Garry Monk has stated quite categorically that no player will be leaving LUFC in the transfer window - including Charlie Taylor, but that 1 or 2 players are expected to move in to strengthen the squad.
Deep down, I can't imagine that MC would do anything stupid to stunt the progress that we've made on the field this season, though I have to admit to being anxious about this month as we've seen things go unnecessarily belly-up too many times in the past. He has nothing to complain about - we're well placed in the play-off positions and in good form results-wise. As a businessman, surely he must see that if we gain promotion to the PL and he decides to sell, the value of the club will be much higher than it is now. Everybody wins. MC gets his pound of flesh and the new owner has a Premier League team to play with.
It's not lost on me that GM is very close to eclipsing Steve Evans as Cellino's longest serving manager which is no surprise, and refreshingly, discussions on the board are more about tying GM down to a longer contract rather than wondering who the next lame duck is going to be.
What's also refreshing, and who knows the reason why, is the continued silence and (one can only assume) non-interference in team affairs of MC. The past few months have shown that if things are settled and everyone is allowed to get on with their jobs, the team and club can be successful. No brainer really.
This month provides an opportunity to not only consolidate, but to take advantage of a springboard to real success at the end of the season. All that's happened up till now is we've manoeuvred ourselves into a promising position, which in itself, looking back over the last few seasons, is no mean feat.
If we do no more in this window than secure the loan signings who have played such a big part in our success so far and keep all our other players, I'll be happy. Anything after that would be a bonus.
Ideally, I'd also like GM to be tied to a longer term deal before his stock is that high that he could be tempted away, but I suspect that MC will wait. The ownership/investment issue is crying out for clarification, as is the long-term planning for MC's 18 month ban. It could be that the first issue resolves the second.
The club needs to show some commitment this month to build on the foundations that have been set.
Let's hope that just for once the powers that be get it right.
Happy New Year.
MOT
Massive Statement
posted on 3/1/17
Roofe has hardly lit the league up so far though. He is starting to look a player, regularly creating goals and has scored 2 in the last run of games. But took about 2 months to adapt to the league.
If we are looking for a signing to push us on for the rest of the season, then agree with Lubo, get in someone proven.
I'm all for building and signing promising players, but for me they are the signings you want to make in the summer or only in January if your season is effectively over.
posted on 3/1/17
Fair enough guys.....
posted on 3/1/17
But I still think mr Bogle can do a job for us...
posted on 3/1/17
He'd be worth having in the squad surely. Roofe has taken a while to adapt mostly due to playing as a number 10 and as a winger this season instead of as a striker. Bogle, if played where he does for Grimsby will be a handful.
posted on 3/1/17
If w are only going to sign one new striker, which we more than likely will, then it shouldn't be some young, League 2 player being picked up because he's scoring for Grimsby. That doesn't show ambition. That isn't a play-off signing.
posted on 3/1/17
Yes he brought him in but he was his third choice after Bristol rovers manager and Robinson at MK dons don't forget
posted on 4/1/17
Happy New Year Germany.....!
Doesn't matter if he was third or eighth choice, he still bought him in.
posted on 4/1/17
It does matter....he didn't want him and went for him at the 3rd attempt, he lucked out
posted on 4/1/17
Stevie!.
The thing is, people are saying 3rd choice, that bit doesn't matter to much because if he'd seen it the way some do he would have said no, the thing is now with the way its all going, is that it only started since this bod came in with money, Monk has been given room to breath, and the team are doing what most teams can do when people are left to do their jobs properly!..
Cellino for reasons unknown to all has kept his mouth out off things which is for us and the players a blessing in disguise, something has happened to make him stay out off things!..
Monks first games in charge normally would have got him in hot water!..
posted on 4/1/17
Doesn't matter. He's here. If he hadn't come on board and we were struggling under John Sheridan for example, then it would matter.
We didn't sign Asa Hartford all those years ago. Probably signed a second or third choice player then, did that matter? Not a jot.
Monk is here, we are performing well. I think we should be grateful with that to be honest.