Austin, he scored. Who are Harrogate planning to stop on Saturday? Possibly Clifton.

I’m torn with him. He has all the physical attributes but, let’s not forget that this is his first season as a League footballer and it sometimes shows.

That Luton winner is bad news for Hurst. He’ll have to move a bit quicker to get a couple of strikers in unless he fancies playing the current system with Orsi & Richardson up top!

Quoted from chaos33

I shouldn’t think that criticism/abuse from the stands or elsewhere helps, because he does look like a ‘confidence’ player, but he’s not unlike any other L2 player, ie, not consistently brilliant. If he was, he wouldn’t be here. He’d be playing at a higher level. I think his weakness is not maintaining his concentration - switching off - but on balance, he’s a good L2 wing back. Not perfect. No player is, even at top level, but, as in many other areas…he’s the victim of overstatement and unfair criticism based on not much in the way of realism.

I agree with this post, I thought he was fantastic for us last season and if he’d been as consistent this season would have probably moved up a league or 2. However his form has been a bit up and down . For me his decision making hasn’t been good , he seems unsure of when to get rid or push forward and go on a run and has also been caught out of position a few times defensively.
I’m sure this is a matter of confidence, when you’re playing well and confidence is high you make those decisions without thinking about it. When it’s low, you second guess yourself and that second of indecision costs you.
I played full back at a decent level locally and have always felt defenders are sometimes unfairly criticised. If you make a mistake and it costs a goal you’re crucified. If an attacking player misses an easy chance it’s forgotten about although it can cost you the game just as much, especially when our attacking options are somewhat limited at the minute.
I’ve never understood fans abusing or booing their own player it’s counterproductive. By all means discuss their strengths and weaknesses on here, but we should encourage them during a game .

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I think Michee is a terrific athlete but not such a great footballer.

This exactly - a league 1 level athlete, with NLN level footballing ability.
Which meant at NL level his physical attributes often outweighed his footballing weaknesses, at league 2 level not so much.

Quoted from Croxton

Nail on head. The holy grail of consistency would see Michee be a target for richer clubs and gone in the next window. Despite his physical advantages, he is too dependent on being coached through a game. He seems so burdened by the mantra of retaining possession sometimes that he fails to attack the final third, especially early on in games. So many moves falter when he checks back and gives the fullback a day off. No one from Swindon gave Amos an easy ride. Equally, Michee has been involved in free flowing moves resulting in goals like Harry's/ Richardson's last week.

All our full backs are under pressure because there is little hold up play in the final third and they are always having to belt back to cover. I would keep both right backs until summer and concentrate on striker options. Key concern for Michee defensively is his judgement of a dropping ball.

When we are looking forward to a game ,who talks about opposition full backs? We feared Armstrong, he scored. We feared Austin, he scored. Who are Harrogate planning to stop on Saturday? Possibly Clifton.

Good post

Quoted from toontown

This exactly - a league 1 level athlete, with NLN level footballing ability.
Which meant at NL level his physical attributes often outweighed his footballing weaknesses, at league 2 level not so much.

Think this is very harsh. He’s an excellent player at National League level and still transitioning to league football. He’s had some good games, but like most players he’s had some not so good games. He’ll improve.

Quoted from davmariner

Think this is very harsh. He’s an excellent player at National League level and still transitioning to league football. He’s had some good games, but like most players he’s had some not so good games. He’ll improve.

Any opposition manager with a decent left side attacker can target Michee. He misjudges the flight and bounce of the ball so often it’s scary. The Salford game was a prime example.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Any opposition manager with a decent left side attacker can target Michee. He misjudges the flight and bounce of the ball so often it’s scary. The Salford game was a prime example.

Good job the opposition don’t need to target our right hand side then because they can have all the fun they want on our left hand side at the moment.

Unlike some I haven’t seen every game home & away but some of the over analysis of Michee is really harsh.

I think he had a poor start for sure and looked like he had difficulty adjusting but in the last few weeks he’s been just as inconsistent as the rest of the team.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Harrogate signed three players since we played em.
Little village team can get new signings

Population of Harrogate in 2020 was 161,500 - that's some village!!

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Harrogate signed three players since we played em.
Little village team can get new signings

am guessing with a moniker such as yours, you've been to Harrogate before.

although not having been for a few years, its always struck me as a gorgeous place

not only the town itself to live in, but education wise you have loads of top class private and public schools.

Quoted from rancido

Population of Harrogate in 2020 was 161,500 - that's some village!!

Got to say that’s loads bigger than I thought.

one of my palace supporting mates has said that the eagles are looking to get victor akinwale some game time outside of the premier 2 league. Wimbledon and Crawley are favourites to get him but he'd certainly fit the prerequisite of being a grafter that PH likes among his team.

I think that's the Borough of Harrogate which includes Ripon...a bit like saying Immingham is part of Grimsby

My wife's family live in Harrogate. Like everywhere else they have some bad areas apparently, and like us they have some lovely areas. They did make the point that a lot of Grimsby would not look at all out of place in the nicer areas of Harrogate.

As regarding the 2 football clubs well done to them to getting to league level, but in terms of stature, support history and potential we are poles apart.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

I think that's the Borough of Harrogate which includes Ripon...a bit like saying Immingham is part of Grimsby

Harrogate Town estimated population is 75,070

Grimsby is 86,138.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

am guessing with a moniker such as yours, you've been to Harrogate before.

although not having been for a few years, its always struck me as a gorgeous place

not only the town itself to live in, but education wise you have loads of top class private and public schools.

Like Harrogate Ladies College? Not sure Simon Weaver will be recruiting from there

https://www.hlc.org.uk/

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Like Harrogate Ladies College? Not sure Simon Weaver will be recruiting from there

https://www.hlc.org.uk/

was thinking more giggleswick

Quoted from rancido

Population of Harrogate in 2020 was 161,500 - that's some village!!

Having lived there for 5 years- It's also a very nice Town, well linked to York and Leeds.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

I think that's the Borough of Harrogate which includes Ripon...a bit like saying Immingham is part of Grimsby

... well we get a lot of fans from Cleethorpes, Waltham, New Waltham, Humberstone, - all parts of NE Lincs .

I'd imagine that a lot of the footy fans who are from Harrogate will be supporters of Dirty Leeds. Perfectly understandable as it's just down the road, relatively speaking.

Expecting Harrogate Town to have a big support is a bit like expecting Salford City to be a big club...

Quoted from Maringer

I'd imagine that a lot of the footy fans who are from Harrogate will be supporters of Dirty Leeds. Perfectly understandable as it's just down the road, relatively speaking.

Expecting Harrogate Town to have a big support is a bit like expecting Salford City to be a big club...

Strange demographic in Harrogate; a lot of ex-London money up there so far more Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal than Leeds in my experience.

I was in the home end (well side stand) for the game on Boxing Day and it was without a shadow of a doubt the most upper middle class football crowd I have ever been in.

“Harrogate, Harrogate, raa, raa, raa!”

Quite a bizarre experience.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

am guessing with a moniker such as yours, you've been to Harrogate before.

although not having been for a few years, its always struck me as a gorgeous place

not only the town itself to live in, but education wise you have loads of top class private and public schools.

Harrogate is a lovely town. One of my daughters lives there and thinks it great. Think the town population is only about 35,000 and does surprisingly well in the EFL. Can’t see it lasting very long though.

I've a friend who lives in Leeds and they were entertaining plans to move up the road to Harrogate (I have a feeling his daughter may go to the grammar school there), but in they end they decided to stay put because the house prices were going crazy there. This was was a few years ago now.

Quoted from Maringer

I've a friend who lives in Leeds and they were entertaining plans to move up the road to Harrogate (I have a feeling his daughter may go to the grammar school there), but in they end they decided to stay put because the house prices were going crazy there. This was was a few years ago now.

Want to live in one of those high rise flats on the outskirts of town? That will be three-quarters of a million notes, please.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128127398#/?channel=RES_BUY

One thing absolutely in our favour in the local area is the cost of living. You’d get a few more square feet for that kind of money in New Waltham. I suspect this is a reason why a number of players who have spent good time here over the years have settled in the area.

Just had another look at this thread, informative on many and varied subjects with the transfer window a small part
Will check again on Friday😕

Quoted from Poojah

Want to live in one of those high rise flats on the outskirts of town? That will be three-quarters of a million notes, please.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128127398#/?channel=RES_BUY

One thing absolutely in our favour in the local area is the cost of living. You’d get a few more square feet for that kind of money in New Waltham. I suspect this is a reason why a number of players who have spent good time here over the years have settled in the area.

For a mere £685k you could be the owner of this 6-bed detached property in half an acre of land located in Cheapside, a short walk to training each morning.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125279453

You could spend the other £65k replacing some of the existing repulsive interior design!

We have a lot going for us in terms of selling points to players (ambitious owners, building new facilities, going forward no backwards etc etc)

But as said a million times before, the location side of it is a major negative point.

You have to travel 45 minutes away from any main route to get here, you don't just pass Grimsby like you do Harrogate etc
When it comes to lower league players, who get paid a good wage, but nothing spectacular.... The training ground is probably 45-50 miles away from the M18
Thats probably £7 each way, x2 £14, 5-6 times a week £70-£80 on fuel.... as well as extra 2 hours away from home & family, it all plays a huge part in us sometimes missing out on certain players i'm sure.

Quoted from ska face

For a mere £685k you could be the owner of this 6-bed detached property in half an acre of land located in Cheapside, a short walk to training each morning.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125279453

You could spend the other £65k replacing some of the existing repulsive interior design!

The huge marble statue in the 'sun room' feels a bold statement. intercourse knows what that statement is though.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

We have a lot going for us in terms of selling points to players (ambitious owners, building new facilities, going forward no backwards etc etc)

But as said a million times before, the location side of it is a major negative point.

You have to travel 45 minutes away from any main route to get here, you don't just pass Grimsby like you do Harrogate etc
When it comes to lower league players, who get paid a good wage, but nothing spectacular.... The training ground is probably 45-50 miles away from the M18
Thats probably £7 each way, x2 £14, 5-6 times a week £70-£80 on fuel.... as well as extra 2 hours away from home & family, it all plays a huge part in us sometimes missing out on certain players i'm sure.

Signing players isn't a problem. Hurst himself has signed several teams worth of players who all managed to overcome the difficulties you mention. All towns have their particular sets of problems as it depends on a whole host of factors particular to the individual player.

The trick is finding and tempting the 2 or 3 players of the quality we need.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

The huge marble statue in the 'sun room' feels a bold statement. intercourse knows what that statement is though.

😂

Geographically a definate problem & we will miss out on targets because of this no getting away from it & also young lads from say leeds u23s just dont fancy coming out their comfort zone knowing full well that if they fail at first loan club it can almost be over before it begins if this makes sense , think this is why loan market can be so difficult & ph will have watched 100s of young players in matches that he likes but so difficult to tempt them away from being pampered into battle of lge 2

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Signing players isn't a problem. Hurst himself has signed several teams worth of players who all managed to overcome the difficulties you mention. All towns have their particular sets of problems as it depends on a whole host of factors particular to the individual player.

The trick is finding and tempting the 2 or 3 players of the quality we need.

If you're from Yorkshire, and Harrogate come in, but offer £100 a week less, but save £80 on fuel, plus gain time at home with the family, you're probably choosing Harrogate. This is the point i was getting at.
We then have to offer £200 more than Harrogate a week, which is a big amount at this level...

Quoted from fishcake63

Geographically a definite problem & we will miss out on targets because of this no getting away from it & also young lads from say leeds u23s just dont fancy coming out their comfort zone knowing full well that if they fail at first loan club it can almost be over before it begins if this makes sense , think this is why loan market can be so difficult & ph will have watched 100s of young players in matches that he likes but so difficult to tempt them away from being pampered into battle of lge 2

but to counterargue the point, that when yoof players see internationals/foreign players being signed, then you'd like to think they would want to go out on loan to become experienced in the mens game instead of playing against similar age group players. but, when you are earning circa £10k a week (total guess) then i think your mindset changes somewhat.

One thing we are world class at is talking ourselves down. As a town it manifests itself all over. The whole place, not just the football club needs to strive to be more. Make the place the green energy centre of Europe, get the kids wanting tech careers rather than just accepting less skilled roles. It can be done but it needs joined up thinking. I see sparks of this going on but there’s miles to go. 1878 I believe share this vision and talking the place down as some are doing on here doesn’t really help. Getting involved and doing stuff does. Nothing will come of nothing.

I live in Leeds, my mrs is from Leeds and we’re looking at moving back home. A lot of my mates have done the same.

Grimsby/Cleethorpes is hugely underrated and the prices for what you get are insane. As said, people like to talk it down but when you move away you realise the benefits of living there.

I’m convinced if it wasn’t called ‘Grimsby’ people would slag it off half as much as they do.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

If you're from Yorkshire, and Harrogate come in, but offer £100 a week less, but save £80 on fuel, plus gain time at home with the family, you're probably choosing Harrogate. This is the point i was getting at.
We then have to offer £200 more than Harrogate a week, which is a big amount at this level...

Assuming you are from Yorkshire and Harrogate want you, then possibly.

Most players aren't from Yorkshire, Harrogate don't want them so a whole host of other factors (top of the list financial) is what I am getting at.

Easy to move back to the area if you already have some familiarity with it, have existing friends/family/support networks and expect to be settled here long-term. Completely different story if you’re 21-30, have nobody in the area outside of a few work colleagues and have never even visited the town.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I’m convinced if it wasn’t called ‘Grimsby’ people would slag it off half as much as they do.

same if you had the potential to date a good looking lass only to discover her name was frogmella or song related like delilah (unless you are a stoke fan of course!)

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Assuming you are from Yorkshire and Harrogate want you, then possibly.

Most players aren't from Yorkshire, Harrogate don't want them so a whole host of other factors (top of the list financial) is what I am getting at.

I would think a lot of players are based North, West or South of the Doncaster area, meaning they have a considerable amount of clubs in a much better location than ourselves.
You only enter Grimsby if you need to, you don't just drive past it like you do many towns/cities.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

same if you had the potential to date a good looking lass only to discover her name was frogmella or song related like delilah (unless you are a stoke fan of course!)

I've definitely been with a few Frogmellas in my time.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I would think a lot of players are based North, West or South of the Doncaster area, meaning they have a considerable amount of clubs in a much better location than ourselves.
You only enter Grimsby if you need to, you don't just drive past it like you do many towns/cities.

id say a 75% chance lol

Jesus H. Fücking Christ do we need a signing, like, today. Going mental here.

Quoted from ska face

For a mere £685k you could be the owner of this 6-bed detached property in half an acre of land located in Cheapside, a short walk to training each morning.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125279453

You could spend the other £65k replacing some of the existing repulsive interior design!

If Hurst would break the wage structure, our new signing could buy this mansion on Humberston Avenue which has been up for sale since 11th January 2022.

[url]https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/118596608[/url]

For a measly £95,000 a player could live a short drive/ bike ride from the training ground
https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/63337242/?search_identifier=78bea693e10636478626ada57c67eb4b

Let me throw this out there, it's been muted before and I feb it would help with signings........How about moving the training ground to say Doncaster or Rotherham. Easier to commute to, would be more attractive to new players. Just a suggestion, head down , helmet on!

Only taken 114 pages to get to posting links to house prices on Zoopla - Christ we need a signing soon 😂

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I would think a lot of players are based North, West or South of the Doncaster area, meaning they have a considerable amount of clubs in a much better location than ourselves.
You only enter Grimsby if you need to, you don't just drive past it like you do many towns/cities.

I respect your argument but you seem to be assuming any of these other clubs want them, they are happy to go there even though there are countless reasons why they wouldn't (wage structure, manager, league position or whatever) just because its not Grimsby.

As you say people, players, come to Grimsby to work, and you go where the work is.

Quoted from Ruston AT

Let me throw this out there, it's been muted before and I feb it would help with signings........How about moving the training ground to say Doncaster or Rotherham. Easier to commute to, would be more attractive to new players. Just a suggestion, head down , helmet on!

It’s the most obvious solution but some people will say that it takes out the ties to the local area. Despite the players tending to only stay for a max of three years and there being barely any or zero spectators at Cheapside.

I think people mistake the 'location being a problem' with 'nobody wants to live here'. The problem is just it being that bit further removed from major population spots. Moving house is a homosexual especially for a one or two year job and if you have kids and a family. Harrogate can sign people who can commute pretty easily from Leeds, Bradford, York, Middlesbrough and even further north or south than that as it's ten minutes off the A1.

Not being within an easy hours drive from shitloads of people will be more of a challenge than selling the benefits of living in Grimsby or Cleethorpes. If I got offered a two year FTC on £5k a year more but it was 4 hours away I probably wouldn't take it as I don't want to move house, move my kids schools etc especially when it might just be for two years. But if it was a 45 minute drive away and I didn't have to move because I could commute....

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I think people mistake the 'location being a problem' with 'nobody wants to live here'. The problem is just it being that bit further removed from major population spots. Moving house is a homosexual especially for a one or two year job and if you have kids and a family. Harrogate can sign people who can commute pretty easily from Leeds, Bradford, York, Middlesbrough and even further north or south than that as it's ten minutes off the A1.

Not being within an easy hours drive from shitloads of people will be more of a challenge than selling the benefits of living in Grimsby or Cleethorpes. If I got offered a two year FTC on £5k a year more but it was 4 hours away I probably wouldn't take it as I don't want to move house, move my kids schools etc especially when it might just be for two years. But if it was a 45 minute drive away and I didn't have to move because I could commute....

It's 50 minutes from the end of the M180 to Waltham, I've driven it enough times to know, who on earth puts 100 minutes on their working day unless they're sufficiently reimbursed for doing so? It is a problem like you say, and shouldn't be ignored no matter how nice some areas are.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

One thing we are world class at is talking ourselves down. As a town it manifests itself all over. The whole place, not just the football club needs to strive to be more. Make the place the green energy centre of Europe, get the kids wanting tech careers rather than just accepting less skilled roles. It can be done but it needs joined up thinking. I see sparks of this going on but there’s miles to go. 1878 I believe share this vision and talking the place down as some are doing on here doesn’t really help. Getting involved and doing stuff does. Nothing will come of nothing.

It's not about talking the place down. NE Lincs is wonderful and has so much to offer.

This is about the fact that our recruitment has a real barrier that we're 45-60 minutes away from a decent sized town/city.

The absolute vast majority of players we're looking to sign will not live with a hour distance of us. An hour takes you to Hull, Lincoln and Doncaster. Unless our recruitment is done in Caistor, Market Rasen and Yaddlethorpe we're falling at the first hurdle.

Players no longer move to the area they play in, or very few go anyway. So preaching the benefits of the coast, the Wolds, cheaper houses etc. is redundant.

Carlisle is miles away from anyone

They are doing very nicely thank you.

Quoted from diehardmariner

It's not about talking the place down. NE Lincs is wonderful and has so much to offer.

This is about the fact that our recruitment has a real barrier that we're 45-60 minutes away from a decent sized town/city.

The absolute vast majority of players we're looking to sign will not live with a hour distance of us. An hour takes you to Hull, Lincoln and Doncaster. Unless our recruitment is done in Caistor, Market Rasen and Yaddlethorpe we're falling at the first hurdle.

Players no longer move to the area they play in, or very few go anyway. So preaching the benefits of the coast, the Wolds, cheaper houses etc. is redundant.

How come we sign so many players?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

How come we sign so many players?

Two ways of looking at it.

1) They're not all good are they? And whilst I appreciate that they're not all going to be good, but we're instantly going to be realistically looking at the deeper parts of the barrel because the good players have, largely, found themselves snapped up by clubs closer to home.

2) We sign so many because the travel is a ballache for players who soon realise they'd rather not if given the choice. In turn it creates a high turnover of players.

This is rapidly turning into the most boring , repetitive and pointless thread in the history of the fishy

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Carlisle is miles away from anyone

They are doing very nicely thank you.

And bloody well done to them too.

We aren't though and are constantly struggling to sign players. I'm honestly baffled that anyone can't recognise the barrier to recruitment from the fact we're an hour minimum away from another decent sized population base.

Quite literally, we're fishing in the tiniest pond. When we try to fish in the bigger pond we're doing it from the car park over the road, using Netto ready salted crisps as bait.

So.....my random thoughts on our sole loan signing after his first game for us?

Mikey O'Neill - showed more running , more passing ability and more promise then either Pepple or Simmonds.

Looks to have skill, pace and doesn't get shaken off the ball easily - all while playing in a really off form team set up.

Still need the infamous "rabbits out of the hat" magic trick that Hurst serms to hold onto until the fat lsdy sings !!

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I respect your argument but you seem to be assuming any of these other clubs want them, they are happy to go there even though there are countless reasons why they wouldn't (wage structure, manager, league position or whatever) just because its not Grimsby.

As you say people, players, come to Grimsby to work, and you go where the work is.

I agree, if it's only us involved, but i would guess if we are interested in a player, they are doing something good, and gaining interest from other clubs aswell.

Last bit is 100%.

Quoted from diehardmariner

And bloody well done to them too.

We aren't though and are constantly struggling to sign players. I'm honestly baffled that anyone can't recognise the barrier to recruitment from the fact we're an hour minimum away from another decent sized population base.

Quite literally, we're fishing in the tiniest pond. When we try to fish in the bigger pond we're doing it from the car park over the road, using Netto ready salted crisps as bait.

We can't see it because it's not true. We have signed players from all over the UK and abroad since God was a lad. Players often have more than us to choose from when signing and say I signed for Grimsby because of many factors (knows the manager, some of the players, a team mate told me it's a good club etc etc.

I think Otis Khan (playing in London) chose here over others. It happens all the time.

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

This is rapidly turning into the most boring , repetitive and pointless thread in the history of the fishy

Now imagine last year when it was done on 100 new threads instead.

The silence from the club is pretty deafening at the minute and leaving it to the last week (which seems likely now) strikes me as a very dangerous game to play.

Got to be said, the lack of movement is pretty disappointing as I’d assumed we’d be in a position to really hit the ground running in early Jan.

Quoted from ska face

Got to be said, the lack of movement is pretty disappointing as I’d assumed we’d be in a position to really hit the ground running in early Jan.

This.

We've got massive season ticket sales, sold our prized asset for money whilst still being able to keep him and had a nice little warchest from a cup run we have been on. We've relied on one 34 year old striker and had months to sort it. I'm not calling for any sackings or anything but feel massively underwhelmed that we haven't moved to sort our business out. We can say that we will be overpaying for players ect but why has 75% of the division been able to do it whilst we haven't?

3/4 of the way through January, head of recruitment/scouting employed well before Xmas, and we've signed one loan signing, whom was courted by Hurst since summer.
Disappointed to say the least, really thought the new guy would've had quite a list of contacts/players to call on but nothing appears to have come from him as yet.
Virtually every team in the league has signed 2+ additions, yet here we are again playing the waiting game
Page 116 of a transfer thread with knack all to get excited about!!..

The reason that we're not getting any players is because Hurst isn't paying the clubs the money they want. Also, Grimsby isn't that bad of a place for players to come

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

We can't see it because it's not true. We have signed players from all over the UK and abroad since God was a lad. Players often have more than us to choose from when signing and say I signed for Grimsby because of many factors (knows the manager, some of the players, a team mate told me it's a good club etc etc.

I think Otis Khan (playing in London) chose here over others. It happens all the time.

But you surely must admit that location is a consideration for many players? Why else would so many players just move around clubs in the same geographic area during their careers?

I don't think anybody would claim location is necessarily the be-all and end-all when it comes to choosing a club (money can overcome most obstacles), but it is certainly a significant contributing factor. One of my regrets is that I never lived in a city after leaving University - I moved straight to begin work back in Cleethorpes. Now, don't get me wrong, I had a great time during my 20s - out every Friday and Saturday night with mates and I visited friends living in cities across the country probably a dozen or more weekends a year as well. But, what if I wanted to do something on Monday or Tuesday night - seeing a gig or a show or something similar? A small town is practically shut outside of weekends. Footballers work at weekends for most of the year (midweek to a lesser degree). It doesn't matter how nicely-priced the houses are, or how appealing the suburbs and environs may be. If you're a young footballer without a family, this sort of stuff just isn't of interest. Having something to do reasonably locally which doesn't involve just sitting in a bar all night (which is frowned on for footballers these days, for some reason), is very important. There just isn't much to do in an impoverished fishing port/resort at the best of times, especially during the winter months, and this will impact our ability to attract players.

It might mean that we need to offer over the odds for salaries - perhaps we're not able or willing to do so?

For instance, I remember that Lee Angol turned us down some years ago (back when he was at Mansfield, I think?). He was born in Carshalton and his early career reads: Spurs academy, Wycombe, Luton, Borehamwood (loan). He's just signed for Sutton United and here's what their manager said:

''I'm delighted to bring Lee to the club. He's a player I've watched for a long time and been impressed with, and locally based, and he'll add good competition to the forward line for the second half of the season."

Now, I'm not saying we'd be interested in him right now, but one of the reasons he's gone to Sutton is that he is from that neck of the woods. As are lots and lots of other players.

Location simply has to be acknowledged as a factor in making signings - perhaps even a major factor with younger players. It probably helps explain why we seem to get plenty of experienced journeymen on their way downwards rather than young up and coming players heading upwards.

That all said, I'm disappointed with the lack of signings as well! One or two arrivals at the start of the month would give them more time to integrate and potentially help get us on an upward swing again. We were limited in the planning of quick signings in the summer compared to all other teams in our division due to our late finish last season. Not so during the January transfer window.

I think location gets made out to be a bigger issue than it really is, of course it’s a factor and for some players it might be more important to them. But for the vast majority, I really don’t think it’s that big, I often think it’s just used as a bit of an excuse when failing to secure targets.

Quoted from Surrey97

I think location gets made out to be a bigger issue than it really is, of course it’s a factor and for some players it might be more important to them. But for the vast majority, I really don’t think it’s that big, I often think it’s just used as a bit of an excuse when failing to secure targets.

Fs, saw you were the most recent poster and assumed we'd actually have some transfer news! ;D

Quoted from Surrey97

I think location gets made out to be a bigger issue than it really is, of course it’s a factor and for some players it might be more important to them. But for the vast majority, I really don’t think it’s that big, I often think it’s just used as a bit of an excuse when failing to secure targets.

Sorry Surrey but I disagree, location and local amenities play a significant part, depending on individual circumstances.
As the saying goes "work hard, play hard".
In the 90s Cleethorpes was a vibrant seaside town, great nightlife, bit of a party town really but now it offers v.little in terms of entertainment, just ask David Long King why he couldn't wait to get back down South.
Now, on the flip side, if you've got a young family then Cleethorpes and the surrounding areas offer you so much more but this is something those of us who live around know.
I always maintain if you're bringing a player to Grimsby/Cleethorpes for the first time, for contract talks, then fir god sake bring them in via the A46/A16.
I got offered a position in St Fergus Scotland, substantial pay rise, turned it down due it being not very inviting and no golf course for miles!..

Quoted from diehardmariner

And bloody well done to them too.

We aren't though and are constantly struggling to sign players. I'm honestly baffled that anyone can't recognise the barrier to recruitment from the fact we're an hour minimum away from another decent sized population base.

Quite literally, we're fishing in the tiniest pond. When we try to fish in the bigger pond we're doing it from the car park over the road, using Netto ready salted crisps as bait.

Our place out on the East Coast didn't stop the likes of Cunnington, Gilbert, Childs, Woods, Groves, Mendonca, Burnett, Boulding, Jevons and many more outstanding players and some superstars such as Birtles, Futcher, Whymark, Livingston, Allen, Todd coming here.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Our place out on the East Coast didn't stop the likes of Cunnington, Gilbert, Childs, Woods, Groves, Mendonca, Burnett, Boulding, Jevons and many more outstanding players and some superstars such as Birtles, Futcher, Whymark, Livingston, Allen, Todd coming here.

Completely different era, the town and Cleethorpes where different places then, but what I would say, its surprising that once a player settles here they seem to stay local to the area, like once they actually discover what's on the outskirts its a really pleasant placeto live and bring your family up, the problem now is getting them here in the first place.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Sorry Surrey but I disagree, location and local amenities play a significant part, depending on individual circumstances.
As the saying goes "work hard, play hard".
In the 90s Cleethorpes was a vibrant seaside town, great nightlife, bit of a party town really but now it offers v.little in terms of entertainment, just ask David Long King why he couldn't wait to get back down South.
Now, on the flip side, if you've got a young family then Cleethorpes and the surrounding areas offer you so much more but this is something those of us who live around know.
I always maintain if you're bringing a player to Grimsby/Cleethorpes for the first time, for contract talks, then fir god sake bring them in via the A46/A16.
I got offered a position in St Fergus Scotland, substantial pay rise, turned it down due it being not very inviting and no golf course for miles!..

Considering the amount of staff that we and other clubs employ to try to get the players as fit as they can be, do players go out all night partying these days. Plus many players don't even move to the area and only travel here for training and match days.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Sorry Surrey but I disagree, location and local amenities play a significant part, depending on individual circumstances.
As the saying goes "work hard, play hard".
In the 90s Cleethorpes was a vibrant seaside town, great nightlife, bit of a party town really but now it offers v.little in terms of entertainment, just ask David Long King why he couldn't wait to get back down South.
Now, on the flip side, if you've got a young family then Cleethorpes and the surrounding areas offer you so much more but this is something those of us who live around know.
I always maintain if you're bringing a player to Grimsby/Cleethorpes for the first time, for contract talks, then fir god sake bring them in via the A46/A16.
I got offered a position in St Fergus Scotland, substantial pay rise, turned it down due it being not very inviting and no golf course for miles!..

Of course it’s a factor, but I don’t think it’s as important as it gets made out to be. The reality is that most players at our level change clubs every couple of years anyway, changing location is a part of the job.

Most the time players will go to the club who is offering the best financial package, and then other factors like the league position and the ambition of the club are also important. I agree that location is important for some, especially those who are settled somewhere with a family. But for the majority of players, they’ll go to the team who pays the best, or is doing the best on the pitch.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I think people mistake the 'location being a problem' with 'nobody wants to live here'. The problem is just it being that bit further removed from major population spots. Moving house is a homosexual especially for a one or two year job and if you have kids and a family. Harrogate can sign people who can commute pretty easily from Leeds, Bradford, York, Middlesbrough and even further north or south than that as it's ten minutes off the A1.

Not being within an easy hours drive from shitloads of people will be more of a challenge than selling the benefits of living in Grimsby or Cleethorpes. If I got offered a two year FTC on £5k a year more but it was 4 hours away I probably wouldn't take it as I don't want to move house, move my kids schools etc especially when it might just be for two years. But if it was a 45 minute drive away and I didn't have to move because I could commute....

Absolutely true for me and a lived experience. Being in the RAF I was posted from Lincoln AFCO to Wittering, which is literally on the A1 just outside Peterborough. Given we have a family home here and the kids are in school, the commute was too far to do daily and so I ended up being at Wittering in the week and home only for weekends. It was horrendous for the fact I couldn't be with the wife and kids but the job I was doing was possibly the best one I could get. The work was a bit more niche and so a better skillset for the CV and we went to sunnier climates for shorter periods, including two trips out to Dubai.

I pushed to get a posting closer to home and I'm now at Coningsby, which is about an hour drive every day, to a job that isn't quite as good and see's me go away for longer periods in one sitting to sometimes not so great places, but I'm at home every day and I would choose that every day of the week. My job is my job and it comes with rough and smooth parts but ultimately I want to be with my family as much as I can be.

Equate that to the life of a footballer and if we're limited by players motivations to be more accessible to home then we may not be able to attract players simply by our road networks, particularly heading south. Boring as the M180 is, our links West aren't so bad and so attracting predominantly northern based players is - and this is total guesswork and not based off any stats whatsoever - possibly more achievable than southern based players (obviously not suggesting that southern based players won't sign because we know they have, and will continue to in the future).

The only problem with that is if northern based players who have the quality and are more inclined to remain northern, they have a wealth of Clubs to choose from across that M62 corridor and around Manchester which potentially needs to make us compete a little harder or pay that little extra, maybe sometimes above what the manager feels a player is worth and maybe is why we don't seem to land the players we as fans feel we should be aiming for....?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

We can't see it because it's not true. We have signed players from all over the UK and abroad since God was a lad. Players often have more than us to choose from when signing and say I signed for Grimsby because of many factors (knows the manager, some of the players, a team mate told me it's a good club etc etc.

I think Otis Khan (playing in London) chose here over others. It happens all the time.

So you're genuinely saying that location doesn't and isn't going against us?

Of course it's not the only factor, but it's a big one. Along with money it's the most important. For someone with no affiliation to the club or area, there's gonna be a pull of either money or convenience. Buying into it, believing in our approach and ambition all play a part. But considering this is short career and few players at this level are going to look beyond those first two big issues.

Very confident that for every Khan who's willing to overcome the obstacles, there's a dozen more who won't even entertain a four-hour commute from a metropolitan centre.

Yes, we have managed to bring players to the area from day dot. But who was the last player that we managed to sign who was established at the level we're playing at and amongst competion from others?

Our recent successes have come from either players stepping up a level (Hearn, Bogle) or players who've failed to really make their mark yet and maybe have a point to prove (Connell, Amond).

Prior to that you're probably looking at Buckley's second spell, when we did pay pretty decent wages (and transfer fees). It was also 25 years ago, times change.

We're not going to pay big money, that much is established. If we're not convenient for good players and we won't pay over the odds, it's no wonder we end up with injury prone players and/or ones not up to it.

You're not going to build a successful side on waifs and strays.

Can we change the title of this post to “Location,Location” and start a new thread about transfers…..
I’m losing the will to live with all this …..

Quoted from Maringer

But you surely must admit that location is a consideration for many players? Why else would so many players just move around clubs in the same geographic area during their careers?

I don't think anybody would claim location is necessarily the be-all and end-all when it comes to choosing a club (money can overcome most obstacles), but it is certainly a significant contributing factor. One of my regrets is that I never lived in a city after leaving University - I moved straight to begin work back in Cleethorpes. Now, don't get me wrong, I had a great time during my 20s - out every Friday and Saturday night with mates and I visited friends living in cities across the country probably a dozen or more weekends a year as well. But, what if I wanted to do something on Monday or Tuesday night - seeing a gig or a show or something similar? A small town is practically shut outside of weekends. Footballers work at weekends for most of the year (midweek to a lesser degree). It doesn't matter how nicely-priced the houses are, or how appealing the suburbs and environs may be. If you're a young footballer without a family, this sort of stuff just isn't of interest. Having something to do reasonably locally which doesn't involve just sitting in a bar all night (which is frowned on for footballers these days, for some reason), is very important. There just isn't much to do in an impoverished fishing port/resort at the best of times, especially during the winter months, and this will impact our ability to attract players.

It might mean that we need to offer over the odds for salaries - perhaps we're not able or willing to do so?

For instance, I remember that Lee Angol turned us down some years ago (back when he was at Mansfield, I think?). He was born in Carshalton and his early career reads: Spurs academy, Wycombe, Luton, Borehamwood (loan). He's just signed for Sutton United and here's what their manager said:

''I'm delighted to bring Lee to the club. He's a player I've watched for a long time and been impressed with, and locally based, and he'll add good competition to the forward line for the second half of the season."

Now, I'm not saying we'd be interested in him right now, but one of the reasons he's gone to Sutton is that he is from that neck of the woods. As are lots and lots of other players.

Location simply has to be acknowledged as a factor in making signings - perhaps even a major factor with younger players. It probably helps explain why we seem to get plenty of experienced journeymen on their way downwards rather than young up and coming players heading upwards.

That all said, I'm disappointed with the lack of signings as well! One or two arrivals at the start of the month would give them more time to integrate and potentially help get us on an upward swing again. We were limited in the planning of quick signings in the summer compared to all other teams in our division due to our late finish last season. Not so during the January transfer window.

No I don't buy it at all.

Crikey, we even signed some excellent players in the Conference at our lowest ever ebb. Alan Connell I think was a southern lad but moved all over the UK to play his football. He signed from Bournemouth I think and this is just one example of literally hundreds.

Players aren't like you and me; they know they are likely to be moving regularly and take the best offers, along with other considerations appertaining to their lives each time they have a move. They know they are unlikely to be at any club too long.

I totally understand that Grimsby is not at the top of anybodys list of destinations per se, but in football terms players haven't got a choice of Henley upon Thames v Grimsby, they go where a manager wants them and who is prepared to pay their demands.

All factors come into play, of course they do but it has been proved thousands of times that young players, good players, not so good players are all happy to play for Grimsby Town.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

3/4 of the way through January, head of recruitment/scouting employed well before Xmas, and we've signed one loan signing, whom was courted by Hurst since summer.
Disappointed to say the least, really thought the new guy would've had quite a list of contacts/players to call on but nothing appears to have come from him as yet.
Virtually every team in the league has signed 2+ additions, yet here we are again playing the waiting game
Page 116 of a transfer thread with knack all to get excited about!!..

This is exactly the point why everyone is getting frustrated

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

No I don't buy it at all.

Crikey, we even signed some excellent players in the Conference at our lowest ever ebb. Alan Connell I think was a southern lad but moved all over the UK to play his football. He signed from Bournemouth I think and this is just one example of literally hundreds.

Players aren't like you and me; they know they are likely to be moving regularly and take the best offers, along with other considerations appertaining to their lives each time they have a move. They know they are unlikely to be at any club too long.

I totally understand that Grimsby is not at the top of anybodys list of destinations per se, but in football terms players haven't got a choice of Henley upon Thames v Grimsby, they go where a manager wants them and who is prepared to pay their demands.

All factors come into play, of course they do but it has been proved thousands of times that young players, good players, not so good players are all happy to play for Grimsby Town.

For every Alan Connell there's probably at least 2 or 3 other players we've tried to sign that you never heard about who turned us down because they don't want to move to the area. You're so absolutist about this point - it's pretty obvious that 'location' as a factor for signing for a club varies in importance from player to player - some players will care about it and not want to sign for us, others (like Connell) won't be bothered, but it obviously does have an impact on the club's ability to attract *some* new players.

[img]https://i.ibb.co/GWMt911/2023-01-18-15-25-10.png[/img]

Just seen Charles Vernam in Tesco.

I legitimately saw Vernam in Willys on Boxing Day. Looked quite happy considering he'd been subbed off after an hour in an abject 3-0 loss to Burton earlier in the afternoon

Quoted from arryarryarry

Our place out on the East Coast didn't stop the likes of Cunnington, Gilbert, Childs, Woods, Groves, Mendonca, Burnett, Boulding, Jevons and many more outstanding players and some superstars such as Birtles, Futcher, Whymark, Livingston, Allen, Todd coming here.

Cunnington - Signed from Wrexham in 1988, side a league below us when we signed him.
Gilbert - Bit of a coup at the time considering he was part of a very good Northampton side. It was 34 years ago though.
Woods - Decent name, but arrived here with history of injuries. Also with 23 goals to date in his career.
Groves - Very good signing, that we paid decent money for from a side in the league below (funded by the sale of Cunnington).
Mendonca - Paid decent money for and at that point had failed to make his mark at that level. His only success came in the Fourth Division with Rotherham.
Burnett - still baffled why Huddersfield let him go if I'm honest. We paid for him though.
Boulding - we were in the second tier and he left fourth tier Mansfield six months before signing for us. As good as he was, this was as much about developing a player as anything else. He wasn't exactly fighting clubs off.
Jevons - we paid £250,000 in 2001 for him.

Birtles, Futcher. Discarded by clubs in the lower leagues, to their mistake I add!
Whymark - before my time but didn't we break the transfer record for him?
Livvo - big wages!
Allen - Perhaps the last striker we've signed with a pedigree and not nearing the end of his career?
Todd - on loan.

Players will sign for us, of course they will. Good players too.
But in 2023, when we're not paying big money, less good players will want to come here because there's better offers available. What defines 'better' is down to the individual, but based on the fact we're unable to being in experienced and reliable quality, it's fair to say it's not something we're offering.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Our place out on the East Coast didn't stop the likes of Cunnington, Gilbert, Childs, Woods, Groves, Mendonca, Burnett, Boulding, Jevons and many more outstanding players and some superstars such as Birtles, Futcher, Whymark, Livingston, Allen, Todd coming here.

First time I've heard Livingstone called a superstar! We were a 2nd tier club when he joined. Same goes for Jevons, Groves, Allen, Mendonca, Boulding and Todd. It's easier for a 2nd tier club to pick up good quality players than one in the 4th tier.

We paid a pretty hefty fee for Cunnington at the time (sold him for ten times as much a few years later!). We were a 3rd tier club when Woods and Burnett joined. Gilbert and Childs were some of our best players in recent decades. Birtles and Futcher of the sorts who would have retired long ago in the current generation due to the amount of money made earlier in their careers. With those two, you're talking about Ryan Bennett types, albeit ones later on in their career. Players who have spent most of their careers in the top two tiers don't need the money any longer.

How many really good players did we sign during our last few spells in the 4th tier who went on to be successful at a higher level? Not too many, more's the pity.

Quoted from Poojah

Just seen Charles Vernam in Tesco.

Which branch?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Cunnington - Signed from Wrexham in 1988, side a league below us when we signed him.
Gilbert - Bit of a coup at the time considering he was part of a very good Northampton side. It was 34 years ago though.
Woods - Decent name, but arrived here with history of injuries. Also with 23 goals to date in his career.
Groves - Very good signing, that we paid decent money for from a side in the league below (funded by the sale of Cunnington).
Mendonca - Paid decent money for and at that point had failed to make his mark at that level. His only success came in the Fourth Division with Rotherham.
Burnett - still baffled why Huddersfield let him go if I'm honest. We paid for him though.
Boulding - we were in the second tier and he left fourth tier Mansfield six months before signing for us. As good as he was, this was as much about developing a player as anything else. He wasn't exactly fighting clubs off.
Jevons - we paid £250,000 in 2001 for him.

Birtles, Futcher. Discarded by clubs in the lower leagues, to their mistake I add!
Whymark - before my time but didn't we break the transfer record for him?
Livvo - big wages!
Allen - Perhaps the last striker we've signed with a pedigree and not nearing the end of his career?
Todd - on loan.

Players will sign for us, of course they will. Good players too.
But in 2023, when we're not paying big money, less good players will want to come here because there's better offers available. What defines 'better' is down to the individual, but based on the fact we're unable to being in experienced and reliable quality, it's fair to say it's not something we're offering.

You're missing the point, they still all came to this outpost no matter who they were or where they come from or on what basis they signed as have hundreds of other players and as I mentioned in another post how many players these days make the full commitment of moving to the town they will be playing for not just this area.

Unless of course you are saying that this area is the worst in the country.

Quoted from Son of Cod

[img]https://i.ibb.co/GWMt911/2023-01-18-15-25-10.png[/img]

This is best thing in the whole 345,678 posts

Quoted from Poojah

Just seen Charles Vernam in Tesco.

Several branches of Tesco are available. Including Lincoln!

Sorry, I think you're missing the point.

The most recent player you listed was over 20 years ago. We haven't been able to recruit good established players in the last 20 years.

That'll continue because we're a long journey for most players, the better ones will have offers closer to home. We also don't pay big wages to counter the long commute.

I'm not putting any slight on the area, that's not even come close to anything I said. I'm talking about stark realities of why we struggle to recruit good and established players in 2023.

Quoted from ivanosandwich

Which branch?

I feel like I need to clarify. I only saw half of Charles Vernam in Tesco; the other half was in the North Sea.

Quoted from arryarryarry

You're missing the point, they still all came to this outpost no matter who they were or where they come from or on what basis they signed as have hundreds of other players and as I mentioned in another post how many players these days make the full commitment of moving to the town they will be playing for not just this area.

Unless of course you are saying that this area is the worst in the country.

Interesting that the manager has never, in his two spells, felt inclined to move this way.

Quoted from Son of Cod

[img]https://i.ibb.co/GWMt911/2023-01-18-15-25-10.png[/img]

Brilliant SOC! 😂

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Interesting that the manager has never, in his two spells, felt inclined to move this way.

Why would he though, Sheffield is easily commutable and actually probably allows him to be home earlier on away games and when out watching players.

He has a wife and a young family that are settled in Sheffield as it's their home town - why move and up route all that for an hour or so up the road when you don't need too.

We always get told Managers are always on the phone - probably still working making calls on his hands free on the commute !

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Interesting that the manager has never, in his two spells, felt inclined to move this way.

He didn't live locally when he managed Ilkeston, Boston, Shrewsbury, Ipswich or Scunny either. Non-argument.

Quoted from Mariner_09

He didn't live locally when he managed Ilkeston, Boston, Shrewsbury, Ipswich or Scunny either. Non-argument.

I'm not bothered where he lives - the club are trying to connect the club & the community etc. not me. The conversation has been about the viability of moving the training ground out of town - it might suit the current manager and future managers to do so.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I'm not bothered where he lives - the club are trying to connect the club & the community etc. not me. The conversation has been about the viability of moving the training ground out of town - it might suit the current manager and future managers to do so.

Problem is, whilst I’d agree moving it to somewhere like Brigg etc would make it easier to get to. You’re then sort of admitting defeat regards Grimsby becoming a place that can be invested in and reenergised - which we know both Jason and Andrew aren’t just in favour of they are taking active roles in trying to do outside of the club.

A football “hub” for the community and the club could be a real positive step. If a player doesn’t want to drive an extra 30 minutes - stuff ‘em.

Whilst the location obviously is a factor - if you start giving the right players 3 year deals instead of the standard 12 months we used to do under Fenty, you start to become more attractive. Couple that with getting a good reputation and players/agents knowing we look after players (ie scannell) it becomes even more so.

It’s clear, and important to acknowledge and recognise instead of ignore, that the pond we fish in is smaller than some (but maybe bigger than others) Let’s look how we make that bigger instead of moaning about it and accepting it can’t change.

The off field improvements, staffing numbers etc that some criticise all link into that. We can't change our location so that's a negative against us, we need to build up the things in the positive column.

Quoted from Chrisblor

For every Alan Connell there's probably at least 2 or 3 other players we've tried to sign that you never heard about who turned us down because they don't want to move to the area. You're so absolutist about this point - it's pretty obvious that 'location' as a factor for signing for a club varies in importance from player to player - some players will care about it and not want to sign for us, others (like Connell) won't be bothered, but it obviously does have an impact on the club's ability to attract *some* new players.

Location is a factor at every club, up to a point, for one reason or another. You could be equally unwilling to sign for Exeter or Carlisle, assuming they want you that is.

It doesn't matter how many posters give examples of players moving here from all over the place, the answer is "ah but" that doesn't count because...

Thousands have signed; they always will sign just like every club at whatever location signs players. The most pertinent point is that you have got to make it worth their while, whilst acknowledging some players would never come for a Kings ransom, just like some would never go to Exeter or wherever.

We seem to have covered most of the above posts in threads last summer.

Potential signings won't come because we pay the going rate
Training ground too far away
The area is a sh!t hole
They don't want to locate

The problem for Hurst is that he has to overcome them. However, he has to work within the constraints of 1878 who have given him a budget, which I presume is fixed. Also 1878 are on record as saying that a new training ground will be within the Town.

So the constraints for Hurst are tight, that said he can point to the fact the old regime has gone, new investment has taken place, the team are on the up ( having been promoted last year ), the current cup run and not forgetting one large thing

TOWN HAVE THE ONE OF THE BEST HOME AND THE BEST AWAY SUPPORT IN THE LEAGUE.

Although would like to see Podge Amond in there and possibly Danny Andrews and Luke 'he could still do a job for us' Hendrie

Let's also not forget the fact that we've been absolutely crap for nigh on 20 years, too. That doesn't help ;D .

Quoted from sam gy

Let's also not forget the fact that we've been absolutely crap for nigh on 20 years, too. That doesn't help ;D .

I think you're overlooking the pull a 1939 FA Cup semi final has on a 22 year old professional footballer from Catford.

There's a reason that Town have so many exiled fans. Young men go off to Uni and don't come back as other areas have far more to offer them than GY/Clee. It's the same for young footballers.

However, we have signed some good players in recent years, even though the club was under performing, as it has been for about 2 decades now.

There is also clearly a reluctance on the part of the new owners to chuck money at the problem and although I think we will improve in time, it is going to be a slower process than a club like Stockport, who are prepared to pay way more than we are. They also have the advantage of big cities in the area and a big pool of local talent.

Some have mentioned Carlisle as being similarly isolated, and although that is true, it's still a city and they have had a lot longer at this level to improve than we have. There are few clubs that have been established longer in League 2 than our half a season, and yet are below us in the league.

It's clear we have to upgrade our playing squad and we definitely got caught with our pants down by getting promoted against all the odds, as good as it was to achieve. Still got almost 2 weeks to pull a few rabbits out of the hat yet, but I wish they'd get on with it.

crickey have i just seen someone say we could attract players over 20 years as a second tier team and when the area was much better than now?😂 and i’m the deluded one…

Quoted from ginnywings

There's a reason that Town have so many exiled fans. Young men go off to Uni and don't come back as other areas have far more to offer them than GY/Clee. It's the same for young footballers.

However, we have signed some good players in recent years, even though the club was under performing, as it has been for about 2 decades now.

There is also clearly a reluctance on the part of the new owners to chuck money at the problem and although I think we will improve in time, it is going to be a slower process than a club like Stockport, who are prepared to pay way more than we are. They also have the advantage of big cities in the area and a big pool of local talent.

Some have mentioned Carlisle as being similarly isolated, and although that is true, it's still a city and they have had a lot longer at this level to improve than we have. There are few clubs that have been established longer in League 2 than our half a season, and yet are below us in the league.

It's clear we have to upgrade our playing squad and we definitely got caught with our pants down by getting promoted against all the odds, as good as it was to achieve. Still got almost 2 weeks to pull a few rabbits out of the hat yet, but I wish they'd get on with it.

In some cases it's even "worse" that. I've not from Grimsby/NE Lincs, have never lived there and never have any intention of doing so.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Sorry, I think you're missing the point.

The most recent player you listed was over 20 years ago. We haven't been able to recruit good established players in the last 20 years.

That'll continue because we're a long journey for most players, the better ones will have offers closer to home. We also don't pay big wages to counter the long commute.

I'm not putting any slight on the area, that's not even come close to anything I said. I'm talking about stark realities of why we struggle to recruit good and established players in 2023.

You forget another reason, perhaps many haven't wanted to sign for the long list of crap managers we have had and you still miss the point of players who do sign don't always move to the area and as someone else pointed out even our manager doesn't want to move to here and some on here think he walks on water.

At the end of the day the most telling reason would be the lack of wages offered.

Quoted from ginnywings

There's a reason that Town have so many exiled fans. Young men go off to Uni and don't come back as other areas have far more to offer them than GY/Clee. It's the same for young footballers.

However, we have signed some good players in recent years, even though the club was under performing, as it has been for about 2 decades now.

There is also clearly a reluctance on the part of the new owners to chuck money at the problem and although I think we will improve in time, it is going to be a slower process than a club like Stockport, who are prepared to pay way more than we are. They also have the advantage of big cities in the area and a big pool of local talent.

Some have mentioned Carlisle as being similarly isolated, and although that is true, it's still a city and they have had a lot longer at this level to improve than we have. There are few clubs that have been established longer in League 2 than our half a season, and yet are below us in the league.

It's clear we have to upgrade our playing squad and we definitely got caught with our pants down by getting promoted against all the odds, as good as it was to achieve. Still got almost 2 weeks to pull a few rabbits out of the hat yet, but I wish they'd get on with it.

I'm not sure there's an answer either. There's several reasons we're an unattractive option - possibly including our stated aim of being run sustainably, not always going to swing an agent who wants to earn the biggest commission.

The point isn't about players moving here. That ain't gonna happen anymore.

It's about the fact that most players will, if they sign for us, be faced with an extra 2 hours travelling a day than for any club we'll be competing with for their signature.

Money may offset that, to a degree. Some clubs at this level will and are outspending us, the most less so but are better located and can tempt players as it's close to their home. That's a decent carrot to offer.

But we're not offering big money (nor am I advocating we chuck stupid money about) so we can't compete on finances or location/convenience. Our carrot isn't great.

Culture, manager, ethos... All that is fantastic, but it won't be enough to sway someone into an extra 10 hours a week in the front seat of their car. I'd do it for a lot more money.

Quoted from diehardmariner

The point isn't about players moving here. That ain't gonna happen anymore.

It's about the fact that most players will, if they sign for us, be faced with an extra 2 hours travelling a day than for any club we'll be competing with for their signature.

Money may offset that, to a degree. Some clubs at this level will and are outspending us, the most less so but are better located and can tempt players as it's close to their home. That's a decent carrot to offer.

But we're not offering big money (nor am I advocating we chuck stupid money about) so we can't compete on finances or location/convenience. Our carrot isn't great.

Culture, manager, ethos... All that is fantastic, but it won't be enough to sway someone into an extra 10 hours a week in the front seat of their car. I'd do it for a lot more money.

All of that and a very uninviting home stadium to boot. I'm not sure how 'continuous improvement' happens given the parameters we seem to be setting.

[tweet]1615753861439815691[/tweet]

Hull bringing an experienced 'keeper in.

Rosenoir answers a question about Harvey Cartwright but we don't get to hear the question. Could this one be moving soon?

Sure we mentioned him earlier in the thread but Andy Cook to Wrexham is the latest one on the jungle drums.

6 months left on his contract, Bradford fans don’t think he’s a “Hughes type player” plus they’ve brought a few strikers in (plus letting a few go the other way).

32 now but definitely worth chucking an 18-month deal his way, would be right up Hurst’s straße. Then again, if a deal is on the table from Wrexham, who’s gonna turn down a massive wedge, guaranteed promotion and probably another 20 goals before the end of the season?

Quoted from ska face

Sure we mentioned him earlier in the thread but Andy Cook to Wrexham is the latest one on the jungle drums.

6 months left on his contract, Bradford fans don’t think he’s a “Hughes type player” plus they’ve brought a few strikers in (plus letting a few go the other way).

32 now but definitely worth chucking an 18-month deal his way, would be right up Hurst’s straße. Then again, if a deal is on the table from Wrexham, who’s gonna turn down a massive wedge, guaranteed promotion and probably another 20 goals before the end of the season?

Not to mention a chance to twit about on Disney. Andy Cook has always had a feel of 'future media darling' about him and this could be his big break. The new Lineker?

Quoted from Mariner_09

In some cases it's even "worse" that. I've not from Grimsby/NE Lincs, have never lived there and never have any intention of doing so.

Interesting. Where are you from? What made you support Town? Family?

Quoted from ska face

Sure we mentioned him earlier in the thread but Andy Cook to Wrexham is the latest one on the jungle drums.

6 months left on his contract, Bradford fans don’t think he’s a “Hughes type player” plus they’ve brought a few strikers in (plus letting a few go the other way).

32 now but definitely worth chucking an 18-month deal his way, would be right up Hurst’s straße. Then again, if a deal is on the table from Wrexham, who’s gonna turn down a massive wedge, guaranteed promotion and probably another 20 goals before the end of the season?

Not sure he’d be top dog there though, Palmer has been out the side of recent and Mullin and Dalby seem to be the preferred option.

Rebuild the Winter Gardens , give players Thursday off and restart "melody night" ......players will be beating a path to Hursts door.

70k is the fee that is being talked about in terms of what it would take for Bradford to let him go, obviously could be wildly inaccurate as it's just forum chatter but if that's not in our budget then we may as well pack up and go home. Yeah, there's no resale value but it's as good as guaranteed goals at this level as you're gonna get. Wages probably a stumbling block I'd imagine. I wonder what his relationship with PH is like too. Wasn't fancied massively when we had him but he's had a cracking lower level career since.

He wasn't arsed during his last spell with us (young lad, far away from home etc etc). Has done surprisingly well since then after rebuilding his career back on the west coast but is he the sort of player we want or need? Not so sure he'd be an option. Who knows, though?

I'm assuming he now looks after himself and trains properly. Can't imagine he'd go to Wrexham, though they are a lot closer to home for him than Cleethorpes!

Quoted from diehardmariner

The point isn't about players moving here. That ain't gonna happen anymore.

It's about the fact that most players will, if they sign for us, be faced with an extra 2 hours travelling a day than for any club we'll be competing with for their signature.

Money may offset that, to a degree. Some clubs at this level will and are outspending us, the most less so but are better located and can tempt players as it's close to their home. That's a decent carrot to offer.

But we're not offering big money (nor am I advocating we chuck stupid money about) so we can't compete on finances or location/convenience. Our carrot isn't great.

Culture, manager, ethos... All that is fantastic, but it won't be enough to sway someone into an extra 10 hours a week in the front seat of their car. I'd do it for a lot more money.

Most players will have to travel a further 2 hours? How does that work? Surely it depends on where they are setting off from.

Let's imagine we are after a Walsall striker, bang in the middle of the country. Luckily for him, two more clubs are in for him, let's say, Gillingham and Carlisle, so that is three league 2 clubs nicely spread out through the country.*

The time to Grimsby is obviously the shortest.

He might choose one of the other 2 for all sorts of reasons, but travelling time won't be one of them.

*Solihull come in with a late bid so problem solved.

Quoted from Mariner_501

Interesting. Where are you from? What made you support Town? Family?

North Thoresby?

Quoted from diehardmariner

[tweet]1615753861439815691[/tweet]

Hull bringing an experienced 'keeper in.

Rosenoir answers a question about Harvey Cartwright but we don't get to hear the question. Could this one be moving soon?

Says that he is goi g on loan as he needs first team minutes, would we be dropping max for him? Would seem highly surprising given that Hurst wouldn't drop mckeown for Dean Henderson when he was here.

Quoted from Son of Cod

70k is the fee that is being talked about in terms of what it would take for Bradford to let him go, obviously could be wildly inaccurate as it's just forum chatter but if that's not in our budget then we may as well pack up and go home. Yeah, there's no resale value but it's as good as guaranteed goals at this level as you're gonna get. Wages probably a stumbling block I'd imagine. I wonder what his relationship with PH is like too. Wasn't fancied massively when we had him but he's had a cracking lower level career since.

We paid around that for a midfielder we don't want to play didn't we?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Sorry, I think you're missing the point.

The most recent player you listed was over 20 years ago. We haven't been able to recruit good established players in the last 20 years.

That'll continue because we're a long journey for most players, the better ones will have offers closer to home. We also don't pay big wages to counter the long commute.

I'm not putting any slight on the area, that's not even come close to anything I said. I'm talking about stark realities of why we struggle to recruit good and established players in 2023.

Disley?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Most players will have to travel a further 2 hours? How does that work? Surely it depends on where they are setting off from.

Let's imagine we are after a Walsall striker, bang in the middle of the country. Luckily for him, two more clubs are in for him, let's say, Gillingham and Carlisle, so that is three league 2 clubs nicely spread out through the country.*

The time to Grimsby is obviously the shortest.

He might choose one of the other 2 for all sorts of reasons, but travelling time won't be one of them.

*Solihull come in with a late bid so problem solved.

Hence 'most'.

Your Solihull ending scenario sums it up. For a player from any major built up area they are going to be geographically closer to several, if not dozens, of clubs at our level than to us.

For your player who lives in Walsall, most clubs at this level are within a quicker travel time than us. The cards are stacked against us.

I don't consider Walsall a commutable distance, to be honest, it didn't work for Martin Butler for a start!

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Disley?

Great shout.

Although I think we were only in with a shout of getting him because he'd had injuries the year before. Otherwise I don't think we would have got even close to him. He's one who we perhaps gambled on a little but worked, whereas others haven't.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/shrewsbury/9503108.stm

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Disley?

Dizza was an accountant trapped in a footballer’s body.

He probably had several pivot tables comparing living costs and house prices in every postcode in the East Midlands.

Dizza was also from Worksop and wasn’t his wife (Stacey) from Notts/Lincs?

I suppose we can’t always rely on the average footballer being anywhere near as intelligent, level headed and astute as Craig.

Stacey

x

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Not to mention a chance to twit about on Disney. Andy Cook has always had a feel of 'future media darling' about him and this could be his big break. The new Lineker?

I remember meeting an old guy in my local pub who used to teach Andy Cook - this was when he played for us. He said he was, decisively and by some distance, the stupidest student he’d ever had.

We can always support Grimsby Boro or cleethorpes

They always have a team….

Quoted from diehardmariner

Hence 'most'.

Your Solihull ending scenario sums it up. For a player from any major built up area they are going to be geographically closer to several, if not dozens, of clubs at our level than to us.

For your player who lives in Walsall, most clubs at this level are within a quicker travel time than us. The cards are stacked against us.

I don't consider Walsall a commutable distance, to be honest, it didn't work for Martin Butler for a start!

But I think you seem to be disregarding the small matter of very few league 2 teams would want the said player. He is not in a position to pick and choose his suitors, assuming he wants to stay in league 2 and not drop out of the league if being close to home is his number one priority which I very much doubt.

Of course Walsall is not commutable, very few places are if players are moving around the country. I assume many players rent or have digs or whatever arrangements can be entered into.

Walsall is indeed closer to most clubs being right in the middle of the country, but any clubs in the north or south, east or west aren't including us of course. Makes you wonder why Brendan Kiernan came here if he had loads of clubs to choose from, and he has spent most of his career down south.

God, even I hope we sign somebody soon.

.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Disley?

Didn't he move to Market Rasen when he joined us and still lives there?
He was approaching the twilight years of his career, dropped to non- league and was prepared to settle not too far away. There will always be players prepared to move from away to play for town but geographically we are at a disadvantage and this point was raised by AB when he managed us.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Dizza was an accountant trapped in a footballer’s body.

He probably had several pivot tables comparing living costs and house prices in every postcode in the East Midlands.

Dizza was also from Worksop and wasn’t his wife (Stacey) from Notts/Lincs?

I suppose we can’t always rely on the average footballer being anywhere near as intelligent, level headed and astute as Craig.

Stacey

x

Tuxford I believe, so barely 5 miles over the Lincs border and 30ish miles from Rasen. I remember he was on Twitter after he signed asking for decent places to live and him being enamoured at the prospect of being fairly equidistant work and family

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

But I think you seem to be disregarding the small matter of very few league 2 teams would want the said player. He is not in a position to pick and choose his suitors, assuming he wants to stay in league 2 and not drop out of the league if being close to home is his number one priority which I very much doubt.

Of course Walsall is not commutable, very few places are if players are moving around the country. I assume many players rent or have digs or whatever arrangements can be entered into.

Walsall is indeed closer to most clubs being right in the middle of the country, but any clubs in the north or south, east or west aren't including us of course. Makes you wonder why Brendan Kiernan came here if he had loads of clubs to choose from, and he has spent most of his career down south.

God, even I hope we sign somebody soon.

.

On Kiernan, that's it! With the greatest of respects to Kiernan, no-one else will haven't wanted him. If anyone else between here and Walsall came in for him and matched, or came close, to matching out terms then we're likely getting snubbed!

On your final point, me too... Bloody hell me too!

UTM!

I’d take Cook though. Yes please.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

But I think you seem to be disregarding the small matter of very few league 2 teams would want the said player. He is not in a position to pick and choose his suitors, assuming he wants to stay in league 2 and not drop out of the league if being close to home is his number one priority which I very much doubt.

Of course Walsall is not commutable, very few places are if players are moving around the country. I assume many players rent or have digs or whatever arrangements can be entered into.

Walsall is indeed closer to most clubs being right in the middle of the country, but any clubs in the north or south, east or west aren't including us of course. Makes you wonder why Brendan Kiernan came here if he had loads of clubs to choose from, and he has spent most of his career down south.

God, even I hope we sign somebody soon.

.

Problem is we’re trying to sign quality players so we’re probably always in competition with a number of interested clubs, especially when it comes to strikers.

The type of players we want are attractive to clubs from the bottom end of league one and SPL to the top end of the national league.

It’s also much harder for clubs to bring in foreign players now so that must be having a bit of an impact too.

Quoted from ginnywings

....tumbleweed....

Just signed for Dodge City on a rolling contract.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Just signed for Dodge City on a rolling contract.

Another target missed. Long commute mind.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Just signed for Dodge City on a rolling contract.

Covers a lot of ground but knocked off the ball easily.

Questionable positioning.

Quoted from chaos33

I remember meeting an old guy in my local pub who used to teach Andy Cook - this was when he played for us. He said he was, decisively and by some distance, the stupidest student he’d ever had.

With the number of court cases nowadays for defamation of character I presume you have spelt " studious " wrong.

Right, this has to be day surely doesn't it?

Every other fornicator is doing business. C'mon Hursty, put us out of our misery. We're not asking for a lot. Just a striker with no injuries, in or around (not past) his prime, proven at this level and perhaps done an OK job at the level above before, good hold-up play, intelligent, brave and quick.

Have I missed anything?

Quoted from Marinerdan

Problem is we’re trying to sign quality players so we’re probably always in competition with a number of interested clubs, especially when it comes to strikers.

The type of players we want are attractive to clubs from the bottom end of league one and SPL to the top end of the national league.

It’s also much harder for clubs to bring in foreign players now so that must be having a bit of an impact too.

Have you copied and pasted this from last windows excuse book or the window before?

Quoted from ginnywings

Another target missed. Long commute mind.

We sent the new Loan Arranger to negiotate offered him Silver but didn’t fancy coming to a no horse town

Quoted from pontoonlew

Have you copied and pasted this from last windows excuse book or the window before?

Only Crawley have made fewer signings than us, and we all know the state they’re in. Newport also have only made one signing.

Everyone else seems to be going alone fine, so it must be that they’re signing poor quality players unlike ourselves.

Still, another Thursday rolls around, another vague update and “not much to report” to this afternoon, the cosmic dance continues.

Right, it’s bloody Thursday. Need some news today or this thread will get even dafter.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

or this thread will get even dafter.

Is that possible?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Right, this has to be day surely doesn't it?

Every other fornicator is doing business. C'mon Hursty, put us out of our misery. We're not asking for a lot. Just a striker with no injuries, in or around (not past) his prime, proven at this level and perhaps done an OK job at the level above before, good hold-up play, intelligent, brave and quick.

Have I missed anything?

Might have to wait until the 22nd 🤷

Quoted from ska face

Only Crawley have made fewer signings than us, and we all know the state they’re in. Newport also have only made one signing.

Everyone else seems to be going alone fine, so it must be that they’re signing poor quality players unlike ourselves.

Still, another Thursday rolls around, another vague update and “not much to report” to this afternoon, the cosmic dance continues.

I don't think Donny have signed (m)any either, have they? I know their fans were pulling their hair out as well last week.

I heard a certain betting firm offered to sponsor the deal if we renamed the Ponny as 'The O.K. Coral'.

Quoted from Marinerdan

Problem is we’re trying to sign quality players so we’re probably always in competition with a number of interested clubs, especially when it comes to strikers.

The type of players we want are attractive to clubs from the bottom end of league one and SPL to the top end of the national league.

It’s also much harder for clubs to bring in foreign players now so that must be having a bit of an impact too.

That has always been the case hasn't it? Football is a very competitive business if you are trying to improve. On the other hand we have a very experienced and respected manager who will know an awful lot of players either personally or through his contacts.

When we were in non league we were told players wouldn't drop to that level, but now we are a Football League club with great support and a much better future ahead so let's get a decent signing or two!

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That has always been the case hasn't it? Football is a very competitive business if you are trying to improve. On the other hand we have a very experienced and respected manager who will know an awful lot of players either personally or through his contacts.

When we were in non league we were told players wouldn't drop to that level, but now we are a Football League club with great support and a much better future ahead so let's get a decent signing or two!

Could be a paradox here that some of the players who wouldn't drop to non-league are perceived by Hursty as not good enough for the league. In essence, we'll never sign those players. Think he said as much at the end of last season.

Quoted from Son of Cod

I don't think Donny have signed (m)any either, have they? I know their fans were pulling their hair out as well last week.

3 in at Donny, 1 from Blackburn and a couple of u21 loans.

Must be said, looking at the business done at the minute you can really see the impact that the Premier League hoarding of young players is having. The whole market’s absolutely fúcked.

Not much permanent movement, anyone over 22 appears to cost a premium, teams relying on 19-y/o’s who’ve only ever played boys academy football. No idea what it was like in the olden days, but surely this can’t go on?

Bit concerning that there haven't really been any rumours either.

In fairness, the long-term rumours don’t often happen under Hurst bar a few notable exceptions. Most don’t really get picked up until a few hours before they’re officially announced.

Quoted from ska face

In fairness, the long-term rumours don’t often happen under Hurst bar a few notable exceptions. Most don’t really get picked up until a few hours before they’re officially announced.

Think the turnover of the staff in the office has led to some losing their sources as well. Easier to keep things tighter.

There's also been a change of "Admin" at the club, which i'm going to baselessly suggest may have affected the source of a lot of past rumours.

Quoted from Chrisblor

There's also been a change of "Admin" at the club, which i'm going to baselessly suggest may have affected the source of a lot of past rumours.

Like 9ft Scandinavian goalkeepers?

Quoted from Mariner_09

Think the turnover of the staff in the office has led to some losing their sources as well. Easier to keep things tighter.

Was interesting those who went quiet almost over night when the sale happened...

Quoted from Mikey_345

Was interesting those who went quiet almost over night when the sale happened...

“The View From the Lower” on Twitter, used to be the best source on transfers, few of the old guard leave, absolutely dried up.

I don't think Mikey O'Neill had even had a mention anywhere until Pete O'Rourke posted on Twitter and I reckon it was probably all signed at that point.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

I don't think Mikey O'Neill had even had a mention anywhere until Pete O'Rourke posted on Twitter and I reckon it was probably all signed at that point.

I bet he was signed by the time Hursty did his pre match presser on Thursday.

Can’t wait till we’re 150 pages in when we’re massively underwhelmed by whoever comes in 🤣

Quoted from pontoonlew

Have you copied and pasted this from last windows excuse book or the window before?

Signing players is easy, look how many Holloway signed. Problem is most of them barely played and ended up being paid off because no one else wanted them.

Bulk of the transfers in this league have been bang average or worse. Gillingham have done some decent business but they’re bottom of the league and have just been taken over.

On paper Mikey O’Neil is one of the best signings in the league so far given he’s been in and around a decent Championship squad, I think that’s been forgotten given the result at the weekend and the way the transfer was announced. If that’s the sort of player we’re aiming for it’s understandable that it’s been slow going.

If we sign someone of Hopper's calibre then it will have been worth the wait. If we end up with a stopgap young loanee as 'Janaury isn't the best time' then there is going to be real pressure to get the right person this Summer.

Quoted from ska face

3 in at Donny, 1 from Blackburn and a couple of u21 loans.

Must be said, looking at the business done at the minute you can really see the impact that the Premier League hoarding of young players is having. The whole market’s absolutely fúcked.

Not much permanent movement, anyone over 22 appears to cost a premium, teams relying on 19-y/o’s who’ve only ever played boys academy football. No idea what it was like in the olden days, but surely this can’t go on?

I agree with you it's as if the prem, and championship to an extent, have any youth who looks a bit promising leaving the rest of the EFL with small pickings.

In the olden day clubs lived on gate money, a bit of advertising and hardly any sponsorship; losses made good by directors guarantees. Now Lincoln post a £2 million loss as if it's nothing. There's a lot of good about the modern game, but there is also a bad side where the Man U's are being sold for about £5 billion!!!

Football is no longer about football, but money and sadly that's it.

Quoted from ska face

3 in at Donny, 1 from Blackburn and a couple of u21 loans.

Must be said, looking at the business done at the minute you can really see the impact that the Premier League hoarding of young players is having. The whole market’s absolutely fúcked.

Not much permanent movement, anyone over 22 appears to cost a premium, teams relying on 19-y/o’s who’ve only ever played boys academy football. No idea what it was like in the olden days, but surely this can’t go on?

Ah they've had a bit of movement then. I'd be interested to see how things went if we scrapped the windows altogether. It would surely relinquish some of the chain element that seems to scupper so many deals nowadays.

Joe Gelhardt is about to re-join Wigan on loan from Leeds.

If the chain of events to release Scully to release Vernam is going to happen, this is the thing to start it...

Quoted from diehardmariner

Joe Gelhardt is about to re-join Wigan on loan from Leeds.

If the chain of events to release Scully to release Vernam is going to happen, this is the thing to start it...

This sort of thing lays bare how hard it is for us to land targets. Never known us look in depth at the transfer dealings of others so far up the pyramid.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Joe Gelhardt is about to re-join Wigan on loan from Leeds.

If the chain of events to release Scully to release Vernam is going to happen, this is the thing to start it...

Our transfer policy -

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/0NVXJqfk/0-F3-A9211-AC76-4-C6-E-9723-71-F716046-DEF.jpg[/img]

Quoted from Mariner_09

This sort of thing lays bare how hard it is for us to land targets. Never known us look in depth at the transfer dealings of others so far up the pyramid.

The key to any good negotiation is knowing when to walk away. If we’re having to wait out for transfers that may or may not happen, go & find somebody who is available instead. Just like the majority of sides in our division appear to be doing.

Otherwise we end up like we did in the summer, missing out all together & signing people we didn’t really want.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The key to any good negotiation is knowing when to walk away. If we’re having to wait out for transfers that may or may not happen, go & find somebody who is available instead. Just like the majority of sides in our division appear to be doing.

Otherwise we end up like we did in the summer, missing out all together & signing people we didn’t really want.

With forward options possibly. But let not forget, as many seem to, we did rather well all over the rest of the pitch and I’d imaging probably got the majority of the ones we wanted…

Adam Clayton from Donny to Bradford
Another one for the ever increasing squad at Bradford
He used to be a very decent player in upper echelons

Quoted from pontoonlew

The key to any good negotiation is knowing when to walk away. If we’re having to wait out for transfers that may or may not happen, go & find somebody who is available instead. Just like the majority of sides in our division appear to be doing.

Otherwise we end up like we did in the summer, missing out all together & signing people we didn’t really want.

A couple of our early signings didn't work out either.

I regard this thread as a country river, slowly meandering through the meadows, with the occasional 'Rapids' of a rumour or a loanee coming in.

Quoted from Mikey_345

With forward options possibly. But let not forget, as many seem to, we did rather well all over the rest of the pitch and I’d imaging probably got the majority of the ones we wanted…

Kind of. Maher & Khan have worked out well, Kiernan, Green & Glennon have been hit and miss but I imagine the latter two will work out well. This window is all about those attacking players and we’re quite clearly struggling.

Looking back on the last day of the window for us, it was pretty much a clean sweep of underwhelming signings so I’m at an absolute loss as to why we’re giving that another go this window.

Very very painful as the days go by in this window.

Quoted from Mariner_09

This sort of thing lays bare how hard it is for us to land targets. Never known us look in depth at the transfer dealings of others so far up the pyramid.

That is only true if you are passive and allow everyone else to dictate things.

It is a very risky strategy if one part of the chain breaks and you are back to square one.

Earlier in the season it seemed we had a really good squad; we seemingly could have put 2 different sides out and would have given teams a good game. We had the depth but just needed a bit extra quality up top.

We are not in great form now, but I still think a proper target man up front would make all the difference and it will be disappointing if we are waiting for other clubs to decide on what our transfer policy is.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Kind of. Maher & Khan have worked out well, Kiernan, Green & Glennon have been hit and miss but I imagine the latter two will work out well. This window is all about those attacking players and we’re quite clearly struggling.

Looking back on the last day of the window for us, it was pretty much a clean sweep of underwhelming signings so I’m at an absolute loss as to why we’re giving that another go this window.

Khan is the only unqualified success so far. For the first two months of the season, I'd have said Morris was the best signing. I'm sure Hunt will be a very good signing eventually, he just needs better midfielders around him. Guarantee if you had Ben Fox and Khan from Swindon in there with him, he'd run the show every week.

I agree with Glennon, we know he's a better player than he's shown so far. Maybe if we signed Vernam and we had him in front of him and they could link up again, his performances would go up a level.

I'm not that big a fan of Green. He has his uses, he wins a lot of headers and gives absolutely everything but I'm not sure he's a League standard midfielder. He's not good enough on the ball or got the mobility for us to really be serious about challenging in this league.

I'd honestly hope we could do better than BK, think Hursty does too given his answers in interviews recently. Maher's looked solid and composed whenever he's played. I like him

Not worked out for Wearne or Danilo yet and I doubt it ever will.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That is only true if you are passive and allow everyone else to dictate things.

It is a very risky strategy if one part of the chain breaks and you are back to square one.

Earlier in the season it seemed we had a really good squad; we seemingly could have put 2 different sides out and would have given teams a good game. We had the depth but just needed a bit extra quality up top.

We are not in great form now, but I still think a proper target man up front would make all the difference and it will be disappointing if we are waiting for other clubs to decide on what our transfer policy is.

We do have a decent squad, there is still depth but we have suffered a long term injury to Taylor, who is the only player in the squad who there is no backup, nothing remotely like it in fact.

Quoted from pontoonlew

The key to any good negotiation is knowing when to walk away. If we’re having to wait out for transfers that may or may not happen, go & find somebody who is available instead. Just like the majority of sides in our division appear to be doing.

Otherwise we end up like we did in the summer, missing out all together & signing people we didn’t really want.

I agree, completely.

The whole approach leaves me feeling nervous that we've waited until the 19th day of a 31 window for something happening somewhere just for a knock-on to filter down to us.

Too much can happen between Wigan signing a player and Vernam rocking up here.

The actual deal is the reality of football transfers. Very few clubs will let someone go unless they have a replacement on board. At our level we're reliant on the initial spark happening 3 or 4 transfers before us... But you would hope we've not just sat there waiting for it to happen, wouldn't you?

Quoted from Mariner_09

We do have a decent squad, there is still depth but we have suffered a long term injury to Taylor, who is the only player in the squad who there is no backup, nothing remotely like it in fact.

We don’t have decent attacking options at all. If we did, some of them would be trusted to start.

I thought the plan was to pay someone to identify targets and go and get them rather than wait for everyone and his dog to pick what they want and us pick up the leftovers.

Seen my Lincoln City informant this morning who confirmed that the Vernam rumours are as strong in
Lincoln as they are on the Fishy so this certainly seems to have legs. We then discussed Hopper and I said how much we needed him to be a target man capable of putting himself about and holding the ball up. He agreed those are his strengths but added that he’s the only player of his type in the Lincoln squad so would be very surprised if he was allowed to move in January.

Looking at our Summer window, I dont think many can say we havent improved.
Glennon, and Khan were seen as decent signings, taking 2 of Halifax's best players including the club captain were good additions and we all know about Alex Hunt and what he can bring the team, if played. On top of this the re-signing of the nucleus of last years squad was important. Gutted we lost Fox, but Morris came from the same Burton team in league one, so overall we have a decent team.

The area which we've never addressed and is still the achilles heal is the attacking areas. Orsi, Simmonds, Pepple have not been the answer. Apart from the Plymouth game, I can't see that Kiernan is the answer centrally and Taylors age is finally catching up with him with injuries, but shows how lucky we was last year to get as many games out of him.

Hurst also stated, whilst refuting the Haughton rumours that the midfield was not an area of concern, but I still think we need a central creative player unless this is the role for O'Neill?

In my mind we have less than 2 weeks to find 3 players. A Striker, A winger and a creative midfielder which is easier said than done

Quoted from Stew0_0

Looking at our Summer window, I dont think many can say we havent improved.
Glennon, and Khan were seen as decent signings, taking 2 of Halifax's best players including the club captain were good additions and we all know about Alex Hunt and what he can bring the team, if played. On top of this the re-signing of the nucleus of last years squad was important. Gutted we lost Fox, but Morris came from the same Burton team in league one, so overall we have a decent team.

The area which we've never addressed and is still the achilles heal is the attacking areas. Orsi, Simmonds, Pepple have not been the answer. Apart from the Plymouth game, I can't see that Kiernan is the answer centrally and Taylors age is finally catching up with him with injuries, but shows how lucky we was last year to get as many games out of him.

Hurst also stated, whilst refuting the Haughton rumours that the midfield was not an area of concern, but I still think we need a central creative player unless this is the role for O'Neill?

