Squad - Quality/depth

[Guest]

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm just a bit disappointed at what appears so far, to be another poor transfer window. I know there's a couple of weeks left, but at this stage, what will more likely happen is hanging out for a loanee or two.

 

I stated that this was a big juncture in his Aberdeen managerial career for us. In a sense, he's made room by either not renewing contracts or letting folk go, but have we seen enough new blood and quality come in the door? It's still too early to really judge how much of an impact the new guys will have. But are they significantly better than what we had before or have as options now?

 

Think it fair to say that the vast majority of us thought we'd see a couple of decent players, such was the talk off the park by the likes of Milne, saying he'd back McInnes with whatever he needed.

 

For me, we're still very much lacking a left back of real quality, a dynamic midfielder to replace (year 1) Robson, and a proven winger to provide competition for Hayes/McGinn or replace them when either are injured/out of form. Burns is not the winger we were hoping for, and if I'm honest, neither is Storey (very much right footed and played on the left????).

 

Just a wee bit despondent if truth be told. We may have a stronger bench than last season, but will the current squad be enough to push on from where we were - win a cup?

 

Will he pull a rabbit out of the hat before the window closes?

[Pudgie]

Aw fuck off. He's been hounded for depth and a plan b. He now has Stockley, competition for Hayes/McGinn and McLean, another competent centre half in O'Connor, we're looking for a central midfielder as the Aucho fiasco has shown and there's still two weeks left of the transfer window. Fucking settle doon!

 

Writing off players already because... Well for nae fucking reason really.

[Dynamo]

It's too soon to judge.

New team, new style of play etc. usually takes players time to settle.

[WA_Don]

It is a bit quiet on the transfer front

[Donmacca]

How can we be lacking depth if you admit the bench is stronger? Only position that need addressed before the transfer window closes is a centre mid to play in front of Jack. Look at some of the great loan signings we've had. Hector, Ward and Church, I'm sure we'll get someone in.

[strachanmcgheegoal]

Much better squad but only playing to 80% potential (for whatever reason) in terms of results.

 

Compare this to last year when we had a thinner squad that occasionally got lucky and were then found out big style in the hibs cup tie.

 

Happier than last year? Fuck yeah. Disappointed in the results? Of course. Accepting that we were unlucky to lose Hayes when we did? Without question. Frustrated that despite our deeper squad we seem to resort to only one tactic, which plays into the hands of teams set up and equipped to defend only one tactic? Yes. Do we have tools at our disposal to address this? Yes. Will we?.........

[Pudgie]

How can we be lacking depth if you admit the bench is stronger? Only position that need addressed before the transfer window closes is a centre mid to play in front of Jack. Look at some of the great loan signings we've had. Hector, Ward and Church, I'm sure we'll get someone in.

Jack's being pushed forward a lot more this season. I can see a deeper CM being signed to allow Union Jack and McDirtyhun to link up further up the park.

[RTYD]

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm just a bit disappointed at what appears so far, to be another poor transfer window. I know there's a couple of weeks left, but at this stage, what will more likely happen is hanging out for a loanee or two.

 

I stated that this was a big juncture in his Aberdeen managerial career for us. In a sense, he's made room by either not renewing contracts or letting folk go, but have we seen enough new blood and quality come in the door? It's still too early to really judge how much of an impact the new guys will have. But are they significantly better than what we had before or have as options now?

 

Think it fair to say that the vast majority of us thought we'd see a couple of decent players, such was the talk off the park by the likes of Milne, saying he'd back McInnes with whatever he needed.

 

For me, we're still very much lacking a left back of real quality, a dynamic midfielder to replace (year 1) Robson, and a proven winger to provide competition for Hayes/McGinn or replace them when either are injured/out of form. Burns is not the winger we were hoping for, and if I'm honest, neither is Storey (very much right footed and played on the left????).

