I agree .
If we can move a couple out to help the wage bill (McNair & Muniz are probably on a decent wedge between them) and get a couple squad additions (signings not loans) bedded in and integrated into the squad for next season it limits the job in the summer. Last season we had played about five weeks of the season before the window closed, and still failed to get the players in we were supposedly after. I'd be happy for us to do deals now that arrive in the summer, we seem to be dreadful at getting deals over the line in one window for what we really need.
January isn't ideal, but I believe Carrick's good start has earned him some reinforcements to push for a play-off berth.
We are pretty much goosed financially anyway and will be forever unless we get a couple of years in the PL under our belts, we have decent form and momentum with us now, I hope we build on it.
We must be due a good window just by the law of averages surely to God?
Lose?
A few from Muniz, McNair, Fisher, Mowatt (long shot IMHO), possibly loan out Hoppe. If they want minutes or aren't happy maybe Bola and Dijsteel too, although not in January.
Sign (before next season)
At least one CM to compete with and ideally replace Howson now, plus a rotation option (Crooks now seems a forward & Mowatt is only here till end of season)
LB & RB if Bola & Dijksteel aren't fancied. Giles isn't our player and Smith isn't a long term solution
At least one, but ideally two wide forwards/wingers to compete with McGree & Jones. (ideally with good pace and delivery)
An upgrade on Forss, maybe not needed if the above two are sorted.
Make some loans permanent?
Steffen was strongly linked with being signed, I'm not against it, but we shouldn't tie up a lot of our transfer and wage budget on a keeper IMO. A champo quality keeper should be achievable for reasonable money, although the club may see him as an appreciating asset.
If we can sign Giles I would definitely push for it. We have lacked quality delivery and crossing for years and he's an assist machine. I'd stick him on all set plays, especially after seeing a few of Howson's early efforts on Saturday.
Dig deep Gibbo!