In my mind we have less than 2 weeks to find 3 players. A Striker, A winger and a creative midfielder which is easier said than done

I think we need another RB as well, possibly even a CB.

Quoted from Stew0_0

Looking at our Summer window, I dont think many can say we havent improved.
Glennon, and Khan were seen as decent signings, taking 2 of Halifax's best players including the club captain were good additions and we all know about Alex Hunt and what he can bring the team, if played. On top of this the re-signing of the nucleus of last years squad was important. Gutted we lost Fox, but Morris came from the same Burton team in league one, so overall we have a decent team.

The area which we've never addressed and is still the achilles heal is the attacking areas. Orsi, Simmonds, Pepple have not been the answer. Apart from the Plymouth game, I can't see that Kiernan is the answer centrally and Taylors age is finally catching up with him with injuries, but shows how lucky we was last year to get as many games out of him.

Hurst also stated, whilst refuting the Haughton rumours that the midfield was not an area of concern, but I still think we need a central creative player unless this is the role for O'Neill?

In my mind we have less than 2 weeks to find 3 players. A Striker, A winger and a creative midfielder which is easier said than done

We’ve got two creative midfielders warming the bench. One doesn’t get picked because he isn’t big enough (Hursts words) - I can only assume that he’s shrunk since last season.

Least we have a pre-match Radio Humberside interview this afternoon to look forward to where presumably Hurst will tell us he has no interest in any of the players they put to him and have no signings planned before Saturday.

Is this Hunt you’re referring to? When did Hurst say he wasn’t picking him because he wasn’t big enough?

Quoted from Stew0_0

Looking at our Summer window, I dont think many can say we havent improved.
Glennon, and Khan were seen as decent signings, taking 2 of Halifax's best players including the club captain were good additions and we all know about Alex Hunt and what he can bring the team, if played. On top of this the re-signing of the nucleus of last years squad was important. Gutted we lost Fox, but Morris came from the same Burton team in league one, so overall we have a decent team.

The area which we've never addressed and is still the achilles heal is the attacking areas. Orsi, Simmonds, Pepple have not been the answer. Apart from the Plymouth game, I can't see that Kiernan is the answer centrally and Taylors age is finally catching up with him with injuries, but shows how lucky we was last year to get as many games out of him.

Hurst also stated, whilst refuting the Haughton rumours that the midfield was not an area of concern, but I still think we need a central creative player unless this is the role for O'Neill?

In my mind we have less than 2 weeks to find 3 players. A Striker, A winger and a creative midfielder which is easier said than done

We signed two from Halifax (non league), another who played non league last year and another who’s only decent season was at Maidenhead. Of the signings in the last window, only Khan has been a success, the others have been in and out of the side, in the case of the strikers, mostly out.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

We’ve got two creative midfielders warming the bench. One doesn’t get picked because he isn’t big enough (Hursts words) - I can only assume that he’s shrunk since last season.

eh up! you changed your name Old Codger ?

Dont believe he not picking him because of his size at all , he bought & gave him a 3 yr deal so wide of the mark , just another stick to beat hurst with i'd say

Quoted from chaos33

Is this Hunt you’re referring to? When did Hurst say he wasn’t picking him because he wasn’t big enough?

It was in a recent Radio Humberside interview where he was asked about Hunt not featuring much recently and to paraphrase he basically said the current midfield three of Clifton, Holohan and Green had been performing well which had limited his opportunities of late (debatable), and that Hunt's comparative lack of height was a disadvantage compared to some of our other midfielders.

Think it was unanimously positive on here when both Green and Maher were announced.

Quoted from fishcake63

Dont believe he not picking him because of his size at all , he bought & gave him a 3 yr deal so wide of the mark , just another stick to beat hurst with i'd say

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-hurst-provides-alex-hunt-7993405

Joe Garner signs for Carlisle

Quoted from Chrisblor

It was in a recent Radio Humberside interview where he was asked about Hunt not featuring much recently and to paraphrase he basically said the current midfield three of Clifton, Holohan and Green had been performing well which had limited his opportunities of late (debatable), and that Hunt's comparative lack of height was a disadvantage compared to some of our other midfielders.

Right. Not sure if that view has been ever so slightly misrepresented in the thread but probably a ‘horses for courses’ selection policy the manager operates. If he actually thought he wasn’t big enough per se, he really wouldn’t have signed him.

Quoted from Chrisblor

It was in a recent Radio Humberside interview where he was asked about Hunt not featuring much recently and to paraphrase he basically said the current midfield three of Clifton, Holohan and Green had been performing well which had limited his opportunities of late (debatable), and that Hunt's comparative lack of height was a disadvantage compared to some of our other midfielders.

You do have to wonder why Hurst paid £100k for him and then not have in the starting lineup on a regular basis. When he has played he's never been a patch on the time he was here on loan.

Quoted from Hagrid

Joe Garner signs for Carlisle

Not a surprise, think he’s been there a few times now and is a bit of a favourite there. I doubt we were in for him.

Quoted from DB

You do have to wonder why Hurst paid £100k for him and then not have in the starting lineup on a regular basis. When he has played he's never been a patch on the time he was here on loan.

We were in a league lower then.

Quoted from Hagrid

Joe Garner signs for Carlisle

But..... Carlisle is NOT A DESIRABLE LOCATION

Crewe sign two players from Premiership south coast teams….didn’t realise Crewe was so far south…..

Quoted from DB

You do have to wonder why Hurst paid £100k for him and then not have in the starting lineup on a regular basis. When he has played he's never been a patch on the time he was here on loan.

All his best play came from linking up with McAtee last season and the two of them have barely spent any time on the pitch together since Hunt returned

I was thinking about Ryan Bennett signing for Cambridge, which is about a 2 1/2 hour commute each way from Grimsby. If he does this then surely others can travel the same time to Grimsby, as long as the money is ok.

Quoted from DB

I was thinking about Ryan Bennett signing for Cambridge, which is about a 2 1/2 hour commute each way from Grimsby. If he does this then surely others can travel the same time to Grimsby, as long as the money is ok.

Think you’re forgetting Ryan Bennett will be a multi-millionaire with money being no issue to him. Simply playing at the highest option available to him.

Have you ever seen Groundhog Day?

Quoted from KingsleysHair

Think you’re forgetting Ryan Bennett will be a multi-millionaire with money being no issue to him. Simply playing at the highest option available to him.

It's a bit of a drop for him if this is the reason, given Cambridge are in the relegation zone, beaten by us and have the 3rd worst goals against in their division.

Have you ever seen Groundhog Day?

Come on good rumourmongers - where are you all this year ???

Silence today from club online I would suggest means activity…I’m predicting an incoming announced tomorrow..

*based on absolutely nothing

Quoted from pontoonlew

The key to any good negotiation is knowing when to walk away. If we’re having to wait out for transfers that may or may not happen, go & find somebody who is available instead. Just like the majority of sides in our division appear to be doing.

Otherwise we end up like we did in the summer, missing out all together & signing people we didn’t really want.

I would guess that PH knows when to stick or twist, he's been doing it long enough.

We are at the end of the food chain unfortunately, and clubs will only release players when it is in their interests to do so, either to free up a wage/squad place to bring someone else in, or to release a young prospect for a loan so he can get game time and experience. Then there are those players who command a fee and the parent club will be looking to make as much as possible.

We then have to factor in the probability that said player/s will be coveted by others and has a choice of where he wants to go.

If we can't get past all those obstacles and the only option is to move on down your list, then you will get to the point where available players are no better than what you already have in the squad, so not much point really.

Quoted from marinerjase

Silence today from club online I would suggest means activity…I’m predicting an incoming announced tomorrow..

*based on absolutely nothing

Don't think we'll get an announcement until 2pm on Saturday again, and that's if there is anything.

Hope for his sake our new Head of Recruitment isn't on performance related pay

Has Hursty even been interviewed today? It's normally online by now.

Quoted from It Bites

Incoming

If you throw enough mud, eventually some will stick.

Quoted from It Bites

Incoming

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1616113894828785666

"Frustratingly not particularly much further forward, albeit conversations are continuing with clubs.... I genuinely don't envision anyone being in for the weekend"

Quoted from Chrisblor

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1616113894828785666

"Frustratingly not particularly much further forward, albeit conversations are continuing with clubs.... I genuinely don't envision anyone being in for the weekend"

Not much further forward then last week when he said we wasn’t anywhere near signing anyone and then we signed someone a couple days later.

Quoted from It Bites

Incoming

https://fb.watch/i9bJ-SzfSt/

We've gone from wanting multiple signings to talking about taking a few loanees and one permanent.

Completely unacceptable, whichever way you try to spin it

Quoted from pontoonlew

We've gone from wanting multiple signings to talking about taking a few loanees and one permanent.

Completely unacceptable, whichever way you try to spin it

you act like we do it on purpose...

Here's an idea, why dont you just chill out for once, stop being so OTT on every single point you want to make, and just wait and see what we get, yeah lets just bring in every tom male private and harry regardless of who they are like Holloway did.

" unacceptable". balderdash

Quoted from Hagrid

you act like we do it on purpose...

Here's an idea, why dont you just chill out for once, stop being so OTT on every single point you want to make, and just wait and see what we get, yeah lets just bring in every tom male private and harry regardless of who they are like Holloway did.

" unacceptable". balderdash

There's a difference between signing a load of junk from Step 8 on three year contracts after you've spent 5 minutes watching a highlights compilation of them on youtube and making fewer signings than pretty much every other club in the division over the first 19 days of the transfer window, when you've got massive holes in your squad that have been evident since Ryan Taylor got injured.

Quoted from Chrisblor

There's a difference between signing a load of junk from Step 8 on three year contracts after you've spent 5 minutes watching a highlights compilation of them on youtube and making fewer signings than pretty much every other club in the division over the first 19 days of the transfer window, when you've got massive holes in your squad that have been evident since Ryan Taylor got injured.

Again, its not like we are sat on our arses doing nothing, bids have been made, they were rejected, i'm frustrated we havent signed a striker, we all are, but im not going to beat the club up about it. They are trying.

i'd also add in that Hurst said we hadnt signed anyone last week.... we then had a player announced at 2 o clock on matchday

Just watched the Hurst interview expecting a meltdown on here and another 100 pages...

Quoted from Hagrid

Again, its not like we are sat on our arses doing nothing, bids have been made, they were rejected, i'm frustrated we havent signed a striker, we all are, but im not going to beat the club up about it. They are trying.

i'd also add in that Hurst said we hadnt signed anyone last week.... we then had a player announced at 2 o clock on matchday

And then played like eleven blokes who’d met in the car park half an hour before kick off.

Quoted from Chrisblor

There's a difference between signing a load of junk from Step 8 on three year contracts after you've spent 5 minutes watching a highlights compilation of them on youtube and making fewer signings than pretty much every other club in the division over the first 19 days of the transfer window, when you've got massive holes in your squad that have been evident since Ryan Taylor got injured.

Agreed. It's been evident for months that we're severely lacking in striking options and if it isn't rectified we're sleep walking in to a relegation battle because we're absolutely junk going forward without a focal point. Given the circumstances of an unexpected, first time promotion and record ST sales, if we get in to that position it would be a massive opportunity squandered and pretty unforgivable.

The not announcing a signing works OK for away games, but for a home game when the chips are already down is a bit risky.

I'm not saying signing someone from Accrington's reserves will put loads on the gate, but anyone erring on the side of not going on Saturday could do with a nudge.

As always you can't really take what Hurst says with anything other than a pinch of salt. But the bit about "now focused on a couple of targets" was a bit of a concern. All down to interpretation but feels a bit like we're too nice and waiting in line for the right person to come along.

I've kept optimistic about this window but definitely getting dragged more towards a more cautious concern.

Quoted from diehardmariner

The not announcing a signing works OK for away games, but for a home game when the chips are already down is a bit risky.

I'm not saying signing someone from Accrington's reserves will put loads on the gate, but anyone erring on the side of not going on Saturday could do with a nudge.

As always you can't really take what Hurst says with anything other than a pinch of salt. But the bit about "now focused on a couple of targets" was a bit of a concern. All down to interpretation but feels a bit like we're too nice and waiting in line for the right person to come along.

I've kept optimistic about this window but definitely getting dragged more towards a more cautious concern.

Please don't tell me we've been linked with Alhagi Touray Sisay on loan...

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Please don't tell me we've been linked with Alhagi Touray Sisay on loan...

Be disgusted if it happens. Permanent or nothing.

About bloody time, just seen we have signed THREE strikers

A Nurse, a postman & a train driver ;D ;D ;D

The levels of hyperbole and indignation on here are pretty amusing.

Quoted from ginnywings

The levels of hyperbole and indignation on here are pretty amusing.

Its pathetic imo

Quoted from Hagrid

you act like we do it on purpose...

Here's an idea, why dont you just chill out for once, stop being so OTT on every single point you want to make, and just wait and see what we get, yeah lets just bring in every tom male private and harry regardless of who they are like Holloway did.

" unacceptable". balderdash

Nobody is asking for 'every Tom male private and Harry regardless of who they are', where have you read anything of the sort?

Again you've had a meltdown and completely missed the point I'm making. We've gone from wanting a few permanent signings to saying we're likely to want one permanent and the others on loan.

We've brought in the recruitment guy Hurst begged for, we've sold our best player (and multiple others) and we've had our best cup run in 20 odd years. Yet, despite all of that, we're so far struggling to sign the permanent players that we so obviously need whilst other teams get their business done. That to me, is unacceptable.

Nobody is saying they're doing it on purpose, the issue is though that we're obviously struggling despite being better set to do it than we have in many many years.

You might not like my opinions, but you can at least offer some substance to it instead of bursting into tears at everything I say that you don't agree with.

I think during the summer window we should have 2 threads. One about actual rumours and signings and a separate transfer moaning thread.
Keep coming on here looking for news only to find YET ANOTHER COMMENT saying how terrible it is that Hurst is apparently now only interested in loans and not permanent signings.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Nobody is asking for 'every Tom male private and Harry regardless of who they are', where have you read anything of the sort?

Again you've had a meltdown and completely missed the point I'm making. We've gone from wanting a few permanent signings to saying we're likely to want one permanent and the others on loan.

We've brought in the recruitment guy Hurst begged for, we've sold our best player (and multiple others) and we've had our best cup run in 20 odd years. Yet, despite all of that, we're so far struggling to sign the permanent players that we so obviously need whilst other teams get their business done. That to me, is unacceptable.

Nobody is saying they're doing it on purpose, the issue is though that we're obviously struggling despite being better set to do it than we have in many many years.

You might not like my opinions, but you can at least offer some substance to it instead of bursting into tears at everything I say that you don't agree with.

He didn’t burst into tears though did he., and it seems to me that you’re closer to ‘meltdown’ than he is. You’re the one who’s cross. Saying it’s ‘unacceptable’ like you’re entitled to something from those who are accountable to you. Sure, express your disappointment - that’s probably unanimous, but it seems to me you’re the one displaying the outrage. We’ll just have to trust and be patient.

Quoted from chaos33

He didn’t burst into tears though did he., and it seems to me that you’re closer to ‘meltdown’ than he is. You’re the one who’s cross. Saying it’s ‘unacceptable’ like you’re entitled to something from those who are accountable to you. Sure, express your disappointment - that’s probably unanimous, but it seems to me you’re the one displaying the outrage. We’ll just have to trust and be patient.

I’ve come to expect it from him, you challenge his opinion and you’re in meltdown mode. As you say, we just have to be patient, some of the- for want of a better word- meltdowns, including from that poster, are ridiculous

Quoted from chaos33

He didn’t burst into tears though did he., and it seems to me that you’re closer to ‘meltdown’ than he is. You’re the one who’s cross. Saying it’s ‘unacceptable’ like you’re entitled to something from those who are accountable to you. Sure, express your disappointment - that’s probably unanimous, but it seems to me you’re the one displaying the outrage. We’ll just have to trust and be patient.

I’m certainly frustrated at the club but I’ve offered reasons why that is and I don’t think that’s unreasonable.

Hagrid on the other hand often offers no opinion and comes after my posts specifically in some weird vendetta he has (randomly mentioning me by username in posts I’m not involved in, even sending passive aggressive DM’s asking me to visit him in his seat at the game). Not bothered if you don’t like my opinion on any matters on here, but offer something other than the nonsensical tripe you respond to any post that doesn’t match your opinion.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I’m certainly frustrated at the club but I’ve offered reasons why that is and I don’t think that’s unreasonable.

Hagrid on the other hand often offers no opinion and comes after my posts specifically in some weird vendetta he has (randomly mentioning me by username in posts I’m not involved in, even sending passive aggressive DM’s asking me to visit him in his seat at the game). Not bothered if you don’t like my opinion on any matters on here, but offer something other than the nonsensical tripe you respond to any post that doesn’t match your opinion.

I just read back on that, and decided to look at the DM i sent you- which was in 2020 by the way😂 i said we’d have an adult discussion. Nothing “ passive agressive about at all “. I just think you have a serial obsession with moaning on here and its tiresome, repetitive and you disregard everyone elses opinion- as you have done once again in the post above

I don’t get that last sentence. Sounds like an angry slur, rather than an informed and calm opinion. 😉

Quoted from Chrisblor

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1616113894828785666

"Frustratingly not particularly much further forward, albeit conversations are continuing with clubs.... I genuinely don't envision anyone being in for the weekend"

Interestingly from the interview, somebody came in for Morris and were knocked back, Hartlepool being the suspect but not confirmed by Hurst.

Hurst also insinuated that some players are happy when they aren't playing and he has some in the squad like that now. No names are mentioned. This is about 7.36 minutes in. Make of it what you like!!!!!!

Quoted from pontoonlew

Nobody is asking for 'every Tom male private and Harry regardless of who they are', where have you read anything of the sort?

Again you've had a meltdown and completely missed the point I'm making. We've gone from wanting a few permanent signings to saying we're likely to want one permanent and the others on loan.

We've brought in the recruitment guy Hurst begged for, we've sold our best player (and multiple others) and we've had our best cup run in 20 odd years. Yet, despite all of that, we're so far struggling to sign the permanent players that we so obviously need whilst other teams get their business done. That to me, is unacceptable.

Nobody is saying they're doing it on purpose, the issue is though that we're obviously struggling despite being better set to do it than we have in many many years.

You might not like my opinions, but you can at least offer some substance to it instead of bursting into tears at everything I say that you don't agree with.

You need to get your ears sorted. He says ‘at least one’ permanent signing. Maybe he is being realistic and we are ideally looking for 2 or 3 but might not get over the line with them. Better than turning round and saying we want 3 and then we only end up with 1 so that people such as yourself can find another stick to beat either the manager or the club with.

Under promise, over deliver. It’s not rocket science.

Quoted from Hagrid

I just read back on that, and decided to look at the DM i sent you- which was in 2020 by the way😂 i said we’d have an adult discussion. Nothing “ passive agressive about at all “. I just think you have a serial obsession with moaning on here and its tiresome, repetitive and you disregard everyone elses opinion- as you have done once again in the post above

If the club does something well I’ll praise them, if there’s something I don’t agree with I’ll post why I disagree and hopefully put some reason for that.

Sometimes it’s well received, sometimes it’s not and it’s never universally agreed with. It’s the point of a forum and I’ll happily listen & debate with anybody, knowing that everyone on here wants exactly the same thing.

I’m extremely sorry you seem to confuse a difference of opinion with constant moaning and it’ll be great to see you offer some substance to those differences of opinions from time to time instead of digging me out for it.

Quoted from Posh Harry

You need to get your ears sorted. He says ‘at least one’ permanent signing. Maybe he is being realistic and we are ideally looking for 2 or 3 but might not get over the line with them. Better than turning round and saying we want 3 and then we only end up with 1 so that people such as yourself can find another stick to beat either the manager or the club with.

Under promise, over deliver. It’s not rocket science.

If we get 2-3 I’ll be relatively pleased, there’s no doubt in that interview that Hurst is feeling the struggle to do that though

Quoted from DB

Interestingly from the interview, somebody came in for Morris and were knocked back, Hartlepool being the suspect but not confirmed by Hurst.

Hurst also insinuated that some players are happy when they aren't playing and he has some in the squad like that now. No names are mentioned. This is about 7.36 minutes in. Make of it what you like!!!!!!

You need your fúcking ears cleaning out.

Quoted from pontoonlew

If the club does something well I’ll praise them, if there’s something I don’t agree with I’ll post why I disagree and hopefully put some reason for that.

Sometimes it’s well received, sometimes it’s not and it’s never universally agreed with. It’s the point of a forum and I’ll happily listen & debate with anybody, knowing that everyone on here wants exactly the same thing.

I’m extremely sorry you seem to confuse a difference of opinion with constant moaning and it’ll be great to see you offer some substance to those differences of opinions from time to time instead of digging me out for it.

Im certainly not digging you out, but i apologise if you feel thats the case as its certainly not my intention

Quoted from DB

Interestingly from the interview, somebody came in for Morris and were knocked back, Hartlepool being the suspect but not confirmed by Hurst.

Hurst also insinuated that some players are happy when they aren't playing and he has some in the squad like that now. No names are mentioned. This is about 7.36 minutes in. Make of it what you like!!!!!!

He says some players aren't happy when they aren't playing and he has some of those.

He's not said anybody are happy to not be playing.

Quoted from Hagrid

Im certainly not digging you out, but i apologise if you feel thats the case as its certainly not my intention

Going to be hard for the scriptwriters to keep it fresh on here once you two finally get together.

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we get 2-3 I’ll be relatively pleased, there’s no doubt in that interview that Hurst is feeling the struggle to do that though

I agree, but that is part of the problem with the January window. Most people are under contract, and if we have specific targets (which hurst has alluded to) then we have 3 parties involved and it just isn’t that easy for all 3 to agree. You need us to agree a fee (if applicable), the selling club to agree a fee, and to make sure they have enough within their squad for the rest of the season, and a player that wants to play for us and agrees the wages. If hurst has specific targets that means that all 3 of those options tend to be higher figures which makes negotiations longer and more complicated.

Other teams have got people in quick, good luck to them, it likely means that the majority of signings (exceptions to every rule) are bums on seats, or if targets then cheap easy ones. I would prefer to get a signing that is worth it and will add real value to the squad if they are coming in on a permanent deal

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Going to be hard for the scriptwriters to keep it fresh on here once you two finally get together.

😂

Quoted from DB

Interestingly from the interview, somebody came in for Morris and were knocked back, Hartlepool being the suspect but not confirmed by Hurst.

Hurst also insinuated that some players are happy when they aren't playing and he has some in the squad like that now. No names are mentioned. This is about 7.36 minutes in. Make of it what you like!!!!!!

Just because this is such a big mistake....

No, he said completely the opposite to this.

Crewe just signed a decent player from Stevenage
It’s nowhere near Crewe

We are doomed unless Town change their transfer policy

Has anyone looked into the feasibility of moving the town of Grimsby closer to Manchester or London?

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Crewe just signed a decent player from Stevenage
It’s nowhere near Crewe

We are doomed unless Town change their transfer policy

No one:
The Fishy:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DoWtHqmITOM

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Crewe just signed a decent player from Stevenage
It’s nowhere near Crewe

We are doomed unless Town change their transfer policy

Amoo lived in Liverpool / Wirral from 2007-2015 - possibly longer.

He’ll have friends up there, possibly family, property, possibly a partner from there…a life basically.

There’s also a decent sized Ghanaian community in Liverpool with lots of Amoo’s!

I don’t even think the Fishy would be very excited if Town would’ve signed him.

He’s played 145 mins for Stevenage this season.

I think the time to be disappointed would be if (hopefully, not when) we failed to sign the players we need by the time the transfer window closes. I was disappointed we didn't have a backup for Taylor when the summer window closed. Hopefully, won't be facing the same situation in a couple of weeks.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Amoo lived in Liverpool / Wirral from 2007-2015 - possibly longer.

He’ll have friends up there, possibly family, property, possibly a partner from there…a life basically.

There’s also a decent sized Ghanaian community in Liverpool with lots of Amoo’s!

I don’t even think the Fishy would be very excited if Town would’ve signed him.

He’s played 145 mins for Stevenage this season.

I think right now the fishy would be excited if we signed Jake the Pake

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Has anyone looked into the feasibility of moving the town of Grimsby closer to Manchester or London?

typical, its always us that's got to move. why cant Manchester or London move closer to us? just typical of big city attitude

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Just because this is such a big mistake....

No, he said completely the opposite to this.

Exactly, At the moment people are hearing what they want to and making the most of it🙄

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

Quoted from smokin joe

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

Impressive effort to take this thread even further downhill.

I heard that Paul Hurst drowns kittens in the Freshney.

Real ITKs don’t reveal their information, I just come on this thread for a laugh. More so to let Charles know where he’s signing next ;D ;D

Quoted from smokin joe

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

Talk about going off at a tangent.

I have not counted them but Hurst must have signed over 50 players for us during his two stints .

So I expect he will bring in another 2 or 3 players before the window is shut.

I want one now but I can wait until the window closes before I start calling him.

BUT

We might be all surprised when our new star striker signs.

Quoted from grimsby pete

I have not counted them but Hurst must have signed over 60 players for us during his two stints .

So I expect he will bring in another 2 or 3 players before the window is shut.

I want one now but I can wait until the window closes before I start calling him.

BUT

We might be all surprised when our new star striker signs.

Probably very surprised,

Quoted from Townforlife

Talk about going off at a tangent.

[img]https://media.tenor.com/L5SNoBFXzrMAAAAd/boom.gif[/img]

Quoted from grimsby pete

I have not counted them but Hurst must have signed over 60 players for us during his two stints .

So I expect he will bring in another 2 or 3 players before the window is shut.

I want one now but I can wait until the window closes before I start calling him.

BUT

We might be all surprised when our new star striker signs.

I'm sure someone put on here that he's signed 50 since he returned Pete!

Quoted from smokin joe

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

It’s an interesting angle that’s for sure.

You joined the forum the same week Hurst was appointed.

You’ve lurked, through the good, through the bad, keeping your counsel like a Dickensian maid.

Until today.

You’ve planned this moment for 753 days. All the time the words bouncing around your brain like a disinfectant block in a urinal. Rewenge. Rewenge. Rewenge.

…and now you’ve pounced. A life’s work complete.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I'm sure someone put on here that he's signed 50 since he returned Pete!

Amended James ;D

I like his use of the mathematical concept of ‘sine’, especially.

Here’s a name I’ve just pulled straight outta my āss - Joe Ironside at Cambridge. Out of contract in the summer, good record at Kiddy and last year, think Hurst had him on trial here before. Reckon he could get a better deal elsewhere but…there’s fùck all else going on so why not.

Also, if Hartlepool want Morris, they can have him if they give us Umerah in return. Give a little, get a little.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

He says some players aren't happy when they aren't playing and he has some of those.

He's not said anybody are happy to not be playing.

Sounds to me like " It might sound odd to fans out there I think that Some players are actually happy when they are not playing, genuinely"

Quoted from ska face

Ironside at Cambridge

Could be worth a punt.

+ decent record at higher level
+ played for Town on trial
+ east coast blood
+ is a striker
+ perfect foil for the Grimsby ‘S’

- can’t help but think of him scooting around the pitch in a wheelchair

Quoted from ska face

You need your fúcking ears cleaning out.

Sounds to me like " It might sound odd to fans out there I think that Some players are actually happy when they are not playing, genuinely"

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

Just because this is such a big mistake....

No, he said completely the opposite to this.

Well that's what I thought to start with but on the 2nd, 3rd and now 4th hearing,
Sounds to me like " It might sound odd to fans out there I think that Some players are actually happy when they are not playing, genuinely"

Ironside would be a superb signing, no way would Mullin have got all those goals for Cambridge without Ironside and Hoolahan. Class player at L2 level, is he not playing for them?

Matt Dean asking Hurst if he had anything to say to the fans and he said to just try and trust him, sounded quite sincere

Ironside looked a very limited player when he came on trial but he's obviously done well in recent years. Surprised to see he is a League One player, however.

He would certainly would offer something different to the other forwards we have with Taylor absent, that's for sure.

Quoted from jimgtfc

Not a surprise, think he’s been there a few times now and is a bit of a favourite there. I doubt we were in for him.

Surely not strikers are hard to come by .See John amoo has also moved today.So 2 strikers decent at this and higher levels moved today

I think Ironside was only 19 when we had him on loan

He would make a good signing now.

If we signed David Amoo, this board would be in meltdown. 20 league goals in 7 and a half years!

Quoted from grimsby pete

I think Ironside was only 19 when we had him on loan

He would make a good signing now.

Correct me if I'm wrong but think we just had him on trial in Pre-Season

Quoted from smokin joe

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

Where is Wayne when you need him?

Football Insider on Twitter (a decent source) tweeted that we have placed a big for Altrincham defender Toby Mullarkey who can play centre back and right back

Quoted from Youngy

Football Insider on Twitter (a decent source) tweeted that we have placed a big for Altrincham defender Toby Mullarkey who can play centre back and right back

3 goals in 21 games as well, decent threat in the opposition box. Started his career at Crewe.

Quoted from Youngy

Football Insider on Twitter (a decent source) tweeted that we have placed a big for Altrincham defender Toby Mullarkey who can play centre back and right back

Hope it’s not malarkey.

Quoted from smokin joe

no one will sine for hurst becouse he is a boring twit

Kiddie, before you start slagging people off, learn how to spell.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Where is Wayne when you need him?

Didn't know he was a striker - could be just what we need. Get your boots ready for 1st Feb Wayne.

Quoted from grimsby pete

I think Ironside was only 19 when we had him on loan

He would make a good signing now.

Would is wheelchair need to be adapted for playing on grass.

Here you go for random as intercourse:

https://twitter.com/efltransfershub/status/1616372565764673538?t=b2qlDKupkCfVwxvPBeAUAA&s=19

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/toby-mullarkey/profil/spieler/371101

68 followers so he's big time.

This seems more reputable though so assume he's lifted from there. Maybe something in it.

https://twitter.com/footyinsider247/status/1616365066231717888?t=EQ3mpoZbW2usWQd6WTWfXQ&s=19

Interesting one this. Really well thought of by the looks of it, Pompey were having a look in the summer. However only 91 appearances in NL - late developer?

On the face of it though, having looked at what people say, it'd look like a decent addition.

Would be an interesting signing, I do wonder who we’d be replacing or if it’s with next year in mind?

Quoted from pontoonlew

Would be an interesting signing, I do wonder who we’d be replacing or if it’s with next year in mind?

Pearson to Boston on a permanent perhaps?

I’d be a bit worried about his feck-rse pranks disrupting training…

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

Pearson to Boston on a permanent perhaps?

You’re still left with Smith, Maher & Waterfall who I think we’d all be happy with this season.

The fact he’s out of contract in the summer makes me think we’ll get him in now before there’s a scramble for him & have him lined up to replace Smith next season.

We played three at the back recently and Smith is only a loan and is struggling for form.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Would be an interesting signing, I do wonder who we’d be replacing or if it’s with next year in mind?

Smith won't be with us next season, Pearson is out of contract and will probably move on, Waterfall is 33 in July and this back injury of his could start to impact him so our central defence will probably look a lot different by August.

I am getting twitchy about our attack though. We've known for 5 months that McAtee won't be with us next season. We are effectively relying on 34 year old Ryan Taylor who is currently out with hamstring injury and out of contract in the summer.

Smith is a strange one as there were whispers that Hull might want him back this month. Obviously that hasn't (or doesn't look like) it's going to happen so could just be a case of Hurst covering all bases if either Pearson/Smith was to depart?

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

Smith is a strange one as there were whispers that Hull might want him back this month. Obviously that hasn't (or doesn't look like) it's going to happen so could just be a case of Hurst covering all bases if either Pearson/Smith was to depart?

Rosenior confirmed Smith would see out his loan here, said Hursty was the perfect manager for his development.

Waterfall will be good enough to be a starter if we're pushing on next season but he'll need someone better next to him. Maybe it's this lad from Altrincham. What about Rollin Menayese? He was really good in the second half of the relegation season and has flittered about L2 since. Wonder if Hursty has looked at him.

At a pinch, Efete could probably do a reasonable job in central defence. He did well against Burton when we were effectively playing a back 3 with lots of balls being pumped into the box. The problem, of course, is that we don't have anyone else to play full-back if he's covering in the middle.

This Mullarkey guy seems to cover the right bases, considering this. Hurst has always been happy to bring players in from non-league and, if he was brought up through the Crewe youth system, he ought to be a reasonable enough footballer.

Quoted from Maringer

At a pinch, Efete could probably do a reasonable job in central defence. He did well against Burton when we were effectively playing a back 3 with lots of balls being pumped into the box. The problem, of course, is that we don't have anyone else to play full-back if he's covering in the middle.

This Mullarkey guy seems to cover the right bases, considering this. Hurst has always been happy to bring players in from non-league and, if he was brought up through the Crewe youth system, he ought to be a reasonable enough footballer.

Michee can do a job on an emergency basis on the right of a three, but you negate his attacking strengths, which is his main attribute.

Read a few things about this Mullarkey geezer from opposition fans on Twitter and he’s been used at right back quite a lot, equally as good going forward so could be signed with an idea of playing right back.

Interesting article here from when Pompey were after Mullarkey in the summer.

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/hell-be-a-great-asset-portsmouth-linked-defender-toby-mullarkey-receives-glowing-reference-as-ex-crewe-and-non-league-star-emerges-as-blues-target-3688333

Described as very dynamic and mobile which would be a good fit next to Waterfall and potentially very useful if we played with a back three.

Can i just say, this thread is amazing, love catching up to all the arguments etc, really has kept me going over January

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Can i just say, this thread is amazing, love catching up to all the arguments etc, really has kept me going over January

The big question is though, will Hagrid and pontoonlew get together before the window slams shut on 31st January?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

The big question is though, will Hagrid and pontoonlew get together before the window slams shut on 31st January?

Tell you what I will do, I’ll donate £25 to a charity of his choice if we sign a permanent striker

Quoted from pontoonlew

Tell you what I will do, I’ll donate £25 to a charity of his choice if we sign a permanent striker

Fair play, will you visit his seat to pay it though? 😉

I can just imagine the scenes in the Hagrid household as Louis Robles joins on a 2.5 year deal on deadline day.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

The big question is though, will Hagrid and pontoonlew get together before the window slams shut on 31st January?

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Eff the flowers. Hope you’re up for the cup.

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Hope you're better soon Hagrid. Sounds like a real pain in the balls.

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

That sounds like a kick in the nuts. Get well soon!

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Load of b0llocks!

Understand the Mullarkey rumour is definitely true

As it stands, the rumour-mill standings will not even be getting published let alone updated. Absolutely nothing from anyone (bar one rumour DM’d to me last week, will see what happens with that one).

CEO Cook must be running a tight ship.

That's how it should be ska face. Don't want to tip another club off.
How many times have we signed players out of the blue under Hurst that nobody saw coming?

Even the targeted ads are piping up with an opinion on how Hurst should be going about his business...

[img]https://i.ibb.co/W6HKXym/2023-01-20-14-05-43.png[/img]

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Had this. Get some briefs and expect discomfort for a week or so after the antibiotics finish.

Quoted from Hagrid

I was rushed into hospital last night ( im fine, just a testicular infection) but theres no sign of any flowers from him yet. Dissapointed

Left or right ?

Pete O'Rourke on Twitter reporting we've tabled a bid for Mullarkey.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Pete O'Rourke on Twitter reporting we've tabled a bid for Mullarkey.

Seems that Footy Insider was a legit source then. Pete was the same guy that broke the O Neil rumour. Looks like a very good signing 👍

Quoted from golfer

Left or right ?

Left

Thank you all for messages very appreciated

Quoted from Mikey_345

Pete O'Rourke on Twitter reporting we've tabled a bid for Mullarkey.

There's a few Mullarkeys out there - which one?

Quoted from lukeo

ND

?????

Quoted from lukeo

ND

Nadine Dorries? But can she bang in 20 a season though?

Personally I’m not interested in if and maybe.
All. Want to know is who have signed if we do
And if not why not and what’s been done about it.

Could save lots of speculation and wasted time……

This is not the thread for you, my friend.

I recommend http://www.gtfc.co.uk

Quoted from lukeo

ND

ND is the prefix for notre dame university

Their nickname is the fighting Irish

So we’re gonna sign either Conor mcgregor or Roy Keane

Think we can rule out Jebbison. ;D

He's currently tearing Hull a new one after scoring in the 3rd minute.

Quoted from ginnywings

Think we can rule out Jebbison. ;D

He's currently tearing Hull a new one after scoring in the 3rd minute.

Playing ahead of Sharp and McBurnie…

Wasn’t there a silly rumour that Billy Sharp was coming here as a player coach a year ago or was that me dreaming 🤣

Quoted from Wiley2405

Playing ahead of Sharp and McBurnie…

Wasn’t there a silly rumour that Billy Sharp was coming here as a player coach a year ago or was that me dreaming 🤣

Sharp and McBurnie? Are those the names Hagrid has given his testicles?

Quoted from Wiley2405

Playing ahead of Sharp and McBurnie…

Wasn’t there a silly rumour that Billy Sharp was coming here as a player coach a year ago or was that me dreaming 🤣

Sharp is still very useful...so will be another 4 seasons at least before he is in full decline and we can hope to sign him.

Quoted from Poojah

Sharp and McBurnie? Are those the names Hagrid has given his testicles?

Let’s hope pinkie and perky are more appropriate names for his sake

I'll go out on a limb and predict we have a striker in time for next league game....

By Tuesday? Ambitious’

Quoted from Mariner_09

By Tuesday?

If it's on. It's quite frosty on the South coast.
Although Crawley is north of the Downs, so it's sometimes a different climate to south of them.

Ironside scored for Cambridge today but they lost 5-1.

I wonder why all the names we have mentioned on here get picked by their team then go and score.

Ryan Bennett played and was subbed in the 76 minute.

Ironside only got a mention as I’d seen some Cambridge fan saying he’d been linked with Shrewsbury whilst I was trying to see what was going on with Ryan Bowman. Think my workplace will be pleased when the window closes.

Heard there's been a concrete offer from us for Mullarkey but Altrincham trying to hold out for more money. Just lost Colclough this window who has been one of their better players. Hope that we can get this one in as looks a great player.. Any news on any other names anyone?

Caolan Lavery, mentioned earlier on as a potential rather than a rumour, looks set to sign for Donny this week.

Apparently they've beat off lots of interest from Conf. and League 2 sides. Chesterfield one who were named

Dunno if that frees up anyone from the Doncaster squad. Leo Fortune-West would be a half decent target man...

Throwing this name out there with the accuracy of a hotdog down a corridor.

Kieran Agard.

Only getting minutes off the bench at Donny and could be the one to lose his place to Lavery.

Pretty poor stats in recent years but looking a bit deeper, his return per minutes isn't awful at Donny.

Could be eligible for the M180 carshare scheme. (I've made this up but just like Holohan and Smith, I presume there's one coming in from that way on).

33 so hardly one for the future.

Charlie Riley Albion Rovers . 13 GOALS and 7 assists in 21 games . Impressive . 5ft 11 and is an attacking mid fielder . Could be worth a look as a replacement for McAtee .Plays the same role

Forgot to add only 21

Just one of them with Lavery. Would’ve been murder on here if we’d signed him as the new no.1 front man despite playing most his career at this level and above. Obviously hit a purple patch at Scunny with a fairly infrequent goal scoring record through the rest of his career, including spells at striker-graveyards Bradford & Sheff Utd.

Got zero idea what he’s like or his style of play, sure plenty on here will have paid more attention when he’s played against us before. Think I was keen on him a couple of years back before realising I was thinking of someone else who I can’t remember the name of. Anyway, less about my dementia.

I would like better, but not sure what that looks like really.

its unlikely I would've thought, but if were plucking names out of nowhere then what about Jake Beesly? struggling for game time after coming back from injury at Blackpool. probably more chance of signing george oakley or connor wickham!

Think Lavery had found his level at a bottom of the table National League side in all honesty.

Doncasters striker is the best I’ve seen this season, so you’d imagine Lavery is there to boost the numbers.

About 5-6 years ago, myself and another poster suggested looking at Scotland and he mentioned Shankland and I mentioned Kevin Nisbet, who was banging in goals for fun at Raith Rovers. He has gone onto play for Scotland and is at Hibs, but unfortunately attained a serious injury, which has kept him out for a year until recently.

A man who has caught my eye, is the 24 year old London born player Tommy Goss who plays as a striker for Annan Athletic. Up to now this season he has scored 19 goals with 3 assists in all competitions.

I can't find it today, but a YouTube video I saw, described him as half man, half battering ram.

I know he's at a lower level, but surely he is worth a look?

Quoted from ska face

Just one of them with Lavery. Would’ve been murder on here if we’d signed him as the new no.1 front man despite playing most his career at this level and above. Obviously hit a purple patch at Scunny with a fairly infrequent goal scoring record through the rest of his career, including spells at striker-graveyards Bradford & Sheff Utd.

Got zero idea what he’s like or his style of play, sure plenty on here will have paid more attention when he’s played against us before. Think I was keen on him a couple of years back before realising I was thinking of someone else who I can’t remember the name of. Anyway, less about my dementia.

I would like better, but not sure what that looks like really.

Got to be honest, I'd never even heard of the lad until he put a few away for Scunny. That's probably more about my lack of knowledge than anything else.

His record is largely uninspiring prior to rocking up down the 180 but the face value goals per games is a bit of a false picture really, his goals per minutes isn't too shabby.  Could well be that he's always found himself at a clubs where he's had to play second fiddle and reduced to limited chances.

From the incredibly limited bits I've seen of him in clips at Scunny, he looks more the finisher type than someone who leads the line. Personally, would see little point in going for that. We've got Orsi who, in the words of Hurst, is the most natural finisher at the club just kicking his heels.

The concept of better is an interesting one. 1878 have spoken at great lengths about continuous improvement and incremental gains.  We all want to get to this striker that can do it all; lead the line, score goals, bring others into play, chase it into channels, make a cracking brew...

Realistically we're not signing him just yet. It won't be for a few transfer windows yet. I'd like Hurst to acknowledge this but never lose sight that it's our ambition.  To achieve that ambition we need to look at we need to do, in order to put ourselves in a position to sign these type of players.

Ultimately, whichever way you cut it, the club has to be higher up the table.  That makes us more attractive. Bigger signs of ambition, bigger shop window, bigger wages maybe.  To get there we need to win more games and by default score more goals.  Bringing in someone on a 6-month deal just to lift us up the table, knowing full well he won't stay here and won't be dressing up as Santa for the rounds at Grimsby Hospital in December, isn't turning your back on the bigger plan. It's taking action needed to get you to that stage of incremental improvement.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Got to be honest, I'd never even heard of the lad until he put a few away for Scunny. That's probably more about my lack of knowledge than anything else.

His record is largely uninspiring prior to rocking up down the 180 but the face value goals per games is a bit of a false picture really, his goals per minutes isn't too shabby.  Could well be that he's always found himself at a clubs where he's had to play second fiddle and reduced to limited chances.

From the incredibly limited bits I've seen of him in clips at Scunny, he looks more the finisher type than someone who leads the line. Personally, would see little point in going for that. We've got Orsi who, in the words of Hurst, is the most natural finisher at the club just kicking his heels.

The concept of better is an interesting one. 1878 have spoken at great lengths about continuous improvement and incremental gains.  We all want to get to this striker that can do it all; lead the line, score goals, being others into play, chase it into channels, make a cracking brew...

Realistically we're not signing him just yet. It won't be for a few transfer windows yet. I'd like Hurst to acknowledge this but never lose sight that it's our ambition.  To achieve that ambition we need to look at we need to do in order to put ourselves in a position to sign these type of players.

Ultimately, whichever way you cut it, the club has to be higher up the table.  That makes us more attractive. Bigger signs of ambition, bigger shop window, bigger wages maybe.  To get there we need to win more games and by default score more goals.  Bringing in someone on a 6-month deal just to lift us up the table, knowing full well he won't stay here and won't be dressing up as Santa for the rounds at Grimsby Hospital in December, isn't turning your back on the bigger plan. It's taking action needed to get you to that stage of incremental improvement.

Yep - we just need a complete scheissenhauser upfront - a Matt Rhead upgrade, it would give us a completely different option on shape - two up top with Orsi, or our main shape from last season - one up top with McAtee in the hole, O'Neill might be able to play in the hole as well, don't know. The squad is crying out for that type of player. I think there is chance we may not see Taylor in a Town shirt again this season, or ever in fact. I'm sure our rehab regime will be good these days but a torn hamstring is an absolute fecker of injury, especially at 34.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Dunno if that frees up anyone from the Doncaster squad. Leo Fortune-West would be a half decent target man...

If it's not Adie Mike I'm not interested.

[tweet]1617114864803094528[/tweet]

Any chance?

Keep up at the back ffs.

Anyway, prefer my forwards to have a top lip.

Interesting read about players wages

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/the-staggering-weekly-wages-of-league-twos-highest-paid-players-and-the-mansfield-town-doncaster-rovers-colchester-united-crawley-town-northampton-town-and-bradford-city-players-who-make-the-list-3990190

Quoted from GrimPol

Interesting read about players wages

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/the-staggering-weekly-wages-of-league-twos-highest-paid-players-and-the-mansfield-town-doncaster-rovers-colchester-united-crawley-town-northampton-town-and-bradford-city-players-who-make-the-list-3990190

An interesting list but would be more meaningful if the loanees were removed or at least the loan club contribution towards the wages was included.

Interesting to note the Lincoln player on £4100 per week and being loaned out. To reduce wages or is that pretty typical of the pay?

Madden on 3.9k - I assume he had an uplift on promotion but illustrates nevertheless what we were competing with last season and what a fantastic outcome it was for us. We could have been down there for years as a top 6 / 7 / 8 side like last time, but never with quite the quality and budget to kick on and get promotion. Southend could end up like that.

Would be interesting to see what some of the Wrexham players are on

I'm always a bit wary of these sites that reveal players wages, but if this one is true, and I'm not assuming it is, then that would represent an alarming trend toward unsustainable wages in an effort to bring on field success.

The trend looks to be creeping down the leagues from the top, where wages have spiralled almost out of control. As another article that I read states, the Premier League wage bill is more than double what it is in the next highest league in Europe.

It also shows what we are competing against, because I doubt the board or manager would countenance paying anywhere near those sort of amounts. Looking at Crawley for instance, who have a few in that list, it doesn't always lead to success anyway and Stockport haven't beaten us in 4 attempts over 2 seasons.

It highlights how difficult it is to find players that are the right fit, can improve the team, and don't cost wages that could put the club into the danger zone.

These articles carry no credibility at all.

They're based on transfermarkt and/or Football Manager. Both of which rely on fan-based input to come up with figures.

Yeah it’s based on that website that got laughed off here a few weeks ago, that claimed to know the wages of about 50,000 sportspeople in every sport from football to ice hockey. The most surprising thing is that someone is getting paid to put that in a newspaper, absolutely laughable stuff. Be more use asking your dog.

Most of the ones listed are on loan and there wages are set by their parent clubs not the League 2 clubs

Please stop believing things just because you read them on the internet. Local journalism these days is far more concerned with chasing clicks than minor matters like 'accuracy' and 'corroborating evidence'

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Madden on 3.9k - I assume he had an uplift on promotion but illustrates nevertheless what we were competing with last season and what a fantastic outcome it was for us. We could have been down there for years as a top 6 / 7 / 8 side like last time, but never with quite the quality and budget to kick on and get promotion. Southend could end up like that.

Would love Southend to scrape into the playoffs and emulate us this season

Quoted from crusty ole pie

[/b]

Would love Southend to scrape into the playoffs and emulate us this season

If you’re a Southend, Chesterfield or whoever and you don’t go up you’d want Wrexham and Notts County to get promoted just cos of the daft sums of money they’re chucking about. You’d imagine that, if say, Rochdale and Crawley went down, they’d be competitive but not pacesetters so that level will get weaker, in the next two years I’d imagine.

It all seems stronger to me. L2 is way stronger than I remember it being despite just a one year hiatus.

Quoted from Mallyner

About 5-6 years ago, myself and another poster suggested looking at Scotland and he mentioned Shankland and I mentioned Kevin Nisbet, who was banging in goals for fun at Raith Rovers. He has gone onto play for Scotland and is at Hibs, but unfortunately attained a serious injury, which has kept him out for a year until recently.

A man who has caught my eye, is the 24 year old London born player Tommy Goss who plays as a striker for Annan Athletic. Up to now this season he has scored 19 goals with 3 assists in all competitions.

I can't find it today, but a YouTube video I saw, described him as half man, half battering ram.

I know he's at a lower level, but surely he is worth a look?

We've had a few very decent players direct from Scottish lower leagues over the years - Matt Tees, Bobby Cumming Bobby Ross etc.
Times have changed as I think we were looking at another prolific goal scorer up there a couple of years ago - but as usual we were priced out.

Back to the OT. 9 days left.

Quoted from ginnywings

I'm always a bit wary of these sites that reveal players wages, but if this one is true, and I'm not assuming it is, then that would represent an alarming trend toward unsustainable wages in an effort to bring on field success.

The trend looks to be creeping down the leagues from the top, where wages have spiralled almost out of control. As another article that I read states, the Premier League wage bill is more than double what it is in the next highest league in Europe.

It also shows what we are competing against, because I doubt the board or manager would countenance paying anywhere near those sort of amounts. Looking at Crawley for instance, who have a few in that list, it doesn't always lead to success anyway and Stockport haven't beaten us in 4 attempts over 2 seasons.

It highlights how difficult it is to find players that are the right fit, can improve the team, and don't cost wages that could put the club into the danger zone.

Like you, I don't believe these sites are accurate - but the trend is clear, and undoubtably dangerous for the clubs that 'speculate' but get it wrong (which is very easy to do in football. Your expensive superstar might get crunched in the first game and be out for 6 expensive months).
If we can't/won't buy the goalden guy, then we grow our own - invest in the academy and wait hopefully.

I do realize I'm one of the small handful of patient football fans left on planet Earth, but risking your tomorrow for a (maybe) happy today
is something I might do in my life, but I wouldn't want GTFC to do. My understanding is that our owners think along similar lines.

Having endured Fenty for 17 years I can wait a bit longer.

9 days left....and counting !!

Time of year for the white rabbit to appear again ???

Quoted from 137

Like you, I don't believe these sites are accurate - but the trend is clear, and undoubtably dangerous for the clubs that 'speculate' but get it wrong (which is very easy to do in football. Your expensive superstar might get crunched in the first game and be out for 6 expensive months).
If we can't/won't buy the goalden guy, then we grow our own - invest in the academy and wait hopefully.

I do realize I'm one of the small handful of patient football fans left on planet Earth, but risking your tomorrow for a (maybe) happy today
is something I might do in my life, but I wouldn't want GTFC to do. My understanding is that our owners think along similar lines.

Having endured Fenty for 17 years I can wait a bit longer.

I think that is very fair, but I think some people seem to be conflating the bare minimum requirement (in this case a hold up player so the team functions) and God forbid a goalscorer.

If we are continually getting knocked back, then something has to change, and surely this can be done without putting our whole financial situation in peril?

The alternative is risk making no real on field progress and losing some of our new fans, and their revenues.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I think that is very fair, but I think some people seem to be conflating the bare minimum requirement (in this case a hold up player so the team functions) and God forbid a goalscorer.

If we are continually getting knocked back, then something has to change, and surely this can be done without putting our whole financial situation in peril?

The alternative is risk making no real on field progress and losing some of our new fans, and their revenues.

I would have thought so too - but for sure Hurst is trying, yet seemingly getting no success. If we can't play it quick we have little
choice but to play it slow. Your point about losing some of our new fans is entirely valid....but what's the answer other than splash the cash?

Quoted from acko338

9 days left....and counting !!

Time of year for the white rabbit to appear again ???

But in another 9 days and 5 hours it'll be time for the brown floaters to appear again!

Quoted from 137

I would have thought so too - but for sure Hurst is trying, yet seemingly getting no success. If we can't play it quick we have little
choice but to play it slow. Your point about losing some of our new fans is entirely valid....but what's the answer other than splash the cash?

I think it's fair to say we are playing it slow!

Perhaps the end game is to pick up some well sourced talent, develop it and make money and progress that way. Sounds great, but that is going to take time; the owners and the board said they are not here to make up the numbers but to do that we have to be pragmatic for the moment.

They obviously know an in demand forward player(s) won't come cheap, and if we cannot afford that with 6k season tickets and astute owners then I'm not sure where we go.

Based on nothing but sheer speculation.

Fancy Kiernan to sign tomorrow or certainly before Crawley

Solihull miles off it in NL this season. Might be worth giving Dallas and Sbarra another nudge.

Those fans desperate for a striker would you take a 2023 Barry Conlon? He’d score a few goals until the end of the season fans would wear bald wigs in tribute then as soon as he had a contract he’d put his feet up and get on the drink. Maybe a 2023 Richard Brodie then or Stefan Payne?

There’s enough in our recent history to show that bad recruitment of strikers can be far more damaging than no recruitment.

If we don’t sign a striker in this window I won’t lose my sh1t, because I’ll be forever grateful that we no longer have to put up with watching players stealing a living.

Of course no-one wants a Conlon, Brodie or Payne.

I think part of the issue is that two of those were big blots on Hurst's copybook and he's scarred by them.

But I think he's gotta gamble a bit away from his criteria otherwise we're bringing no-one in.

The only reason I can guess that Hurst isn't rolling that dice is that he's confident/hoping that Taylor is back soon to rekindle his pairing with McAtee.

Big if, but if that happens then a big bulk of our attacking worries disappear. But it's then keeping them both fit. He's then got a double headache to deal with in the summer.

Conlon and that run had the place bouncing at the end of 08/09. Think that’s what we need at the minute - some momentum going into the summer to give the fans and potential signings something positive to look at.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Those fans desperate for a striker would you take a 2023 Barry Conlon? He’d score a few goals until the end of the season fans would wear bald wigs in tribute then as soon as he had a contract he’d put his feet up and get on the drink. Maybe a 2023 Richard Brodie then or Stefan Payne?

There’s enough in our recent history to show that bad recruitment of strikers can be far more damaging than no recruitment.

If we don’t sign a striker in this window I won’t lose my sh1t, because I’ll be forever grateful that we no longer have to put up with watching players stealing a living.

Why does everything have to be an extreme reaction? Obviously nobody wants urine artists but it is not too much to ask to sign forwards who would improve us.

Quoted from ska face

Solihull miles off it in NL this season. Might be worth giving Dallas and Sbarra another nudge.

Apparently Dallas is coming towards the end of his contract and is causing interest in a number of teams

Quoted from bradzmilne

Based on nothing but sheer speculation.

Fancy Kiernan to sign tomorrow or certainly before Crawley

hope not, worst winger i’ve seen here for a few years (even worse than sousa)

Has anyone heard of Declan McManus (not the Elvis Costello one) . Striker for TNS in the Welsh League. Ripping it up at the moment.

Last season scored 31 goals in 38 starts in all competitions including 21 league goals in 22 starts, and so far this season has scored 21 in 24 in all competitions including 19 league goals in 16 games.
20+ goals the season before at Dunfermline.

TNS bought him for 70k 2 seasons ago.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Has anyone heard of Declan McManus (not the Elvis Costello one) . Striker for TNS in the Welsh League. Ripping it up at the moment.

Last season scored 31 goals in 38 starts in all competitions including 21 league goals in 22 starts, and so far this season has scored 21 in 24 in all competitions including 19 league goals in 16 games.
20+ goals the season before at Dunfermline.

TNS bought him for 70k 2 seasons ago.

He'll sign for Newport soon enough

Quoted from lukeo

He'll sign for Newport soon enough

He was offered but said he didnt want to go to Chelsea

Quoted from ska face

Conlon and that run had the place bouncing at the end of 08/09. Think that’s what we need at the minute - some momentum going into the summer to give the fans and potential signings something positive to look at.

That bounce was probably just off the fumes from the dressing room.

I agree though, the fans need something! What's in my mind is a Steve Kabba type. Comes in, big impact and the fan base gets behind trying to keep him, albeit unsuccessfully.

It's a balance needed for me. I think our chances of achieving anything this season are rapidly disappearing. Surprisingly we don't have as many games in hand as I expected, but we've got 10 points to make up in 22 games. By no means out of reach but would need a level of consistency that we've failed to get close to so far this year.

So there's some argument, not that I agree with, that bringing someone in for the now is pointless. We would be better saving our money for the summer.

But even bringing in someone to give the place a boost, give fans a reminder what it's like to win games, build a bit of momentum and confidence in the place definitely won't hurt.

You just never know, said player might arrive and does enough to help us to promotion. Or ends up liking it enough to want to stay, or recommends us to his younger, fitter and more prolific mate.

The alternative is doing nothing, which we just can't do... Can we?

Quoted from diehardmariner

That bounce was probably just off the fumes from the dressing room.

I agree though, the fans need something! What's in my mind is a Steve Kabba type. Comes in, big impact and the fan base gets behind trying to keep him, albeit unsuccessfully.

It's a balance needed for me. I think our chances of achieving anything this season are rapidly disappearing. Surprisingly we don't have as many games in hand as I expected, but we've got 10 points to make up in 22 games. By no means out of reach but would need a level of consistency that we've failed to get close to so far this year.

So there's some argument, not that I agree with, that bringing someone in for the now is pointless. We would be better saving our money for the summer.

But even bringing in someone to give the place a boost, give fans a reminder what it's like to win games, build a bit of momentum and confidence in the place definitely won't hurt.

You just never know, said player might arrive and does enough to help us to promotion. Or ends up liking it enough to want to stay, or recommends us to his younger, fitter and more prolific mate.

The alternative is doing nothing, which we just can't do... Can we?

Given the money being spent by teams below us, I don’t think sitting on our hands and being dragged downwards should be an option. There’s going to be 2 games a week more often than not now and I don’t fancy our chances of scoring many without a striker.

Quoted from diehardmariner

That bounce was probably just off the fumes from the dressing room.

I agree though, the fans need something! What's in my mind is a Steve Kabba type. Comes in, big impact and the fan base gets behind trying to keep him, albeit unsuccessfully.

It's a balance needed for me. I think our chances of achieving anything this season are rapidly disappearing. Surprisingly we don't have as many games in hand as I expected, but we've got 10 points to make up in 22 games. By no means out of reach but would need a level of consistency that we've failed to get close to so far this year.

So there's some argument, not that I agree with, that bringing someone in for the now is pointless. We would be better saving our money for the summer.

But even bringing in someone to give the place a boost, give fans a reminder what it's like to win games, build a bit of momentum and confidence in the place definitely won't hurt.

You just never know, said player might arrive and does enough to help us to promotion. Or ends up liking it enough to want to stay, or recommends us to his younger, fitter and more prolific mate.

The alternative is doing nothing, which we just can't do... Can we?

Or will we? As posted Hurst might be able to bring back Taylor, quicker than we think, for a partnership with McAtee till the end of the season and then go for a rebuild in the summer when more players become available.

It's a bit risky but you never know. Part of the original 1878 plan would have been to consolidate last year, but promotion threw that out of the window. So consolidate this year with a view to major improvements on the pitch for next season.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Those fans desperate for a striker would you take a 2023 Barry Conlon? He’d score a few goals until the end of the season fans would wear bald wigs in tribute then as soon as he had a contract he’d put his feet up and get on the drink. Maybe a 2023 Richard Brodie then or Stefan Payne?

There’s enough in our recent history to show that bad recruitment of strikers can be far more damaging than no recruitment.

If we don’t sign a striker in this window I won’t lose my sh1t, because I’ll be forever grateful that we no longer have to put up with watching players stealing a living.

He was on the drink long before he signed for us, Bradford wanted him gone after an incident where he turned up drunk and that's why he signed for us on loan. According to Peter Sweeney, while they were on loan they had a night out then got up the next morning to go drinking again where Big Baz got so drunk he bit a fish from the pub fish tanks in half and then forgot it even happened the next day when he picked Sweeney up for training. The only thing 3 year deals changed is they stopped having to give a excrement on the pitch and phoned it in.

Quoted from Posh Harry

Apparently Dallas is coming towards the end of his contract and is causing interest in a number of teams

I guess that means they might have to settle on the asking price if they want to make any money on him leaving them. From what was said in summer they were doing everything they can to hold on to him (understandable given how close they came to promotion) and were asking way over the odds for anyone coming in for him. It's another one I'd expect Stockport to steal from under our noses like they did all summer. Not too worried about Wrexham going for him because they'll be bringing in Championship/Premier League quality players so they can urine another league. ;D

Quoted from Kris2

He was on the drink long before he signed for us, Bradford wanted him gone after an incident where he turned up drunk and that's why he signed for us on loan. According to Peter Sweeney, while they were on loan they had a night out then got up the next morning to go drinking again where Big Baz got so drunk he bit a fish from the pub fish tanks in half and then forgot it even happened the next day when he picked Sweeney up for training. The only thing 3 year deals changed is they stopped having to give a excrement on the pitch and phoned it in

Before we signed him permanent I went on his soccerbase and every club he'd been at his entire career he'd scored the majority of his goals in the first half of a season with a club, was the same old story everywhere he went but no one wanted to know at the time

Quoted from DB

Or will we? As posted Hurst might be able to bring back Taylor, quicker than we think, for a partnership with McAtee till the end of the season and then go for a rebuild in the summer when more players become available.

It's a bit risky but you never know. Part of the original 1878 plan would have been to consolidate last year, but promotion threw that out of the window. So consolidate this year with a view to major improvements on the pitch for next season.

We're equal points (10) away from the bottom two as we are the top 7. We're second bottom of the form table over the last ten games with the worst goal difference, joint second worst goals scored and worst goals against.

I think everyone below us has strengthened significantly.

If we're not careful we won't even consolidate!

Quoted from wacca wacca

hope not, worst winger i’ve seen here for a few years (even worse than sousa)

Yet we've only won one match in the league and FA Cup since August that Kiernan didn't start in (Stockport at home). Like him or not, it's undeniable that we are more effective with him in the side.

Quoted from diehardmariner

We're equal points (10) away from the bottom two as we are the top 7. We're second bottom of the form table over the last ten games with the worst goal differences, joint second worst goals scored and worst goals against.

I think everyone below us has strengthened significantly.

If we're not careful we won't even consolidate!

Stark reality. Hoping that Taylor can steer us through to safety or beyond would be akinde to attempting the Sahara 4WD Rally in a 2CV.

He'd probably have to lift his penalties off the ground a bit in the Sahara too.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Yet we've only won one match in the league and FA Cup since August that Kiernan didn't start in (Stockport at home). Like him or not, it's undeniable that we are more effective with him in the side.

Unless PH has someone else nailed on or Kierman wants silly money, it’s a no brainier to sign him. He works hard and brings stability to the right hand side.

Given we don’t score many goals we need to scape a few 1-0 wins to stay safe, and a tight lineup gets us that.

Some comments from Footballforums from Chesterfield/Wrexham fans on Mullarkey...

"Mullarkey would be a very good signing IMO. We pretty much had the deal done not too long ago but I think Alty turned around at the 11th hour asking a bunch more money so we politely walked away. No idea what figures were involved though. His stats and figures usually show him to be top centre back in this league"

-----

"Yeah Mullarkey is a very good player. Always been impressed with him every time we’ve faced Alty

But as Bendy was saying, you’re either gonna have to pay silly money for him, or hope that Altrincham have finally got real with their valuation of him."

-----

"I thought he looked pretty good in the Trophy game against us last week. Comfortable on the ball for a CB."

Quoted from Son of Cod

Some comments from Footballforums from Chesterfield/Wrexham fans on Mullarkey...

"Mullarkey would be a very good signing IMO. We pretty much had the deal done not too long ago but I think Alty turned around at the 11th hour asking a bunch more money so we politely walked away. No idea what figures were involved though. His stats and figures usually show him to be top centre back in this league"

-----

"Yeah Mullarkey is a very good player. Always been impressed with him every time we’ve faced Alty

But as Bendy was saying, you’re either gonna have to pay silly money for him, or hope that Altrincham have finally got real with their valuation of him."

-----

"I thought he looked pretty good in the Trophy game against us last week. Comfortable on the ball for a CB."

Obviously rated very highly, you'd hope if there's a deal to be done, and Altrincham's hand gets weaker the longer it goes on our League status would tip the balance.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Obviously rated very highly, you'd hope if there's a deal to be done, and Altrincham's hand gets weaker the longer it goes on our League status would tip the balance.

I reckon he'd be more bothered about how much he's getting in his bottom pocket each week to be honest.

Quoted from Les Brechin

I reckon he'd be more bothered about how much he's getting in his bottom pocket each week to be honest.

We are hardly going to be attracting players with anything else even if we were in the playoff places right now. Nobody is joining us for our state of the art facilities or it being a trendy and accessible area to live, not a bad area to raise a family in parts but most players in their early to mid 20's are not looking for that. If we want to sign some top players and have a competitive team we need to show them the money.

Surely there must be an “incoming” incoming?
This is not me staying “incoming” of course, merely hoping that an incoming was coming.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Surely there must be an “incoming” incoming?
This is not me staying “incoming” of course, merely hoping that an incoming was coming.

So you are hoping for an incoming 'Incoming' incoming?

I think if an incoming 'Incoming' is incoming, then that incoming 'Incoming' incoming may be incoming......at some point in the incoming 8 days

150 pages in and just an 18-year old scouse loanee to show for it thus far. Just over a week to go; let’s hope there’s something a little more tangible set to arrive between now and 11 o’clock next Tuesday night.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

So you are hoping for an incoming 'Incoming' incoming?

I think if an incoming 'Incoming' is incoming, then that incoming 'Incoming' incoming may be incoming......at some point in the incoming 8 days

You have captured my thoughts on an incoming incoming perfectly.

Quoted from Poojah

150 pages in and just an 18-year old scouse loanee to show for it thus far. Just over a week to go; let’s hope there’s something a little more tangible set to arrive between now and 11 o’clock next Tuesday night.

Incoming?

Is there an incoming incoming then ?

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Is there an incoming incoming then ?

We won't announce an incoming, even if there is one, until we know the game is going ahead tomorrow. And even then, we'd announce it on the team sheet before a signing announcement. If it's called off we'll then leave it until Luton, unless he's cup tied, in which case we'll wait until deadline day.

See the issues playing silly beggars causes?

Quoted from Kris2

We are hardly going to be attracting players with anything else even if we were in the playoff places right now. Nobody is joining us for our state of the art facilities or it being a trendy and accessible area to live, not a bad area to raise a family in parts but most players in their early to mid 20's are not looking for that. If we want to sign some top players and have a competitive team we need to show them the money.

The vast majority of our players, I suppose most players are in their 20's. What is different to any other players in their 20's joining?

I totally agree though about better quality players will come for better pay packets, amazingly enough!

We'll all have to watch out for tomorrow's team sheet for any new surprises there'll be no big early announcements !!

Quoted from acko338

We'll all have to watch out for tomorrow's team sheet for any new surprises there'll be no big early announcements !!

This whole secrecy regarding transfers is tedious, it worked so well at Swindon we got whooped 5-0.

Even though I get it, it does somewhat undermine the transparency narrative advanced by JS and it gets people's backs up. Plus, signing announcements may tip the balance in favour of people going to games.

Quoted from Mariner_09

This whole secrecy regarding transfers is tedious, it worked so well at Swindon we got whooped 5-0.

Even though I get it, it does somewhat undermine the transparency narrative advanced by JS and it gets people's backs up. Plus, signing announcements may tip the balance in favour of people going to games.

I'm not sure I get it to be honest. Announce players when they sign.

Why is it secrecy?!
It was obviously completed late. Hurst likes to keep opposition managers out of the picture regarding his likely line-ups and it’s easy to understand why in terms of striving for a tactical edge. Obviously, we got tonked, and you could easily scoff and say “well that worked well”…..but, those people who just want to imply that the club are somehow hoodwinking, deceiving, depriving the supporters and acting with impropriety are just making themselves look foolish and peevish in my view.

Hurst says we missed out on a centre forward at the end of last week as he went to a club in the league above.

Didn't comment on the Mullarkey rumour.

"Will make a statement in due course" on Brendan Kiernan.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dy7b60

Hurst confirms we missed out on signing a loan centre forward who signed for "a club in a higher division" at the end of last week. Refused to comment on the Mullarkey rumours and a statement on Kiernan is coming "in due course" (I got the impression from the way Hurst phrased it that it seems like he'll be staying but that's entirely conjecture on my part)

Quoted from chaos33

Why is it secrecy?!
It was obviously completed late. Hurst likes to keep opposition managers out of the picture regarding his likely line-ups and it’s easy to understand why in terms of striving for a tactical edge. Obviously, we got tonked, and you could easily scoff and say “well that worked well”…..but, those people who just want to imply that the club are somehow hoodwinking, deceiving, depriving the supporters and acting with impropriety are just making themselves look foolish and peevish in my view.

I think it’s situation dependent. If, for example, we’ve secretly signed some 6ft 5” meathead of a striker who’s going straight into tomorrow night’s starting lineup, then perhaps it makes sense to keep it quite until the last moment as it will disrupt the way that Crawley have set-up to the game.

But, generally speaking, the advantage you get is limited, as it proved not only in the case of Mikey O’Neill but also in Hurst’s fibbing about the status of John McAtee ahead of our game against Donny earlier in the season.

As of right now, I think it’s fair to say we are below par in the opinion of most, in terms of performances in general, our league position and our transfer business in the context of the crowds we are getting this season versus previous recent stints in League Two (and what other clubs are doing on lesser revenue). The manifestation of that anxiety on platforms like the Fishy isn’t always a great look for some, but I understand it nevertheless.

It’s naive to expect full transparency on our ongoing transfer efforts; most would agree it’s better that all happens behind closed doors. But there is a disconnect between expectation and reality at this moment in time, with an increasing sense that the situation might not change drastically between now and the end of the window. If that expectation is misguided, I think some transparency as to why that is the case would be both sensible and welcome.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Hurst says we missed out on a centre forward at the end of last week as he went to a club in the league above.

Didn't comment on the Mullarkey rumour.

"Will make a statement in due course" on Brendan Kiernan.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dy7b60

Dale Taylor

Quoted from Hagrid

Dale Taylor

Bloody hell, there'd have been a meltdown if it had been him. 19 years old with no senior appearances.

Quoted from Hagrid

Dale Taylor

That’s who I was thinking. Was in the Forest squad against Town earlier this season (and came on as sub).

Or David Hirst’s son - George. Or Micky Mellon’s son - Michael Twistingma-Mellon.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Bloody hell, there'd have been a meltdown if it had been him. 19 years old with no senior appearances.

Played 4 minutes at BP earlier this season. Knows the club.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Hurst confirms we missed out on signing a loan centre forward who signed for "a club in a higher division" at the end of last week. Refused to comment on the Mullarkey rumours and a statement on Kiernan is coming "in due course" (I got the impression from the way Hurst phrased it that it seems like he'll be staying but that's entirely conjecture on my part)

He did say it would be the same squad for tomorrow's game, so I'm assuming it will include Kiernan. The Harrogate game was set to be his last, so you would think they would have said if he was going back to Walsall.

Quoted from ginnywings

He did say it would be the same squad for tomorrow's game, so I'm assuming it will include Kiernan. The Harrogate game was set to be his last, so you would think they would have said if he was going back to Walsall.

As you point out the Harrogate game was to be his last. So if he is in the squad tomorrow he's signed a permanate/loan deal.

Quoted from Hagrid

Dale Taylor

Would save money on shirt printing

Altrincham have taken on a right back from Harrogate, does this clear the way for Mullarkey?

Quoted from HerveJosse

Would save money on shirt printing

Hopefully would be reflected in the accounts…WHICH HAVENT BEEN PUBLISHED YET! A CRIMINAL OFFENCE!!!

The Crawley game is off so I presume an announcement about Kiernan will happen tomorrow.

Quoted from Mariner16

Altrincham have taken on a right back from Harrogate, does this clear the way for Mullarkey?

Probably not as he's primarily a centre back who can fill in at right back.

Well this waiting game is shite innit. Bloody tedious.

Wouldn’t put it past them not to make any signings tbh and say there wasn’t anything better.

Kiernan has left Grimsby town and will go back to Walsall

Jesus. Any more days like this and I’ll be starting on Saturday.

Richardson, McAtee, O’Neill, Pepple, Kiernan, Taylor, Simmonds all out or gone.

Is it straight to pens or replays this round?

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kiernan has left Grimsby town and will go back to Walsall

It’s gonna be a big week ahead if we’re to hit that “get stronger with every window” KPI.

If we’re being honest, Pepple and Simmonds were losses in numbers only, but Kiernan has been a useful, senior player for us this season. Mikey O’Neill looks a talent, but he’s 18 and not ours - it would be unfair to expect too much of him.

Ultimately, we don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. Perhaps everything has been perfectly choreographed. But there’s something about the way the last window ended, and the noises (or lack thereof) made so far, that makes me nervous.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kiernan has left Grimsby town and will go back to Walsall

Source?

Quoted from ska face

Jesus. Any more days like this and I’ll be starting on Saturday.

Richardson, McAtee, O’Neill, Pepple, Kiernan, Taylor, Simmonds all out or gone.

Is it straight to pens or replays this round?

Put it in the mixer..hit n’hope..stick Pearson up front.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Kiernan has left Grimsby town and will go back to Walsall

I had the impression PH was waiting to see what happened with one of his main targets before committing to Kiernan, as I think he knows we can do better.

Vernam?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Source?

I know 100% he's going back

Quoted from Mendonca1995

I know 100% he's going back

1000.00% Bentleys

Quoted from Mendonca1995

I know 100% he's going back

I don't think you're on the Bentley scale. You called that Kiernan has offers from down south at the beginning of the month so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Source: Dude, trust me

PH must have a lot of faith in O'Neill, or we have someone else lined up to come in.

I reckon Mendonca1995 knows Kiernan, or whoever’s putting him up in digs, as he’s usually 100% accurate on anything involving Kiernan but hit & miss on everything else.

On this basis, I’m saying Kiernan is OUTTA HERE!

Blow if Kiernan has gone. He’s a useful player and has done well for us. Big pressure on Hurst to deliver now.

Quoted from ska face

I reckon Mendonca1995 knows Kiernan, or whoever’s putting him up in digs, as he’s usually 100% accurate on anything involving Kiernan but hit & miss on everything else.

On this basis, I’m saying Kiernan is OUTTA HERE!

I know a guy that works in the hotel that a few of our lads stay in and Kiernan wasn’t staying there.

Quoted from davmariner

Blow if Kiernan has gone. He’s a useful player and has done well for us. Big pressure on Hurst to deliver now.

I agree, a useful player rather than a brilliant one. I must admit, I thought he would stay and was expecting him to be given an 18 month contract.

If he's going, we certainly need to sign a replacement, whether it's Vernam or somebody else. Is O'Neil able to play out wide as well?

If this is true about Kiernan it will heap enormous pressure onto PH. Any forwards' agent reading that should be asking us for more money as the week goes on. What a position to be in. Do we really have a Head of Recruitment and what exactly is that person's remit? Does he have any say in the process or is everything still sitting on PHs desk? If this window goes as badly as it's currently looking then surely the whole set-up needs to be overhauled because it's going to cost us to fill the gaps up front in the next summer window. JS says we aren't there to make up the numbers but in reality we are. Our salary structure is ok at this level up until a decent forward line and then it will not attract the key goalscorer(s) that will give the team and the fans the confidence that we can really challenge for the play-offs. Maybe JS needs to acknowledge it to the fans. It's not as if we can't see it ourselves. Then we need to concentrate on getting to 50 points this season and make sure we're here financially to challenge next season.

Quoted from ska face

Is it straight to pens or replays this round?

We are ending all square after 90 mins ?

I like your positivity :)

Apparently we’re trying to get Julian Larsson from Nottingham Forest on loan.

Quoted from Mikey_345

1000.00% Bentleys

You'll see fella 👍

Quoted from Marinerdan

Apparently we’re trying to get Julian Larsson from Nottingham Forest on loan.

Maybe you're right. 'Grimsby Town & Newport in transfer battle for Nottingham Forest Player' Link: https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-grimsby-town-newport-county-in-transfer-battle-for-nottingham-forest-player/

Olympiacos were interested in signing him in December reports. Played for Sweden U17s, scored eight goals and five assists in Forest U23s - https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/nottingham-forest-deal-julian-larsson-6979301

Quoted from Marinerdan

Apparently we’re trying to get Julian Larsson from Nottingham Forest on loan.

has never played a single senior game - cue Fishy meltdown ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Appears the Kiernan news is pretty much confirmed, due to the multitude of sources.

I’m never really one to question the manager. However, without signing some serious attacking options - we’re sleep walking into a relegation scrap.

It’s 24th January…. What on earth is going on?

We need a signing to settle the nerves and unite the supporters.

What’s Lenny up to these days?

Hope it isn't a clusterfÜck of last minute panic signings/loans like the end of the last window. We've had more than enough time to prepare a shortlist of what we need and adequate players to fill the gaps. I think 22 other teams in the division have managed to do it barring us and Crawley and you can see what state they are in...

Quoted from male private Johnson

We need a signing to settle the nerves and unite the supporters.

What’s Lenny up to these days?

There's no better striker on the books at the moment.

Think this will be a massive week for Town, especially if the Kiernan rumours are true...

In my opinion we need a minimum of 3 players to come in between now and the close of the window to save our season and if we don't, I would be worried that we could be looking over our shoulder.

We have to trust Hurst will bring the right players in, but I think even the biggest of Hurst supporters would admit that leaving it this late, we may struggle to bring in the calibre of player we need.

Lets see what the next few days brings.

Quoted from Corkyefes

Think this will be a massive week for Town, especially if the Kiernan rumours are true...

In my opinion we need a minimum of 3 players to come in between now and the close of the window to save our season and if we don't, I would be worried that we could be looking over our shoulder.

We have to trust Hurst will bring the right players in, but I think even the biggest of Hurst supporters would admit that leaving it this late, we may struggle to bring in the calibre of player we need.

Lets see what the next few days brings.

I personally feel the chances of us getting sucked into a relegation battle are remote, however I still see this as a really important window for a number of reasons.

Looking from the outside in, we’re a club that hasn’t finished above 14th position in League Two for 16 years. Many if not most of our targets will be too young to remember us doing any better than that, and certainly none will remember us as a plucky second tier club.

For all the talk of location over the last few weeks, I still think the biggest dissuading factor for GTFC is that it doesn’t feel like a place that’s likely to be good for your career. All the evidence points to us being a side that will struggle in the lower echelons of League Two, and then get relegated from time to time. I really hoped we could shake that image this season with a top-half finish, and I think it will set us back if we fail to do that.

Furthermore, we have only 10 players contracted beyond the end of this season, and that includes Orsi and Khouri who have made limited contributions so far. Of those out of contract, I’d be surprised if more than 2 or 3 signed new deals. A constant cycle of having to bring in 10+ players every season is not a recipe for success, albeit last season is arguably an anomaly in that sense.

Loans have their part to play, and we’ve had some brilliant ones over the years - Conor Townsend, Jamie Devitt, Martin Paterson, John Oster. But we need to be building for the medium-term right now, and that means at least a handful of new, permanent signings if Kiernan has indeed left the building.

No point getting unduly upset just yet - there’s another week to go. But from where I sit today, we have a lot of work to do.

Seeing plenty of people say you can only judge how successful your transfer dealings are at the end of the window. Sorry, but that’s complete shíte. Obviously circumstances dictate, but ideally you’d have all (or at least SOME) of your business done in the first week or so and then spend the next month allowing new players to settle in and get to grips with the squad - then youve got the rest of the month to iron out any issues.

We’re VERY lucky to have had so few games this month given how thin we are on the ground. Even if we miraculously bring in 3/4/5 new signings, it’s unlikely they’ll slot right in and hit the ground running, and our fixture list in Feb looks potentially daunting - a new look Gillingham, Orient and Northampton book-ended by games against Crewe.

Suppose what I’m saying is you can’t write off a whole month, plus the same at the start of the season, when it’s only 9/10 months long.