 

Just a wee bit despondent if truth be told. We may have a stronger bench than last season, but will the current squad be enough to push on from where we were - win a cup?

 

Will he pull a rabbit out of the hat before the window closes?

Lewis, O'Connor, Burns and Storey. Fucking great business in my view. Mind Ronaldo and Messi turning us down was a blow.

[Guest]

Aw fuck off. He's been hounded for depth and a plan b. He now has Stockley, competition for Hayes/McGinn and McLean, another competent centre half in O'Connor, we're looking for a central midfielder as the Aucho fiasco has shown and there's still two weeks left of the transfer window. Fucking settle doon!

 

Writing off players already because... Well for nae fucking reason really.

 

Not writing off anyone. Burns is quite obviously a striker but could be asked to be played as an attacking midfielder on occasions. I like the look of him, but I don't think he's that awe inspiring. Storey again, a competent guy, but not as good as McGinn or Hayes when on form. Both good squad players but at this stage, probably not 1st team game changers.

 

McLean is a waste of a shirt. Said that from not long after he arrived and was shot down in flames. I fail to see what he brings to us, other than the burden of having cost £250k.

 

O'Connor will merely be a replacement for an in form Taylor as it's evident he'll never get back to where he was when he showed his potential. And with Reynolds still flakey, I'd have been tempted to add a proven, solid centre half to that list. As good a start as O'Connor has made, it still doesn't cover over our defensive frailties.

 

There's positives in all of our signings, but from where we were 3 seasons back - the fire, the energy, the passion that we saw.... the players we've taken in don't appear to have the qualities we need to reignite this team. We need a couple of really big signings. Another player in the mould of Robson. A really good centre half or a whizz of a winger. 4 games and our so called 'deeper and better squad' are out on their arse and looked starved of ideas. Hit it long to Stokely is not gonna work this season. We need better delivery. Better ideas at set plays that Robson could always be relied upon.

 

As I say - couple of decent signings were always gonna be called for and I think we've fallen shy. Still two weeks to go, but history has shown McInnes doesn't keep a couple hundred k in his hipper for the last 24 hours. Perhaps that will change. Perhaps he does have that cash to burn. Let's hope so!

[Guest]

Lewis, O'Connor, Burns and Storey. Fucking great business in my view. Mind Ronaldo and Messi turning us down was a blow.

 

Competent keeper and competent defender.... we should have this as a mandatory requirement. I just think with them, we are back to where we were with a decent Ward and a decent Anderson. Have we kicked on from where we were? Probably. Are we good enough to get back to the form of League Cup winning season - by far the best shown under McInnes? Not in my opinion. And with a stronger Hearts now, and a probable challenge for 2nd from Sevco, we really needed more than what we have. I think you're kidding yourselves if you believe otherwise.

Would it have been unimaginable to spend say £500k on players and wages over what we've let go and replaced? Nope - not really. Surely we aren't that skint.

[Pudgie]

 

Not writing off anyone. Burns is quite obviously a striker but could be asked to be played as an attacking midfielder on occasions. I like the look of him, but I don't think he's that awe inspiring. Storey again, a competent guy, but not as good as McGinn or Hayes when on form. Both good squad players but at this stage, probably not 1st team game changers.

 

Burns obviously a striker aye? I've been watching a different player to you then and how do you plan to sign a player the quality of a full and consistent Northern Ireland internationalist or someone on the fringe of the Republic squad? Players come here to grow, we simply don't have the luxury to be able to sign up to scratch players to slot straight in!

 

 

McLean is a waste of a shirt. Said that from not long after he arrived and was shot down in flames. I fail to see what he brings to us, other than the burden of having cost £250k.

No he's not, and we never signed him this window. If he's that bad then Burns will take that spot.

 

 

O'Connor will merely be a replacement for an in form Taylor as it's evident he'll never get back to where he was when he showed his potential. And with Reynolds still flakey, I'd have been tempted to add a proven, solid centre half to that list. As good a start as O'Connor has made, it still doesn't cover over our defensive frailties.

