Every season it is the same story for us, the majority of our signings come in when our season has already started. Some of these signings we have made clear we have wanted for months yet get them right at the end and give them no time to gel with the squad. But why is this? I know we aren’t the only cub that does this but it can be really annoying just waiting and waiting until the last couple of weeks to get anyone, especially when we are in a new league.
Squad Instability During the Opening Fixtures
Our first game this season we started with only one new signing and he joined two days before that game (Solomon). We also brought on two players who aren’t even at the club anymore. Fast forward to our 4th league game against Wolves, we started with four new signings, whilst also announcing two new players will be joining us for the season and we brought on two new players in the second half. As much as I can respect our performances haven’t been brilliant this season it must be hard for Nuno when, let’s be honest, he has no idea what his next squad will be.
The True Cost of Saving a Few Pounds
I get one positive about buying closer to the end of the window is some clubs want these players to go so will take whatever money they can get, so we get them cheaper. But when they are our main target, I believe they should be brought in before the first game of the season otherwise you’re just admitting you’re not ready for the season. Last season we signed Mateus Fernandes after two games in but we know Potter wanted him for months, and same this season with Joel Piroe. Considering we lost Pablo to injury, and Callum Wilson had left, we needed a striker regardless and yet still couldn’t get him in early for so long we were toying with Troy Parrott until he had enough and signed for Real Betis. I just believe sometimes we make things so much harder for ourselves just to save a few pounds.
Short-Term Teammates and Midfield Disruption
Another area which doesn’t help us is when new players come to the club and try to gel with each other and then that player goes on to leave. Poor Engels came in and was training with Ward-Prowse then about a week later he went on to leave. I know players have to adapt quickly to it but when you have important games coming up and they are playing with players who they barely know that must be difficult and not needed.
Squad Depth, Recruitment Strategy, and Patience Needed
I know there are many financial benefits of bringing in players late but if we want to actually start a season well for a change, we really need to look into how our transfer window is done. The one thing about this window is I think we sold/let go of everyone that needed to go but we have done well to keep a good squad and add to it. We have depth in the majority of the positions and hopefully have a bench as the first few games of this season it was like we have no one to come on. One other area I like is we haven’t jumped to buy so many typical Championship players as if we do go up we wouldn’t be strong enough. Hopefully our players will now go on to click as the window is done but we mustn’t blame them quickly when there’s so many player changes when the season has started.
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