Quoted from ska face

Seeing plenty of people say you can only judge how successful your transfer dealings are at the end of the window. Sorry, but that’s complete shíte. Obviously circumstances dictate, but ideally you’d have all (or at least SOME) of your business done in the first week or so and then spend the next month allowing new players to settle in and get to grips with the squad - then youve got the rest of the month to iron out any issues.

We’re VERY lucky to have had so few games this month given how thin we are on the ground. Even if we miraculously bring in 3/4/5 new signings, it’s unlikely they’ll slot right in and hit the ground running, and our fixture list in Feb looks potentially daunting - a new look Gillingham, Orient and Northampton book-ended by games against Crewe.

Suppose what I’m saying is you can’t write off a whole month, plus the same at the start of the season, when it’s only 9/10 months long.

The lack of games this month would have given early signings plenty of opportunity to get to know their new teammates.

Looks like we need quite abit of inwards movement in this last week, especially as looks to be the case Kiernan has left. No great complaints about any of the one's to leave. Kiernan maybe the one that's had most impact on the first team, but whilst he does a job I really think we can do better.

I would hope Kiernan moving out shows that PH is confident of brining better in. Everything Hurst has said about him when asked in the window has made me think he believes he can get better in and he was waiting to see how things fell.

For me we need at least one striker through the door before the window closes. However with us been beaten for a younger loan player (Dale Taylor?) I would hope this is now going to be two as I wouldn't want a young loanee to be the main option for the rest of the season - and it's clear we are looking at that sort of player as an option.

Other than the obvious striker(s), 2 wide players, a centre back and a right back probably the bare minimum we need this window. So an awful lot to squeeze into a few days.

Whilst others are nervous with the out goings, I am hopeful that means we are going to bringing in better. Certainly would have liked things abit quicker this window though.

Quoted from ska face

Seeing plenty of people say you can only judge how successful your transfer dealings are at the end of the window. Sorry, but that’s complete shíte. Obviously circumstances dictate, but ideally you’d have all (or at least SOME) of your business done in the first week or so and then spend the next month allowing new players to settle in and get to grips with the squad - then youve got the rest of the month to iron out any issues.

Have to disagree mate. You can get a good indication as to how a window is going, but ultimately how can you judge it - in its entirety - until it has finished?

I would agree that it isn't going great on the face of it and would have liked players earlier. However, like most, I have very little idea on most of what is going on.

Now if we signed 4 really good players in the last week of the window - you couldn't turn round and say it was a poor window. So whilst I agree it is getting a little worrying you cannot make a final decision on it until you can look at it as a whole.

The point about wasting a month are true, but at the end of the season we don't say it's been a shite season because we had a poor start...

Personally disappointed to see Kiernan go if that's true. The stats speak for themselves, we're a better team when he plays. Even if we're bringing in a wide player, I think there should have been space for him in the squad.

Obviously don't know the ins and outs, but i don't necessarily think it was all down to Hurst with Kiernan.... Walsall have the 1st say. Then the player him self, then us, so maybe Walsall want to keep him, now they've lost Danny Johnson?

Agree it can only be properly judged at the end. If we make three excellent permanent signings on 30 month contracts plus a couple of good loans then it will still have been a good window. If we bring in a few young loanees at the last minute it will obviously be really disappointing.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Agree it can only be properly judged at the end. If we make three excellent permanent signings on 30 month contracts plus a couple of good loans then it will still have been a good window.

Does the likelihood of that increase or diminish, given everything we’ve seen for the last 3 or 4 windows, as the deadline approaches?

Just seems to be the exact same pattern we’ve seen for the last couple of years and, when Taylor hasn’t played since October, I can’t quite reach the same levels of zen-like tranquility as others appear to have achieved.

Worth a punt if he's available surely...

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-sbarra-transfer-rumours-addressed-8064117

Quoted from Son of Cod

Worth a punt if he's available surely...

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-sbarra-transfer-rumours-addressed-8064117

If he was the Keirnan replacement, I think I'd wet myself!!

Quoted from ska face

Does the likelihood of that increase or diminish, given everything we’ve seen for the last 3 or 4 windows, as the deadline approaches?

Just seems to be the exact same pattern we’ve seen for the last couple of years and, when Taylor hasn’t played since October, I can’t quite reach the same levels of zen-like tranquility as others appear to have achieved.

We don't know truthfully. I'm going for zen like tranquility as will make intercourse all difference either way. Does feel increasingly like it might be late, young loanees which will be disappointing but if we pulled off Mullarkey, Hopper and Vernam plus someone like Larsson the that would be excellent business wouldn't it?

Quoted from Corkyefes

Think this will be a massive week for Town, especially if the Kiernan rumours are true...

If the news I have heard regarding the injured player Hurst was referring to is true, then this may be an understatement.

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

If the news I have heard regarding the injured player Hurst was referring to is true, then this may be an understatement.

Is it Danilo then, or something like Michee or Max, where we have no cover?

Quoted from Poojah

I personally feel the chances of us getting sucked into a relegation battle are remote, however I still see this as a really important window for a number of reasons.

Looking from the outside in, we’re a club that hasn’t finished above 14th position in League Two for 16 years. Many if not most of our targets will be too young to remember us doing any better than that, and certainly none will remember us as a plucky second tier club.

For all the talk of location over the last few weeks, I still think the biggest dissuading factor for GTFC is that it doesn’t feel like a place that’s likely to be good for your career. All the evidence points to us being a side that will struggle in the lower echelons of League Two, and then get relegated from time to time. I really hoped we could shake that image this season with a top-half finish, and I think it will set us back if we fail to do that.

Furthermore, we have only 10 players contracted beyond the end of this season, and that includes Orsi and Khouri who have made limited contributions so far. Of those out of contract, I’d be surprised if more than 2 or 3 signed new deals. A constant cycle of having to bring in 10+ players every season is not a recipe for success, albeit last season is arguably an anomaly in that sense.

Loans have their part to play, and we’ve had some brilliant ones over the years - Conor Townsend, Jamie Devitt, Martin Paterson, John Oster. But we need to be building for the medium-term right now, and that means at least a handful of new, permanent signings if Kiernan has indeed left the building.

No point getting unduly upset just yet - there’s another week to go. But from where I sit today, we have a lot of work to do.

I think personally if we don't add quality to the squad this window, we may be looking over our shoulder.

We cannot deny that our form in the league has been poor, with only two 2 wins from the last 11 games and in my opinion all it would take is an injury/s to some key players, such as Kahn, McAtee, Green etc and we are struggling.

We are also not getting much positive vibes from Hurst in relation to Taylors and Croppers recoveries coming on well either, so they may not be available for the duration of this last run.

I'm personally also not comfortable with the teams below us also making some (on paper) positive signings, with teams such as Gillingham ploughing money in, clearly to try and survive this season.
Long term, it could be damaging to them, I admit, but short term it could just save them.

Although I don't believe we are a bad enough team to be relegated in terms of quality, other factors such as lack of signings, injuries and confidence during a bad run, along with the fans getting on the managers and players backs if we start to slide, It may really make us feel uncomfortable coming into the last 5-10 games.

As I said, I dont think we can rule relegation out, but lets hope we see some positive movements this week to install about of positivity around the club.

I think Ska is right in the sense I don’t think waiting right until the end is a particularly wise tactic and we’re extremely lucky to have barely played a game in Jan. That wasn’t planned and during our relegation season we played everyone around us in Jan & by the time the signings came it was far too late.

The circumstances were obviously different then but as I keep repeating, this strikes me as an incredibly risky strategy. The fact we’re now looking likely to get another unproven loanee up front as our option tells me that’s what we’ll end up with, and that situation feels like it was entirely avoidable.

Bit of a tangent but I think questions should be asked why we rarely improve players under this manager and coaching staff. Plenty of players come in with glowing cv's but the main thing we coach them is to track back before they disappear into the ether.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Is it Danilo then, or something like Michee or Max, where we have no cover?

I think, league wise, I wouldn't be concerned if Orsi is out injured, as we could play McAtee up there as a lone striker or with Kahn.
Again with Michee, you would be able to bring Clifton into that position, who could certainly do and job and bring Hunt/Morris into the fold.

Don't get me wrong, it would certainly make us very short on numbers and its a risk that nobody else gets injured, but Max being injured though would be a big issue.

Based on that you would be looking at...

            Crocombe
Clifton   Smith   Maher   Glennon
               Green
Holohan Morris  Khan
        McAtee    O'Neil

Bench - Scannell, Khouri, Hunt, Wearne, Youth Player, Richardson?

Quoted from Corkyefes

We cannot deny that our form in the league has been poor, with only two 2 wins from the last 11 games and in my opinion all it would take is an injury/s to some key players, such as Kahn, McAtee, Green etc and we are struggling.

:-/ :-/ :-/

Crocombe, Waterfall, Amos, Clifton, McAtee...that's literally off the top of my head of players who have significantly improved under this setup.

Who has regressed exactly?

By all means, Hurst is fair game for criticism over recruitment. But very harsh to question his coaching, in my opinion.

Potentially we're just treading water until the summer, once all the FA cup/pizza trophy money etc has been counted we might see the safe opened and a raft of new lads come in on 2 year deals that we have definitely ahve money in the bank for. Just a thought but it feels quite likely.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Worth a punt if he's available surely...

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-sbarra-transfer-rumours-addressed-8064117

Doubt we'll pay him anywhere close to what Notts County will for his services. This window seems to be slowly drifting into another set of kids on loan and dregs as desperation signings. If Hurst and the board surprise everybody by luring some real statement signings to the club I'll be the first to apologise for being wrong, I'll even invest in a season ticket next season for the first time in years even though I'll never make more than half the games. I'll free up my seat for the club or put them up for free here if I can't make it, whatever people think is more fun/useful.

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

:-/ :-/ :-/

Well, we're in big trouble then!

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

Potentially we're just treading water until the summer, once all the FA cup/pizza trophy money etc has been counted we might see the safe opened and a raft of new lads come in on 2 year deals that we have definitely ahve money in the bank for. Just a thought but it feels quite likely.

I think it's a short-sighted policy if this is what is happening.

We could quite easily be dragged into a relegation fight and if we manage to keep out of it and just limp along to the end of the season then next seasons season ticket sales will plummet.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Worth a punt if he's available surely...

https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/transfer-news/joe-sbarra-transfer-rumours-addressed-8064117

If County are in for Sbarra, he wouldn't be interested in coming here, as location (an hour from Solihull) will be the biggest factor in this.
I also assume Notts Country would be able to pay the same, if not more, than us.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Well, we're in big trouble then!

And we could be for up to 2 months if a suitable replacement isn't brought in sharpish.

Quoted from Corkyefes

If County are in for Sbarra, he wouldn't be interested in coming here, as location (an hour from Solihull) will be the biggest factor in this.
I also assume Notts Country would be able to pay the same, if not more, than us.

County are throwing daft sums of money at it. £14m in debt aren't they? Think they're in big trouble if they don't go up this season.

Quoted from Mariner_09

If he was the Keirnan replacement, I think I'd wet myself!!

Whilst Sbarra is quality, I'd also be very interested in Dallas - perhaps more so than Sbarra.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Whilst Sbarra is quality, I'd also be very interested in Dallas - perhaps more so than Sbarra.

we could set up some sort of club to help pay for his services

Quoted from diehardmariner

Crocombe, Waterfall, Amos, Clifton, McAtee...that's literally off the top of my head of players who have significantly improved under this setup.

Who has regressed exactly?

By all means, Hurst is fair game for criticism over recruitment. But very harsh to question his coaching, in my opinion.

Definitely not disagreeing with your sentiment, but would say that Waterfall has only improved in the sense that he had a shocker of a season when we went down and has bounced back. He'd been a top quality Conference/L2 defender for years prior to coming to us, so I'd argue that we've just seen a return to the type of player he truly is following a blip when Holloway played him alongside the equally slow but also very good Mattie Pollock and used a bunch of 19 year Championship loanees as protection in front of them.

Quoted from Kris2

Doubt we'll pay him anywhere close to what Notts County will for his services. This window seems to be slowly drifting into another set of kids on loan and dregs as desperation signings. If Hurst and the board surprise everybody by luring some real statement signings to the club I'll be the first to apologise for being wrong, I'll even invest in a season ticket next season for the first time in years even though I'll never make more than half the games. I'll free up my seat for the club or put them up for free here if I can't make it, whatever people think is more fun/useful.

Quoted from Corkyefes

If County are in for Sbarra, he wouldn't be interested in coming here, as location (an hour from Solihull) will be the biggest factor in this.
I also assume Notts Country would be able to pay the same, if not more, than us.

Yeah, you're probably both right regarding the fee/wages for him. He's from Lichfield though, which is on the better side of Brum for us, but that's admittedly better for Notts too. I wasn't putting it out there as a serious signing contender really, just one I'd hope is at least on our radar.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Crocombe, Waterfall, Amos, Clifton, McAtee...that's literally off the top of my head of players who have significantly improved under this setup.

Who has regressed exactly?

By all means, Hurst is fair game for criticism over recruitment. But very harsh to question his coaching, in my opinion.

You seem to have missed off your list the dozens of players he gets in who make no improvement whatsoever. Nobody has ever said no players improve, just the majority.

Which is exactly why I asked who you feel has regressed, or even not progressed?

I was quite relaxed about Kiernan going, thinking we had Scannell and Khan to cover those roles albeit with some fragility. However if as has been alluded to Khan is now out, we are buggered without another in on top of what we already needed.

Quoted from Kris2

Doubt we'll pay him anywhere close to what Notts County will for his services. This window seems to be slowly drifting into another set of kids on loan and dregs as desperation signings. If Hurst and the board surprise everybody by luring some real statement signings to the club I'll be the first to apologise for being wrong, I'll even invest in a season ticket next season for the first time in years even though I'll never make more than half the games. I'll free up my seat for the club or put them up for free here if I can't make it, whatever people think is more fun/useful.

‘set of loan kids’ as opposed to a non league winger who’s 13th in the league and can’t score this year…why are fans so allergic to wanting league two players or atleast inform non league players

Wearne? (To cover Khan)

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

I was quite relaxed about Kiernan going, thinking we had Scannell and Khan to cover those roles albeit with some fragility. However if as has been alluded to Khan is now out, we are buggered without another in on top of what we already needed.

buggered with having kiernan anyway, seems to play for the opponents

Quoted from marinerjase

Wearne? (To cover Khan)

he's cup tied

Quoted from wacca wacca

buggered with having kiernan anyway, seems to play for the opponents

we're better with him in the side, not sure what you watch

Quoted from Hagrid

we're better with him in the side, not sure what you watch

Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol mostly, I suspect.

Quoted from Hagrid

we're better with him in the side, not sure what you watch

if we didn’t have to suffer through sousa infront of goal then everyone would be like me and want kiernan gone👍🏻 absolutely dreadful crossing and shooting but not got dribbling like sousa

Quoted from Poojah

Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol mostly, I suspect.

prefer scooby-doo

Quoted from wacca wacca

prefer scooby-doo

You haven’t got one

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

You haven’t got one

one of the few who dare to speak the truth and critisize the board. just because they’re not called john fenty it doesn’t mean they’re doing good

Hurst is really starting to bore me know with his responses to any questions posed regards transfer activity. He’s not prepared to even hint at potential targets, he won’t even say if the club are hoping to keep Kiernan. Why? Surely he could give us fans some information. We are a lower mid table league 2 club ffs, not Manchester United. Personally I think his attitude towards the Fans at times stinks.

Wake up folks we are being treated like mushrooms.

Quoted from wacca wacca

one of the few who dare to speak the truth and critisize the board. just because they’re not called john fenty it doesn’t mean they’re doing good

FFS pal, give it a rest will you, go bang your head on an anvil or something as solid, you seem to need your brain rebooting!..
Statistically we have feared better with Kiernan in the team, no ifs, no buts or maybes, it's a fact!..
And as for your 'slating' of the board, show me one example where they've got it so wrong and not communicated with the fans?..they ballsed up on the flag, we complained, they explained, simple really...

Quoted from friskneymariner

Wake up folks we are being treated like mushrooms.

Is this surprising or remotely new? All clubs keep their cards close to their chests regarding transfers. Granted, I am increasingly becoming slightly concerned about the cards we have - but they're close to our chests in any case. ;D

Not sure why some expect a running commentary or a personal update from PH on who, what, where and how..

Quoted from wacca wacca

one of the few who dare to speak the truth and critisize the board. just because they’re not called john fenty it doesn’t mean they’re doing good

See this creeping in a lot - very little offered in way of examples of valid critique though.

Club have booked a room for the rest of the season in the team hotel, signing due.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

FFS pal, give it a rest will you, go bang your head on an anvil or something as solid, you seem to need your brain rebooting!..
Statistically we have feared better with Kiernan in the team, no ifs, no buts or maybes, it's a fact!..
And as for your 'slating' of the board, show me one example where they've got it so wrong and not communicated with the fans?..they ballsed up on the flag, we complained, they explained, simple really...

this time last year we was on a run of 1 win in about 14 but a couple loans (who had not scored any for years) happened to get a lucky promotion in non league. board clearly think they can cheap out again and we’ll get similar results. after this season our permanent options are not good enough at all
complaicency will cost us, all promotion momentum has gone and there is much less EFL experience here than the first season back under fenty

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Club have booked a room for the rest of the season in the team hotel, signing due.

Are you saying we have an incoming incoming?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

You seem to have missed off your list the dozens of players he gets in who make no improvement whatsoever. Nobody has ever said no players improve, just the majority.

And many of these players move to other clubs where they have no improvement whatsoever. It's just the way of the world, unfortunately.

Hurst is no Klopp, but he's also no Slade.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Are you saying we have an incoming incoming?

I’m saying that incoming is an incoming for the incoming.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Are you saying we have an incoming incoming?

Whichever hotel the club uses has an incoming. Maybe now the days are drawing out Hurst wants to be closer to beach.

Am presuming it’s still the oaklands?

Good deals at Oakland’s for any incomings incoming I’ve been told

I think it's dangerous for us to assume that we won't be in a relegation battle. There's no hints that Taylor is nearing fitness and the likelihood of us winning many points without a decent striker are slim. Most of the teams at the foot of the table seem to be strengthening whereas we haven't so far and our form (over 12 games) is worse than everyone bar the bottom two but Gillingham have spent some serious cash. I think it's unlikely we'd be relegated but even getting close to a relegation battle will really take the wind out of the club's sails. Given how buoyant everyone was only 6 months ago it would represent a huge opportunity missed and I'd be very disappointed in the board and Hurst for allowing that to happen.

Hopefully I'll have to eat humble pie because they'll sign at least three quality players permanently but I'm starting to worry.

Absolutely. Our current squad is not equipped for a relegation scrap . A few quality additions and that could change into a mid table scrap. Which ever way you cook it this season has been a disappointment. Players like Pepple shouldn't of been anywhere near a squad hoping to challenge In this league .

Quoted from It Bites

Which ever way you cook it this season has been a disappointment. .

Has it... I mean really?! I get people are getting frustrated but some of the stuff is abit over the top

Confirmed Kiernan gone.

https://gtfc.co.uk/kiernan-departs/

Reading the article is looks like it was PH's decision, so he must surely have some incomings lined up.

kiernan has gone back. we are all safe

Quoted from Mikey_345

Has it... I mean really?! I get people are getting frustrated but some of the stuff is abit over the top

how so? we drunk away any chance of using that promotion momentum by cheaping out on poor recruitement in the summer which has left us so short on depth in such a key area (striker)

Quoted from Mikey_345

Has it... I mean really?! I get people are getting frustrated but some of the stuff is abit over the top

Given we were on the edge of the play offs, I'd say it's been a disappointment, especially as we seem increasingly easy to turn over.

Interesting the wording used in the reasoning he’s gone back. To allow us more space in the loan market when we’ve only got 4 players on loan and one of them being Richardson. Must be a few loans incoming.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Interesting the wording used in the reasoning he’s gone back. To allow us more space in the loan market when we’ve only got 4 players on loan and one of them being Richardson. Must be a few loans incoming.

He say's he only wants 5. We have 3 without Richardson as I don't think any of us know if we should still be counting him or not. This would free up 1 possibly 2 spaces max.

We will bring more than 1 possibly 2 players in!

So far this window then:

Out
Pepple
Simmonds
JMD
Kiernan

In
O’Neill

injured*
Khan

Not what we all had in mind. I live in hope this is all a part of the plan…

*Allegedly

Quoted from Les Brechin

Confirmed Kiernan gone.

https://gtfc.co.uk/kiernan-departs/

Reading the article is looks like it was PH's decision, so he must surely have some incomings lined up.

Interesting to see Hurst say that we have limited loans available to us....

With us now only having McAtee, Smith and O'Neil, (Based on the rumours that Richardson will also go back) it suggests to me any new incomings will be loans aswell.

Quoted from mariner91

I think it's dangerous for us to assume that we won't be in a relegation battle. There's no hints that Taylor is nearing fitness and the likelihood of us winning many points without a decent striker are slim. Most of the teams at the foot of the table seem to be strengthening whereas we haven't so far and our form (over 12 games) is worse than everyone bar the bottom two but Gillingham have spent some serious cash. I think it's unlikely we'd be relegated but even getting close to a relegation battle will really take the wind out of the club's sails. Given how buoyant everyone was only 6 months ago it would represent a huge opportunity missed and I'd be very disappointed in the board and Hurst for allowing that to happen.

Hopefully I'll have to eat humble pie because they'll sign at least three quality players permanently but I'm starting to worry.

I've read this thread with interest at the range of opinions with frustration at some of them.

I had a look at all the players who have signed for L2 teams in this January transfer window. There's only a handful that I can see that would fit the bill of the consensus on here - permanent deals of experienced professionals. the most notable being Charlie Austin, who we know is amazing for this level but possibly drawn more for location and settling rather than the best pay packet (though I'm sure he's well compensated regardless).

The bit I picked out here and would be interested on thoughts is - with the exception of Gillingham who I do think have done well in this window - which players would you highlight as strengthening teams below us?

As a wider question to anyone, which transfers across the whole league would you have liked to see at Grimsby?

I picked up on Matt Jay, Jake Forster-Caskey, Armani Little and possibly Joe Garner (short term) as players who would've been nice to have. No doubt that amongst the unknown names signed across L2 there'll be some talent in there but none that I've previously heard of and some names I've heard of but not really what we need.

Quoted from wacca wacca

one of the few who dare to speak the truth and critisize the board. just because they’re not called john fenty it doesn’t mean they’re doing good

A reality check for you, as of the 5th May 2021 1878 took over with, allegedly £400k in the bank, a stadium not fit for purpose, the remanents of a team and a debt of £1,500,000 to the previous owner. O and relegation down to the NL. The highest expectation by most was mid-table in the NL and dicing with relegation some said.

Fast forward 18 months and the club are back in the EFL with the debt, allegedly, to Fenty paid off. Vast improvements to Cheapside, new playing surface and improvements to BP; things which never happened the previous 17 odd years. Yes, they got the logo wrong but were quick to admit their fault.

I'm not going to say they're perfect but as far as your concern for 'doing good' I think they've done more than good in the first 18 months.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Given we were on the edge of the play offs, I'd say it's been a disappointment, especially as we seem increasingly easy to turn over.

Halfway through a season, literally midtable, 4th round of the cup. As i say, i get people are frustrated but I think maybe we need to take abit of a step back sometimes. We need to improve, can't have the same excuses this window, have to turn form around, improve the squad - i agree with all that. But to describe our first season back in the FL as disappointing is a touch extreme.

That's before we touch on the improvements, investments and change of direction off the pitch as well

Rumour on Twitter about signing Larsson from Forest on loan.

[tweet]1617816198246453250[/tweet]

Quoted from wacca wacca

how so? we drunk away any chance of using that promotion momentum by cheaping out on poor recruitement in the summer which has left us so short on depth in such a key area (striker)

I’m not in a position to comment if recruitment was done on the “cheap” but I have said consistently since around mid- October that it was disappointing in terms of quality and said would any of us be particularly upset if it was announced that one of the summer signings was leaving the club?

Not all recruitment has been poor, Maher, Glennon and Hunt should prove to be good signings over the duration of their contracts but the latter is clearly not in PH’s good books at present. The quality of recruitment seems very similar to when we last returned to the EFL albeit then we still had, for a few months anyway, a genuine goal scorer. Green is ok but is pretty limited, IMO, and Khan has shown more than a few glimpses he could be an asset going forward.

Given how the decks are being cleared we fans can only assume that 4 or 4 5 players are on their way in and one would expect that this must include at least 3 attacking players, probably a defensive player and I would hope someone to improve us in midfield. However, I have reservations that we can bring in 5 players all of whom would be of the quality to be starting. Oh well by this time next week we will know and hopefully the new signings will allow us to play a more expansive and entertaining brand of football at BP and ensure we are not looking over our shoulders come Easter.

Anyone expecting a promotion push this season has every right to be disappointed but on reflection you should have lowered those expectations. Chances are you were told this on these very pages but chose to ignore. This season was always going to be one of consolidation.

Next season is when we should realistically be hoping for some kind of push, however this window needs to be a decent one for that to happen in my opinion. Hurst told us last week to trust him, so fair enough. He's earnt the right to that trust. Get this window wrong though and for me that trust won't be something he can expect in the next window.

Quoted from DB

A reality check for you, as of the 5th May 2021 1878 took over with, allegedly £400k in the bank, a stadium not fit for purpose, the remanents of a team and a debt of £1,500,000 to the previous owner. O and relegation down to the NL. The highest expectation by most was mid-table in the NL and dicing with relegation some said.

Fast forward 18 months and the club are back in the EFL with the debt, allegedly, to Fenty paid off. Vast improvements to Cheapside, new playing surface and improvements to BP; things which never happened the previous 17 odd years. Yes, they got the logo wrong but were quick to admit their fault.

I'm not going to say they're perfect but as far as your concern for 'doing good' I think they've done more than good in the first 18 months.

all for nothing when they let the product (the squad) rot

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

I’m not in a position to comment if recruitment was done on the “cheap” but I have said consistently since around mid- October that it was disappointing in terms of quality and said would any of us be particularly upset if it was announced that one of the summer signings was leaving the club?

Not all recruitment has been poor, Maher, Glennon and Hunt should prove to be good signings over the duration of their contracts but the latter is clearly not in PH’s good books at present. The quality of recruitment seems very similar to when we last returned to the EFL albeit then we still had, for a few months anyway, a genuine goal scorer. Green is ok but is pretty limited, IMO, and Khan has shown more than a few glimpses he could be an asset going forward.

Given how the decks are being cleared we fans can only assume that 4 or 4 5 players are on their way in and one would expect that this must include at least 3 attacking players, probably a defensive player and I would hope someone to improve us in midfield. However, I have reservations that we can bring in 5 players all of whom would be of the quality to be starting. Oh well by this time next week we will know and hopefully the new signings will allow us to play a more expansive and entertaining brand of football at BP and ensure we are not looking over our shoulders come Easter.

last time we returned to the efl we let most defenders and midfielders go and replaced them with experienced l2 players, this time we didn’t and now have a non league squad bar khan. currently 3 places below that first season back

Quoted from wacca wacca

all for nothing when they let the product (the squad) rot

Rot? Jesus wept! ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from wacca wacca

all for nothing when they let the product (the squad) rot

I don't know what you're on but I don't any of it.

Not hearing much in regards to incomings, but told Bromley are one club looking at Orsi, probably on loan.

Rotherham about to sign Jordan Hugill, potentially could get things moving on a localish level...

Quoted from DB

I don't know what you're on but I don't any of it.

He's just a troll, best to ignore the kiddie.

Quoted from Surrey97

Not hearing much in regards to incomings, but told Bromley are one club looking at Orsi, probably on loan.

He seems far too nice to play for them.

Quoted from wacca wacca

all for nothing when they let the product (the squad) rot

You talk zero sense, this squad has 3 players that we paid fees for (something Fenty failed to do), brought in experience, mixed with youth.
Yes, some failed to impress and I will say Orsi, so far has been disappointing but I'm convinced given a run on the team he could come good. The best of the best don't get everything right!..
1878 walked into a shitshow, and also admitted it was worse than they first realised, they had to prioritise certain aspects of the club, the training facilities, the club staff, to name a few things that required real investment.
As I've said, we are fortunate to be out the NL so quickly and that's caught everybody out!.
JS, AP, DC et al are learning how to run a football club on the hoof, they be hiccups, mistakes, poor decisions but Christ on a bike, I'll take their odd c@ck up over the years of mismanagement and underfunding from the 3rd Reichs realm!..

The 4 week headstart everyone had on us in the summer is a reasonable excuse for our summer recruitment in my opinion. I expected consolidation and continual improvement this month and into the summer. A Head of Recruitment was brought in with a working knowledge from a league above a few weeks before the window opened so I'm not going to start slating him because I think the benefits of that appointment are long-term.

Whilst everyone had a headstart on us in the summer, we have all had the same amount of time until January. Hurst was only chasing permanent signings this month and we are told it's about continuous improvement but he's now looking at loans.

A poor January heaps lots of pressure on his recruitment this summer and if we sleepwalk in to a relegation battle due to poor recruitment this month, that would be unacceptable.

There is a week left, this Saturday is a free hit and you would expect anyone we do sign before the weekend with proven experience to be cup-tied but it would be nice to enter February with a stronger squad than we entered January; after all each window is about continually improving.

I don't understand why so many people are saying we have 'poor recruitment' when there are many parameters that have to be right on both sides for a successful transition.

Quoted from wacca wacca

all for nothing when they let the product (the squad) rot

I think, disappointingly, that you are now drifting into the territory of just perpetually posting cobblers.

Quoted from Surrey97

Not hearing much in regards to incomings, but told Bromley are one club looking at Orsi, probably on loan.

we cant seriously lose another player >:(

Quoted from Surrey97

Not hearing much in regards to incomings, but told Bromley are one club looking at Orsi, probably on loan.

We are massively overstocked with forward players in fairness.

Just for the sake of balance - looked through the BBC transfers and there are 10 clubs who have made 0-2 signings this window, so we are hardly alone. The 3 biggest 'signers' are the Poolies, Gills and Col u , which tells you a lot

Quoted from Hagrid

we cant seriously lose another player >:(

We would literally have no forwards for Saturday!

https://mobile.twitter.com/drfc_official/status/1617930235336327178

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Hurst was only chasing permanent signings this month and we are told it's about continuous improvement but he's now looking at loans.

He’s never said we’re not looking at permanent signings. Many seem to be fixated on a comment he made about loans - which is always going to form an element of any squad at this level…

Loans are the best bet for signings at this time of the season. Very few players are out of contract and don't have any financial pressures. They can wait for the best deal.

Maybe our permanent targets are not attainable right now, so we have had to look at loans.

No-one knows what is going on behind the scenes, but plenty seem to be having a meltdown regardless.

Quoted from gtfc_chris

I've read this thread with interest at the range of opinions with frustration at some of them.

I had a look at all the players who have signed for L2 teams in this January transfer window. There's only a handful that I can see that would fit the bill of the consensus on here - permanent deals of experienced professionals. the most notable being Charlie Austin, who we know is amazing for this level but possibly drawn more for location and settling rather than the best pay packet (though I'm sure he's well compensated regardless).

The bit I picked out here and would be interested on thoughts is - with the exception of Gillingham who I do think have done well in this window - which players would you highlight as strengthening teams below us?

As a wider question to anyone, which transfers across the whole league would you have liked to see at Grimsby?

I picked up on Matt Jay, Jake Forster-Caskey, Armani Little and possibly Joe Garner (short term) as players who would've been nice to have. No doubt that amongst the unknown names signed across L2 there'll be some talent in there but none that I've previously heard of and some names I've heard of but not really what we need.

Rochdale signed Eastwood who is a decent keeper for this level.
Hartlepool have made a number of signings, nothing outstanding but are at least signing players.
Morecambe have signed Anthony O'Connor who is a decent player and a couple of others.
Colchester have signed a few players including Matt Jay from Exeter who has been excellent in recent seasons at this level.
Gillingham have splashed the cash.
And Crewe have signed a loan of loanees and I have no idea if any are any good.

We're not alone in not signing anyone but that coupled with us losing players and our horrendous form should be cause for concern.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Source?

👍

Quoted from Mikey_345

1000.00% Bentleys

👍🤫

Quoted from Surrey97

Not hearing much in regards to incomings, but told Bromley are one club looking at Orsi, probably on loan.

Could make his debut on Saturday at Scunny!

For those of us who keep saying that our player recruitment in the Summer didn't improve us before this season started, can I just remind everyone who left, who joined us and look at the comparisons....

RELEASED
Luis Adlard - - - Edwin Essel
Luke Spokes - - - Harvey Tomlinson
Scott Burgess - - - Bryn Morris
Giles Coke - - - Alex Hunt
Adam Crookes - - - Anthony Glennon
Erico Sousa - - - Brendan Kiernan (loan now terminated)
Lenell John-Lewis - - - Danilo Orsi
James McKeown - - - NOT REPLACED
Daniel Rose - - - Kieran Green
Max Wright - - - Otis Khan
- - - other youths given pro terms - - Aaron Braithwaite / Jamie Bramwell

LOANS ENDED
Tristan Abrahams - - - Mikey O'Neill (L)
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe - - - Liam Richardson (L)
Arjan Raikhy - - - REPLACED WITH Niall Maher (CB)
Joey Jones - - - REPLACED with Stephen Wearne (WG)
Andy Smith - - - Andy Smith (he's back)

We haven't replaced James McKeown as no need for 3 keepers.

Think we can agree that generally the recruitment has been an improvement all round, but Ryan Taylor is a big miss and we need some freshening up in the attacking areas.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

👍🤫

Haha! You obviously misinterpreted my post haven’t you..

Quoted from Poojah

So far this window then:

Out
Pepple ... oh well. No lose
Simmonds..... see above
JMD.... Good player but never played.. see above.
Kiernan... rated him. A lose to us.

In
O’Neill.... looks good but needs support and guidance.

injured*
Khan... hopefully back soon

Not what we all had in mind. I live in hope this is all a part of the plan…

*Allegedly

Quoted from Stew0_0

For those of us who keep saying that our player recruitment in the Summer didn't improve us before this season started, can I just remind everyone who left, who joined us and look at the comparisons....

RELEASED
Luis Adlard - - - Edwin Essel
Luke Spokes - - - Harvey Tomlinson
Scott Burgess - - - Bryn Morris
Giles Coke - - - Alex Hunt
Adam Crookes - - - Anthony Glennon
Erico Sousa - - - Brendan Kiernan (loan now terminated)
Lenell John-Lewis - - - Danilo Orsi
James McKeown - - - NOT REPLACED
Daniel Rose - - - Kieran Green
Max Wright - - - Otis Khan
- - - other youths given pro terms - - Aaron Braithwaite / Jamie Bramwell

LOANS ENDED
Tristan Abrahams - - - Mikey O'Neill (L)
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe - - - Liam Richardson (L)
Arjan Raikhy - - - REPLACED WITH Niall Maher (CB)
Joey Jones - - - REPLACED with Stephen Wearne (WG)
Andy Smith - - - Andy Smith (he's back)

We haven't replaced James McKeown as no need for 3 keepers.

Think we can agree that generally the recruitment has been an improvement all round, but Ryan Taylor is a big miss and we need some freshening up in the attacking areas.

Forgotten Fox?

Quoted from Stew0_0

For those of us who keep saying that our player recruitment in the Summer didn't improve us before this season started, can I just remind everyone who left, who joined us and look at the comparisons....

RELEASED
Luis Adlard - - - Edwin Essel
Luke Spokes - - - Harvey Tomlinson
Scott Burgess - - - Bryn Morris
Giles Coke - - - Alex Hunt
Adam Crookes - - - Anthony Glennon
Erico Sousa - - - Brendan Kiernan (loan now terminated)
Lenell John-Lewis - - - Danilo Orsi
James McKeown - - - NOT REPLACED
Daniel Rose - - - Kieran Green
Max Wright - - - Otis Khan
- - - other youths given pro terms - - Aaron Braithwaite / Jamie Bramwell

LOANS ENDED
Tristan Abrahams - - - Mikey O'Neill (L)
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe - - - Liam Richardson (L)
Arjan Raikhy - - - REPLACED WITH Niall Maher (CB)
Joey Jones - - - REPLACED with Stephen Wearne (WG)
Andy Smith - - - Andy Smith (he's back)

We haven't replaced James McKeown as no need for 3 keepers.

Think we can agree that generally the recruitment has been an improvement all round, but Ryan Taylor is a big miss and we need some freshening up in the attacking areas.

That list to me shows we released all the fringe players, and Sousa, and then got a squad together for league 2. You are probably right but it is the natural order of things.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Haha! You obviously misinterpreted my post haven’t you..

Haha yes sorry too many tequilas here in Mexico will keep you updated if I hear of anything little harder to get as much info nowadays 😉👀

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Forgotten Fox?

And Mcatee and a 35 year old forward on his last legs need replacing

Quoted from mariner91

Rochdale signed Eastwood who is a decent keeper for this level.
Hartlepool have made a number of signings, nothing outstanding but are at least signing players.
Morecambe have signed Anthony O'Connor who is a decent player and a couple of others.
Colchester have signed a few players including Matt Jay from Exeter who has been excellent in recent seasons at this level.
Gillingham have splashed the cash.
And Crewe have signed a loan of loanees and I have no idea if any are any good.

We're not alone in not signing anyone but that coupled with us losing players and our horrendous form should be cause for concern.

I like Eastwood, but he's only on loan. Unknown if he's going to be No1 or backup but good to have none the less. Would he strengthen us though?

Having a look at O'Connor and he looks to have played at a consistently better level than L2 so I'd say he's more likely to be a good addition for Harrogate. At 30 he's probably got a few more good years in him.

Gillingham have thrown some money about and I think they've made the best signings generally given their position. They'll be hoping they perform and get them moving, especially given how much they've spent.

With the exception of Matt Jay, having looked at the list there's no-one else I've ever heard of and a good portion are young loans across the other teams.

Personally, I think there's question marks over whether teams have truly strengthened in terms of quality, or like you said with Hartlepool, are simply adding players.

One of the opinion themes on here is getting players who will make us better. It's what shapes my opinion that given the choice I would rather wait until the end of the window to bring in players who will simply make up the numbers than bringing them in early doors just to appease fans and leave no room for manoeuvre towards the end of the window if the players we actually want become available.

Someone mentioned here that few players are out of contract in January so the ability to make the type of changes more likely for Clubs at this level (free transfers) won't happen until the summer. Much as the need for a few extra bodies (Striker especially) is clear to see, I would still rather not bring people in for the sake of it (permanently). Get the loans in to see us through the season but save the money for the players PH genuinely wants in the summer. Don't accept second best just because the fans are getting impatient.

It is horrible for us, much as I believe in waiting to sign actual quality rather than makeweights there's no denying that incomings can offer renewed optimism, a fresh spark and we always hope an upturn in results. Hopefully we'll get some players in to get us excited but I'm not going to overly worry if we don't. I think we'll stay up with what we have but I'd be expecting the summer window to be one of the best we've had in recent years.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Anyone expecting a promotion push this season has every right to be disappointed but on reflection you should have lowered those expectations. Chances are you were told this on these very pages but chose to ignore. This season was always going to be one of consolidation.

Next season is when we should realistically be hoping for some kind of push, however this window needs to be a decent one for that to happen in my opinion. Hurst told us last week to trust him, so fair enough. He's earnt the right to that trust. Get this window wrong though and for me that trust won't be something he can expect in the next window.

I’m happy with us having a mid-table season but I’m not particularly happy in the manner in which it’s playing out. It feels like we should be doing better in multiple areas.

The home form has been shite and I’m really concerned it’ll cause season ticket sales to drop next year.

The squad doesn’t really feel like we’re actually building anything, the idea was a good two windows will mean we don’t have the need for mass signings in the summer. However, two windows where we’ve obviously struggled for whatever reason, mean that the summer looks like another big build again. If (as it appears) we fall back on loanees again, it has to be said that’s a disappointment given the backing fans have given with season ticket sales. It also begs the question that what if we’re here having this conversation with a week to go in the summer? Last summer we had some mitigating circumstances, I can’t really see them now.

I didn’t expect big things, but it does feel a little like it’s turning into a bit of a nothing season and the squad feels like it’s stalled somewhat.

How many players have Notingham Forest signed this season ?

They must have a good few players not getting any game time.

Surely one or two of them would like to be by the seaside .

Mullarkey on the bench for Alty tonight. Their official Twitter account says he has a slight strain but their fans are calling balderdash and seem to think he might be leaving them. Weird he'd be on the bench though if that was the reason to not start him?

Could be something in this:

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-grimsby-town-newport-county-in-transfer-battle-for-nottingham-forest-player/

I wonder what the owners are really thinking about this is it
A We leave the playing side to Paul and we are content to leave it at that .
B FFS what’s going on

Quoted from Marinerdeano

Could be something in this:

https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-grimsby-town-newport-county-in-transfer-battle-for-nottingham-forest-player/

Careful you might get red crossed like i did just for posting info

Someone on Facebook rumouring we're in for Jamie Proctor at Port Vale. Would tick plenty of boxes but absolutely no idea if there's any truth in it.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Proctor

Quoted from Meza

Careful you might get red crossed like i did just for posting info

Ha, it a rite of passage isn't it?! :-)

Proctor on the bench tonight but returning from injury. Seems well regarded by their fans so I'm calling balderdash on my own rumour.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Someone on Facebook rumouring we're in for Jamie Proctor at Port Vale. Would tick plenty of boxes but absolutely no idea if there's any truth in it.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Proctor

Hurst signed him on loan when at Scunny, however he barely started a game before getting sent back to Rotherham and then onto Fylde. Suspect this might just be someone putting two and two together and getting five.

Sounds like he's returned from a nasty hip injury and surgery and he's out of contact in the summer so could be a possible I guess. Wouldn't be cup tied so I'm all for it.

Given the players that have been allowed to leave I can’t imagine this was agreed without us having at least some replacements ready to come in thus I am optimistically expecting at least two announcements before the weekend and maybe three.

Quoted from Meza

Careful you might get red crossed like i did just for posting info

Think it's because the same story was reported earlier in the thread this morning, so isn't new news.

Tough audience.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Given the players that have been allowed to leave I can’t imagine this was agreed without us having at least some replacements ready to come in thus I am optimistically expecting at least two announcements before the weekend and maybe three.

This🤞

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Given the players that have been allowed to leave I can’t imagine this was agreed without us having at least some replacements ready to come in thus I am optimistically expecting at least two announcements before the weekend and maybe three.

One loan so far in to replace three loans gone, maybe four if Richardson doesn’t return.
Plus however many more permanent?

Wasnt Proctor linked with us a year or so ago, but hurst rubbished saying that Proctor wasnt the sort of player he was looking for?

We live in hope…….

Quoted from ginnywings

Think it's because the same story was reported earlier in the thread this morning, so isn't new news.

Tough audience.

Ah fair play, keep up Meza ;D

The cogs of the transfer window appear to have started to move, as people start to panic or lose their nerve.

Surely incoming business tomorrow?

Remember the heady days of the Bignot transfer window? Last time I remember staying up until 1am on 31st January. Hell of a time.

Keep the faith.

As Fergie would say

'It's squeaky bum time'

Quoted from forza ivano

Wasnt Proctor linked with us a year or so ago, but hurst rubbished saying that Proctor wasnt the sort of player he was looking for?

Think we’ve signed 2 or 3 players from Vale since PH returned and he’s big mates with their Manager so wouldn’t be a surprise although not a prolific scorer he would provide a decent target man and hopefully hold the ball up. Then again it might just be a load of cobblers!,

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

We live in hope…….

Lovely village. Nice pub, handy for the hills. Quite like New Mills.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Think we’ve signed 2 or 3 players from Vale since PH returned and he’s big mates with their Manager so wouldn’t be a surprise although not a prolific scorer he would provide a decent target man and hopefully hold the ball up. Then again it might just be a load of cobblers!,

Are you on about Vale or Northampton?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Are you on about Vale or Northampton?

Vale, think Amos and Burgess last year came from them and think there may have been another the season before but can’t remember

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Vale, think Amos and Burgess last year came from them and think there may have been another the season before but can’t remember

And Crooks although signed on a free but was released by Vale.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Is it Danilo then, or something like Michee or Max, where we have no cover?

khan

Quoted from Meza

Rumour on Twitter about signing Larsson from Forest on loan.

[tweet]1617816198246453250[/tweet]

That's him going to Newport then .Reasons location,too expensive,doesn't suit our style etc etc

Olympiacos were supposed to be inrerested afew wks ago
https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2022/12/13/report-nottingham-forest-gem-julian-larsson-wanted-by-olympiacos/

Quoted from Stew0_0

For those of us who keep saying that our player recruitment in the Summer didn't improve us before this season started, can I just remind everyone who left, who joined us and look at the comparisons....

RELEASED
Luis Adlard - - - Edwin Essel
Luke Spokes - - - Harvey Tomlinson
Scott Burgess - - - Bryn Morris
Giles Coke - - - Alex Hunt
Adam Crookes - - - Anthony Glennon
Erico Sousa - - - Brendan Kiernan (loan now terminated)
Lenell John-Lewis - - - Danilo Orsi
James McKeown - - - NOT REPLACED
Daniel Rose - - - Kieran Green
Max Wright - - - Otis Khan
- - - other youths given pro terms - - Aaron Braithwaite / Jamie Bramwell

LOANS ENDED
Tristan Abrahams - - - Mikey O'Neill (L)
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe - - - Liam Richardson (L)
Arjan Raikhy - - - REPLACED WITH Niall Maher (CB)
Joey Jones - - - REPLACED with Stephen Wearne (WG)
Andy Smith - - - Andy Smith (he's back)

We haven't replaced James McKeown as no need for 3 keepers.

Think we can agree that generally the recruitment has been an improvement all round, but Ryan Taylor is a big miss and we need some freshening up in the attacking areas.

2 youth players mentioned, 2 of our worst (orsi and kiernan) then missed fox off. can’t deny summer recruitement was poor

Quoted from nightrider

Olympiacos were supposed to be inrerested afew wks ago
https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2022/12/13/report-nottingham-forest-gem-julian-larsson-wanted-by-olympiacos/

Think the owner of Forest also owns Olympiacos and a few players have gone between the two clubs.

Told to expect one in today

Quoted from Surrey97

Told to expect one in today

Hurrah!

Quoted from Surrey97

Told to expect one in today

Looks like incomings back on the menu boys!

Quoted from ska face

Looks like incomings back on the menu boys!

Let’s hope it’s a starter!

Now we’ve had the nod from Surrey97 should someone check the batteries in the transfer klaxon? Think they’re triple A but they’re probably deader than Frank Lampard’s management career. Awooga.

Yes! Something new to moan about!

Quoted from LH

Yes! Something new to moan about!

Same song, different record!

Quoted from LH

Yes! Something new to moan about!

I guarantee it'll be someone that provokes the swift transition from "sign a striker, sign a striker" to "no, not that one"!

Quoted from LH

Yes! Something new to moan about!

“Grimsby Town are delighted to announce the signing of 17-year old goalkeeper…”

My guess is something along the lines of

“HE’S BACK!! Grimsby Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Brendan Kiernan on an 18 month contract”

And everyone who complained he’d gone will then complain we’ve no ambition and that he’s no better than Sousa etc etc etc.

Legs probably gone
Too inexperienced
Panic signing
Wrong position
We couldn't find anyone less prolific if we tried

Sorry, Just getting warmed up

Toby Mullarkey or the lad from Forest on loan is my guess. Happy to be suprised with something completely out of the blue mind.

Any cryptic clues - "handsome prince gets off naughty ledge"

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

...handy for the hills. Quite like New Mills.

No thrills?
Channelling HMHB, by any chance; the light at the end of the tunnel...?

Having seen how Hurst works in previous transfer windows it'll either be

1) wow!
2) who?
3) oh sweet Jesus......no!

It'll be a youngster who has zero professional games under his belt

Quoted from Davec

It'll be a youngster who has zero professional games under his belt

Pele, Harry Kane, Messi, George Best...and, well, every great player...was once a youngster with zero professional games
under his belt.

Let's not write off whoever it is - youngster or 'old head' or in-between - too quickly, eh?

As this window is boring we should start a sweepstake to guess what time on any given day that a new signing is announced.

It does tend to be a bang on o'clock from historical signings.

I'll chuck my 10 pence in on 4.00pm

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Legs probably gone
Too inexperienced
Panic signing
Wrong position
We couldn't find anyone less prolific if we tried

Sorry, Just getting warmed up

Journeyman
Injury prone
Another loanee?
He played in the Scottish premier League which is like the conference north

On the face of it Larsson would look like a decent prospect.

I get people want proven and experienced players, and of course that is required and i'd hope to see that over the next few days. However any L2 squad needs an element of young loanees, it's how the game works now in that regard. Some seem to want to just write players off because they're 20 and not 27 - which is a little ridiculous. We could go through plenty of experienced players that have come here and been awful. Talent and application is what i'm interested in and from what you read and hear this lad seems to have a fair amount of talent.

All players to have ever played the game where 20 once and there are countless examples of Premier League youth players coming down to this level and been exceptional. Larrson may be one of these - or he may not be. But for the love of god can we wait 'til we have seen him play to make a call on that? I still remember the outcry at signing an unproven Centre Back from Hull last season...

Quoted from Davec

It'll be a youngster who has zero professional games under his belt

The Hurst interview may include 'We've been watching him f't some time', 'he'll bring summat different', 'he'll suit us shape'.

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Toby Mullarkey or the lad from Forest on loan is my guess. Happy to be suprised with something completely out of the blue mind.

Well, the most prominent names on this thread to date (who haven’t already been snapped up elsewhere) seem to be:

Charles Vernam
Tom Hopper
Toby Mullarkey
Jamie Proctor
Julian Larsson
Ryan Bowman

I predict it will be none of them.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

As this window is boring we should start a sweepstake to guess what time on any given day that a new signing is announced.

It does tend to be a bang on o'clock from historical signings.

I'll chuck my 10 pence in on 4.00pm

It used to be transfer Thursday, so I'll have 5p ( last of the big punters) on 5 pm Thursday.

On the other hand lately, he's named on the team sheet 2.00 pm Saturday is worth another 5p.

Quoted from 140381

My guess is something along the lines of

“HE’S BACK!! Grimsby Town Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Brendan Kiernan on an 18 month contract”

And everyone who complained he’d gone will then complain we’ve no ambition and that he’s no better than Sousa etc etc etc.

Hope not.

Quoted from nigelh

No thrills?
Channelling HMHB, by any chance; the light at the end of the tunnel...?

Rumbled.

Quoted from Davec

It'll be a youngster who has zero professional games under his belt

If you earn your living as a footballer, training matches in the Under-23s/reserves are professional games...

Might be lacking a bit of first team experience, but everybody has to start somewhere.

A Martin Paterson/Steve Kabba-alike would be useful.

Quoted from Mikey_345

On the face of it Larsson would look like a decent prospect.

I get people want proven and experienced players, and of course that is required and i'd hope to see that over the next few days. However any L2 squad needs an element of young loanees, it's how the game works now in that regard. Some seem to want to just write players off because they're 20 and not 27 - which is a little ridiculous. We could go through plenty of experienced players that have come here and been awful. Talent and application is what i'm interested in and from what you read and hear this lad seems to have a fair amount of talent.

All players to have ever played the game where 20 once and there are countless examples of Premier League youth players coming down to this level and been exceptional. Larrson may be one of these - or he may not be. But for the love of god can we wait 'til we have seen him play to make a call on that? I still remember the outcry at signing an unproven Centre Back from Hull last season...

Possibly a replacement for McAtee? As he is only 5' 10" I can't really see him as a replacement for Taylor.

Quoted from 123614

Possibly a replacement for McAtee? As he is only 5' 10" I can't really see him as a replacement for Taylor.

A loanee isn’t a replacement for either

Quoted from 123614

Possibly a replacement for McAtee? As he is only 5' 10" I can't really see him as a replacement for Taylor.

So, we should add too short to his list of deficiencies then?

Quoted from pontoonlew

A loanee isn’t a replacement for either

A bit pedantic aren't you? I was suggesting he probably wouldn't be a replacement for Taylor to play as a target man.

Based on no information at all, I'm going to predict Keiran Agard. Mostly been used as a sub by Donny this season.

Small bit of info on this Larsson fella

https://twitter.com/Grantnffc1/status/1618216894326247424

Quoted from ginnywings

So, we should add too short to his list of deficiencies then?

Well I take it you have seen the size of most of the CB's in EFL 2? I never said it was a deficiency. Jeez, what is wrong with you guys, always looking for someone to pick on. Toxic is the right word to describe this forum, as other people have said in the past.

Quoted from pontoonlew

A loanee isn’t a replacement for either

It is until the end of the season, which is all that really counts at present.

Quoted from 123614

Well I take it you have seen the size of most of the CB's in EFL 2? I never said it was a deficiency. Jeez, what is wrong with you guys, always looking for someone to pick on. Toxic is the right word to describe this forum, as other people have said in the past.

'Kin 'ell, chill out.

Not every post is literal.

Quoted from 123614

Well I take it you have seen the size of most of the CB's in EFL 2? I never said it was a deficiency. Jeez, what is wrong with you guys, always looking for someone to pick on. Toxic is the right word to describe this forum, as other people have said in the past.

Perhaps you could try to look at it as family squabbling - and we can choose our friends but not our family. ::)

Quoted from 137

Perhaps you could try to look at it as family squabbling - and we can choose our friends but not our family. ::)

A similar thing cropped up on the Lincoln forum earlier about wives and sisters

Quoted from 123614

Possibly a replacement for McAtee? As he is only 5' 10" I can't really see him as a replacement for Taylor.

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

Quoted from DB

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

With the less sophisticated encounters, yes. A Matt Rhead or Gary Jones is the kind of weapon you need to lead with you need for those...

Quoted from DB

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

Is that two measurements?

Quoted from DB

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

Dave Gilbert was tiny, but he was a skilful player. Remember him playing a blinder one boxing day with an icy pitch. His lower centre of gravity helped him. Others were sliding all over. He got a brace and thumped one against the bar.

Quoted from DB

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

Both did better next to a Toshack/Heskey though.

Quoted from DB

Does size ( on the football field ) really matter? Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen are 5 ft 8 inches and they did ok.

Size doesn't matter, in most roles, but in my opinion it does if you play as a Target Man.

Quoted from Mayaman

Dave Gilbert was tiny, but he was a skilful player. Remember him playing a blinder one boxing day with an icy pitch. His lower centre of gravity helped him. Others were sliding all over. He got a brace and thumped one against the bar.

I remember that game, I was at it with my Dad, I believe we won 4-2 and I think it was against Barnsley, but not 100% sure about that.

Crawley apparently in talks to sell Ashley Nadesan to a team up north...

Quoted from Son of Cod

Crawley apparently in talks to sell Ashley Nadesan to a team up north...

North of Crawley doesn't exactly narrow it down much

Quoted from Son of Cod

Crawley apparently in talks to sell Ashley Nadesan to a team up north...

Looks a good fit for what we need.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Nadesan

The name is familiar. Have we been linked with him in the past? Or is it a name just randomly mentioned on one of these transfer threads which go on interminably?

Nadesan’s been linked with us before, I forget under which manager.

Was in the FA Cup first round for Crawley so cup tied

Nadesan is a name that I was told we had interest in and posted it on here at the start of the window but all went a bit quiet on that front with everything that was happening at Crawley.

Quoted from 137

Looks a good fit for what we need.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Nadesan

Experienced but not old, 6 ft 2 in, one in five goal scoring records. Guess that’s as good as we can expect.

Proven goalscorer when fit and has spent a few years up north with Fleetwood and Carlisle.

But,,,,,,

recently injured and subbed off nine times in 17 starts this season. Risky anything over a one year deal.

Quoted from 123614

I remember that game, I was at it with my Dad, I believe we won 4-2 and I think it was against Barnsley, but not 100% sure about that.

Yes it was. I wasn't sure about the score but just looked it up. 4-2. Cracking game.

Is that Forest lad we've bid for cup tied?

Quoted from Mayaman

Is that Forest lad we've bid for cup tied?

Pretty sure he isn't.

Quoted from Croxton

Proven goalscorer when fit and has spent a few years up north with Fleetwood and Carlisle.

But,,,,,,

recently injured and subbed off nine times in 17 starts this season. Risky anything over a one year deal.

Everything is going to be a risk at this level, players are flawed in the lower leagues.

Eg, Ryan Taylor wouldn't have had to drop out of the league if it wasn't for two injury punctuated years at Newport.

Not a prayer someone like Nadesan would join us on a one year contract. This is part of the problem in that maybe it would be financially prudent but Gillingham and Colchester don't give a intercourse and will offer a three year deal. So we either take risks or we miss out.

Football insider reporting Hooper to Colchester. Must say if he's available I'd be disappointed that we didn't get him.

I remember Nadesan looking like Crawley's best player when we played them at home. He was giving Glennon a battle down that side in the first half if I remember right.

Quoted from Croxton

Proven goalscorer when fit and has spent a few years up north with Fleetwood and Carlisle.

But,,,,,,

recently injured and subbed off nine times in 17 starts this season. Risky anything over a one year deal.

Generally manages in excess of 70 minutes when starting though, and regularly plays a full 90. Only once been pulled before 72 mins, and he got 66 mins that game at home to Newport. Substitutions may be a result of playing style though - generally regarded as a bit of a workhorse isn’t he?

Hopper signing for Colchester. Who owe something daft like £16 million don’t they?

Quoted from Mikey_345

Football insider reporting Hooper to Colchester. Must say if he's available I'd be disappointed that we didn't get him.

All the signs pointed to the fact we were in for him and you’d imagine Colchester have offered more.

It’s madness to me that we’ve missed out to a club in the relegation fight for a player who’s relatively locally based. We’ve no doubt held out for him as well and will now be into the loan market as a result.

I’m all for patience, but something doesn’t seem right whatsoever.

My mistake, it’s actually £25 million.

Quoted from 140381

My mistake, it’s actually £25 million.

I'd be both surprised and disappointed if we were getting out bid by them then. Is it actually feasible to be sustainable in League football these days or are the sums of money required to be competitive too silly?

At least we have some names emerging who COULD be available !

Hopper - shouldn't be a location problem over a mere 38 miles if he could be pursuaded tomplay here.

Nadesam - how far oop North do we qualify for him ?

Larsson - we do look after younger loanees if they can produce the goods, but neither loanee let go did that. Richardson looks like he has something there if he can stay fit.

We all live in hope that something will soon cllck for Hurst.

Never mind a head of recruitment, they need a lead negotiator in there. Something’s not right to be in talks with so many players only to be turned down. This one with Hopper, if we were in for him and he’s gone to Colchester, is mental.

Quoted from Mayaman

Is that Forest lad we've bid for cup tied?

Have we bid for him?

Be very frustrated if we’ve been outbid/outfought by flipping Colchester

I think the board are going to have to have a serious think after this window about how we can become more appealing to players. It probably does come down to wages. If it’s actually location then it’s something that can be worked on with the package as a whole. Would it be worth buying some properties and offering accomodation for families as part of the deal? Short term hit for a long term plan.

They should buy that 6-bed house on Cheapside we discussed about 100 pages ago. A snip at £650k and I’m sure Crofty could get us a decent deal.

It doesn't matter a jot about location or any other factor. If we are not offering enough they won't come. Why would anybody with a short, lower league career?

Colchester are just throwing money at it, Wrexham levels of just throwing enough money at the wall and hoping it sticks.

As disappointing as the Hopper one is, I'm not sure we can compete with it regardless of what we offer.

Worry for me is that he's one we've waited for and now we're caught short, again, at the bottom end of the window. This waiting for players is getting annoying. We all understand that players will want to see what else is out there, but there comes a point where you call their bluff.

Big wages usually solve problems

Before we all completely lose our sh1t , was Hopper ever anything other than an internet rumour?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

It doesn't matter a jot about location or any other factor. If we are not offering enough they won't come. Why would anybody with a short, lower league career?

Absolutely right - we seem to be negotiating with one arm tied behind our back. Hopper, as an example, is clearly available, ticks our requirements, lives nearby and seems ready to move 150 miles away.

Quoted from ska face

They should buy that 6-bed house on Cheapside we discussed about 100 pages ago. A snip at £650k and I’m sure Crofty could get us a decent deal.

Should be knocked down like Fred West’s was that one.

I will still reserve judgement until the window is over - it's what I said at the start so its abit revisionist to change that.

However even my usual optimism is starting to creek. If Hooper was available - we should have got him, pretty simple for me.

Quoted from 140381

Before we all completely lose our sh1t , was Hopper ever anything other than an internet rumour?

Probably not - we don't seem to sign players (other than loans) from the leagues above.

Quoted from 140381

Before we all completely lose our sh1t , was Hopper ever anything other than an internet rumour?

If we weren’t in for him, then why?

I’d suggest that being in for him and losing him wouldn’t be half as annoying as not even bothering in the first place.

Quoted from 123614

Have we bid for him?

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/grimsby-larsson-loan-signature-battle-8071124

Mind you, it is the GET.

Quoted from 140381

Before we all completely lose our sh1t , was Hopper ever anything other than an internet rumour?

Not sure why, but that made me chuckle. I'm not sure I am gonna watch football anymore, this forum is more entertaining and cheaper. It's also less stressful. Unless Hagrid is on my case, that is.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Big wages usually solve problems

Can also cause some...

all down to hurst remember the year before the fans payed for bogle fenty put in telegraph he was proud of hurst for not paying 4or 5 grand more

Grimsby Live usually grabs yesterday's Fishy Forum rumour and runs with it !!

Saves researching for the facts, and still pays the same - easy job !!

Quoted from smokin joe

all down to hurst remember the year before the fans payed for bogle fenty put in telegraph he was proud of hurst for not paying 4or 5 grand more

intercourse my life

Quoted from smokin joe

all down to hurst remember the year before the fans payed for bogle fenty put in telegraph he was proud of hurst for not paying 4or 5 grand more

Didn't Hursty try and sign him the year before when nobody had heard of him?

Believe we was in for Hopper earlier in the window but it went quiet a while ago. Thought that might’ve been due to him staying at Lincoln so I’m a bit surprised by this one. And fwiw I’m still expecting one in today but always possible they could choose to announce it tomorrow instead.

Quoted from Surrey97

Believe we was in for Hopper earlier in the window but it went quiet a while ago. Thought that might’ve been due to him staying at Lincoln so I’m a bit surprised by this one. And fwiw I’m still expecting one in today but always possible they could choose to announce it tomorrow instead.

Any clues as to who it might be?

Quoted from Surrey97

Believe we was in for Hopper earlier in the window but it went quiet a while ago. Thought that might’ve been due to him staying at Lincoln so I’m a bit surprised by this one. And fwiw I’m still expecting one in today but always possible they could choose to announce it tomorrow instead.

Maybe he was staying but Col U have put money on the table to Lincoln that we weren't prepared to do that Lincoln couldn't turn down?

How Colchester manage to operate with that debt is beyond me.

Connor Wickham is available now, would he interest anyone?

Quoted from Tinymariner

Connor Wickham is available now, would he interest anyone?

We won't interest him.

Maybe they’ve seen what’s happening down the road from us and realise if they go down they’re looking at the same fate with that kind of debt

mariner-0 9 yes he did he was one of none leages top goal getters

Quoted from LH

I think the board are going to have to have a serious think after this window about how we can become more appealing to players. It probably does come down to wages. If it’s actually location then it’s something that can be worked on with the package as a whole. Would it be worth buying some properties and offering accomodation for families as part of the deal? Short term hit for a long term plan.

As part of a long term, "sustainable" plan I think this has to be on it. The idea in my mind is to buy/build 5 or 6 family houses. When we sign players on lengthy contracts the offer we present them is the first year in these low rent - or maybe even rent free - houses, giving them a year to find somewhere to either rent or purchase themselves and get acquainted with the area. As it would only be a year, the houses would - in theory - be rotated through players who arrive.This of course assuming we manage to build squads and achieve a level of low turnover of players year on year.

Similarly I would have something similar to what Wycombe have/had in a block of apartments for the youngsters. It gave them the chance to be independant away from home but living with one another and someone to keep an eye on them with welfare support supplied.

Its ideas along these lines that I think we should be exploring as ways to be improve our appeal. As any properties would - as the idea goes - be owned by the Club it would be an asset added to our value as a Club and we can offset players wages with accomodation provide that may help maintain a sensible wage budget but still be more attractive than Clubs of similar size.

With AP being in the property business I'm sure he would be the perfect person to know how this could be done as cheap as possible.

Quoted from Mikey_345

How Colchester manage to operate with that debt is beyond me.

I believe the debt is to their owner, Robbie Cowling. So, like most clubs, they're fine as long as the benefactor sticks around. It wouldn't surprise me if he's realised that he's got no hope of recouping that money if they drop out of the league and is trying to spend his way out of it.

Quoted from Mayaman

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/grimsby-larsson-loan-signature-battle-8071124

Mind you, it is the GET.

If it's in the GT/GL it's probably wrong. Today's edition tells us that St James House, St James Sq. was built in the 1700s !!!!!!!!!!!!! Modern bricks and windows in the photo, usual GL reporting. They probably think Town play as Grimsby Pelham.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

I believe the debt is to their owner, Robbie Cowling. So, like most clubs, they're fine as long as the benefactor sticks around. It wouldn't surprise me if he's realised that he's got no hope of recouping that money if they drop out of the league and is trying to spend his way out of it.

Should maybe of added that i meant how they are ALLOWED to operate with that debt. Totally unsustainable and will be another club in trouble when the music stops.

Hopper joined the Chimps from Southend so his family home may still be down in the south east which would then make this move a little more understandable. Can see him playing for them at town in a couple of weeks time and scoring just to rub even more salt into the wound.

Another day. Another blank.

Quoted from chaos33

Another day. Another blank.

I'm beginning to feel like Eeyore, the clinically depressed donkey - 'Not much to see, no new players, not much hope'

There comes a point when even the most patient of us start to get twitchy, I'm there now!.
5 days left, rumoured targets going elsewhere, players loans terminated, 1 loan in, something just doesn't feel right.
We've got a match in 2 days, and only 3/4 of a squad that could give Luton a game and we can't fill the bench, gotta to be the worse transfer window I can recall

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Club have booked a room for the rest of the season in the team hotel, signing due.

Do you know if the team hotel has a cancellation policy?

It’s been an absolutely dismal window. How are we so far behind everyone else whilst over 3 weeks have passed, not like your even giving yourself a fighting chance going to Luton thinking we might cause an upset.

Really poor, and really depressing. Clearly the club needs to work on its pitch.

Whether you agree with PH's 'attempt to catch the opposition out' or not, I'd be very surprised if we haven't already signed a couple of players before Luton that just haven't been announced yet.

Getting slightly worried that our policy seems to be there will be 2 worse teams than us this year.. that policy failed badly twice before..

Still time yet for a couple of decent signings..

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Do you know if the team hotel has a cancellation policy?

It’s probably an amalgamation of guest house paradiso and fawlty towers

Is getting players of the "right character" policy holding back recruitment by limiting those we are shortlisting?

I'm just wondering was it Ian Fleming that used to sort the contract negotiations?

Quoted from TwoLeftFeet

Getting slightly worried that our policy seems to be there will be 2 worse teams than us this year.. that policy failed badly twice before..

Still time yet for a couple of decent signings..

Dont be so daft. Do you really think the owners and staff would make that an actual strategy?!

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Is getting players of the "right character" policy holding back recruitment by limiting those we are shortlisting?

The more I think about this, it is just a sop to the supporters isn't it?

Beyond not signing an obvious wrong 'un what a daft policy, if it exists at all.

We are trying to sign footballers who like everyone else come with a whole range of human frailties.

Quoted from Meza

I'm just wondering was it Ian Fleming that used to sort the contract negotiations?

It was. I’m just not sure what the manager is trying to achieve. I’m honestly baffled by what happened at the end of the last window and what’s happening in this one.

It will be interesting to see what the squad looks like a week from now. We were told we would improve every window so we need to see some decent inbound activity over the next week.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

It will be interesting to see what the squad looks like a week from now. We were told we would improve every window so we need to see some decent inbound activity over the next week.

Semantics isn't it?

I think the AIM is to improve every window, but we are clearly struggling to bring players in that are an improvement on what we've got, and as PH said, he won't sign players just to boost the numbers.

However, we need to sign at least one striker before the window shuts, on the theory that any striker will be better than what we have at the moment, because we haven't got any, apart from Orsi, and he doesn't look like he's in favour with the manager.

I'd be very surprised if we don't have at least one in by the weekend, or possibly by the end of the window certainly.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

I believe the debt is to their owner, Robbie Cowling. So, like most clubs, they're fine as long as the benefactor sticks around. It wouldn't surprise me if he's realised that he's got no hope of recouping that money if they drop out of the league and is trying to spend his way out of it.

He's got no hope of recouping £25 Mill whether they are in the league or not.

The pace has certainly picked up . We are up to 10 pages of nothing a day now.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

The more I think about this, it is just a sop to the supporters isn't it?

Beyond not signing an obvious wrong 'un what a daft policy, if it exists at all.

We are trying to sign footballers who like everyone else come with a whole range of human frailties.

The way I heard it earlier in the season (think it was just before we advertised for the Analyst geek) was they would do all the sports science stuff to create a long list and then they'd narrow that down with some kind of character / mental attribute assessment. Sounds a bit like Football Manager game stuff, but makes sense in principle if trying to build a squad of really hard-working pros all working for each other. So does that exclude total cVnts from the shortlist like a Harry Pell type? Do we need some cVnts like that in the squad because at least they'll be our cVnts?

Time is seriously ticking & the silence is deafening.

Our last signing was made approximately 2 weeks ago, we looked short then and look significantly shorter now.

Difficult to not want answers about recruitment, particularly with bumper ST sales/crowds, being in R4 of the FA Cup & even the cup game against Forest.

PH pre match interview tomorrow is going to make interesting listening too.

For Christ sake Hursty, please shut us all up.

180 pages of rumours

Quoted from monkeyboy

180 pages of rumours

179 pages of mindless panic and bleating. 1 page of rumours.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

The way I heard it earlier in the season (think it was just before we advertised for the Analyst geek) was they would do all the sports science stuff to create a long list and then they'd narrow that down with some kind of character / mental attribute assessment. Sounds a bit like Football Manager game stuff, but makes sense in principle if trying to build a squad of really hard-working pros all working for each other. So does that exclude total cVnts from the shortlist like a Harry Pell type? Do we need some cVnts like that in the squad because at least they'll be our cVnts?

If it is a policy it is bordering on the bloody stupid. Signing good players is hard enough without checking whether they are a cross between mother Theresa and the hardest workers in the league.

As you say other clubs have "mavericks " but it is the manager's job to blend all the different personalities together.

You need the different characters to give a bit of spark.

Everybody in the game will know players to avoid in any event.

Just go back to Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' who were full of characters... Something Town are missing in this Bland policy...

Is an outgoing “ touching cloth” worth posting?

Quoted from headingly_mariner

179 pages of mindless panic and bleating. 1 page of rumours.

The good news is we’re in the FA Cup 4th round on Saturday. Sadly, our bench will currently be half empty.

Losing confidence rapidly
Need action

Quoted from aussiej

Just go back to Wimbledon's 'Crazy Gang' who were full of characters... Something Town are missing in this Bland policy...

I mentioned above about a Matt Rhead upgrade type, but he's often only making the bench at Alfreton, so I was wondering if he played in the Cup for them earlier in the season...

Quoted from ginnywings

Semantics isn't it?

I think the AIM is to improve every window, but we are clearly struggling to bring players in that are an improvement on what we've got, and as PH said, he won't sign players just to boost the numbers.

But sadly we know that is exactly what he will do, don't we?

Matt Rhead? fúck me.

LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DRIVEN US TO, HURST!!

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Do you know if the team hotel has a cancellation policy?

Nope, room booked for the end of the season. Incoming tomorrow.. possibly 2 👍

Efl transfer have just tweeted 2 minutes ago that Andy Cook has left Bradford City today. I thought he left some days ago, but my memory is not good.

This special relationship with Luton is going swimmingly. Hopefully they pack a few of their stiffs on our bus on the way home Saturday evening.

Quoted from 123614

Efl transfer have just tweeted 2 minutes ago that Andy Cook has left Bradford City today. I thought he left some days ago, but my memory is not good.

I'd take him back in a heartbeat

Quoted from Mendonca1995

I'd take him back in a heartbeat

I would sign Nick Berry at this rate

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I mentioned above about a Matt Rhead upgrade type, but he's often only making the bench at Alfreton, so I was wondering if he played in the Cup for them earlier in the season...

He’s making the supports for the bench!

I like North Yorkshire and Whitby
No decent footy up there but at least they don’t get the anguish of supporting a former “big” club

Quoted from LH

I think the board are going to have to have a serious think after this window about how we can become more appealing to players. It probably does come down to wages. If it’s actually location then it’s something that can be worked on with the package as a whole. Would it be worth buying some properties and offering accomodation for families as part of the deal? Short term hit for a long term plan.

Worked for the club maintaining properties all over town, mainly Waltham. To my knowledge all the properties the club had from Bill Carr days were sold by Fenty.

Last town player in a club property that I remember was Rob Jones

I think it’s a good thing and another thing to offer players…a property in a decent area of town with good schools and amenities for a family life. It surely would be a benefit more than a hindrance

Why am I not surprised that Fenty sold the Crown Jewels?

Just tell me Town have signed my Granny.
She is a good sweeper but never found the onion bag

Personally ,for all JS soundbites, I think he needs to put or shut up.
We have done as supporters what has been asked of us ,giving our hard earned money to to support the club.
It's about time some of that money was invested on the pitch by means of new additions.
Sick of hearing all the fancy articles .
Want to see actions ,it starting to look like a hobby.

[quote=141129]Personally ,for all JS soundbites, I think he needs to put or shut up.
We have done as supporters what has been asked of us ,giving our hard earned money to to support the club.
It's about time some of that money was invested on the pitch by means of new additions.
Sick of hearing all the fancy articles .
Want to see actions ,it starting to look like a hobby.

As I said previously ''fine words never butter any parsnips

Quoted from Wemble1998

Personally ,for all JS soundbites, I think he needs to put or shut up.
We have done as supporters what has been asked of us ,giving our hard earned money to to support the club.
It's about time some of that money was invested on the pitch by means of new additions.
Sick of hearing all the fancy articles .
Want to see actions ,it starting to look like a hobby.

Agreed

I've just watched 10 minutes of Halifax v Scunny and it's so dreadful I find it depressing. The football, the ground, the pitch, the support level, everything
Jason, Andrew and PH, please, please don't allow our team to get sucked into another relegation dogfight. We need some decent signings and we've needed them for 25 days now because our form is dreadful

Quoted from buckstown

I've just watched 10 minutes of Halifax v Scunny and it's so dreadful I find it depressing. The football, the ground, the pitch, the support level, everything
Jason, Andrew and PH, please, please don't allow our team to get sucked into another relegation dogfight. We need some decent signings and we've needed them for 25 days now because our form is dreadful

You see, this is my issue.
Everybody saying the board should stump up the cash for signings, how about they probably have but Hurst is doing the negotiations and knowing him as we do, he won't want to upset the apple cart by offering x player a few quid more than y player
So, surely the board, who admittedly leave the footballing side to Hurst, maybe need to tell him to loosen the purse strings a bit!.

Quoted from ginnywings

Feisty first post
.

Yeah, there’s a lot of it about at the moment. Especially on Twitter.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

You see, this is my issue.
Everybody saying the board should stump up the cash for signings, how about they probably have but Hurst is doing the negotiations and knowing him as we do, he won't want to upset the apple cart by offering x player a few quid more than y player
So, surely the board, who admittedly leave the footballing side to Hurst, maybe need to tell him to loosen the purse strings a bit!.

If they want to maintain home attendances, you would think they would.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

You see, this is my issue.
Everybody saying the board should stump up the cash for signings, how about they probably have but Hurst is doing the negotiations and knowing him as we do, he won't want to upset the apple cart by offering x player a few quid more than y player
So, surely the board, who admittedly leave the footballing side to Hurst, maybe need to tell him to loosen the purse strings a bit!.

I often think Hurst would make a decent Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

If they want to maintain home attendances, you would think they would.

Can’t imagine watching less games because we haven’t signed players quite as quickly as the fans would like, but maybe that’s just me.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

You see, this is my issue.
Everybody saying the board should stump up the cash for signings, how about they probably have but Hurst is doing the negotiations and knowing him as we do, he won't want to upset the apple cart by offering x player a few quid more than y player
So, surely the board, who admittedly leave the footballing side to Hurst, maybe need to tell him to loosen the purse strings a bit!.

You know nothing

[quote=3898]Get real

5 o clock Friday methinks.

Quoted from chaos33

You know nothing

I'm not a violent man but your utter contempt for other peoples opinions is bewildering, are you the oracle of all things?
Are we mere plebs being looked upon like something you've trodden in?
In short, stop being such an arrogant pr!ck!..

Quoted from 140381

Yeah, there’s a lot of it about at the moment. Especially on Twitter.

Our social media fans are a complete embarrassment. None more so than that idiot Wacca

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

I'm not a violent man but your utter contempt for other peoples opinions is bewildering, are you the oracle of all things?
Are we mere plebs being looked upon like something you've trodden in?
In short, stop being such an arrogant pr!ck!..

It’s breathtaking. There’s a small clique on here who routinely round on anything that is vaguely tangential to their opinion. Bit weird on a forum message board that thrives on variety of opinions.

Quoted from Hagrid

Our social media fans are a complete embarrassment. None more so than that idiot Wacca

I see him earlier say that James Barrett and Luke Summerfield walk into this current team. Had to go for a lay down after that.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

I see him earlier say that James Barrett and Luke Summerfield walk into this current team. Had to go for a lay down after that.

Luke Summerfield was underrated. There, I said it.

Quoted from Poojah

Luke Summerfield was underrated. There, I said it.

Wasn’t he Player of the Year in the season before he left?

Summerfield was probably our best player in 2017-18, would’ve won POTS if it wasn’t for that last quarter of the season when Macca was just ridiculous and more or less single-handedly kept us up.

Berrett was very limited but alright, got unfair stick as he was often bunged out on the wing by Hurst and Slade when he was here. Neither make the current side.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

It’s breathtaking. There’s a small clique on here who routinely round on anything that is vaguely tangential to their opinion. Bit weird on a forum message board that thrives on variety of opinions.

Chaos never used to be like this though did he? I can’t imagine what has made him change to try to shout down any critical comments. Is he connected to the new regime in some way?

It doesn't do anybody any good to be sycophantic to any regime whether they are your cup of tea or not. I'm sure we all appreciate what they are trying to do, but we are commenting in real time on day to day events so you have to leave whether they are generally good or not to one side for the sake of debate.

My personal view is I hoped for things on and off the field to move a bit quicker without compromising their overall aim to make improvements long term. I say this more because momentum is so important in football and I don't want us to lose it and slide slowly back to square one.

Quoted from Poojah

Luke Summerfield was underrated. There, I said it.

Think that’s fair enough. Berrett wasn’t, he was terrible

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Chaos never used to be like this though did he? I can’t imagine what has made him change to try to shout down any critical comments. Is he connected to the new regime in some way?

It doesn't do anybody any good to be sycophantic to any regime whether they are your cup of tea or not. I'm sure we all appreciate what they are trying to do, but we are commenting in real time on day to day events so you have to leave whether they are generally good or not to one side for the sake of debate.

My personal view is I hoped for things on and off the field to move a bit quicker without compromising their overall aim to make improvements long term. I say this more because momentum is so important in football and I don't want us to lose it and slide slowly back to square one.

I think we’re on the same page.

There was always going to be a bump in the road and the owners couldn’t have wished for much more in their first 16-18 months. I’m pretty sure they expect to be held to account - they might just not be used, in their businesses, to the variables that arise in football.