 

The second best defence in the league, after chopping and changing keepers all 2nd half of the season isn't good enough with the addition of another competent CH? Really? Do you just moan, and when problems are solved say "well it's not enough" and keep on moaning?

 

 

There's positives in all of our signings, but from where we were 3 seasons back - the fire, the energy, the passion that we saw.... the players we've taken in don't appear to have the qualities we need to reignite this team. We need a couple of really big signings. Another player in the mould of Robson. A really good centre half or a whizz of a winger. 4 games and our so called 'deeper and better squad' are out on their arse and looked starved of ideas. Hit it long to Stokely is not gonna work this season. We need better delivery. Better ideas at set plays that Robson could always be relied upon.

 

As I say - couple of decent signings were always gonna be called for and I think we've fallen shy. Still two weeks to go, but history has shown McInnes doesn't keep a couple hundred k in his hipper for the last 24 hours. Perhaps that will change. Perhaps he does have that cash to burn. Let's hope so!

We can't fucking sign a Robson! There's nobody there to sign! There's nae even a bloody Hartley! The closest we could get is probably Darren Fletcher and he's way, way out of our reach, unless Scott Brown gets the boot...

And seen as we put in a bid of "a couple hundred k" in the last 24 hours of the last window, I think he very well may have.

An

There's positives in all of our signings, but from where we were 3 seasons back - the fire, the energy, the passion that we saw.... the players we've taken in don't appear to have the qualities we need to reignite this team. We need a couple of really big signings. Another player in the mould of Robson. A really good centre half or a whizz of a winger. 4 games and our so called 'deeper and better squad' are out on their arse and looked starved of ideas. Hit it long to Stokely is not gonna work this season. We need better delivery. Better ideas at set plays that Robson could always be relied upon.

 

As I say - couple of decent signings were always gonna be called for and I think we've fallen shy. Still two weeks to go, but history has shown McInnes doesn't keep a couple hundred k in his hipper for the last 24 hours. Perhaps that will change. Perhaps he does have that cash to burn. Let's hope so!

[Dynamo]

Bit of a hysterical reaction following a couple of abject performances from TWL.

[DelMonte]

The way we play with our squad is more concerning. This slow passing build up is dire to watch.

[dave_min]

Aw fuck off.

+1.

 

Excellent posting bud.

[thedandydon]

I imagine losing in the 3rd round of the Europa changed a few of our transfer plans. Had we progressed we might've been able to bring in a 'marquee' signing but as it is we've got a few decent players in who have all (except Morris as yet) shown they are capable its just a question of how well they can do. Far too early to be judging these guys. Its up to McInnes to manage the squad at his disposal and find what works and so far its been a bit underwhelming in terms of results but the performances have been ok. We were all concerned about our defence more than anything but two shut outs is at least something positive. The top end of the pitch has seen the most change and I fancy once the likes of Stockley, Burns and Storey build an understanding we'll get the goals.

We might add one or two more but chances are they'll be loans from down south once they finalise their squads.

[RTYD]

 

Competent keeper and competent defender.... we should have this as a mandatory requirement. I just think with them, we are back to where we were with a decent Ward and a decent Anderson. Have we kicked on from where we were? Probably. Are we good enough to get back to the form of League Cup winning season - by far the best shown under McInnes? Not in my opinion. And with a stronger Hearts now, and a probable challenge for 2nd from Sevco, we really needed more than what we have. I think you're kidding yourselves if you believe otherwise.

Would it have been unimaginable to spend say £500k on players and wages over what we've let go and replaced? Nope - not really. Surely we aren't that skint.

You need a reality check when it comes to the clubs finances. For example Rooney's contract extension will not have been at the same rate as he was previously on. The club are investing in the squad. I'd say that Lewis is more than competent and O'Connor is looking that way as well.

There is two weeks of the window to go.

