Rate the transfer window...

[stubbo-admin]

So our last chance to affect the run in through squad make up has been and gone...but was it a net positive or negative?

We started the window with a squad somewhat 'unbalanced' to coin the Manager's phrase....bloated with substandard squad fillers picking up big wages and unlikely to get meaningful game time.  At the same time we had a Brazil international on the books and a young Brazilian winger who surely deserved more game time despite only being 19.  

At the end of the window we have more senior forwards, but key areas of the squad still look weak.  So are we better off, or was it the usual Sullivan cluster fuck?

1. Goalkeeper

Ins: N/A
Outs: N/a

No change in goal. We still have a first choice keeper who hates the ball in the air and is if not the root cause, at least contributes to our high ball susceptibility, and a second choice no one trusts with stunted arms.

Rating: C...no stronger, no worse. Would ideally be stronger.

2. Defence

Ins: Disasi
Outs: Igor

Say what you like about our new "French International", but he's an upgrade on Igor and comes in at a time when the cupboard was bare. Whether he's Craig Dawson reincarnated, or more Roger the Relegator remains to be seen, but technically we're stronger here now, with the new man a much better box defender and aerially dominant. Will it ultimately make our defence any better remains to be seen, but it is an improvement, all be it minor.

Rating: C+...better, but with the leakiest defence in the league, we needed major surgery and not just some Botox.

3. Midfield

Ins: N/A
Outs: Rodriguez, Irving, JWP, Paqueta

Whether you put Paqueta in attack or midfield really dictates the outcomes of those sections, but with a lack of open play goals and assists to his name in recent seasons, midfield feels more appropriate. Arguably, midfield has been a successful window with deadwood on big wages shifted, a sizeable fee received for an unhappy underperforming maverick, and all players of note retained.  Trouble is the wages saved won't save our season, and the fee received for Paqueta is only useful if reinvested in an improvement, who given he got notable game time when available, means we're an option and potential match winner down. Where's the money gone Sullivan?

Verdict: D... we're weaker, all be it from the loss of players who were not great performers, but Rodriguez had helped us see some games out, and Paqueta in glimpses was still a potential difference maker. Not replacing him when it was clear he was off a dereliction of duty. We all know we won't see that transfer fee again 

4. Attack

Ins: Pablo, Taty, Traore, Lamadrid
Outs: Fullkrug, Guilherme

Rightly or wrongly, the loss of Guilherme can't be seen as anything but neutral since he was getting no game time, was untrusted by three managers in succession, and should have been part of the U21 squad despite his inflated fee. Fullkrug's departure for me is a welcome exit. The 'big' German came with a reputation for injury and physicality...only delivered on half of that, and ultimately was a huge waste of money with an overinflated opinion of himself.

The arrival of Taty and Pablo has brought renewed energy to the side, allowing us to defend from the front in the first hour of games, and whisky they don't look like prolific goalscorers has had an undoubted impact in improving the side. Traore it's too early to call, but so far he's cost us Todibo for 3 games by starting a ruck, and looks like his 'roids addiction has got the better of him...he'll likely have more impact in the Rush Green quasi-gymnasium than he will on the pitch. As for Lamadrid....welcome lad. Nice goal for the U21s. Good luck when you return to your parents club ...glad to have helped your development.

Verdict: B+...we're notably stronger up top, no weaker out wide, but really needed a other bench wide option to affect games, and the drop off when Pablo or Taty Go off knackered harms the side's ability to play a 90 min game.

----------

So where does it leave us? For me it's a C+ window. We are stronger in terms of the first XI and marginally so in terms of our bench options. But will it move the needle and bring us back from the precipice of relegation? Fucking unlikely.

Jarrod Bowen....suit up! The future of West Ham is once again resting solely on your shoulders!

BSOut....where's the money gone Sullivan?!

 

[Massive Attack]

Of course it's all on him as he hires everyone. However it was Steidten negotiating the deals at that time and part of the reason why Sullivan wanted him gone for making such a pigs ear of it when handed the transfer kitty. 

[El Scorchio]

Steidten was doing those deals at that time, often paying over the odds just so he could get the players in quickly. 

Kilman wasn't a Stiedten buy. That was Sullivan and Lopetegui. In his fucking backwards 'You get one then I get one' approach to transfer strategy.