I don’t know who is handling the current situation. The much promised transparency has ebbed away, little is heard of the Chief Executive for whatever reason and the manager, in spite of a miserable run, appears bombproof. There seems to be little accountability. It’s concerning.

Summerfield was superb if managed correctly, he just needed telling to only play the ball forward. Any time he played backwards he was a liability.

Debbie Cook copping for it now? This thread is in danger of slipping from its very high standards of content

Quoted from ska face

Debbie Cook copping for it now? This thread is in danger of slipping from its very high standards of content

No, she isn’t. I’m saying that we don’t hear anything from her now. 12 months ago we were hearing all sorts about club ethos, culture, B Corp etc, now nothing.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I think we’re on the same page.

There was always going to be a bump in the road and the owners couldn’t have wished for much more in their first 16-18 months. I’m pretty sure they expect to be held to account - they might just not be used, in their businesses, to the variables that arise in football.

I don’t know who is handling the current situation. The much promised transparency has ebbed away, little is heard of the Chief Executive for whatever reason and the manager, in spite of a miserable run, appears bombproof. There seems to be little accountability. It’s concerning.

They give a lengthy interview on Humberside, DN35 or the website every other month….stockwood was on Humberside last week I think? What do people want, a daily update??

Quoted from sam gy

They give a lengthy interview on Humberside, DN35 or the website every other month….stockwood was on Humberside last week I think? What do people want, a daily update??

A lengthy interview that said nothing. We trust Paul, he’s got Joe on the case, he’s got targets. Yeah, we know all that. We’ve dropped 8 places in the league in a couple of months but, hey ho, it’s all part of the process.

The thing is, it would be great to make football more sustainable. Of course it would, but, eyes wide open, it isn’t going to happen overnight and we can’t afford another relegation. The best way to avoid relegation? Try and get promotion.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

No, she isn’t. I’m saying that we don’t hear anything from her now. 12 months ago we were hearing all sorts about club ethos, culture, B Corp etc, now nothing.

That means she’s doing a good job, much rather hear nothing than a drunk statement at midnight after a couple bottles of cheap red. I don’t know why as a football fan you want to know the in’s and outs of a chief executives day.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

That means she’s doing a good job, much rather hear nothing than a drunk statement at midnight after a couple bottles of cheap red. I don’t know why as a football fan you want to know the in’s and outs of a chief executives day.

That was the Chairman not CEO. People said Ian Fleming was shocking at his job for not being heard from. Can’t slate one for the same reason you praise another.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

I like North Yorkshire and Whitby
No decent footy up there but at least they don’t get the anguish of supporting a former “big” club

The guy who owns the shop in RHB is a town fan you can’t get away from it that easily.

Quoted from sam gy

They give a lengthy interview on Humberside, DN35 or the website every other month….stockwood was on Humberside last week I think? What do people want, a daily update??

The argument they’re not visible or putting themselves up to scrutiny is ridiculous.

For some, being cc’d into the stationary order wouldn’t be enough.

Quoted from Wemble1998

Personally ,for all JS soundbites, I think he needs to put or shut up.
We have done as supporters what has been asked of us ,giving our hard earned money to to support the club.
It's about time some of that money was invested on the pitch by means of new additions.
Sick of hearing all the fancy articles .
Want to see actions ,it starting to look like a hobby.

Hallelujah Hallelujah!!

Quoted from KingsleysHair

That was the Chairman not CEO. People said Ian Fleming was shocking at his job for not being heard from. Can’t slate one for the same reason you praise another.

Regardless, her job remit is to oversee the football clubs operations. I think the only people that have any right to comment on the job she’s doing is Jason and Andrew. I find the comments she gets rather bizarre if I’m honest, especially some of the personal ones I see on Twitter.

Can we make this thread an average of 200 pages per signing :)

Quoted from Posh Harry

Think that’s fair enough. Berrett wasn’t, he was terrible

Summer field had some good qualities, concentration wasn't one of them.

Berrett was exceptionally excrement, seemed to have his main focus to be to never take any risk or play it forward if at all possible. So ended up pottering about in front of the back 4 passing it back to them whilst on the ball, and not being strong or mobile enough to offer anything at all whilst off the ball. One of the worst central midfielders to be a regular player for us for more than 1 season that I can ever remember.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

That means she’s doing a good job, much rather hear nothing than a drunk statement at midnight after a couple bottles of cheap red. I don’t know why as a football fan you want to know the in’s and outs of a chief executives day.

Silence equals doing a good job . Is she working in a seminary?

Quoted from Poojah

Luke Summerfield was underrated. There, I said it.

Agreed

I think Debbie Cook should do a weekly video sat on a snooker table in a polo neck sweater,
Stockwood should verbally abuse the local press during a fans forum and Andrew Petit should state we will be in the prem within 4 years, then maybe some fans can see this lot is a patch on the previous regime.
Personally I'm happy with the weekly, bi-weekly positive chats from this intelligent trio.
Utm

If I read another I've been told there's an incoming I'll go mad .how many on here have said it and no signings .Who is telling you this crap

Would be excellent trolling from the club if the first permanent signing of this window was comment 1878 on this thread.

Quoted from Norseman

If I read another I've been told there's an incoming I'll go mad .how many on here have said it and no signings .Who is telling you this crap

Fella in the pub who just lost multiple times on the bandit but said it paid out over a ton to him last night and will definitely pay out again soon.

Quoted from Davec

I would sign Nick Berry at this rate

Cant reveal my source but I’ve heard he isn’t the right sort of character PH is looking for . Apparently we made a loan offer for Mary Berry as her personal qualities and work ethic are exactly what we need.
Unfortunately she didn’t want to relocate to such a backwater town at the end of the earth and channel 4 offered her 50 quid a week more so we just missed out !

Quoted from come_on_town

Worked for the club maintaining properties all over town, mainly Waltham. To my knowledge all the properties the club had from Bill Carr days were sold by Fenty.

Last town player in a club property that I remember was Rob Jones

I think it’s a good thing and another thing to offer players…a property in a decent area of town with good schools and amenities for a family life. It surely would be a benefit more than a hindrance

I worked on properties owned by the Carrs for 20 years . They did indeed house players for many years . In my opinion Bill Carr got a lot of unfair criticism when he was chairman, a really nice down to earth man who was town through and through . His lads also invested money in the youth system after his passing . Not sure if they still do as they weren’t the biggest fans of John Fenty!
The last player I remember seeing in one of theirs was Alan Connell who lived in one of the small town houses next to Waltham fire station .
When I turned up to repair his door he was staying there with his dad and was pleased as punch when I recognised him and gave me 2 signed photos to give to my mates lads who had season tickets with us at the time .

Quoted from Captaincod

I worked on properties owned by the Carrs for 20 years . They did indeed house players for many years . In my opinion Bill Carr got a lot of unfair criticism when he was chairman, a really nice down to earth man who was town through and through . His lads also invested money in the youth system after his passing . Not sure if they still do as they weren’t the biggest fans of John Fenty!
The last player I remember seeing in one of theirs was Alan Connell who lived in one of the small town houses next to Waltham fire station .
When I turned up to repair his door he was staying there with his dad and was pleased as punch when I recognised him and gave me 2 signed photos to give to my mates lads who had season tickets with us at the time .

I met him a few years back on a coaching course, I told him how he was adored by Grimsby fans and was the one player for me anyway that made me love the club again after that horrid season. He was so humbled and had no idea how liked he was, was a true gent.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

I'm not a violent man but your utter contempt for other peoples opinions is bewildering, are you the oracle of all things?
Are we mere plebs being looked upon like something you've trodden in?
In short, stop being such an arrogant pr!ck!..

Right. I haven’t tried to shut down debate. I commented on your post where you speculated that we haven’t made any signings because Paul Hurst is too tight with money. You said this was based on ‘what we know about him.’
The thing is - you don’t know that about him. You don’t know if the lack of signings is because the manager won’t spend money. He’s got money to spend, and how we work has been openly and regularly communicated by the club. Hence my remark. There are loads of assumptions, crass remarks and entitled angry nonsense on this thread. Christ, yesterday someone called this an ‘absolute disgrace’. I mean, what is going on in people’s lives that allows them the space and impulse to be so angry.

And you yourself, then resort to abuse and violent language, in the same post as complaining that I am a toxic influence and a stifler of debate! Some irony that.

I like discussion. I’ve got no connection to the owners. I think challenging ideas is healthy and instructive. Especially when those views are based on assumption, or are unfair, imbalanced etc. Some people claim that when you challenge their view you’re a ‘bully’. Then they use abusive language and are usually the type who moan about snowflakes and wokeness.

Quoted from chaos33

Right. I haven’t tried to shut down debate. I commented on your post where you speculated that we haven’t made any signings because Paul Hurst is too tight with money. You said this was based on ‘what we know about him.’
The thing is - you don’t know that about him. You don’t know if the lack of signings is because the manager won’t spend money. He’s got money to spend, and how we work has been openly and regularly communicated by the club. Hence my remark. There are loads of assumptions, crass remarks and entitled angry nonsense on this thread. Christ, yesterday someone called this an ‘absolute disgrace’. I mean, what is going on in people’s lives that allows them the space and impulse to be so angry.

And you yourself, then resort to abuse and violent language, in the same post as complaining that I am a toxic influence and a stifler of debate! Some irony that.

I like discussion. I’ve got no connection to the owners. I think challenging ideas is healthy and instructive. Especially when those views are based on assumption, or are unfair, imbalanced etc. Some people claim that when you challenge their view you’re a ‘bully’. Then they use abusive language and are usually the type who moan about snowflakes and wokeness.

Pal, I'm not the first and I'm sure I won't be the last to tell you what we think of your approach to debate.
You come across as a bit of a tool, almost trying to be Simon Jordan(esk) in your vocabulary, belittling if you will.
There's ways and means to discuss, debate, offer different opinions but you, well what can I say, are always passive aggressive!..
I'm not getting drawn into a t!t for tat with you, I've said my piece, and to me, that's the end of the discussion.

Joe Sbarra going to Barrow according to a rumour on Twitter

I think the problem with Summerfield is that he was brought in to take the place of Craig Disley. This was when Disley was still at the club and the fact he was a completely different player altogether!

His first season was so poor but in that second season when he was given a role of protecting the back four, keeping it simple and just breaking up play he was by far our best player.

Berrett, on the otherhand, goes down as one or the worst players I've seen in a Town shirt. Just completely ineffective. Even the poor players have an attribute or two that's decent, yet he had nothing.

Nadesan not going anywhere, he says -

https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/nonsense-crawley-town-star-ends-rumours-that-he-is-leaving-club-and-gives-promising-injury-update-4000878

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Pal, I'm not the first and I'm sure I won't be the last to tell you what we think of your approach to debate.
You come across as a bit of a tool, almost trying to be Simon Jordan(esk) in your vocabulary, belittling if you will.
There's ways and means to discuss, debate, offer different opinions but you, well what can I say, are always passive aggressive!..
I'm not getting drawn into a t!t for tat with you, I've said my piece, and to me, that's the end of the discussion.

All of which, underlines my exact points. Patronising, name calling and then shutting it down. Lovely irony.

For me Luke Summerfield was massively overrated, I thought he was incredibly limited but got away with it with our fans because he looked busy and as if he was trying hard. Also because to be fair to him read by no means our worst player at the time.
Ironically I thought some of his problems was that he tried too hard, tried the more difficult pass and it didn’t come off losing possession.
He seems to have made a decent career at National League level since leaving us, maybe League 2 was a step too far for him.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Chaos never used to be like this though did he? I can’t imagine what has made him change to try to shout down any critical comments. Is he connected to the new regime in some way?

It doesn't do anybody any good to be sycophantic to any regime whether they are your cup of tea or not. I'm sure we all appreciate what they are trying to do, but we are commenting in real time on day to day events so you have to leave whether they are generally good or not to one side for the sake of debate.

My personal view is I hoped for things on and off the field to move a bit quicker without compromising their overall aim to make improvements long term. I say this more because momentum is so important in football and I don't want us to lose it and slide slowly back to square one.

Momentum is definitely something any Club should try to capitalise on but there is always a risk that if that momentum carries you too far too early then it's likely that there will be some kind of fall waiting in the wings.

A theme on here is about paying the wages needed to get the players we want. It's hard to really argue the logic, if you want quality in any industry it comes at a cost. It'd need an actual financial intellect to confirm this, but my basic understanding is that markets can become inflated if people start paying over the odds...?

In football terms, I imagine it looks something like; we want to sign a striker (Player A) who will score 15+ goals a season. but he's going to cost us £3,500 a week. Our current high earner (Player B) is £2,000 a week. Once Player A signs, if he justifies his salary then that's great all round, but Player B is the one creating the assists and helping Player A justify his wages. So now Player B wants an increase to justify his importance to the team, and wants £3,000 to be closer. So our initial £1,500 above the structure has become £2,500.

But this then trickles down. The rest of the team who will have been happy with the pay differential in accordance with their contribution and sense of worth all now want a pay increase as well, after all, it is a team game. So now that initial £1,500 a week over the wage structure became £2,500 with one player and potentially somewhere in the region of £15,000 a week more once every player in the team has re-evaluated and re-negotiated their contract.

I don't know how contracts are paid in terms of weekly duration, but if we took that £15,000 and multiplied that by 52 weeks of the year that's an extra £780,000 on the wage bill. That's £780k ON TOP of what was our previous annual wage bill.

Obviously those figures are completely made up and assumes that every player in the team sees their contract increase but the principle of the logic is true. If we begin the process of increasing our wage structure to attract the quality we'd like then we have to have a means of paying for it. If that isn't in place yet, be that by sustained higher attendances to provide the evidence that support is here to stay, or through investment and/or commercial revenue then it would be unwise to get ahead of ourselves, as a time will come in 1-3 years where all that quality will be sold and sub-standard replacements come in that propel us downwards rather than up because we can't afford to maintain it.

It's not a thought I've previously had but it has just occurred to me that perhaps the owners are more shrewd than we first realised. They no doubt recognise momentum themselves and the increased ST sales based on last seasons successes. But they may also have realised that a consolidated mediocre mid-table L2 finish might not enthuse fans to renew ST the following year and they're already balancing the unexpected gains of this season, coupled with projected downturns in ST and attendances next season and plodding the middle road of a budget to ensure they keep within a 'sustainable' budget. Probably way off the mark but just a thought that popped in there!

I think it’s a really good post mate and sheds light on the actual complexities at play.

Things I have gathered from this thread in recent days...

- We expect the owners to keep us informed daily, & pay for player out of their current accounts - why should they?
- The CEO has stopped talking on Twitter - So what, does this reflect on the way she does her job?
- The budget isn't good enough - nobody on here knows that it's just speculation.
- We are not offering big enough wages - see point above!
- Players won't come to Grimsby - Duffers will but clearly the quality the manager is looking for are taking options at a higher level, an example of this was last week.
- The club are hiding the facts - Are they, maybe there is nothing to hide.
- There are too many non playing staff - There wasn't enough before, explains why we where a tin pot outfit.
- Hurst only looks at character - No he doesn't but personally I'm glad it's a factor on his agenda.
- Hurst isn't trying hard enough - bu11shit!!
- Some posters on here that we've never seen before have appeared and are in the know - trolls!
- Chaos does not love Northbank anymore - Fascinating debate that one!!
- The club does not own any houses - so what?

There's at least 1 gem in each of what is now 180+ pages and more to come no doubt.

As long as you can stop yourself getting angry at some of the utter bollox on here it's a fascinating read and probably a really good anthropology study for any first year uni student.

UTM!!

Quoted from Brummie Codfather

For me Luke Summerfield was massively overrated, I thought he was incredibly limited but got away with it with our fans because he looked busy and as if he was trying hard. Also because to be fair to him read by no means our worst player at the time.
Ironically I thought some of his problems was that he tried too hard, tried the more difficult pass and it didn’t come off losing possession.
He seems to have made a decent career at National League level since leaving us, maybe League 2 was a step too far for him.

450 career games many in the championship and League1 says differently

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Momentum is definitely something any Club should try to capitalise on but there is always a risk that if that momentum carries you too far too early then it's likely that there will be some kind of fall waiting in the wings.

A theme on here is about paying the wages needed to get the players we want. It's hard to really argue the logic, if you want quality in any industry it comes at a cost. It'd need an actual financial intellect to confirm this, but my basic understanding is that markets can become inflated if people start paying over the odds...?

In football terms, I imagine it looks something like; we want to sign a striker (Player A) who will score 15+ goals a season. but he's going to cost us £3,500 a week. Our current high earner (Player B) is £2,000 a week. Once Player A signs, if he justifies his salary then that's great all round, but Player B is the one creating the assists and helping Player A justify his wages. So now Player B wants an increase to justify his importance to the team, and wants £3,000 to be closer. So our initial £1,500 above the structure has become £2,500.

But this then trickles down. The rest of the team who will have been happy with the pay differential in accordance with their contribution and sense of worth all now want a pay increase as well, after all, it is a team game. So now that initial £1,500 a week over the wage structure became £2,500 with one player and potentially somewhere in the region of £15,000 a week more once every player in the team has re-evaluated and re-negotiated their contract.

I don't know how contracts are paid in terms of weekly duration, but if we took that £15,000 and multiplied that by 52 weeks of the year that's an extra £780,000 on the wage bill. That's £780k ON TOP of what was our previous annual wage bill.

Obviously those figures are completely made up and assumes that every player in the team sees their contract increase but the principle of the logic is true. If we begin the process of increasing our wage structure to attract the quality we'd like then we have to have a means of paying for it. If that isn't in place yet, be that by sustained higher attendances to provide the evidence that support is here to stay, or through investment and/or commercial revenue then it would be unwise to get ahead of ourselves, as a time will come in 1-3 years where all that quality will be sold and sub-standard replacements come in that propel us downwards rather than up because we can't afford to maintain it.

It's not a thought I've previously had but it has just occurred to me that perhaps the owners are more shrewd than we first realised. They no doubt recognise momentum themselves and the increased ST sales based on last seasons successes. But they may also have realised that a consolidated mediocre mid-table L2 finish might not enthuse fans to renew ST the following year and they're already balancing the unexpected gains of this season, coupled with projected downturns in ST and attendances next season and plodding the middle road of a budget to ensure they keep within a 'sustainable' budget. Probably way off the mark but just a thought that popped in there!

I think it's probably quite near the mark. The bit that I think is missing is the management of expectation - for nearly a year and a half, we were on a magic carpet ride getting promotion when it didn't look possible etc. It would have been great to carry on on the front foot but football isn't like that and we've come to realise that our resources are a bit thinner (in terms of players) than we might have imagined.

In essence, we need a younger and fitter Ryan Taylor but finding one within our budget isn't easy. Interesting that Ollie Palmer's name has popped up on another thread - he might just be an answer.

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Momentum is definitely something any Club should try to capitalise on but there is always a risk that if that momentum carries you too far too early then it's likely that there will be some kind of fall waiting in the wings.

A theme on here is about paying the wages needed to get the players we want. It's hard to really argue the logic, if you want quality in any industry it comes at a cost. It'd need an actual financial intellect to confirm this, but my basic understanding is that markets can become inflated if people start paying over the odds...?

In football terms, I imagine it looks something like; we want to sign a striker (Player A) who will score 15+ goals a season. but he's going to cost us £3,500 a week. Our current high earner (Player B) is £2,000 a week. Once Player A signs, if he justifies his salary then that's great all round, but Player B is the one creating the assists and helping Player A justify his wages. So now Player B wants an increase to justify his importance to the team, and wants £3,000 to be closer. So our initial £1,500 above the structure has become £2,500.

But this then trickles down. The rest of the team who will have been happy with the pay differential in accordance with their contribution and sense of worth all now want a pay increase as well, after all, it is a team game. So now that initial £1,500 a week over the wage structure became £2,500 with one player and potentially somewhere in the region of £15,000 a week more once every player in the team has re-evaluated and re-negotiated their contract.

I don't know how contracts are paid in terms of weekly duration, but if we took that £15,000 and multiplied that by 52 weeks of the year that's an extra £780,000 on the wage bill. That's £780k ON TOP of what was our previous annual wage bill.

Obviously those figures are completely made up and assumes that every player in the team sees their contract increase but the principle of the logic is true. If we begin the process of increasing our wage structure to attract the quality we'd like then we have to have a means of paying for it. If that isn't in place yet, be that by sustained higher attendances to provide the evidence that support is here to stay, or through investment and/or commercial revenue then it would be unwise to get ahead of ourselves, as a time will come in 1-3 years where all that quality will be sold and sub-standard replacements come in that propel us downwards rather than up because we can't afford to maintain it.

It's not a thought I've previously had but it has just occurred to me that perhaps the owners are more shrewd than we first realised. They no doubt recognise momentum themselves and the increased ST sales based on last seasons successes. But they may also have realised that a consolidated mediocre mid-table L2 finish might not enthuse fans to renew ST the following year and they're already balancing the unexpected gains of this season, coupled with projected downturns in ST and attendances next season and plodding the middle road of a budget to ensure they keep within a 'sustainable' budget. Probably way off the mark but just a thought that popped in there!

Good post, probably worth citing the role agents play in all of this madness.

Quoted from HerveJosse

450 career games many in the championship and League1 says differently

True, however we got him from a team relegated to the National League and he’s only played National League level since he was with us. So that would suggest he hasn’t been able to hit the levels of his earlier career.

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Momentum is definitely something any Club should try to capitalise on but there is always a risk that if that momentum carries you too far too early then it's likely that there will be some kind of fall waiting in the wings.

A theme on here is about paying the wages needed to get the players we want. It's hard to really argue the logic, if you want quality in any industry it comes at a cost. It'd need an actual financial intellect to confirm this, but my basic understanding is that markets can become inflated if people start paying over the odds...?

In football terms, I imagine it looks something like; we want to sign a striker (Player A) who will score 15+ goals a season. but he's going to cost us £3,500 a week. Our current high earner (Player B) is £2,000 a week. Once Player A signs, if he justifies his salary then that's great all round, but Player B is the one creating the assists and helping Player A justify his wages. So now Player B wants an increase to justify his importance to the team, and wants £3,000 to be closer. So our initial £1,500 above the structure has become £2,500.

But this then trickles down. The rest of the team who will have been happy with the pay differential in accordance with their contribution and sense of worth all now want a pay increase as well, after all, it is a team game. So now that initial £1,500 a week over the wage structure became £2,500 with one player and potentially somewhere in the region of £15,000 a week more once every player in the team has re-evaluated and re-negotiated their contract.

I don't know how contracts are paid in terms of weekly duration, but if we took that £15,000 and multiplied that by 52 weeks of the year that's an extra £780,000 on the wage bill. That's £780k ON TOP of what was our previous annual wage bill.

Obviously those figures are completely made up and assumes that every player in the team sees their contract increase but the principle of the logic is true. If we begin the process of increasing our wage structure to attract the quality we'd like then we have to have a means of paying for it. If that isn't in place yet, be that by sustained higher attendances to provide the evidence that support is here to stay, or through investment and/or commercial revenue then it would be unwise to get ahead of ourselves, as a time will come in 1-3 years where all that quality will be sold and sub-standard replacements come in that propel us downwards rather than up because we can't afford to maintain it.

It's not a thought I've previously had but it has just occurred to me that perhaps the owners are more shrewd than we first realised. They no doubt recognise momentum themselves and the increased ST sales based on last seasons successes. But they may also have realised that a consolidated mediocre mid-table L2 finish might not enthuse fans to renew ST the following year and they're already balancing the unexpected gains of this season, coupled with projected downturns in ST and attendances next season and plodding the middle road of a budget to ensure they keep within a 'sustainable' budget. Probably way off the mark but just a thought that popped in there!

That is a good stab at the possibilities, although as you say it is a guess on the figures and that is what we are all doing to a more or lesser degree - guessing what our transfer policy is.

However on the broader point of sustainability, another name for sustainability could be mediocrity.

Although last season produced the greatest 2 weeks of our footballing lives it was a once in a lifetime event; how we see ourselves competing in league 2 is now the question. If we accept we are simply not prepared to pay the rates the better players expect, even given our top 6 support, then what lies ahead? Another miracle? Mid table or worse? Young loanees to do a man's job?

One way would be to take players from lower leagues and sell them on, but that has risks too.

It's a dilemma for sure, but it doesn't seem particularly exciting which is what football fans thrive on.

What we need is more money. Not lump sums (unless its mega millions) but more sustainable income. Now there is the rub. Where can it come from? Attendances, Cup runs, marketing etc...
At this moment it does not seem to be enough even with record sales of season tickets, good cup run and record shirt sales... So how can we make more? or have we had enough but have not spent it wisely... Have we overspent on the frills and underspent on the squad? I guess thats possible... but was it a bad thing... The club certainly needed a face lift... or did that facelift come too soon and we should have thrown every spare penny at the squad and trusted the old adage of good results on the pitch will bring greater rewards.... more promotion money and players whose value would have risen... then it would have been time for the frills...
Lots of if's buts and maybes i know... Maybe its time to change tack and just concentrate on what is important and that is having a good team to watch... We just can't keep compremising as that certainly is not working...

We have just had post number 1878…..is that an omen?

Something good, or another 145 worthless posts….

Your contribution is noted and valued.

Got to be a couple in today, you’d hope they’re announced early to save Hurst doing his Humberside presser while trying to play dumb.

I’m going Mullarkey and the young lad from Forest.

Quoted from ska face

Your contribution is noted and valued.

Got to be a couple in today, you’d hope they’re announced early to save Hurst doing his Humberside presser while trying to play dumb.

I’m going Mullarkey and the young lad from Forest.

if he does that there will be a meltdown.

confident at least 1 will be in today

Gonna be a meltdown regardless, just had to trawl through 5 pages of whether Luke Summerfield was any good so I’ll take a signing whoever it is.

As long as it’s not Summerfield or Berrett.

Got to be today otherwise I'd imagine it's Monday or Tuesday. Still think we need 5 in - doing that over two days is abit to much of a panic for me.

One thing I have taken a little solace in, is the fact he keeps saying 'we have us targets'. I don't think we've moved to far from the top of our list and into a panic.....yet.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

That is a good stab at the possibilities, although as you say it is a guess on the figures and that is what we are all doing to a more or lesser degree - guessing what our transfer policy is.

However on the broader point of sustainability, another name for sustainability could be mediocrity.

Although last season produced the greatest 2 weeks of our footballing lives it was a once in a lifetime event; how we see ourselves competing in league 2 is now the question. If we accept we are simply not prepared to pay the rates the better players expect, even given our top 6 support, then what lies ahead? Another miracle? Mid table or worse? Young loanees to do a man's job?

One way would be to take players from lower leagues and sell them on, but that has risks too.

It's a dilemma for sure, but it doesn't seem particularly exciting which is what football fans thrive on.

Can't disagree really, and that's where I think a lot of the discord amongst fans comes from. Whether you're at the end of the scale that is unfathomably patient and accepting of the financial limitations set by the board or at the end that suggests we should throw caution to the wind, roll the dice and go for it in the hope it pays off, ultimately we all want to be entertained on a Saturday and see us keep climbing. We all just protect the viewpoint we hold based on our position on the scale.

The next one is the timescale for whatever ambition is held by the Club and fans collectively. I'm happy to see us steadily improve with a view to being promoted to L1 within 5 years, I think that's a realistic and fair target for a Club our size. Others may have expected it this season. Again, a sliding scale exists that can provide discord.

I would have thought these issues exist at every Club, some are just slightly more prepared than others to make the step up and so their expectations are realistically higher, others may have fallen well below and some - like us - are probably on course and trying to find those little gains to keep climbing.

With the appointment of the data scientists and the Head of Recruitment, I think this is part of a long term strategy to exactly as you mentioned and bring in lower league players, similar to Peterborough. That's where I have a suspicion we'll keep some funds reserved to allow us more scope to cover fee's enabling us to get the sought after young talent in NLN/S and the few leagues below.

I also believe that the summer could be a really good window for us. With all these parts now in place, I think a lot of work will already have been done to look at the out of contract players, non-league potential and academy drop-outs to find the 'good value' players that will progress us within a workable budget. I'm sure some will see that as misplaced fantasy but if there's one thing I've come to like and trust about PH is his meticulous planning and with the improved backing from JS and AP I think he will get it right, just not straight away.

If it's Larsson, I predict 3 different spellings within 5 minutes of the announcement.

Quoted from ska face

Gonna be a meltdown regardless, just had to trawl through 5 pages of whether Luke Summerfield was any good so I’ll take a signing whoever it is.

As long as it’s not Summerfield or Berrett.

What about the oft forgotten third member of the York 3 of 2016, Ashley Chambers.

Still knocking about in non-league I think.

It’ll be ok. They’ll announce some signings, things will settle down and I guarantee some plum who’s spent the last 3 weeks berating the club will post that tired HMSPISS THE LEAGUE photo in response to at least one of the new signing tweets.

Quoted from Abdul19

If it's Larsson, I predict 3 different spellings within 5 minutes of the announcement.

Larssons!

Quoted from diehardmariner

What about the oft forgotten third member of the York 3 of 2016, Ashley Chambers.

Still knocking about in non-league I think.

Made his Leicester debut on the day we beat Spurs and is still only 32!

Quoted from Brummie Codfather

True, however we got him from a team relegated to the National League and he’s only played National League level since he was with us. So that would suggest he hasn’t been able to hit the levels of his earlier career.

Seriously, why are we seeing a discussion about 2 long gone players on the January Transfer Window thread?

I'm a big PH fan, my previous post's state that.
I'm also very excited with the new owners, and what's changed so far.

But....

I'm worried, genuinely worried.
Everyone below has improved, and even before this, on the last 10 games, we are 23rd in the form table....
We have got lucky with the postponed games IMO, as gained more time for new signings before playing.
The 10 point advantage on the bottom 2 can quickly become smaller
Depending what happens, i'm not comfortable, and think we could easily find ourselves in a relegation scrap

I'd normally expect Hurst to keep shtum about any signings who weren't Cup-tied to try and keep Luton guessing, but with McAtee in the squad, that could make things very awkward as it wouldn't be fair to expect him to keep secrets from his ultimate employers.

Anybody know if they've given McAtee a couple of days off? :)

Am led to believe that Jacob Davenport may be a player signed on a deal til the end of the season

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Am led to believe that Jacob Davenport may be a player signed on a deal til the end of the season

30 odd appearances for Blackburn in the Championship in recent seasons, but no league appearances since signing for Lincoln. What’s the deal with him?

Quoted from Poojah

30 odd appearances for Blackburn in the Championship in recent seasons, but no league appearances since signing for Lincoln. What’s the deal with him?

Not a clue my good man.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Am led to believe that Jacob Davenport may be a player signed on a deal til the end of the season

Defensive midfielder 😂

He was a regular on the bench for Lincoln but they seem a bit non-plussed as to why he never got a go. Was on a short term contract and let go earlier this month.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I'm a big PH fan, my previous post's state that.
I'm also very excited with the new owners, and what's changed so far.

But....

I'm worried, genuinely worried.
Everyone below has improved, and even before this, on the last 10 games, we are 23rd in the form table....
We have got lucky with the postponed games IMO, as gained more time for new signings before playing.
The 10 point advantage on the bottom 2 can quickly become smaller
Depending what happens, i'm not comfortable, and think we could easily find ourselves in a relegation scrap

Bit of a bold statement. Some clubs below us have signed some players, but that doesn't mean they will improve.

I watched the Man Utd game last night and they were discussing Weghorst and how difficult it is to sign a forward player in January, even for a club of the stature of Man U. They had to take someone on loan on a short term deal to plug a gap until the summer, and it's not the first time they have done so, having done it with Ighalo a couple of years back.

Having read this thread with interest, I find some of the entitlement and outrage equally baffling and amusing. Comments like "absolute disgrace" and "it's simply not good enough" among others, make it seem like some fans think they are entitled to top signings because they have bought a season ticket.

I think it's clear what the board are attempting to do, and that is to put down firm foundations in the form of better training facilities, better back room staff and better scouting to bring in the players that can add to the team without breaking the bank and putting the team in financial peril. Just look down the road people.

The last regime just kept papering over the cracks and appointing a new manager every time the fans got twitchy. It never worked surprisingly.

If you look into these things, the stats show that clubs who take the long view and stick to a plan and stick by the manager are invariably more successful and stable than clubs that keep trying to find the magic bullet of quick success.

Quoted from 123614

Seriously, why are we seeing a discussion about 2 long gone players on the January Transfer Window thread?

Because the club are taking a million years to make signings like it feels every season and people are bored. Also for the record I think Luke Summerfield was an average player in a relatively poor midfield most of the time he was with us. Probably why he stood out more as a tryer

Just been told a name (Who was apparently spotted at the club) He’d be perfect for what we are after. Can’t see it myself but you never know. I’ll not put it on here in case it’s either bullshit of it goes mammaries up, but those that really really have to know this completely unsubstantiated rumour can PM me.

Davenport signing would at least indicate we’re trying to build still without a load of loanees.

If he’s a player we can snap up now before more interest in the summer then I’m all for it

Quoted from pontoonlew

Davenport signing would at least indicate we’re trying to build still without a load of loanees.

If he’s a player we can snap up now before more interest in the summer then I’m all for it

If he joins I wonder if the Morris to Hartlepool rumour might have something in it.

Davenport, without knowing much other than where he has played etc.. would have the potential to be a goodish signing.

Only just turned 24, 50 odd appearances at Championship level so looks to have something about him. Lost his way by looks of it a little but you don't make 50 Championship appearances at 22/23 without having something. If we can help him rediscover that it could be a real positive.

The market we are in at our level is going to have an element of trying to find those that have slipped through and help them rebuild.

We need some glass half-full thinking.

On Saturday we are pluckily attempting to reach the FA Cup 5th round for the first time in absolutely ages in front of a packed sell-out away end.

By 5pm Hartlepool v Colchester will have finished, leaving us with 4 games/5 games in hand respectively - and probably still above them both.

Quoted from Kris2

Because the club are taking a million years to make signings like it feels every season and people are bored. Also for the record I think Luke Summerfield was an average player in a relatively poor midfield most of the time he was with us. Probably why he stood out more as a tryer

Then people should start another thread discussing the merits of both players, instead of posting in a thread that is already jam packed full, and of no significance to what people think or thought of those 2 players.

Pulling someone up for going off topic on this thread feels a bit 'after the horse has bolted'.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Davenport, without knowing much other than where he has played etc.. would have the potential to be a goodish signing.

Only just turned 24, 50 odd appearances at Championship level so looks to have something about him. Lost his way by looks of it a little but you don't make 50 Championship appearances at 22/23 without having something. If we can help him rediscover that it could be a real positive.

The market we are in at our level is going to have an element of trying to find those that have slipped through and help them rebuild.

I agree Mike. Got to be the sort of thing we've got to look for as we're not sitting at the top table in terms of wages. Wonder if the lad has suffered with injuries?

Quoted from Mikey_345

Davenport, without knowing much other than where he has played etc.. would have the potential to be a goodish signing.

Only just turned 24, 50 odd appearances at Championship level so looks to have something about him. Lost his way by looks of it a little but you don't make 50 Championship appearances at 22/23 without having something. If we can help him rediscover that it could be a real positive.

The market we are in at our level is going to have an element of trying to find those that have slipped through and help them rebuild.

I think this is definitely the kind of deal we are looking for. Picking up players with potential who have lost their way a bit. We didn't do too badly with a certain ginger midfielder we picked up from the Lincoln squad a while back.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Good post, probably worth citing the role agents play in all of this madness.

I think you've highlighted one problem that is sometimes overlooked, the role of a player's agent. The player says yes, agent says don't sign I'll get you a better deal.

As long as this thread is agents have not been mentioned until today, which is surprising as they influence a player's decision.

Quoted from 123614

Then people should start another thread discussing the merits of both players, instead of posting in a thread that is already jam packed full, and of no significance to what people think or thought of those 2 players.

This post has no relevance to us signing players. Can you start your own thread entitled 'My minor irks with The Fishy', please?

Quoted from DB

I think you've highlighted one problem that is sometimes overlooked, the role of a player's agent. The player says yes, agent says don't sign I'll get you a better deal.

As long as this thread is agents have not been mentioned until today, which is surprising as they influence a player's decision.

It can work both ways though.

Agents can find players of the right fit for a club and I'm sure we've got some we do regular business with.

Quoted from ginnywings

Bit of a bold statement. Some clubs below us have signed some players, but that doesn't mean they will improve.

I watched the Man Utd game last night and they were discussing Weghorst and how difficult it is to sign a forward player in January, even for a club of the stature of Man U. They had to take someone on loan on a short term deal to plug a gap until the summer, and it's not the first time they have done so, having done it with Ighalo a couple of years back.

Having read this thread with interest, I find some of the entitlement and outrage equally baffling and amusing. Comments like "absolute disgrace" and "it's simply not good enough" among others, make it seem like some fans think they are entitled to top signings because they have bought a season ticket.

I think it's clear what the board are attempting to do, and that is to put down firm foundations in the form of better training facilities, better back room staff and better scouting to bring in the players that can add to the team without breaking the bank and putting the team in financial peril. Just look down the road people.

The last regime just kept papering over the cracks and appointing a new manager every time the fans got twitchy. It never worked surprisingly.

If you look into these things, the stats show that clubs who take the long view and stick to a plan and stick by the manager are invariably more successful and stable than clubs that keep trying to find the magic bullet of quick success.

You put it in 'Bold', not me....

I'n all seriousness though, i've not moaned on this thread, and simply stated that it's worrying.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Just been told a name (Who was apparently spotted at the club) He’d be perfect for what we are after. Can’t see it myself but you never know. I’ll not put it on here in case it’s either bullshit of it goes mammaries up, but those that really really have to know this completely unsubstantiated rumour can PM me.

Care to at least tease us with the player's initials?

Can we get to 2000 posts with still only 1 loan signing??

Here's my contribution - long thread on the Blackburn forum re Davenport - he obviously had/has summat about him

https://www.brfcs.com/forums/topic/33450-jacob-davenport/

and his wiki page

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Davenport

and of course our new recruitment lad should know all about him - in fact, wouldn't he have been involved in recruiting him for the Imps in the first place?

Jodi Jones to Notts, if he stays fit thats a great signing for Non League football

Quoted from diehardmariner

'My minor irks with The Fishy', please?

Sounds a bit noncey. 😁

The sort of thread you’d find on ‘Luton Outlaws - The Avenue of Evil’.

Quoted from diehardmariner

This post has no relevance to us signing players. Can you start your own thread entitled 'My minor irks with The Fishy', please?

Grow up.

Quoted from ginnywings

I think this is definitely the kind of deal we are looking for. Picking up players with potential who have lost their way a bit. We didn't do too badly with a certain ginger midfielder we picked up from the Lincoln squad a while back.

Whilst I agree, as a fan base we’re awfully good at bringing up the one time it worked for us 😆

Quoted from 123614

Grow up.

come on Old timer, i thought his post was rather witty!

Quoted from Hagrid

Jodi Jones to Notts, if he stays fit thats a great signing for Non League football

Is that the lad who was at Coventry the winger? Absolutely tore us a new one last time they was here in L2.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Care to at least tease us with the player's initials?

Probably Ryan Taylor

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Is that the lad who was at Coventry the winger? Absolutely tore us a new one last time they was here in L2.

thats the one mate

We were looking at Jodi jones in the summer when he left cov

Quoted from 123614

Grow up.

lol you're the crankiest person on this message board, fair play!

anyway Theimperialcoroner POST THE NAME this is a rumours thread for a reason!!!!

Quoted from Hagrid

come on Old timer, i thought his post was rather witty!

Differences of opinions old chap :)

[quote=230]

lol you're the crankiest person on this message board, fair play!

You what!!! You obviously don't read all the posts, or have blocked a hell of a lot of people.

/quote]

Quoted from Hagrid

Jodi Jones to Notts, if he stays fit thats a great signing for Non League football

Yep, excellent player, unfortunately made of glass

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol you're the crankiest person on this message board, fair play!

anyway Theimperialcoroner POST THE NAME this is a rumours thread for a reason!!!!

Yeah post the name or answer your PMs ffs

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Just been told a name (Who was apparently spotted at the club) He’d be perfect for what we are after. Can’t see it myself but you never know. I’ll not put it on here in case it’s either bullshit of it goes mammaries up, but those that really really have to know this completely unsubstantiated rumour can PM me.

Blimey, that escalated. I’ll reply to a few of the PMs but I’ve got far too many to reply to all. If you are not among those I reply to it’s only a time thing.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Blimey, that escalated. I’ll reply to a few of the PMs but I’ve got far too many to reply to all. If you are not among those I reply to it’s only a time thing.

It will be much quicker for you to just post it once, on here.

Just put the name on here..the amount of tripe beforehand it doesn’t matter if it’s BS or not.

Not meaning Billy Sharp agin by the way.

Quoted from Posh Harry

Yep, excellent player, unfortunately made of glass

He also boasted on social media about holding his girlfriend's head under the covers when he farted in bed, that's a definite no for us - only suited to non-league...

If Davenport is the next signing you'll have to hand it to the club for some top tier trolling there in bringing in another midfielder whose main attribute seems to be that he's really good at running around and making things difficult for the opposition.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/what-hearts-would-be-getting-in-jacob-davenport-and-why-his-signing-would-be-a-curious-one-3789668

Quoted from marinerjase

Just put the name on here

Yep this. Or one of the people he replies to could also post it.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Blimey, that escalated. I’ll reply to a few of the PMs but I’ve got far too many to reply to all. If you are not among those I reply to it’s only a time thing.

Anyone that got a reply wanna shoot me a PM with who it is?! ;D

Anyone feel like this is turning into a children's playground?

I know, but you don't....

Wouldn't be too unhapp y with the name suggested

Quoted from forza ivano

Wouldn't be too unhapp y with the name suggested

Probably not fair to the OP to reveal the name though, or even give away any clues…

A name that has been mentioned in this thread before.

In which case don’t post on a rumour thread in the first place 🤷‍♂️

Quoted from ska face

A name that has been mentioned in this thread before.

if nobody posts the name i'm just going to assume that means we're desperate and in for James Berrett again

Quoted from Poojah

Probably not fair to the OP to reveal the name though, or even give away any clues…

Completely agree Poojah 🤔

Quoted from Chrisblor

if nobody posts the name i'm just going to assume that means we're desperate and in for James Berrett again

What a load of excrement, it’s obvious we’ve got Barry Conlon coming out of retirement.

The rumour is a player who:

Is the second top goalscorer for his club
Is under contract for another 2.5 seasons
Was purchased for £300k a year ago

There is absolutely intercourse all chance of him coming to us in this transfer window unless we're coughing up an absolute boatload of money (which would imo be far better spent on younger and more promising players)

Quoted from Hagrid

Tshmimnaga hahah

Try again and look at Poojah's post for a massive and obvious hint

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Broth..Scotland..kilts, haggis..Sturgeon.

Sturgeon…fish…back of the net. Into the fishing Port of Grimsby.

Yes ..that’s it…the answer is

Chima Okerie ;)

Ted Rogers will be turning in his grave.

And no Dusty Bin for me.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Try again and look at Poojah's post for a massive and obvious hint

He is on a fortune in wages isn't he. Can't believe that for a minute.

Quoted from Chrisblor

The rumour is a player who:

Is the second top goalscorer for his club
Is under contract for another 2.5 seasons
Was purchased for £300k a year ago

There is absolutely intercourse all chance of him coming to us in this transfer window unless we're coughing up an absolute boatload of money (which would imo be far better spent on younger and more promising players)

oh palmer, sorry

Started every single game for Wrexham this year in the league and FA Cup. Would require a decent fee and wages that would completely blow our structure out the water.

Don't get me wrong, would be absolutely delighted with his signing. But I'd say there's, ooh, intercourse all chance of this one.

Just been in to pick up my Luton tickets and have absolutely nothing to report.

It’s been very very difficult to get much info this window, either due to there being nothing happening or they’re running a very very tight shop.

However, we’ve apparently signed 2 players

Came on as sub in Wrexhams last game and scored so think hes still in Hollywoods plans. Cant see it myself

Quoted from pontoonlew

It’s been very very difficult to get much info this window, either due to there being nothing happening or they’re running a very very tight shop.

However, we’ve apparently signed 2 players

1 definitely signed yesterday so i dont know why they are pissing about not announcing it

Wrexham are linked with Andy Cook so very much could be a balancing the book act.

Richardson has been recalled by Burnley

Really disappointed to lose Richardson, one of the only players who really had the ability to scare defenders and could really glide with the ball. Injuries haven’t helped but he’ll certainly have a great career.

Quoted from Hagrid

1 definitely signed yesterday so i dont know why they are pissing about not announcing it

If said individual isn't cup-tied, I could make a guess why they haven't.

Interesting to read on their site that it was Burnley that recalled Richardson not town cutting his loan. Maybe hes been recalled to finally get to the bottom of his injury issues.
Either way free's up a loan space for another new arrival

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Anyone feel like this is turning into a children's playground?

Yeah. But its all swings and roundabouts.

Quoted from Hagrid

1 definitely signed yesterday so i dont know why they are pissing about not announcing it

They don't have to worry about seat sales for our next game and providing John isn't blabbing to his employer, there are advantages to keeping it quiet.

Quoted from Hagrid

1 definitely signed yesterday so i dont know why they are pissing about not announcing it

I’d be surprised if we have signed anyone. Press will be today so the player would be seen by multiple outlets, so not possible to keep it quiet.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

They don't have to worry about seat sales for our next game and providing John isn't blabbing to his employer, there are advantages to keeping it quiet.

Call me naive, but I can’t think of a single advantage to keeping signings quiet before this weekend.

Are we seriously saying Luton will be switching up their training because we announced we’ve loaned a kid from Forest?

Massive opportunity to keep fans on side and not look like you’re incapable of effectively navigating a transfer window, which is exactly how it looks right now (that may all be different come Tuesday).

5 attackers out, 1 in this window. Is that correct? Yikes.

Walsall sign their fourth player plus get Kieran back

What’s the problem? Everyone is signing players

Ollie Palmer carrying an abductor injury, and his wages are allegedly vast, not sure he'll be coming here...

[tweet]1618594736050167808[/tweet]

Well, that's surely a sign that there's at lease one coming in.

Right?!?!

I think the club are trolling ;D

Quoted from diehardmariner

[tweet]1618594736050167808[/tweet]

Well, that's surely a sign that there's at lease one coming in.

Right?!?!

Not necessarily mate, he's been recalled so we likely had no say.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Not necessarily mate, he's been recalled so we likely had no say.

I think they usually do that to spare the player’s blushes at being sent back. It’s not like he’s being recalled to go into Burnley’s first team.

Quoted from 140381

I think the club are trolling ;D

Of course, that must be it. PH, JS, DC and AP have got a best man's speech style sweepstake on how long they get this thread to be by the end of the window...

We are up to reply 1968
Only 55 more posts to get to 2023….then goodness knows how many we sign at once

Quoted from davmariner

I think they usually do that to spare the player’s blushes at being sent back. It’s not like he’s being recalled to go into Burnley’s first team.

Why would we send him back?!

Quoted from ska face

Why would we send him back?!

Persistent or long term injury? We can only have 5
Loans

Also, WE didn't send him back, he was recalled by Burnley.

Leaves us with just three loanees now right? Smith, McAtee and O'Neill, he's at least got some more wriggle room now.

I can only guess we would do so because we're about to sign a couple of loans.

Hurst hinted previously that he needs to get rid of a few loanees before he feels comfortable bringing more in. I think we're down to O'Neill, McAtee and Smith so I reckon two loanees in before the end of tomorrow, totalling 5.

I’d be surprised if JS doesn’t have a master plan, or at least has approved PH master plan
However it’s all getting very tight

Get this one wrong and we will be struggling

You have to assume we have signed or are close to signing 2 or 3 at a minimum, as if not, that’s some pretty serious Benjamin Button-ing of the squad.

Burnley have probably recalled Richardson (a) because of his injury, and (b) they can loan him somewhere else where he will get more playing time, before the window closes

Quoted from diehardmariner

I can only guess we would do so because we're about to sign a couple of loans.

Hurst hinted previously that he needs to get rid of a few loanees before he feels comfortable bringing more in. I think we're down to O'Neill, McAtee and Smith so I reckon two loanees in before the end of tomorrow, totalling 5.

PH didn't 'get rid' of Richardson, he was recalled by Burnley.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Defensive midfielder 😂

He was a regular on the bench for Lincoln but they seem a bit non-plussed as to why he never got a go. Was on a short term contract and let go earlier this month.

Played 1 game for us in cup, Kennedy would have known him from Man City where he coached. It was surprise he didn't get more chances as our midfield is gash, however, Matty Virtue played in his position and he is a good player, just unfortunately injured.
As you say no one seems fussed he has gone, but may do a job at L2 - Also suffered quite a few injuries in his career.

I believe Hopper was close to joining from what people have said, but Lincoln preferred a sale as opposed to a loan, try before buy etc etc, and Colchester have offered dollar.

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

Played 1 game for us in cup, Kennedy would have known him from Man City where he coached. It was surprise he didn't get more chances as our midfield is gash, however, Matty Virtue played in his position and he is a good player, just unfortunately injured.
As you say no one seems fussed he has gone, but may do a job at L2 - Also suffered quite a few injuries in his career.

I believe Hopper was close to joining from what people have said, but Lincoln preferred a sale as opposed to a loan, try before buy etc etc, and Colchester have offered dollar.

So, the whole "we want permanents" thing has unravelled then it seems.

Quoted from Hagrid

1 definitely signed yesterday so i dont know why they are pissing about not announcing it

They are enjoying reading the fishy and winding us up . ;D

Will this post take us to 200 pages?

its mine!

edit- no it wasnt

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

Played 1 game for us in cup, Kennedy would have known him from Man City where he coached. It was surprise he didn't get more chances as our midfield is gash, however, Matty Virtue played in his position and he is a good player, just unfortunately injured.
As you say no one seems fussed he has gone, but may do a job at L2 - Also suffered quite a few injuries in his career.

I believe Hopper was close to joining from what people have said, but Lincoln preferred a sale as opposed to a loan, try before buy etc etc, and Colchester have offered dollar.

I read injury concerns about Hopper somewhere - are they persistant.

I'm officially concerned now.... Also, this post?

Edit: wooooo! 200 Pages - what an emotional ride this has been!!

Quoted from Mariner_09

So, the whole "we want permanents" thing has unravelled then it seems.

It does seem that way - worrying. Unless there is some doubt about Hopper's fitness he looks a spot on fit for what we need - height and experience up front, not a prolific scorer but he wouldn't consider us if he was a goal every two games striker. Lives local as well.

Hard to see how we can possibly do better at this stage.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

It does seem that way - worrying. Unless there is some doubt about Hopper's fitness he looks a spot on fit for what we need - height and experience up front, not a prolific scorer but he wouldn't consider us if he was a goal every two games striker. Lives local as well.

Hard to see how we can possibly do better at this stage.

Getting to the stage where even if there were injury concerns, we have to just take the chance. He signed Taylor that well known paragon of fitness!! Not sure how much I buy that tbh

Congratulations everyone! 200 pages!! Fantastic achievement!!!

Hope that we pull something out the bag as the amount of numbers we do have is worrying.

My nerves will no longer hold, I'm worried now. If we've signed a few players like some on here are suggesting, why in the lord's name are we waiting to announce them? It'll make no difference to Luton, they're not going to start bricking it at the thought of signings we've had to wait till the last week in Jan to get hold of. We're so light up top it's a joke, and we could do with strenghtening midfield, and defence. We need at least 4 IMO. Surely we must be announcing 1 or 2 today. I hope Hursty pulls the rabbit, but even for him he's cutting it fine.

Anyone know what time we usually get to see PH Presser on a Thursday?

This is fascinating ……a lot about Hopper from a Lincoln view……
Sounds like we need something like this…..

https://youtu.be/cOnBvQRoVXE

Quoted from BulkyMariner

. If we've signed a few players like some on here are suggesting, why in the lord's name are we waiting to announce them?

Because I am starting to doubt we have..

Quoted from 123614

Anyone know what time we usually get to see PH Presser on a Thursday?

Usually around anytime from now until 5ish mate

Has Hopper actually signed for Colchester yet?

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Has Hopper actually signed for Colchester yet?

No but local BBC think will be today. On a two and a half year deal which sort of answers why he went there i reckon.

Does it? If he’s got family connections in the area that could’ve been the strongest factor.
What we don’t know is:

We’re we in for him?
If yes, what length of contract was he offered?
What salary?
How did that compare to Colchester?
Etc….

Anyone drawing conclusions is basing it on supposition, guesswork, and anger.

Quoted from Mikey_345

I'm officially concerned now.... Also, this post?

Edit: wooooo! 200 Pages - what an emotional ride this has been!!

Hurrah!!

Quoted from chaos33

Does it? If he’s got family connections in the area that could’ve been the strongest factor.
What we don’t know is:

We’re we in for him?
If yes, what length of contract was he offered?
What salary?
How did that compare to Colchester?
Etc….

Anyone drawing conclusions is basing it on supposition, guesswork, and anger.

I mean, we haven't had much else to go on than guess work or anger have we! ;D

I am making an uneducated guess, based on us reportedly being interested in him earlier this window and the fact he appears to have a 2 1/2 year deal at a club spending a considerable amount of money.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I read injury concerns about Hopper somewhere - are they persistant.

He has certainly had injuries, but I don't think he is injury prone.

The Lincoln interview basically said he was injury prone…..wouldn’t have had another contract offer…….and his partner is from that neck of the woods …..and he wanted to go back there.
Colchester is obviously ideal for him especially if he’s got a 2.5 year contract….

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

The Lincoln interview basically said he was injury prone…..wouldn’t have had another contract offer…….and his partner is from that neck of the woods …..and he wanted to go back there.
Colchester is obviously ideal for him especially if he’s got a 2.5 year contract….

Two Nandos as well...

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

The Lincoln interview basically said he was injury prone…..wouldn’t have had another contract offer…….and his partner is from that neck of the woods …..and he wanted to go back there.
Colchester is obviously ideal for him especially if he’s got a 2.5 year contract….

I suppose it is how you look at it, 2 years ago played 46 games including cups, Last year 22 (Definitely had an injury), and played 22 times this year, so in 2.5 years played 90 times - Is that injury prone?

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Two Nandos as well...

I think he prefers Thai.

Transfer windows are rubbish. Look at what it does.

It forces clubs into stockpiling, just in case someone gets injured. A lot of players who could be playing elsewhere will likely be sitting on benches or not even get to play between now and May because the clubs want that extra layer of security. It can be a waste of money, and a waste of talent.

It also forces fans into panicking because their club hasn't signed as many players as other clubs around them.

It's got 200 pages of comments on here, the vast majority saying 'Okay, I'm worried now'.

Last Jan we signed Amos and Cropper — young full backs with very few pro games in their careers — alongside Andy Smith (also inexperienced), Scott Burgess, Arjan Raikhy and Tristan Abrahams on loan.

Joey Jones, Callum Jones and Dieseruvwe followed, with Holohan the only experienced pro signed permanently. And we'd dropped like a stone in the league.

To me, last season would've been more worrying. Bad form and underwhelming signings while in non-league. Naturally, Smith was ace and both Amos and Cropper played huge parts in our promotion surge, but on paper they looked like punts rather than sure bets at the time.

When is the seance starting ??

IS there anybody there ???

One knock for a loan, two knocks for a permanent deal ?

Never mind a striker, we need a psychic or a magician !!

Positive news here. If Davenport signs we've got ourselves a BINGO...

[img]https://i.ibb.co/bBpGBNT/Screenshot-20230126-160246-2.png[/img]

Someone has definitely suggested moving our training ground closer to Sheffield…

Quoted from Mikey_345

Usually around anytime from now until 5ish mate

Thanks.

Quoted from Poojah

I think he prefers Thai.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1618639911501942784

Quoted from davmariner

Persistent or long term injury? We can only have 5
Loans

Can have as many loans as you want. Only 5 can appear on team sheet

Quoted from Poojah

https://mobile.twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1618639911501942784

Another one bites the dust...

Quoted from Poojah

Someone has definitely suggested moving our training ground closer to Sheffield…

Yep, you're right actually. Missed that one. We're definitely on for one of these great prizes...

Full house - a place on the bench vs Crewe on 4th Feb
Second prize - tickets to a re-arranged match of your choice
Third prize - John Tonduer to ask PH if we're interested in a player of your choice in his post-match interview of the window

Quoted from Poojah

https://mobile.twitter.com/ColU_Official/status/1618639911501942784

His maxillary sinuses look terribly inflamed and he’s certainly suffered at least one nose break.

Probably a mouth breather. Must suffer from chronic mucal build up. Career will be over by 29 and a bit.

The sweating is a dead give away. If he was a horse you’d boil him down for glue.

Hopper’s not holding the shirt up. The shirt’s holding up Hopper. Lucky escape. We move on.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Yep, you're right actually. Missed that one. We're definitely on for one of these great prizes...

Full house - a place on the bench vs Crewe on 4th Feb
Second prize - tickets to a re-arranged match of your choice
Third prize - John Tonduer to ask PH if we're interested in a player of your choice in his post-match interview of the window

And bully’s special prize……..

Some usually bang on poster in danger of taking a hit on the ITK table Ska?

Quoted from Mikey_345

Some usually bang on poster in danger of taking a hit on the ITK table Ska?

The entire table should be in danger of relegation imo

It could be worse, we could be Scunny

HOUSE

Quoted from The_Laughing_Mariner

HOUSE

Can he play up front?

Hopper confirmed to Colchester

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

Don't take any notice of any wild guesses on here - we don't!

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

Yes, but apart from that……

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

All well and good...but our bars lack bottle-openers.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Some usually bang on poster in danger of taking a hit on the ITK table Ska?

Got to admit I’m worried about relegation at this rate

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

You got me all excited four 5 seconds there.

So then, here we are. 5pm, no signings, no Hursty presser, no nothing. All some cunning game of smoke and mirrors, or is something genuinely not right? I’m beginning to wonder.

Palmer was once on loan here and that is enough for the rumour mill.

Any former player is fair game, especially strikers.

Quoted from Poojah

So then, here we are. 5pm, no signings, no Hursty presser, no nothing. All some cunning game of smoke and mirrors, or is something genuinely not right? I’m beginning to wonder.

Beginning to think it’s the latter..

Quoted from Poojah

So then, here we are. 5pm, no signings, no Hursty presser, no nothing. All some cunning game of smoke and mirrors, or is something genuinely not right? I’m beginning to wonder.

FA cup press day is on Mariners TV along with Inside Training. Hurst hopes all those with Harry Haddock will look after them.

PS Don't shoot the messenger.

https://marinerstv.co.uk/player/0_mvr7t4ad

hursts Pre match thing is up on the official site

Quoted from Mikey_345

Can he play up front?

Not sure but he would be great for any medical emergencies.

If your blood pressure is high I really advise you don’t watch Hursts pre match

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

We’re “only here for the Wrexham”, obviously.

Quoted from pontoonlew

If your blood pressure is high I really advise you don’t watch Hursts pre match

What's the summary Lew?

Hurst o Town Twitter

https://twitter.com/i/status/1618654924526469120

Giving nothing away, as usual.

At least we are squeezing bids in somewhere - For example, in this totally misplaced use of it in GET headline.

Luke Waterfall's Grimsby Town role analysed as he bids to be fit for Luton Town FA Cup tie

Quoted from Quagmire

What's the summary Lew?

Not hopeful on anything before weekend but we’re in the same position as everybody else on that (nonsense).

Alludes to the fact it wouldn’t matter anyway because they’d be cup tied, which I do get but leaving it this late (and I repeat again) strikes me as suicide.

Leaving 1-2 to the last day I get, but christ we need 5-6

Can somebody summarise…….or is it the same as last week?

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Can somebody summarise…….or is it the same as last week?

to summarise, its really not good news

intercourse knows what this new Head of Recruitment is doing though

He looks absolutely knackered and sounded a bit fed up

Quoted from Hagrid

intercourse knows what this new Head of Recruitment is doing though

Feet up in Lanzarote on a 4 week all inclusive…

Quoted from gtfc98

He looks absolutely knackered and sounded a bit fed up

he certainly does look tired out

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Can somebody summarise…….or is it the same as last week?

Watch any of the previous ones and it’s the same story..

We were in for Hopper. - didn’t want to live around the area.
Looked like he had no idea who Davenport is.
Said not in for Larrson

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Can somebody summarise…….or is it the same as last week?

Nearly but some of the suspects have moved on.

Quoted from RichMariner

Transfer windows are rubbish. Look at what it does.

It forces clubs into stockpiling, just in case someone gets injured. A lot of players who could be playing elsewhere will likely be sitting on benches or not even get to play between now and May because the clubs want that extra layer of security. It can be a waste of money, and a waste of talent.

It also forces fans into panicking because their club hasn't signed as many players as other clubs around them.

It's got 200 pages of comments on here, the vast majority saying 'Okay, I'm worried now'.

Last Jan we signed Amos and Cropper — young full backs with very few pro games in their careers — alongside Andy Smith (also inexperienced), Scott Burgess, Arjan Raikhy and Tristan Abrahams on loan.

Joey Jones, Callum Jones and Dieseruvwe followed, with Holohan the only experienced pro signed permanently. And we'd dropped like a stone in the league.

To me, last season would've been more worrying. Bad form and underwhelming signings while in non-league. Naturally, Smith was ace and both Amos and Cropper played huge parts in our promotion surge, but on paper they looked like punts rather than sure bets at the time.

When transfer windows started (although discussed for 10 years or more) in 2002 they were an EU-instigated thing "contractual stability" then picked up and run by FIFA. Prior to that players' contracts were bought and sold all season long until March 31.
The two windows do two things. 1 It compresses the buy/sell activity into two separate months, with clubs and players playing all sorts of "games" to get a better deal towards the end of the window. 2 It puts pressure on clubs, and expectations on fans that you must buy/sell., because its the windows and thats what you must do. I think it's unhealthy, and believe that unnecessary business is done with Agents being the only winners.

Quoted from Hagrid

intercourse knows what this new Head of Recruitment is doing though

Probably tasked with working towards a longer-term strategy. The benefits of a HOR were never going to be massive this month.

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer

Is she a striker?

This is getting quite concerning now. If we replicate last window and panic loan untested youngsters, we're going to find ourselves in real trouble.

I really hope, as some posters have suggested, that we have people through the door but the club are waiting on confirming it. But watching Hurst's interview didn't fill me with any confidence.

Our team sheet for Saturday will be threadbare.

Quoted from gtfc98

He looks absolutely knackered and sounded a bit fed up

He sounds like he's a bit ill.

Quoted from Hagrid

intercourse knows what this new Head of Recruitment is doing though

Surely the new recruitment guy just suggests targets to PH and then he takes it from there, I don’t really know why the poor lad keeps getting a battering a few weeks into the job!

Do all league 2 clubs have heads of player recruitment?

With their knowledge of the game I can't imagine Hurst and Doig not knowing of any player they are likely to be interested in - indeed they have said in the past they have an ever revolving list of players on their radar.

If the idea is to cast the net to the lower reaches below say the National league then that may work, but you would imagine clubs with greater resources would spot them too.

In the end it would be Hurst's decision anyway wouldn't it?

Quoted from GhostDan

Surely the new recruitment guy just suggests targets to PH and then he takes it from there, I don’t really know why the poor lad keeps getting a battering a few weeks into the job!

If he's been tasked with identifying players that fit a particular profile and is doing, it's not his fault if they don't sign.

As far as I'm aware, Paul Hurst is in charge of all footballing matters.

This window has been a shambles, absolute mess, something has gone very badly wrong, this needs addressing honestly and frankly at the fans forum, also there needs to be an internal full investigation as if this happens in the summer and next January then we could be in a relegation battle (that's if we aren't already sleepwalking into one)

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

He sounds like he's a bit ill.

He didn't look too good. His face was a bit puffy. Maybe just a lack of sleep.

Quoted from Mayaman

He didn't look too good. His face was a bit puffy. Maybe just a lack of sleep.

Think the reality of new regime just sinking in.

There’s a positive!

The club will have saved on hotel rooms tomorrow night.

We've got 9 places on the bench to fill on Saturday. By my count there's only 18 players eligible to be selected out of the 20 we're allowed in the matchday squad (one of whom is rumoured to be injured and another who is coming off an achilles injury and has played about 10 minutes in the last 8 months), so I presume the plan is to just not even bother filling the bench? How the intercourse have we let things get this bad?

[img]https://i.imgur.com/BnbvbBQ.png[/img]

O’Neill is cup tied also isn’t he?

Isn’t O’Neil also cup- tied?

The defense will be dog-tied so squeaky clean and solid!

Quoted from marinerjase

O’Neill is cup tied also isn’t he?

lol flipping hell you're not wrong, it's even worse then

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol flipping hell you're not wrong, it's even worse then

It’s embarrassing.

Quoted from davmariner

I think they usually do that to spare the player’s blushes at being sent back. It’s not like he’s being recalled to go into Burnley’s first team.

They might feel he should be playing more given our lack of attacking options so have recalled him to go elsewhere

Starting to look like our new head of recruitment chap is as useless as our recently departed head of commercial activities

Couldn't make the fooker up could you

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol flipping hell you're not wrong, it's even worse then

Will make our victory on Saturday even more glorious <insert rousing gladiatorial music here>

Extended version of the interview - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dz3gmn

Matt Dean: "What's been the toughest part of this window for you"

Hurst: "Probably getting asked if we've brought anyone in on numerous occasions" lol gud 1 paul very funny!

Quoted from Davec

This window has been a shambles, absolute mess, something has gone very badly wrong, this needs addressing honestly and frankly at the fans forum, also there needs to be an internal full investigation as if this happens in the summer and next January then we could be in a relegation battle (that's if we aren't already sleepwalking into one)

A full internal investigation?

Has there been a murder?

Quoted from ginnywings

A full internal investigation?

Who's been murdered?

So do you think this transfer window so far has been good? Are you happy with the business we have done so far?

How the intercourse have we allowed wearne to be cup tied

I’m all for improving the club in areas that was lacking ect but surely the playing squad comes first and foremost? This is the stuff of absolute shambles and makes us look like we wasn’t even prepared. I’m not saying to buy or loan any Tom, male private or Harry but even if we didn’t get our first targets there must have been lists of players. EVERY other club has managed it barring us. How embarrassing would it be come the end of the season we might occupy that other spot in relegation because we didn’t want to be competitive and push the boat out for a few players that would improve our squad. We will be back to square one and the promotion season will be for diddly squat.

Pre January window I would of said we was alright and had enough but with all the loans expiring and the squad being thread bare, the relegation rivals have strengthened I’m not too sure.. we’ve got a few days to sort our excrement out.

Quoted from Davec

So do you think this transfer window so far has been good? Are you happy with the business we have done so far?

I leave that to the people responsible for such things. I am just a fan and I would like to see a few new players in yes, but there isn't a lot that I can do about it. Besides, the window isn't over yet.

Question for you. Do you think that demanding a full internal investigation is a bit over dramatic?

Quoted from Davec

So do you think this transfer window so far has been good? Are you happy with the business we have done so far?

Ask that after the window shuts.

Quoted from Chrisblor

We've got 9 places on the bench to fill on Saturday. By my count there's only 18 players eligible to be selected out of the 20 we're allowed in the matchday squad (one of whom is rumoured to be injured and another who is coming off an achilles injury and has played about 10 minutes in the last 8 months), so I presume the plan is to just not even bother filling the bench? How the intercourse have we let things get this bad?

[img]https://i.imgur.com/BnbvbBQ.png[/img]

Apart from O'Neil, I agree with what you say. However, I do wonder what forumites would have said last July if somebody predicted that Town would be mid-table, games in hand but struggling to get a full squad out for the 4th round of the FA cup.

Whilst we don't think this is acceptable now, I wonder how many would have accepted it about 6 months ago.

Mullarkey MUST have signed.

Classic Humberside pattern - ask about a player for a couple of weeks then completely forget he exists during one presser. Lo & behold - he’s announced that night or the next day, and Humberside have an interview with Hurst (recorded as part of the presser) to promote.

Given that he was mysteriously dropped to the bench for their game Tuesday night, and his name didn’t come up today but rumours generated on here this morning did, I’d suggest we’ll be seeing him in a town shirt at some point in the next day or so.

Quoted from ginnywings

I leave that to the people responsible for such things. I am just a fan and I would like to see a few new players in yes, but there isn't a lot that I can do about it. Besides, the window isn't over yet.

Question for you. Do you think that demanding a full internal investigation is a bit over dramatic?

I didn't say you need to investigate, and no I don't think it was too over dramatic as this window has been a shambles and we need to look at why we have found it so hard to recruit players and what we can do to address that.

Also I appreciate the window isn't over yet but we have left it very very late, the squad currently is thread bare, hardly good preparation for the FA cup 4th round away to a championship team is it?

Absolute shambles off a transfer window ,is PH under the illusion that we,ve retired the no9 shirt ,nearly 6k ST holders and virtually nothing invested in the squad.For me the honeymoon is over,rubbish defensive football will not make the new ST holders renew ,unless they are gullible enough too believe that a new training ground in 10yrs,a overpriced fans zone ,hundreds off back office staff in made up diversity roles and cold water in the toilets will get you promoted.seems to be alot of season tickets going up for sale on facebook lately . lessons have not been learnt from last time.as the saying goes"If you always do what youve always done,you will always get what youve always got.

Quoted from ska face

Mullarkey MUST have signed.

Classic Humberside pattern - ask about a player for a couple of weeks then completely forget he exists during one presser. Lo & behold - he’s announced that night or the next day, and Humberside have an interview with Hurst (recorded as part of the presser) to promote.

Given that he was mysteriously dropped to the bench for their game Tuesday night, and his name didn’t come up today but rumours generated on here this morning did, I’d suggest we’ll be seeing him in a town shirt at some point in the next day or so.

Mullarkey's already played in the FA Cup this season so even if he is signing he's no help for our threadbare squad on Saturday, and there's zero reason to delay his announcement as one of Hurst's generally ineffective 'surprise! an unexpected player in the lineup' mindgames.

Quoted from DB

Apart from O'Neil, I agree with what you say. However, I do wonder what forumites would have said last July if somebody predicted that Town would be mid-table, games in hand but struggling to get a full squad out for the 4th round of the FA cup.

Whilst we don't think this is acceptable now, I wonder how many would have accepted it about 6 months ago.

Is 16th mid table?

We are 150-1 to be relegated.
I don't believe for one minute that we will but those odds do seem incredibly good lol.

As for transfers I think we will see 3 or 4 coming in the next few days.

Quoted from newarkmariner

Absolute shambles off a transfer window ,is PH under the illusion that we,ve retired the no9 shirt ,nearly 6k ST holders and virtually nothing invested in the squad.For me the honeymoon is over,rubbish defensive football will not make the new ST holders renew ,unless they are gullible enough too believe that a new training ground in 10yrs,a overpriced fans zone ,hundreds off back office staff in made up diversity roles and cold water in the toilets will get you promoted.seems to be alot of season tickets going up for sale on facebook lately . lessons have not been learnt from last time.as the saying goes"If you always do what youve always done,you will always get what youve always got.

I suggest then that you attend the next forum and discuss that very point with the new owners.

10 points from the relegation places, 11 points from playoff places. That looks like mid table to me.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Is 16th mid table?

Yes - if you look at the points differentials.

The abuse for the Head of Recruitment guy either shows a lack of understanding or just a need to have a pop at someone for no reason.

The fella doesn’t sign players - he identifies and draws up shortlists, probably with the club feeding in for a ‘type’. Up to Hurst and the club to get ‘em in.

By sounds of it we’ve been knocked back by a few - which isn’t his fault.

Whilst concerned it’s too early to be playing a blame game. Once we see how the window finishes - we can have a look at that!

[sup][/sup]

Quoted from Chrisblor

Extended version of the interview - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dz3gmn

Matt Dean: "What's been the toughest part of this window for you"

Hurst: "Probably getting asked if we've brought anyone in on numerous occasions" lol gud 1 paul very funny!

Not sure who is in more need of the anti depressants after watching that me or him

As for Hurst’s assertion that everyone’s in the same boat…not true, I’m afraid. Across the whole division only Crawley (0) have made fewer signings and Newport (1) the same number. Of the teams below us -

Crewe - 4
Colchester - 6
Newport - 1
Harrogate - 3
Crawley - 0
Hartlepool - 7
Gillingham - 8
Rochdale - 2

Just watched/ listened to The interview in full, Paul sounds fed up and almost depressed.
No doubt he’s working his balderdash off, i support him fully, but to be going into a game in the situation we currently find ourselves is underwhelming

Quoted from ska face

Mullarkey MUST have signed.

Classic Humberside pattern - ask about a player for a couple of weeks then completely forget he exists during one presser. Lo & behold - he’s announced that night or the next day, and Humberside have an interview with Hurst (recorded as part of the presser) to promote.

Given that he was mysteriously dropped to the bench for their game Tuesday night, and his name didn’t come up today but rumours generated on here this morning did, I’d suggest we’ll be seeing him in a town shirt at some point in the next day or so.

‘I’ve been speaking with an experienced manager..’

Coleman?

Quoted from CSLM

We are 150-1 to be relegated.
I don't believe for one minute that we will but those odds do seem incredibly good lol.

As for transfers I think we will see 3 or 4 coming in the next few days.

Cheers for that. Contingency bet placed. I’m off on holiday if we go down.

I am starting to think something isn't right. Ryan Bennett was "due to sign any day now" for about 8 weeks and when he signed, someone was due to go out on loan immediately.

Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day for about 8 weeks before he eventually left to "go on a course" and subsequently sign for League 1 Cambridge this month. So why didn't Bennett sign? Who is in charge of handling and negotiating contracts?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I am starting to think something isn't right. Ryan Bennett was "due to sign any day now" for about 8 weeks and when he signed, someone was due to go out on loan immediately.

Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day for about 8 weeks before he eventually left to "go on a course" and subsequently sign for League 1 Cambridge this month. So why didn't Bennett sign? Who is in charge of handling and negotiating contracts?

I could be wrong but I don't believe Hurst ever said Bennett is due to sign?

Quoted from Mikey_345

The abuse for the Head of Recruitment guy either shows a lack of understanding or just a need to have a pop at someone for no reason.

The fella doesn’t sign players - he identifies and draws up shortlists, probably with the club feeding in for a ‘type’. Up to Hurst and the club to get ‘em in.

By sounds of it we’ve been knocked back by a few - which isn’t his fault.

Whilst concerned it’s too early to be playing a blame game. Once we see how the window finishes - we can have a look at that!

Did you not see the statement where Paul Hurst became Head Coach with the Head of Recruitment becoming Director of Football?

No I didn't see it either...

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I am starting to think something isn't right. Ryan Bennett was "due to sign any day now" for about 8 weeks and when he signed, someone was due to go out on loan immediately.

Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day for about 8 weeks before he eventually left to "go on a course" and subsequently sign for League 1 Cambridge this month. So why didn't Bennett sign? Who is in charge of handling and negotiating contracts?

When did anyone at the club say Bennett was going to sign, let alone “any day now”?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I am starting to think something isn't right. Ryan Bennett was "due to sign any day now" for about 8 weeks and when he signed, someone was due to go out on loan immediately.

Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day for about 8 weeks before he eventually left to "go on a course" and subsequently sign for League 1 Cambridge this month. So why didn't Bennett sign? Who is in charge of handling and negotiating contracts?

Grimsby to Cambridge is 2 1/2 hours which defeats the argument of a player travelling over 2 hours to play for us. (Threads on here say he has moved to Humberston.)

Quoted from Davec

This window has been a shambles, absolute mess, something has gone very badly wrong, this needs addressing honestly and frankly at the fans forum, also there needs to be an internal full investigation as if this happens in the summer and next January then we could be in a relegation battle (that's if we aren't already sleepwalking into one)

A full internal investigation?!? Wow!

Quoted from Davec

I could be wrong but I don't believe Hurst ever said Bennett is due to sign?

Hurst never said that publicly. I didn't get my info from Hurst but a loan move was on the cards for one of our players for 8 weeks that involved Ryan Bennett arriving who was due to sign any day.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I am starting to think something isn't right. Ryan Bennett was "due to sign any day now" for about 8 weeks and when he signed, someone was due to go out on loan immediately.

Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day for about 8 weeks before he eventually left to "go on a course" and subsequently sign for League 1 Cambridge this month. So why didn't Bennett sign? Who is in charge of handling and negotiating contracts?

Hurst never said Bennett was ever going to sign, he always said that they was miles apart in terms of what he wanted and what Hurst was willing to offer.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Hurst never said that publicly. I didn't get my info from Hurst but a loan move was on the cards for one of our players for 8 weeks that involved Ryan Bennett arriving who was due to sign any day.

Well whoever you get your info from is awful mate, I see Ryan most Sundays up at Neville Turner Way when I walk my dog and he walks his and the feeling I always got was that it was just training with a view to staying fit. There was never an official deal on the table, and trust me.. I asked the question every Sunday morning 🤣

Quoted from Davec

I didn't say you need to investigate, and no I don't think it was too over dramatic as this window has been a shambles and we need to look at why we have found it so hard to recruit players and what we can do to address that.

Also I appreciate the window isn't over yet but we have left it very very late, the squad currently is thread bare, hardly good preparation for the FA cup 4th round away to a championship team is it?

Thank fook for that, I'm too busy.

Quoted from DB

Grimsby to Cambridge is 2 1/2 hours which defeats the argument of a player travelling over 2 hours to play for us. (Threads on here say he has moved to Humberston.)

At league One salaries, you'd think he can afford to stay in a hotel a couple of nights. Cambridge might even be paying.

Quoted from wxm80s

Wrexham fan here.
I think you've got more chance of signing Patsy Palmer than Ollie Palmer. He's on big wages, he lives in down south and the club allow him to commute / go home on days off etc so he's not up in Wrexham all week. If we have a game thats closer to his home he meets up with the squad in or near London..
So apart from the money it'd cost you in fee and wages (he's got 2 years left on his contract) I cannot see him moving to a club even further away from home. You'd have to be offering him mega money but even then I can't see it due to travelling.

Plus we don't need to sell, he loves it here and not sure you could even afford him with all due respect.

Genuine question - how does a Wrexham fan who only joined this forum a matter of minutes before posting the above spot a vague reference to Ollie Palmer buried in a 200 page thread?

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

At league One salaries, you'd think he can afford to stay in a hotel a couple of nights. Cambridge might even be paying.

There’s a room at ours apparently going spare if he needs it 😂

Great init, page 211 of a transfer rumour thread and we've had 1 player sign that came out of nowhere and didn't even make it onto the thread by one of our trusted 'sources'!..
I'm at the point now where I have even stopped refreshing twitter, looking at Facebook and checking in here every 5 minutes, cannot put into words how flat this window has made me, good god, I've even questioned Hurst and The Board in my head!.
Let's hope tomorrow brings some excitement because it just feels like groundhog day at the moment.
Sorry to be so down hearted but thuz January has f@cked me right up tbh!..
Anyway, UTM and we ain't got Fenty anymore..

Quoted from Davec

This window has been a shambles, absolute mess, something has gone very badly wrong, this needs addressing honestly and frankly at the fans forum, also there needs to be an internal full investigation as if this happens in the summer and next January then we could be in a relegation battle (that's if we aren't already sleepwalking into one)

Even if the owners did indulge your internal reverie, I don’t think most of the fan base would accept or agree with the results.

The investigation would only take 5 minutes.

Grab a UV lamp, scan the changing room walls and daubed in blood, spúnk and chicken giblets would be:

1. Location
2. Lack of finance (or unwillingness to jeopardise the long-term future of the club) required to offset point 1

Case closed.

Quoted from AussieMariner

Genuine question - how does a Wrexham fan who only joined this forum a matter of minutes before posting the above spot a vague reference to Ollie Palmer buried in a 200 page thread?

…because one of our own agents has been posting on the Wrexham forum that we might be in for Ollie Palmer.