[Guest]

Bit of a hysterical reaction following a couple of abject performances from TWL.

 

Hysterical - think you're definition of hysteria needs looking at.

 

Anyway, if you're happy then great. Not here to try and change your minds.

 

I'm not basing it on 2 'abject performances' either. Basing it on which legacy players we have, who we let go in terms of 1st team squad and who has replaced them. Basing it on look, feel, attitude.

 

I think it kind of sad that we now accept that we cannot build a squad based on our 'financial restrictions'. We just 'made' 200-300k from McGinn being in Euros... probably a similar amount from EL qualies and no doubt a reasonably healthy profit from a 2nd place finish and a decent attendance figure.

 

Did Robson command a transfer fee? Nope. Are we restricted to look at only ex Scottish Internationals? Nope.

 

The real question is (hypnotically as I can't prove otherwise) - if we had say, £500k sitting that could be used as transfer or wages, would you like to see it being spent on a marquee signing, or kept in the bank account?

 

We keep saying each season - oh yeah, the squad has improved and by the end of it, we're scratching our heads why we've fallen 15 points behind Celtic and are out of the Euro's before end of August and not reached a final of domestic cups. Are we just here to make up the numbers? I feel like we have resigned ourselves to this and hence why I don't think McInnes will be around for many more seasons to come.

[360]

 

the form of League Cup winning season - by far the best shown under McInnes

 

That's just not true, is it?

[Guest]

You need a reality check when it comes to the clubs finances. For example Rooney's contract extension will not have been at the same rate as he was previously on. The club are investing in the squad. I'd say that Lewis is more than competent and O'Connor is looking that way as well.

There is two weeks of the window to go.

 

Do I? Feel free to educate me on our cash flow situation then.

 

Squad? Is the size any bigger? We've let a few go on loan - surely cost savings straight away there.

 

Cash in over course of last few seasons, and in a 'debt free' situation. I can't see our squad is any better than it was in McInnes's first season. On paper, perhaps ever so slightly. In terms of desire to win at all costs? That evaporated for me, tail end of season 14/15. Energy is what I'm looking for. Are we getting that from our current players? I'd like one or two who can set the heather on fire and take a game by the scruff of it's neck. There's players out there who could do that job. We need to be imaginative and also, a bit balsy when it comes to spending some money. Otherwise, what's the point?

[Dynamo]

 

Hysterical - think you're definition of hysteria needs looking at.

 

Anyway, if you're happy then great. Not here to try and change your minds.

 

I'm not basing it on 2 'abject performances' either. Basing it on which legacy players we have, who we let go in terms of 1st team squad and who has replaced them. Basing it on look, feel, attitude.

 

I think it kind of sad that we now accept that we cannot build a squad based on our 'financial restrictions'. We just 'made' 200-300k from McGinn being in Euros... probably a similar amount from EL qualies and no doubt a reasonably healthy profit from a 2nd place finish and a decent attendance figure.

 

Did Robson command a transfer fee? Nope. Are we restricted to look at only ex Scottish Internationals? Nope.

 

The real question is (hypnotically as I can't prove otherwise) - if we had say, £500k sitting that could be used as transfer or wages, would you like to see it being spent on a marquee signing, or kept in the bank account?

 

We keep saying each season - oh yeah, the squad has improved and by the end of it, we're scratching our heads why we've fallen 15 points behind Celtic and are out of the Euro's before end of August and not reached a final of domestic cups. Are we just here to make up the numbers? I feel like we have resigned ourselves to this and hence why I don't think McInnes will be around for many more seasons to come.

 

 

Your post would be valid if we were languishing 20 points behind the top come December. We are 2 games into the league campaign. Give yourself a day off.

 

We spent money on McLean...money doesn't guarantee a good signing.

[spamspamspam]

 

Not writing off anyone. Burns is quite obviously a striker but could be asked to be played as an attacking midfielder on occasions. I like the look of him, but I don't think he's that awe inspiring.