Fullkrug yeah. Then again if Sullivan had ponied up at the time for the first choice Duran then it wouldn't have happened.

I know, I said he was doing the deals paying over the odds so to get them done quickly.

With Sullivan approving it all and writing the cheques. Its ultimately on him as we know every transfer and it's completion or failure is down to his whims. If he let the Lop talk him into Kilman then he's a fucking prize idiot. And turning down Duran over the sake of a couple of million and ending up Lopetegui was stupid as well.

[Massive Attack]

We then offer stupid money for other players.  Kilman & Fullcrock £65 million 

Steidten was doing those deals at that time, often paying over the odds just so he could get the players in quickly. 

Kilman wasn't a Stiedten buy. That was Sullivan and Lopetegui. In his fucking backwards 'You get one then I get one' approach to transfer strategy.

Fullkrug yeah. Then again if Sullivan had ponied up at the time for the first choice Duran then it wouldn't have happened.

I know, I said he was doing the deals paying over the odds so to get them done quickly.

[El Scorchio]

I heard that. It's classic Sullivan isn't it. Irrespective of our views on the player, even at desperation times he's willing to fork out 18 million but not a measly 5% (give or take) over the top of it to secure the deal. Time after fucking time it happens. How many targets have we missed out on due to his 'tactics'..

We then offer stupid money for other players.  Kilman & Fullcrock £65 million 

Steidten was doing those deals at that time, often paying over the odds just so he could get the players in quickly. 

Kilman wasn't a Stiedten buy. That was Sullivan and Lopetegui. In his fucking backwards 'You get one then I get one' approach to transfer strategy.

Fullkrug yeah. Then again if Sullivan had ponied up at the time for the first choice Duran then it wouldn't have happened.

[Massive Attack]

Yea, Moose is a bit of a dick and (rightly) kops some flack, but at least he doesn't suck up to the managers and he asks them some forthright questions. Potter hated him.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but apparently we upped our bid for Harwood-Bellis to 18 mil but the Saints wanted 20. Crazy.

I heard that. It's classic Sullivan isn't it. Irrespective of our views on the player, even at desperation times he's willing to fork out 18 million but not a measly 5% (give or take) over the top of it to secure the deal. Time after fucking time it happens. How many targets have we missed out on due to his 'tactics'..

We then offer stupid money for other players.  Kilman & Fullcrock £65 million 

Steidten was doing those deals at that time, often paying over the odds just so he could get the players in quickly. 

[El Scorchio]

Duran cancelling his loan at Fenerbahce and going to Zenit St Petersburg. There's something bizarre about all his career moves. Got to be some shit behind the scenes.

[Mad Ferret]

Quite happy we didn't spunk £20m on THB.

Just a shame they wouldn't have taken £10m + JWP/Potts.

[El Scorchio]

Yea, Moose is a bit of a dick and (rightly) kops some flack, but at least he doesn't suck up to the managers and he asks them some forthright questions. Potter hated him.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but apparently we upped our bid for Harwood-Bellis to 18 mil but the Saints wanted 20. Crazy.

I heard that. It's classic Sullivan isn't it. Irrespective of our views on the player, even at desperation times he's willing to fork out 18 million but not a measly 5% (give or take) over the top of it to secure the deal. Time after fucking time it happens. How many targets have we missed out on due to his 'tactics'..

We then offer stupid money for other players.  Kilman & Fullcrock £65 million 

Yes- lunacy! Just no grasp on what value is from the chairman.

[zico]

Manuel - Hah ha,,, it's all about opinion isn't it.  Been away from it for so long now I don't recongnise half the players!  Sure there were some crap games in the past but just because something moves on it doesn't neccessarily make it better. Felt that way about most sports if I am honest, I think maybe it's something to do with a lack of characters and individual styles these days.  In football I think dumping VAR would make a massive difference to the enjoyment levels bar the obvious stuff like goal line tech. As I say it's all opinion.. Just becuase a lot of it bores me it doesn't make me right.  And I've moved on to Cary Grant films now!     

[Tomshardware]

Fat bastard Moose made good points aimed at Nuno when questioning the logic of those he brought in weren't experienced Prem ready players who know what it takes to survive in this League and he's right. Nuno didn't seem to think it was all that important nor did he really understand the question until it was further spelt out to him.