They obviously then retaliated by sending an agent on to our forum to mark their territory.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Well whoever you get your info from is awful mate, I see Ryan most Sundays up at Neville Turner Way when I walk my dog and he walks his and the feeling I always got was that it was just training with a view to staying fit. There was never an official deal on the table, and trust me.. I asked the question every Sunday morning 🤣

I have no reason to doubt my source that Hurst believed Bennett was due to sign any day.

Quoted from ska face

When did anyone at the club say Bennett was going to sign, let alone “any day now”?

I never said it came from our club... Another club was told that one of our players would have been allowed to join them on loan as soon as Bennett signed for us.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

…because one of our own agents has been posting on the Wrexham forum that we might be in for Ollie Palmer.

They obviously then retaliated by sending an agent on to our forum to mark their territory.

We don’t need people like that on the force.

He needs sticking in a duffel bag and leaving in a bath tub. I mean…I bet he could do that himself…without leaving any prints…

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I never said it came from our club... Another club was told that one of our players would have been allowed to join them on loan as soon as Bennett signed for us.

Boston then..

Just wondering how the people questioning my posts the other week asking why we were slow to move in the market this wonder are feeling now?

Quoted from chaos33

A full internal investigation?!? Wow!

If you consider that the stated aim of the new regime was  " to improve in every window " then right now.... that doesn't look likely this time around....so therefore ....if the situation doesn't change and we don't manage to recruit and improve ...then yes it needs investigating/ examining to see why.

The only thing I would counter with,  is the question... Have the players who have gone during the window seriously weakened us in quality ?
JMD going is a loss of quality but as he was hardly involved then not really a great loss in real terms.
Pepple, Simmonds.....no loss in quality or regular starters.
Richardson.. (has he gone ?).promising but not proven quality.
Keirnan.....regular starter,  fitted Hursts system so therefore I would class as a loss overall.

So despite the inbalance in comings and goings whilst we are shorter in bodies we aren't significantly shorter in quality and therefore not significantly worse.

O'Neill ....we will have to wait and see if he improves the quality and be a regular starter.

We can still improve but the latest body language and tones don't appear promising...its very similar to the year Hurst finally signed his #87 target striker of choice...( Wes Thomas was it ? )...

But of course ...get it done right in June and July and the January window isn't that important is it ??

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I never said it came from our club... Another club was told that one of our players would have been allowed to join them on loan as soon as Bennett signed for us.

So someone at Boston told you Pearson would be going there on loan as Bennett was due to sign for us “any day now”, and this went on for a period of 8 weeks?

I am a big supporter of what 1878 have done since arriving and also a big supporter of PH I have to say though if we don't strengthen in the remainder of this window I am bemused to what the head of recruitment does. I know he does not sign the players but surely he should be lining up options.

Quoted from LH

Just wondering how the people questioning my posts the other week asking why we were slow to move in the market this wonder are feeling now?

They won't be feeling anything as they are unable to see out of their rose tinted spectacles.

Quoted from ska face

So someone at Boston told you Pearson would be going there on loan as Bennett was due to sign for us “any day now”, and this went on for a period of 8 weeks?

I was told on one occasion (when the loan eventually happened) that this had been in the pipeline for about 2 months but the club kept being told by Hurst that once Bennett signs any day now, it will happen.

Some decent looking bits of business being done around the division this evening. Certainly, the assertion that “we’re not the only ones” struggling to find players seems a bit wide of the mark. These all in the last couple of hours.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ntfc/status/1618670258541441024
https://mobile.twitter.com/SalfordCityFC/status/1618673876220710914
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheGillsFC/status/1618658787166142464

Quoted from ska face

Our transfer policy -

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/0NVXJqfk/0-F3-A9211-AC76-4-C6-E-9723-71-F716046-DEF.jpg[/img]

Gelhardt gone to Sunderland, so Vernam’s off

Quoted from ska face

Gelhardt gone to Sunderland, so Vernam’s off

Looks that way unless they manage to bring someone else in 😔

Harvey Cartwright has gone to Wycombe. That’s 0/1 for my predicted incomings.

lmao fūck me, what a month

Maybe leaving all your business to the last minute in the hope that all the dominos at other clubs fall into place isn't actually the best approach to a transfer window, and we should have spent some time, money and effort on lining up some signings for the start of January instead 🤷‍♂️

Quoted from Poojah

Some decent looking bits of business being done around the division this evening. Certainly, the assertion that “we’re not the only ones” struggling to find players seems a bit wide of the mark. These all in the last couple of hours.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ntfc/status/1618670258541441024
https://mobile.twitter.com/SalfordCityFC/status/1618673876220710914
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheGillsFC/status/1618658787166142464

Meanwhile hot off the press at Blundell Park

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1618579607665483777?s=21&t=dtVAvyX5-mlDVnuC4XWirg

Quoted from Chrisblor

Maybe leaving all your business to the last minute in the hope that all the dominos at other clubs fall into place isn't actually the best approach to a transfer window, and we should have spent some time, money and effort on lining up some signings for the start of January instead 🤷‍♂️

Behind the scenes footage from Paul Hurst’s office today.

[img]https://thumbs.gfycat.com/SpicyBlondBrownbear-max-1mb.gif[/img]

https://twitter.com/imwacca/status/1618708282574798848?s=46&t=1G1B4n9tYqVhVUQHagPS5Q

Then there’s this…

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/imwacca/status/1618708282574798848?s=46&t=1G1B4n9tYqVhVUQHagPS5Q

Then there’s this…

My oh my. Truly bonkers.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/imwacca/status/1618708282574798848?s=46&t=1G1B4n9tYqVhVUQHagPS5Q

Then there’s this…

Why post this ? Do you agree with it ? Why ?

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Why post this ? Do you agree with it ? Why ?

Hes posted it to highlight what a freak some people can be, this lad is an absolute disgrace to the GTFC name, spouts vitriol and is a complete embarrassment, not only to the fan base, but to the bloody town too!...complete and utter tool!..

That bloke needs sectioning

Quoted from Hagrid

That bloke needs sectioning

He was unbelievable on twitter yesterday, actually trying to compare 1878 to JSF, oh and defending JSF in the process!!..
That was until he was shot down like a focker in 1944!!..

Kolo getting the shove at Wigan has probably copulated over the Scully back to Lincoln move, especially with no caretaker manager put in place.

Not great news for hopes of Vernam returning, although you'd hope that maybe not every club waits 3 weeks on a single target before getting rejected. They might have other irons in the fire.

If we're not careful, this could be even worse then deadline day 02/03 when we not only failed to bring John Oster back for a third loan spell but couldn't even land Disco Des Hamilton*

*fear not, adrenaline junkies, the star of Newcastle's respectable Nou Camp defeat rocked up at Blundell Park a matter of weeks later on a permanent deal.

100% certain he's deliberately posted that tweet to wind people up - the lad's desperate for attention and it's embarrassing. Everyone would be better off just ignoring him and never engaging.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

Why post this ? Do you agree with it ? Why ?

Of course I don’t agree with it. I posted to highlight how crazy things were getting.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Kolo getting the shove at Wigan has probably copulated over the Scully back to Lincoln move, especially with no caretaker manager put in place.

Not great news for hopes of Vernam returning, although you'd hope that maybe not every club waits 3 weeks on a single target before getting rejected. They might have other irons in the fire.

If we're not careful, this could be even worse then deadline day 02/03 when we not only failed to bring John Oster back for a third loan spell but couldn't even land Disco Des Hamilton*

*fear not, adrenaline junkies, the star of Newcastle's respectable Nou Camp defeat rocked up at Blundell Park a matter of weeks later on a permanent deal.

From memory we did sign Disco Des and announced as such, only to realise after the event that we had exceeded the number of loan signings we were allowed to register. We then went back in for him in the summer.

There was something weird to do with the Welsh FA too, although I may have dreamt that.

Quoted from Chrisblor

100% certain he's deliberately posted that tweet to wind people up - the lad's desperate for attention and it's embarrassing. Everyone would be better off just ignoring him and never engaging.

There seems to be him and his mate Adam recently on twitter, being critical of absolutely everything and then turning abusive on anything they are challenged on. Its beyond embarrassing

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/imwacca/status/1618708282574798848?s=46&t=1G1B4n9tYqVhVUQHagPS5Q

Then there’s this…

He’s not tweeted the actual players lol still a tool though

Quoted from Mariner_501

He’s not tweeted the actual players lol still a tool though

A clear ploy by the boring girl private to get a reaction…

Quoted from Hagrid

There seems to be him and his mate Adam recently on twitter, being critical of absolutely everything and then turning abusive on anything they are challenged on. Its beyond embarrassing

In fairness there's a little group of them, him, Adam, Jacko and placebob have nothing but aggression towards the board and PH...wonder if they realise other players see these comments and think "f@ck that, their fanbase are a bunch of nutters who will kick me head in if I don't play like messi every game"!!...oh, and they also get a bit annoyed that we haven't signed Mbappe, Benzehma and Neymar yet!!..

Quoted from Abdul19

There was something weird to do with the Welsh FA too, although I may have dreamt that.

Right, so it looks like we had expected the Oster loan deal to have gone through, which would have converted his two previous short-term loans into one, long-term loan, freeing up two spaces and allowing us to sign Des and another, mystery player. Alas, Oster never returned and we wouldn’t get to see Des in the black and white stripes for another 5 months.

http://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=1147

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

In fairness there's a little group of them, him, Adam, Jacko and placebob have nothing but aggression towards the board and PH...wonder if they realise other players see these comments and think "f@ck that, their fanbase are a bunch of nutters who will kick me head in if I don't play like messi every game"!!...oh, and they also get a bit annoyed that we haven't signed Mbappe, Benzehma and Neymar yet!!..

I gave up trying to have a discussion with Bob long ago.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Maybe leaving all your business to the last minute in the hope that all the dominos at other clubs fall into place isn't actually the best approach to a transfer window, and we should have spent some time, money and effort on lining up some signings for the start of January instead 🤷‍♂️

This opinion was blasted as negative a week ago, now the general consensus is it’s absolutely bang on. Absolutely infuriating watching it happening from miles off.

I can’t envisage a situation in which we turn this window into a success and I’ll happily be proven wrong on that. How on earth are we supposed to get the quality and numbers we need in such a short period of time now? Especially given all of our deadline signings in the summer turned out to fail (now adding Richardson to that, despite him being a good player).

Wacca popped up on the Colchester tweet as well, saying we would now get relegated because Hopper had signed for them.

Fooking weirdo.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

In fairness there's a little group of them, him, Adam, Jacko and placebob have nothing but aggression towards the board and PH...wonder if they realise other players see these comments and think "f@ck that, their fanbase are a bunch of nutters who will kick me head in if I don't play like messi every game"!!...oh, and they also get a bit annoyed that we haven't signed Mbappe, Benzehma and Neymar yet!!..

In fairness to Bob, he’s a bit out there with his opinions and over the top at times, but a lot of what he’s said recently has ended up being pretty much spot on. The delivery needs work mind 😆

From a mate we are getting sbarra and Dallas from Solihull

Quoted from pontoonlew

This opinion was blasted as negative a week ago, now the general consensus is it’s absolutely bang on. Absolutely infuriating watching it happening from miles off.

I can’t envisage a situation in which we turn this window into a success and I’ll happily be proven wrong on that. How on earth are we supposed to get the quality and numbers we need in such a short period of time now? Especially given all of our deadline signings in the summer turned out to fail (now adding Richardson to that, despite him being a good player).

You have been pretty negative about Hurst and our transfer dealings for quite some time, but it's hard to argue with you at the moment.

I think we would all love to see us turn this around but I'm thinking more and more that something isn't right. Before the window Hurst was only looking at getting permanents through the door and then he decided that he wished we could have more loans. A bit of an odd statement for someone only wanting permanent deals to say.

A few bids have gone in we are told but here we are on 26th January with about 5 players gone, 1 loan in and 1 fit striker in the whole squad.

When Hurst identifies a target that he wants, who is responsible for getting that deal over the line?

Quoted from Hurstomariner

From a mate we are getting sbarra and Dallas from Solihull

And I’m getting a blowjob from Margot Robbie.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

You have been pretty negative about Hurst and our transfer dealings for quite some time, but it's hard to argue with you at the moment.

I think we would all love to see us turn this around but I'm thinking more and more that something isn't right. Before the window Hurst was only looking at getting permanents through the door and then he decided that he wished we could have more loans. A bit of an odd statement for someone only wanting permanent deals to say.

A few bids have gone in we are told but here we are on 26th January with about 5 players gone, 1 loan in and 1 fit striker in the whole squad.

When Hurst identifies a target that he wants, who is responsible for getting that deal over the line?

Let me make it very clear this isn’t just a Hurst thing, I know he works hard and he looks shattered.

I’m genuinely worried about the wider reasons why we’re struggling so much, part will no doubt be his own doing but I do worry there’s more to it.

Quoted from Poojah

Right, so it looks like we had expected the Oster loan deal to have gone through, which would have converted his two previous short-term loans into one, long-term loan, freeing up two spaces and allowing us to sign Des and another, mystery player. Alas, Oster never returned and we wouldn’t get to see Des in the black and white stripes for another 5 months.

http://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=1147

Ouch! We were only in the relegation zone on goal difference then, with a game in hand on the side in 21st.

https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/28-march-2003/

Had Oster signed, I fancied we'd have stayed up. intercourse Hopper, Vernam et al. Why didn't we put a relegation release clause on the the table in March 2003?

Quoted from pontoonlew

This opinion was blasted as negative a week ago, now the general consensus is it’s absolutely bang on. Absolutely infuriating watching it happening from miles off.

A week ago, there was another week left of the window, it was barely half way through. People’s opinions change when events and facts do - in this case time moved on and players didn’t move in.

There’s a difference from starting in one place and moving to another when circumstances change, and being entrenched in a view from the start and turning out to appear to be right more by luck than judgement.

Quoted from Hurstomariner

From a mate we are getting sbarra and Dallas from Solihull

If Hurst pulls this off we're all going to look really daft in here so it better be true

Quoted from Poojah

And I’m getting a blowjob from Margot Robbie.

‘Kin ell. That’s your 1,000 star surprise party spoiled.

Margot and Stockdale were going to jump out of a massive cake and you had to pick your favourite Robbie.

Quoted from Chrisblor

If Hurst pulls this off we're all going to look really daft in here so it better be true

If Hurst pulls that off I’ll ski the two new signings whilst sucking Hurst to climax in the middle of the BP centre circle.

Absolutely ZERO chance.

Rob, The same as the soccer express ‘pseudonym/user’, maybe it’s time to get rid of some of these ridiculous posters? As pointed out, all that it creates is vitriol and hate.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

‘Kin ell. That’s your 1,000 star surprise party spoiled.

Margot and Stockdale were going to jump out of a massive cake and you had to pick your favourite Robbie.

Well if he wants to stand a chance he’ll have to open wider than that…

[img]https://www.ireland-live.ie/resizer/640/-1/true/pa/2022_02_19/1645296911856_0.jpg--.jpg?1645296912384[/img]

Just popped to McDonald’s for a bit of scran, lights are still on so somethings happening.

Quoted from Mikey_345

A week ago, there was another week left of the window, it was barely half way through. People’s opinions change when events and facts do - in this case time moved on and players didn’t move in.

There’s a difference from starting in one place and moving to another when circumstances change, and being entrenched in a view from the start and turning out to appear to be right more by luck than judgement.

I was personally really excited for the window given the cup run and the sale of McAtee boosting the funds. That excitement dwindled with every Thursday press day and it became pretty obvious pretty quickly that this would happen, as it did in the summer window and the January window of 2021. It’s not like we didn’t have previous history of doing this to demonstrate this situation was a very real possibility.

I come in peace fellas. I understand my history here and on my twitter @imwacca and I would like to make everyone aware that I say things with good intentions and no regrets, I know i’m not a rockstar but the hate is not needed. Thank you, Mr wacca

Quoted from wacca wacca

I come in peace fellas. I understand my history here and on my twitter @imwacca and I would like to make everyone aware that I say things with good intentions and no regrets, I know i’m not a rockstar but the hate is not needed. Thank you, Mr wacca

Just stop talking crap and feck off!

Quoted from 123614

Just stop talking crap and feck off!

not needed, forgiveness is impossible in this toxic fanbase it seems

Quoted from Hurstomariner

From a mate we are getting sbarra and Dallas from Solihull

Can't see myself, but stranger things have happend, Solihull did sign a midfielder from Chesterfield, and today the top scorer from Darlington in the league below.

Link: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/news/posts/mark-beck-signs-for-moors/

Quoted from wacca wacca

not needed, forgiveness is impossible in this toxic fanbase it seems

Define toxic?

I’d say that any animosity is due to frustration more than anything. The only time I recall a high level amount of direct toxicity was prevalent, was the year or so pre 1878, where the club and its supporters were deemed gullible enough to be hoodwinked.

Quoted from pontoonlew

I was personally really excited for the window given the cup run and the sale of McAtee boosting the funds. That excitement dwindled with every Thursday press day and it became pretty obvious pretty quickly that this would happen, as it did in the summer window and the January window of 2021. It’s not like we didn’t have previous history of doing this to demonstrate this situation was a very real possibility.

Thing is though, last year in January we still signed the likes of Smith, Amos, Abrahams, and then not long after Mani, Holohan and Cropper. There were others too, but those six all had profound impacts on the outcome of our season. Certainly, you cannot describe post New Year 2022 as a disappointment; it was anything but, even if few of the above seemed that exciting at the time.

Even in that disastrous January of 2021, we signed 9 players during the window and another 2 after. Yes, there was a sense of panic, but we still attracted some half-decent players given the disastrous state we were in - Matete, Menayese and Eastwood are all players I’d be happy to sign today, and whilst Payne’s time here ended in disgrace, he had a decent pedigree beforehand (and he’d done Hurst alright in League One).

Putting January to one side, even under the austere leadership of Fenty, we signed the likes of Hearn and Bogle, who were up and coming talents. Before that, the likes of Michael Reddy. Even in more recent years, we managed to attract Wes Thomas who managed to score 13 goals in a League Two season.

It seems odd, where we are right now. Record season ticket sales, the 6th highest gates in the league (higher than 6 of the current top 9), and we seem to be really struggling. And if we’re not then, fúck me, aren’t we being cute about it.

We’ll soon know. But this is certainly the strangest window I can remember since sliced windows.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Define toxic?

I’d say that any animosity is due to frustration more than anything. The only time I recall a high level amount of direct toxicity was prevalent, was the year or so pre 1878, where the club and its supporters were deemed gullible enough to be hoodwinked.

even when i apologise or admit my mistakes there is no sense of forgiveness

Quoted from Poojah

Thing is though, last year in January we still signed the likes of Smith, Amos, Abrahams, and then not long after Mani, Holohan and Cropper. There were others too, but those six all had profound impacts on the outcome of our season. Certainly, you cannot describe post New Year 2022 as a disappointment; it was anything but, even if few of the above seemed that exciting at the time.

Even in that disastrous January of 2021, we signed 9 players during the window and another 2 after. Yes, there was a sense of panic, but we still attracted some half-decent players given the disastrous state we were in - Matete, Menayese and Eastwood are all players I’d be happy to sign today, and whilst Payne’s time here ended in disgrace, he had a decent pedigree beforehand (and he’d done Hurst alright in League One).

Putting January to one side, even under the austere leadership of Fenty, we signed the likes of Hearn and Bogle, who were up and coming talents. Before that, the likes of Michael Reddy. Even in more recent years, we managed to attract Wes Thomas who managed to score 13 goals in a League Two season.

It seems odd, where we are right now. Record season ticket sales, the 6th highest gates in the league (higher than 6 of the current top 9), and we seem to be really struggling. And if we’re not then, fúck me, aren’t we being cute about it.

We’ll soon know. But this is certainly the strangest window I can remember since sliced windows.

fully agree, been an odd and dissapointing time

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

Can't see myself, but stranger things have happend, Solihull did sign a midfielder from Chesterfield, and today the top scorer from Darlington in the league below.

Link: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/news/posts/mark-beck-signs-for-moors/

Dallas's contract is up at the end of the season so this window is their only opportunity to get a fee for him if they can't persuade him to sign a new contract. Sbarra's under contract for at least next season and they've got an open to extend it so I think it's a lot less likely we'd be able to get him.

also: stop quoting and engaging with the attention seeker - he thrives on the attention you're giving him

Quoted from wacca wacca

fully agree, been an odd and dissapointing time

Quite. It reminds me of that night I spent with your mum. I’ve still not paid off the bill for the cream.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Kolo getting the shove at Wigan has probably copulated over the Scully back to Lincoln move, especially with no caretaker manager put in place.

Not great news for hopes of Vernam returning, although you'd hope that maybe not every club waits 3 weeks on a single target before getting rejected. They might have other irons in the fire.

If we're not careful, this could be even worse then deadline day 02/03 when we not only failed to bring John Oster back for a third loan spell but couldn't even land Disco Des Hamilton*

*fear not, adrenaline junkies, the star of Newcastle's respectable Nou Camp defeat rocked up at Blundell Park a matter of weeks later on a permanent deal.

We didn't fail to get Oster back by the way, Fenty wouldn't sanction the move as we couldn't afford him. Mick King offered to pay his wages til end of season and that was the end of it, JF seemingly thought there was something more to Kingys interest than just covering his wages and kiboshed it, potentially would have kept us up that season...

When did we last have a number 9 - it will soon become a quiz question (if its not already) and more seriously who the hell is he holding it for!!

The fact its now been "reserved" for as long as it has means the next one to wear it must be f@cking outstanding, and of all those mentioned I'm not sure who would do it for me, maybe Dallas none of the others make me think they would fill a number 9 jersey.

The way it's going I'm beginning to think the club retired it and didn't tell us!

Quoted from mariner2000

When did we last have a number 9

About a year ago, technically.

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRInjzBXoAAgx4i.jpg[/img]

Quoted from Poojah

Quite. It reminds me of that night I spent with your mum. I’ve still not paid off the bill for the cream.

feel sorry for you mate, didn’t realise you was so ugly you had to pay for a night with my mum

Quoted from Chrisblor

Dallas's contract is up at the end of the season so this window is their only opportunity to get a fee for him if they can't persuade him to sign a new contract. Sbarra's under contract for at least next season and they've got an open to extend it so I think it's a lot less likely we'd be able to get him.

also: stop quoting and engaging with the attention seeker - he thrives on the attention you're giving him

it’s like a drug for them mate trying to get me down

Quoted from wacca wacca

feel sorry for you mate, didn’t realise you was so ugly you had to pay for a night with my mum

Oh yeah, believe it. So much so, she told me I’m almost as ugly as you. 🤢

You’re a better shag though apparently so I suppose it’s 1-1.

Quoted from Poojah

Oh yeah, believe it. So much so, she told me I’m almost as ugly as you. 🤢

You’re a better shag though apparently so I suppose it’s 1-1.

sounds like you’re overcompensating for something mate

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Just popped to McDonald’s for a bit of scran, lights are still on so somethings happening.

Yes the cleaners are working ;D

Couple of things I feel are worth saying.

Firstly, the January transfer window hasn't ended - so let's wait until there's a corpse before we have the post-mortem.

Secondly, whilst we all agree how wonderful Town fans are when things are looking rosy, the tsunami of hysteria and blaming
that's going on in this thread suggests to me a touch more stoicism would benefit many of us. It's disappointing to see the positivity
of 7 months ago evaporating on the basis of a poor January window (see first point) - which most people understand is an incredibly
tough time to do good footballing business. Seeking to scapegoat the newly-appointed Head of Recruitment when some fans are
mistaken about the nature of the role, and all are in ignorance of the postholder's input this January, is a poor show by my reckoning.

We're miles ahead of where we could have expected to be a year ago, in the 4th round of the FA Cup (!), and we won't be relegated imho.

Best for all if we get back to doing what we do best, which is supporting the team on the pitch. And move on.

UTM

Jesus how cringey has this thread got ?

219 pages of utter drivel which has now descended into slanging match of mum shagging.

This is more embarrassing than our transfer activities

PH is going to be like the Sunday league manager in the pub on a Saturday night. "you fancy a game tomorrow lad? No boots? It's fine we will find you some. Don't worry about signing, if you get carded just tell the ref you're called Ryan Taylor"

It's Friday, I feel an inbound in my bones ........

Quoted from male private Nale

Jesus how cringey has this thread got ?

219 pages of utter drivel which has now descended into slanging match of mum shagging.

This is more embarrassing than our transfer activities

I agree. It's ok having banter but this has got to stop. Gone way too far

As someone else has said the disappointment of this window is:
a) we believed we had the financial resources to strengthen
b) form was dreadful going into the window and we needed quality
c) more effective leadership team and a recruitment manager

I might not be the only person to think any well run proactive club would have 3 potential players for every position and be decisive. I'm sure we'll get two or three players in over this weekend but it still feels like a let down somehow

Quoted from 137

Secondly, whilst we all agree how wonderful Town fans are when things are looking rosy, the tsunami of hysteria and blaming
that's going on in this thread suggests to me a touch more stoicism would benefit many of us. It's disappointing to see the positivity
of 7 months ago evaporating on the basis of a poor January window (see first point) - which most people understand is an incredibly
tough time to do good footballing business. Seeking to scapegoat the newly-appointed Head of Recruitment when some fans are
mistaken about the nature of the role, and all are in ignorance of the postholder's input this January, is a poor show by my reckoning.

Regarding the head of recruitment, I'm personally willing to wait until the end of the window and trust the plan as Hurst has asked us to. Regardless of specifics and any ignorance of the role, it's the head of recruitment's responsibility to identify realistic targets. If we're missing out on these targets at the contract negotiation stage then something in the workflow is amiss. Doesn't matter how you dress that up. If the club is targeting players that are at the absolute top of the wage bracket we're prepared to pay and we're left with no wiggle room then I'd argue that these players aren't realistic targets. It might not be the head of recruitment's fault, it could be that the club hasn't briefed him correctly.

Hysterical and unreasonable as we may be being and an evaporation of positivity there may be, it's worth pointing out that all of that is prevalent because this isn't the first time we've been here is it? Of course we're emotive, we're football fans. It's all well and good Hurst alluding to the fans not getting it. However, he equally doesn't get it if that's his line of thought. He doesn't get that we all sunk £100s of pounds into iFollow during COVID watching us go down in empty stadiums. He doesn't get what it's like to fanny around for hours on trains and in stations waiting for delayed trains to Swindon only to get charged £25 for the pleasure of watching our side get spanked 5-0 in the rain. Yes, we're idiots but we're idiots who care greatly about our football club.

I'll gladly take finishing 16th in the league this season as we were told that we would be building a squad every window. However, if we're not seeing that progression of the squad then it feels like stagnation and as we are all too aware, stagnation eventually leads to relegation. If we come out of this window with no significant signings, it will be frustrating and worrying but it's not the end of the world. How the club responds to the fans will be massive though and will tell us a lot. They'll need to be very careful about how they address the situation.

Quoted from Poojah

Thing is though, last year in January we still signed the likes of Smith, Amos, Abrahams, and then not long after Mani, Holohan and Cropper. There were others too, but those six all had profound impacts on the outcome of our season. Certainly, you cannot describe post New Year 2022 as a disappointment; it was anything but, even if few of the above seemed that exciting at the time.

Even in that disastrous January of 2021, we signed 9 players during the window and another 2 after. Yes, there was a sense of panic, but we still attracted some half-decent players given the disastrous state we were in - Matete, Menayese and Eastwood are all players I’d be happy to sign today, and whilst Payne’s time here ended in disgrace, he had a decent pedigree beforehand (and he’d done Hurst alright in League One).

Putting January to one side, even under the austere leadership of Fenty, we signed the likes of Hearn and Bogle, who were up and coming talents. Before that, the likes of Michael Reddy. Even in more recent years, we managed to attract Wes Thomas who managed to score 13 goals in a League Two season.

It seems odd, where we are right now. Record season ticket sales, the 6th highest gates in the league (higher than 6 of the current top 9), and we seem to be really struggling. And if we’re not then, fúck me, aren’t we being cute about it.

We’ll soon know. But this is certainly the strangest window I can remember since sliced windows.

It’s funny you say that though because last season we didn’t have a window and the signings you mentioned worked out.

The 2021 window was poor in the sense we needed to move quicker due to playing everyone around us, by the time those names came it was way too late.

Thinking of it now, we often struggled when the national league had a January window. We’d very often be in the upper reaches of the table before falling back whilst teams kicked on. The time we did have a successful window, we went up.

It’s obviously not the first time, and if we want this to last a long time with Hurst, we have to figure out why it’s such an issue.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Regarding the head of recruitment, I'm personally willing to wait until the end of the window and trust the plan as Hurst has asked us to. Regardless of specifics and any ignorance of the role, it's the head of recruitment's responsibility to identify realistic targets. If we're missing out on these targets at the contract negotiation stage then something in the workflow is amiss. Doesn't matter how you dress that up. If the club is targeting players that are at the absolute top of the wage bracket we're prepared to pay and we're left with no wiggle room then I'd argue that these players aren't realistic targets. It might not be the head of recruitment's fault, it could be that the club hasn't briefed him correctly.

Hysterical and unreasonable as we may be being and an evaporation of positivity there may be, it's worth pointing out that all of that is prevalent because this isn't the first time we've been here is it? Of course we're emotive, we're football fans. It's all well and good Hurst alluding to the fans not getting it. However, he equally doesn't get it if that's his line of thought. He doesn't get that we all sunk £100s of pounds into iFollow during COVID watching us go down in empty stadiums. He doesn't get what it's like to fanny around for hours on trains and in stations waiting for delayed trains to Swindon only to get charged £25 for the pleasure of watching our side get spanked 5-0 in the rain. Yes, we're idiots but we're idiots who care greatly about our football club.

I'll gladly take finishing 16th in the league this season as we were told that we would be building a squad every window. However, if we're not seeing that progression of the squad then it feels like stagnation and as we are all too aware, stagnation eventually leads to relegation. If we come out of this window with no significant signings, it will be frustrating and worrying but it's not the end of the world. How the club responds to the fans will be massive though and will tell us a lot. They'll need to be very careful about how they address the situation.

What a great post - couldn't put it any better. One of the things that JS said near the beginning of his tenure was that the board were going to make GTFC a more attractive proposition to prospective signings. It worried me then and it worries me now. If I were offered say £200 a week more to play for a club in a more preferable location (remember what Hurst said about Tom Hopper) but the training facilities were bang average, I'd still sign for more money and the nicer area to live, training facilities wouldn't come into it.

This location thing will never go away - add that to the vision of running a 'sustainable' club and it's glaringly obvious why we're struggling to land our targets. There is also the 'we're looking for good characters' mantra - nothing wrong with that but I think we might be setting our sights a tiny bit high.

Worrying.

Quoted from buckstown

As someone else has said the disappointment of this window is:
a) we believed we had the financial resources to strengthen
b) form was dreadful going into the window and we needed quality
c) more effective leadership team and a recruitment manager

I might not be the only person to think any well run proactive club would have 3 potential players for every position and be decisive. I'm sure we'll get two or three players in over this weekend but it still feels like a let down somehow

A good summary.

If Hurst pops up in the next few days with a couple of players and says it's been a bit of a struggle but these are the ones I've been waiting for, then I'm sure most fans would understand.

However if we bring in players who are obviously stop gaps to make numbers up then surely we will have to have a re think for future investment in the playing side.

Money will be the biggest problem, as so often in football today, and we will have to find a way to address it if we can't get what we need.

Hearing us and barrow both have big bids In for joe sbarra at Solihull I thought he was brilliant last season there, not sure how he's done this season or Dallas tbh but yeah I'd take him based on what I had seen of him

Quoted from It Bites

It's Friday, I feel an inbound in my bones ........

Was quite hopeful today until I read this. Absolute touch of death

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Hearing us and barrow both have big bids In for joe sbarra at Solihull I thought he was brilliant last season there, not sure how he's done this season or Dallas tbh but yeah I'd take him based on what I had seen of him

Not sure what’s going on at Solihull. With the exception of Hudlin, who seemed to trouble hardly anyone other than us, they kept their squad together and yet find themselves behind the likes of Woking (19 points!), Barnet, Dagenham, Southend, Wealdstone, Altrincham and Eastleigh.

Whatever it is they’re doing, they’re nowhere near as effective as last season. Maybe it’s time for them to cash in?

Most of my posts on this thread have come out of pure frustration and probably premature - if we end up with 3 or 4 quality signings I can fall on my own sword and look like an idiot. It's probably a blessing in disguise that our games have been postponed as we haven't been able to get anyone through the door in the meantime. I don't expect us to go and snap up and hoover up the best talent available but it cannot be any harder for us as we've always been able to attract half decent players in the past. Hurst looks like he's tired and must of been up till early hours working hard to try get bodies in but with no success. Hopper on a 2 1/2 year deal for Colchester - is it risky considering he's not had a full season in him for 2 years? Possibly, but if it's the difference between them going up or down then it's a risk well worth the reward.

It's just we must of made hand over fist what was probably expected in the projection for this 2nd year for Stockwood plus with the sales of the likes of Grist, Pollock, McAtee there was money in the pot. Record season ticket sales this year coupled up with our cup run offsets some extra cash aswell. I feel like we are just missing out on a opportunity to capitilize and keep fans that have just come back interested. Is the plan to not spend too much this window to have a bigger budget in the summer and just consolidate?

Still, although I'm worried there is 4 days left and anything can happen in football. Keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully we can get some able bodies through the door and will see most of you tomorrow at Luton.

I really do not get why supporters are so ambivalent about the whole January transfer situation. Have we ever had a huge issue in terms of incoming and outgoing players in either of Paul's tenures at our club? And have we ever had any barriers put in place to signing good players by the new owners? No we haven't.

Unlike the summer window, the January window is renowned to be a difficult window to trade in. And I trust Paul to make every effort in his dealings, whilst being very sensible in his approach too.

Meanwhile I have every confidence that Paul will ensure that our return to the EFL provides us with a credible finish in our first season back.

Calm down people please.

Solihull's right-winger (Barnett, I think?) was a handful when I saw him play us last season as well. I'd take him or either of the other two. A surprise they are doing so poorly this year as they looked a really capable team last season. Have they had injuries?

Hurst Announcing Sbarra and Dallas tomorrow...

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Most of my posts on this thread have come out of pure frustration and probably premature - if we end up with 3 or 4 quality signings I can fall on my own sword and look like an idiot. It's probably a blessing in disguise that our games have been postponed as we haven't been able to get anyone through the door in the meantime. I don't expect us to go and snap up and hoover up the best talent available but it cannot be any harder for us as we've always been able to attract half decent players in the past. Hurst looks like he's tired and must of been up till early hours working hard to try get bodies in but with no success. Hopper on a 2 1/2 year deal for Colchester - is it risky considering he's not had a full season in him for 2 years? Possibly, but if it's the difference between them going up or down then it's a risk well worth the reward.

It's just we must of made hand over fist what was probably expected in the projection for this 2nd year for Stockwood plus with the sales of the likes of Grist, Pollock, McAtee there was money in the pot. Record season ticket sales this year coupled up with our cup run offsets some extra cash aswell. I feel like we are just missing out on a opportunity to capitilize and keep fans that have just come back interested. Is the plan to not spend too much this window to have a bigger budget in the summer and just consolidate?

Still, although I'm worried there is 4 days left and anything can happen in football. Keeping my fingers crossed and hopefully we can get some able bodies through the door and will see most of you tomorrow at Luton.

Fenty saw the vast majority, if not all, of that money.

Someone did the maths on the record season ticket sales and whilst that money is in early and guaranteed, compared to 3500 STHs with 2000 'pay on the gate' supporters, the increase isn't that much at all.

2000 people paying on the gate every couple of weeks is probably better for cashflow than having that available in July and having to be disciplined with it.

Quoted from jaygy

PH is going to be like the Sunday league manager in the pub on a Saturday night. "you fancy a game tomorrow lad? No boots? It's fine we will find you some. Don't worry about signing, if you get carded just tell the ref you're called Ryan Taylor"

Did that once(not as Ryan Taylor), got sent off in a match while on leave from my Army unit. When I got back the coach said, "Don't worry, we'll put S/Sgt Sadlers name in as CF", also it meant I didn't have to miss the Army(Cyprus) 10 day tour of Malta as the Army Football Manager did the same.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Fenty saw the vast majority, if not all, of that money.

Someone did the maths on the record season ticket sales and whilst that money is in early and guaranteed, compared to 3500 STHs with 2000 'pay on the gate' supporters, the increase isn't that much at all.

2000 people paying on the gate every couple of weeks is probably better for cashflow than having that available in July and having to be disciplined with it.

Would be interested to see “the maths” as that sounds like a honking great load of dogshíte to me. I’m not a great business mind but surely it’s better for cash flow to have a guaranteed income rather than an unstable turnover that fluctuates week to week based on everything from the weather, the team’s form, who we’re playing, cost of living, seasonal poor health and the quality of scotch eggs?

Also easy to suggest that we’d be looking at 2000 walk ups each week if you’re only looking at last season’s home attendances where we won 15 games and drew 2 at BP, compared to this season where only Rochdale have won fewer games at home than us.

The last comparative season you could really use is 18/19 where we finished a middling 17th, winning 11 at home. The average attendance that season was 4430, so you’re looking at about 500 walk ups plus away fans.

There are plenty of things the current board could be criticised for, but achieving the highest ever number of season ticket sales isn’t one of them. Absolutely brain dead stuff.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Hearing us and barrow both have big bids In for joe sbarra at Solihull I thought he was brilliant last season there, not sure how he's done this season or Dallas tbh but yeah I'd take him based on what I had seen of him

Where on earth are Barrow getting all their money from?!

Quoted from DaleH

I really do not get why supporters are so ambivalent about the whole January transfer situation. Have we ever had a huge issue in terms of incoming and outgoing players in either of Paul's tenures at our club? And have we ever had any barriers put in place to signing good players by the new owners? No we haven't.

Unlike the summer window, the January window is renowned to be a difficult window to trade in. And I trust Paul to make every effort in his dealings, whilst being very sensible in his approach too.

Meanwhile I have every confidence that Paul will ensure that our return to the EFL provides us with a credible finish in our first season back.

Calm down people please.

How do you know that?

Also 'unlike the summer window' - that wasn't great either!

Quoted from Son of Cod

Regarding the head of recruitment, I'm personally willing to wait until the end of the window and trust the plan as Hurst has asked us to. Regardless of specifics and any ignorance of the role, it's the head of recruitment's responsibility to identify realistic targets. If we're missing out on these targets at the contract negotiation stage then something in the workflow is amiss. Doesn't matter how you dress that up. If the club is targeting players that are at the absolute top of the wage bracket we're prepared to pay and we're left with no wiggle room then I'd argue that these players aren't realistic targets. It might not be the head of recruitment's fault, it could be that the club hasn't briefed him correctly.

Hysterical and unreasonable as we may be being and an evaporation of positivity there may be, it's worth pointing out that all of that is prevalent because this isn't the first time we've been here is it? Of course we're emotive, we're football fans. It's all well and good Hurst alluding to the fans not getting it. However, he equally doesn't get it if that's his line of thought. He doesn't get that we all sunk £100s of pounds into iFollow during COVID watching us go down in empty stadiums. He doesn't get what it's like to fanny around for hours on trains and in stations waiting for delayed trains to Swindon only to get charged £25 for the pleasure of watching our side get spanked 5-0 in the rain. Yes, we're idiots but we're idiots who care greatly about our football club.

I'll gladly take finishing 16th in the league this season as we were told that we would be building a squad every window. However, if we're not seeing that progression of the squad then it feels like stagnation and as we are all too aware, stagnation eventually leads to relegation. If we come out of this window with no significant signings, it will be frustrating and worrying but it's not the end of the world. How the club responds to the fans will be massive though and will tell us a lot. They'll need to be very careful about how they address the situation.

A rousing speech sir!

Quoted from ska face

Would be interested to see “the maths” as that sounds like a honking great load of dogshíte to me. I’m not a great business mind but surely it’s better for cash flow to have a guaranteed income rather than an unstable turnover that fluctuates week to week based on everything from the weather, the team’s form, who we’re playing, cost of living, seasonal poor health and the quality of scotch eggs?

Also easy to suggest that we’d be looking at 2000 walk ups each week if you’re only looking at last season’s home attendances where we won 15 games and drew 2 at BP, compared to this season where only Rochdale have won fewer games at home than us.

The last comparative season you could really use is 18/19 where we finished a middling 17th, winning 11 at home. The average attendance that season was 4430, so you’re looking at about 500 walk ups plus away fans.

There are plenty of things the current board could be criticised for, but achieving the highest ever number of season ticket sales isn’t one of them. Absolutely brain dead stuff.

I haven't criticised the board for record season tickets, but I've seen someone has done the maths. Guaranteed income is obviously good because you know what you have and it isn't reliant on factors that impact a persons decision to go such as the weather, form, economic downturn etc.

Last season we averaged 5758, about 2250 walk ups I think. 75% of £22 a ticket to account for concessions equals £37k of income per game. £854k over the course of the season.

Applying the weighting to the most expensive season ticket price last season of £375 for 3500 STs is £984,375. When you add the two together that's £1.84m.

6000 STs at £375 with the same weighting applied is £1.69m

Our average attendance this season is 6,547 suggesting that only 547 people pay each game; £190k over the course of the season using the same methodology.

Obviously it isn't quite as simple as that and there are more walk ups but an average attendance of 5,758 made up of 3500 STHs appears to earn the club more than what 6000 STHs brings in. ST income is a guarantee though and I see the advantage to that. If you thought I was criticising the board for selling 6000 STs you couldn't be further from the truth, all I'm pointing out is that the maths don't prove that 6000 season tickets has greatly increased our income. It's increased our guaranteed income for sure.

Quoted from DaleH

I really do not get why supporters are so ambivalent about the whole January transfer situation. Have we ever had a huge issue in terms of incoming and outgoing players in either of Paul's tenures at our club? And have we ever had any barriers put in place to signing good players by the new owners? No we haven't.

Unlike the summer window, the January window is renowned to be a difficult window to trade in. And I trust Paul to make every effort in his dealings, whilst being very sensible in his approach too.

Meanwhile I have every confidence that Paul will ensure that our return to the EFL provides us with a credible finish in our first season back.

Calm down people please.

Yeah, I get that and I get the need for calm.

But let's just put things into perspective.

We're 4 days away from the window ending. At that point it quite literally is it. Unlike last season we don't have any flex in terms of bringing anyone in.  The only thing we could do is bring in a player who was without a club before the window closed.  Generally this is more common after the summer transfer window shuts and history of signing unattached players in Feb/Mar isn't great...

So if we go into the final 3 months of the season without some incomings it will leave us with the following issues:

1) We've no back up 'keeper. Hurst clearly doesn't trust Battersby yet, that much is clear. Of course this is an exception to the rule and if Crocombe was injured or suspended we are able to bring in an emergency loan... However, not ideal by any stretch of the imagination.

2) We've got an issue in keeping any of our four full backs fit. Efete, Cropper, Amos and Glennon have all struggled at various points with niggles and strains since arriving at the club. Other than Cropper, due to lack of games, they've all struggled at points with form too.

3) We have no creative midfielder that Hurst will trust.  Clifton, Holohan, Green, Morris and Khouri are all good solid pros and will run until they drop.  Capable of threading the eye of a needle from 40 yards away they are not.

4) Our wingers are Khan (rumoured to be out for half of the run-in), Scannell (12 minutes game time since May) and Wearne (not fancied).

5) In attack our main striker is 34, injured and with no return date in sight. His partner in crime from last year is having to do a different role, doesn't look the same player either. We also have Orsi with a report card that reads similar to that of Wearne.  Our hopes are pinned on a kid from Preston who hasn't even had a shave yet. I thought he looked very promising on debut but a lot to put on his shoulders.

6) We're neither scoring goals nor shutting teams out at present. Our trusty defence has looked very vulnerable in recent weeks, hence our goals against taking a hammering.

7) Hurst himself sounds absolutely deflated by it all, I would add that I take his comments very lightly but even still he isn't filling me with any confidence.

8) Our form is dreadful, we're sleeping walking down the table and nearly all of the sides below us look to have strengthened. I can't imagine the likes of Gillingham will skirt the relegation spots for too long.

To my mind the defensive frailties can be sorted. There's enough good defenders in that squad to address it in training. Even the fullback issue is something I can live with. Efete gets a hard deal by fans and I think between Amos and Glennon you can get a decent left hand side to your defence most weeks.

In midfield the energy is fine, we're combative enough but maybe need a bit of a freshen up. Holohan rested for example.  But we need someone in there who can make things happen.

Out wide we've got nothing to be calm about. Our options are limited and fragile.

Up top we've nothing.

We need to both create chances and take those chances. That isn't going to happen with the current set-up of players.

You'll have to forgive me, but 27 days into into the window we've left ourselves very weak and vulnerable with what appears to be no reinforcements coming in. That does panic me for a long and nervous final 3 months of the season.

Of course it may well be that Hurst is about to announce 2 or 3 season defining signings, in which case my little fret and panic seems silly.  I'll gladly be laughed at for worrying needlessly if that does happen...

Quoted from ska face

Would be interested to see “the maths” as that sounds like a honking great load of dogshíte to me. I’m not a great business mind but surely it’s better for cash flow to have a guaranteed income rather than an unstable turnover that fluctuates week to week based on everything from the weather, the team’s form, who we’re playing, cost of living, seasonal poor health and the quality of scotch eggs?

Also easy to suggest that we’d be looking at 2000 walk ups each week if you’re only looking at last season’s home attendances where we won 15 games and drew 2 at BP, compared to this season where only Rochdale have won fewer games at home than us.

The last comparative season you could really use is 18/19 where we finished a middling 17th, winning 11 at home. The average attendance that season was 4430, so you’re looking at about 500 walk ups plus away fans.

There are plenty of things the current board could be criticised for, but achieving the highest ever number of season ticket sales isn’t one of them. Absolutely brain dead stuff.

Dogshíte indeed.

I can’t be arsèd to do the exact maths but using a quick equation, gates this season are averaging 6,547 versus 4,599 in our last, fan attended season in League Two (19/20). So, near as makes no difference an extra 2,000, or 42.5%.

For the sake of the argument, let’s assume that the average cost per person to attend a match in 19/20 was £16 (factoring in STs and concessions) was £16, and £14 in 22/23. That works out as follows:

19/20: 4,559 x £16 = £72,944 x 23 = £1,677,712 / season
22/23: 6,547 x £14 = £91,658 x 23 = £2,108,134 / season

That’s a difference of £430,422. You’ve also got an extra 2,000 people in the ground buying food, drink, programs etc. If we add gross profit from food and drink etc. then we must be up well in excess of half-a-million. Then there’s the cup run, which has netted us several hundred grand.

There’s absolutely no way that’s not a significant amount to this football club. Yes, there are extraneous pressures such as hyper-inflation and the high cost of energy, but in relative terms I would be interested to see an argument that we aren’t in the best financial shape we have been in post-ITV Digital.

I thought Hurst looked shattered in interview with Matt Dean
Fed up of the whole transfer window merry-go-round
His response to Tom Hopper was pointed - "he doesn't want to live round here"
Implies we were in for him
Sadly Grimsby and the surrounding area is not a big pull - a bit bottom end of nowhere

The dynamic has changed massively in past few years for attracting players with location being a huge factor

I think a few clubs are throwing silly money at it and GTFC refuse to be a part of that - I'm pleased about that
Think Bury, Macc etc

Hurst must get sick of being knocked back by players - I am pretty certain some targets have decided not to come here; money, location etc

But he won't panic and will only have players at the club who he wants and who want to be here

It'll be a feeding frenzy next week!

Money, location, the fact our kit is unforgiving on the more, ahem, muscular frame...

Whatever the reason is, players aren't signing for us. Sorry, I'll rephrase that. We're struggling to get our first, second, third choice targets to sign for us and we're ending up with Doig holding Hurst's ankles as he desperately reaches deeper and deeper into the barrel.

Aaron went slightly over the top when he suggested we get Ted Hastings in for a full internal review, root and branch, to find out what's gone on. But I don't think he was too far off the mark. This isn't an issue just for this transfer window, it's an ongoing theme and it has been for a while.

We've got our limitations and our barriers, whatever they are. Some we just have to live with, but others we need to address and remove. Otherwise we're never going to move beyond getting waifs and strays in for the majority of our squad. Or when we do get someone in with a bit of pedigree it's a Wes Thomas type, or a Stefan Payne.

Quoted from Poojah

Dogshíte indeed.

I can’t be arsèd to do the exact maths but using a quick equation, gates this season are averaging 6,547 versus 4,599 in our last, fan attended season in League Two (19/20). So, near as makes no difference an extra 2,000, or 42.5%.

For the sake of the argument, let’s assume that the average cost per person to attend a match in 19/20 was £16 (factoring in STs and concessions) was £16, and £14 in 22/23. That works out as follows:

19/20: 4,559 x £16 = £72,944 x 23 = £1,677,712 / season
22/23: 6,547 x £14 = £91,658 x 23 = £2,108,134 / season

That’s a difference of £430,422. You’ve also got an extra 2,000 people in the ground buying food, drink, programs etc. If we add gross profit from food and drink etc. then we must be up well in excess of half-a-million. Then there’s the cup run, which has netted us several hundred grand.

There’s absolutely no way that’s not a significant amount to this football club. Yes, there are extraneous pressures such as hyper-inflation and the high cost of energy, but in relative terms I would be interested to see an argument that we aren’t in the best financial shape we have been in post-ITV Digital.

I've compared it against last season because you would assume our budgeting for this season would have been based on attendances last season.

There's no criticism from me, people just seem to think we have tons of cash to splash because we sold 6000 STs which is a great achievement, I'm not knocking that but gate income doesn't appear to be significantly higher than last season, that is the point I'm making.

Gate money in the 1878 era is clearly much higher than anything we've had in the 20 years before it and I'm not disputing that.

Quoted from devs

I thought Hurst looked shattered in interview with Matt Dean
Fed up of the whole transfer window merry-go-round
His response to Tom Hopper was pointed - "he doesn't want to live round here"
Implies we were in for him
Sadly Grimsby and the surrounding area is not a big pull - a bit bottom end of nowhere

The dynamic has changed massively in past few years for attracting players with location being a huge factor

I think a few clubs are throwing silly money at it and GTFC refuse to be a part of that - I'm pleased about that
Think Bury, Macc etc

Hurst must get sick of being knocked back by players - I am pretty certain some targets have decided not to come here; money, location etc

But he won't panic and will only have players at the club who he wants and who want to be here

It'll be a feeding frenzy next week!

The Hopper comment is a red herring. I thought somebody said his wife is from the Colchester area, so that would naturally be a pull. That together with a fabulous 2.5 year deal for a player of his age!

What was interesting was he grudgingly accepted that players want more and more money, and "I suppose we will have to move with the times" or something very similar that he said. This is the crux of the problem I think.

I know rumours are exactly that, but FFS, Sbarra and Dallas?.... Jesus christ this forum has gone mad.

I personally don't think we've got chance of getting either of them, especially with Notts County rumoured to be in for Sbarra and Chesterfield apparently interested in Dallas.

Both of them being an hour away from Solihull (and Grimsby being 2.5 hours), along with the fact that the money offered (I'm guessing) will be the same, we've got a fairly low chance.

Lets be realistic people... (However, I would be delighted to eat humble pie)

Quoted from Corkyefes

I know rumours are exactly that, but FFS, Sbarra and Dallas?.... Jesus christ this forum has gone mad.

I personally don't think we've got chance of getting either of them, especially with Notts County rumoured to be in for Sbarra and Chesterfield apparently interested in Dallas.

Both of them being an hour away from Solihull (and Grimsby being 2.5 hours), along with the fact that the money offered (I'm guessing) will be the same, we've got a fairly low chance.

Lets be realistic people... (However, I would be delighted to eat humble pie)

Whilst I agree re likelihood of these signings (Barrow interested in Sbarra). Lets not forget League football is a big pull, and we should use that. Neither Notts or Chesterfield guaranteed to be in the Football League next season, or the season after.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I've compared it against last season because you would assume our budgeting for this season would have been based on attendances last season.

There's no criticism from me, people just seem to think we have tons of cash to splash because we sold 6000 STs which is a great achievement, I'm not knocking that but gate income doesn't appear to be significantly higher than last season, that is the point I'm making.

Gate money in the 1878 era is clearly much higher than anything we've had in the 20 years before it and I'm not disputing that.

I think the comparisons naturally get made against recent League Two campaigns given we are in a league position not dissimilar to where we ended up, more often than not.

For instance, we’re 16th currently, finished 17th in Michael Jolley’s one full season and were 18th when he was sacked (or at least left the club).

We must be far more financially comfortable now than we were then, with improved infrastructure to boot, and yet there are quite a few players from Jolley’s teams that would get into ours right now, IMO. Wes Thomas, Charles Vernam, Luke Hendrie, Liam Gibson, Elliot Embleton, Ethan Robson - even James Hanson as it stands.

We managed to sign some half decent players in the past, and presumably paid good money for many of them, even when the club was a laughing stock to all intents and purposes.

From the outside looking in we are in a far better place to attract players now than we were then, and in a position to pay more in fees and wages. I’m just struggling to fathom why we are apparently struggling so badly unless, as I’ve alluded to previously, the club have done business and are keeping it on the low down for whatever reason they feel necessary.

Quoted from Corkyefes

I know rumours are exactly that, but FFS, Sbarra and Dallas?.... Jesus christ this forum has gone mad.

I personally don't think we've got chance of getting either of them, especially with Notts County rumoured to be in for Sbarra and Chesterfield apparently interested in Dallas.

Both of them being an hour away from Solihull (and Grimsby being 2.5 hours), along with the fact that the money offered (I'm guessing) will be the same, we've got a fairly low chance.

Lets be realistic people... (However, I would be delighted to eat humble pie)

You assume they want to stay in the Solihull area? Sabarra is a Midlands lad, but Dallas has played his football from Scotland to Weymouth.

Nah, Liam Gibson? Not having that one, he was shite!

I'm not having Gibson over Glennon - not for a minute!

Wonder if we can get to 300 pages without another signing...

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I've compared it against last season because you would assume our budgeting for this season would have been based on attendances last season.

There's no criticism from me, people just seem to think we have tons of cash to splash because we sold 6000 STs which is a great achievement, I'm not knocking that but gate income doesn't appear to be significantly higher than last season, that is the point I'm making.

Gate money in the 1878 era is clearly much higher than anything we've had in the 20 years before it and I'm not disputing that.

Although we are averaging 6,500 declared attendance, our walk ups average is more than 700. Tickets sold for Bradford and Donny would be the same as Forest 8,400 not 8,000 as all 3 games were complete sell outs - 400 STH didn’t attend. Our average tickets sold figure will be over 7k.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Nah, Liam Gibson? Not having that one, he was shite!

Best part of 30 appearances in League One this season would tend to suggest otherwise.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Yeah, I get that and I get the need for calm.

But let's just put things into perspective.

We're 4 days away from the window ending. At that point it quite literally is it. Unlike last season we don't have any flex in terms of bringing anyone in.  The only thing we could do is bring in a player who wasvwithout a club before the window closed.  Generally this is more common after the summer transfer window shuts and history of signing unattached players in Feb/Mar isn't great...

So if we go into the final 3 months of the season without some incomings it will leave us with the following issues:

1) We've no back up 'keeper. Hurst clearly doesn't trust Battersby yet, that much is clear. Of course this is an exception to the rule and if Crocombe was injured or suspended we are able to bring in an emergency loan... However, not ideal by any stretch of the imagination.

2) We've got an issue in keeping any of our four full backs fit. Efete, Cropper, Amos and Glennon have all struggled at various points with niggles and strains since arriving at the club. Other than Cropper, due to lack of games, they've all struggled at points with form too.

3) We have no creative midfielder that Hurst will trust.  Clifton, Holohan, Green, Morris and Khouri are all good solid pros and will run until they drop.  Capable of threading the eye of a needle from 40 yards away they are not.

4) Our wingers are Khan (rumoured to be out for half of the run-in), Scannell (12 minutes game time since May) and Wearne (not fancied).

5) In attack our main striker is 34, injured and with no return date in sight. His partner in crime from last year is having to do a different role, doesn't look the same player either. We also have Orsi with a report card that reads similar to that of Wearne.  Our hopes are pinned on a kid from Preston who hasn't even had a shave yet. I thought he looked very promising on debut but a lot to put on his shoulders.

6) We're neither scoring goals nor shutting teams out at present. Our trusty defence has looked very vulnerable in recent weeks, hence our goals against taking a hammering.

7) Hurst himself sounds absolutely deflated by it all, I would add that I take his comments very lightly but even still he isn't filling me with any confidence.

8) Our form is dreadful, we're sleeping walking down the table and nearly all of the sides below us look to have strengthened. I can't imagine the likes of Gillingham will skirt the relegation spots for too long.

To my mind the defensive frailties can be sorted. There's enough good defenders in that squad to address it in training. Even the fullback issue is something I can live with. Efete gets a hard deal by fans and I think between Amos and Glennon you can get a decent left hand side to your defence most weeks.

In midfield the energy is fine, we're combative enough but maybe need a bit of a freshen up. Holohan rested for example.  But we need someone in there who can make things happen.

Out wide we've got nothing to be calm about. Our options are limited and fragile.

Up top we've nothing.

We need to both create chances and take those chances. That isn't going to happen with the current set-up of players.

You'll have to forgive me, but 27 days into into the window we've left ourselves very weak and vulnerable with what appears to be no reinforcements coming in. That does panic me for a long and nervous final 3 months of the season.

Of course it may well be that Hurst is about to announce 2 or 3 season defining signings, in which case my little fret and panic seems silly.  I'll gladly be laughed at for worrying needlessly if that does happen...

No need for too many more posts on here now, brilliantly summed up

Quoted from Poojah

Best part of 30 appearances in League One this season would tend to suggest otherwise.

On that basis Poojah, Terry Taylor was terrific in his time here for us..

Quoted from Mikey_345

Whilst I agree re likelihood of these signings (Barrow interested in Sbarra). Lets not forget League football is a big pull, and we should use that. Neither Notts or Chesterfield guaranteed to be in the Football League next season, or the season after.

I was told that we were in for Sbarra in the summer and some talks where had.

We were in the league above then, so IF we offered more, or even the same money, then why didn't he come then?

I personally believe it would come down to location with him.... Hopefully I'm wrong.

If he goes to Barrow though, then absolutely blows my theory out the window! ;D

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I've compared it against last season because you would assume our budgeting for this season would have been based on attendances last season.

There's no criticism from me, people just seem to think we have tons of cash to splash because we sold 6000 STs which is a great achievement, I'm not knocking that but gate income doesn't appear to be significantly higher than last season, that is the point I'm making
Gate money in the 1878 era is clearly much higher than anything we've had in the 20 years before it and I'm not disputing that.

The bit in bold?..
I'm actually in agrreance with this, so all those that think this years budget is significantly higher than just seasons due to the increase in ST, attendances and the cup runs may have to rethink that reasoning.
I'm not saying this is definitely the case but as in any business you set the budget accordingly to the previous years results.
Yes, there's the possibility PH could ask for an uplift knowing there's money in the bank , although I'd expect the 2023/2024 playing budget to see the increase due to this years performance.

One thing we may have to take into consideration is that if some/most/all of Hursts main targets are cup-tied then the rush to get their signature before the Luton game is not as important.

Mind you, that still leaves us not able to fill the bench on match day unless he puts players from the yoof team on there to blood them.

Another thing that has been riling me since Hurst took over, was JS saying that they will leave 'all things football' to Hurst.

Clearly this isnt working. We hear time and time and time again in every transfer window that we have failed to sign our main targets again.

By all means leave him to the onfield antics, but the club needs someone who has a bit of charm, charisma and the ability to 'sell the place' to help us get better players in. I wouldnt go so far as saying we need a Director of Football, but just another member of staff, or even a current one, who can take a bit of the weight off of Hursts shoulders.

There. Ive said it now

Quoted from Corkyefes

I was told that we were in for Sbarra in the summer and some talks where had.

We were in the league above then, so IF we offered more, or even the same money, then why didn't he come then?

I personally believe it would come down to location with him.... Hopefully I'm wrong.

If he goes to Barrow though, then absolutely blows my theory out the window! ;D

Barrow train in Manchester so it doesn't blow your theory out of the window at all.

Quoted from Hagrid

intercourse knows what this new Head of Recruitment is doing though

I feel there is a bit of friction between him and Hurst, he puts up the players Hurst knocks them down, at the end of the day Hurst is old school and stubbornly will get his own way regarding players even if it means the risk of back to non league.

Gibson shite? There is a middle ground, you know. Gibson was fairly average for us and definitely not shite. Actually put in some good performances at centre half as well where I thought he performed better than his preferred role at full back.

Quoted from Garth

I feel there is a bit of friction between him and Hurst, he puts up the players Hurst knocks them down, at the end of the day Hurst is old school and stubbornly will get his own way regarding players even if it means the risk of back to non league.

The position was requested by Hurst and he was appointed by Hurst. The role is to assist with the recruitment.

Why do people come out with such mental things like “there is friction” between the two?!

Where has this Liam Gibson rumour come from

Quoted from quebec38

Gibson shite? There is a middle ground, you know. Gibson was fairly average for us and definitely not shite. Actually put in some good performances at centre half as well where I thought he performed better than his preferred role at full back.

Probably it’s that Gibson now is better than Gibson then.

Quoted from Garth

I feel there is a bit of friction between him and Hurst, he puts up the players Hurst knocks them down, at the end of the day Hurst is old school and stubbornly will get his own way regarding players even if it means the risk of back to non league.

Jesus wept…..

Is there any wonder no fecker wants to come..one read of anything gtfc related on social media and that’s a player put off for life. It was bad enough when the old owner was at the helm..he set us back years with relationships with players/clubs/agents etc - now our own ‘supporters’ do the same.

Get a grip fgs.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Another thing that has been riling me since Hurst took over, was JS saying that they will leave 'all things football' to Hurst.

Clearly this isnt working. We hear time and time and time again in every transfer window that we have failed to sign our main targets again.

Worked fairly well at getting us out of the National League and putting a decentish and competitive squad together this year.

Whilst I am frustrated with the lack of signings, I think we have to wait and see before going too far off the deep end. What I do take a little comfort in is that our midfield and defence, whilst not been spectacular (Swindon/Salford) has been okay this season and I think is strong enough to see us through the season comfortably in and around about where we are now. That's not me saying we don't need to improve, just that we will be ok.

We have lost numbers but I don't think any of us can say we've lost quality. 2 or three decent additions and we start to have a different outlook on things.

However, the slowness is a little alarming.

I took sometime to look at signings with some of the teams below us, whilst Gillingham have undoubtedly been spending serious money - the rest whilst brining in numbers do look light on quality. O'Connor the only one I'd think we'd be happy with or would improve us? (Not including Gillingham) I may have missed one or two since looking but this was correct according to TransferMrkt yesterday...

24th - Rochdale: 2

Jake Eastwood - GK - Loan: Sheffield United
Danny Lloyd - Winger - Free Transfer: unattached (Dec 9th 22)

23rd - Gillingham: 8

Conor Masterson - Centre Back - Loan: QPR
Tom Nichols - Striker - Transfer: Crawley
Timothée Dieng - Midfielder - Transfer: Exeter
Oliver Hawkins - Striker - Transfer: Mansfield
George Lapslie - Striker - Transfer: Mansfield
Jayden Clarke - Midfielder - Transfer: Dulwich
Ethan Coleman - Midfielder - Transfer: Leyton Orient
Callum Harriott - Winger - Free Transfer: Unattached.

22nd - Hartlepool: 7

Peter Hartley - Centre Back - Transfer: Jamshedpur FC
Alex Cairns - GK - Loan: Fleetwood
Daniel Dodds - Right Back - Transfer Middlesbrough U21
Edon Pruti - Centre Back - Transfer: Brentford B
Matty Dolan - Midfielder - Loan: Newport
Jakub Stolarczyk - GK - Loan: Leicester City
Christopher Missilou - Midfielder - Free Transfer: Unattached.

21st - Crawley - None

20th - Harrogate: 4

Tom Eastman - Centre Back - Loan: Colchester
Toby Sims - Winger - Transfer: Pittsburgh
Anthony O'Connor - Centre Back - Transfer: Morecambe
Matty Foulds - Left Back - Loan: Bradford

19th - Newport: 1

Harry Charsley - Midfielder - Transfer: Port Vale

Quoted from Poojah

Dogshíte indeed.

I can’t be arsèd to do the exact maths but using a quick equation, gates this season are averaging 6,547 versus 4,599 in our last, fan attended season in League Two (19/20). So, near as makes no difference an extra 2,000, or 42.5%.

For the sake of the argument, let’s assume that the average cost per person to attend a match in 19/20 was £16 (factoring in STs and concessions) was £16, and £14 in 22/23. That works out as follows:

19/20: 4,559 x £16 = £72,944 x 23 = £1,677,712 / season
22/23: 6,547 x £14 = £91,658 x 23 = £2,108,134 / season

That’s a difference of £430,422. You’ve also got an extra 2,000 people in the ground buying food, drink, programs etc. If we add gross profit from food and drink etc. then we must be up well in excess of half-a-million. Then there’s the cup run, which has netted us several hundred grand.

There’s absolutely no way that’s not a significant amount to this football club. Yes, there are extraneous pressures such as hyper-inflation and the high cost of energy, but in relative terms I would be interested to see an argument that we aren’t in the best financial shape we have been in post-ITV Digital.

So almost 50% makes no difference!!! Absolute rubbish!!!

Crawley are about to break their duck, paying a fee for Swindon’s giant midfielder Ben Gladwin. He ran us ragged at BP back in September.

Colchester have just signed another, from West ham

Quoted from 123614

So almost 50% makes no difference!!! Absolute rubbish!!!

Re-read the comment. The actual difference in gates is 1,948, which is close enough to 2,000 that it “makes no difference” (it’s 2.5% different if you want to play percentages).

The entire premise of my post was that gate revenue is up significantly. I’m not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that I thought an extra 2,000 on the gate wasn’t significant.

Quoted from Poojah

Crawley are about to break their duck, paying a fee for Swindon’s giant midfielder Ben Gladwin. He ran us ragged at BP back in September.

Jesus - he was probably the best player i've seen in our league this season. Football has gone mad.

Quoted from Hagrid

Colchester have just signed another, from West ham

#allinthesameboat

Quoted from Poojah

#allinthesameboat

Teams like Colchester can crack on. If they want to operate with a £25million pound debt, good luck to 'em. Not too sure where that leaves them when the music stops

Quoted from Mikey_345

Teams like Colchester can crack on. If they want to operate with a £25million pound debt, good luck to 'em. Not too sure where that leaves them when the music stops

Fortunately, with crowds 90% larger than theirs, we don’t need to rely on such debt inducing tactics to recruit talent.

Quoted from GhostDan

Jesus - he was probably the best player i've seen in our league this season. Football has gone mad.

Eleven clubs in ten years, mainly southern apart from Blackburn. Bags of experience and presence but possibly always heading back to the smoke? Our Tuesday night in Crawley just got harder!

Obviously no-one is advocating a spend and bust policy, I'd be raising more than an eyebrow at some of the financial dealings if I was a fan of one of those teams.

But it doesn't change the fact that teams below are us blowing us out the water when it comes to signing players.

Gladwell is an incredible signing. Our midfield has proved to be one area where we've not got overrun this year. Granted, we've created little from it but we've competed and won the majority of our second balls and battles in there. This lad lorded over us and made it look like men vs boys.

It's this type of activity that worries me. We already look short and now the teams below us are strengthening. Hate to be the ultimate pessimist but if we're not careful, the Colchesters/Gillinghams/Crawleys of the division are waving to us as they go above us in the table.

Quoted from quebec38

Gibson shite? There is a middle ground, you know. Gibson was fairly average for us and definitely not shite. Actually put in some good performances at centre half as well where I thought he performed better than his preferred role at full back.

Yeah, you know what, that was harsh. He wasn't shite, average is a far better summary. He was an improvement on what we had (Paul Dixon I think?) but all in wasn't enough for me.

Fair play to the lad as he's made a career that has consistently stayed ahead of us since he left, but I still wouldn't have him over either Amos or Glennon.

He might be OK up top though.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Yeah, you know what, that was harsh. He wasn't shite, average is a far better summary. He was an improvement on what we had (Paul Dixon I think?) but all in wasn't enough for me.

Fair play to the lad as he's made a career that has consistently stayed ahead of us since he left, but I still wouldn't have him over either Amos or Glennon.

He might be OK up top though.

You’d not have a lad that’s been part of promotion winning league 2 squads and played most his football above us over Danny Amos? Jesus wept.

Quoted from GhostDan

Jesus - he was probably the best player i've seen in our league this season. Football has gone mad.

Gone mad? Club wants player badly enough to pay him to come, and the deal is done! Just as it always has.

I think we will have to have a serious re-think about what it costs to get good players after this is all over.

If we continue to take what is left after other clubs have done their business there is only one way we are heading, sustainability or no sustainability.

Hurst reminds me of myself when I go shopping - "crikey, I like that but I am not paying that money."

Quoted from GhostDan

Jesus - he was probably the best player i've seen in our league this season. Football has gone mad.

I must have missed that game, how did he deal with crosses?

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

You’d not have a lad that’s been part of promotion winning league 2 squads and played most his football above us over Danny Amos? Jesus wept.

Based on his performances here, no.

I'll clutch at straws because it'll never happen but Joe Sbarra would be an absolutely outstanding signing.

Not many players stood out last season in non-league. Scott Quigly at Stockport, McFadzean at Wrexham (particularly at their place in Jan), Scanz for a month and this lad are the ones that spring to mind.

Quigly would be the perfect sort of forward to compliment Sbarra, Otis and McAtee for that matter now I've mentioned him.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Based on his performances here, no.

To be fair to Gibson, wasn't he coming back from some horrendous illness that had kept him from playing for a few years?

Other teams seem to be shopping in Waitrose whilst we are still in Aldi

Quoted from Garth

I feel there is a bit of friction between him and Hurst, he puts up the players Hurst knocks them down, at the end of the day Hurst is old school and stubbornly will get his own way regarding players even if it means the risk of back to non league.

Feeling though not fact!!

The closest Waitrose to Grimsby is in Hull and Aldi is a great supermarket though

Class from a Lidl fan.

Quoted from barrattstandman

Other teams seem to be shopping in Waitrose whilst we are still in Aldi

In Aldi we need to go down the centre (forward) isle.

Joe Sbarra pictured in training today at Solihull, which would certainly quash that rumour for the meantime (at least until Monday one would assume).

Albeit, I would still be very surprised if we did indeed sign him.

Quoted from barrattstandman

Other teams seem to be shopping in Waitrose whilst we are still in Aldi

I prefer Lidl, just a shame it’s not very big.

I think browsing and haggling in Asda is more apt.

People on Twitter going mad as the official account keeps tweeting adverts.
Surely they know they are automatic and scheduled in by an independent company?

In terms of signings, I cant see anything happening till next week now, which I think everyone (even the people who 'aren't worried'), would say that leaving it last minute is a big gamble from Hurst and the club.

Obviously unless some are already signed and sealed, but you would question why the club are delaying announcements and causing unavoidable panic/anxiety to the fans.

Hurst won't be able to use the excuse of everybody is in the same boat on Tuesday night, if we haven't signed anyone, as clearly the teams below us are doing bits.

Probably one of the most nervous transfer deadline days we will have as whatever happens could play a big impact on our season.

There was a day when we could shop at Waitrose

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Fenty saw the vast majority, if not all, of that money.

Someone did the maths on the record season ticket sales and whilst that money is in early and guaranteed, compared to 3500 STHs with 2000 'pay on the gate' supporters, the increase isn't that much at all.

2000 people paying on the gate every couple of weeks is probably better for cashflow than having that available in July and having to be disciplined with it.

We wouldn't have had anywhere near the gates we have had if people had to pay, sometimes lots of empty seats amongst season ticket holders as it is even when free.

Without the big ST sales our gates and hence income would have been substantially lower than it is

Another poster listed some clubs who have signed what it shows is most of them are near the foot of the table spending like mad to try and pull away. Do we have a list by club of how many they have signed ? Just wondering if those near the top are signing maybe 1 or 2.

It looks like we're shopping in the bargain bucket again, only this time even the bargain bucket is yielding nothing.

If this situation had happened on Fenty's watch this forum would've been awash with vitriol and abuse.

I hope the lack of new recruits doesn't come back to haunt us.

UTM

https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2023/january/jerome-departs/

former Grimsby youth player...now a free agent and looking to move closer to the north west...

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2023/january/jerome-departs/

former Grimsby youth player...now a free agent and looking to move closer to the north west...

Snap him up , find out he's not cup tied and he goes on to score hat-trick against his old club. FA cup fairy tale.

Quoted from Southwark Mariner

https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2023/january/jerome-departs/

former Grimsby youth player...now a free agent and looking to move closer to the north west...

Sound like he’s going to Bolton.

Quoted from Mayaman

Snap him up , find out he's not cup tied and he goes on to score hat-trick against his old club. FA cup fairy tale.

They brought him on in the 99th min for their win over Wigan...

Quoted from Simon

There was a day when we could shop at Waitrose

When was that exactly? I've not been supporting Town as long as many on here but since the late 70's when I started I've never really thought we're in that bracket,.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

When was that exactly? I've not been supporting Town as long as many on here but since the late 70's when I started I've never really thought we're in that bracket,.

I suppose when we signed Garry Birtles, Paul Futcher, even Danny Collins... Very, very good players but definitely got a yellow sticker on them. Past their best but still OK if you use them quickly.

Only problem is that for every Birtles and Futcher you get a Peter Beagrie or a Paul Warhurst, you've not even made it home and that bag of 7p stir fry veg has gone off, leaking through the plastic bag and soaking into the car boot upholstery.

Seems worth the gamble at the time.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

When was that exactly? I've not been supporting Town as long as many on here but since the late 70's when I started I've never really thought we're in that bracket,.

Didn't we once pay £650,000 for Lee Ashcroft, over 20 years ago so huge money back then for a club like ours

Quoted from Bradford Mariner

It looks like we're shopping in the bargain bucket again, only this time even the bargain bucket is yielding nothing.

If this situation had happened on Fenty's watch this forum would've been awash with vitriol and abuse.

I hope the lack of new recruits doesn't come back to haunt us.

UTM

Do you mean like the vitriol and abuse that's been posted on this thread?

Quoted from Simon

Didn't we once pay £650,000 for Lee Ashcroft, over 20 years ago so huge money back then for a club like ours

I think it's relative to where we where at the time (2nd tier) and like today others where paying more for players. I get that, but I'm not sure where Ashcroft sat in terms of the good-better-best range. Lower mid table in the 4th Division is hardly going to attract quality good is it?

Also we paid a fair bit for Jimmy Gillighan, enough said on that one!

If Mrs Abdul came back from Waitrose with Lee Ashcroft I'd be rather annoyed tbh (despite his excellent penalty record).

I remember when we signed Phil Hubbard from Lincoln circa 1972, for £20,000. It was such a huge event and transfer fee it was the headlines and took most of the front page of the Telegraph which was broadsheet.

Quoted from Simon

Didn't we once pay £650,000 for Lee Ashcroft, over 20 years ago so huge money back then for a club like ours

500k so I guess close enough. Was a club record fee at the time. We later sold off Jack Lester for 300k which might have had something to do with forking out for a player like Ashcroft.

Quoted from Kris2

500k so I guess close enough. Was a club record fee at the time. We later sold off Jack Lester for 300k which might have had something to do with forking out for a player like Ashcroft.

Ashcroft was decent but apparently unmanageable. Buckley referred to him as “The Loon” (with apologies for the non pc description) Considering AB managed the likes of Lever and Gally then he must’ve been hard work.

Think Lee Ashcroft remains our record signing.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I think it's relative to where we where at the time (2nd tier) and like today others where paying more for players. I get that, but I'm not sure where Ashcroft sat in terms of the good-better-best range. Lower mid table in the 4th Division is hardly going to attract quality good is it?

Also we paid a fair bit for Jimmy Gillighan, enough said on that one!

It was reported that we paid 400k for Lee Ashcroft from PNE he didn't do much for us - though I do recall a screamer at Ashton Gate v Bristol City?
We reportedly paid 100k for Jimmy Gilligan from Watford on Graham Turners recommendation - again didn't do anything for us - though seemed to do ok when he moved on.

What i'm trying to say is 20 plus years ago we were in a position where we could pay decent money for players, granted we were in what is now the Championship but 20 years on we are scraping the basement looking for scraps, don't think we realised at the time how good we had it

Quoted from Simon

What i'm trying to say is 20 plus years ago we were in a position where we could pay decent money for players, granted we were in what is now the Championship but 20 years on we are scraping the basement looking for scraps, don't think we realised at the time how good we had it

We did spend some biggish fees, but often when we had sold players for big amounts and used some of the money on replacements.

That is the model 1878 would like to pursue isn't it?

The key thing to have happened since way back then is the Bosman ruling which has effectively destroyed the idea of transfer fees for the lower leagues. Most of the monies that would have gone on fees now goes on wages.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Ashcroft was decent but apparently unmanageable. Buckley referred to him as “The Loon” (with apologies for the non pc description) Considering AB managed the likes of Lever and Gally then he must’ve been hard work.

Liked a flutter apparently....... I get the point that we had some money then but in reality the likes of Ashcroft would not have been in the "Finest" range.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

The key thing to have happened since way back then is the Bosman ruling which has effectively destroyed the idea of transfer fees for the lower leagues. Most of the monies that would have gone on fees now goes on wages.

Exactly this and agents taking money out of the game and any big fees paid to foreign clubs overseas that takes the drip down of the money into the lower leagues.

Pre Bosman you always knew that if you signed a decent player at the right time of his career you'd get something back as the term free agent was only really used for players who where long servants at a club and had that status as a bit of a reward to get more money from their next/final deal of their career. If a contract ran out clubs still owned the players registration so could ask a fee. Bosman was great for players but on reflection you could debate for ever whether it was good for the game overall.

Quoted from barrattstandman

Other teams seem to be shopping in Waitrose whilst we are still in Aldi

More like the flipping food bank

Orient bring in a defender from Bolton, Donny bring in a Midfielder from Burton

Quoted from Simon

What i'm trying to say is 20 plus years ago we were in a position where we could pay decent money for players, granted we were in what is now the Championship but 20 years on we are scraping the basement looking for scraps, don't think we realised at the time how good we had it

Comparatively we did sign mostly scraps for the division we were in. It was rare for us to pay much of a fee and the fact Ashcroft remains a club record at 500k kind of shows it. We sold off young assets like Gary Croft and John Oster for big fees that allowed us to spend some money on a few signings, that wouldn't happen today with how contracts are, they'd be hoovered up for a token of the fees we got for them. The season after we paid that for Ashcroft an £125k for Coldicott we only paid out 150k for Alan Pouton with the only other arrivals on a free or loans. We only spent money again after shipping Ashcroft off for £350k to Wigan, which Lawrence spent on signing loanees Menno Willems and Sturt Campbell. Buckley never got access to the Ashcroft money and only signed a couple of players on a free in pre season, probably because the new boy in the boardroom at the time wanted to bring his own man in and needed an excuse to fire Buckley with a bad start. Though business under Buckley wasn't always brilliant, much of it consisted of him shelling out the money we got from selling players to him at West Brom to buy back the same players.

The last fee from our first division days was £250k for Phil Jevons who we then froze out because the fee and his wages plus large bonuses was breaking us financially and sent on loan to Hull. If I remember it right he negotiated to stay on for one more season before leaving for nothing as we couldn't sell him when we had the chance and fans were throwing a fit over the fact we had to sell him. We never spent a penny on players for years after that.

Quoted from Hagrid

Orient bring in a defender from Bolton, Donny bring in a Midfielder from Burton

Grimsby bring in a new sweeper as the bristles fell off the last one.

Quoted from Hagrid

Orient bring in a defender from Bolton, Donny bring in a Midfielder from Burton

from what we saw of Burton at BP Donny have been browsing the car boot sales.