 

There's so many awe inspiring players that have came into the SPFL that we have missed out on, isnt there. Players like... or....

 

 

 

Competent keeper and competent defender.... we should have this as a mandatory requirement. I just think with them, we are back to where we were with a decent Ward and a decent Anderson.

 

 

What a nightmare, we've regressed back to a time where we had one of the best keepers in the SPFL and one of the best defenders. Fuck, imagine if we had the best left back and right back in the league as well and compound that by one of the fastest, most direct wingers and one of the leagues top 5 goal scorers 3 seasons in a row. What a shite state of affairs to be in right enough.

[spamspamspam]

 

Do I? Feel free to educate me on our cash flow situation then.

 

Squad? Is the size any bigger? We've let a few go on loan - surely cost savings straight away there.

 

Cash in over course of last few seasons, and in a 'debt free' situation. I can't see our squad is any better than it was in McInnes's first season. On paper, perhaps ever so slightly. In terms of desire to win at all costs? That evaporated for me, tail end of season 14/15. Energy is what I'm looking for. Are we getting that from our current players? I'd like one or two who can set the heather on fire and take a game by the scruff of it's neck. There's players out there who could do that job. We need to be imaginative and also, a bit balsy when it comes to spending some money. Otherwise, what's the point?

 

 

Aye, the savings from not paying Mutch and Rogers their millions should at least get us a Pogba or a Darmian.

[Guest]

Happy days then. Glad we cleared that one up.

[Pudgie]

 

Do I? Feel free to educate me on our cash flow situation then.

 

Squad? Is the size any bigger? We've let a few go on loan - surely cost savings straight away there.

 

Cash in over course of last few seasons, and in a 'debt free' situation. I can't see our squad is any better than it was in McInnes's first season. On paper, perhaps ever so slightly. In terms of desire to win at all costs? That evaporated for me, tail end of season 14/15. Energy is what I'm looking for. Are we getting that from our current players? I'd like one or two who can set the heather on fire and take a game by the scruff of it's neck. There's players out there who could do that job. We need to be imaginative and also, a bit balsy when it comes to spending some money. Otherwise, what's the point?

If you want to invent pretendy criteria for good signings then feel free to make yourself feel better by blindly accepting your opinion and changing your argument to suit. Much better than just accepting that we're in a good place and probably as good as we're going to get with the current situation with European Qualification and uneven revenue splits.

 

 

I'm noticing some Aberdeen fans just like fucking moaning. They're not actually happy at blowing the other 10 teams out of the water 2 seasons running. Scrapping for a European/top 6 place is much more exciting for them as it gives them more ammo to bash with.

[tommo1903]

Aw fuck off. He's been hounded for depth and a plan b. He now has Stockley, competition for Hayes/McGinn and McLean, another competent centre half in O'Connor, we're looking for a central midfielder as the Aucho fiasco has shown and there's still two weeks left of the transfer window. Fucking settle doon!

 

Writing off players already because... Well for nae fucking reason really.

 

With the signings of Lewis & O Connor and actual attacking options I'd argue its been our best transfer window under Del boy since we the one when we signed Rooney & Logan.

 

Doesn't mean we haven't been shit the past few games though.

[strachanmcgheegoal]

The way we play with our squad is more concerning. This slow passing build up is dire to watch.

 

I think that's the missing link tbh. I can't imagine McInnes says right Andrew, Ash and Mark, get the ball quickly out to the wings and then you Niall (picking a player completely at random ) we need you to fanny about, do a step over or two, turn infield and then pass it sideways to Jack whilst you wait for the attack (read Stockley) to get into position between the three centre halfs for a high floaty cross.

 

We need runners into the spaces to put the defence on their heels and raise doubt in them that simply doubling up on Stockley like Saturday won't be enough.

 

Hayes gives us that albeit it is he who plays the pass in behind the full back and then he who gets on the end of it, point being the end result is the same.