Maybe that's why he shunned the opportunity of getting Pinnock or the like in and if he had it his way he would have shipped Wilson out the Club already, although still trying to ignore him as much as possible. 

Yea, Moose is a bit of a dick and (rightly) kops some flack, but at least he doesn't suck up to the managers and he asks them some forthright questions. Potter hated him.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but apparently we upped our bid for Harwood-Bellis to 18 mil but the Saints wanted 20. Crazy.

I heard that. It's classic Sullivan isn't it. Irrespective of our views on the player, even at desperation times he's willing to fork out 18 million but not a measly 5% (give or take) over the top of it to secure the deal. Time after fucking time it happens. How many targets have we missed out on due to his 'tactics'..

We then offer stupid money for other players.  Kilman & Fullcrock £65 million 

[El Scorchio]

Fat bastard Moose made good points aimed at Nuno when questioning the logic of those he brought in weren't experienced Prem ready players who know what it takes to survive in this League and he's right. Nuno didn't seem to think it was all that important nor did he really understand the question until it was further spelt out to him.

Maybe that's why he shunned the opportunity of getting Pinnock or the like in and if he had it his way he would have shipped Wilson out the Club already, although still trying to ignore him as much as possible. 

Yea, Moose is a bit of a dick and (rightly) kops some flack, but at least he doesn't suck up to the managers and he asks them some forthright questions. Potter hated him.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but apparently we upped our bid for Harwood-Bellis to 18 mil but the Saints wanted 20. Crazy.

I heard that. It's classic Sullivan isn't it. Irrespective of our views on the player, even at desperation times he's willing to fork out 18 million but not a measly 5% (give or take) over the top of it to secure the deal. Time after fucking time it happens. How many targets have we missed out on due to his 'tactics'..

[Bow_Bells]

The biggest worry for me is that the bloke from Chelsea hasnt played a first team game since April and has hardly played for the U21s either.He wont be match fit.

[Manuel]

Fat bastard Moose made good points aimed at Nuno when questioning the logic of those he brought in weren't experienced Prem ready players who know what it takes to survive in this League and he's right. Nuno didn't seem to think it was all that important nor did he really understand the question until it was further spelt out to him.

Maybe that's why he shunned the opportunity of getting Pinnock or the like in and if he had it his way he would have shipped Wilson out the Club already, although still trying to ignore him as much as possible. 

Yea, Moose is a bit of a dick and (rightly) kops some flack, but at least he doesn't suck up to the managers and he asks them some forthright questions. Potter hated him.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but apparently we upped our bid for Harwood-Bellis to 18 mil but the Saints wanted 20. Crazy.

[Massive Attack]

Fat bastard Moose made good points aimed at Nuno when questioning the logic of those he brought in weren't experienced Prem ready players who know what it takes to survive in this League and he's right. Nuno didn't seem to think it was all that important nor did he really understand the question until it was further spelt out to him.

Maybe that's why he shunned the opportunity of getting Pinnock or the like in and if he had it his way he would have shipped Wilson out the Club already, although still trying to ignore him as much as possible. 

[Nutsin]

Areola is serviceable, weak on crosses but pulls off some nice saves.

Wingers are our strength, fullbacks are solid.

Taty and Fernandez worth keeping.

Soucek and Wilson are good to have on the bench.

Pablo needs more time as does Magassa.

I’d try KWP as holding midfielder.


Rest need to be replaced. 

 

[Manuel]

So you don’t even watch World Cup finals then?

In recent World Cups I've only watched England and even that has bored me to tears, I don't bother with their friendlies anymore.  Can't remember the last time I watched a WC or Euros game with other nations in it, even Finals.  Haven't seen a Champions League game for years and the last time I probably watched a PL match with two other clubs in it was when Keane and Viera were playing. Haven't watched an FA Cup Final live for donkeys years, yet I could name you every Final and score from 1975 to 1990.. I see MOTD once in a blue moon.

Maybe I am just getting old but modern football just bores me.  It's all the same, with disloyal, over paid cheating prima donnas without half the talent of a Brooking, Bonds or Devonshire.  Side to side, backwards, keeper, side to side again, 30 passes to do what teams of yesteryear did with three or four, and even if something exciting does happen you have to wait 5 minutes for VAR to check it.