Have we signed anyone yet? No, OK see on page 300 ;D

This window has drained me. Staggered that we’ve not done anything this week - a young loanee forward even just for a bit of squad depth would actually be a encouraging for tomorrow. I think even with a fit squad we’d be playing something like the Stockport game tomorrow though.

Quoted from Simon

What i'm trying to say is 20 plus years ago we were in a position where we could pay decent money for players, granted we were in what is now the Championship but 20 years on we are scraping the basement looking for scraps, don't think we realised at the time how good we had it

Wasn't that during the ITV Digital era, when we paid 13 grand a week to a Chinese international among other daft deals?

That ended well.

I just hope that in some miraculous way we can fathom some sort of result or performance tomorrow. I hate to think what would happen on here Saturday night if we get rolled over. Cant wait for this ruddy window to shut.

Quoted from ginnywings

Wasn't that during the ITV Digital era, when we paid 13 grand a week to a Chinese international among other daft deals?

That ended well.

Great times though, Zhang was a great lad during his time here. Really sad to hear of his passing last year

£13,000 a week, again 20 years ago don't think we will pay that sort of money again

Quoted from Simon

Great times though, Zhang was a great lad during his time here. Really sad to hear of his passing last year

£13,000 a week, again 20 years ago don't think we will pay that sort of money again

Wasn't that the "Huxford" years? Who singlehandedly almost bankrupt us?

£13,000 a week will almost cover our starting 11 nowadays!

Quoted from Simon

Great times though, Zhang was a great lad during his time here. Really sad to hear of his passing last year

£13,000 a week, again 20 years ago don't think we will pay that sort of money again

I hate to speak ill of the dead but he played 17 games in a season where we struggled to stay in the division

What's going on then - have we signed players but don't want to announce it until the last minute, you know, to bamboozle unsuspecting Luton? Or are we drawing blanks?

A couple of usually reliable posters said there was definitely at least one player through the door, but it's gone very quiet on here over the last couple of days.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I hate to speak ill of the dead but he played 17 games in a season where we struggled to stay in the division

It was also a needless waste of about 6 players’ salaries when you think Peter Handysides was sat on the bench for most of those 17 matches, flicking his curtains in anger.

It was an odd signing. Very odd. For legal reasons I won’t go any further…

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I hate to speak ill of the dead but he played 17 games in a season where we struggled to stay in the division

Did you watch him play, did ok in a struggling side

Quoted from Simon

Did you watch him play, did ok in a struggling side

Yes, and score, they where not great times.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

It was also a needless waste of about 6 players’ salaries when you think Peter Handysides was sat on the bench for most of those 17 matches, flicking his curtains in anger.

It was an odd signing. Very odd. For legal reasons I won’t go any further…

Oh please do, just put 'allegedly' at the bottom of your post and you'll be fine.

Yours
Lionel Hutz

Quoted from diehardmariner

Oh please do, just put 'allegedly' at the bottom of your post and you'll be fine.

Yours
Lionel Hutz

It’d be a two shoe shmooz to get a dig on that info

Yowsers
Disco Stu

Quoted from Mariner93er

What's going on then - have we signed players but don't want to announce it until the last minute, you know, to bamboozle unsuspecting Luton? Or are we drawing blanks?

Yeah it’s gonna be like the Battle of Helm’s Deep and after getting absolutely smashed all over for 90 minutes, an army of as-yet-unannounced signings will appear on the horizon, charge down and sweep us to victory.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Oh please do, just put 'allegedly' at the bottom of your post and you'll be fine.

Yours
Lionel Hutz

I’m not falling for that again. Not after that time Adam Buckley told me to look after his very heavy kit bag.

If a transfer looks odd, there’s usually a *cough* reason for it.

Bebe to Man U
Tevez and Mascherano to West Ham
Nico Kranjcar, Defoe, Crouch to every Redknapp club
Any transfer involving Juventus or Barcelona
Zhang Enhua to Town
Any Bolton transfer from the Allardyce Era
Robert Jarni to Coventry

Quoted from ska face

Yeah it’s gonna be like the Battle of Helm’s Deep and after getting absolutely smashed all over for 90 minutes, an army of as-yet-unannounced signings will appear on the horizon, charge down and sweep us to victory.

I'd love it if Hurst looks at his bench a few times, shakes his head and turns towards a massive Oak, beckons it over and says "get your leaves on lad, this your big chance"

As I was working today I couldnt make it, but did anyone else have the forethought to go to the ground to watch the players getting on board the bus? Could have been one or two 'mysterious' faces, but then again the bus could have nipped down Laceby Bypass and picked up half the team from 'the hotel'

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

As I was working today I couldnt make it, but did anyone else have the forethought to go to the ground to watch the players getting on board the bus? Could have been one or two 'mysterious' faces, but then again the bus could have nipped down Laceby Bypass and picked up half the team from 'the hotel'

Or you could just wait for them to be announced.

Just a forethought mind.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

As I was working today I couldnt make it, but did anyone else have the forethought to go to the ground to watch the players getting on board the bus? Could have been one or two 'mysterious' faces, but then again the bus could have nipped down Laceby Bypass and picked up half the team from 'the hotel'

You don't think Hurst has OpSec locked down? Very minimum they will be flying into Luton from some unknown overseas destination, forged passports and cover stories about being inflatable fish salesmen

Quoted from diehardmariner

I'd love it if Hurst looks at his bench a few times, shakes his head and turns towards a massive Oak, beckons it over and says "get your leaves on lad, this your big chance"

Like any reality show, talent show or The Grand National, in the FA Cup, it’s always the person with the most interesting backstory who ends up being the hero.

On that basis, if PH has any sense, he’ll survey the bones of his squad and hunts for that backstory like a Yorkie Poirot.

Then Harvey Tomlinson sheepishly puts his hand up and trembles that he was conceived in the back of a Luton Van (3.5t).

Five minutes to go, Harvey trots on. Boom. 3-2. The ghost of the plate of chicken sandwiches forever gone.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

As I was working today I couldnt make it, but did anyone else have the forethought to go to the ground to watch the players getting on board the bus? Could have been one or two 'mysterious' faces, but then again the bus could have nipped down Laceby Bypass and picked up half the team from 'the hotel'

Bus? It was a taxi.

Quoted from ivanosandwich

Bus? It was a taxi.

Moped?

It has been known for a Town player to turn up at Cheapside on a moped.

Quoted from GyMariner

Or you could just wait for them to be announced.

Just a forethought mind.

What? With nearly everyone on this thread desperately wanting something.......anything.......in the way of news of a signing, you honestly think that they would all rather just sit back and chill and wait until the team sheet is released tomorrow, do you?

We want news and we want it YESTERDAY

Quoted from GyMariner

Or you could just wait for them to be announced.

Just a forethought mind.

Not being funny but if this is Hursts tactic again, I mean what the fck is the point, this is Luton, there are no signings we can make that will make Luton be worried or change tactics or instructions

Larsson scored twice tonight for Forest u21’s. So he certainly hasnt signed for us

Just maybe there aint anyone better than we already have?

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Just maybe there aint anyone better than we already have?

Up front? What have we actually got that can currently walk?

Quoted from Poojah

Up front? What have we actually got that can currently walk?

Walking not the problem it’s running.and heading

Quoted from Poojah

Up front? What have we actually got that can currently walk?

Our strikers currently are an injured 34 year old and a 26 year old year old with one FL goal to his name. If we can't improve on that, even in January, then we might as well pack up now.

Quoted from diehardmariner

I'd love it if Hurst looks at his bench a few times, shakes his head and turns towards a massive Oak, beckons it over and says "get your leaves on lad, this your big chance"

Wrong battle. You're thinking Isengard, not Helm's Deep.

On a less Tolkien-esque note, I'd be surprised if there wasn't one unknown name in the squad tomorrow. Cup-ties allowing, of course.

Last night in my dream I was visited by a soothsayer. He said that if we get this thread to 250 pages, we will at Luton.

George Lloyd incoming from Cheltenham Maybe?

Quoted from sydney

George Lloyd incoming from Cheltenham Maybe?

Recently played for Darryl Clarke ✅
Less than a goal every 10 EFL League games (6 in 91) ✅
Last goal over 10 months ago ✅

He does sound like a Paul Hurst forward.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Moped?

It has been known for a Town player to turn up at Cheapside on a moped.

John Macca used to travel on a Raleigh shopper to training....yes shopper...not chopper.

We’ve got a forward. His name is Danilo Orsi - has barely played so far…he’s been injured a fair bit and then couldn’t get in the team when we were in good form. But he’s had a good goal scoring record in the past and deserves a chance (he’s only started one league game) and our support.

He’s gonna get mine today anyway, if he’s on the pitch. You never know what could happen….he’s a different player to McAtee, Taylor or Kiernan, so we’ll have to adapt. But intercourse it. COME ON TOWN.

Yep…..give Orsi a run and few games……

Could be the new Jim Lumby !

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Yep…..give Orsi a run and few games……

Could be the new Jim Lumby !

As long as that doesn't include a transfer to Scunthorpe and then scoring against us...

I have to admit, I've not seen anything in Orsi that would indicate he's the answer when I've seen him play. I remember one game earlier in the season where he came off the bench and helped to create a goal, but also saw him miss a chance or two which really should have been buried. Not big, not strong, not quick, not particularly skilful. I think he's the sort of player who needs to play off another striker. Just like most of the rest of our attackers. Unfortunately, with Taylor out, we've got nobody who can be played off.

Hopefully this will change in the next few days. I still doubt Orsi is the answer, even if we do get that elusive No. 9.

Quoted from sam gy

We’ve got a forward. His name is Danilo Orsi - has barely played so far…he’s been injured a fair bit and then couldn’t get in the team when we were in good form. But he’s had a good goal scoring record in the past and deserves a chance (he’s only started one league game) and our support.

He’s gonna get mine today anyway, if he’s on the pitch. You never know what could happen….he’s a different player to McAtee, Taylor or Kiernan, so we’ll have to adapt. But intercourse it. COME ON TOWN.

Yeah, he hasn't had much chance to prove himself. We are expected to lose this one so let's play without fear and have a pop at them.

I thought on his only start in the league he did ok. He’s not a Taylor type forward to get hold of the ball and keep it but he did link up well with McAtee and others a couple of times in the first half. Second was pretty drab but the game was well lost by then.
He got pelters from some after the match so I’m willing to concede maybe my judgement isn’t the best, but I genuinely thought he did ok. It is his natural position so I’d rather see him there than someone else playing out of position. Been saying it for months now though so I doubt it’s gonna happen.
I totally appreciate that he might not be the long term solution but it’s weird of Hurst to sign him and then give him so few proper opportunities.

Quoted from Maringer

I have to admit, I've not seen anything in Orsi that would indicate he's the answer when I've seen him play. I remember one game earlier in the season where he came off the bench and helped to create a goal, but also saw him miss a chance or two which really should have been buried. Not big, not strong, not quick, not particularly skilful. I think he's the sort of player who needs to play off another striker. Just like most of the rest of our attackers. Unfortunately, with Taylor out, we've got nobody who can be played off.

Hopefully this will change in the next few days. I still doubt Orsi is the answer, even if we do get that elusive No. 9.

absolutely spot on Maringer - as i posted when he was signed; He is NOT a centre forward, that's why he failed at harrogate. He started well there ,playing off a big no.9 and then they changed the system. He's had no chance here to play in the way that suits him. if he'd had a run playing alongside Taylor then it might've been a different story.
He also scored a lot of goals for Maidenhead when he had a good midfielder who regulalrly played killer balls through to him. We really only have Hunt can do that, and he never plays.
TBH i'm not altogether sure why Hurst even signed him; after all when has he veer played 2 up front? If the bromley loan rumour was true I wouldn't mind betting he'd do fine there, surrounded by their man mountains
Tbh

Quoted from sam gy

We’ve got a forward. His name is Danilo Orsi - has barely played so far…he’s been injured a fair bit and then couldn’t get in the team when we were in good form. But he’s had a good goal scoring record in the past and deserves a chance (he’s only started one league game) and our support.

He’s gonna get mine today anyway, if he’s on the pitch. You never know what could happen….he’s a different player to McAtee, Taylor or Kiernan, so we’ll have to adapt. But intercourse it. COME ON TOWN.

Exactly!

I wonder if we will see a completely new name on the GTFC team sheet today!

Quoted from 123614

I wonder if we will see a completely new name on the GTFC team sheet today!

No one would be surprised

Quoted from 123614

I wonder if we will see a completely new name on the GTFC team sheet today!

Ronnie Pickering

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Ronnie Pickering

Who? :)

Quoted from 123614

I wonder if we will see a completely new name on the GTFC team sheet today!

The Coach Driver

Aye, big chance for Orsi today to show what he's about. Might even suit him a bit more against, what I'm presuming, are less physical defenders.

He's looked OK when he's had a chance. Thought he was very unlucky to get ditched after the Salford defeat.

I would like to see Hunt in the team as with limited options going forward, we need someone who can unpick teams with some slick and quick passing.

Quoted from Maringer

I have to admit, I've not seen anything in Orsi that would indicate he's the answer when I've seen him play. I remember one game earlier in the season where he came off the bench and helped to create a goal, but also saw him miss a chance or two which really should have been buried. Not big, not strong, not quick, not particularly skilful. I think he's the sort of player who needs to play off another striker. Just like most of the rest of our attackers. Unfortunately, with Taylor out, we've got nobody who can be played off.

Hopefully this will change in the next few days. I still doubt Orsi is the answer, even if we do get that elusive No. 9.

Yeah, not saying he’s the answer, but today we almost have no choice so he gets my support. Just seen a lot of people taking the urine / writing him off but in reality he’s have very limited time on the pitch.

I think we all hope for him to come good. Today would be an excellent occasion for him to prove me wrong about him!

Quoted from HerveJosse

The Coach Driver

So not even the coach driver on the team list

No Mullarky(?) in the Altrincham squad today but Dallas started and got 2 for Solihull

Quoted from sam gy

We’ve got a forward. His name is Danilo Orsi - has barely played so far…he’s been injured a fair bit and then couldn’t get in the team when we were in good form. But he’s had a good goal scoring record in the past and deserves a chance (he’s only started one league game) and our support.

He’s gonna get mine today anyway, if he’s on the pitch. You never know what could happen….he’s a different player to McAtee, Taylor or Kiernan, so we’ll have to adapt. But intercourse it. COME ON TOWN.

Well said. He was great today!

I don't know why so many fans decided that Orsi is no good based on a handful of appearances.

We don't know why he isn't getting much game time and he may now take his chance.

Khan now out for 6 weeks so I would imagine that we’ll see a few in by close of business on Tuesday.

Go for broke - 4 days left !!

Kabamba, Dallas and Sbarra - all in form, and would fit the current requirements for attacking players.

Mullarkey as back four cover - job done !!

If only Carlsberg did Town fans popular transfer windows !!!!!.......

........and GTFC had bottomless pockets !

I'd also take Larsson on loan as well, just for the hell of it !!

Matt Dean said today that he spoke to JS a short while ago who confirmed they had a problem with players wanting to come to Grimsby. The suggestion to me, the way it was said, was the location and not money but neither was specifically mentioned. just Grimsby.

Make of it what you wish, it was on the pre match commentary today. Matt Dean also said that Gillingham are paying 7K per week to some players, but didn't say who.

Crofty also said that the club needs a massive rebuild bottom to top and suggested that other clubs in the division were at a high standard than us.

Given how you’ve misinterpreted every Humberside interview for the last month, I think I’ll wait to hear that with my own ears.

Quoted from ska face

Given how you’ve misinterpreted every Humberside interview for the last month, I think I’ll wait to hear that with my own ears.

I think that is exaggerating it by not a little bit but a lot. Reason being I have not commented on all RH interviews, not even half or a quarter but only 2/3.

It was the same 40 years ago. We’ve always paid slightly over the odds to get some players to come. The problem now is that the likes of Wrexham have moved the dial, and then behind them are Stockport Notts Chesterfield Colchester Gillingham with owners funding huge losses. To compound it further some tinpotters like Solihull are able to hang on to players with owners funding losses.

Apparently Hartlepool have met Solihull’s valuation of Dallas.

Don’t know we are in for him, but if we are, why would anyone with half a brain prefer to go there rather than NE Lincs

Could be a turning point in fans expectations…

PS both he and tother bloke Sbbarraa scored today

Wait till our potential signings watch the Luton highlights and see who we’ve drawn in the 5th round and they will knocking on the door on Monday night wanting to sign for us 😂😂

It isn’t for the lack money. Should be an interesting few days.

For me if he wants/would come, we have to go get Dallas.

Quoted from ska face

Given how you’ve misinterpreted every Humberside interview for the last month, I think I’ll wait to hear that with my own ears.

from diehardmariner on the location thread

"Stockwood also told Matt Dean there's an issue with players wanting to come here. He didn't state if it was money or location but if was just money, we wouldn't even be entering conversations with parties if we were miles apart. That's not how transfers work.

There are many, many reasons why we're not able to sign the players we want. They're not all because of our location, I don't think anyone has ever said that's the case. But I'm certain that our location, more so our proximity to the rest of the country is a significant reason."

It appears diehardmariner heard the same words as I did.!

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Apparently Hartlepool have met Solihull’s valuation of Dallas.

Don’t know we are in for him, but if we are, why would anyone with half a brain prefer to go there rather than NE Lincs

Could be a turning point in fans expectations…

PS both he and tother bloke Sbbarraa scored today

30 miles from Newcastle, loads of nice places to live around there TBH. He’ll need to be careful though, if he did sign for them he could quite easily be in non league again next season.

Quoted from DB

from diehardmariner on the location thread

"Stockwood also told Matt Dean there's an issue with players wanting to come here. He didn't state if it was money or location but if was just money, we wouldn't even be entering conversations with parties if we were miles apart. That's not how transfers work.

There are many, many reasons why we're not able to sign the players we want. They're not all because of our location, I don't think anyone has ever said that's the case. But I'm certain that our location, more so our proximity to the rest of the country is a significant reason."

It appears diehardmariner heard the same words as I did.!

I happen to know that not only is diehardmariner is a drunkard, he’s also hard of hearing!

Only having a joke mate

Kevin donavan, Wayne Burnett, lee Nogan, lee Ashcroft and Bradley Allen ( from the bright lights of Essex) never had no dramas coming here so I think it’s incorrect to say that is the main reason. Leeds and Sheffield are just over an hour away and full of lasses and clubs if your one of those sorts of footballers

I think a lot of the panic and stress in this thread recently is because our last outing was a 5-0 thumping 2 weeks back and we’ve not seen anything of the team, at all, since then. Obviously we definitely need a good number of new signings, but it’s not giving me heart palpitations this evening as it has been earlier in the week.

It’s a bit like when you fall out with your missus and one of you storms out. Then you spend all day or night calling fúck out of em, but then they walk back in and it’s love again. Let’s hope we can have a nice kiss & a cuddle ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Quoted from Dave Gilberts Left Peg

Kevin donavan, Wayne Burnett, lee Nogan, lee Ashcroft and Bradley Allen ( from the bright lights of Essex) never had no dramas coming here so I think it’s incorrect to say that is the main reason. Leeds and Sheffield are just over an hour away and full of lasses and clubs if your one of those sorts of footballers

What was relevant 20/25 years ago isn’t the same now. Travel is easier, McAtee for example, goes back to Manchester every week, players wouldn’t have done that years ago.

Quoted from ska face

I think a lot of the panic and stress in this thread recently is because our last outing was a 5-0 thumping 2 weeks back and we’ve not seen anything of the team, at all, since then. Obviously we definitely need a good number of new signings, but it’s not giving me heart palpitations this evening as it has been earlier in the week.

It’s a bit like when you fall out with your missus and one of too storms out. Then you spend all day or night calling fúck out of em, but then they walk back in and it’s love again. Let’s hope we can have a nice kiss & a cuddle ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

Nah i've still got heart palpitations. We were ace today but there's zero depth in the squad. I know we've got Wearne, McAtee, Amos and O'Neill to come back for league matches, but it'd only take a couple of injuries for us to be struggling to fill the bench in the league as well. With Taylor, Khan and Cropper seemingly out for a good while we desperately need 3-4 extra players in before the window shuts.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

30 miles from Newcastle, loads of nice places to live around there TBH. He’ll need to be careful though, if he did sign for them he could quite easily be in non league again next season.

This is getting ridiculous. 30 miles from Newcastle and lots of nice places to live?? Is that a serious proposition for a professional footballer to advance his career? What about the club, the manager, the salary, the players?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

This is getting ridiculous. 30 miles from Newcastle and lots of nice places to live?? Is that a serious proposition for a professional footballer to advance his career? What about the club, the manager, the salary, the players?

Yes, Northumberland and County Durham are really really nice places. I don't know how many times you need to be told, but young men want to be within close proximity to cities and nightlife, and all the amenities big places offer that we don't have within an hour's drive of Grimsby. Living in Newcastle and commuting 30 minutes to Hartlepool everyday is definitely more attractive to most players than living in Leeds or Sheffield or wherever and commuting 1 to 2 hours to Grimsby every day. There are obviously exceptions to this, as we do have *some* players who live locally, but as you keep being repeatedly told, most footballers in their 20s want to live a footballers lifestyle and going down the Swashy for a night out isn't going to cut it for them. Being able to have a walk up and down Cleethorpes prom or going rambling in the Wolds aren't factors that the players we want to sign are going to be bothered about.

Quoted from ska face

I happen to know that not only is diehardmariner is a drunkard, he’s also hard of hearing!

Only having a joke mate

Yeah, I'd be wary of citing me as a support for your argument. 😂

Hartlepool and another club, believed to be us, in a “bidding war” for Dallas.

https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united-in-talks-with-ex-rangers-striker-but-face-competition-from-grimsby-town-4005326

A bidding war, how exciting! Hurst should let Hartlepool blow their budget on Morris giving us a clear run at Dallas.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Yes, Northumberland and County Durham are really really nice places. I don't know how many times you need to be told, but young men want to be within close proximity to cities and nightlife, and all the amenities big places offer that we don't have within an hour's drive of Grimsby. Living in Newcastle and commuting 30 minutes to Hartlepool everyday is definitely more attractive to most players than living in Leeds or Sheffield or wherever and commuting 1 to 2 hours to Grimsby every day. There are obviously exceptions to this, as we do have *some* players who live locally, but as you keep being repeatedly told, most footballers in their 20s want to live a footballers lifestyle and going down the Swashy for a night out isn't going to cut it for them. Being able to have a walk up and down Cleethorpes prom or going rambling in the Wolds aren't factors that the players we want to sign are going to be bothered about.

.

They are professional footballers, not lifestyle influencers.

Their first considerations are their careers, the salary, the manager and the size of the club and its prospects.

Quoted from ska face

Hartlepool and another club, believed to be us, in a “bidding war” for Dallas.

https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-united-in-talks-with-ex-rangers-striker-but-face-competition-from-grimsby-town-4005326

A bidding war, how exciting! Hurst should let Hartlepool blow their budget on Morris giving us a clear run at Dallas.

Interesting. Would be cóck-a-fúcking-hoop with that. 33 goals between 15th Jan 2022 and today - bang in form and still only 23. Would be a proper statement of intent and possibly the answer to the question: “what the fúck are we playing at?”.

What position does Dallas play?

I’ve moaned on this thread about the window. It’s not about the players we have now in some positions, it’s the lack of them. There is still work to do imo.

Can't see Hurst going in a bidding war for anyone .He will have his targets .Assessed what they are worth .Look at the playing budget he has and put in a bid accordingly

Quoted from Norseman

Can't see Hurst going in a bidding war for anyone .He will have his targets .Assessed what they are worth .Look at the playing budget he has and put in a bid accordingly

The article says that Hartlepool have met the asking price put on the player by Solihull, so I would think we have done the same. It isn't a bidding war if that is the case.

Dallas Moore to make a return to town thats a bit left field even for this thread 🤔

Quoted from Dave Gilberts Left Peg

Kevin donavan, Wayne Burnett, lee Nogan, lee Ashcroft and Bradley Allen ( from the bright lights of Essex) never had no dramas coming here so I think it’s incorrect to say that is the main reason. Leeds and Sheffield are just over an hour away and full of lasses and clubs if your one of those sorts of footballers

The area, and particularly the nightlife on offer, has deteriorated a lot since then

Unfortunately, true.

According to a Hartlepool Mail reporter on Twitter, we're ahead in the race to sign Dallas which is encouraging.

Quoted from Mariner93er

According to a Hartlepool Mail reporter on Twitter, we're ahead in the race to sign Dallas which is encouraging.

So we should be!

I’d be gutted to lose out to a side who’s place in the league looks in serious doubt

Dallas has seen our magnificent support as well and he might fancy playing in front of that.

hartlepool are also in for adam campbell from gateshead

Quoted from ginnywings

The article says that Hartlepool have met the asking price put on the player by Solihull, so I would think we have done the same. It isn't a bidding war if that is the case.

Yup, sounds like it’s the players choice “if” reports are to be believed. It may come down to personal terms but…

Keith Curle is the interim manager at Hartlepool until the end of the season if you’re a player that has to be a concern in the the guy who signed you might not be in charge in 5 months time and the new manager may not fancy you, plus they’re in danger of the drop.

Paul Hurst will be our manager next season and unless there is a complete disaster (sh1t I hope I’ve not jinxed it) we’ll be in the EFL and despite some recent negativity amongst a vocal tiny minority we’re moving forward and have good stability.

Geography? Could be an issue as there’s some decent places to live up there but there is in NEL and on the North Bank.

Oddly enough it could come down to money, strange that isn’t it?

Hopefully our CEO can have a hand in this transfer, as the headline ’Debbie does Dallas’ certainly has a ring to it.

Quoted from jimgtfc

Hopefully our CEO can have a hand in this transfer, as the headline ’Debbie does Dallas’ certainly has a ring to it.

I think Debbie is going to be busy enough this week...

Quoted from jimgtfc

Hopefully our CEO can have a hand in this transfer, as the headline ’Debbie does Dallas’ certainly has a ring to it.

I wondered when that was going rear its head again...if GTFC tweeted that the B Corp application would be dead...

I'd like to think that if we are in for Dallas and it was a straight choice between us and Hartlepool, we would come out as first choice, if only for a football point of view.

Would teammate Jamie Osbourne recommend a move to town? I know things didn’t work out for him here but it looked like we dealt with his situation pretty compassionately when he wanted to return to Solihull.

We will know in the next two days!

Some on the Luton forum saying they should sign Crocombe :)

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Would teammate Jamie Osbourne recommend a move to town? I know things didn’t work out for him here but it looked like we dealt with his situation pretty compassionately when he wanted to return to Solihull.

We will know in the next two days!

I believe we insisted he stayed in a hotel after rupturing his posterior cruciate ligament rather than recover at home. Also that we went back on our agreement with him regards commuting from Birmingham (a stupid agreement to start with).

Not sure we'll be getting the seal of approval from Jamey!

Hopefully that reputation is soon replaced with one of a club that looks after players properly. Things like the Scannell issue, Liam Rosenior's comments about us regards Smith and McAtee getting a chance to kickstart his career all add up!

Vernam in Costa down avenue this morning!!

Dallas is Scottish and Hartlepool is nearer to home, but other than that, I think we should be in a better position to sign him, unless they are offering stupid personal terms.

Clubs in relegation battles have been known to push the boat out beyond their means in a panic.

Can remember their fans on here saying we were their feeder club.

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Vernam in Costa down avenue this morning!!

Well yeah he does live here with his Mrs😂

Taking a picture of him was a little weird

Quoted from ginnywings

Dallas is Scottish and Hartlepool is nearer to home, but other than that, I think we should be in a better position to sign him, unless they are offering stupid personal terms.

Clubs in relegation battles have been known to push the boat out beyond their means in a panic.

Can remember their fans on here saying we were their feeder club.

Daily flights Humberside to Aberdoom

“If” Dallas is a possibility then maybe the long standing relationship we have with Solihull might help. Let’s see I think he’s improve us but would imagine that if SHM would consider it he’d have options for sure.

Christ knows what’s going on at Hartlepool, they’re supposedly battling us for Dallas, are meant to have matched Mansfield’s price for Danny Johnson plus offering him a 50% increase on his wages and have signed a load of others. But then you have a look at their forum and it’s like the last days of Rome, they’re supposedly in the middle of a takeover, their current chairman hasn’t got two coppers to rub together and they’ve intimated that they’d be willing to accept offers for Umerah and their other top players. The fans seem to think that Curle and the Chairman are full of hot air with all this talk about spending big money on transfer targets.

Will have to wait and see I suppose.

Given that Dallas has played for Cambridge & Soihull for a few years I wonder if he's based within a 'reasonable' distance of Gy. Might not be the massive upheaval it would be if he chose the Poolies

hope that makes sense !

Big couple of days for us now...

If we manage to bring in some players which are at the calibre of Dallas, Vernam, Mullarkey and Larsson (from Forest), then we would have to say it has been a successful window, despite the club leaving it so late.

Question is, how many out of that list would we be happy with?
I'll be happy with all the above four plus Sbarra ;)

In all seriousness, we need players, don't get me wrong, but I would be happy with 2 out of the 4, with potentially some other unknowns coming in.... Dallas has to be our upmost priority though!

As we have some fixture congestion and Khan is out for a bit I’d suggest we need at least 1 forward/striker, LS attacker, and probably a utility defender.

Quoted from Epworth Mariner

Vernam in Costa down avenue this morning!!

BREAKING NEWS: 26 year old male spotted drinking coffee in the town he resides in.

What bizarre behaviour taking candid pictures of people on a Sunday afternoon.

If we don’t get Dallas then I’ll be very shocked. He saw what our fans can do last season, I imagine Neal Ardley who is a good mate of Paul’s and has always spoke very highly about Grimsby will also be a possible influence. We’re in a much better than Hartlepool, them and Rochdale are the two I expect to go down given what’s happened at Gillingham and Colchester.

Hartlepool comments on Andrew Dallas >> http://www.pooliebunker.co.uk/newbunker/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=69575

I've seen Vernam a few times in and around town, never felt the need to covertly photograph him. Weird behaviour, have a bit of respect.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Yes, Northumberland and County Durham are really really nice places. I don't know how many times you need to be told, but young men want to be within close proximity to cities and nightlife, and all the amenities big places offer that we don't have within an hour's drive of Grimsby. Living in Newcastle and commuting 30 minutes to Hartlepool everyday is definitely more attractive to most players than living in Leeds or Sheffield or wherever and commuting 1 to 2 hours to Grimsby every day. There are obviously exceptions to this, as we do have *some* players who live locally, but as you keep being repeatedly told, most footballers in their 20s want to live a footballers lifestyle and going down the Swashy for a night out isn't going to cut it for them. Being able to have a walk up and down Cleethorpes prom or going rambling in the Wolds aren't factors that the players we want to sign are going to be bothered about.

Man, there is so much to do. Drive down Meggies front in the early hours of the morning with all your mates in the car while intoxicated. Do a Freeman street pub crawl. Spend a day on the slots.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

The area, and particularly the nightlife on offer, has deteriorated a lot since then

Are you talking about the loss of the 'Bag's Ball'?

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

Hartlepool comments on Andrew Dallas >> http://www.pooliebunker.co.uk/newbunker/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=69575

be interesting to know more about that comment that were not in the running anymore (maybe its all bull poop poop !)

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

be interesting to know more about that comment that were not in the running anymore (maybe its all bull poop poop !)

A journalist said this midweek (despite there not really being any indication we were in the first place). He’s since turned on that reporting we are ‘leading the race’.

Understand Hurst been interested in Dallas since his Cambridge days..

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

be interesting to know more about that comment that were not in the running anymore (maybe its all bull poop poop !)

I guess the dude that made the comment read the fishy. (icon_lol)

I didn't realise Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh was formerly chairman at Darlington from August 2009 to April 2012, ended with him standing down and the Quakers being placed in administration. I hope if we are in for Dallas, he's done abit of research himself, I don't think I would want to sign for a club deep in the mire so to speak.

Dallas is exactly the sort of signing we should be making, Solihull are not as good this season as they was last season so this may be good opportunity for us to try and nab their best players as they may feel the need to sell and the players may also want to move on to a better club especially if they feel Solihull have reached their limit

48 hours left to define our season, and with 21 games left there are a lot of points to play for. Let's hope Hurst can pull a few rabbits out of the hat.

Quoted from DB

48 hours left to define our season, and with 21 games left there are a lot of points to play for. Let's hope Hurst can pull a few rabbits out of the hat.

We only playing 45 games this season then?😏

Quoted from RonMariner

We only playing 45 games this season then?😏

Correction 22 games. Good job I don't do calculations on a prediction league! lol :K)

Solihull have just signed Mark Beck from Darlington. Makes you wonder if they are getting an extra player or a replacement

Quoted from Posh Harry

Solihull have just signed Mark Beck from Darlington. Makes you wonder if they are getting an extra player or a replacement

Yeah, that was posted about yesterday.

Hopefully, they paid a fee for him using the money we are about to give them for Dallas.

If they did pay a fee for Beck then Darlo have done well because he’s rubbish, and nowhere near as good as Dallas.

Quoted from chaos33

If they did pay a fee for Beck then Darlo have done well because he’s rubbish, and nowhere near as good as Dallas.

They triggered a release clause, so I imagine it involved a fee.

Quoted from Posh Harry

Solihull have just signed Mark Beck from Darlington. Makes you wonder if they are getting an extra player or a replacement

Complete the sequence:

Sam Jones, Omar Bogle, Mark Beck….

Sam Jones... Bloody hell!

5 years since we sold him, 6 since signing him!

An absolute perfect example of someone who should have gone much further in the game.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Sam Jones... Bloody hell!

5 years since we sold him, 6 since signing him!

An absolute perfect example of someone who should have gone much further in the game.

If Hurst was the manager both he and Jamie Osborne would have stayed longer, Blame Slade’s inability to rear, develop and support talent.

Quoted from Posh Harry

Solihull have just signed Mark Beck from Darlington. Makes you wonder if they are getting an extra player or a replacement

Looks 2st overweight to me.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

If Hurst was the manager both he and Jamie Osborne would have stayed longer, Blame Slade’s inability to rear, develop and support talent.

Given Hurst bought Sam Jones for Shrewsbury not too sure that’s too accurate as certainly he went downhill pretty quickly after leaving town.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

If Hurst was the manager both he and Jamie Osborne would have stayed longer, Blame Slade’s inability to rear, develop and support talent.

Hurst took Jones to Shrewsbury from here and couldn't get a tune out of him.

All the ability, lack of attitude/aptitude I imagine.

Osborne was badly treat by the club all round. Slade didn't know how to use to him but he was just carrying out Fenty's orders with a lot of his decisions.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

If Hurst was the manager both he and Jamie Osborne would have stayed longer, Blame Slade’s inability to rear, develop and support talent.

Completely the case. Slade was bang out of order in dealing with these two.

Sam Jones was a beast, a proper lower league player! Jamey Osborne was also a ridiculously gifted player

Quoted from 140381

Remember the heady days of the Bignot transfer window? Last time I remember staying up until 1am on 31st January. Hell of a time.

Keep the faith.

In 7 years at the club, I can categorically say that deadline day was the most frantic day (and night!) of my life!!

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Completely the case. Slade was bang out of order in dealing with these two.

The Slade remit was to get rid of all the Bignot signings ASAP.

The wage bill was giving JF nightmares.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Given Hurst bought Sam Jones for Shrewsbury not too sure that’s too accurate as certainly he went downhill pretty quickly after leaving town.

Arguably but players just need game time and he didn’t get it so maybe that explains it.

I think he’d dropped off under Slade after missing a penalty at home, no doubt the power point review afterwards broke any confidence the lad had.

Does the transfer window end at 11pm on Tuesday?

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Does the transfer window end at 11pm on Tuesday?

Yes

Quoted from HertsGTFC

If Hurst was the manager both he and Jamie Osborne would have stayed longer, Blame Slade’s inability to rear, develop and support talent.

Apart from siriki dembele to be fair

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Arguably but players just need game time and he didn’t get it so maybe that explains it.

I think he’d dropped off under Slade after missing a penalty at home, no doubt the power point review afterwards broke any confidence the lad had.

Yeah I seem to remember it was Crawley at home.

So how many players have we singed so far in the window, my maths isn't great but I'm looking at one.

And how many players have left in the window?

I just hope we stay up.

48 hours to go. Gut feel says some good news is in the ether. Perhaps very good.

We’ll soon see. Hold on tight.

Two things have lifted the mood for me, first one is obviously the result on Saturday but the other is the slight beacon of hope the Dallas rumour has given

And, potentially, Mullarkey

Looks like Lincoln linked with a couple of wingers/forwards this morning. Hopefully one signs.

Squeaky bum time now until 11pm on Tuesday night.

My IBS will kick in and plague me until the 3/4 quality surprise players are successfully signed by that time !!

Mr Hurst, you can save my body 24 hours of sgony by sorting them out by 5pm tonight, please !

The last 15 minutes on Saturday were bad enough, so please save this wretch from further pain... and get it done !!!!!

Thank you in advance !!

Mullarkey, Vernam and Dallas all on 30 month permanent deals would considerably improve the look of this window. Think at least 4 or 5 will come in one way or the other but guess we'll find out in the next 48 hours.

Anyone care to tell us who these two are who have supposedly already signed?

Podge and Bogle
Hannah, Townsend and Palmer tomorrow

I think we need a utility defender like Mullarkey who has been linked or two defenders so we are covered at RB and CB, 2 wingers and 2 strikers. Plus like for like on anyone that leaves between now and tomorrow night.

I make that 5 that I think we need, let's see how many roll in over the next 2 days.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Two things have lifted the mood for me, first one is obviously the result on Saturday but the other is the slight beacon of hope the Dallas rumour has given

I'm not getting too excited or hopeful about Dallas. The fact it's playing out in the media is just not typical of a Hurst signing.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I'm not getting too excited or hopeful about Dallas. The fact it's playing out in the media is just not typical of a Hurst signing.

You may well be right. Smacks of an agent trying to drive up the deal a bit.

Not sure about an agent, it’s Keith Curle gobbing off in their paper (same as he did with Morris), I’d imagine to try and get himself a bit of breathing space.

It’s a bit similar to the Hunt move in the sense that it looks like we may be bounced into it given our position. Let’s be honest, we’re desperate for a striker and have been for a couple of years now.

See you all on the other side, think it’s going to be abit of a rollercoaster these next two days 😂

Who’s going to take a punt on Tshimanga? Not in the squad on Saturday again

Quoted from Mikey_345

See you all on the other side, think it’s going to be abit of a rollercoaster these next two days 😂

At least we held Luton to a draw. We would have been at post 3000 by now if they trounced us!

Quoted from jamesgtfc

At least we held Luton to a draw. We would have been at post 3000 by now if they trounced us!

So true.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

At least we held Luton to a draw. We would have been at post 3000 by now if they trounced us!

Thankfully that's calmed a lot down, me included. Also fairly sure it isn't for the lack of money being available, effort, ambition etc.

Luton proved one thing we are a better side playing the 3 at back so sign players to suit this system please

The players have been given a day off today, rightly for the heroics on Saturday but I also think it's convenient for Hurst, he can concentrate on getting players in rather than have training getting in the way.

Quoted from ivanosandwich

The players have been given a day off today, rightly for the heroics on Saturday but I also think it's convenient for Hurst, he can concentrate on getting players in rather than have training getting in the way.

Handy that we don’t have a game tomorrow night too.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

Podge and Bogle
Hannah, Townsend and Palmer tomorrow

I just checked to see how Townsend was doing...

Starting every game in the Championship for West Brom still, what a player!

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I just checked to see how Townsend was doing...

Starting every game in the Championship for West Brom still, what a player!

Still? You talk like he's at the end of his career, he's only 29!

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I'm not getting too excited or hopeful about Dallas. The fact it's playing out in the media is just not typical of a Hurst signing.

Seems a lot closer than it was in the summer with Solihull trying to hold on to him after Hudlin went. If it's in the media and they are signing another striker it sounds like things are moving forward and they are prepared. Last I heard was they were asking for silly money but maybe reality has sunk in and they are being realistic. But with other clubs interested this will probably go down to the wire.

Quoted from Kris2

Seems a lot closer than it was in the summer with Solihull trying to hold on to him after Hudlin went. If it's in the media and they are signing another striker it sounds like things are moving forward and they are prepared. Last I heard was they were asking for silly money but maybe reality has sunk in and they are being realistic. But with other clubs interested this will probably go down to the wire.

Dallas’ contract is up at the end of the season. From a Solihull point of view, it’s surely a case of taking something now (at a guess, between £50k and £100k) or nothing in the summer. It’s not impossible they could make the playoffs this season, but the strength of the likes of Wrexham, Notts County and Chesterfield (to name just three) makes promotion look a long shot.

I think the signing of Beck is a signal of pragmatism on their part. Not saying he’ll necessarily end up here, but I don’t see him being a Solihull player come 1st Feb.

Point of interest, Max Wright has joined Halifax on loan.

Quoted from Poojah

Dallas’ contract is up at the end of the season. From a Solihull point of view, it’s surely a case of taking something now (at a guess, between £50k and £100k) or nothing in the summer. It’s not impossible they could make the playoffs this season, but the strength of the likes of Wrexham, Notts County and Chesterfield (to name just three) makes promotion look a long shot.

I think the signing of Beck is a signal of pragmatism on their part. Not saying he’ll necessarily end up here, but I don’t see him being a Solihull player come 1st Feb.

wouldn't he still command a fee because he is under 24?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

wouldn't he still command a fee because he is under 24?

I’m not sure of the exact ruling but Dallas turns 24 on 22nd of July, which I think means that he could sign the following day without the implication of compensation.

I’m not sure on the specific wording (for instance whether it goes on age at the point of contract expiry), but either way I suspect any compensation would be limited by the fact hat Dallas would be very nearly 24 and Solihull are his third professional club.

Ultimately, it’s a case of take something half-decent now or next to fúck all in the summer, at best.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Still? You talk like he's at the end of his career, he's only 29!

He did play for us over 11 years ago to be fair.....

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

He did play for us over 11 years ago to be fair.....

He last played for us in December 2015, so just over 7 years ago.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

wouldn't he still command a fee because he is under 24?

Would still be a lot less than what we are offering now or what we offered in the summer that was accepted until they changed their minds and tried to hold us to ransom on deadline day.

Quoted from Sigone

Point of interest, Max Wright has joined Halifax on loan.

We could have taken him on loan as he is one of the things we are missing and little to lose but I suppose that’s just to pragmatic.

Heard that we offered £175k for Dallas in the summer, but I'm not sure how true that is.

Still think he would command £75-£100k fee, even at this stage of his contract.
Totally depends on whether the owners want to take a gamble or cash in really.

At his age, if I was him, I would want to try my hand at league football again, but from the owners point of view, I would offer him a contract extension, with an extra £1k a week added on, and agree a release clause with him for the summer.

A £25k gamble from the owner, which could work out well in the summer, if he carries on his scoring form for the rest of this season.

Quoted from Corkyefes

Heard that we offered £175k for Dallas in the summer, but I'm not sure how true that is.

Still think he would command £75-£100k fee, even at this stage of his contract.
Totally depends on whether the owners want to take a gamble or cash in really.

At his age, if I was him, I would want to try my hand at league football again, but from the owners point of view, I would offer him a contract extension, with an extra £1k a week added on, and agree a release clause with him for the summer.

A £25k gamble from the owner, which could work out well in the summer, if he carries on his scoring form for the rest of this season.

the "rumour" on facebook is a 4 year contract and £120k fee

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

the "rumour" on facebook is a 4 year contract and £120k fee

Not to give too much credence to Facebook rumours, but what’s the supposed summary? Simply that’s what we’ve offered, or that’s the deal that has been done?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

the "rumour" on facebook is a 4 year contract and £120k fee

If true, that shows great ambition from the club

Quoted from MaccasBoots

If true, that shows great ambition from the club

If that's true, blows the theory that we're still picking up scraps out of the water.

Quoted from Mariner_09

If that's true, blows the theory that we're still picking up scraps out of the water.

If Dallas, and or others of a similar ilk sign, then it changes the narrative entirely. From waiting to pick up scraps to waiting to catch a whopper.

Let’s what and see what the next 35 hours bring….

Quoted from MaccasBoots

Curle now saying Dallas has opted to stay at Solihull. Not sure if that's the truth (meaning we won't be getting him either) or just sour grapes from Curle losing out to us.

https://twitter.com/MattyCraigMason/status/1620002021444325377?t=n6295SCpTfKp2C3Gm_0Dhg&s=19

The Twitter account is a HUFC fan on the wind up. Curle didn't say this.

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

The Twitter account is a HUFC fan on the wind up. Curle didn't say this.

He's basically taking the mick from a similar perspective to what we would, getting outbid by rivals cos they won't pay up.

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

The Twitter account is a HUFC fan on the wind up. Curle didn't say this.

Cheers mate, didn't realise - will delete

Does Dallas know that Cleethorpes is in the top 10 of the freindliest place in the UK, as reported!

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

the "rumour" on facebook is a 4 year contract and £120k fee

Always take these rumours on Facebook with a pinch of salt, however the £120k would sound about right to me personally.

Not sure about the 4 year contract, cant remember the last (if any) time we offered that. Would expect a 2.5 year deal to cover this season and the next two.

Quoted from Corkyefes

Always take these rumours on Facebook with a pinch of salt, however the £120k would sound about right to me personally.

Not sure about the 4 year contract, cant remember the last (if any) time we offered that. Would expect a 2.5 year deal to cover this season and the next two.

2.5 years with an option in our favour. The aim, I'd imagine would be for him to come to us, score a shed load of goals and rinse an absolute shed load of cash out of Reading or QPR in 12/18 months time.

I think Dallas would be a good signing as he looked a clever player last season, but he's more of one to play in the McAtee role, isn't he? I hope we sign him but it will be interesting to see how we're going to line up if we do.

Quoted from Maringer

I think Dallas would be a good signing as he looked a clever player last season, but he's more of one to play in the McAtee role, isn't he? I hope we sign him but it will be interesting to see how we're going to line up if we do.

He had more physicality and was a bit cuter than McAtee, he ran in behind more, opened up space. He'll occupy defenders in a way McAtee doesn't. Think he'd compliment him really well

Quoted from Maringer

I think Dallas would be a good signing as he looked a clever player last season, but he's more of one to play in the McAtee role, isn't he? I hope we sign him but it will be interesting to see how we're going to line up if we do.

I’d say polar opposites, Dallas very much did his best work in the box with a clever cute forward in behind such as Sbarra.

Quoted from Corkyefes

Always take these rumours on Facebook with a pinch of salt, however the £120k would sound about right to me personally.

Not sure about the 4 year contract, cant remember the last (if any) time we offered that. Would expect a 2.5 year deal to cover this season and the next two.

Believe we have a pay structure - within budget - which I doubt our owners will change.
Didn't he opt to stay with Solihull when tried for him close season due to better pay offer from them?

Quoted from Maringer

I think Dallas would be a good signing as he looked a clever player last season, but he's more of one to play in the McAtee role, isn't he? I hope we sign him but it will be interesting to see how we're going to line up if we do.

We have to be thinking long term though, McAtee leaves in a few months for good.

Dallas is exactly the same age (1 day younger) and is probably half the price with a good chance we turn that into profit.

The whole transfer makes total sense and I really hope it comes off

And the wait goes on............

Doesnt Hurst read the Fishy?

Can't he see some members are going to explode if he leaves any announcements for much longer?

Does he want multiple fatalities on his conscience?

Come on Hursty, do the right thing for their sakes.

He's just keeping Crewe guessing...

Is Vernam sill happening? There were plenty on here that seemed to have some kind of ITK knowledge on this and plenty of people "very sure" he would be a Town player come the end of the window...

Quoted from Son of Cod

Is Vernam sill happening? There were plenty on here that seemed to have some kind of ITK knowledge on this and plenty of people "very sure" he would be a Town player come the end of the window...

Was due to sign the other day apparently, but has done a u-turn after being spooked by some bloke in a Town shirt taking photos of him with one hand and wànking like a safari park chimp with the other. Really put him off his oat milk latte, so I’m told.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Is Vernam sill happening? There were plenty on here that seemed to have some kind of ITK knowledge on this and plenty of people "very sure" he would be a Town player come the end of the window...

Can't really claim to know this as an ITK type thing, but I had heard from someone I trust, who in turn very much trusts the person he got this info from, that Town wanted a permanent deal with Vernam whereas Lincoln wanted a loan deal.

I imagine that within the toing and froing of the last few weeks and Lincolns Ins/Outs, coupled with our loans going back that if the above is true, Town may review their stance and go for the loan if Lincoln get whoever in to replace Hopper and removes their need for Vernam.

Quoted from Poojah

Was due to sign the other day apparently, but has done a u-turn after being spooked by some bloke in a Town shirt taking photos of him with one hand and wànking like a safari park chimp with the other. Really put him off his oat milk latte, so I’m told.

One of the truly disturbing images of our time. Your description, I mean. An observation, though; if he can do that, hold an oat milk latte and take a photo at the same time, one has to admire the skill level, no?

Vernam was all dependent on Lincoln getting someone in who can effectively take his place in the squad.

That player was supposed to be Anthony Scully, back from Wigan. Player wants out at Wigan, Kolo happy to let him leave (not his player). Having only made the reverse transfers in August, Scully isn't allowed to play for another Football League side this season. So it's either back to Lincoln, non-league or Wigan reserves.

Wigan then sacked Kolo with Shaun Maloney taking over, promising existing players a chance to impress whilst also admitting he will also look to bring new faces in, albeit with a very limited window.

I'd say this part of the domino is cemented in. It's not the path if Vernam was to end up back here.

However, it looks like Lincoln might be bringing in someone shortly...

[tweet]1619956082541203457[/tweet]

Quoted from Son of Cod

Is Vernam sill happening? There were plenty on here that seemed to have some kind of ITK knowledge on this and plenty of people "very sure" he would be a Town player come the end of the window...

Always been dependant on Lincoln bringing others in. From looks of it today they have a few possible things happening down the road.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Vernam was all dependent on Lincoln getting someone in who can effectively take his place in the squad.

That player was supposed to be Anthony Scully, back from Wigan. Player wants out at Wigan, Kolo happy to let him leave (not his player). Having only made the reverse transfers in August, Scully isn't allowed to play for another Football League side this season. So it's either back to Lincoln, non-league or Wigan reserves.

Wigan then sacked Kolo with Shaun Maloney taking over, promising existing players a chance to impress whilst also admitting he will also look to bring new faces in, albeit with a very limited window.

I'd say this part of the domino is cemented in. It's not the path if Vernam was to end up back here.

However, it looks like Lincoln might be bringing in someone shortly...

[tweet]1619956082541203457[/tweet]

I doubt Kolo Toure cares whether Scully is at Wigan or not. He was sacked last week wasn’t he?

Err, yeah. Which is exactly what I said, wasn't it?

Quoted from GollyGTFC

I doubt Kolo Toure cares whether Scully is at Wigan or not. He was sacked last week wasn’t he?

Read his full post and you will see that he mentioned Kolo left Wigan last week, with Shaun Maloney stating all existing players will get a chance to impress him.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

I doubt Kolo Toure cares whether Scully is at Wigan or not. He was sacked last week wasn’t he?

Probably read the whole post next time mate

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-manager-paul-cook-confirms-kabongo-tshimanga-release-clause-ahead-of-transfer-deadline-day-4005281

Another one who was linked to us a few years ago, looks like Tshimanga looks set to leave Chesterfield if someone meets his release clause. He's been left out of their last two squads.

Would imagine this one would be more than what we'd be willing to pay, can imagine Chesterfield inserted a healthy sum as the cost.

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-manager-paul-cook-confirms-kabongo-tshimanga-release-clause-ahead-of-transfer-deadline-day-4005281

Another one who was linked to us a few years ago, looks like Tshimanga looks set to leave Chesterfield if someone meets his release clause. He's been left out of their last two squads.

Would imagine this one would be more than what we'd be willing to pay, can imagine Chesterfield inserted a healthy sum as the cost.

I assume he will skip our division, and end up in League one

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I assume he will skip our division, and end up in League one

I think you'll be right with that, although he's not been as prolific since he came back from injury.

Quoted from BeijingMariner

One of the truly disturbing images of our time. Your description, I mean. An observation, though; if he can do that, hold an oat milk latte and take a photo at the same time, one has to admire the skill level, no?

Thankfully, it was only Charles who had an oat milk latte, and, more importantly, there was a pane of glass between that latte and the performing SPC that had learned to use a phone camera with one hand...

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Thankfully, it was only Charles who had an oat milk latte, and, more importantly, there was a pane of glass between that latte and the performing SPC that had learned to use a phone camera with one hand...

I'm sure my financial advisor mentioned something about an underperforming SPC the other day. Should I check my SPACs next, do you think?

Quoted from diehardmariner

Err, yeah. Which is exactly what I said, wasn't it?

Next time use the past tense. You should have said “Kolo was happy to let him go”.

I did read your whole post. I must have skipped a paragraph because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to get to the end of it.

Take the L and stop embarrassing yourself on what has otherwise been an excellent, incisive and laser-like targeted dissection the January transfer window.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Next time use the past tense. You should have said “Kolo was happy to let him go”.

I did read your whole post. I must have skipped a paragraph because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to get to the end of it.

Past tense was already used with the word "supposed".

But you knew that. Even without it, you knew what context it was in.

But you wanted a little star on your chart, didn't you?

Here you go, enjoy.

[img]https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81nZu0DnTBS._AC_SY550_.jpg[/img]

[img]https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61tqSh6zgVL._AC_SL1500_.jpg[/img]

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Next time use the past tense. You should have said “Kolo was happy to let him go”.

I did read your whole post. I must have skipped a paragraph because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to get to the end of it.

It's a forum FFS, not a marked piece of academic writing. Nobody else had a problem reading his post except pedantic you.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Next time use the past tense. You should have said “Kolo was happy to let him go”.

I did read your whole post. I must have skipped a paragraph because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to get to the end of it.

I forgot, you need to donate £20.00 to my chosen Charity, Crohns and Colitis Charity please.

Quoted from Hagrid

I forgot, you need to donate £20.00 to my chosen Charity, Crohns and Colitis Charity please.

Golly has left the chat.

Quoted from Hagrid

I forgot, you need to donate £20.00 to my chosen Charity, Crohns and Colitis Charity please.

Thanks you getting back to me.

Can you provide a link to which one you want it to go to? There are several charities of similar names. Presumably it’s either C&C UK or C&C Foundation?

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Golly has left the chat.

Hello.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

It's a forum FFS, not a marked piece of academic writing. Nobody else had a problem reading his post except pedantic you.

Why are you getting so angry and offended on somebody else’s behalf?

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Thanks you getting back to me.

Can you provide a link to which one you want it to go to? There are several charities of similar names. Presumably it’s either C&C UK or C&C Foundation?

this one please

https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/get-involved/donate

Bloody hell, can tell it’s quiet on the transfer front! We’re arguing about writing in the correct tense… 🤦‍♂️

Another day ticking by.

After the highs of the weekend, I can’t help but feel very concerned

Quoted from Mikey_345

Bloody hell, can tell it’s quiet on the transfer front! We’re arguing about writing in the correct tense… 🤦‍♂️

Well, to be precise, we have been.....

Jeez I am loosing the will to live on this thread but thankfully the transfer window closes on Tuesday & we can revert to footy stuff

Thank god for Keith Curle spilling some info because if he hadn’t we’d be 24hrs away from the deadline with nothing so much as a sniff of any rumours.

Watertight from the club or just nothing to leak? We’ll soon find out

Both us and Monkey hangers have had an offer accepted
Down to Dallas himself now.

According to The Lower League Look, Which is a verified account.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Why are you getting so angry and offended on somebody else’s behalf?

Because you come across as though you think you are better than everyone else on here.

Good to see you are finally getting round to paying your losing bet 6 weeks after you lost.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Bloody hell, can tell it’s quiet on the transfer front! We’re arguing about writing in the correct tense… 🤦‍♂️

Don’t worry. Tomorrow is deadline day and it will be all about Tshimanga not going to a Championship club again.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Because you come across as though you think you are better than everyone else on here.

Good to see you are finally getting round to paying your losing bet 6 weeks after you lost.

In fairness thats my fault, i dont think i ever stated which charity i wanted the donation to go too!

Quoted from CodHead

Both us and Monkey hangers have had an offer accepted
Down to Dallas himself now.

According to The Lower League Look, Which is a verified account.

Yes, because they’ve paid $8 for Twitter blue

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Because you come across as though you think you are better than everyone else on here.

Good to see you are finally getting round to paying your losing bet 6 weeks after you lost.

There you go again. Getting offended on other people’s behalf again without any knowledge of the details of the situation.

Quoted from ska face

Yes, because they’ve paid $8 for Twitter blue

They’ve also got 3000+ followers. But hey ho Ska face doesn’t think they’re real. Why not to try being more positive. We are all frustrated about this window it’s not over yet though, let’s give Hurst till 11PM tomorrow. If we don’t sign anybody, criticise him afterwards.

Quoted from Hagrid

In fairness thats my fault, i dont think i ever stated which charity i wanted the donation to go too!

Don’t worry, but I did tell my dad if you didn’t get back to be by the end of the season I was going to donate the £20 to [url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1139086]this charity[/url] on your behalf.

This thread has become thoroughly surreal. I look forward to reading whatever comes next. All I know for sure is that it will have absolutely nothing to do with Grimsby Town signing a new player!

Brass was used for coins in Roman Britain

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Thanks you getting back to me.

Can you provide a link to which one you want it to go to? There are several charities of similar names. Presumably it’s either C&C UK or C&C Foundation?

things that make you go hmmmmmmm

Quoted from TonySmith

This thread has become thoroughly surreal. I look forward to reading whatever comes next. All I know for sure is that it will have absolutely nothing to do with Grimsby Town signing a new player!

At least we all have the distraction of the draw tonight think it would be funny if the club announce a signing at 7 we will not know which thread to look at first

It’s tough having to wait it out like this.

But it could be worse. We could have Phil the douche posting spurious ambiguous hints pretending he was in the know.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Don’t worry, but I did tell my dad if you didn’t get back to be by the end of the season I was going to donate the £20 to [url=https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1139086]this charity[/url] on your behalf.

I can confirm that, I was there when he said it.

Quoted from RonMariner

It’s tough having to wait it out like this.

But it could be worse. We could have Phil the douche posting spurious ambiguous hints pretending he was in the know.

Just gotta want it more, that'll sort it

[img]https://i.colnect.net/f/5216/305/Were_doomed_doomed.jpg[/img]

[img]https://www.postalmuseum.org/?attachment_id=27180[/img]

In PH we trust..........

Quoted from CodHead

They’ve also got 3000+ followers. But hey ho Ska face doesn’t think they’re real. Why not to try being more positive. We are all frustrated about this window it’s not over yet though, let’s give Hurst till 11PM tomorrow. If we don’t sign anybody, criticise him afterwards.

ooooh matron! 29 hours until the transfer window slams shut and tensions are fraying, people are cracking and they’re going at it like rats in a sack over on the fishy!

Nobody’s getting criticised, all I’ve said is being verified on Twitter doesn’t mean you know any more than the rest of us arśeholes on here, and probably means you know less but are trying to take advantage of the absolute rubes who get taken in by such things. Their Solihull blogger, for example, has done nothing but paraphrase the Hartlepool Mail story from yesterday. This is the same clown who said that reports linking both teams with him earlier in the week were “wide of the mark”.

Some very credulous people about.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

[img]https://i.colnect.net/f/5216/305/Were_doomed_doomed.jpg[/img]

[img]https://www.postalmuseum.org/?attachment_id=27180[/img]

In PH we trust..........

£1.45 is that how much we have offered?

Quoted from HerveJosse

£1.45 is that how much we have offered?

It was a 1st class bid. ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from ska face

ooooh matron! 29 hours until the transfer window slams shut and tensions are fraying, people are cracking and they’re going at it like rats in a sack over on the fishy!

Nobody’s getting criticised, all I’ve said is being verified on Twitter doesn’t mean you know any more than the rest of us arśeholes on here, and probably means you know less but are trying to take advantage of the absolute rubes who get taken in by such things. Their Solihull blogger, for example, has done nothing but paraphrase the Hartlepool Mail story from yesterday. This is the same clown who said that reports linking both teams with him earlier in the week were “wide of the mark”.

Some very credulous people about.

A few points to take from this, people are/have gone into meltdown over the lack of transfer activity. Fishy, Twitter, Facebook that’s not me making it up, it’s the simple truth. As well as this, you say terms earlier in the week were “wide of the mark”. Can transfer business not progress over a few days, I personally think it can. That might be me being credulous though. I take your point about it being easier to get a blue tick now, however having 3000 followers makes it feel more credible than wacca for example. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for the next 29 hours, we could still end up with 3-4 players. If the rumoured names join the club, I’d say it is a decent window, would love to know if you agree.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

👀👀👀

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze!

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Andrew Dallas is in Cleethorpes, mate that works at the team hotel has just started his shift and they have a name booked under Dallas. No way that’s a coincidence

Anyone ever take the other rooms you were on about 😂

Quoted from Mikey_345

Anyone ever take the other rooms you were on about 😂

Yes funnily enough, they were just guests of the club but they were booked under Stockwoods name 🤣

He is an improvement but he really isn't that much of a world beater. It's between us and Hartlepool for god sake....does that not give a clue as to other suitors

Quoted from Blundellite

He is an improvement but he really isn't that much of a world beater. It's between us and Hartlepool for god sake....does that not give a clue as to other suitors

Good one.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Yes funnily enough, they were just guests of the club but they were booked under Stockwoods name 🤣

Til the end of the season,…. Cause that’s what you said! Hmm

Sounds like when my wife invites her parents to stay..

Quoted from Blundellite

He is an improvement but he really isn't that much of a world beater. It's between us and Hartlepool for god sake....does that not give a clue as to other suitors

50 goal contributions in 86 games for Solihull at the age of 23, I’d say that’s pretty impressive and a huge signing for the club.

Somewhere on the internet there's a Dallas Cowboys forum going wild with speculation as someone's buddy has verified that a hotshot NFL player going by the name of Andrew Cleethorpes has booked into a room in a Texan hotel.

Quoted from Mikey_345

Til the end of the season,…. Cause that’s what you said! Hmm

Sounds like when my wife invites her parents to stay..

Checkmate.

Who are these guests of the club and what are they doing here until the end of the season?

Quoted from Mikey_345

Til the end of the season,…. Cause that’s what you said! Hmm

Sounds like when my wife invites her parents to stay..

To be fair though they wouldn’t keep the booking through the summer would they?

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

You tell me, but the rooms are still booked under Stockwoods name 👍

You need to get yourself a girlfriend.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Somewhere on the internet there's a Dallas Cowboys forum going wild with speculation as someone's buddy has verified that a hotshot NFL player going by the name of Andrew Cleethorpes has booked into a room in a Texan hotel.

And they've been getting into a froth about Tampa Bay Buccaneers and having better access to nightlife in nearby Miami - a mere 200 miles away...

Quoted from Blundellite

He is an improvement but he really isn't that much of a world beater. It's between us and Hartlepool for god sake....does that not give a clue as to other suitors

Jeez but of a fun sponge aren’t you

Quoted from It Bites

In bound

One day mate, keep trying 👏😂

Quoted from Mikey_345

One day mate, keep trying 👏😂

Story of my life 😂😂

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Andrew Dallas is in Cleethorpes, mate that works at the team hotel has just started his shift and they have a name booked under Dallas. No way that’s a coincidence

This is a flagrant breach of the General Data Protection Regulation and we absolutely need MORE of that that in this thread, we're desperate!!!!

Presuming that’s another day down without movement. This unbelievably risky strategy seems to be going to the final day, I hope for everybody’s sake it works out

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Andrew Dallas is in Cleethorpes, mate that works at the team hotel has just started his shift and they have a name booked under Dallas. No way that’s a coincidence

Data protection act. Tut tut

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Club have just rung and requested 3 more rooms for tomorrow night aswell…

Just for tomorrow night? They might be the lawyers.

Quoted from lukeo

Data protection act. Tut tut

Fixed it

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Club have just rung and requested 3 more rooms for tomorrow night aswell…

Not Vernam then because he would just stay at home ;)

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

APPARENTLY the Club have just rung and requested 3 more rooms for tomorrow night aswell…

Are they under the names Dynasty, Knots and Landing?

Quoted from pontoonlew

Presuming that’s another day down without movement. This unbelievably risky strategy seems to be going to the final day, I hope for everybody’s sake it works out

And do you really believe this is a strategy? Deliberate. To leave it so late? Really? If you think again I don’t think you’ll really believe that. What we’ve got now is just the outfall of the complexity of going after the specific players Hurst wants and the nature of the sequencing, with multiple clubs wanting their own targets in, before agreeing to let others out. It must be so complicated and frustrating.

Robbie Fowler, Omar Bogle and Padraig Amond... so I'm told

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

APPARENTLY the Club have just rung and requested 3 more rooms for tomorrow night aswell…

Sacked in the morning, their getting sacked in the morning, sacked in the morrrrrning.(whistling) 4% of annual turnover fine for GDPR infringements.(lcop)

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

APPARENTLY the Club have just rung and requested 3 more rooms for tomorrow night aswell…

Right let’s not pretend people from the club don’t keep an eye on these boards. Either you’re talking rubbish, or the hotel is going to have to start answering questions about why names of rooms, numbers etc are been leaked by their employees.

Giving the name of Dallas out as a guest is the GDPR breech, not saying “apparently they’ve booked more rooms”.

If true, it’s a bit of a male private move to do to your mate…

Has a table been booked in Steel's yet?

I’ll keep anything I hear from now on to myself then 🤣

Quoted from Posh Harry

Are they under the names Dynasty, Knots and Landing?

Let’s hope they don’t end up st elsewhere

But reliably in formed they are all off down seaview st for a couple of pints later and will meet on the knots landing

Quoted from chaos33

And do you really believe this is a strategy? Deliberate. To leave it so late? Really? If you think again I don’t think you’ll really believe that. What we’ve got now is just the outfall of the complexity of going after the specific players Hurst wants and the nature of the sequencing, with multiple clubs wanting their own targets in, before agreeing to let others out. It must be so complicated and frustrating.

Well that’s a choice we’ve made then isn’t it? Because we could’ve surely done what pretty much everyone else has and go for targets early doors.

Ask me again tomorrow which I prefer, but you can guarantee PH will be going to bed tonight with at least a hint of trepidation, because there’s a huge risk we secure none of them.

I’ve spent enough time slating it, I’m now of the opinion what will be will be, but you can’t tell me we just got really unlucky that all our targets relied upon other ‘dominos to fall’ and nobody else’s did.

Quoted from BenBB

Has a table been booked in Steel's yet?

Based on the two rooms under the name of Stockwood, plus Dallas' and the 3 for tomorrow night, that's a table for 6 without Paul Hurst or the board being there.

What rubbish that they put a room in a players name.

Also rubbish that booked room for 1 night!!! They would book them in blocks

Quoted from Mikey_345

Right let’s not pretend people from the club don’t keep an eye on these boards. Either you’re talking rubbish, or the hotel is going to have to start answering questions about why names of rooms, numbers etc are been leaked by their employees.

Giving the name of Dallas out as a guest is the GDPR breech, not saying “apparently they’ve booked more rooms”.

If true, it’s a bit of a male private move to do to your mate…

GDPR or not, I have heard that Debbie (not our CEO), has taken one of the other rooms. Now that is a signing on bonus.

We'll probably sign JR Ewing instead of Andy Dallas!

If these rooms have been booked whichI doubt, the club should be looking elsewhere.

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak. Be interesting to know how long the club have used it.

Quoted from Morph2000

If these rooms have been booked whichI doubt, the club should be looking elsewhere.

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak. Be interesting to know how long the club have used it.

No idea if it's true. But hardly the hotel's fault even if it is. You could book them in The Ritz but if there's someone working there with a loose mouth then not much you can do about that. Best you can do is enforce a NDA-type policy but even then if it's leaked on an anonymous online forum...

Quoted from Morph2000

If these rooms have been booked whichI doubt, the club should be looking elsewhere.

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak. Be interesting to know how long the club have used it.

Ain't gonna happen. Wherever they are housed, it will be on social media the same day.

Quoted from Morph2000

If these rooms have been booked whichI doubt, the club should be looking elsewhere.

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak. Be interesting to know how long the club have used it.

Lighten up for God's sake. It is a lower league footballer not the Prime Minister.

Quoted from Morph2000

If these rooms have been booked whichI doubt, the club should be looking elsewhere.

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak. Be interesting to know how long the club have used it.

Am sort of taking a wild guess that he/she doesn’t even work at a hotel. He’s probably still choosing which GCSE’s to take next year

Quoted from BenBB

No idea if it's true. But hardly the hotel's fault even if it is. You could book them in The Ritz but if there's someone working there with a loose mouth then not much you can do about that. Best you can do is enforce a NDA-type policy but even then if it's leaked on an anonymous online forum...

How many employees at the hotel in Laceby that I believe we use have access to the room booking system? I've never worked in a hotel but I can't imagine that many do. Easy to whittle down.

Maybe the room has been booked for 1 night and he is staying over before talks tomorrow

Need a hotel that doesn’t leak.

Pity The Leaking Boot burned down was handy for the ground.

258 pages and not a signing in sight, must be some sort of record
.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Maybe the room has been booked for 1 night and he is staying over before talks tomorrow

Or talks are going on into the night

Ffs sake will someone go and have a beer at the oaklands

Quoted from LellyEm

Or talks are going on into the night

Or its already done...

Well, 30 days of the transfer window done. One young loanee in the door and a few gone out the other way.

All down to the last day then.

We need 2 or 3 coming in, just to replace those that have gone. With us having a cup game on Saturday, there was no great rush to bring in players who would probably have been cup tied anyway, so we've got to have some incomings tomorrow, haven't we?

We will struggle through the rest of the season if we don't.

Lincoln just brought in a forward player, seem to be close to another midfielder and linked with others. Hopefully they decide to let Vernam out at some point tomorrow

Whatever you do don’t blame the owners or the manager for a rubbish transfer window. It’s not their fault, we should just be grateful they have take the club on. Isn’t that right Aldi and Chaos?

Quoted from ginnywings

Well, 30 days of the transfer window done. One young loanee in the door and a few gone out the other way.

All down to the last day then.

We need 2 or 3 coming in, just to replace those that have gone. With us having a cup game on Saturday, there was no great rush to bring in players who would probably have been cup tied anyway, so we've got to have some incomings tomorrow, haven't we?

We will struggle through the rest of the season if we don't.

Sort of what’s been said for weeks. Since the beginning of the window we’ve lost four loanees plus JMD plus Khan to a serious injury with just O’Neill in. We’ve also accumulated a fixture backlog.

[b][/b]

Quoted from wiggers

Whatever you do don’t blame the owners or the manager for a rubbish transfer window. It’s not their fault, we should just be grateful they have take the club on. Isn’t that right Aldi and Chaos?

If you like mate. It’s not over yet. We should be ‘grateful they have take the club on’ though, as you say.

Quoted from coddy60

Or its already done...

Possibly worth noting that Solihull are playing Notts County tomorrow night. You would think if a deal is to be done for Dallas, it would be done well ahead of the game or not at all.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Sort of what’s been said for weeks. Since the beginning of the window we’ve lost four loanees plus JMD plus Khan to a serious injury with just O’Neill in. We’ve also accumulated a fixture backlog.

I think what I'm getting at is we need to just get some bodies in the squad, whether they are an upgrade or not.

PH says he won't just bring in filler for the sake of it, but if our No1 targets are unattainable, then we at least need some in just to cover bases.

Quoted from ginnywings

I think what I'm getting at is we need to just get some bodies in the squad, whether they are an upgrade or not.

PH says he won't just bring in filler for the sake of it, but if our No1 targets are unattainable, then we at least need some in just to cover bases.

You mean he should do exactly what he said he wasn’t going to do - sign players for the sake of it.

Quoted from Poojah

Possibly worth noting that Solihull are playing Notts County tomorrow night. You would think if a deal is to be done for Dallas, it would be done well ahead of the game or not at all.

At 18:45 when their matchday 16 is announced we will certainly have an idea whether he's staying at Solihull or not.

Mattie Pollock just gone to Aberdeen on loan just knocked out the cup by a viilage and beaten 6-0 on Saturday. Lovely location though

Quoted from crusty ole pie

Ffs sake will someone go and have a beer at the oaklands

Haha, I literally just thought this reading the few posts immediately before this. It's only round the corner from me (in a sense) so figured a quick pint wouldn't go amiss. Maybe accidentally on purpose knock on every door til I prove he's here or not. Not that it really makes much difference but 250+ pages and the mental anguish that has gone with it, I think the good folk of the fishy need some clarity on this.

I suspect the closest we’ll get to Dallas will be a re-run on UK Gold or some channel similar. Fully expecting a glut of kids and a journeyman defender at around 9 o’clock ish until the window slams shut.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

You mean he should do exactly what he said he wasn’t going to do - sign players for the sake of it.

I'm not saying what he should or shouldn't do, that's not our call to make.

I'm just speculating that should our long term targets not materialise, then what?

We've lost a few, so how do we fill the gaps?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

You mean he should do exactly what he said he wasn’t going to do - sign players for the sake of it.

Yeah. At the start of the window he would have targeted the players he wanted. As the window has gone on and for whatever reasons he hasn't been able to land them it changes the landscape of the situation. To not bring anyone in at this point would be worse than simply bringing someone in.

They may not be his first or even second/third choices, but if they can contribute enough by means of keeping competition strong and the legs to see the second half of the season through then that'll have to do. Not ideal but a necessity with a day left. I'm sure PH will still be hoping he can get at least a few of his preferred options in though. I think the length of any deals will be an indicator as to how much he wants a player.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Mattie Pollock just gone to Aberdeen on loan just knocked out the cup by a viilage and beaten 6-0 on Saturday. Lovely location though

Interesting.
I went to Boro v Watford on Saturday when Mattie came on as sub and looked very composed and neat and tidy in that 15 mins, although, to be fair, the game was over, Watford looked rubbish and Boro very good indeed.

Think we all can go to bed nothing here to see till tomorrow

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Yeah. At the start of the window he would have targeted the players he wanted. As the window has gone on and for whatever reasons he hasn't been able to land them it changes the landscape of the situation. To not bring anyone in at this point would be worse than simply bringing someone in.

They may not be his first or even second/third choices, but if they can contribute enough by means of keeping competition strong and the legs to see the second half of the season through then that'll have to do. Not ideal but a necessity with a day left. I'm sure PH will still be hoping he can get at least a few of his preferred options in though. I think the length of any deals will be an indicator as to how much he wants a player.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at but you have explained it much better than I did.

Im confident that tomorrow will bring at least 1 new player to this thread of dreams

Quoted from ginnywings

Yeah, that's what I was getting at but you have explained it much better than I did.

It’s all well and good but we might end up with several bang average squad fillers on 18 month deals because their agents won’t let them sign for anything less.

In more positive news, Lincoln seem to be recruiting their Vernam replacement.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

It’s all well and good but we might end up with several bang average squad fillers on 18 month deals because their agents won’t let them sign for anything less.

In more positive news, Lincoln seem to be recruiting their Vernam replacement.

Sometimes, needs must I suppose.

I know we all want exciting signings, and let's hope we get some.

https://twitter.com/solihullmoors/status/1620103043252461568?s=46&t=zdaH6JlPdy7g2yH-FduAug

Well???

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/solihullmoors/status/1620103043252461568?s=46&t=zdaH6JlPdy7g2yH-FduAug

Well???

They signed a midfielder

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/solihullmoors/status/1620103043252461568?s=46&t=zdaH6JlPdy7g2yH-FduAug

Well???

David Davis signed on loan for them from FGR.

Good signing for them, but he's a defensive midfielder so don't see it having any influence on Dallas leaving/not leaving.

I thought he was a right-winger?

Quoted from diehardmariner

David Davis signed on loan for them from FGR.

Good signing for them, but he's a defensive midfielder so don't see it having any influence on Dallas leaving/not leaving.

The politics of the transfer window.

I see wacca and his Twitter mates are stalking that Solihull Moors account.

I’m still not confident we’ll get Dallas but surely if SHM wanted to keep him they’d have put something out there to say he’s going nowhere?

Honestly I think the filler argument from Hurst is moot at this point, the question is literally is a potential signing a better option than (no disrespect to the kid) but Edwin Essel, because that's what we were down to on the bench on Saturday. Imagine Orsi or McAtee go down with a hamstring injury what the fook do we do then?

Quoted from diehardmariner

David Davis signed on loan for them from FGR.

Good signing for them, but he's a defensive midfielder so don't see it having any influence on Dallas leaving/not leaving.

In that case phew!

Just catching up on this thread, how long have we been using the Best Western Oaklands hotel, thought the club had a block booking at the Humber Royal Hotel

Is the Humber royal actually open looks derelict from the outside, scannell defo was staying at the oaklands

About 18 pages added to this thread today

If we’re putting people in the Humber Royal it might explain why we can’t sign anyone. Might as well put them up in the Overlook Hotel.

Quoted from ska face

If we’re putting people in the Humber Royal it might explain why we can’t sign anyone. Might as well put them up in the Overlook Hotel.

I do know at one point the club had a block booking in there, top floor rooms overlooking the golf course were always reserved for Town players

Must have moved hotels then in recent years

Whatever happened to Millfields?

Quoted from Simon

I do know at one point the club had a block booking in there, top floor rooms overlooking the golf course were always reserved for Town players

Must have moved hotels then in recent years

Oaklands is definitely the hotel of choice right now. Stayed there recently and Sean Scannell was kicking about in his Town gear. Whilst the communal areas are alright, the rooms are basic at best, and that was an “executive room”.

It’s the life of a footballer, I suppose, staying in hotels. That said, it’s not somewhere I’d want to stay for a long period of time and there’s not much in the vicinity to kill your spare time. I’m not sure what the alternatives are, mind.

Quoted from geir

Whatever happened to Millfields?

Soooo last century.

As someone who sometimes stay in a hotel in Grimsby, I find that I want to go back to the Premier Inn Cleethorpes hotel. The breakfast there is great (served at Cleethorpes Brewers Fayre) and it is value for money in general. Close to the beach and with buses going directly to Blundell Park it is perfect.
Millfields was great, but a little too far away from the action.
The worst hotel I stayed in: The St. James Hotel... the room smelled like they recently filmed a Golden Shower (for those in the know...) movie in there. Terrible.

Well... I hope for some action on deadline day and in the meantime you can look upon this as my contribution to reaching 300 pages in this thread without a single transfer (almost) being done. Really hope that the Dallas rumour is true.

Until next time, take care my fishy friends! :-)

Nice to hear from you Geir.

Take care yourself.

It's surprised me that the club has never bought the Blundell Park Hotel over the road. Give it a good spruce up and you have a perfectly good hotel for players within spitting distance of the ground, and close enough to stagger back from Cleethorpes after drowning their sorrows. Apart from the initial outlay, they wouldn't have to pay out potentially thousands on rooms for loanees or those who don't live locally.

Quoted from geir

As someone who sometimes stay in a hotel in Grimsby, I find that I want to go back to the Premier Inn Cleethorpes hotel. The breakfast there is great (served at Cleethorpes Brewers Fayre) and it is value for money in general. Close to the beach and with buses going directly to Blundell Park it is perfect.
Millfields was great, but a little too far away from the action.
The worst hotel I stayed in: The St. James Hotel... the room smelled like they recently filmed a Golden Shower (for those in the know...) movie in there. Terrible.

Well... I hope for some action on deadline day and in the meantime you can look upon this as my contribution to reaching 300 pages in this thread without a single transfer (almost) being done. Really hope that the Dallas rumour is true.

Until next time, take care my fishy friends! :-)

You can't have seen the Tiktok video last week of someone laid in he'd at the Premier Inn Cleethorpes, with bedbugs dropping from the ceiling onto his bed then!
Still, they serve a nice breakfast!

