January transfer targets

utmp

utmp

Well-known member
With Teddy Howe, Jordan Thorniley and Oliver Sarkic potentially on their way out, that would provide three gaps in the 22-man squad (assuming we keep one free for an emergency keeper).

We’ve taken a look at who could potentially be targets for the club in January:

upthemightypool.co.uk

Opinion: January Additions

It feels strange writing the words ‘January additions’ after such an emphatic win against table toppers Hull City recently. The side is on a great run of form and we have the best squad…
upthemightypool.co.uk upthemightypool.co.uk
 
Joe Piggott is clearly the most exciting one given only Jonson Clarke-Harris has scored more in League One this season. He’s out of contract in the summer so could be signed cheap if he fancies a move north and doesn’t have Championship interest
 
Interesting article thanks. I think guessing potential signings is fun but generally futile in that we hardly ever sign anyone that people suggest. No harm in trying though, of course. I'm sticking with Liam Millar from Liverpool and Josh Gordon from Walsall. Both of which I've seen suggested elsewhere.
 
It wouldn't surprise me if we are casting our net a little further afield also. Whoever scouted Gretarrson clearly has a good eye for a player and maybe there are some achievable targets with the footballing world in turmoil? Any club that can offer the security of a 3yr deal are in an unbelievably strong position.
 
NewburyOne said:
It wouldn't surprise me if we are casting our net a little further afield also. Whoever scouted Gretarrson clearly has a good eye for a player and maybe there are some achievable targets with the footballing world in turmoil? Any club that can offer the security of a 3yr deal are in an unbelievably strong position.
Click to expand...
I agree that we should be taking advantage of the state of the game / clubs. Those players coming to the end of their contracts should be a bargain for clubs desperate for cash.
However, good forwards are not cheap. We should also be looking at the loan market for a Premier League youngster who is quick with an eye for goal and whose parent club will trust NC with his development.
 
NewburyOne said:
It wouldn't surprise me if we are casting our net a little further afield also. Whoever scouted Gretarrson clearly has a good eye for a player and maybe there are some achievable targets with the footballing world in turmoil? Any club that can offer the security of a 3yr deal are in an unbelievably strong position.
Click to expand...
It’s a good idea, but the new work permit rules post-Brexit will make it a lot harder
 
Millar would be a good fit; no where near the Liverpool first team squad but needs sending out to get games.

Clarkson would be another who I think would have the potential to be a KDH level signing, but with Liverpool's injury list I can't see him being made available. Maybe next season.
 
I'd suggest Colby Bishop at Accy wouldn't be a bad shout. Think he had injury problems earlier in the season.
 
Probably more for the summer after Gabriel departs but Perry Ng the right back and captain of Crewe is out of contract in the summer. At 24 he would be an excellent long term right back option, capable of stepping up to Championship level, as hopefully required 😊.
 
Can't see much happening unless we bring in another young squad player if we get a loan from a club higher up the pyramid the parent club will want them to play games and we are just short up top so that would cost Madine and Yates their place.

Be nice to scout someone with potential who wouldn't mind being third choice and could be brought on in games to freshen things up.
 
fcblackpool said:
Where is he going to play? Ahead of Marv or ahead of Greta? Or, as I think they'll go at some point, in a 3? Which I don't want to see.

Neither Marv nor Greta have done anything wrong imo.
Click to expand...

Both have done well but Ballard would be my number one. I doubt he'll be staying if he's not playing.
 
fcblackpool said:
Where is he going to play? Ahead of Marv or ahead of Greta? Or, as I think they'll go at some point, in a 3? Which I don't want to see.

Neither Marv nor Greta have done anything wrong imo.
Click to expand...
I agree, but there will be injuries/suspensions and we know he is a good replacement. Rather have him than bring in an unknown who may not be up to scratch.
 
Ballard 100% need to stay otherwise we've only 2 decent centre half's and would have to go and bring another in makes no sense.
 
Well done with your research and highlighting those options.

One worry is the salary cap for the squad as a whole. We acquired many of our players at higher wages before the cap came into effect, so they count as the average squad wage. But that won't work for new players.

We need to sell or release players we don't need rather than loan them out, because if we are subsidising their wages that counts against our cap. Selling won't be easy in the current climate. Equally, highly rated targets will be looking for wages higher than our average salary cap. That is, they'll be aiming for the Championship.

