Is Hughton right to rubbish transfer talk?
Posted on May 7th, 2010 | 81 Comments |
Chris Hughton has been quick to play down any expectations of wholesale changes to the playing squad, but is this a shrewd move to divert the press away from the smell of blood whilst plans are made in private? Or is it a genuine statement that the club is pretty much closed for business already?
There appears to be a consensus forming between fans that around four signings will be needed to give the team the best chance of extending our stay in the Premier League beyond next season, and this concensus appears to not be aligned with Hughton’s prophecy of expecting one or two new faces. This could lead to a problem not only on the pitch, it could also brew trouble in the stands aswell. The fact is that some fans are still very sceptical over owner Mike Ashley and his intentions for the club, something that could be clarified by the supposed release of an official club statement which is apparently due sometime soon. If it does turn out that there will be only one or two signings then I have a hunch that it will be seen by some as the owner not backing the team and could result in scenes of unrest not too different from what we witnessed last year.
But is it all a clever ruse? Has Chris Hughton got a greater number of signings earmarked? Certainly our experience of his only transfer in January could be an indication of that. Expectations of reinforcements were low heading into the winter window, yet we emerged with a strengthened team with deals only being announced after they had been complete. It came as a shock to many, but upon reflection it makes so much sense, why would you broadcast who your potential signings are? If you did then you risk being gazumped by another team along the way.
Perhaps this is another exercise in team spirit and man management? It would hardly fit the team ethos that has dragged the club bck to the Premier League now would it?
“I’m sending Shola and Leon back to The Championship and Taylor can go if he wants. Danny can stay but I’m getting a new right back to take over his position. If anyone wants Ryan Taylor I’ll listen to offers and I’m going to be bringing in two new centre backs, a left back, a right back, new creative midfielder, a new right winger and a new striker… and who the hell is Xisco?”
Obviously it wouldn’t happen like that, but what if Hughton came out with something like what I just wrote there? What do people think the repercussions would be? Would it be wise to announce that we are looking for a rake load of players and fill the eyes of agents across the globe with pound signs?
Let’s also not get too down on our current crop of players. We know we need improvement in certain areas, but the fact that we finished so far in advance of the rest of the teams shows that we are quite a way ahead of the other two promoted sides already. We haven’t set so many records this season by being rubbish.
Either way I guess we just have to wait and see. We know players will come, we just don’t know how many, or how much they will cost, that is just the way it is nowadays. The transfer window doesn’t open until May 25th, and for all we know contact may have been made with players already.
Time will tell.
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
There will be no surprises this transfer window! Have a look at how Hughton has conducted his business up to now. We will get new players in and they will be of the ilk that we have signed in the last window. I really don’t see this as a bad thing, we might see a few surprise signings but none of them will be big money names. Unfortunately buying Rolls Royce players on a Hyundai budget just doesn’t make sense anymore. We are seeing more and more clubs in finacial trouble as a result. Bring in the no name, hard working, up and coming players Chris and I think a lot of fans will be more than happy….