It needs to be a busy day!

A very bizarre transfer window, however, a lot can be forgiven if today is a good day.

Hearing the Dallas deal isn't happening at the moment staying at Solihull 🤦🏻‍♂️ gonna be some very unhappy supporters today I believe if this one doesn't go through really hope it does we need him imo, just what I've been told this morning from a lad who's in pro football so don't shoot the messenger! Really hope this changes ☹️

Signings or not, at the end of today there is one thing that is absolutely certain.

We are in a better place now than at the end of the day on the 31st of January 2022.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

Hearing the Dallas deal isn't happening at the moment staying at Solihull 🤦🏻‍♂️ gonna be some very unhappy supporters today I believe if this one doesn't go through really hope it does we need him imo, just what I've been told this morning from a lad who's in pro football so don't shoot the messenger! Really hope this changes ☹️

If true, and it’s always a big if either way, the last thing we need is to splash money and a 4 year contract on someone who doesn’t want to be here. I hate the January transfer window.

I think in an ideal world we need atleast 6 players, to hopefully improve us and to provide some squad depth especially what we will need during this fixture backlog which will get even more congested if we beat Luton!

Not for one moment do I think we will sign 6 today so I'll settle for 4, and even with that we won't have too much depth, busy day ahead of us I hope with some decent signings and not just random kids signing on loan

Quoted from DB

Signings or not, at the end of today there is one thing that is absolutely certain.

We are in a better place now than at the end of the day on the 31st of January 2022.

If there’s no signings there’s an outside chance we could be in a worse position in January 2023.

Let’s not make the mistakes of the past today, eh?

Quoted from LellyEm

Have a look at Wiki - showing AD as a Grimsby Town Player

Yeah that means it absolutely, 1,000% must be happening.

Quoted from LellyEm

Ever heard of freedom of speech and everyone entitled to opinion

Tbh i can go edit Rita Ora’s wiki page to show she’s in a relationship with me..

Quoted from LellyEm

Have a look at Wiki - showing AD as a Grimsby Town Player

Was showing him as a Notts player yesterday.

Quoted from LellyEm

So it has to be right at some point in time - day before showed him as SHM - was that wrong too?

Jesus wept.

It’s going to be a loooooooooong day

Quoted from LellyEm

So it has to be right at some point in time - day before showed him as SHM - was that wrong too?

Guessing it's you who keeps editing it...

He's at Manchester Utd now. Lad is fast, I'll give him that

He’ll be at Solihull tonight me thinks. My guess is we’ll get Vernam, Mullarkey and a striker not mentioned anywhere yet late on. To be followed by another meltdown from the supporters to take this thread to at least 500 pages.

If he's in the Solihull team tonight against notts county this pretty much rules out the move, hearing he wants to stay there probably trying to drive up his contract offer from them using us and Hartlepool to further enhance this

Quoted from 140381

If true, and it’s always a big if either way, the last thing we need is to splash money and a 4 year contract on someone who doesn’t want to be here. I hate the January transfer window.

No chance of anyone getting a 4 year contract. Have we ever given one of those? I doubt it.

If Haaland rang up and said he was pineing for the fjords and had to play for a club within yards of the North Sea he would get 2 and half years.

Which one of you has broken his Wiki page?

[img]https://i.ibb.co/gSDnjd3/Untitled.png[/img]

Quoted from Mendonca1995

If he's in the Solihull team tonight against notts county this pretty much rules out the move, hearing he wants to stay there probably trying to drive up his contract offer from them using us and Hartlepool to further enhance this

The conversation would not have got to the last day if wanting to stay at SHM was the most important thing, just doesn't make sense. If offers have been made and accepted, deciding he wants to stay at SHM now would be a bonkers move by the lad.

Quoted from HerveJosse

No chance of anyone getting a 4 year contract. Have we ever given one of those? I doubt it.

It was just one example of one of the numerous rumours flying around.

Personally, I’d be amazed if we signed him. I think it’s all just rumour generated by agents and daft Twitter accounts bouncing off that.

Cameron Jerome anybody? Just left Luton as contract cancelled.
Former youth mariner

Been at Bolton since last week.

Ged Garner is a rumour on Twitter Fleetwood striker.

D DAY !

A day for Jason, Andrew and Paul to make thousands of fans either very happy, so-so, or extremely let down.

A day when agents will make huge amounts from possibly lousy advice, just to gain their filthy lucre, regardless of a player's best interests.

A day when the management team have to extol what has already happened in the last 12 months along with promoting progress moving forward to attractcwhoever is in the manager's sights.

So, would anyone like to be in Paul Hurst's shoes today, with all.of the fan pressures and expectations hovering over him, waiting for any little scrap of movement or definite signings?

Good luck today, Paul, well over 260 pages of conjecture says that you will need it !

UTM - 11PM WILL SOON BE HERE !!

Quoted from acko338

D DAY !

A day for Jason, Andrew and Paul to make thousands of fans either very happy, so-so, or extremely let down.

A day when agents will make huge amounts from possibly lousy advice, just to gain their filthy lucre, regardless of a player's best interests.

A day when the management team have to extol what has already happened in the last 12 months along with promoting progress moving forward to attractcwhoever is in the manager's sights.

So, would anyone like to be in Paul Hurst's shoes today, with all.of the fan pressures and expectations hovering over him, waiting for any little scrap of movement or definite signings?

Good luck today, Paul, well over 260 pages of conjecture says that you will need it !

UTM - 11PM WILL SOON BE HERE !!

Still 14 hrs left to break the 300 page barrier

Quoted from Meza

Ged Garner is a rumour on Twitter Fleetwood striker.

7 from 23 starts in League One last season before seemingly falling out of of favour.

Absolutely no idea if there's anything in that rumour, but on paper that would be an impressive signing.

Quoted from Mendonca1995

If he's in the Solihull team tonight against notts county this pretty much rules out the move, hearing he wants to stay there probably trying to drive up his contract offer from them using us and Hartlepool to further enhance this

Yeah, even if he does stay at SHM, I cannot see him extending his deal. 23 years old, surely want to get back in to the league. Extending makes that harder.

Maybe he thinks he'll have more options in the summer - especially if no fee is involved?

Quoted from diehardmariner

7 from 23 starts in League One last season before seemingly falling out of of favour.

Absolutely no idea if there's anything in that rumour, but on paper that would be an impressive signing.

It's from the usually reliable Pete O'Rourke

George lloyd is the one i'm hearing from cheltenham this hp sauce is usually 100% hoping we can seal at least 3 more to add to a thin squad

Quoted from headingly_mariner

It's from the usually reliable Pete O'Rourke

And they've just signed Marriott from Peterborough

Although Tranmere are apparently interested, so would be surprised if we can tempt him over them based on the location

Quoted from Quagmire

Maybe he thinks he'll have more options in the summer - especially if no fee is involved?

Not sure how keen Solihull will be on that - deciding to leave on a free in the summer over getting £100k+ for him now. Surprised Walsall aren’t looking at him to be honest and wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up somewhere that isn’t here.

Garner supposedly of interest to Tranmere, Hartlepool, Barrow and Motherwell along with ourselves.

Quoted from ska face

Not sure how keen Solihull will be on that - deciding to leave on a free in the summer over getting £100k+ for him now. Surprised Walsall aren’t looking at him to be honest and wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up somewhere that isn’t here.

Garner supposedly of interest to Tranmere, Hartlepool, Barrow and Motherwell along with ourselves.

Walsall have said they want another striker and were prepared to drop a fee on Danny Johnson so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him end up there.

I am quite zen about the whole Dallas thing. I don’t think we’ll get him but it won’t be through a lack of trying (if we are interested).
Solihull are just outside the play-offs with two in hand. They will be right up against it to beat either Notts Co or Wrexham to the second spot, but what’s a few quid to them now? The fee won’t be huge in comparison to the difference he could make if they keep hold of him. Secondly, Dallas is destined for League Two next season anyway. He will have his pick of more than Grimsby and Hartlepool I’m sure of it. Possibly even a move to the SPFL.
Looking forward to a good day either way. I’m sure we’ll add at least two - the centre forward and a winger.

If the Ged Garner rumours are true, then it wouldn't be too bad of a signing...

Basically 1 goal in every 5 games for Fleetwood in League One, albeit he hasn't torn up any trees this season.

Sometimes players just need a fresh start though and he could do well for us in League 2.

Who knows, but looking more likely the Dallas deal wont be happening.

The Garner rumour is that we're one of half a dozen clubs interested and two or three are in the North West just to temper expectations!

Sixteen million three hundred and twenty thousand four hundred and thirty three words have been written on this thread but one word has not. Fourteen hours left to change this.

Quoted from Corkyefes

If the Ged Garner rumours are true, then it wouldn't be too bad of a signing...

Basically 1 goal in every 5 games for Fleetwood in League One, albeit he hasn't torn up any trees this season.

Sometimes players just need a fresh start though and he could do well for us in League 2.

Who knows, but looking more likely the Dallas deal wont be happening.

Sounds like he peaked when he was 11 based on his wiki page

Quoted from pontoonlew

If there’s no signings there’s an outside chance we could be in a worse position in January 2023.

Let’s not make the mistakes of the past today, eh?

The word mistake sort of implies they are not trying hard to strengthen the team and are deliberately being blase about the situation.

Quoted from ginnywings

The word mistake sort of implies they are not trying hard to strengthen the team and are deliberately being blase about the situation.

Nobody has ever said it’s deliberate, in the same way we didn’t deliberately get relegated.

Happy to let it play out, but it makes me incredibly nervous to be sat waiting for 4/5 players to come in one afternoon

Can we stop referring to Solihull Moors as SHM. They’re not Soli Hull Moors are they?

He'll probably end up going back for Kiernan at this rate ??)

Quoted from LH

Can we stop referring to Solihull Moors as SHM. They’re not Soli Hull Moors are they?

Yeah but 'SM' belongs on a different website.....

Did the Larssen rumour ever come to anything? I've been out the loop for a few weeks.

Grimsby and Newport battle for Forest player
In other news, two League Two sides are currently tussling over a Premier League player.

Indeed, as per a FLW exclusive, both Grimsby Town and Newport County are monitoring Nottingham Forest youngster Julian Larsson.

Larsson has represented Sweden at various youth levels, but football and first team action has been hard to come by at the City Ground in the last few seasons.

Now 21, the opportunity for first team football could appeal to the youngster and therefore this could well be one to watch as the transfer deadline approaches.

Nothing has come to anything. Yet.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Nobody has ever said it’s deliberate, in the same way we didn’t deliberately get relegated.

Happy to let it play out, but it makes me incredibly nervous to be sat waiting for 4/5 players to come in one afternoon

Yeah, fair enough.

Frayed nerves all round, so I'm going for an incredibly long walk along the seafront.

Quoted from LH

Can we stop referring to Solihull Moors as SHM. They’re not Soli Hull Moors are they?

Quite. It's like those people who bang on about the MSM.

Club definitely met with Dallas, whether he’s then decided to go back to Solihull I don’t know. I’d be very disappointed if we couldn’t tempt him over a mid table national league side.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Club definitely met with Dallas, whether he’s then decided to go back to Solihull I don’t know. I’d be very disappointed if we couldn’t tempt him over a mid table national league side.

So the club have met with Dallas, AND there was a room booked at Oaklands last night under the same name?

Be a bit odd staying over if he wasn’t signing, wouldn’t it? Did your mate not ask him when he checked in?

On the other hand, if he stayed and had a decent second half to the season whilst avoiding injury, he'd no doubt have a selection of clubs to pick from during the summer. It would be easier to relocate during the close season as well rather than just moving somewhere new when the games are coming thick and fast.

I suppose it depends whether he thinks he (or his agent) can negotiate a better deal now or in the summer. The only real risk to him in staying is if he picks up a bad injury. Is a bird in the hand worth two in the bush?

Quoted from Poojah

So the club have met with Dallas, AND there was a room booked at Oaklands last night under the same name?

Be a bit odd staying over if he wasn’t signing, wouldn’t it? Did your mate not ask him when he checked in?

My mate said thanks for helping us get promoted, at that point he burst into tears and ran back out the door.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

My mate said thanks for helping us get promoted, at that point he burst into tears and ran back out the door.

And now answer seriously…

I've always been under the impression the humber royal was the hotel of choice? I also believe they aren't allowed to touch the outside, but the inside is very nice.

Use to live directly across the road, and away teams always stayed there

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

My mate said thanks for helping us get promoted, at that point he burst into tears and ran back out the door.

With your mate having such a leaky mouth he’s probably more in line for a dismissal than a promotion. 😜

Quoted from LH

Can we stop referring to Solihull Moors as SHM. They’re not Soli Hull Moors are they?

It took me ages to finally cotton on who SHM were supposed to be, and then my head started working out that it's not S H M because there are only 2 words in their name.

If that were the case then we would be GBT

There is no chance Dallas came here “for talks”. That’s why players have agents, who will do it all over WhatsApp and emails. They would only travel here if it’s all agreed.

Think it’s fair to say he wasn’t at the Oaklands…

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I've always been under the impression the humber royal was the hotel of choice? I also believe they aren't allowed to touch the outside, but the inside is very nice.

Use to live directly across the road, and away teams always stayed there

Whenever I’ve been back and had to stay at a hotel, always stayed at the kingsway. Am surprised that the club don’t make more use of it tbh.

Quoted from LH

Can we stop referring to Solihull Moors as SHM. They’re not Soli Hull Moors are they?

Just S & M then

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

Did the Larssen rumour ever come to anything? I've been out the loop for a few weeks.

Grimsby and Newport battle for Forest player
In other news, two League Two sides are currently tussling over a Premier League player.

Indeed, as per a FLW exclusive, both Grimsby Town and Newport County are monitoring Nottingham Forest youngster Julian Larsson.

Larsson has represented Sweden at various youth levels, but football and first team action has been hard to come by at the City Ground in the last few seasons.

Now 21, the opportunity for first team football could appeal to the youngster and therefore this could well be one to watch as the transfer deadline approaches.

That was a hundred pages ago

This thread is in danger of going slightly off track today if we’re not careful.

Quoted from Poojah

So the club have met with Dallas, AND there was a room booked at Oaklands last night under the same name?

Be a bit odd staying over if he wasn’t signing, wouldn’t it? Did your mate not ask him when he checked in?

But have they taken him to Steels or the Ocean until they do it’s not happening

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

Did the Larssen rumour ever come to anything? I've been out the loop for a few weeks.

Grimsby and Newport battle for Forest player
In other news, two League Two sides are currently tussling over a Premier League player.

Indeed, as per a FLW exclusive, both Grimsby Town and Newport County are monitoring Nottingham Forest youngster Julian Larsson.

Larsson has represented Sweden at various youth levels, but football and first team action has been hard to come by at the City Ground in the last few seasons.

Now 21, the opportunity for first team football could appeal to the youngster and therefore this could well be one to watch as the transfer deadline approaches.

Interesting that Newport have signed striker Charlie McNeill on loan from Man United, so be surprised if they get Larsson too.

Have we got any Spanish speakers?

@Mundo_Sportio El objetivo de Grimsby es Andrew Dallas. Se cree que está en las inmediaciones. El general Hurst ha convencido al jugador. Próximas horas cruciales 8m

Edit: This is a Stockport fan on a windup I think but leaving it here because the Google Translate refers to "General Hurst" which I like.

Quoted from fishcake63

George lloyd is the one i'm hearing from cheltenham this hp sauce is usually 100% hoping we can seal at least 3 more to add to a thin squad

✅

Quoted from Son of Cod

Have we got any Spanish speakers?

@Mundo_Sportio El objetivo de Grimsby es Andrew Dallas. Se cree que está en las inmediaciones. El general Hurst ha convencido al jugador. Próximas horas cruciales 8m

Mundo_Sporto Grimsby's goal is Andrew Dallas. It is believed that it is nearby. General Hurst has convinced the player. Next crucial hours 8m

Quoted from HerveJosse

But have they taken him to Steels or the Ocean until they do it’s not happening

I think with the bargain basement today, McDonalds will be about the limit.........plus its still serving at 11pm!

Quoted from fishcake63

George lloyd is the one i'm hearing from cheltenham this hp sauce is usually 100% hoping we can seal at least 3 more to add to a thin squad

A typical Hurst forward by the sounds of it.

Lloyd is a hard-working forward.(Wikipedia) 1 goal every 11 games or so. 5ft 8 :o

Lloyd is happening then by the sound of it. Lots on Twitter about him joining a L2 side on loan today

Hope our Head Of Recruitment has some sort of diamond in the rough type justification for George Lloyd because i'm certainly not getting excited about his track record!!!

Expecting Charles Vernam to sign today, providing Lincoln sign a winger, they’re after someone from Portsmouth. Vernam could be a permanent deal.

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Lloyd is happening then by the sound of it. Lots on Twitter about him joining a L2 side on loan today

I think that’s a potential FF meltdown signing 5 ft 8 in forward 1 in 11 bit part for Cheltenham .
Lloyd George may be better received

Quoted from Surrey97

Expecting Charles Vernam to sign today, providing Lincoln sign a winger, they’re after someone from Portsmouth. Vernam could be a permanent deal.

lets hope so.

Would also hope for another striker alongside the Cheltenham lad

Good news chaps. Just seen the font of all knowledge in Cooplands.

Graham has just told me a big signing coming today. I said just one and he said no, three coming in.

I asked him if he was sure and he said yes, someone at the club told him this morning.

Quoted from HerveJosse

I think that’s a potential FF meltdown signing 5 ft 8 in forward 1 in 11 bit part for Cheltenham .
Lloyd George may be better received

Bit like the Amond reaction.

Complaints we need forward players in
Complaints about previous record of the forward players rumoured to be signed.

If they sign, for gods sake. give them a flipping chance before you write them off !!!!!

Would be disappointed if we only bring in 3 new players today. Think we need 4-5 minimum otherwise we'll be down to the bare bones again after today if we pick up a few more injuries.

Quoted from ginnywings

Bit like the Amond reaction.

erm…no

Quoted from ginnywings

Bit like the Amond reaction.

Amond had scored 9, 11 and 8 goals in the league above in the three seasons immediately preceding his signing for Town.

Lloyd has scored 2 goals in the same league as us and 1 goal in the league above total in the previous three seasons.

Anyone comparing the two need their brains checking.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Have we got any Spanish speakers?

@Mundo_Sportio El objetivo de Grimsby es Andrew Dallas. Se cree que está en las inmediaciones. El general Hurst ha convencido al jugador. Próximas horas cruciales 8m

Edit: This is a Stockport fan on a windup I think but leaving it here because the Google Translate refers to "General Hurst" which I like.

If this transfer window achieves nothing else, at least its given us Hurst's new nickname. I'm loving 'El General' and hope it sticks

Anyone can read the reaction to Amond signing here -

https://forum.thefishy.co.uk/Blah.pl?m-1435752152/s-0/

Almost universal praise and excitement.

Not sure the lad George will get the same, but only time will tell if he manages to score 40 in a season.

No-one puts their worst bits on these show reels, but looks a strong and tenacious type.

Dare I say it, McAtee like in his chasing down and hassling of defenders. Looks like maybe OK at holding play up too. Obviously difficult to tell but looks more a deep lying forward than an out-and-out striker.

I know we all want a no. 9 and a 20+ a season goalscorer, but it might be Hurst is already looking at next season and beyond.

[youtube]CwEQZRe_42A[/youtube]

Not just between us and Hartlepool for Dallas, Bradford are also looking at him.

George Lloyd record isn't great.
A quick look at Cheltenham forum, and recently cheered him being subbed....

Having said that, town know more about him than me, and the standard between league 1 & 2 could make him a decent enough player.

Quoted from Surrey97

Not just between us and Hartlepool for Dallas, Bradford are also looking at him.

How many strikers do Bradford want or need?

Quoted from Surrey97

Not just between us and Hartlepool for Dallas, Bradford are also looking at him.

Oh well, that's that then.

I have updates on AD, if you want them then slide into my DM’s 👍

I'm guessing any announcements through the daylight hours would be scheduled on the hour. Later on they will just be glad to get a face through the door whenever.

Maybe.....

Quoted from ginnywings

Good news chaps. Just seen the font of all knowledge in Cooplands.

Graham has just told me a big signing coming today. I said just one and he said no, three coming in.

I asked him if he was sure and he said yes, someone at the club told him this morning.

I hope your right, I've run out of loo roll and my nails are down to the quick.

Cheltenham fan on 1FF talking about Lloyd:

"Hard worker, shorn of confidence. Don't be put off by his height, he's got a great leap and is bloody strong. He will run through brick walls for you.

He seems to have been around for years having come through our youth team, but he's still only 22. He should be ok in League 2 - he just needs a goal or two and I reckon he could go on a run.

He's got another year on his deal with us, so the hope is he scores some goals away from Cheltenham and comes back in a more confident manner."

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I'm guessing any announcements through the daylight hours would be scheduled on the hour. Later on they will just be glad to get a face through the door whenever.

Maybe.....

You’re hopeful of multiple signings then?

The owners have spoke about improving the squad window to window. If we don’t make any permanent additions today then it’s been a disastrous window.

I don’t think that will happen. At least 2 seem to be done and dusted.

Much more promising news. Vernam is a quality player at this level and I'd be made up if we signed him.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Cheltenham fan on 1FF talking about Lloyd:

"Hard worker, shorn of confidence. Don't be put off by his height, he's got a great leap and is bloody strong. He will run through brick walls for you.

He seems to have been around for years having come through our youth team, but he's still only 22. He should be ok in League 2 - he just needs a goal or two and I reckon he could go on a run.

He's got another year on his deal with us, so the hope is he scores some goals away from Cheltenham and comes back in a more confident manner."

Shades of a 2013 LJL.

Not going to lie and I know there could be numerous factors why, but I will be disappointed to see us be heavy linked with Dallas and we sign George Lloyd as our striker.

Of course, I would love to be proven wrong by him and all I am basing it on is his record, but still would make me feel abit 'downbeat'.

Bradford City, fcking strikers graveyard.

How many they got there now? Oliver, Cook, Derbyshire, Eisa, someone else I’ve forgot the name of - all good enough to be starting regularly in this league, so if Dallas joins there he’s got a 1 in 3 chance of even getting a game.

Still, money talks.

I would love Dallas, but he's only scored 1 more goal than LJL this season in non-league.... don't be too distraught if that doesn't happen

I'd take LJL at the moment!

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

I would love Dallas, but he's only scored 1 more goal than LJL this season in non-league.... don't be too distraught if that doesn't happen

He’s 23 years old though.

Also hearing Lloyd is ready to be announced shortly but Surrey deserves his top spot by being one step ahead of us.

Heard nothing on Dallas or Vernam but if we got those 3 you’d have to imagine we’re in a decent position. Worried that Lloyd indicates the Dallas deal is in trouble.

Quoted from Corkyefes

Not going to lie and I know there could be numerous factors why, but I will be disappointed to see us be heavy linked with Dallas and we sign George Lloyd as our striker.

Of course, I would love to be proven wrong by him and all I am basing it on is his record, but still would make me feel abit 'downbeat'.

I'm not sure the idea is for one or the other. I very much think we are trying to add more than him. He might be very useful.

According to wiki, 6 goals in 71 appearances for Cheltenham. Although given his age I would assume most of those appearances are from the bench

If everything is hunky dory and players are signed - why is there no announcement from the club? Not even as much as a hint something will be happening?
It would calm the nerves and make the blood pressure go down for many if they just gave a hint at something. For many of the older fans of the club, this suspense could be fatal due to unnecessary stress of the heart.

Quoted from ska face

erm…no

It was more of a reference to his height than his goalscoring prowess, although Amond wasn't universally welcomed by everyone if I am remembering correctly.

Maybe not as I'm an old giffer now

nothing about Mullarkey is there

Quoted from headingly_mariner

I'm not sure the idea is for one or the other. I very much think we are trying to add more than him. He might be very useful.

I didn't want to put it in here, because I don't know how true it is, but i've been told the Dallas deal is dead.
As I said, I am hoping that information is completely wrong, but if it is, I would suggest that the Lloyd deal is Hurst's back up plan.

Quoted from pontoonlew

He’s 23 years old though.

Also hearing Lloyd is ready to be announced shortly but Surrey deserves his top spot by being one step ahead of us.

Heard nothing on Dallas or Vernam but if we got those 3 you’d have to imagine we’re in a decent position. Worried that Lloyd indicates the Dallas deal is in trouble.

George Lloyd strikes me as a filling the squad signing, if that’s not being disrespectful. I don’t see hurst wanting him to lead the line for half a season.

Quoted from AdamHaddock

According to wiki, 6 goals in 71 appearances for Cheltenham. Although given his age I would assume most of those appearances are from the bench

His stats definitely aren't amazing https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/george-lloyd/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/532192

But I don't think it's just that free-scoring striker we need, be it for this season or the next. It could also be that Hurst identifies how he could fit into his system to a tee... Similar to how this guy did despite a far from impressive score sheet before arriving.
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-mcatee/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/504855

Quoted from Mikey_345

George Lloyd strikes me as a filling the squad signing, if that’s not being disrespectful. I don’t see hurst wanting him to lead the line for half a season.

Based on our previous windows with strikers I wouldn’t be 100% sure on that personally

Wouldn’t surprise me if Dallas stays at SHM until the summer, bags a load more goals, then waits for bigger clubs to circle as he’ll be available on a free. Hartlepool and Grimsby isn’t exactly a glamorous career move.

Aaron Patterson
@AaronPJourno
·
23m
Andrew Dallas is in firm discussions with both #HUFC and #GTFC

One club more advanced than the other, decision imminent this afternoon.

Quoted from jimgtfc

Wouldn’t surprise me if Dallas stays at SHM until the summer, bags a load more goals, then waits for bigger clubs to circle as he’ll be available on a free. Hartlepool and Grimsby isn’t exactly a glamorous career move.

But that’s always a gamble… his form could slip or his leg could snap!

Quoted from BeijingMariner

Aaron Patterson
@AaronPJourno
·
23m
Andrew Dallas is in firm discussions with both #HUFC and #GTFC

One club more advanced than the other, decision imminent this afternoon.

That guy has less than 200 followers. Very likely he's just cobbles that together from other info that's already out there.

Think people forget that although Grimsby isn’t a dream club we have new owners that want to improve the club, we have a manager that cares and builds squads based upon integrity and ability and we have a chance of being in the 5th round of the f a cup

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

That guy has less than 200 followers. Very likely he's just cobbles that together from other info that's already out there.

Just sharing matey, I am not twitterate :-)

Someone should ring the Solihull chairman and tell them the story of Michael Reddy and what can happen if they dont take good money when its on offer ;)

Lincoln have signed a forward

Expect Vernam to be in discussions with us this afto and all systems go

George Lloyd Imminent ??

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

That guy has less than 200 followers. Very likely he's just cobbles that together from other info that's already out there.

Nah I think this guy actually has some real sources. He's followed by Matt Dean who isn't just going to follow any old dodgy ITK twitter account, and the same guy had us linked to Glennon and Hunt in the Summer before anyone else.

Twitter rumours saying that Lincoln have joined the race for Dallas.

If true, thats us fully out of the run.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Nah I think this guy actually has some real sources. He's followed by Matt Dean who isn't just going to follow any old dodgy ITK twitter account, and the same guy had us linked to Glennon and Hunt in the Summer before anyone else.

Sounds positive then! Probably deserves more followers by the sound of it!

Imagine if Lincoln sign Dallas and don't let us have Vernam.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Nah I think this guy actually has some real sources. He's followed by Matt Dean who isn't just going to follow any old dodgy ITK twitter account, and the same guy had us linked to Glennon and Hunt in the Summer before anyone else.

Also had Mikey O’Neill the afternoon before as well.

Quoted from lukeo

GG

Ged Garner?

Quoted from lukeo

GG

Was this meant for the Equine XI thread?

Quoted from lukeo

GG

Be handy if you could confirm if this post was:

a) deliberate
b) meant for this thread
c) something you still remember a couple of minutes on from posting it

Quoted from gtfc_chris

Was this meant for the Equine XI thread?

A beautiful example of thread cross pollination.

C’mon Town

Luke's done that a few times now, pretty sure he's just doing it for his own amusement...

Ged Garner would be a Good Signing (especially if we can get him on a permanent)

Quoted from lukeo

GG

FO, C

Garner is mentioned on the Telegraph web site as a target

Quoted from mimma

Garner is mentioned on the Telegraph web site as a target

they just get everything off twitter and here

Quoted from ska face

FO, C

Kiwi defender?

[url]https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/finn-oconnor/profil/spieler/617014[/url]

Good news .
Extrapolating based on last 24 hours we will hit 300 at 10.59 pm

[img]https://poster.keepcalmandposters.com/2074346.png[/img]

Grimsby Live

"George Lloyd deal close
Reports from Cheltenham's side say a deal is set to be complete for George Lloyd to move to Grimsby Town on loan until the end of the season.

More on this soon..."

In possibly the least surprising story of the day, Tshimanga about to sign for Peterborough.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

George Lloyd record isn't great.
A quick look at Cheltenham forum, and recently cheered him being subbed....

Having said that, town know more about him than me, and the standard between league 1 & 2 could make him a decent enough player.

From that clip, I was impressed with his strength in holding off some big defenders.

[tweet][/tweet] https://twitter.com/callumtrefl/status/1620410094226927619?s=46&t=c9luLOkIjRnluBWg0j7T1A [tweet][/tweet]

Difficult to accurately gauge the validity of these Twitter accounts; the above claims to be a writer for Solihull Moors. Also says George Lloyd deal unrelated to the Dallas bid - we want both apparently.

At least we’ll have a better idea in the coming hours.

That’s the helmet we discussed yesterday. Says absolutely nothing that hasn’t already been mentioned either in the press or by people actually in the know.

They say a watched pot never boils, but I’m struggling to put my phone down today. My washing line’s just blown down so I’m off to fix that, would imagine there’ll be a signing whilst I’m fannying about in the back yard.

Quoted from Mikey_345

[tweet][/tweet] [tweet][/tweet]

The transfer window is getting so intense it's turned Mike into a bird.

Quoted from Gainsbro_Mariner

Grimsby Live

"George Lloyd deal close
Reports from Cheltenham's side say a deal is set to be complete for George Lloyd to move to Grimsby Town on loan until the end of the season.

More on this soon..."

If true, I hope Town fans give the lad a chance and there aren’t any George Lloyd protests from the Fishy Chauvinists.

Quoted from Son of Cod

The transfer window is getting so intense it's turned Mike into a bird.

He’s flapping alright!

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

If true, I hope Town fans give the lad a chance and there aren’t any George Lloyd protests from the twitter chauvinists.

Yep. Lloyd should be seen as a Pepple/Simmonds upgrade. Not his fault if we don't land any perm targets.

[url]https://therealefl.co.uk/2023/01/31/grimsby-set-to-land-league-one-striker/[/url]

Looking like the potential of getting: Lloyd, Dallas & Vernam. Gone all quiet on the Mullarkey fronts mind. Could we see a younger RB loanee be brought in completely out of the blue.

Quoted from ska face

He’s flapping alright!

Bloody hell, what next - an actual slap in the face? 😂

Just trying to get that page count up! 😉

Quoted from Mikey_345

Bloody hell, what next - an actual slap in the face? 😂

Just trying to get that page count up! 😉

It’s just the trill of deadline day

Quoted from Son of Cod

The transfer window is getting so intense it's turned Mike into a bird.

Really wish I didn’t need to take day off work today. Need to go find something else to do 😂

Quoted from geir

If everything is hunky dory and players are signed - why is there no announcement from the club? Not even as much as a hint something will be happening?
It would calm the nerves and make the blood pressure go down for many if they just gave a hint at something. For many of the older fans of the club, this suspense could be fatal due to unnecessary stress of the heart.

No Sam Strandt. He was the master of dropping hints. Whoever has taken over the IT side of the club seems to be more interested in sending out tweets of sponsors etc than actually having some sort of connection with the fans.

PH did mention a few weeks back about bringing in players who perhaps don't have an eye catching previous record and maybe gone under the radar, but have unrealised potential.

He has a bit of form for finding these sorts of players, though not a huge success rate.

From what I can gather, there were high hopes for Lloyd, but he hasn't fulfilled them yet.

He seems to the hard working type that PH likes, so let's hope we can get a tune out of him. Can play across the front line, so possibly seen as a Kiernan replacement.

I just hope that if Dallas goes somewhere else that some twit doesn’t start a ‘Dallas Signs!’ Thread as a joke.

I can tell you know, it won’t be funny.

Quoted from RonMariner

I just hope that if Dallas goes somewhere else that some twit doesn’t start a ‘Dallas Signs!’ Thread as a joke.

I can tell you know, it won’t be funny.

Indeed. Likewise this:

[img]https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/road-sign-direction-dallas-texas-260nw-286169102.jpg[/img]

Hurst does seem to have a good eye for a young up and coming prospect.

Saw the other day that Sam Bell playing well and scoring a brace at Bristol City vs West Brom. A former loanee but now a regular in the Championship, same as Conor Townsend.

The issue is having the eye for a player but being able to convince them that their education is best at a little fishing town on the east coast is another thing. Must be frustrating trying to compete with a fellow league club just miles away from the UKs leading cities.

E.g. if you sign for Hartlepool you could base yourself in Newcastle, Sunderland or Middlesborough with a short travel to work each day.

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

Fingers crossed your right :o

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, castrate me, its me sources last chance

Deal.

Quoted from Poojah

Deal.

with my balderdash the way they are, that'd be no use :'(

Quoted from Stew0_0

Hurst does seem to have a good eye for a young up and coming prospect.

Saw the other day that Sam Bell playing well and scoring a brace at Bristol City vs West Brom. A former loanee but now a regular in the Championship, same as Conor Townsend.

The issue is having the eye for a player but being able to convince them that their education is best at a little fishing town on the east coast is another thing. Must be frustrating trying to compete with a fellow league club just miles away from the UKs leading cities.

E.g. if you sign for Hartlepool you could base yourself in Newcastle, Sunderland or Middlesborough with a short travel to work each day.

Middlesborough is a dump, isn't it? Sunderland not much better.

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

No pressure!

Not sure if we need a goalkeeper, unless it's just for back-up, as thats one position we are all happy with

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

BIIIIGGG SHHHOOUUTTT FFRROOOMMM HAAGGRRIIDD!!

He’s gone all in, cards on the table and it’s shít or bust! This could all end in tears or he could be walking away with the title. MASSIVE moment for the man with a patchy record at best.

Godspeed young Hagrid

Quoted from Hagrid

with my balderdash the way they are, that'd be no use :'(

That’s a very valid point.

Don’t want to come across as a heartless bástard; how are they?

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

If he goes to the Poolies, we could hang you like they did the monkey.

Just looked on BBC sport page and there has only been 7 deals today in the EFL and only one in league 2 so far.

Reckon it will start to hot up soon.

Quoted from Stew0_0

Hurst does seem to have a good eye for a young up and coming prospect.

Saw the other day that Sam Bell playing well and scoring a brace at Bristol City vs West Brom. A former loanee but now a regular in the Championship, same as Conor Townsend.

The issue is having the eye for a player but being able to convince them that their education is best at a little fishing town on the east coast is another thing. Must be frustrating trying to compete with a fellow league club just miles away from the UKs leading cities.

E.g. if you sign for Hartlepool you could base yourself in Newcastle, Sunderland or Middlesborough with a short travel to work each day.

Makes you wonder why Hartlepool aren't in the Championship with such an advantage over everyone else.

Quoted from Mayaman

Middlesborough is a dump, isn't it? Sunderland not much better.

Having lived in ‘Boro for three years, I can confirm this. Most of the footballers in that part of the world live in Wynyard village. A nice enough place, but very little there.

Quoted from Poojah

That’s a very valid point.

Don’t want to come across as a heartless bástard; how are they?

much better thank you, left one still sore but a hell of a lot better than they were!

Quoted from Poojah

Having lived in ‘Boro for three years, I can confirm this. Most of the footballers in that part of the world live in Wynyard village. A nice enough place, but very little there.

Reads as if Cleethorpes has no competition.

Let’s hope Hagrid hasn’t dropped another bollock here…

Got to love that from Hagrid. He's gone all in on a deal that will only increase his total amount of chips by about 8% just to save himself from relegation. He's basically brought Allardyce in.

Quoted from DB

Reads as if Cleethorpes has no competition.

There’s seaton Carew !

It could be a battle of the old radio one roadshow

How many posts ago was Nick Haughton last mentioned? It all seems to have gone quiet on that front.

I seem to remember Hurst saying he wasnt interested (or did I dream it?), but there seems to be no race for any other clubs to sign him.

Maybe a cheeky sneaky bid from 'El General'

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

Hope it’s not necessary, but just in case do you prefer garden shears or a rusty penknife?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

There’s seaton Carew !

It could be a battle of the old radio one roadshow

Seaton Carew, the place that makes Chapel St. Leonards look metropolitan.

Nice golf course at Seaton Carew.

I have just been told that Debbie (and Hurst) may have done Dallas ;)

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

I have just been told that Debbie (and Hurst) may have done Dallas ;)

Good to see her taking one for the team!

Hagrid if you’re right I’ll double my charity donation to £50

Balls on the table..

[img]https://i.imgflip.com/79f6gl.jpg[/img]

Quoted from Poojah

Good to see her taking one for the team!

Someone’s splashing out anyway

Quoted from pontoonlew

Hagrid if you’re right I’ll double my charity donation to £50

Balls on the table..

Hope the table is sterile for Hagrid's sake.

Quoted from pontoonlew

Hagrid if you’re right I’ll double my charity donation to £50

Balls on the table..

Well, this has all taken abit of a turn hasn’t it…

Quoted from Hagrid

Been Told Dallas Has Signed for Town
We are also trying to bring a Goalkeeper in from a League 1 club

If Im wrong, relegate me, its me sources last chance

If you’re right on Dallas it’s your ultimate JFK moment. 60th anniversary this year too. It’s a sign.

It's amazing that there are about 150 members and 350 others on site at the moment. Hope we get some news soon.

Im Wacca's just tweeted it.. now im doubting it ;D

Quoted from DB

It's amazing that there are about 150 members and 350 others on site at the moment. Hope we get some news soon.

A lot of those other members are the Telegraph journos looking for stories though tbf

Quoted from Hagrid

Im Wacca's just tweeted it.. now im doubting it ;D

He's also contradicting what Surrey97 about Vernam. Really wish I had the strength of character to just avoid Twitter/The Fishy until 11pm.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

If you’re right on Dallas it’s your ultimate JFK moment. 70th anniversary this year too. It’s a sign.

It better not be - otherwise there’s 10 years of my life slipped by - and why am I still working and not living a life of drink feck rse, cricket and Town…

I just got up, since I live in Atlanta, and got straight on here to see what was going on. I have to say I've been laughing like hell reading the last 20 pages over my morning coffee! Some of you guys are genuinely funny and clever! It's like reading a classic comic novel. It's far from over yet, but when it's finally completed, maybe this entire thread should be published in hardback!

Regarding CV - he has been given permission to speak to GTFC regarding a move. LCFC initially wanted a loan-only but have said to GTFC that if we can agree personal terms with CV then they are open to a permanent (GTFC are willing to pay what LCFC are asking for).

Either way, I believe we are looking at a season-long loan at a minimum. Ball seems very much in CV's court at the mo. He's not had any other offers, which is what he was holding out for.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

It better not be - otherwise there’s 10 years of my life slipped by - and why am I still working and not living a life of drink feck rse, cricket and Town…

Good spot. 😁

I’ve got a lot of numbers bouncing around in my head at the moment because I’m trying to complete my tax return before the HMRC window slams shut!

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Good spot. 😁

I’ve got a lot of numbers bouncing around in my head at the moment because I’m trying to complete my tax return before the HMRC window slams shut!

I would have thought you would be relaxed about filing late

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

Regarding CV - he has been given permission to speak to GTFC regarding a move. LCFC initially wanted a loan-only but have said to GTFC that if we can agree personal terms with CV then they are open to a permanent (GTFC are willing to pay what LCFC are asking for).

Either way, I believe we are looking at a season-long loan at a minimum. Ball seems very much in CV's court at the mo. He's not had any other offers, which is what he was holding out for.

Out of interest would CV be cup tied? Don't know how much he's played for them.

Quoted from toontown

Out of interest would CV be cup tied? Don't know how much he's played for them.

Yes

Tweet
See new Tweets
Conversation
The Fishy Retweeted
EFLTransfers
@EFLTransfers14
Grimsby Town are reportedly set to sign Cheltenham Town striker George Lloyd on loan. #gtfc #ctfc
9:34 PM · Jan 31, 2023
·
261
Views

Quoted from toontown

Out of interest would CV be cup tied? Don't know how much he's played for them.

Yep. Started in their defeat to Chippenham.

Quoted from toontown

Out of interest would CV be cup tied? Don't know how much he's played for them.

Cup tied as played full 90 mins in round 1 when they lost to Chippenham.

Actually thats put me off signing him, he should have probably scored a double hattrick against Chippenham ;-)

Quoted from AlwaysHaddock1878

Yep. Started in their defeat to Chippenham.

Vernam and Dallas would be a good days work

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

If you’re right on Dallas it’s your ultimate JFK moment. 60th anniversary this year too. It’s a sign.

Have we made a Dealy?

EFLTransfers
@EFLTransfers14
Lincoln City have signed UCD striker Dylan Duffy. #Imps

Quoted from Hagrid

Vernam and Dallas would be a good days work

So you want VD .........

Quoted from Hagrid

Vernam and Dallas would be a good days work

We would have objectively have achieved our target of improving every window. You can't say that Vernam, Dallas and O'Neill offer less threat than Keke, Keirnan and Richardson.

EFL deals done today, so far

English Football League

14:30 Glen Rea [Luton - Cheltenham] Loan

14:00 Kabongo Tshimanga [Chesterfield - Peterborough] Loan

13:00 Gavin Kilkenny [Bournemouth - Charlton] Loan

13:00 Omar Rekik [Arsenal - Wigan] Loan

12:00 Dylan Duffy [UCD - Lincoln] Undisclosed

12:00 Corrie Ndaba [Ipswich - Fleetwood] Loan

11:00 Charlie McNeill [Manchester United - Newport] Loan

10:00 Joe Anderson [Everton - Sunderland] Undisclosed

09:00 Marquinhos [Arsenal - Norwich] Loan

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

Inspecting the training ground. That makes me nervous

If we get Dallas and Vernam, I for one will be calling PH 'El General'.
Nerves of steel.

Like the look of Lloyd too...he could play the McAtee role (if things work out) next season.

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

Bentley 10

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

No pressure!

Not sure if we need a goalkeeper, unless it's just for back-up, as thats one position we are all happy with

I think the reason we need a keeper is that we only have Max and Battersby.

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

zzzzzzzz

Quoted from 137

If we get Dallas and Vernam, I for one will be calling PH 'El General'.
Nerves of steel.

Like the look of Lloyd too...he could play the McAtee role (if things work out) next season.

If we sign Dallas, Vernam and Lloyd, is it still a successful window if we don’t sign a 6ft+ number 9 in the Taylor mould?

For me it would be the difference between a 9/10 and a 10/10.

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

Wake me up when he has put pen to paper and signed for us, it’s all getting a bit tiresome zzzzzz

It's cliffhanger stuff. Will Dallas sign? Will Vernam make a return? Will this thread reach 300 pages before an announcement is made?

Quoted from Poojah

If we sign Dallas, Vernam and Lloyd, is it still a successful window if we don’t sign a 6ft+ number 9 in the Taylor mould?

For me it would be the difference between a 9/10 and a 10/10.

I’d take a 9/10. Currently at 3/10

My father knew George Lloyd 8)

If we sign a tall centre forward we end up lumping it. Since Taylor was injured, we have played it to feet more since we don't have an out and out target man up front.

My thoughts are that we should stick to keeping the ball down more and playing football.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Bentley 10

Not many people on here make Bentley look like he knows what he's talking about. They couldn't be one and the same could they?

Quoted from Poojah

If we sign Dallas, Vernam and Lloyd, is it still a successful window if we don’t sign a 6ft+ number 9 in the Taylor mould?

For me it would be the difference between a 9/10 and a 10/10.

Wouldn't put it past El General to bring in Ged Garner and perhaps Mullarkey too.

Quoted from 137

Wouldn't put it past El General to bring in Ged Garner and perhaps Mullarkey too.

Ged Garner is a big centre forward, he'd be what we need.

Quoted from 137

Wouldn't put it past El General to bring Ged Garner and perhaps Mullarkey too.

Away from the excitement surrounding what we might do up top, I do think some unsexy, versatile defensive cover would be a smart move.

George Lloyd knew my father

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

On a scale of 1 to Cameron Wilson, how true actually is this?

Has there ever been a transfer window when PH hasn’t signed at least one full back. I’m expecting PH to take the pi$$ and announce a FB before any attacking player…

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Has there ever been a transfer window when PH hasn’t signed at least one full back. I’m expecting PH to take the pi$$ and announce a FB before any attacking player…

You would assume if Dallas is going anywhere, Solihull would want to break that news before naming their team sheet tonight at Notts County. Given that, I’d be surprised if he is announced by anyone at 11:30pm tonight, a la Bogle to Wigan.

from my cousin

'Black n White Bear is going to be furious with the George Lloyd signing - first Islamists and now Black Lives Matter in the club'

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from forza ivano

from my cousin

'Black n White Bear is going to be furious with the George Lloyd signing - first Islamists and now Black Lives Matter in the club'

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I think your cousin is thinking of Ray Floyd the golfer

Quoted from Mayaman

It's cliffhanger stuff. Will Dallas sign? Will Vernam make a return? Will this thread reach 300 pages before an announcement is made?

Will Pontoonlew wipe the table down after Hagrid takes his balls off it or will he just slap his straight on there?

Hope they put us out of our misery soon. My brain hurts and I’m getting RSI in my finger refreshing this thread.

noticed that Joe Dodoo has been released by Burton. probably a load of doodoo's but would Dodoo do ?

Quoted from RonMariner

Hope they put us out of our misery soon. My brain hurts and I’m getting RSI in my finger refreshing this thread.

Has there been training today?

PH would need a shower, apply his Grecian 2000, have a quick bowl of tripe and onions, walk and feed his whippet, then get to the ground for the signings and press bit.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

noticed that Joe Dodoo has been released by Burton. probably a load of doodoo's but would Dodoo do ?

He would certainly ron ron ron.

Somebody told me his name was Bill

Quoted from MuddyWaters

He would certainly ron ron ron.

He’s not going to do this Ron.

Somebody told me his name was Bill

Quoted from MuddyWaters

He would certainly ron ron ron.

He’s not going to do this Ron.

Somebody told me his name was Bill

Just when you thought this thread couldn’t go downhill.

I think I’m having a brain haemorrhage

Side note....
This thread is nearly at 365k views
It was created on November 20th 2022
This was 72 days ago
That's on average, 5070 times a day

We've signed 1 player

Sorry, just passing time

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

noticed that Joe Dodoo has been released by Burton. probably a load of doodoo's but would Dodoo do ?

Must be a scouser - "de doo doh, don't de"

Will we get to 300 pages?

Quoted from ska face

I think I’m having a brain haemorrhage

Not likely ... as you can spell "haemorrhage" :)

Quoted from MarinerRob

Will we get to 300 pages?

Probably. The last few of which will be full of joyous celebration or abject misery.

Feel like an expectant father in a maternity ward.

Cigar and booze ready to go.

Club has tweeted the eyes... and so it begins!

Finally. I was just about to try and enter a self induced coma for a couple of hours.

Presumably George Lloyd.

Quoted from GhostDan

Club has tweeted the eyes... and so it begins!

“Looking for cheap flights? Fly Manchester to Dallas with havingyourpantsdown.com”

I genuinely think there’d be a swarm of Grimsby fans setting BP alight if it was another advert!

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620449568797368320?s=46&t=ge7pjEr5PDRURfUZSEutKQ

Love this

You watch…they’ll fúcking do it as well.

And if that advert has JR Ewing on it then its signed sealed delivered.

TICK TOCK

Watch out 4 o'clock is coming.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620449568797368320?s=46&t=ge7pjEr5PDRURfUZSEutKQ

Love this

WTF does that imply?

We've signed Anton Decanovic from Hadjuk Split.

Quoted from RonMariner

WTF does that imply?

It will be in reference to the fan that was moaning about no signings but happy to tweet adverts (i must say something JF never did).

Does that mean we are not signing Dallas then?

Hurst's so excited about this one he's literally speechless:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/mWuQzfu.png[/img]

288 pages before the second signing, we need about 576 more pages before 11pm people to get another 5 players signed.....

One down. Industrious, young striker.

Hopefully just the start of things. Suspect they’ll beat least one more in the next two or three hours.

Quoted from RonMariner

Does that mean we are not signing Dallas then?

Not necessarily, would be my take. Watch this space.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Hurst's so excited about this one he's literally speechless:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/mWuQzfu.png[/img]

You would think they could get that right after all this waiting. Small in the great scheme of things but too many daft mistakes like that are slipping through.

Is it a loan or permanent deal?

It's a loan. I'd be surprised if it became anything more as he's from Gloucester and been at Cheltenham etc
Nethertheless I trust PH and look forward to seeing him play. Utm

Ron REALLY wants to know if it’s a loan or permanent, people!

On loan until the end of the season

Yes yes yes loan loan loan Ron Ron Ron ;D

Quoted from Heisenberg

Ron REALLY wants to know if it’s a loan or permanent, people!

Should have guessed it was a loan given he is called Lloyd.

Mansfield fan on 1FF has just said Kellan Gordon is signing for us...

Quoted from Son of Cod

Mansfield fan on 1FF has just said Kellan Gordon is signing for us...

Who?

The player that is not the fan….

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

288 pages before the second signing, we need about 576 more pages before 11pm people to get another 5 players signed.....

I think RonMariner has taken this to heart... ;)

Quoted from grimsby pete

Yes yes yes loan loan loan Ron Ron Ron ;D

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Quoted from RonMariner

Who?

The player that is not the fan….

25 year old right back. Stoke/Derby youth product, 68 appearances for Stags since 2019.

Quoted from 137

I think Ronmariner has taken this to heart... ;)

The triple post was due to palpitations after refreshing this thread five hundred times in the last hour.

Quoted from RonMariner

Who?

The player that is not the fan….

Just a tip that you can go to a website like google and type in a footballer's name and you get loads of information about who they are and their playing history. Like this which shows Kellan Gordon has been in and out of Mansfield's starting line-up this season, playing at both right midfield and right back, including 69 minutes against us in the tinpot trophy which ended 2-0 to town:

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kellan-gordon/leistungsdaten/spieler/370138

Quoted from Son of Cod

25 year old right back. Stoke/Derby youth product, 68 appearances for Stags since 2019.

I will say this only once…….

I wonder if it’s a loan or permanent deal?

Quoted from Chrisblor

Just a tip that you can go to a website like google and type in a footballer's name and you get loads of information about who they are and their playing history. Like this which shows Kellan Gordon has been in and out of Mansfield's starting line-up this season, playing at both right midfield and right back, including 69 minutes against us in the tinpot trophy which ended 2-0 to town:

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kellan-gordon/leistungsdaten/spieler/370138

True, but that would mean leaving this thread for a few seconds. I am glued to it.

Would make sense to have cover at right back with Cropper out. Not hugely positive in terms of the propspect of signing Mullarkey though.

Quoted from RonMariner

Who?

The player that is not the fan….

I can't believe you'd think posters on this forum are pedantic enough to explain who the fan is..... ;D

Quoted from pontoonlew

George Lloyd it is

I wonder how the deal came about and if he knows any of the other players 🤔

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

Would make sense to have cover at right back with Cropper out. Not hugely positive in terms of the propspect of signing Mullarkey though.

After watching that Leeds documentary and seeing how late in the day deals can change I won't rule anything done or not until the window closes or an announcement says otherwise. Leeds had the player sign all the paperwork, they had him pose for photos with the shirt and everything, they were just waiting for the paperwork from Swansea to come through and the owner called it off in the last 5 minutes of the window. ;D

Will just have to let the day play out and see.

4 football league transfers announced at 4pm, this window has legs in it yet. Seems to be on the half hour or hour everyone announces their done deals...6 minutes to go until Dallas is revealed then!

Quoted from lukeo

It's a loan. I'd be surprised if it became anything more as he's from Gloucester and been at Cheltenham etc
Nethertheless I trust PH and look forward to seeing him play. Utm

I know he looks young, but he is not still at school is he?

Lloyd sounds like a very Hurst-like player, an LJL-alike in many respects.

That's certainly not a bad thing as, with McAtee and one or two other players, we have the guile to complement the hustle and bustle. We've been lacking the hustle and bustle side of things so certainly adds something to the squad.

Now for a bit more guile...

Quoted from Son of Cod

25 year old right back. Stoke/Derby youth product, 68 appearances for Stags since 2019.

Ah a full back - I knew PH wouldn’t let us down…

Quoted from Maringer

Lloyd sounds like a very Hurst-like player, an LJL-alike in many respects.

That's certainly not a bad thing as, with McAtee and one or two other players, we have the guile to complement the hustle and bustle. We've been lacking the hustle and bustle side of things so certainly adds something to the squad.

Now for a bit more guile...

Definately similar to McAtee or even Sam Jones.

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

4 football league transfers announced at 4pm, this window has legs in it yet. Seems to be on the half hour or hour everyone announces their done deals...6 minutes to go until Dallas is revealed then!

If Dallas is going to happen, it will happen around 7pm tonight. Solihull will want it announced before their game with Notts County, but not so early Notts have time to prepare for it.

Hurst has at last composed himself and put together some thoughts on Lloyd:

“George is a player I’ve been aware of for some time and I’ve been tracking him for a while. It’s taken some time to get him in because of his situation throughout the window and Cheltenham waiting to bring players in but he’s always been a target of ours.

“I’m really happy to get him in the building. He’s an attacking player that won’t give defenders a minute’s rest. He’s young, hungry and keen to try get more gametime. I’m sure that, when he does that, he’ll add more goals to his game and I’m delighted to get him in.”

Quoted from Poojah

If Dallas is going to happen, it will happen around 7pm tonight. Solihull will want it announced before their game with Notts County, but not so early Notts have time to prepare for it.

Sensible posts not allowed spoiling the fun

Quoted from Poojah

If Dallas is going to happen, it will happen around 7pm tonight. Solihull will want it announced before their game with Notts County, but not so early Notts have time to prepare for it.

Thought exactly the same and said that to a friend today... Wouldn't of expected any potential Dallas announcement till minimum 6:30pm

Now this one i think will come good, why because the lad gives 110% which you can see from his media clips etc (and not just saying he does). And of course has the same football attitude as me when i use to play, 110% (if i come of the pitch not knackered i havent done enough).

Grimsby have signed Cheltenham forward George Lloyd on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has made 84 league appearances for the Robins since making his debut at the age of 17.

He could make his debut for the Mariners in Saturday's trip to Crewe.

"When it came about, I gave it a bit of thought and spoke to the manager. That made me really want to come down and I'm glad that it's done

El General convincing his man to join, well done

Quoted from Chrisblor

Hurst has at last composed himself and put together some thoughts on Lloyd:

“George is a player I’ve been aware of for some time and I’ve been tracking him for a while. It’s taken some time to get him in because of his situation throughout the window and Cheltenham waiting to bring players in but he’s always been a target of ours.

“I’m really happy to get him in the building. He’s an attacking player that won’t give defenders a minute’s rest. He’s young, hungry and keen to try get more gametime. I’m sure that, when he does that, he’ll add more goals to his game and I’m delighted to get him in.”

About a year ago I caught around 2 minutes of an EFL game where there was a Cheltenham striker who literally chased down the defenders relentlessly - I really hope this is him as he looked a nightmare for defenders….

Quoted from Heisenberg

About a year ago I caught around 2 minutes of an EFL game where there was a Cheltenham striker who literally chased down the defenders relentlessly - I really hope this is him as he looked a nightmare for defenders….

If he is that sort of player , I can see the fans warming to him and egging him on ....we love a trier

Despite what was mentioned previously, I can categorically inform you that Dallas was not at Cheapside at that time...

Frantically scanning the background in the 'settling in' video for any other new faces.

BTW, is it possible that Dallas can still play for SM tonight, and officially sign for us after the game?

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Frantically scanning the background in the 'settling in' video for any other new faces.

BTW, is it possible that Dallas can still play for SM tonight, and officially sign for us after the game?

Possible, but if he’s on that Solihull team sheet I wouldn’t get your hopes up.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Frantically scanning the background in the 'settling in' video for any other new faces.

BTW, is it possible that Dallas can still play for SM tonight, and officially sign for us after the game?

Theoretically yes. As long as it’s all complete by 11pm.

Who in their right mind would play a game for his old team on the night he had to sign for a new one? That's just daft.

If he's in the Solihull squad tonight, he's not coming here.

Quoted from Maringer

Who in their right mind would play a game for his old team on the night he had to sign for a new one? That's just daft.

If he's in the Solihull squad tonight, he's not coming here.

I agree on this.
If we are interested and he's playing, then it's not happening

I guess , I will see more in the morning. I need my beauty sleep. Night night fellas.

Quoted from Mayaman

I guess , I will see more in the morning. I need my beauty sleep. Night night fellas.

No way he's getting to sleep...

Too much twitted in the new lad makes me worry and think we're not going to see much more happen if anything. Hopefully I'm wrong.

More on Twitter about Bradford being interested in Dallas now! FFS

Quoted from The Dogs Testicles

More on Twitter about Bradford being interested in Dallas now! FFS

Don't worry we were told remember

Quoted from wacca wacca

Andrew dallas has been seen with his agent getting out of a BMW at cheapside. 100% is coming here you all have my word. Hartlepool have moved onto new targets to further rule that out. Genuinely 100% happening you all have my word

Given our financial restrictions I shall be gob smacked if Dallas signs for us.

Quoted from The Dogs Testicles

More on Twitter about Bradford being interested in Dallas now! FFS

Town put Ant & Dec on their Twitter, which would be pointless unless we have signed him. That said I do recall a picture of the Boreham Wood gates before Chesterfield signed Tshimanga.

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Given our financial restrictions I shall be gob smacked if Dallas signs for us.

What restrictions, we paid reportedly 100k for Hunt. Have probably put about the same on the table for Dallas and if Vernam is permanent you’d imagine it’s in that region.

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Given our financial restrictions I shall be gob smacked if Dallas signs for us.

Perhaps JS & AP have discovered the theory and practical side of running a club are two very different things.

Quoted from DB

Town put Ant & Dec on their Twitter, which would be pointless unless we have signed him. That said I do recall a picture of the Boreham Wood gates before Chesterfield signed Tshimanga.

What's the link between Ant and Dec and Dallas? I just assumed that was because they were joking about putting an advert up?

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Given our financial restrictions I shall be gob smacked if Dallas signs for us.

We can easily afford the deal. That’s not an issue in this case.

Quoted from Surrey97

We can easily afford the deal. That’s not an issue in this case.

What is the issue in this case then Surrey?

Quoted from Surrey97

We can easily afford the deal. That’s not an issue in this case.

Is the issue he simply doesn't want to sign for us?

I've been sniffing around some of our current players following lists on Instagram to see if they've recently followed anyone interesting. I can now exclusively reveal this has uncovered absolutely intercourse all, none of them have followed anyone we've been linked to as far as I can see.

Quoted from Surrey97

We can easily afford the deal. That’s not an issue in this case.

Well that leaves an obvious question….

Quoted from jaf243

What is the issue in this case then Surrey?

He's probably got some stupid agent in his ear advising him that going to strikers graveyard Bradford or staying at Solihull and trying to sign for a club at a higher level in the Summer will be "better for his career"

Thought we needed 4/5 players before some of the loans went back so I hope there’s at least another 3 in before the deadline window SLAMS SHUT

Dallas, Vernam and Mullarkey would be excellent business but it seems to have gone quiet regarding the latter 2 players

Quoted from Chrisblor

He's probably got some stupid agent in his ear advising him that going to strikers graveyard Bradford or staying at Solihull and trying to sign for a club at a higher level in the Summer will be "better for his career"

still sticking to my earlier post that he's a town player. but in an hour a halfs time when the solihull team news is out, i guess i'll see if ive been led up the garden path

Yeah, it’ll be a flipping agent.

Quoted from ginnywings

Feel like an expectant father in a maternity ward.

Cigar and booze ready to go.

One safely delivered.

Hoping for twins, triplets or quads now. :)

Quoted from Son of Cod

What's the link between Ant and Dec and Dallas? I just assumed that was because they were joking about putting an advert up?

A
n
t

D
e
c

Andrew Dallas

Quoted from DB

A
n
t

D
e
c

Andrew Dallas

So the actual joke went over your head then 🤣

Not saying there is an issue necessarily, it’s just down to the player making the decision. I’m hoping it’s true that he’s signed for us, last I heard was that it was in the balance but that was this morning. Personally I have a sceptical feeling on this one, but that might just be the Town fan in me!

Quoted from DB

A
n
t

D
e
c

Andrew Dallas

Incredible Holmes.

Quoted from Chrisblor

He's probably got some stupid agent in his ear advising him that going to strikers graveyard Bradford or staying at Solihull and trying to sign for a club at a higher level in the Summer will be "better for his career"

One thing I realised is Hurst and Ardley are really good mates. Hopefully the lad gets some advice from his current manager aswell…

Quoted from Mikey_345

What restrictions, we paid reportedly 100k for Hunt. Have probably put about the same on the table for Dallas and if Vernam is permanent you’d imagine it’s in that region.

I know we paid a fee for Hunt - but 100K have no idea?
Anyway I was really referring to to our pay structure.

Quoted from Chrisblor

He's probably got some stupid agent in his ear advising him that going to strikers graveyard Bradford or staying at Solihull and trying to sign for a club at a higher level in the Summer will be "better for his career"

Bradford fan on 1FF reckons they aren't in for him now.

Quoted from DB

A
n
t

D
e
c

Andrew Dallas

Tenuous at best that!

I think with Dallas I'm just going to ignore everything that's said on here and Twitter.

6:45pm onwards, when the Solihull team is announced, will tell us if there's a chance!

Luton have loaned Marvelous Nakamba from Villa ... not cup-tied. Seems they're sweating already.

How could you not sign someone with a name like that, is the alternative take on that bit of business.

Bradford have had four weeks to go after Dallas why would they leave it this late.?

Don't believe anything on Twitter unless it's come from an official saurce.

Quoted from 137

Luton have loaned Marvelous Nakamba from Villa ... not cup-tied. Seems they're sweating already.

How could you not sign someone with a name like that, is the alternative take on that bit of business.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Bradford have had four weeks to go after Dallas why would they leave it this late.?

Don't believe anything on Twitter unless it's come from an official saurce.

The Bradford link is bóllocks according to the Telegraph and Argus, via the GY Telegraph.

[img]https://i.ibb.co/YRhMLTK/547-C27-A3-A5-D2-4-DF2-A987-8-BCCB9598-C99.jpg[/img]

Vernam deal now looking unlikely - dependant on Lincoln bringing in a winger where the current club are not budging.

Really hope we can get Dallas across the line.

Quoted from 137

Luton have loaned Marvelous Nakamba from Villa ... not cup-tied. Seems they're sweating already.

How could you not sign someone with a name like that, is the alternative take on that bit of business.

Players can’t play in a replay if they weren’t registered and available for the original tie.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Players can’t play in a replay if they weren’t registered and available for the original tie.

Makes sense.

When this madness is all over, we can make a league table based on the number of posts each fishyperson has
contributed to this thread.

RonMariner must stand a good chance of OJTWT glory... ;D

Hagrid getting a bit twitchy now? 😂

Quoted from 137

When this madness is all over, we can make a league table based on the number of posts each fishyperson has
contributed to this thread.

RonMariner must stand a good chance of OJTWT glory... ;D

Don't know what OJTWT but I'll take it if comes with a free pork pie.

Solihull team sheet due in 25 mins.

Quoted from Poojah

Solihull team sheet due in 25 mins.

Not sure how much more of this tension I can take.....time to take my meds.

Quoted from RonMariner

Don't know what OJTWT but I'll take it if comes with a free pork pie.

Official January Transfer Window Thread

Hearing a Scottish club now in for Dallas

Seen Motherwell mentioned as being in for Dallas

Quoted from Poojah

Solihull team sheet due in 25 mins.

🫣

Quoted from Brazilnut

Official January Transfer Window Thread

DOH!!!

Been a long day.......

Quoted from coddy60

🫣

Nobody watching to see if he got off the bus?

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Nobody watching to see if he got off the bus?

Unfortunately our spies were captured and are now being interrogated for information on who Paul Hurst will be playing in the next game.

Town have asked for another room, 5 rooms total now

Ged Garner signs for Barrow

Ged Garner goes to Barrow.

Sounds like Lincoln have missed out on the guy that was going to facilitate the Vernam deal.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Town have asked for another room, 5 rooms total now

More hot air with no substance

Quoted from Son of Cod

Sounds like Lincoln have missed out on the guy that was going to facilitate the Vernam deal.

Player is still available and wants to go but current club won’t let him move until they get one in.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Town have asked for another room, 5 rooms total now

Wasn't we at 5 rooms last night?

Quoted from grassbandits

Player is still available and wants to go but current club won’t let him move until they get one in.

It's just like buying a house. ;D

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Wasn't we at 5 rooms last night?

And Dallas had a room booked yesterday.

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Town have asked for another room, 5 rooms total now

Booked in the names of the respective players?

Tshimanga gone on loan to Peterboro

Still reading page 286. Have we made 300?

Quoted from Poojah

Booked in the names of the respective players?

Nope, these ones are booked under GTFC

Quoted from Kris2

And Dallas had a room booked yesterday.

Room was provisionally booked last night in case, he was expected to arrive today. Not sure if he has or not but all are booked until Sunday

Quoted from mike_d

Still reading page 286. Have we made 300?

we'll be there in about 2 minutes

Let's see if dallas is in the Solihull team at 6.45for tonights game.

Can’t help but have a bad feeling about Dallas

Quoted from crusty ole pie

300

Thought I was the only one making triple posts!

Never the mind the quality, look at the size of it

Quoted from bradzmilne

Can’t help but have a bad feeling about Dallas

I think we’ve had enough exciting names only to be let down in the end for enough windows for us all to have a dreadful feeling as to where this is heading

Quoted from bradzmilne

Can’t help but have a bad feeling about Dallas

Oh ye of little faith. It's not over until the window slams shut.

Quoted from RonMariner

Thought I was the only one making triple posts!

Am I follower of fashion o yes i am

https://twitter.com/SolihullMoors/status/1620493695849238528

We've copulated it lads

Dallas in the Solihull squad

That’s that then

Dallas starts for SMFC

That's the end of that then

Dallas starts for Solihull tonight

Load of cobblers that Dallas rumour.
‘You have my word’, my bottom!

intercourse Sake

Well im sorry, passed on what i was told and it was clearly wrong. Gutted, really thought we had him

Load of cobblers that Dallas rumour.
‘You have my word’, my bottom!

intercourse Sake

Well im sorry, passed on what i was told and it was clearly wrong. Gutted, really thought we had him

Can only guess his wage demands weren't matched

Could still sign for us might be 1 last game for him, we shall see in a few hours regardless.

He got back from cheapside quick

We're gonna do another 300 pages of recriminations after this window shuts if Hurst doesn't pull some massive rabbits out of the hat in the next 4 hours.

Well thats that then...

People saying he may sign after the game need to Get real!
For one why would Town be stupid enough to sign him and let him play, which could end in serious injury.

Hurst has got a BIG task in these next few hours and now I'm at the point where Lloyd and even a Vernam or Mullarkey wont cut it....

We will have to class this as a poor window and BIG gamble from the club unless anything big happens.

Could be blowing it out of proportion but that is a big let down, whatever the circumstances are.

If nothing changes, this window has been a real disaster.

I can't help but look below us for the rest of the season

I haven't got the stamina for 300 pages of recriminations!

And let's face it, Dallas has only made one decent assist in his entire footballing career.

He’s not going anywhere then unless it’s the National League - could be going to Chesterfield to replace Tshimanga I guess…

Time to start huffing that copium that we'll manage to sign some decent players in the window and not another couple of kids on loan. Impossible could happen but not likely we'd want him playing for them if he's signing for us today. My guess is talks went nowhere with him at this point. Big let down because got multiple people telling me it's happening since yesterday and in summer with nothing to show for it. Even the papers seemed sure a deal was on and he was on the Solihull team bus all along.

Surely not?

Must have done a McAtee and loaned him back to Solihull. ;D

Ged Garner gone to Barrow too. Was hoping for one of them at least.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

If nothing changes, this window has been a real disaster.

I can't help but look below us for the rest of the season

If we don’t pull out 2 more forwards (and not some kid from an academy) along with one other then it’s been an absolutely shite window and one that a lot of people were slated for predicting weeks ago.

I’m fully in ‘concerned’ territory now and I can’t see how we get out of this window with a decent return.

Club have got to pull something out the bag because its looking like a very poor window with a threadbare squad

Just sorry again to all for getting your hopes up, really believed what id been told

This is the worst transfer window ever. Just shows our ambition. Hopefully we'll just escape the dreaded drop but it will be a close shave!

Feel badly let down, can't Chelsea lend us a few?

Quoted from Hagrid

Club have got to pull something out the bag because its looking like a very poor window with a threadbare squad

Just sorry again to all for getting your hopes up, really believed what id been told

I’m sterilising a rusty spoon as we speak.

Not looking good is it?

Hagrid, go straight to the foot of the stairs!

This is worrying, I’m still prepared to wait until 11 as we don’t know what’s happening really. But if we go through yet another window unable to attract a decent striking option serious questions need to be asked.

Just tried to explain the severity to the Mrs of us not getting a Striker, specifically Dallas. She said “has nobody else applied for the job?”

Bath & Bed time me thinks, I’m usually on the “happy clapper” side of the fence, but at the moment this window is a complete disaster.

Quoted from Kris2

Time to start huffing that copium that we'll manage to sign some decent players in the window and not another couple of kids on loan. Impossible could happen but not likely we'd want him playing for them if he's signing for us today. My guess is talks went nowhere with him at this point. Big let down because got multiple people telling me it's happening since yesterday and in summer with nothing to show for it. Even the papers seemed sure a deal was on and he was on the Solihull team bus all along.

A team bus from Solihull to Solihull ?

Hoping he wants 45 minutes to say goodbye and Thankyou ( clutching at straws )

Now what?

There has to be something spectacular over the next couple of hours or a lot of people will feel deeply let down.

Stick with what I said weeks ago, we need to sign a proper striker or we sleep walk into twitchy territory towards the end of the season.

A couple of loanees before 11 o’clock does not cut it

I'm not slating anyone in particular, but if your not concerned that our already below mid table team, has got weaker and smaller, whilst everyone else have improved....

Room is still booked for the optimists out there 🤣🤣

But very much agree, needs to be something out the bag. 2 goals across 4 striking options this season isn’t good enough.

Why are we still shopping in the bargain basement?

Keep the faith, we still have our loaded fries and IPA

Rumour on here that Dallas is coming, gets put on twitter, picked up by a paper, people take that article as proof he’s coming. Queue absolute melt down when we don’t get a player we don’t even know we were in for.

I’d like players to come in but not going to throw my toys out of the pram if it doesn’t happen.

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

Quoted from chaos33

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

To be fair, it was Keith Curle’s comment which kicked the whole thing off. If we weren’t remotely interested it’s a bit of an odd thing for him to say, isn’t it?

Don’t think it’s looking very good at all, potentially one through the door but it’s going to be a disappointment never the less.

Quoted from chaos33

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

Or he’s staying at a place he’s settled and earning more money

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

Room is still booked for the optimists out there 🤣🤣

But very much agree, needs to be something out the bag. 2 goals across 4 striking options this season isn’t good enough.

More hot air and no substance as far as rooms go

Quoted from Poojah

I’m sterilising a rusty spoon as we speak.

Wouldn't that defeat the object?

Have to say the windows been a massive let down in all honesty.
What would be nice is some honesty from the club as to why we're failing to attract our top targets.
This isn't a dig but to know why, that after 31 days, we've managed only 2 loans..

Quoted from Brummie Codfather

Rumour on here that Dallas is coming, gets put on twitter, picked up by a paper, people take that article as proof he’s coming. Queue absolute melt down when we don’t get a player we don’t even know we were in for.

I’d like players to come in but not going to throw my toys out of the pram if it doesn’t happen.

If we fail to secure players after selling multiple players for decent fees and our best cup run in recent memory, then serious questions need to be asked of the club IMO

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Have to say the windows been a massive let down in all honesty.
What would be nice is some honesty from the club as to why we're failing to attract our top targets.
This isn't a dig but to know why, that after 31 days, we've managed only 2 loans..

Maybe some harsh lessons are being learnt about how these january transfer windows can be, and weve been too patient with other clubs promising to let players go when theyve found a replacement

Let's wait until the curtain closes before condemning the club.

Do we definitely know we were in for him? Wouldn’t surprise me to see a player or two still land in the next hour or two

After Dallas or not, it doesn't hide the fact that...
Khan & Taylor are injured, and both are starters

People - granted he wasn't great
Simmonds
Richardson
Kiernan
JMD
Have all left

And we've signed 2, 1 youngster, who could be great, and 1 who's on a last chance to make it in the EFL....

:X :X :X

So no one was able to persuade him to sign, even though a couple met Solihull's valuation? Weird.

Of course it's possible he may be going to Wrexham, the window does not apply to NL clubs. They can pay whatever he asks for. Notts County and Chesterfield too probably.

Quoted from GrimRob

Let's wait until the curtain closes before condemning the club.

But why does he seem to love playing Russian roulette?

Get a deal done on January 1st if it's a player you really want. Players love to be wanted, as we all do. Get a deal done early and then the pressure is off. All this waiting on other clubs is ridiculous.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Have to say the windows been a massive let down in all honesty.
What would be nice is some honesty from the club as to why we're failing to attract our top targets.
This isn't a dig but to know why, that after 31 days, we've managed only 2 loans..

Like I posted before when JS told Matt Dean that players don't want to come to Grimsby, Matt Dean should have asked WHY

Then we would all know.

Quoted from chaos33

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

If you’re looking for a lack of ambition, then look closer to home. You can have as many people doing recruitment as you want but if we’re not prepared to pay the going rate plus for a striker, we aren’t going to get what we want.

I’m on my knees praying to be proved wrong but, with this squad as it currently stands, I see us in a relegation struggle.

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we fail to secure players after selling multiple players for decent fees and our best cup run in recent memory, then serious questions need to be asked of the club IMO

Not to mention great season ticket sales (which I don’t believe will be repeated next season) and merchandise sales, leaves me a bit worried for the future. If we can’t compete financially this season, how are we meant to going forward?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

But why does he seem to love playing Russian roulette?

Get a deal done on January 1st if it's a player you really want. Players love to be wanted, as we all do. Get a deal done early and then the pressure is off. All this waiting on other clubs is ridiculous.

You are forgetting it takes 2, maybe 3 to make a deal!

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we fail to secure players after selling multiple players for decent fees and our best cup run in recent memory, then serious questions need to be asked of the club IMO

I opened a psychic portal to next week's fans forum and I can tell you the club's answers now:

- It's hard to sign players in January

and

- You can't sign players if they don't want to come here

Shortly after that people started flipping tables and chucking chairs around McMenamy's and my paraversal connection was severed

Quoted from Hagrid

Club have got to pull something out the bag because its looking like a very poor window with a threadbare squad

Just sorry again to all for getting your hopes up, really believed what id been told

Not your fault. You were mislead.

Just before you get castrated would you mind paying a visit to you source and kicking his head in please? Why do people spout such balderdash? Got a great deal of people's hopes up, which makes the non signing even more disappointing.

Never before has news of Solihull's team selection sent the Fishy into such a frenzy.

Quoted from DB

Like I posted before when JS told Matt Dean that players don't want to come to Grimsby, Matt Dean should have asked WHY

Then we would all know.

Its usually money DB. Plenty of players come to Grimsby as we all know, but probably very few of them are our first choices because they can get better terms elsewhere.

Quoted from Poojah

Never before has news of Solihull's team selection sent the Fishy into such a frenzy.

Not even in the play off final.

Quoted from chaos33

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

A big EFL club? Wake up and smell the fish , if you are referring to us you are about 70 years too late. We can’t compete with the barrows, fleetwoods & Wycombes of the EFL. Embarrassing

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Its usually money DB. Plenty of players come to Grimsby as we all know, but probably very few of them are our first choices because they can get better terms elsewhere.

Lew, when will you accept Grimsby is not a great proposition for some players..
Take the rose tinted specs off pal, itz not the town it was 25 years ago, its on its ar$e and it's starting to show..

When it became clear that Dallas was not signing for us, I think the club should have made a statement that ph was no longer perusing that line to find out by a Solihull team sheet was cruel

Quoted from RonMariner

Not your fault. You were mislead.

Just before you get castrated would you mind paying a visit to you source and kicking his head in please? Why do people spout such balderdash? Got a great deal of people's hopes up, which makes the non signing even more disappointing.

With absolute pleasure.
Solihulls Reporter stating on Social Media it was Dallas Rejecting us

Quoted from crusty ole pie

When it became clear that Dallas was not signing for us, I think the club should have made a statement that ph was no longer perusing that line to find out by a Solihull team sheet was cruel

I think the club have got enough on without issuing statements in relation to every half arsed rumour on the internet.

Quoted from crusty ole pie

When it became clear that Dallas was not signing for us, I think the club should have made a statement that ph was no longer perusing that line to find out by a Solihull team sheet was cruel

Why would the club issue an official statement about a player contracted to another club? That would be weird as intercourse.

If things stay as they are we still have a capable side. Keep the faith, its not the end of the world. We have a good bunch of players who deserve respect. They have pulled off some great results this season. Three league 1 scalps, held Championship Luton at their place and a potential away trip to Southampton in the offering. Still have the potential to climb the league. Definitely more positives than negatives this season and plenty to play for.

Quoted from Hagrid

With absolute pleasure.
Solihulls Reporter stating on Social Media it was Dallas Rejecting us

Very depressing that with a highly regarded manager, respected new owners, a great fan base that he saw in the play off, that we couldn't persuade him to sign.

Would we still be in for Sbarra (again if we ever were?)

Quoted from heppy88

If things stay as they are we still have a capable side. Keep the faith, its not the end of the world. We have a good bunch of players who deserve respect. They have pulled off some great results this season. Three league 1 scalps, held Championship Luton at their place and a potential away trip to Southampton in the offering. Still have the potential to climb the league. Definitely more positives than negatives this season and plenty to play for.

We’ve only got 30 points. Only 7 out of the last 30. We’re still three players down plus injuries to key players (Khan and Taylor) plus Cropper.

What is it that we are doing wrong in negotiations? Is it just money?

We get rejected because I’m guessing the money we offer isn’t right. Money talks. Do you think Mullin would chose Wrexham just for the sheep? He’s there for the dosh. He can buy as many sheep as he can handle because of the wage they pay him.
I’m not saying we can afford 9k a week but it would be interesting to know what we offer.

Quoted from RonMariner

What is it that we are doing wrong?

We keep getting relegated to non league would be my guess.

Quoted from Northbank Mariner

Lew, when will you accept Grimsby is not a great proposition for some players..
Take the rose tinted specs off pal, itz not the town it was 25 years ago, its on its ar$e and it's starting to show..

I do accept that. That is obvious. Location, any location will be a factor in decisions being made. What you might term lovely places may nevertheless be completely unsuitable for some players.

However, we will always sign players from all over the country. The 2 loanees from Preston and Cheltenham for the next 5 months and almost the entirety of our current squad came from all over the country. That is not the issue per se, but the ones in demand will expect the best terms and we can't seem to provide them.

Quoted from chaos33

If the rumour is true that we’ve tried to sign him, and it’s a big ‘if’……if he’s chosen to stay at a middling and small conference club instead of signing for a big EFL club, then you’d have to question his sense of logic/perspective/ambition.

