We have now lost our 1st choice left winger and right winger, and not really replaced either (I'm not sure that Franca is really a winger).

Everyone but Palace could see that Zaha wasn't going to stay, and that once the buy out clause of Olise was known, it were highly unlikely to hang onto him.

Yet, we now go into the 2nd game even further depleted and IAM staggered that we haven't reacted quicker.

I know he is somewhat inconsistent, but Adams Traore on a free transfer to have covered Olise going.

Why didn't we engage with Chelsea over getting Hudson Odoi when Olise is going there.

I know we are looking at this guy from Benfica, but once again we haggling over a price, and in PL terms in nothing. They talk about Spurs being tight, but my word we take it to another level.

Right, so if everybody stays, what do we need, SP said 1 or 2 today, hopefully, if two i would like a right footed young winger and a Left back, i consider Franca to be a CF, i dont think he has the discipline for a wide player yet, but all his attributes look like he could make a superb CF

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I think that you will find that Dougie Freedman is in charge of recruitment

one of the questions is what we do with Jes Rak-Saki - put him in the squad or loan. I watched the highlights of the Under 21 game v Man U and he looked sharp and has definitely improved with his time at Charlton. I think he would get a lot of substitute appearances if we keep him with us, with the odd starting game particularly in the cups. This will aid his development but not as much as say playing 40 games in the championship. We could potentially be looking at him stepping into Ayew's position in the following season if he continues to improve at a similar rate to last year. I think championship loan is the way to go especially as we have kept Olise.
Anyone know what is happening with Ebiowei who looks to be a very similar player to JRS?

Who was Triallist 2 v Manu…..looked Premier League ready!!!

Just a thought from me, but I keep seeing it expressed that a new LB, whether that be first or second choice, is identified as a priority position for most.

I have been of the opinion however that if only one full back incoming, I'd like a first choice RB. That would be on the presumption that Mitchell will remain first choice LB.

We then have a variety of players to fill in, if necessary, should Mitchell or a new first choice RB be unavailable - Ward, Clyne, Schlupp, Jairo, Richards off the top of my head.

I'd then guess the first team would like something like:

GK: Johnstone
RB: New
CB: Andersen
CB: Guehi
LB: Mitchell
CM: Lerma
CM: Doucoure
CAM: Eze
RW: Olise
ST: Edouard
LW: New hopefully

Now Zaha's got a bit of green grass ahead of him here... and finds Ambrose... not a bad effort!!!!