18 Jun 2025 16:51:09
Right I'm a bit confused, EHL.
Wasn't it you who said we were looking to bring in at least 5-6 out-of-contract players this window, along with a few signings involving transfer fees?
But now you're saying the lineup won't look too different from last season?
Balogun, Lawrence, and Hagi have left.
The loan players Cerny, Kasa, and Fernandes are also gone.
There's talk of Dessers possibly leaving, and even Raskin might be on his way out.
To me, that suggests we're heading for significant changes in the squad by the start of the season unless I'm missing something.
If the club truly wants to progress this year, we need a refreshed squad. A lot of players have had their chance, and too many haven't shown enough whether that's due to injuries or mentality to justify going another season with them.
We need better quality across the pitch if we want to improve and push forward. I'm not expecting RM to suddenly turn this group into superstars. What we need is new, higher-calibre players and a team that's ready to fight for the full season.
Here's hoping we see a serious shake-up and a side that looks ready to compete from day one.
18 Jun 2025 17:06:07
It's a complicated business Stig, which I will try and summarise.
Within our current 1st team squad we have two 'spaces' - a right sided defender and a right sided forward.
We also have an additional head on midfield, however that's Cifu, who isn't expected back for preseason - bit the situation is fluid.
I appreciate that we as fans are not particularly happy with a lot of the first team squad, but that doesn't change the FACTS above.
We already have the players secured to fill the current spaces.
We also have a few players who have secured moves, for which we have also secured replacements.
Likewise we have players we want to move on - again we have identified replacements for those.
Lastly we have players we would like to keep, but they're attracting interest - again replacements are identified.
The STRONG likelihood is that the team that takes the field for the first qualifier will have 1, maybe 2 new signings - unless there is some surprise business or injuries before hand.
18 Jun 2025 17:24:56
New CH, new RW, New striker and cameron.
18 Jun 2025 17:31:06
Okay, I get it you're alluding to the first qualifying round.
But you're not necessarily saying the squad will be practically the same by the time the domestic season kicks off.
Hopefully, there will be more movement by then both in terms of players coming in and going out.
Here's hoping anyway!
18 Jun 2025 17:32:55
EHL, the way things were going I was expecting much the same team until I read your post. As you say it is not easy keeping a tag on the comings and goings.
18 Jun 2025 17:36:35
So basicly like every year for the last 3 or 4 maybe more years we are going to be stuck with a bunch of players who don't really want to be here but refuse to leave for less wages. Sounds like an exciting time.
18 Jun 2025 17:41:08
Also, from that reply, EHL, I'm guessing it's not Frigan or Turgeman we've secured as chat has went quite on both players?
Actually — scrap that, I know you can't answer that one.
Anyone else want to jump in? Both players are primarily centre-forwards, though I believe they can also play out wide.
I'm really wanting Turgeman he looks a player?
18 Jun 2025 17:46:09
Stig, I think the harsh reality is that very few of the players we want to move on are 'priority' targets for clubs - i. e. the type of player they are desperate to sign before preseason.
So most of our activity will more than likely be towards the end of the window.
There is a lot happening though, and it just takes a few moves to start a chain reaction.
18 Jun 2025 18:09:46
Muscat I don't watt to disagree re the he post but Davies propper dowell matondo mcausland cifuentes won't be here at end of window
Plus 2-3 others.
18 Jun 2025 18:40:23
EHL, not having a go at you, but i doubt you are privvy to who is coming and going considering coaching staff at this stage are not in the know where offers etc. are concerned.
18 Jun 2025 18:46:28
Someone needs to screen shot this to see how right and wrong people are.
18 Jun 2025 18:55:55
Rome wasn't built in a day and it looks like it won't be the day after. EHL says 1 maybe 2 starts for first euro game after what's gone out. It'll be too soon for us methinks. However I'm sure 49 ers believe it's a process that takes time.
But us bears want it now!
18 Jun 2025 19:14:49
Very true Slim Jim - except that my role is within the player integration department, who are currently focused on building programmes for incoming players.
18 Jun 2025 19:22:23
And you know this to be true Slim?
18 Jun 2025 19:29:24
Colonel actually I am more than happy for it to take as long as it does. I don't believe any of the rumours and will just wait and see who comes and who goes knowing business will be done as and when it can be. I also know the new owners will be trying to do everything which is needed to get the club back to a good place.