The whole thing could have been b0ll0cks, of course.

Or he is going to another N L team instead . Notts County ?

Quoted from 140381

We keep getting relegated to non league would be my guess.

But Dallas is a NL player. Maybe he thinks he is better than L2 or L1, but I am not aware anyone from the championship is interested in him.

less than 4hrs too go and all we have is 2 young lads on loan,appalling window ,the usual excuses will come out,,location blah blah ,when the truth is we are too tight and have zero ambition,but lets not worry because weve got scotch eggs and 7 diversity officers at BP,soon be able to read all about it in JS,s latest Guardian column .very very poor

I am reminded of an old expression my mother used to say......

I feel like I've found a sixpence and lost a quid.

Embarrassing that we can't convince a player like that to come. We've had a mere 2 loanees signed and I'm not having the sh!t that it's a bad area nobody wants to move to.. Nobody wants to go to other dumps in the league but it hasn't stopped people. Going to be so disappointed when we end up with another loanee through the door when the window slams shut, missed the boat with Ged Garner aswell with a decent record at Fleetwood. Time will tell but think we will all end up bitterly disappointed.

Quoted from RonMariner

But Dallas is a NL player. Maybe he thinks he is better than L2 or L1, but I am not aware anyone from the championship is interested in him.

I know, but if you’re going to make the jump, you’d possibly rather go to a club that’s established league 2. Rather than us who’ve spent most of our recent years in NL.

We’re a gamble like it or not. It’ll change in time.

Quoted from 140381

I think the club have got enough on without issuing statements in relation to every half arsed rumour on the internet.

The three minute Twitter video showin GL signing didn’t suggest Hurst had a lot on .

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Embarrassing that we can't convince a player like that to come. We've had a mere 2 loanees signed and I'm not having the sh!t that it's a bad area nobody wants to move to.. Nobody wants to go to other dumps in the league but it hasn't stopped people. Going to be so disappointed when we end up with another loanee through the door when the window slams shut, missed the boat with Ged Garner aswell with a decent record at Fleetwood. Time will tell but think we will all end up bitterly disappointed.

It looks like nobody has convinced Dallas to sign for them which tells me he's looking to maximise his wage in the summer.

Quoted from bawarmy

I’m not saying we can afford 9k a week but it would be interesting to know what we offer.

I suppose we offer what we believe is fair and SUSTAINABLE. If then the player goes elsewhere then so be it. The majority of us were happy when 1878 took the reigns. To be honest I think most could feel the huge, collective, sigh of relief when Fenty left. But we knew then and we know now they want to run the club in a sustainable manner. Throwing stupid money at players who probably don't give a flying fu{k about the club, the Town or its fans, shouldn't be welcomed by any of us, especially if we want to continue to have a club long into the future.

Quoted from heppy88

I suppose we offer what we believe is fair and SUSTAINABLE. If then the player goes elsewhere then so be it. The majority of us were happy when 1878 took the reigns. To be honest I think most could feel the huge, collective, sigh of relief when Fenty left. But we knew then and we know now they want to run the club in a sustainable manner. Throwing stupid money at players who probably don't give a flying fu{k about the club, the Town or its fans, shouldnt be welcomed by any of us, if we want to continue to have a club long into the future.

If we continue our current league form, we might not have a future in the football league

Quoted from RonMariner

What is it that we are doing wrong in negotiations? Is it just money?

You sure we were in negotiations?

Quoted from GtfcGarner

Embarrassing that we can't convince a player like that to come. We've had a mere 2 loanees signed and I'm not having the sh!t that it's a bad area nobody wants to move to.. Nobody wants to go to other dumps in the league but it hasn't stopped people. Going to be so disappointed when we end up with another loanee through the door when the window slams shut, missed the boat with Ged Garner aswell with a decent record at Fleetwood. Time will tell but think we will all end up bitterly disappointed.

Yes, Garner has signed for those giants Barrow. FFS.

Quoted from coddy60

You sure we were in negotiations?

Exactly, all this is rumour. Have GTFC ever admitted an interest in Dallas ?

Quoted from RonMariner

Yes, Garner has signed for those giants Barrow. FFS.

OK, now this has been confirmed I can apologise for wrongly posting his initials.

Quoted from RonMariner

Yes, Garner has signed for those giants Barrow. FFS.

What are you on about?

Quoted from newarkmariner

less than 4hrs too go and all we have is 2 young lads on loan,appalling window ,the usual excuses will come out,,location blah blah ,when the truth is we are too tight and have zero ambition,but lets not worry because weve got scotch eggs and 7 diversity officers at BP,soon be able to read all about it in JS,s latest Guardian column .very very poor

Well said that man

Announce the poor old under-23s who are going to be lumbered with saving our season

Quoted from lukeo

OK, now this has been confirmed I can apologise for wrongly posting his initials.

Was it just a wild guess or did you have inside info?

Quoted from RonMariner

Yes, Garner has signed for those giants Barrow. FFS.

They have i believe paid a club record fee for him...

Kiernan not even on the bench for Walsall tonight... And we decided to let him go back...

Quoted from heppy88

I suppose we offer what we believe is fair and SUSTAINABLE. If then the player goes elsewhere then so be it. The majority of us were happy when 1878 took the reigns. To be honest I think most could feel the huge, collective, sigh of relief when Fenty left. But we knew then and we know now they want to run the club in a sustainable manner. Throwing stupid money at players who probably don't give a flying fu{k about the club, the Town or its fans, shouldnt be welcomed by any of us, if we want to continue to have a club long into the future.

Fully agree, however the club also has to show ambition, otherwise the crowds will naturally distinguish and the club becomes even more unattractable for players and potential investors.

I think we were very, very lucky to be promoted last season, probably what happened was a 1000/1 chance and I firmly believe the club could of capitalised on the momentum better.

We have received additional income this season that we probably didn't expect and I personally would prefer that money to be invested in the playing squad, rather than things such of fan zones, improving the stadium/pitch etc, and to some extent even paying Fenty off early (why pay him off early if we are not incurring interest for example).

You get it right on the pitch and the improvement in other areas happens naturally and easier.

Still 3 hours to go in this window and anything can happen, but if it doesn't, the club has taken, in my opinion, a big gamble this window.

We get some more negotiations underway now eastenders has finished.

Quoted from newarkmariner

less than 4hrs too go and all we have is 2 young lads on loan,appalling window ,the usual excuses will come out,,location blah blah ,when the truth is we are too tight and have zero ambition,but lets not worry because weve got scotch eggs and 7 diversity officers at BP,soon be able to read all about it in JS,s latest Guardian column .very very poor

It’s going to take much more than some thought to make Grimsby Town a preferable transfer destination. Money being the first thing.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Was it just a wild guess or did you have inside info?

No inside info just a wild guess / hunch with rumours I've seen elsewhere. Hence why I just wrote initials instead of teting to bang on about how we're signing someone etc.

Quoted from supertown

Exactly, all this is rumour. Have GTFC ever admitted an interest in Dallas ?

Almost 50 pages of speculation over more speculation on Twitter, at no point was any confirmation given we were in talks, never mind agreed a price (and btw didn't the quoted 100-130k fee for a non league striker with 6 months on their contract seem a tad high) yet meltdown ensues again when he starts a game for the club he is contracted to 🤦

Quoted from Japers

They have i believe paid a club record fee for him...

If the papers are to be believed (I appreciate some may not), then they could of paid as less as £25k, as the Mirror reports in July last year the following on their club record fee....

"Anthony Wilson's arrival from North Ferriby in 2014 saw Barrow, then in the Conference North, pay out £20,000. He lasted just over a year before moving around the non-league circuit."

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Kiernan not even on the bench for Walsall tonight... And we decided to let him go back...

No, he wouldn’t stay unless we gave him an 18-month contract. Hurst rightly refused.

Lincoln announce another incoming. Still a chance of Vernam?

I get people are disappointed. But I'm 37 and I've never known a time when we didn't struggle to sign good players and miss out on loads of targets.

I have known times when we have had teams full of gutless shirkers.

I fancy us to get at least 1 more in.

Quoted from coddy60

Almost 50 pages of speculation over more speculation on Twitter, at no point was any confirmation given we were in talks, never mind agreed a price (and btw didn't the quoted 100-130k fee for a non league striker with 6 months on their contract seem a tad high) yet meltdown ensues again when he starts a game for the club he is contracted to 🤦

I am sure El Generali will tell us the truth and clear it all up tommorrow

Quoted from GollyGTFC

No, he wouldn’t stay unless we gave him an 18-month contract. Hurst rightly refused.

I’d be happy right now if he signed an 18month contract

And Twitter tells me the floodlights are on.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Lincoln announce another incoming. Still a chance of Vernam?

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

If we don't get anyone we need a triple rollover to the next transfer window. We need to up the ante.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

Cracking Nightlife in Lincoln.

Quoted from GrimRob

If we don't get anyone we need a triple rollover to the next transfer window. We need to up the ante.

We may not have any more transfer windows at this rate…

Quoted from headingly_mariner

And Twitter tells me the floodlights are on.

[tweet]1620515224062427143[/tweet]

Off again!

Red crosses are out in force today aren't they....
Calm down everyone, 312 pages and only 2 signings. Many people chatting excrement in here clearly.
Go have a drink and log back in at 11pm

Quoted from newarkmariner

less than 4hrs too go and all we have is 2 young lads on loan,appalling window ,the usual excuses will come out,,location blah blah ,when the truth is we are too tight and have zero ambition,but lets not worry because weve got scotch eggs and 7 diversity officers at BP,soon be able to read all about it in JS,s latest Guardian column .very very poor

So you know what we offered to players then?

Don't understand some fans stance of 'if he he doesn't want to be here, then I don't want him here'.

He will want to be here if you pay him the right money....

There's no loyalty in football, which is the same as any day to day job.
If someone offers you more money for the same job, you take it.

I fully understand that we have a wage structure and also, it is about sustainability, but sometimes, just sometimes, you have to pay a little more than you want to, to progress further.

Hurst, sometimes, gives me the impression that he is more of a chairman holding the purse strings, than a manager.

Probably every user and 352 guest viewing the forum and not one person with an idea if anything is going on. Surely there’s an half decent striker amongst the 500 odd of us? 😂

Ffs is there no one down Cheapside or BP with a purple dildo keeping an eye out for some action?

It really does come across as a lack of ambition or inability to recruit . There must be some serious plans for the summer or the fan base can rightfully start questioning what’s going on from the top down . The fans have got behind the club in big numbers , ££ and involvement so things need to start happening or the inevitable stagnation will happen.

Quoted from Hagrid

Cracking Nightlife in Lincoln.

Nothing to do with it, young footballers today are tiring of the 24hr in your face social media obsessed lifestyle and are turning to quieter back to basic pastimes to help relax...

Brass rubbing...Lincoln is a mecca for it.

I'm usually quite calm with transfers etc but this is looking underwhelming oh well couple of hours left

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

It's an hour away.

That's not a stones throw away.

They're also a division higher than us and have greater resources thanks to a combination of consistently higher gates and significant investment from shareholders.

Quoted from diehardmariner

It's an hour away.

That's not a stones throw away.

They're also a division higher than us and have greater resources thanks to a combination of consistently higher gates and significant investment from shareholders.

You're clearly not Jordan Cropper

Quoted from headingly_mariner

I get people are disappointed. But I'm 37 and I've never known a time when we didn't struggle to sign good players and miss out on loads of targets.

I have known times when we have had teams full of gutless shirkers.

I fancy us to get at least 1 more in.

But we didn’t have 6000 plus season ticket holders and sold out the home end on multiple occasions or owners who repeatedly said the money is there then did we.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

Or the Cathedral

Quoted from BenBB

[tweet]1620515224062427143[/tweet]

Off again!

Could be that all the media bits are done and don't need the floodlights on anymore?

Quoted from Mendonca1995

I'm usually quite calm with transfers etc but this is looking underwhelming oh well couple of hours left

Can I go to bed?

We must have more money than ever in the bank - time we started paying the going rate instead of giving excuses. If the money is right you will get the players. Who's fault is this diabolical situation - it's definitely not us supporters.

1878 seem to have their priorities, but buying players doesn't seem to be one of them. They have invested in the training ground, and the FanZone (although nearly all of that was gifted to TV hem and work done for free) and they have joined this BCorp thing (whatever it is) plus several other things less memorable.

It's almost like they are only investing in the infrastructure so they can make a profit when they sell up.

Still time in this window yet...

If we can't sign Andy Dallas is Jr Ewing available?

Josh Emmanuel inbound

So, Dallas is out of contract in the summer when he just happens to be turning 24. He's settled, knows he's in demand, so why should he move anywhere now? If we were willing to pay Solihull, say £100K, why shouldn't he just pocket that amount from a club as a signing on fee in the summer? He'll probably bag over 20 goals this season to keep his name in the minds of all the League 1/2 managers desperate for a striker, so it's a no lose situation for him, unless he suffers a freak injury.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

1878 seem to have their priorities, but buying players doesn't seem to be one of them. They have invested in the training ground, and the FanZone (although nearly all of that was gifted to TV hem and work done for free) and they have joined this BCorp thing (whatever it is) plus several other things less memorable.

It's almost like they are only investing in the infrastructure so they can make a profit when they sell up.

Well you couldn’t accuse them of asset stripping 😉

Quoted from GyMariner

Josh Emmanuel inbound

Another right back. WTF? Are we selling Efette?

Quoted from RonMariner

Another right back. WTF? Are we selling Efette?

To be fair, Cropper is injured, so we could do with a right back

Quoted from RonMariner

Another right back. WTF? Are we selling Efette?

Hurst would have a team of right backs if he could

Now then lads, I’ve been out since tea time, have I missed anythi…..oh fūckinell

It's a striker we want - priority

A striker, a right back and a winger would have been a good day when we woke up this morning.

Josh Emanuel is a very good signing.

We'll probably end up signing David Emmanuel by accident!

Emmanuel would be an excellent signing

Wait, as in Josh Emmanuel from Hull?

Isn't he injured? Although he's played majority of his time in league 1 & Championship

We won’t be signing Josh Emanuel.

“He’d be the best full back in league two” - words from the north side of the bridge

Suggests the deal for Mullarkey is off then. Another loan

Quoted from Morph2000

We won’t be signing Josh Emanuel.

Has Hagrid's source confirmed it yet? ;)

Quoted from Morph2000

We won’t be signing Josh Emanuel.

Correct. He hasn’t played since November 2021 due to a mysterious, debilitating illness. We’ve covered this previously.

Apparently he's back and doesn't want to move to get back to fitness, so makes total sense I guess... Hope he's still as good as before his injury, as that would be some signing to be fair

Quoted from ska face

Now then lads, I’ve been out since tea time, have I missed anythi…..oh fūckinell

Hagrid had a very public vasectomy.

Quoted from diehardmariner

It's an hour away.

That's not a stones throw away.

They're also a division higher than us and have greater resources thanks to a combination of consistently higher gates and significant investment from shareholders.

It's not the fact it is an hour (although less from what can be considered our catchment area) it is the fact that they too are not in one of the more "desirable" places to play.

Their signings are pro rata to their position in the pyramid.

Quoted from GyMariner

Josh Emmanuel inbound

I mentioned him a few weeks ago but someone said he has some strange illness/injury I think

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Apparently he's back and doesn't want to move to get back to fitness, so makes total sense I guess... Hope he's still as good as before his injury, as that would be some signing to be fair

Fair enough. Reading further it seems Hull want him off their books. Would be a massive risk.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Hagrid had a very public vasectomy.

Er , castration , very different !

Quoted from Poojah

Fair enough. Reading further it seems Hull want him off their books. Would be a massive risk.

Judging by our current team, and it being deadline day, it's a risk 100% worth taking

Rochdale signing Malarkey...

Is Hursty working his away through his ‘bit of blue’ movie collection for a bit of transfer inspiration:

Debbie Does Dallas
Emmanuelle

Who’s next, Mona The Virgin Nymph?

Bradford will probably beat us to Ivor Deepthroat.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Judging by our current team, and it being deadline day, it's a risk 100% worth taking

Hurst is very risk-averse. He'd rather not sign anyone than bring in someone off piste.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Rochdale signing Malarkey...

Yep.

https://mobile.twitter.com/officiallydale/status/1620523689329700864

Quoted from supertown

Er , castration , very different !

No, it went wrong because the spoon was rusty and none of us had a clue what we were doing! We could have Googled it up but we 134 tabs open in Chrome already on constant refresh mode.

Quoted from Hagrid

Josh Emanuel is a very good signing.

He was at Ipswich when Hurst was there, so you never know.

Quoted from Poojah

Yep.

https://mobile.twitter.com/officiallydale/status/1620523689329700864

Christ sake.

Location against us again i guess

lol if we finish deadline day having only signed a forward who's scored about 3 goals in the last century and a full-back who hasn't played a single minute of football in the last year due to a mysterious illness then i think i'm gonna have a full on meltdown

Official GTFC Twitter: new signing in 10 minutes

and i would p*ss myself if he got relegated with them haha

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol if we finish deadline day having only signed a forward who's scored about 3 goals in the last century and a full-back who hasn't played a single minute of football in the last year due to a mysterious illness then i think i'm gonna have a full on meltdown

Nobody seems to know the deal with Emmanuel to be fair, but IF he's fit enough to play, he's a much better signing than Malarkey...

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol if we finish deadline day having only signed a forward who's scored about 3 goals in the last century and a full-back who hasn't played a single minute of football in the last year due to a mysterious illness then i think i'm gonna have a full on meltdown

Meanwhile at Blundell Park…

[img]https://media.tenor.com/1y124NL24rgAAAAd/homer-simpson-nuclear-meltdown-stopped-by-fluke.gif[/img]

Blokes obviously a decent player but one assumes he’s been available throughout the window so the fact we are only trying to bring him at this hour of the transfer window suggests he’s far from PH’s first choice.

Reminds me of our relegation January window as tried to sign anyone who would come here whether they be unfit, playing two leagues lower or in someone’s under 21’s.

Still time I suppose for the proverbial rabbit to get pulled out of the hat.

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol if we finish deadline day having only signed a forward who's scored about 3 goals in the last century and a full-back who hasn't played a single minute of football in the last year due to a mysterious illness then i think i'm gonna have a full on meltdown

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uyXWMi9.png[/img]

McAtee's Wikipedia just after he signed for us, doesn't look that great either to be fair!

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620524739394691072

Assume it’ll be Josh Emmanuel as he’s the only one been reported. Like to be pleasantly surprised though.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Rochdale signing Malarkey...

Another player we were rumored to be signing goes to one of the giants of the game.

I sincerely hope there was nothing to that particular rumor because if we cant compete with Rochdale for players then we may as well shut up shop and take up pro tiddlewinks.

Quoted from RonMariner

Another player we were rumored to be signing goes to one of the giants of the game.

To a club which just happens to be 30 minutes drive from the club at which he currently plays...

Wtf, but we have loads ITK on here... Why didn't anyone tell us about this guy

Oh it's another inexperienced 20 year old Championship loanee striker

Noone guessed Tom Dickson-Peters!

We are pleased to confirm the signing of Norwich City striker Tom Dickson-Peters on loan to the end of the season!

Quoted from Maringer

To a club which just happens to be 30 minutes drive from the club at which he currently plays...

Guess we should only look at players within a 30 mile radius then. Wonder if Louth have any decent players?

He's never scored a goal yet. He'll hopefully break his duck with us

Grimsby Town F.C.
@officialgtfc
·
2m
✍️ We are pleased to confirm the signing of Norwich City striker Tom Dickson-Peters on loan to the end of the season!

https://www.canaries.co.uk/player/tom-dickson-peters

Can anyone actually say the loans that left are worse then what we have in so far??

Another championship youth teamer who has never scored a professional goal. Worked well so far this season

Not a criticism of the kid himself, as the circumstances he finds himself here in aren’t his fault, but you rather get the feeling that we’re waaay past plan B at this stage.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

Aren't they making losses of millions that have to be funded by American investors?

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Isn't that odd. A stones throw away from Grimsby yet they don't seem to have any problem, even though they are hardly pulling up any trees. Must be the nightlife.

Aren't they making losses of millions that have to be funded by American investors?

Quoted from Morph2000

Can anyone actually say the loans that left are worse then what we have in so far??

Very much doubt it as we haven't seen them play yet!

Not exciting, but you never know with these types of loans...

Like Poojah said, clearly down the pecking order, but let's deal with it and see how it goes

Don't read into his Gillingham record, they was in a relegation fight, and even the most prolific would of struggled to score.

Quoted from GrimRob

He's never scored a goal yet.

He'll fit right in then.

I'm going to stop posting now. I am getting increasing bitter and disappointed and will only sink further into the mire. Not point in dragging you lot into my fit of despond.

So I will sodomist off and do some jigsawduko I think.

Alan Neilson once of this parish is his squad manager I see....

Grimsby Exiles
@GTFC_Exiles
·
35s
Replying to
@DN35GTFC
Mike white on humbs saying Emmanuel is on his way

And another loan,this is a master class in how to lose 3000 new season ticket holders,no ambition and just be happy about survival,maybe with the money they,ve saved they can buy another shipping container for the fanzone.

Quoted from Poojah

Not a criticism of the kid himself, as the circumstances he finds himself here in aren’t his fault, but you rather get the feeling that we’re waaay past plan B at this stage.

They must rate his potential at Norwich , signed a long term contract with them

Quoted from newarkmariner

And another loan,this is a master class in how to lose 3000 new season ticket holders,no ambition and just be happy about survival,maybe with the money they,ve saved they can buy another shipping container for the fanzone.

A post that perfectly illustrates the over expectation and sense of entitlement of those who believe we’re still “the mighty Grimsby”, rather than a club in rebuild.

Season tickets will drop off it’s inevitable but 3,000 is completely over egging the pudding. Personally I’m a bit underwhelmed with the window so far but it is what it is and the club are doing their best, why wouldn’t they?

Another one slipped through the net as usual Toby mullarkey gone to Rochdale !!

Swapped some kids with some kids. Everyone says they have potential but very few seem to work out

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Don't read into his Gillingham record, they was in a relegation fight, and even the most prolific would of struggled to score.

Only started 2 games there too.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

A post that perfectly illustrates the over expectation and sense of entitlement of those who believe we’re still “the mighty Grimsby”, rather than a club in rebuild.

Season tickets will drop off it’s inevitable but 3,000 is completely over egging the pudding. Personally I’m a bit underwhelmed with the window so far but it is what it is and the club are doing their best, why wouldn’t they?

How do you know they are doing their best?

How do you know what their best is?

Is it because you believe everything they say ?

Quoted from Hurstomariner

Another one slipped through the net as usual Toby mullarkey gone to Rochdale !!

Were we even in for him?

Not all rumours are true as we well know.

Quoted from HerveJosse

How do you know they are doing their best?

How do you know what their best is?

Is it because you believe everything they say ?

Did you believe PH when he laughed at the question and said Khan would be available for selection last Saturday?

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Not exciting, but you never know with these types of loans...

Like Poojah said, clearly down the pecking order, but let's deal with it and see how it goes

Don't read into his Gillingham record, they was in a relegation fight, and even the most prolific would of struggled to score.

so when did any of these loans of young kids ever work out ?
some of the defenders have worked really well (Towler & Smith for example) but can't remember any of the attacking loanees being decent (and before you say Sam Bell he only played a couple of games)

Quoted from Hurstomariner

Another one slipped through the net as usual Toby mullarkey gone to Rochdale !!

From 13th in the NL to bottom of the EFL, I suspect he’s not the next big thing those who haven’t seen him play except him to be.

Quoted from Hurstomariner

Another one slipped through the net as usual Toby mullarkey gone to Rochdale !!

Not a bad place Altrincham, guess he can stay living there if he does, Rochdale only an hour away even on the metrolink to avoid the traffic, good transport links around Manchester. :)

Dallas substituted after 69 mins does that mean he is rushing to get here for 11pm to sign 😂😂😂

I don’t think the right balance has been struck between first team squad and off field improvement. For me too much emphasis and money spent on other things rather than players. I understand we need to improve the club as a whole but surely the most important thing is the team we can put out on a Saturday.

Quoted from Hurstomariner

Dallas substituted after 69 mins does that mean he is rushing to get here for 11pm to sign 😂😂😂

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Quoted from Hurstomariner

Dallas substituted after 69 mins does that mean he is rushing to get here for 11pm to sign 😂😂😂

Only if we splash out for a helicopter! 🤣

Quoted from forza ivano

so when did any of these loans of young kids ever work out ?
some of the defenders have worked really well (Towler & Smith for example) but can't remember any of the attacking loanees being decent (and before you say Sam Bell he only played a couple of games)

I mean, it has happened. Martin Paterson, Jamie Devitt, Conor Townsend, Andy Smith. But you’re right, for everyone of those there’s 20 Dougie Wilson’s.

Quoted from forza ivano

so when did any of these loans of young kids ever work out ?
some of the defenders have worked really well (Towler & Smith for example) but can't remember any of the attacking loanees being decent (and before you say Sam Bell he only played a couple of games)

First one that comes to mind, is Martin Patterson

Quoted from forza ivano

so when did any of these loans of young kids ever work out ?
some of the defenders have worked really well (Towler & Smith for example) but can't remember any of the attacking loanees being decent (and before you say Sam Bell he only played a couple of games)

Calum dyson, jamie devitt. Cant really think of any more though

incoming according to GTFC official twitter

lets hope one of the loans has the impact martin paterson!

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620535243362152448

Quoted from wiggers

I don’t think the right balance has been struck between first team squad and off field improvement. For me too much emphasis and money spent on other things rather than players. I understand we need to improve the club as a whole but surely the most important thing is the team we can put out on a Saturday.

What have we spent too much money on? And how much did that reduce the amount we could offer in potential wages?

Your answers will be 'I don't know' and 'I don't know'.

Lad on DN35 podcast who works for Alrincham just said that the Mullarkey deal was all but done until the last minute when it fell through

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

Calum dyson, jamie devitt. Cant really think of any more though

Dyson wasn't particularly good with us, he was ok i suppose, but nothing like the attacking equivalent of smith or towler

Hints on towns Twitter for another coming in?

another 1 incoming apparently

please God, not another wet behind the ears loanee , although maybe its confirming Emmanuel?

If this one is Emmanuel, fair play, RB is a problem at the moment, and he's top league 1 quality when fit

Quoted from Poojah

Not a criticism of the kid himself, as the circumstances he finds himself here in aren’t his fault, but you rather get the feeling that we’re waaay past plan B at this stage.

Hurst originally said himself he wanted permanent signings. Who wouldn't? It cements the squad building process into next season. If we were in the same form and position as earlier in the season, I'm sure we'd have landed some targets. Our form over the last two months can't have helped, amplified by a 5-0 drubbing smack bang in the transfer window. We've got to show some promise and make strides up the table to ensure we look a better footballing proposition in the summer window..

Seem to remember a few decent loan signings - Andy Smith, Dean Henderson, Anthony Glennon, Elliot Embleton off the top of my head. Better to get a decent loan signing for half the season, than sign up a journeyman who happens to be available in January.

Quoted from Poojah

I mean, it has happened. Martin Paterson, Jamie Devitt, Conor Townsend, Andy Smith. But you’re right, for everyone of those there’s 20 Dougie Wilson’s.

Be interesting to see since Hurst returned, which loan players are currently playing at the same level as us, or above.... bet the % isn't great.

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

First one that comes to mind, is Martin Patterson

How long ago was that? Just looked, about 17 years ago..

These are as late as PH's subs

Quoted from HertsGTFC

A post that perfectly illustrates the over expectation and sense of entitlement if those who believe we’re still “the mighty Grimsby”, rather than a club in rebuild.

Season tickets will drop off it’s inevitable but 3,000 is completely over egging the pudding. Personally I’m a bit underwhelmed with the window so far but it is what it is and the club are doing their best, why wouldn’t they?

i dont have over expectations or any form off entitlement,other than the fact that i like many others spent hard earnt money week in week out and want the club to show a little ambition, other than some bloody B corp shite that nobody gives a damn about.
i dont expect some world class striker ,but what i do expect is to be able too compete with the likes off Barrow ,and not continuously lose out due to offering poor terms.Hursts track record at being tight gets proven over and over again,ask Podge and Tshimanga,lost both due too poor terms,its just not good enough

I’m all for giving kids a break but I’m struggling to understand why we can’t recruit an experienced player with a bit of ability at this level.

Tom Dickson-Peters scored five goals this season for Norwich U-21s. 5 yellow cards. He can play in the FA Cup at least

Quoted from newarkmariner

i dont have over expectations or any form off entitlement,other than the fact that i like many others spent hard earnt money week in week out and want the club to show a little ambition, other than some bloody B corp shite that nobody gives a damn about.
i dont expect some world class striker ,but what i do expect is to be able too compete with the likes off Barrow ,and not continuously lose out due to offering poor terms.Hursts track record at being tight gets proven over and over again,ask Podge and Tshimanga,lost both due too poor terms,its just not good enough

How do you know what terms where offering, it’s well know that Fenty put the block on Podge getting a deal that he deserved and he Podge was offered an extension in Jan 16. We just couldn’t afford Tshimanga pure and simple as we’d just been relegated.

[url]https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620537354791587841?s=20&t=MGcreoJuSBXgYOTGtZgAbA[/url]

Emmanuel photo taken down off their squad page, was there earlier when I looked!!

I think Dallas has got himself a speeding ticket.

https://mobile.twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620537354791587841/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1620537354791587841&currentTweetUser=officialgtfc

[url]https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620537908871532546?s=20&t=MGcreoJuSBXgYOTGtZgAbA[/url]

Quoted from newarkmariner

i dont have over expectations or any form off entitlement,other than the fact that i like many others spent hard earnt money week in week out and want the club to show a little ambition, other than some bloody B corp shite that nobody gives a damn about.
i dont expect some world class striker ,but what i do expect is to be able too compete with the likes off Barrow ,and not continuously lose out due to offering poor terms.Hursts track record at being tight gets proven over and over again,ask Podge and Tshimanga,lost both due too poor terms,its just not good enough

Totally agree mate, this window proves we are no further forward than the previous regime when it comes to the footballers we either already have or can attract. Off field improvements, nicer people running the club yes, but unfortunately we will still be circling the league 2 drain unless the club are serious about on field improvement.

Big signing, now for a striker and winger. I doubt it’ll happen but we can wish.

[url]https://twitter.com/HumbersideSport/status/1620538663791738881?s=20&t=MGcreoJuSBXgYOTGtZgAbA[/url]

Quoted from GrimRob

Tom Dickson-Peters scored five goals this season for Norwich U-21s. 5 yellow cards. He can play in the FA Cup at least

Although not against Luton.

Quoted from wiggers

I don’t think the right balance has been struck between first team squad and off field improvement. For me too much emphasis and money spent on other things rather than players. I understand we need to improve the club as a whole but surely the most important thing is the team we can put out on a Saturday.

But we don’t know what GTFC have been offering - have they been failing to meet club valuations - I’d be surprised if so and doubt that is it; are we behind the curve on personal terms, maybe in some instances, but we’ll know the numbers that others are paying; have we got our shortlists wrong - perhaps. If JS says location is an issue I accept that at face value. In which case we need to do better on our short lists and selectively and carefully pay a bit over the odds where we need to. We clearly failed in this in this window - and questions have to be asked about that.

If he’s better , that’s a great signing

A fee for a six-month contract? He must be good...

The Emmanuel deal looks like a saving the best until last kind of announcement, so I reckon we are done.

Paid a fee for a six month contract 😳

We've paid a fee to sign a player on a six month contract?! Surely if he's fit he'll be straight off to a League 1 / Championship club in the Summer and we'll have nowt to show for facilitating his rehabilitation.

The fee can't have been that much surely? It seems very odd to pay a fee for someone will only be able to play for 3 whole months and then a little bit of May.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

A fee for a six-month contract? He must be good...

Quoted from Chrisblor

We've paid a fee to sign a player on a six month contract?! Surely if he's fit he'll be straight off to a League 1 / Championship club in the Summer and we'll have nowt to show for facilitating his rehabilitation.

I'm sure we'll have an option, if he can prove his fitness.
Quality player, far better than our other rb options

Right then, just over an hour to go. Now that the Dallas forore has died down, let’s just remind ourselves that, going into this window, the one thing I think we all agreed we needed was a senior number 9-type. Several names have been mooted, and they’ve almost all gone elsewhere.

Can we pull something off? Big 60 minutes or so ahead.

I reckon that’s us done, Emmanuel is a decent signing in terms of a bit of competition for places at the back.

Not sure what the plan is up front as we look to have replaced the lads who went back home with similar, but I guess all players start somewhere however my concern is you generally pair youth with experience like we’ve done with Waterfall & Smith and as it stands we’re missing that combination up front until Taylor comes back unless the plan is to give Scanz an extended run.

Emmanuel not played a game since 2021?

Surely we've got an option of an extra year if he stays fit? Only way it makes sense

It is slightly odd to pay a fee for a 6 month contract but he's undoubtedly better than we have. Great signing

Quoted from LH

Paid a fee for a six month contract 😳

It's a sellers market at 10pm

Quoted from GrimRob

Emmanuel not played a game since 2021?

Yes, undisclosed health problem that he was hospitalised for in November 2021. No details of exactly what it was have been made public so there's a big question mark hanging over his fitness.

[url]https://twitter.com/officialgtfc/status/1620540765444227072?s=20&t=MGcreoJuSBXgYOTGtZgAbA[/url]

Well unless we bring in a wide player in the next hour it looks likely we will continue with 3 at the back with the full backs providing the width. Not particularly against that system just hoping we can create and convert sufficient chances to keep us safe this season. Although there’s currently a decent gap we all know that whatever eleven players we put out we seem to have an ability to go on long runs where we fail to win matches.

Have to admit that this window has brought back the fear of falling out the league yet again and we should never put ourselves in a situation where there is even an outside chance of the drop.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

I reckon that’s us done.

You may well be right, but having had Pepple, Simmonds, Richardson and Kiernan return to their parent clubs, binned off Maguire Drew, added Khan to our medium-term injury list and revealed that Taylor will miss much of the remainder of the season, we’ve left ourselves unnecessarily light.

A lot of games ahead. I live in perhaps naive hope that there’s another one or two still to come.

Just to make you all sleep well I’ve asked a member of the Norwich coaching set up I know what TDP is like and he says he’s decent.

Panic over .

Really goor signing. Location working for us for once

The biggest disappointment for me about these signings is that they are short term solutions again...

Hurst has constantly talked about getting permanents in and building a squad to compete for a couple years, however at the end of the season there's going to be a complete over haul, which is not what we need.

Max Crocombe - 1
Michee Efete - 2
Anthony Glennon - 3
Kieran Green - 4
Shaun Pearson - Likely to leave
Luke Waterfall - 5
Gavan Holohan - 6
John McAtee - Return to Luton
Otis Khan - 7
Ollie Battersby - Unproven youngster
Stephen Wearne - Likely to leave
Harry Clifton - Could get snapped up.
Alex Hunt - 8
Bryn Morris - 9
Mikey O'Neill - Return to PNE
Danilo Orsi - 10
Danny Amos - 11
Andy Smith - Back to Hull
Ryan Taylor - Likely to leave
Evan Khouri - Unproven youngster
Niall Maher - 12
Jordan Cropper - Likely to leave
Edwin Essel - Unproven youngster
Sean Scannell - Likely to leave
George Lloyd - Return to Cheltenham
Josh Emmanuel - Likely to leave if he does well.

This leaves us 12/13 ish players going into the 23/24 season (could be less) with basically no attack.

For me, its not the best of plans for the club.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Yes, undisclosed health problem that he was hospitalised for in November 2021. No details of exactly what it was have been made public so there's a big question mark hanging over his fitness.

Suggestion on Twitter that it was Covid...?

Quoted from LondonMariner43

Suggestion on Twitter that it was Covid...?

If we’ve learned anything today, I think it’s that you shouldn’t believe everything you read on Twitter.

I don’t see building a squad or incremental improvement or any of the buzz phrases in these signings. I don’t see how having a Head of Recruitment has made this look like anything less than a series of desperate Plan D, E or F signings. We apparently had targets. Really?

Quoted from Corkyefes

The biggest disappointment for me about these signings is that they are short term solutions again...

Hurst has constantly talked about getting permanents in and building a squad to compete for a couple years, however at the end of the season there's going to be a complete over haul, which is not what we need.

Max Crocombe - 1
Michee Efete - 2
Anthony Glennon - 3
Kieran Green - 4
Shaun Pearson - Likely to leave
Luke Waterfall - 5
Gavan Holohan - 6
John McAtee - Return to Luton
Otis Khan - 7
Ollie Battersby - Unproven youngster
Stephen Wearne - Likely to leave
Harry Clifton - Could get snapped up.
Alex Hunt - 8
Bryn Morris - 9
Mikey O'Neill - Return to PNE
Danilo Orsi - 10
Danny Amos - 11
Andy Smith - Back to Hull
Ryan Taylor - Likely to leave
Evan Khouri - Unproven youngster
Niall Maher - 12
Jordan Cropper - Likely to leave
Edwin Essel - Unproven youngster
Sean Scannell - Likely to leave
George Lloyd - Return to Cheltenham
Josh Emmanuel - Likely to leave if he does well.

This leaves us 12/13 ish players going into the 23/24 season (could be less) with basically no attack.

For me, its not the best of plans for the club.

I'd say that Jan is a difficult month to bring in permanents and I'm sure we tried to do that, but for one reason or another, it didn't happen. The option then is to bring in loans to help us out and wait for the summer.

Not a popular view I know, but my take has always been that you have to trust the board and manager. As fans that's all we can do.

We showed on Saturday against Luton that we have a decent battling side and we need to hold judgement on the new signings until they settle in and show us what they have got.

It is what it is now, so let's get behind them.

Quoted from Hagrid

Really goor signing.

Nice to see you hedging your bets after this afternoon’s disasterclass.

Can claim a typo for “good signing” or “poor signing” depending on how he does. Smart move Hagrid.

Quoted from ginnywings

I'd say that Jan is a difficult month to bring in permanents and I'm sure we tried to do that, but for one reason or another, it didn't happen. The option then is to bring in loans to help us out and wait for the summer.

Not a popular view I know, but my take has always been that you have to trust the board and manager. As fans that's all we can do.

We showed on Saturday against Luton that we have a decent battling side and we need to hold judgement on the new signings until they settle in and show us what they have got.

It is what it is now, so let's get behind them.

You have always trusted the board & manager? I don’t think so! 🤔😂

Quoted from ginnywings

I'd say that Jan is a difficult month to bring in permanents and I'm sure we tried to do that, but for one reason or another, it didn't happen. The option then is to bring in loans to help us out and wait for the summer.

Not a popular view I know, but my take has always been that you have to trust the board and manager. As fans that's all we can do.

We showed on Saturday against Luton that we have a decent battling side and we need to hold judgement on the new signings until they settle in and show us what they have got.

It is what it is now, so let's get behind them.

I think that's a good summary of the last 31 days, barring the Swindon game.

lol

https://twitter.com/Official_HUFC/status/1620546339632254976

Quoted from Poojah

If we’ve learned anything today, I think it’s that you shouldn’t believe everything you read on Twitter.

Or on here with anything relating to transfers.

“Welcome Kiernan”.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

You have always trusted the board & manager? I don’t think so! 🤔😂

Well, not always obviously.

I'm pretty cool about things. Yes, I would have liked to have seen some more experienced permanent signings, but then I think where we were a year ago.

The fans can female dog and moan all they like, but it makes no difference.

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol

https://twitter.com/Official_HUFC/status/1620546339632254976

He’ll score against us you watch 🤦‍♂️

Quoted from ginnywings

Well, not always obviously.

I'm pretty cool about things. Yes, I would have liked to have seen some more experienced permanent signings, but then I think where we were a year ago.

The fans can female dog and moan all they like, but it makes no difference.

I was referring to our mutual mistrust of a previous owner 😎.

Quoted from Chrisblor

lol

https://twitter.com/Official_HUFC/status/1620546339632254976

lol no wonder they used the same van ;D

Quoted from ska face

Nice to see you hedging your bets after this afternoon’s disasterclass.

Can claim a typo for “good signing” or “poor signing” depending on how he does. Smart move Hagrid.

👏👏👏👏😂😂

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I was referring to our mutual mistrust of a previous owner 😎.

Yeah, I got that. :)

RH reckon Emmanuel is on an initial six month contract, which suggests we have an option on that. Sounds like a good signing if we can get him fit and healthy.

Given the way the window has gone plus the injury to Khan and the setback for Ryan Taylor, PH may, with hindsight, kept BK on a permanent and possibly also gone calling for Lavery.

Mike White believes we are done...

Quoted from MarinerDevil

RH reckon Emmanuel is on an initial six month contract, which suggests we have an option on that. Sounds like a good signing if we can get him fit and healthy.

Right so if it’s appearance based all he needs to do is miss a few games with his mysterious illness and be gone in May? I might be wrong but I can see how this becomes one of those signings you remember for all the wrong reasons.

Anybody thinks it’s been very poor window for us ? Cos I do

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Mike White believes we are done...

He may be right. 😕

Quoted from Jarmo.Is.God

Mike White believes we are done...

He’s not on his own there.

So assuming that’s it we have the following in contract beyond the end of the season

Efete
Glennon
Maher
Waterfall
Clifton
Green
Holohan
Hunt
Khan
Khori
Orsi

This must be better then recent years but leaves us with another 300 page striker rumour thread to look forward to in the summer

Absolutely dogger of a window

Quoted from Poojah

“Welcome Kiernan”.

That's just taking the pist

Quoted from HerveJosse

So assuming that’s it we have the following in contract beyond the end of the season

Efete
Glennon
Maher
Waterfall
Clifton
Green
Holohan
Hunt
Khan
Khori
Orsi

This must be better then recent years but leaves us with another 300 page striker rumour thread to look forward to in the summer

Not a bad side that if you add a keeper. ::)

If we are done, whichever way you choose to spin it, 3 young loanees and a short term deal for a guy who has barely kicked a ball in the past year is a hugely disappointing window.

When the owners came in, we were promised that we’d improve every window, this hasn’t happened.

All the excuses in the world can be rolled out but they are just that, excuses.

Looks like Mike White's deleted that tweet. If we are done though, it's poor recruitment. It's a point that's used to death, but if this was a transfer window under Fenty, we would be moaning about our typical lack of ambition. The owners said the target would be to improve the squad each window. Somehow we seemed to have weakened it with a completely unbalanced squad once again filled in with young loaners.

Im never one for getting on at the board and especially not Paul, but disappointed with our work. I dont believe for a second its due to lack of effort, but there has to be something fundamently wrong with our planning for us to be leaving the window in a worse state that what we started.

Location, being tight, aiming too high, players not wanting to come
Here for there own reasons, i dont know maybe a mixture of all, but its concerning. I dont for a second think we’ll go down, but we had 1 aim going into this window, and that was a number 9. And we failed, quite miserably. I saw the look on PH’s face last week in the interview, exhausted and demoralised. The latter i certainly feel tonight. Think a lot of others probably feel the same

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we are done, whichever way you choose to spin it, 3 young loanees and a short term deal for a guy who has barely kicked a ball in the past year is a hugely disappointing window.

When the owners came in, we were promised that we’d improve every window, this hasn’t happened.

All the excuses in the world can be rolled out but they are just that, excuses.

It's a pretty usual January for us so it'll leave fans asking what has actually changed. We put more effort into staying up when we were in the middle of that takeover and Hurst came in but it was still mostly kids on loan and mercenaries on short term deals. Seems to be a pattern for us where we can only get that and most of the bigger targets we are linked with end up somewhere else.

This is a really small gripe but if we’re done the club could just confirm it on its various social media feeds etc… we’ve only been waiting 5 weeks. Since Sam left there feels like a bit of a disconnect at times.

Looks clear White believes we were in for Dallas, tweets suggested we met the valuation - he’s probably had his head turned by interest from a higher level and got an agent telling him to wait to summer.

Hartlepool sign ANOTHER ex-mariner. Connor Jennings

Good luck to the new lads but this is a disappointing window. Hopefully we scrape a few 1-0 wins together and wrap safety up quickly.

No two ways of cutting it, that's a disappointing window at face value.

More going out than coming in for an already thin squad. Lack of experience not really addressed.

However...

Those that have left, who was really making inroads on the team? Pepple? Simmonds?
Only one who was dipping in and out with an impact was Richardson. Kiernan at a push but I think universally the view was that he was OK, decent squad player at best but we needed better.

If we've brought in better options, well only time will tell.

Not sure I agree with the notion that we need to bring in permanent signings, definitely not in January anyway. I'd rather sign a moderately decent six-month loan than a sack of excrement two-year permanent deal.

Improvement isn't measured by the singings you make, they're subjective and a roll of the dice. The improvement comes in the form of our league position. If these signings lift us up the league table, that's an improvement. The summer task is then to recruit again to move the dial once more.

4 signings this window. 3 fresh set of options up top and a right back that is absolutely streets above this one. Let's see how they get on and then cast judgement.

Quoted from Hagrid

Im never one for getting on at the board and especially not Paul, but disappointed with our work. I dont believe for a second its due to lack of effort, but there has to be something fundamently wrong with our planning for us to be leaving the window in a worse state that what we started.

Location, being tight, aiming too high, players not wanting to come
Here for there own reasons, i dont know maybe a mixture of all, but its concerning. I dont for a second think we’ll go down, but we had 1 aim going into this window, and that was a number 9. And we failed, quite miserably. I saw the look on PH’s face last week in the interview, exhausted and demoralised. The latter i certainly feel tonight. Think a lot of others probably feel the same

Pretty much agree.

I said earlier a striker, a right back and a winger coming in would be OK for today but even so that’s a seriously underwhelming deadline day and window generally. Let’s hope we’ve got enough about us to get through a very busy period.

Let's make these guys welcome at least. We were hoping for bigger names, but they are all young. Rather sign youth than plodders looking to end their days with one last deal.

Quoted from ginnywings

Not a bad side that if you add a keeper. ::)

Suspect Crocombe will be gone . Bound to get offers from elsewhere

Quoted from Hagrid

Im never one for getting on at the board and especially not Paul, but disappointed with our work. I dont believe for a second its due to lack of effort, but there has to be something fundamently wrong with our planning for us to be leaving the window in a worse state that what we started.

Location, being tight, aiming too high, players not wanting to come
Here for there own reasons, i dont know maybe a mixture of all, but its concerning. I dont for a second think we’ll go down, but we had 1 aim going into this window, and that was a number 9. And we failed, quite miserably. I saw the look on PH’s face last week in the interview, exhausted and demoralised. The latter i certainly feel tonight. Think a lot of others probably feel the same

Don’t know how anyone can argue we are in a worse state than before the window until we’ve seen the new players perform. It’s not like we’ve sold any of our best players. Let’s get behind what we’ve got. Despite what Sky Sports tell you there’s a lot more to building a successful football team than who you sign in January.

2 loans who won’t be here next season and 1 semi permanent who probably won’t either is a urine poor month’s work.

With the exception of Emmanuel, none of us had heard of any of the signings prior to their announcements. How can we be disappointed?

This is the transfer version of "didn't go, it was excrement".

All 4 could be exactly what we need to click. A year ago none of us had heard of Andy Smith, Holohan, JMD, Mani....

Give them a chance at least!

Tristan Abrahams signs for Gillingham

Disagree with fans here...
I think that Emmanuel will end up being a superb signing at this level. An attacking wing back from a championship side who helped Hull to league One promotion.
Lloyd for me could be the pick of the bunch though. Looking at his showreel he's Got the quick feet of a Lewis Richardson but with an incredible workrate and good leap for his stature so the ball could be sticking up front longer with an alternative foil for Mcatee in the channels.
Norwich rate Dickson-Peters highly, hence the long term contract but the jury's out there but if he's a replacement for People and Simmonds, won't need to do much to be an improvement here.
Can't help but wish for a late late winger popping through the door though. Fingers crosssed

Connor Jennings , Kierman and an Arsenal loanee to Hartlepool. Colchester and Gillingham new teams in the window. We need points in the League from the so called easier games

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

Given the way the window has gone plus the injury to Khan and the setback for Ryan Taylor, PH may, with hindsight, kept BK on a permanent and possibly also gone calling for Lavery.

He did (Lavery), but Donny is closer to Sheffield and they're a better option...

Quoted from diehardmariner

With the exception of Emmanuel, none of us had heard of any of the signings prior to their announcements. How can we be disappointed?

This is the transfer version of "didn't go, it was excrement".

All 4 could be exactly what we need to click. A year ago none of us had heard of Andy Smith, Holohan, JMD, Mani....

Give them a chance at least!

It’s not who it is, it’s the short term, panicked nature of it.

In the summer we need to rebuild, yet again. We look to have taken the decision to hold out on our targets and we’ve obviously missed out.

Quoted from GrimRob

Let's make these guys welcome at least. We were hoping for bigger names, but they are all young. Rather sign youth than plodders looking to end their days with one last deal.

If they have a bit of pace it does go a long way in this league and we’ve proved we can get in behind teams at times so maybe that’s the plan.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Don’t know how anyone can argue we are in a worse state than before the window until we’ve seen the new players perform. It’s not like we’ve sold any of our best players. Let’s get behind what we’ve got. Despite what Sky Sports tell you there’s a lot more to building a successful football team than who you sign in January.

We certainly are in a worse position than before the window - the fixture list has suddenly become very congested, 5 players have left, two key players are out injured for several weeks and 4 players have come in, whilst teams below is have strengthened considerably.

The aim is to improve and build every window but the short-term deals prove we haven't built anything this month.

Emmanuel looks good on paper but I hope we haven't spûnked money on a player that leaves on a free in May. All the other signings are loans despite Hurst chasing permanent deals this month.

I hope we have enough not to get sucked into a relegation battle, that would be unforgivable.

Hartlepool have just signed a Oliver Finney from Crewe aswell

I think the club need to take stock of what has happened in the transfer window. We are working from a good base and now a head of recruitment so the targets get identified.

The problem now, and has been for years, getting the targets to sign.JS & AP now need to address the problem and come up with ways to overcome them for the next transfer window. Also is the fact that we need to keep some of our best players who will be out of contract in the summer.

I'm still hoping for a double rollover come the summer. We must have a fair amount left in the war chest, and we could still strike more gold in the FA Cup.

Cleethorpes looks better in June than January. They'll come then.

Not sure we’re any worse or better off.

This window is always a funny one and sadly, it seems to be the fans that make it into something and seems more of hindrance for managers. I’ve never really seen the point of a window, just sign players when you want etc.

The injuries aren’t anyone’s fault, they happen, that’s football.

I certainly think fans have excrement a brick in January but I guess when deadline day is turned in to an event etc and it’s all they seem to bang on about there’s no surprise fans over analyse…

Can we sign non contracted players after the window is shut? Or is that only conference?

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Can we sign non contracted players after the window is shut? Or is that only conference?

Providing they are free agents at 11pm tonight.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

We certainly are in a worse position than before the window - the fixture list has suddenly become very congested, 5 players have left, two key players are out injured for several weeks and 4 players have come in, whilst teams below is have strengthened considerably.

The players that went out were hardly tearing up trees were they?

As for injuries to players, well that happens at every club at every level.

Only time will tell if we have been weakened. 4 players in and Wearne back from Torquay, so we are about where we were at least.

I also don't think the owners promised to get better every window. They said it was the aim and you never know, we still might. Worked last season.

Quoted from pontoonlew

It’s not who it is, it’s the short term, panicked nature of it.

In the summer we need to rebuild, yet again. We look to have taken the decision to hold out on our targets and we’ve obviously missed out.

Since the days of Buckley's first spell, most summers have been a rebuild. I think that's just the nature of modern football, especially at our level.

Emmanuel looks to be a deal with an eye on something longer term.

I'm as disappointed as anyone that we've obviously missed out on our main targets and I've said a few times that I believe this wait and wait approach is the wrong one.

But if these lads come in, fire us up the table and to League One then no-one is asking questions about long term planning.

My gut feeling is that building a long term plan in this division is going to be difficult. The higher we get up the ladder, the easier it will be to recruit the players we want for the long term. We'll need the right horses for the right courses in this league; be that loanees or permanent signings. I suspect it's more of the short term stuff though.

This is not sour grapes but if Dallas is half as good as we have made out.

Why is it only Hartlepool and us bidding for him. ?

Quoted from pontoonlew

If we are done, whichever way you choose to spin it, 3 young loanees and a short term deal for a guy who has barely kicked a ball in the past year is a hugely disappointing window.

When the owners came in, we were promised that we’d improve every window, this hasn’t happened.

All the excuses in the world can be rolled out but they are just that, excuses.

Say it again '' fine words never buttered any parsnips''

Quoted from GrimRob

I'm still hoping for a double rollover come the summer. We must have a fair amount left in the war chest, and we could still strike more gold in the FA Cup.

Cleethorpes looks better in June than January. They'll come then.

Let’s just focus on getting 20 points first, feels like a challenge based upon the league form and what we don’t know about the 3 forwards we’ve brought in.

The bit I find hard to understand is based upon the lack of experience we now have up front how can PH know his best combination? He hasn’t got much time to decide if we’re going to get back to winning league games.

Unusually for me I feel flat about us at the moment and I’d gladly forfeit the Luton game in exchange for league safety.

I never expected anything but mid table this season but I expected it to be relatively comfortable mid table, as it stands now that could be a challenge.

If Carling did transfer windows

Quoted from aldi_01

Not sure we’re any worse or better off.

This window is always a funny one and sadly, it seems to be the fans that make it into something and seems more of hindrance for managers. I’ve never really seen the point of a window, just sign players when you want etc.

The injuries aren’t anyone’s fault, they happen, that’s football.

I certainly think fans have excrement a brick in January but I guess when deadline day is turned in to an event etc and it’s all they seem to bang on about there’s no surprise fans over analyse…

Clearly injuries aren’t anyone’s fault, but the point is they have happened and so combined with 5 out and only 4 we are worse off - than at the start of window. If Taylor and Khan were fit and firing then we’d have cover for future injuries. A couple of further injuries to key front / wide players now and we could really struggle.

Dress it up as you want.

An absolute shambles of a window.

Gone 11, so that's all folks.

Well that was flipping dreadful.

The negativity on twitter is doing my head in - maybe you aren't entirely happy with the window, but describing some of the players we've signed as "rubbish" or "bargain bin"... Do you think that's likely to help them play better? Also, if you're a player looking at signing for us and you see that that's the way our fans treat new signings, might that put you off a bit? I think the whole thing creates a toxic atmosphere around the club as well, which is bound to have a knock on effect on the pitch.

End of the day, if you're not happy with the window, fair enough, moan about it to your mates. But slagging off players you haven't even seen play for us yet is out of order and actively harms the club's chances of doing well.

May as well not had this window . disaster is just scratching the surface

I have a mate who is a Hull fan (yeah I know) says Emmanuel is a fantastic signing for us . Way better than league 2 standard

I'm staying positive. That Thomas Dickson-Peters who we signed on loan from Norwich City, he came off the bench for minutes here and there when at Gillingham in League One in a crap relegation side. Might do alot better playing in our team.

Slightly off topic but Scanz has been back in the squad for several weeks now and only had minimal game time. Not withstanding the poor weather and postponements I have been slightly disappointed/surprised that he didn’t have a month out on loan somewhere whilst Kiernan and other loanees were still here!!!

Going back to my earlier comment about playing with a back three and wingbacks, that still allows us to play either a two or three in central midfield with McAtee and probably the lad from Preston or Cheltenham up front ( maybe even Orsi if he can continue to shine). Still have Wearne, Scanz, Khan and even Clifton who can add width and hopefully that is the making of a decent.

Not sure if I’m just trying to cheer myself up or if my wife dropped some optimism pills in my Horlicks!!!

UTM

In September's window we signed four loan players with the feeling we were desperate to get bodies in after the late finish and early start to the season. All have been returned.
I didn't expect this window to have gone a similiar way. Time will tell I know but I expected a bit more ambition from the club so poor window for me.
Pleased its over though and we can get back to normal service.

334 pages of ‘I think we might have a problem here lads’ or ‘Don’t be so negative, Hursty will have his targets, those dominos will fall’

Funny how things work out isn’t it. The club need to address the fans with answers

12 points off the playoffs with generally 3 games in hand. A better position than this time last season maybe and we all know what happened then.
If this is what we have for a squad then so be it. Replacing Richardson , Pepple and Symonds makes sense as they weren't Up to it (Richardson due to injuries).
Time to get behind the boys and see if we repeat the trick. The new Grimsby way.

For FM22 players, I signed Dickson-peters for town in 1st or 2nd div and he was awesome, all the way to the prem.

And welcome to all our new players as only one has a thread which is very un fishy like.

Quoted from ginnywings

Gone 11, so that's all folks.

Not necessarily if we submitted forms after nine pm and before eleven but I don’t think even my aforementioned optimism pills make me believe anyone else will turn up.

Quoted from supertown

I have a mate who is a Hull fan (yeah I know) says Emmanuel is a fantastic signing for us . Way better than league 2 standard

Yeh I see on facebook and twitter Hull fans saying he's too good for League Two.

Just a reminder that you can submit your questions for next Thursday's fans' forum here:

https://gtfc.co.uk/fans-forum-question/

We were told by Hurst to trust him and trust the plan when Matt Dean asked him midway through this window if he had a message for the fans getting a bit twitchy.

We were told by the new owners that we'd be steadily improving every window.

This is what makes this window an absolute stinker, we've been sold a dud.

Lloyd, Dickson Peters and O'Neill are the signings that should have come in alongside Dallas and Vernam. We needed to add at the absolute minimum one permanent attacking player, preferably two, that would be in and around the first team next season. We now have to replace McAtee and Taylor in the summer as well as finding additional attacking players on top of that, in my opinion. The defence and midfield need minor tweaks and additions, however I think we needed to nail this window and the summer one to have been in with a chance of being involved in a promotion battle next season. I think there's too much to do up top in the summer now along with those other minor adjustments needed elsewhere in the squad.

I hope I wake up feeling more positive but I'm underwhelmed and deflated right now.

Quoted from pontoonlew

334 pages of ‘I think we might have a problem here lads’ or ‘Don’t be so negative, Hursty will have his targets, those dominos will fall’

Funny how things work out isn’t it. The club need to address the fans with answers

What answers do you need “Mr X wouldn’t come because we couldn’t meet his wage demands”? If you’re looking for player by player reports you’ll have a long wait.

I’m disappointed for sure but I don’t expect the club to look backwards on an individual as it means nothing.

You can’t tell but I does feel like we haven’t quite got our strategy to align with this window in particular.

Also unless I’ve missed something only Twitter told us we were in for Dallas & Chas right? Was anyone other than the club truly ITK?

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Not necessarily if we submitted forms after nine pm and before eleven but I don’t think even my aforementioned optimism pills make me believe anyone else will turn up.

No forms in EFL.

Registration form by 11pm only, no deal sheets like Prem

Club have said all is done for January

Quoted from Chrisblor

Just a reminder that you can submit your questions for next Thursday's fans' forum here:

https://gtfc.co.uk/fans-forum-question/

I put up a thread for people to advise if they have/intend to ask a question at the forum. Only 4 answered positively, so after today there might be a few more questions sent in.

Quoted from Son of Cod

We were told by the new owners that we'd be steadily improving every window.

This is what makes this window an absolute stinker, we've been sold a dud.

How are you measuring this improvement, or lack of?

We've not seen the lads in action yet. They might be excrement, they might be incredible... We've gotta see first!

I’m led to believe we were very close to signing Dallas today but he turned us down due to “a load of tragic begs tagging me on Twitter all week, very off-putting”.

Damning if true.

Quoted from diehardmariner

How are you measuring this improvement, or lack of?

We've not seen the lads in action yet. They might be excrement, they might be incredible... We've gotta see first!

Even if they're all absolutely amazing it doesn't really matter because they'll all be clearing off at the end of the season leaving us no better off than we are now. Arguably we'll be in an even worse position because we've got McAtee, Smith and Taylor who'll need replacing then as well.

Boils down to results and performances.
I would have liked to see Kiernan stay as I think he is better than we currently have excluding the new guys.
Hopefully the new lads will be great starting on Saturday
Could have been a good window , we will see, they have my 100% support
utm

Who’s to say one or some of these new/loan players won’t play for us again if we want to keep them? Vernam initially came here on loan. Mendonca did. Woods did. Andy Smith is now in his second loan and if he’s looking to leave Hull in the summer I’d say we’ve got a pretty good chance of signing him permanently.

People love to moan…

I continue to think these nonsense windows are purely designed to give that Scottish twit with the tie something to talk about and provide some content for sky and the twits with those iPads that literally just search Twitter for stories…

Quoted from HertsGTFC

What answers do you need “Mr X wouldn’t come because we couldn’t meet his wage demands”? If you’re looking for player by player reports you’ll have a long wait.

I’m disappointed for sure but I don’t expect the club to look backwards on an individual as it means nothing.

You can’t tell but I does feel like we haven’t quite got our strategy to align with this window in particular.

Also unless I’ve missed something only Twitter told us we were in for Dallas & Chas right? Was anyone other than the club truly ITK?

I was truly ITK about Charles and never once suggested it was happening, didn’t obviously comment but not sure where it came from.

Is what it is, hopefully beat luton, cruise to the end of the season with a few entertaining games, maybe finally finish above 14th, and then have a great summer window

Siriki Dembele joins Auxerre on loan.

This time last year, we were following developments with his move to Bournemouth.

Quoted from GyMariner

I was truly ITK about Charles and never once suggested it was happening, didn’t obviously comment but not sure where it came from.

Sorry but the Vernam thing is simply wrong. We were in from the start to the end - Lincoln playing silly buggers and not allowing out due to numbers.

Well I think this window in my opinion shows our ambition .Most teams in this league have paid for and brought in experienced players .Even Hartlepool ,barrow,Rochdale,Gillingham below us have done good business .So all town supporters now have a short and long term choice .Those without season tickets may choose not to pay good money for us to be in a possible relegation fight ,judging current league form .Season Ticket holders may choose not to renew due to our lack of ambition .After the promises and frenzy following the play offs .Supporters now have clarity and can make choices with knowledge rather than expectation

I have no idea what our new head of recruitment is paid but I hope it's Big D Salted.

The commercial manager left because she was crap at her job, it would be interesting to see if this chap falls on his sword because that transfer window was pretty crap from our point of view.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I have no idea what our new head of recruitment is paid but I hope it's Big D Salted.

The commercial manager left because she was crap at her job, it would be interesting to see if this chap falls on his sword because that transfer window was pretty crap from our point of view.

How many times… the bloke identifies players, probably to a specification given to him.

The manager and board sign them… or not as is applicable in our case

Quoted from Mikey_345

How many times… the bloke identifies players, probably to a specification given to him.

The manager and board sign them… or not as is applicable in our case

Considering all the talk on here about how crap a place Grimsby is and players don't want to come here, his or her job should be to identify those who do want to come here on a salary we can afford and of the quality Paul Hurst wants and if these three signings are the best he or she can do then he/she isn't doing a very good job.

I was a senior manager in a Company that employed hundreds of employees and we didn't need to have a head of recruitment. In my opinion for the size of GTFC it is a complete waste of money.

In fact 2 of the players were already known to Hurst probably before this person was employed and for the length of time Hurst has been in football he should already have a network of people who he can turn to in advice of players he might be able to get.

Well let’s give them a chance and see how they get on .
In all my years of supporting Town I can’t remember any of the big money signings doing any good anyway.

went too bed at 10pm with hope that a rabbit would get pulled from Hursts bag ,up for work and just as deflated as last night,shocking window for us,are we any better off than a couple off years ago ?,everyone below us have brought players in,feel that we will be looking over our shoulders for the rest off the season.I hope with all my heart that 1 of these young strikers proves me wrong.going too be a long few months i fear.

Quoted from grimsby pete

This is not sour grapes but if Dallas is half as good as we have made out.

Why is it only Hartlepool and us bidding for him. ?

Not the time or the place to be so rational!

Quoted from Mikey_345

How many times… the bloke identifies players, probably to a specification given to him.

The manager and board sign them… or not as is applicable in our case

I’m sorry to question this statement but I can’t believe the HOR doesn’t have a more involved position that just identifying players . If hes making a professional judgement on whether a player is who we need , then he should be involved in the discussions as he tells the player why he’s shortlisted him and why he’s going to fit in ? Yeah the £ side is down to the CEO but that’s what she gets paid for . Just like HOR gets paid for finding the players the manager wants .

Quoted from Vance Warner

Not the time or the place to be so rational!

Perhaps other clubs tipped his agent the wink they would be in for him in the summer and the money required now to buy him would go to his wages instead? A gamble by him perhaps that they stick to that?

Dress it up however you like, but January has been an absolute disaster.

The summer wasn’t much better, but we all know and understand the reason why it was difficult. We had our latest ever finish (4 weeks after the L2 regular season ended and most clubs were well into recruiting) followed by our earliest ever start. We were playing catch up with many potential targets signed up elsewhere while we were still navigating our way through the play-offs. It is unquestionable that Hurst signed players he didn’t really want long-term as a short term remedy (Kiernan on loan and a fair few existing players who ideally Hurst would have moved on and replaced with better quality signings).

For whatever reason all our main targets in January said “no”. You can include Vernam on that list too. You can say that Lincoln wouldn’t release him all you like, but if he really wanted to join Town he could have engineered the move very easily by employing the dark arts and submitting a transfer request.

The question is why we can’t get signings over the line. Location (town and training ground)? State of and facilities at BP? Wages? Unappealing manager? Poor selling of club and extended area?

Let’s be honest. If you’re a player we are targeting you’ve probably played at BP before. So you already know it’s a bit of a dump with rubbish, old fashioned changing rooms. You know it 50 miles past Doncaster, out on a limb and by the coast. You check Google maps and you see the training ground is located in about the worst possible location it could be when players are generally all commuting in down the A180 corridor. And then thats confirmed when the player is taken by the club to Cheapside if/when he comes for talks.

You can only play the hand you have at your disposal. But the hand we have is at our gift. We can make the club more attractive. The owners can pull their heads out of their ar$es and admit BP isn’t fit for purpose and crack on with delivering a stadium fit for this century. They can stop wasting their time on a training ground project in a built up area which will be costly and time consuming to achieve and won’t help attract players to the club and just follow the lead of others clubs (like Lincoln) who have an easily assessable training ground 4 or 5 miles from their town/city off a main road. If they can’t finance a good enough squad or facilities they have to be more proactive in finding further partners who will lighten the load on themselves and help drive the club forward on and off the pitch. Or look to sell the club on if they have underestimated the finances and complexities of owning a football club in our geographical location and with our unfit for purpose facilities.

Let's look at the positives eh, 338 pages of rumours for non of the rumoured names to sign!..that has to be a record for a Fishy thread surely!..

Well that went just as i said it would and got shot down again for being right . Cheap - last thing - and the dregs . When are people going to wake up and smell the coffee. How many more times are people going to make excuses and say NEXT WINDOW Nothing has changed except a few tarting up the ground bits .. Typical big busines owners, lots of background staff and this manager and that manager but no end product on the field.

As the saying goes, it is what it is. I am disappointed that no permanent signings arrived, but we now have numbers again in the squad.

On a positive note if Hurst can get them singing and dancing, like the depleted team that played against Luton then we should do ok, and maybe touch the playoffs. After albeit the 1st Feb we still have 22 games to play which is virtually half a season.

“Wake up and smell the coffee”, “dress it up as you like”, “disaster”, “cheap”, “bargain bucket”. All opinions without the benefit of seeing any of these lads play. Did I want Dallas, Vernam etc? Of course, but what do you expect the club to do? Kidnap them? If they don’t want to come, or their club won’t allow them to come then that’s that. Don’t blame the people currently in charge, blame the previous incumbents who have allowed this club’s reputation and facilities to fall below the likes of Barrow, Rochdale and Stevenage. Blame the council and the government for the lack of investment in N.E Lincs needed to make it a desirable place to live. Blame Grim for discovering this town in the location it is and not 50 miles west. The fact is that we are what we are now, and it’s going to take years, not a few transfer windows to repair and build this club again.

Quoted from denni266

Well that went just as i said it would and got shot down again for being right . Cheap - last thing - and the dregs . When are people going to wake up and smell the coffee. How many more times are people going to make excuses and say NEXT WINDOW Nothing has changed except a few tarting up the ground bits .. Typical big busines owners, lots of background staff and this manager and that manager but no end product on the field.

Another 'i know the budget and its crap'...
When will you wake up n smell the coffee, unless we spend the kinda of money that Wrexham, Stockport etc do we will struggle to sign top drawer players that have little or no affiliation to NE lincs.
The last 13 years have damaged our reputation as a "league football club" with 2 relegations to non league and not finishing above 14th in league 2, thus hardly making us a great proposition for players that have aspirations of furthering their footballing career.
Until we can establish ourselves back in league 2 and have a few stabs at promotion will we then be looked as "good proposition" for the 'better' players.
I doubt our failure to land players in this window has anything to do with lack of ambition or even finances, its years of failure
biting us firmly on our ar$e let alone being an end of the road, down on its luck town.

Seen a few “no better than Fenty” / “we signed more when we had Fenty” type comments.

All very well, but….you do realise we were, on the whole, not very good when we had Fenty?

What does the final table look like ska?

Quoted from sam gy

Seen a few “no better than Fenty” / “we signed more when we had Fenty” type comments.

All very well, but….you do realise we were, on the whole, not very good when we had Fenty?

I’ve also seen people saying ‘we can’t spend too much’ etc, excuses Fenty & Day rolled out before getting us relegated.

I love the owners but let’s face it, if the last mob turned in a window like this, fans would’ve been rightly raging.

But equally just because we were abject when we had Fenty doesn't mean we should just accept substandard once again.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

What does the final table look like ska?

Carnage, I suspect.

I hope that none of the new signings read the Fishy, because 90% of the readership have written them off already, without giving them any chance on the playing field.

Less than 2 years ago, many were asking why Harry was still worth his place, but now he is "one of our own !"

Give these new signings a fair chance, please !!

Some absolute melts posting moaning tripe on this thread.
Back the boys. UTM

Quoted from Swansea_Mariner

But equally just because we were abject when we had Fenty doesn't mean we should just accept substandard once again.

Not saying we should, I’m saying we’ve had windows that we thought were ‘exciting’ and they didn’t do us any good in the end

Quoted from acko338

I hope that none of the new signings read the Fishy, because 90% of the readership have written them off already, without giving them any chance on the playing field.

Less than 2 years ago, many were asking why Harry was still worth his place, but now he is "one of our own !"

Give these new signings a fair chance, please !!

I’ve not seen one person write off the players, it’s people questioning the transfer strategy of the football club and absolutely rightly so.

Don’t dress something as it isn’t to avoid the fair question

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

What does the final table look like ska?

It’s….not good mate. Everyone took an absolute hammering - Hagrid mendonca1995 and LocalLadGTFC absolutely nuked their reputations, a dry spell for previous undisputed tipster surrey97 who did just about enough to keep above water but was beaten to the punch on Lloyd by fishcake63. We even had conflicting reports about who we were, and weren’t, in for from other previous table-toppers. A real mess so people have about 5 months to get their sources in order ahead of the summer.

I think the thread has gone about as well as could be expected in the circumstances. Most took it in good spirits as intended, some genuinely funny spells of activity and (apart from one or two days when people couldn’t ignore a troll) it’s generally been a decent read. Absolutely fúck all use in terms of rumours though, you’d be better asking any woman on the street.

See you all on June 1st, utm.

In reality probably only two of the signings Emmanuel and O’Neil have a chance of starting and even that might be unfair of Efete after his performance at Luton. If Taylor and Khan were fit I doubt O’Neil would start so these signings are basically squad fillers which are required but unlikely to significantly improve on what we have.

As always happy to be proved wrong.

Results will show us how good this window has been .

Give the plaýers a chance before saying its been poor.

Think all as been said this thread now needs locking

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

In reality probably only two of the signings Emmanuel and O’Neil have a chance of starting and even that might be unfair of Efete after his performance at Luton. If Taylor and Khan were fit I doubt O’Neil would start so these signings are basically squad fillers which are required but unlikely to significantly improve on what we have.

As always happy to be proved wrong.

I think that’s a bit unfair on Lloyd. I’ve never seen him play but he’s 22 and played 80 odd games in this league and the one above, including 13 games this season. The lad from Norwich is highly thought of too, may end up being rubbish but it could really click for him here.

It’s still a disappointing window but its hard to really asses it till we see how good these players are.

I’m never going to put my faith in Dallas Cowboys again.

Quoted from Chrisblor

Even if they're all absolutely amazing it doesn't really matter because they'll all be clearing off at the end of the season leaving us no better off than we are now. Arguably we'll be in an even worse position because we've got McAtee, Smith and Taylor who'll need replacing then as well.

That's the nature of football isn't it? Don't think we, or most clubs for that matter, do their rebuilding in January. Definitely not effectively anyway.

Summer - lay the foundations
January - Tweak and hopefully improve

I'm genuinely disappointed we've not got Dallas, Vernam, maybe even the Altrincham lad (although if Emmanuel stays fit, I think that blows any disappointment on him out the water). I thought after failing to address a few key issues in the summer, we needed to do that this window. Alas, we didn't. That remains a priority for the next transfer window.

But that doesn't mean we can't improve on our position. New lads come in, move us up the table and then we look to strengthen again. Improvement is never a constant upward trajectory.

For all we know these new lads will be absolutely phenomenonal and we keep them beyond the summer. Or in the case of those loaned from the Championship we increase our repuatiaton as a good club to loan to, next year we might get better players loaned to us. That's an improvement.

There's just as much chance that they will be excrement and do intercourse all. But that could happen with Vernam, Garner, Dallas, anyone we sign!

Personally I don't think that's too shabby a window, got rid of the players who we weren't using and have brought in lads that have to be better quality.

A hard working young striker to plug the Taylor gap, who has a point to prove. A highly thought of young 'clinical' striker with league 1 experience. O'Neill who already seems to be a starter and good quality, and the defensive cover everybody wanted who has played much higher than league 2 and needs to show up well for the rest of this season to put himself in the shop window this summer if he wants to return there. All of them under 25, by all accounts athletic and energetic, and I don't doubt that should we have right wing injuries either Efete or Emmanuel could play there.

I'd have loved more like 6 incoming tbh, and permanent deals rather than stop-gap loans, but on paper they are better than what's left the squad and until they've all had 5 games and a few weeks training can't really judge them.

The real test will be this summer, once all the FA Cup and pizza shield monies have been banked, when we'll actually have the same length pre-season s everyone else to prepare. If the cash isn't deployed then I'll grab my pitchfork and torch and join the mob....

Quoted from Mikey_345

Sorry but the Vernam thing is simply wrong. We were in from the start to the end - Lincoln playing silly buggers and not allowing out due to numbers.

I/m not sure we were playing silly buggers - I think our Board and Manager are probably concerned about us being in a relegation battle, therefore have been cautious.

We've just spent 300k on a midfielder yesterday and loaned a forward who went for a Million pound a year ago to Palace, so they are clearly spending to try and maintain L1 - I think Vernam has been kept in case we have terrible injuries, it is certainly not due to him tearing it up in L1 - because he isn't and it is too much for him, in my opinion.

Quoted from diehardmariner

How are you measuring this improvement, or lack of?

We've not seen the lads in action yet. They might be excrement, they might be incredible... We've gotta see first!

I'm measuring the lack of improvement by the lack of permanent signings. That's what the owners were obviously referring to when they told us that we'd be seeing steady improvement every window and it's not been delivered.

Quoted from sam gy

Who’s to say one or some of these new/loan players won’t play for us again if we want to keep them? Vernam initially came here on loan. Mendonca did. Woods did. Andy Smith is now in his second loan and if he’s looking to leave Hull in the summer I’d say we’ve got a pretty good chance of signing him permanently.

Even if one loan stays, it's hardly the steady progression towards a promotion challenging side that has been talked about several times by the owners.

Quoted from diehardmariner

That's the nature of football isn't it? Don't think we, or most clubs for that matter, do their rebuilding in January. Definitely not effectively anyway.

Summer - lay the foundations
January - Tweak and hopefully improve

I'm genuinely disappointed we've not got Dallas, Vernam, maybe even the Altrincham lad (although if Emmanuel stays fit, I think that blows any disappointment on him out the water). I thought after failing to address a few key issues in the summer, we needed to do that this window. Alas, we didn't. That remains a priority for the next transfer window.

But that doesn't mean we can't improve on our position. New lads come in, move us up the table and then we look to strengthen again. Improvement is never a constant upward trajectory.

For all we know these new lads will be absolutely phenomenonal and we keep them beyond the summer. Or in the case of those loaned from the Championship we increase our repuatiaton as a good club to loan to, next year we might get better players loaned to us. That's an improvement.

There's just as much chance that they will be excrement and do intercourse all. But that could happen with Vernam, Garner, Dallas, anyone we sign!

No one expected a rebuild in January. The owners have spoken openly about improving the squad window to window. 3 loan players and a short-term deal for a long-term absentee from first team football doesn’t seem to offer us any foundations to build upon in the summer.

Compare that to last season when in the November to March period we added Maguire-Drew, Holohan, Smith, Amos, Cropper, Abrahams and Dieseruvwe who all improved the squad in both the longer and short term and all played a part in us winning promotion.

Compare that to the window we’ve just had and you can see why a lot of fans feel deflated and are concerned that we’re going to end up in a Fenty-era type rut.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

No one expected a rebuild in January. The owners have spoken openly about improving the squad window to window. 3 loan players and a short-term deal for a long-term absentee from first team football doesn’t seem to offer us any foundations to build upon in the summer.

Compare that to last season when in the November to March period we added Maguire-Drew, Holohan, Smith, Amos, Cropper, Abrahams and Dieseruvwe who all improved the squad in both the longer and short term and all played a part in us winning promotion.

Compare that to the window we’ve just had and you can see why a lot of fans feel deflated and are concerned that we’re going to end up in a Fenty-era type rut.

You don't know if the 4 players we've signed will improve the squad or not. Neither do I.

Quoted from Son of Cod

Even if one loan stays, it's hardly the steady progression towards a promotion challenging side that has been talked about several times by the owners.

We’re six months into a season in a new league / 18 months into new stewardship though…

Quoted from headingly_mariner

You don't know if the 4 players we've signed will improve the squad or not. Neither do I.

How are 3 (if not all 4) of them going to offer us anything in August 2023? The mantra has been incremental improvements.

All 4 could be brilliant and be our best 4 players for the rest of the season, but either way we’re back to square one in the summer and it will have to be revolution rather than evolution.

Quoted from Son of Cod

I'm measuring the lack of improvement by the lack of permanent signings. That's what the owners were obviously referring to when they told us that we'd be seeing steady improvement every window and it's not been delivered.

We'll have to disagree on the measure of improvement then. Personally I don't see the number of players on long-term deals as a real measure of success.

If that is your measure then yeah it's not a successful window. I'll wait to see how these signings impact on our league position before judging.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

No one expected a rebuild in January. The owners have spoken openly about improving the squad window to window. 3 loan players and a short-term deal for a long-term absentee from first team football doesn’t seem to offer us any foundations to build upon in the summer.

Compare that to last season when in the November to March period we added Maguire-Drew, Holohan, Smith, Amos, Cropper, Abrahams and Dieseruvwe who all improved the squad in both the longer and short term and all played a part in us winning promotion.

Compare that to the window we’ve just had and you can see why a lot of fans feel deflated and are concerned that we’re going to end up in a Fenty-era type rut.

Only Maguire-Drew and Holohan of those listed were on deals beyond the end of that season. One of whom has since left the club. Two signed extended deals after promotion and one returned on loan. Two left in the summer.

What's to say any of the loanees won't be extending their stay here?

I understand the frustration with a lack of permanent signings and I share it. But I just don't see how anyone can define this window as unsuccessful or even successful when we have no idea on the actual output yet.

We could have signed 5 players on a permanent deals and they absolutely tanked, is that progress and improvement?