Thanks SG that really cheered me up, bye bye Raph next summer
Probably will be lets be honest, Leicester model and all that, making signings in advance of departures (James now Raph pays for it in 12 months)
Anyhoo.
Dan James
Look we overpaid i think thats pretty much agreed? Probably to keep MB happy as its pretty clear he had an obsession. Despite that i like Dan James, seems a nice kid, at least he wants to be here and in a way its probably nice for him to finally conclude a journey he started 2.5 years ago with his late father. All the talk of time though is gone, we are a demanding fanbase and people will want instant impact at that price. He is under huge pressure and questions will be asked fairly quickly if he struggles.
That being said having watched a few more YouTube videos (yeah i know) he isnt quite as 1 dimensional as i thought, he isnt Raph with tricks and things but he has some skill and it isnt all kick and rush and he actually has played some really decent passes at times (especially during his first 6months at Manure) so i am hopeful.
Was the Summer transfer window a success?
Erm to early to say.
Firpo on paper seems an upgrade on Ali but imp so far on the pitch he hasnt been and we really miss Ali probably more than many of our fanbase expected.
Dan James on paper is an upgrade on Costa but again to early to say and imo the similarities to Costa are a worry
And the gaping hole in midfield is still there.
Not trying to be "negative" just realistic at this stage.
As for finishing position lets go with 12-16th.
Really, Costa was always decent going forward and a key cog in our promotion but struggled with the defensive side. We know, I think, that James was maybe Manures best defensive attacker and he's quicker than Costa, looks stronger than Costa. If we're getting a better defensive player then that can only be a good thing. especially if he brings more on offence
