And so it begins....

Deadline Day. Let's see what Hursty pulls out of that hat! UTM

Can’t help but think today may turn out to be a massive day in our season, either way.

*Turns Twitter notifications on*

Have we signed anyone yet? Have we? Have we? Have we?

Hope Hursty can get something "over the line" before the window "slams shut".

Perhaps we'll also receive a "derisory" offer or two for one of our own players.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Have we signed anyone yet? Have we? Have we? Have we?

Should be a busy day. Hopefully Hurst can get the deals he wants over the line. One thing this morning, believe Bradford are in for Alex Hunt, but at the moment I still think we’ll get him.

Deadline day, invented today create some content for an otherwise drab news channel…

Quoted from Surrey97

Should be a busy day. Hopefully Hurst can get the deals he wants over the line. One thing this morning, believe Bradford are in for Alex Hunt, but at the moment I still think we’ll get him.

Owls fans expect him to go to Lg 2 or NL club after a 'very poor' showing against Bradford in the Papa Johns on Tuesday. TBF he was on a hiding to nothing given Moore's selection and approach to the game.

I predict Bogle and Podge won't be joining us today

Are we still in for Fabregas?

Quoted from darren9

Are we still in for Fabregas?

No he isn’t any good at keeping us shape.

GK isnt an essential according to Hurstys interview the other night.

Id expect to see a CM and Striker today, hopefully!"

Quoted from Hagrid

GK isnt an essential according to Hurstys interview the other night.

Id expect to see a CM and Striker today, hopefully!"

Sounds like they're his essentials. Then maybe a winger if JMD leaves and still wouldn't be surprised if a young Championship keeper joined on loan late on.

Quoted from darren9

Are we still in for Fabregas?

We put far too much effort into trying to get that one over the line and that meant we missed out on Haaland.

• Striker - Would love to see Quigley, Dallas or Rodrigues (Last two I don't think are realistic though)
  
• CM - Alex Hunt
  
• GK - Not desperate
  
• Winger - If JMD leaves, but think we could get someone in on loan.
  

Be a decent day if the top two happen and I think that adds to a fairly solid team already.

Quoted from Corkyefes

• Striker - Would love to see Quigley, Dallas or Rodrigues (Last two I don't think are realistic though)
  
• CM - Alex Hunt
  
• GK - Not desperate
  
• Winger - If JMD leaves, but think we could get someone in on loan.
  

Be a decent day if the top two happen and I think that adds to a fairly solid team already.

wont happen

Quoted from Hagrid

wont happen

Appreciate that, that's why I said they are unrealistic.
We can all dream though!

All the indications are that this will run LATE. Very little being done below the Prem at this moment in time, though Bradford have just signed Dion Pereira on loan from Luton.

I’ll see you all back here at 10:45pm…

Quoted from Corkyefes

• Striker - Would love to see Quigley, Dallas or Rodrigues (Last two I don't think are realistic though)
  
• CM - Alex Hunt
  
• GK - Not desperate
  
• Winger - If JMD leaves, but think we could get someone in on loan.
  

Be a decent day if the top two happen and I think that adds to a fairly solid team already.

Rodrigues is not a striker.

Quoted from mariner91

Rodrigues is not a striker.

He’s a very naughty boy

JMD leaving... is this likely to happen?
Have I missed something?

Bradford have also signed another player today.  A under 21 ROI player (winger) on loan from Aston Villa.  They see him as "exciting".

Maybe no time, need or money to follow up any interest in Alex Hunt?

Quoted from devs

JMD leaving... is this likely to happen?
Have I missed something?

Surrey has said that some National League clubs are looking at him. Considering that he's very unlikely to be starting games for us any time soon, the management may have decided that his wages might be better spent on someone who can start when required.

Would be a real shame if he leaves as he's probably our best source of end product at the moment. But for whatever reason, he can't do what Hurst requires of him, or perhaps Hurst isn't willing to work around his limitations. If he leaves I'd imagine we'll have a replacement sorted.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Surrey has said that some National League clubs are looking at him. Considering that he's very unlikely to be starting games for us any time soon, the management may have decided that his wages might be better spent on someone who can start when required.

Would be a real shame if he leaves as he's probably our best source of end product at the moment. But for whatever reason, he can't do what Hurst requires of him, or perhaps Hurst isn't willing to work around his limitations. If he leaves I'd imagine we'll have a replacement sorted.

Probably because PH expects JMD to do the hard yards, he has the flair but doesn't want to do the ugly side of the game it seems, which we all know is one of PH prerequisites..

If JMD is going to the National League, they aren't bound by today so that doesn't have to happen. It would be a crying shame if he departed for me, he has a great goal return and chips in with assists. For those reasons alone, you accommodate him in the team despite his defensive limitations.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

If JMD is going to the National League, they aren't bound by today so that doesn't have to happen. It would be a crying shame if he departed for me, he has a great goal return and chips in with assists. For those reasons alone, you accommodate him in the team despite his defensive limitations.

Agreed. His output in terms of goals scored and assists made must be absolutely through the roof in terms of the minutes he's played for us, and let's not forget THAT goal at London Stadium.

I fear he may be made an example of in sending out a message that if you're not prepared to put in the hard yards then you're out of the door, no matter how good you are. Perhaps that the difference between JMD and the 'lazy' John McAtee whom Hurst and Doig appear to have been able to coach incredible graft into that evidently wasn't there during his time at Scunny.

I know everyone wants a Harry Clifton-type player who runs around all day, but I’ll be fewmin if they let JMD go, he’s practically the only player with any quality and end product in the squad.

Quoted from ska face

I know everyone wants a Harry Clifton-type player who runs around all day, but I’ll be fewmin if they let JMD go, he’s practically the only player with any quality and end product in the squad.

