02 Sep 2026 13:26:48
On the whole a successful transfer window I thought. Good money made from sales therefore club debt reduced and stability assured. JWP returned to his pasture in Southampton. Fulkrug and Todibo no longer causing trouble in the changing room. Alvarez and Mugassa retained. Some exciting new young talent brought in along with some experienced heads. And most importantly we didn’t sign sideshow Bob Wout Faes! ?

1.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 15:18:29
I think I would, by and large, go along with that, Dabber. Definitely on the making clubs pay the proper whack rather than giving players away, and getting rid of JWP, Todibo and Fulkrug is great. The players, I think, we need to see how they pan out. Solomon and Piroe look pretty decent. I think Makasa is class and could be the real bit of creativity we need, and hopefully the young Norwegian kid will turn out to be as good a find as some of us hope. Obviously, too early to say anything about the 2 defenders bought yesterday, hopefully they won’t turn out to be panic buys.

For me, the jury is out regarding Engels. I read the player ratings yesterday, and people said he had a really good game. I am prepared to bow to their better knowledge. I didn’t actually pay much attention to him until the last quarter of the match, and I have to be honest, I don’t really know what he was doing; he just seemed to be aimlessly running around in the middle of the park, not really contributing anything until there was a corner. But I may be being a bit harsh.

2.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 15:42:25
I think Engels is still finding his feet, Hammer-D, but he keeps things neat, doesn't dive in and covers a lot of work. He could be another Noble, nothing flash, but very effective. Time will tell.

3.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 17:45:24
Agree. Huge money raised, but not much spent has eased a lot of pressure on the financial state of the club. The wages bill has dropped radically. Fernandes and Summerville were always going to go once we were demoted, but the club negotiated far better deals than we have in the past.

Deadweights/dressing room negatives have been shipped out (for this season at least).



Incoming players are a blend of experience and youth. Loan deals are a temporary fix, but are cheap.

I think all of the new players have good potential and our youngsters' performances have been highly encouraging so far.

In terms of the latest signings, the proof is in the pudding.

I continue to be optimistic.

4.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 18:11:02
That sums it up nicely. I reckon it is going to take time for these to gel.

Only issue is the two cbs, who can't defend, and Hermandsen, who I'm not convinced should be replaced with Areola.

5.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 19:10:11
Agree with everyone but would add the emergence of some of the youngsters, Orford, Kante, Ajalla and Golembecis.

6.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 20:34:49
Decent window, I think. Of course, we could all name other players we should have signed, but id say the squad we have should be able to compete at the top of the table if the manager lets them.

7.) 02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 2026 21:34:14
Mac, I think we've got some decent cover at Cb:

Veltman
Golambeckis
Morato
Alvarez (has played there many times for Mexico and other clubs)
Magassa (is seeking forgiveness for rocking the boat and blaming his agent!)

Can all play at Cb.

8.) 03 Sep 2026
03 Sep 2026 07:25:59
I also think playing Magassa or Alvarez at CDM will help the defense out, and if they buy our vertically challenged goalkeeper some platform shoes, he may be able to reach the top part of the net.