I used to be a football nut, loved it, absolutely hooked.  Played or managed both Saturday and Sunday then would always watch the games on Sky in the afternoon or matches shown midweek but it just doesn't excite me anymore.  When England lost in Semis in 90 and 96 I was absolutely gutted, when they lost in the WC SF a few years back and the Euro Final 2024 I just changed chanells and I wasn't over bothered.  

I watched Brazil v Italy 1982 WC again the other night on You Tube and loved it, terrific football, fabulous players and of course Zico my all time favourite.  So maybe I am not getting old it's just modern day football has had the life sucked out of it.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.

What a load of old woe is me, tosh that is. Most things in life have changed, not just football. Still some great games and still probably nothing better to watch on the box than a game of football (in moderation, granted) You just stick to watching the old Robert Redford films

There were many boring games back in the times that you refer to, low on quality too in many cases. Take the ''back in the day'' tints off. You're not Sold0 resurrected, are you? 

[Massive Attack]

The thought just cracks me up that only Sullivan could rake in over £10M and save on loads of wages when in our desperate situation trying to avoid relegation.

And they wonder why they have a famous song about them regarding lies and just where is all the fucking money....

[Sweep]

We've had worse days.

[Keep dreaming]

Im changing my previous 3/10 to 2/10 after Sullivan was 2m short in his evaluation on Harwood and not able to secure Cresswell.
Nothing new from Sullivan in other words.

cսnt

[zico]

So you don’t even watch World Cup finals then?

In recent World Cups I've only watched England and even that has bored me to tears, I don't bother with their friendlies anymore.  Can't remember the last time I watched a WC or Euros game with other nations in it, even Finals.  Haven't seen a Champions League game for years and the last time I probably watched a PL match with two other clubs in it was when Keane and Viera were playing. Haven't watched an FA Cup Final live for donkeys years, yet I could name you every Final and score from 1975 to 1990.. I see MOTD once in a blue moon.

Maybe I am just getting old but modern football just bores me.  It's all the same, with disloyal, over paid cheating prima donnas without half the talent of a Brooking, Bonds or Devonshire.  Side to side, backwards, keeper, side to side again, 30 passes to do what teams of yesteryear did with three or four, and even if something exciting does happen you have to wait 5 minutes for VAR to check it.

I used to be a football nut, loved it, absolutely hooked.  Played or managed both Saturday and Sunday then would always watch the games on Sky in the afternoon or matches shown midweek but it just doesn't excite me anymore.  When England lost in Semis in 90 and 96 I was absolutely gutted, when they lost in the WC SF a few years back and the Euro Final 2024 I just changed chanells and I wasn't over bothered.  

I watched Brazil v Italy 1982 WC again the other night on You Tube and loved it, terrific football, fabulous players and of course Zico my all time favourite.  So maybe I am not getting old it's just modern day football has had the life sucked out of it.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[Mad Ferret]

Nope but there again I don't watch much football these days bar West Ham.

So you don’t even watch World Cup finals then?

Some people just watch England, games, and any other game that takes their fancy, it's pretty normal mate

Everyone watches the World Cup final dude, come on.

[Massive Attack]

Wasn't there some tax reason for Toney as to why it would have ended up silly him moving back from Saudi already? I seem to remember it coming up but i can't say if there's any truth in it. 

Think that was the case in the past but think that's expired now. Could be wrong.

I think it's a tax year thing, so he'd have a huge bill to pay if he returned before 6th April

 

 

Fair enough, almost there. Yeah he likely wouldn't risk it on a financial basis unless he was well remunerated with a lucrative deal back here to cover some of that shortfall. I would have at least asked for the question to see how tempted he would be to return on World Cup year with his last England call-up last year back in June if he still harboured hopes of going.

[Mr Anon]

perhaps you still put a wall chart on your bedroom wall Ferret

[Mr Anon]

You've never heard of Disasi?

Really?

Nope but there again I don't watch much football these days bar West Ham.

So you don’t even watch World Cup finals then?

Some people just watch England, games, and any other game that takes their fancy, it's pretty normal mate

[Mad Ferret]

Very underwhelmed with it as only one I had heard of is Traore. 

You've never heard of Disasi?

Really?

Nope but there again I don't watch much football these days bar West Ham.

So you don’t even watch World Cup finals then?