 

McGinn doesn't give us that, nor does Shinnie or Considine (and I can't help feeling Logans increasingly scared to do it for fear of being called out if a goal is conceded on the breakaway) and its killed us in three games now. Not Mcginns fault, not his game, never was but Hayes doing it opposite him allowed to do his own thing.

 

In Storey, Burns, Wright and Pawlett we have the runners we just seem absolutely incapable of finding them in an attacking position.

[Guest]

If you want to invent pretendy criteria for good signings then feel free to make yourself feel better by blindly accepting your opinion and changing your argument to suit. Much better than just accepting that we're in a good place and probably as good as we're going to get with the current situation with European Qualification and uneven revenue splits.

 

 

I'm noticing some Aberdeen fans just like fucking moaning. They're not actually happy at blowing the other 10 teams out of the water 2 seasons running. Scrapping for a European/top 6 place is much more exciting for them as it gives them more ammo to bash with.

 

Or the converse of that is that we have a bunch of happy clappers who are inspired by what they are currently getting? Just saying. I don't particularly feel I sit on either side of that fence.

 

Potentially, given the bad times we had to endure, many have became institutionalised under McInnes and the relative success he's bred since his arrival. I certainly feel that the backlash seen in response to that thread, is testament to that. Do we want to return to the days of Brown, McGhee? Hell no. But do we settle for 2nd best? Did Leicester feel that they had to settle for where they had been? It's not like they went out and spent £87 on a Pogba in order to win the league. Just a few inspired signings from the lower leagues.

 

Not suggesting we go a blow £1-2m on players. Don't get me wrong. All I'm saying and to which I think the mock outrage in response to that is somewhat revealing of the character we have within our support now (albeit, it's better to be patient and supportive than forever berating the players and management)... all I'm saying is that perhaps the squad still needs adding to. With perhaps, a genuinely good player who will tick all the right boxes. Do some of you not want that, or don't believe it's possible. If both, then hang your heads in shame. We are more than just a puppet show for the likes of Celtic and Sevco. We should be pushing on and trying to squeeze every last ounce out of this club.

[Guest]

 

With the signings of Lewis & O Connor and actual attacking options I'd argue its been our best transfer window under Del boy since we the one when we signed Rooney & Logan.

 

Doesn't mean we haven't been shit the past few games though.

 

But again, is that not more so a sigh of relief at replacing the duds that have went before them? These guys are bare minimum standard for a club of our stature (in my opinion at least).

[strachanmcgheegoal]

 

With the signings of Lewis & O Connor and actual attacking options I'd argue its been our best transfer window under Del boy since we the one when we signed Rooney & Logan.

 

Doesn't mean we haven't been shit the past few games though.

 

Don't forget re-signing Logan too. Massive.

[Guest]

 

I think that's the missing link tbh. I can't imagine McInnes says right Andrew, Ash and Mark, get the ball quickly out to the wings and then you Niall (picking a player completely at random ) we need you to fanny about, do a step over or two, turn infield and then pass it sideways to Jack whilst you wait for the attack (read Stockley) to get into position between the three centre halfs for a high floaty cross.

 

We need runners into the spaces to put the defence on their heels and raise doubt in them that simply doubling up on Stockley like Saturday won't be enough.

 

Hayes gives us that albeit it is he who plays the pass in behind the full back and then he who gets on the end of it, point being the end result is the same.

 

McGinn doesn't give us that, nor does Shinnie or Considine (and I can't help feeling Logans increasingly scared to do it for fear of being called out if a goal is conceded on the breakaway) and its killed us in three games now. Not Mcginns fault, not his game, never was but Hayes doing it opposite him allowed to do his own thing.

 

In Storey, Burns, Wright and Pawlett we have the runners we just seem absolutely incapable of finding them in an attacking position.

 

Correct. The side has lost its va va voom. How do we find it, particularly when Hayes is either off form or injured?