19 Aug 2021 09:55:33
Good Morning all, new to this site although I've been reading some comments on here and it's clear you're all passionate about this great club.
I have some thoughts on the transfer policy and the perceived lack of further transfers.
Several weeks ago we were looking at one of Smith-Rowe or JWP, yet now we've been led to believe our activity is "done". Why would we be looking at this type of player weeks ago and suddenly we're not. If there was a requirement for this type of midfielder before why has that changed now?
Buendia, Bailey and Ings are not like for like.
Buendia was signed before we were linked with ESR or JWP.
I hope we buy a defensive mid as has been mentioned on here several times.
Anyway just my thoughts.

{Ed077's Note - welcome aboard..

1.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 11:49:57
Welcome to the site mate :-)

Fully agree, don't understand the logic of chasing JWP all summer and then not signing anybody at all - Surely we have back up options. I do admire clubs, like Liverpool, who identify a player and then are willing to wait a transfer window or two to get him but our midfield is in desperate need of reinforcement.

McGinn is our best Midfielder, does he get in Leicesters Midfield, or Evertons, or Spurs, or West Ham's? The likelihood is no, he doesn't, it's not a criticism of McGinn but more of an observation that if we want to compete with these teams and challenge for Europe we need another body (or two) in central areas.

I can't believe we are potentially going into another season under cooked in a key area - Madness.

2.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 11:53:28
Welcome Villan74. That’s a very good point you’ve made there and I think it would have been very likely that those 3 players would have been bought even if you know who had remained at the club. You are also right to say that neither of those 3 players are the same type of players as either ESR or JWP. I am hoping that there is something still in the pipeline as yes, I know it was the first game against Watford, but it highlighted the need for some real quality in the defensive midfield area.
Our attacking options look very good now but in midfield, whilst we have plenty of midfielders, it’s clear we need more quality and we especially need a better DM .
SHEGFY.

3.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 14:05:38
V74, Welcome, i agree with many of your points and i have been heavily criticised in the past when highlighting the obvious deficiencies that seem so clear to us fans. I think we are going to continue to struggle until Smith realises that there are a number of our regulars that simply can't pass. Along with defensive midfield weaknesses we are still short of an engine. I will always hope my team to do well however sadly i see more performances like Saturday, Smith will unlikely make the changes most of us have called for and unless he is more ruthless i personally think it will do for him. So i will be there on Saturday with my season ticket and grandsons hoping to leave a happy fan, Newcastle are one of the weakest teams and usually perform poorly at VP so let's hope its a resounding win, if not noises will be made.

4.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 14:23:16
Welcome aboard Villan74, great to have you mate.
Like Mark and BK have said, you have made a very good point, but personally I believe we will get one, possibly two other additions before this window closes.
I say that based on the assumption, that our coaching staff like us, are fully aware that we are desperately short of quality in that DM position.
Long may your posting continue. SHEGFY-FT.

5.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 14:35:08
I agree with your points and what does seem obvious to us is often overlooked as it does not fall in line with the staff's thinking. My point is that we ALL want the best for AVFC and if some points raised differ to the line of thinking elsewhere it does not mean that our thoughts are wrong.

6.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 15:04:06
Very well said AL, everything is right until it’s wrong, and everything is wrong until it’s right.
Both idea`s are free for us all to express.

7.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 15:30:33
Sage words Dave.

8.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 13:10:33
Thanks for the welcome guys (and you Ed) .
Lets hope for a much improved performance on Saturday and 3 points to settle the early season nerves.

{Ed077's Note - best of luck for the weekend 👍

9.) 19 Aug 2021
19 Aug 2021 16:18:34
Thank you Scotty, the thing is mate, when you least expect it, someone might actually listen to what you have to say.