No doubt the financial wizards and eagle-eyed scouts running our club will figure this out. 🍊 🍊 🍊
 
Last edited:
Grumpy_no_more said:
He would have played more if not for two sets of international duty, a three-match red card ban, and injury.
Click to expand...
Of course.


tangysider said:
And been sent off in one, but sometimes you can see immediately what a player brings. I was drooling over Dougall first match he played
Click to expand...
Yes Ballard is a fine defender and we are lucky to have him, but less lucky with all the absences. I'm pretty chilled, I reckon he will stay here til the end of the season cos it's a great place for him to be and he has talked about how much he is enjoying it and learning.
 
fcblackpool said:
Where is he going to play? Ahead of Marv or ahead of Greta? Or, as I think they'll go at some point, in a 3? Which I don't want to see.

Neither Marv nor Greta have done anything wrong imo.
Click to expand...
I think Eky is one game off a ban. We need coverfor injuries and currently CBs aren't getting rested.
Ballard will also be missing on International breaks so he won't be available to us exclusively anyway.
He's a must signing for me.
 
The one area where we should move up a gear is the left forward Kai Kai kind of area.
We have a team which is coming together beautifully in all areas but this one.
If we can bring in real quality here it would mean we had genuine strength coming from all areas of the pitch.
 
Insider said:
I think Eky is one game off a ban. We need coverfor injuries and currently CBs aren't getting rested.
Ballard will also be missing on International breaks so he won't be available to us exclusively anyway.
He's a must signing for me.
Click to expand...
Problem is he needs to play to stay. So I can't see him staying as cover, therefore he plays, but for who or in a three?
 
I hope we either sign one player - a back up / swap for Madine or don’t sign anyone.

we’ve a strong and deep squad which needs to carry on being a strong United squad so more players in, wouldn’t enhance that. At least 2 players for each position is already in place so let’s not over cook it.

never thought I’d say those words about a Blackpool squad!!!
 
Insider said:
Critchy likes to tinker so I'll leave that decision to the Tinkerman.
Click to expand...
Antwi and Shaw were loaned till mid Jan only. Cannot see either returning but
I think Shaw will be extended to end of season but would like Antwi to go higher up the pyramid
 
One of the things about NC is that he does rotate the team. Therefore, the ones who won't stay unless there's a place
in the team might be reasonably happy with this situation.
If they want to play all the time, whether there's a place or not, they might just go.
As said, NC does rotate the players as necessary, and in this particularly bad time it might suit them to stay knowing they'll get games.
Just a thought. 🤨
 
Insider said:
Critchy likes to tinker so I'll leave that decision to the Tinkerman.
Click to expand...
They may not get the chance if Ballard doesn't get meaningful games. I wouldn't play him ahead of Greta for two reasons, one Greta is a left sided player doing well and the second, I'm not sure Ballard is at his best there- the s/o came from him being caught, making a rash challenge and then making another next second.

So Marv or DB or both.
 
Retain Ballard if we don’t knowing our luck then either Marv or Viking will have a significant injury. A striker but only if the right one is available, no point bringing in players if we don’t need them, other than that the squad is strong with options. As for a keeper? Again only if the right player on the right deal, otherwise no need.
 
fcblackpool said:
They may not get the chance if Ballard doesn't get meaningful games. I wouldn't play him ahead of Greta for two reasons, one Greta is a left sided player doing well and the second, I'm not sure Ballard is at his best there- the s/o came from him being caught, making a rash challenge and then making another next second.

So Marv or DB or both.
Click to expand...
I'm sure it was reported that Ballard was keen to stay.
Personally tomorrow, against 3-5-2, I'd like to see 3 at the back. Accy also load there attacks down the left so we need to be solid down that side.
However that might free up space for CJ
 
29DaysLate said:
The one area where we should move up a gear is the left forward Kai Kai kind of area.
We have a team which is coming together beautifully in all areas but this one.
If we can bring in real quality here it would mean we had genuine strength coming from all areas of the pitch.
Click to expand...
Garbo!
 
Insider said:
I'm sure it was reported that Ballard was keen to stay.
Personally tomorrow, against 3-5-2, I'd like to see 3 at the back. Accy also load there attacks down the left so we need to be solid down that side.
However that might free up space for CJ
Click to expand...
Ballard did say he was very happy with life in the frozen North so extending the loan seems a good option for both parties.
Two international breaks, a three match ban and injuries...it's hardly the Club's fault he's only had a handful of games.
At least it gave Gretarsson the chance to get up to speed which he might not have had if Ballard had been available throughout.
 
gjr69 said:
He hasn't been available for a lot of the games, either suspended, injured or international duty. Ekpiteta on 4 bookings so he will get a chance to play again soon.
Click to expand...
And l hope that’s the reason Arsenal will extend his loan to get games under his belt.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top