Squad cohesion

Marvanelli said:
Only need to see Sunderland last season. They started off like a train and because they built up so much of a lead and momentum, that meant when they did have a wobble and lost form, the pts in the bank allowed them to stay in the POs.

I’d much much rather be chased than do the chasing.

Only 3 years ago we were chasing Sheff Utd for 2nd spot and we were on fire. And yet we still didn’t get close to them because of the initial start we had that season.

Promotion can’t be gained in the first 2 months. But it can very likely be lost.
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But... that argument almost defeats itself. Sunderland made a lot of late changes last year, relied on some of their youngsters because the new coach liked the look of them.

And... they started off with momentum.

Early deals make sense if you are confident in them. We got Rogers in early 2 years ago, Morris in early last year, if the deals aren't there I'd rather they not just take what is available on a bad deal.
 
Ravshoutsatbeck said:
Truth is we did our business quite early the last two seasons and it has not made a huge difference (although I would argue we actually played well at the start of last season but just could not put the ball in the net).

There may have been some specific requests from Edwards - the most successful right backs for Carrick were defensive minded that could cover as a right of a back 3 - we may have switched.

We may be looking for "all action" midfield and attacking players to improve our pressing game.

Also... Hackney, Azaz, RVDB staying or going makes a massive difference.

Also. The new coaches might like the look of McCabe, Dede, Hunt, McCormick, the Palmer twins, and Finch.

Might also like the idea of McGree deeper, Forss up top, Barlaser in the new system, etc.

Also... what have the long term injuries done to McGree, Lenihan, Bangura, and Fry - do they think they might have sorted the niggles and be able to play 46 at a high level.

It's not like fifa/football manager where the positions, fitness, and attributes are a known. Pre-season tests will be making a difference to our moves.
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We did our business so early last season.. we had a turnover of 11 players in and out in January.. with 3 players still missing.

The season before that we were left wanting at left back.. way into the start of the season. Engel was dropped right into it.. pretty much straight of the place.. Bangura arrived after him.
 
Squad cohesion.. that’s why we should be looking at bringing in players that are already known to each other. Darko Gyabi has played with the Plymouth lads..

Alfie Gilchrist played in the Chelsea youth team.. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi too.

David Sousa from Molenbeek.. Malcolm Ebiowei at Palace went on loan to them in 2024.

Who knows ey.. maybe just chuck a load of new lads into the mix and see what happens.. sink or swim!
 
ForssAwakens said:
I think it’s safe to say that we’ve passed the point to say early business has been done

The thing that gets me is that the start of every season and January we have a period where we don’t look settled

Feels that way again. How much importance should be put on squad cohesion, especially when major changes are being made
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We've brought players in early and not started well. We've brought players in late and not started well.
And probably had a good start in the past in both scenarios.
 
We’ve had a lot of poor starts about a point a game is fairly common over first 6 games for us.

The outlier is 18/19 season where we got 14 point in the first 6 games…failed to make the play offs though
 
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