Are we ready?

[Shea]

I don't really feel we're ready in as far as I don't think our squad is as complete as it could have been with a few key signings (I also don't think we'll make the moves I feel we should before the window closes)

Although I am not actually that bothered because I think the new manager may benefit from having more time to really work with his squad before wielding the axe and okaying new signings (so that he really knows what and who he needs to bring in)

I would still like us to trim a bit more fat from the squad and hopefully sign a couple of players in our potential positions of need CB? CM? LWF? ST? (depending on who is sold I guess)

Personally I expect maybe one more in and a couple out before the window closes and it may even work out for the best by giving the manager more time to assess what he has and what he needs whilst delaying the pressure from above for instant results due to the lack of backing given to the new man in the transfer market (lowered initial expectations perhaps)

 

[Cavehillspur]

It's a no from me given that 5 of our world cup players haven't featured at all in pre season (and some of those should be in our starting 11).

Maybe Poch has been working them hard on our full sized pitches and held secret matches but just dont think we are ready. We still might have enough to overcome the Spammers though.

 

[absolute bobbins]

Pitch looks ready

 

[strader]

Regarding WC players, only vert will probably be a starter. Hugo is back!!

the squad have had solid preseason under their belt, bar Ade who was ill but he has been back for a few weeks.

I believe we are ready, and I am ready to see a new style of football from us. COYS...

 

[thinktank]

Pitch looks ready

Better be better than last season, the latter half of which had the pitch in the worst state I can remember in a very long time.

 

[stemark44]

Personally, the one thing that I thought we lacked last season under AVB was a high tempo. It was pass-pass-pass without any real penetration but with the higher tempo we have displayed with Pouch I'm more convinced of our chances across the board.
Unlike AVB's first season where players at the Olympics/Euros seemed to hold us back, Pouch seems to have taken this in his stride. If nothing else, he's told the players who didn't go to the World Cup to take their chance and it's now up to those coming back from additional holidays to get their place back!
Of course, we'll need patience, but I'm genuinely more optimistic rather than ignoring the obvious faults (like I usually do!).

Yeah,from pre-season games we can already see that we are pressing teams better,we move the ball quicker and when attacking we have players sprinting into the gaps in our opponents defence instead of simply standing still waiting for the ball to be played.
This is all good and in modern football,thats a good starting point.
However the current spine of our team is simply not of the quality required to be competitive at the top end of this league.
At the very least,we need a top quality CB,a top quality midfielder and a striker who can get us 20+ goals a season.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Fuck yeah man, I'm ready... bring it oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!!

*ahem* Er, yeah, think we'll do alright.

 

[Good Doctor M]

Pitch looks ready

No, there's some scaffolding or something on it. That'll need to be moved for a start.