There's a balance to be had though and JMD is incredibly poor defensively.

“Incredibly poor” is it now?! Seems to be a new consensus that built up at the back end of the summer and he’s somehow managed to get worse as the season has gone on despite hardly playing.

There is a balance, and I don’t expect our wingers and attacking players to be spectacular at the back too. At the minute we’re playing 1 up top, 1 just in front of the back 4, a DM in Green just behind the striker, another CM in Clifton on the wing, might as well have another DM in goal and be done with it.

We’re lacking creativity and quality, it’d be criminal to let him go without a decent replacement coming in.

Quoted from ska face

“Incredibly poor” is it now?! Seems to be a new consensus that built up at the back end of the summer and he’s somehow managed to get worse as the season has gone on despite hardly playing.

There is a balance, and I don’t expect our wingers and attacking players to be spectacular at the back too. At the minute we’re playing 1 up top, 1 just in front of the back 4, a DM in Green just behind the striker, another CM in Clifton on the wing, might as well have another DM in goal and be done with it.

We’re lacking creativity and quality, it’d be criminal to let him go without a decent replacement coming in.

It is an interesting debate on JMD and can easily see both sides of the augument. He has without doubt got  some creative skill in his locker- which we don't have in abundance at the moment. However I can firmly see why Hurst doesn't pick him. Tuesday night was a prime example of it with Derby exploiting our defensive weakness. Time and time I have seen him let a player waltz round him without much effort putting the team under pressure. Trouble is it can be followed by a killer pass resulting in a goal which we also saw on Tuesday. Would be sad to see him leave though.

Quoted from ska face

“Incredibly poor” is it now?! Seems to be a new consensus that built up at the back end of the summer and he’s somehow managed to get worse as the season has gone on despite hardly playing.

There is a balance, and I don’t expect our wingers and attacking players to be spectacular at the back too. At the minute we’re playing 1 up top, 1 just in front of the back 4, a DM in Green just behind the striker, another CM in Clifton on the wing, might as well have another DM in goal and be done with it.

We’re lacking creativity and quality, it’d be criminal to let him go without a decent replacement coming in.

Yeah I'd argue that he is incredibly poor defensively and for a manager who prioritises keeping things tight and always being in the game he doesn't offer anywhere near enough protection to his fullback. Even in the play off final, my non-Town supporting mate kept mentioning how lazy he was defensively. Obviously he then played a part in the equaliser with some quick, clever thinking and was in the right place for the winner but there were numerous occasions before that where Cropper was left isolated and against more clinical opposition situations like that can easily lead to goals. Same against Northampton, scored a tap in but then immediately failed to even stand up to opponents attacking twice in the space of two minutes. Turned his back both times allowing them free attempts at putting the ball in which, if they'd been better, could have lost us the game. It will have been noticed by Hurst and I'd suggest may have played a part in him getting little playing time since then.

I agree that we don't have much in the way of creativity and it would be a shame to lose him without getting in an adequate replacement. But what's frustrating is that he offers a lot going forward but is just totally unwilling to do the absolute basics defensively. I would suggest this is why, despite his obvious talents and attributes, he's spent most of his career in the NL or as a bit part player in the FL.

He'll have to do something If he wants to be a regular starter anywhere JMD. Maybe a position change either number 10 or upfront, but at the minute he doesn't do enough without the ball in an attacking or defensive sense.

He clearly has a wand of a left foot and gets himself in goal scoring positions. He's not going to start though, I think that's clear.

Quoted from mariner91

There's a balance to be had though and JMD is incredibly poor defensively.

So what? He’s an attacking player, you can’t have every single player picked on their defensive capabilities

Quoted from mariner91

Yeah I'd argue that he is incredibly poor defensively and for a manager who prioritises keeping things tight and always being in the game he doesn't offer anywhere near enough protection to his fullback. Even in the play off final, my non-Town supporting mate kept mentioning how lazy he was defensively. Obviously he then played a part in the equaliser with some quick, clever thinking and was in the right place for the winner but there were numerous occasions before that where Cropper was left isolated and against more clinical opposition situations like that can easily lead to goals. Same against Northampton, scored a tap in but then immediately failed to even stand up to opponents attacking twice in the space of two minutes. Turned his back both times allowing them free attempts at putting the ball in which, if they'd been better, could have lost us the game. It will have been noticed by Hurst and I'd suggest may have played a part in him getting little playing time since then.

I agree that we don't have much in the way of creativity and it would be a shame to lose him without getting in an adequate replacement. But what's frustrating is that he offers a lot going forward but is just totally unwilling to do the absolute basics defensively. I would suggest this is why, despite his obvious talents and attributes, he's spent most of his career in the NL or as a bit part player in the FL.

JMD Came on 4 minutes before we equalised......

think your being incredibly harsh regarding the final, i can only think of Sbarra getting in once on that right hand side

Quoted from pontoonlew

So what? He’s an attacking player, you can’t have every single player picked on their defensive capabilities

So there has to be a balance. Do his attacking strengths outweigh his defensive shortcomings? Clearly in PH's mind they don't.

Doesn't really matter what we think of the JMD situation. If PH finds him lacking in certain areas and isn't going to give him regular football, then I suspect he will want to go somewhere where he gets more minutes.

The best players don't only have the most talent, they tend to work harder too. We can say that he should be given free rein and others do his defending, but it don't work like that anymore in the game.

Shame really as he's a match winner and a crowd pleaser and like most fans, I'm always happy to see him on the pitch.

Suggestion on the Wednesday board that we’ve offered £100k and they’re holding out for more. Not sure anyone’s explained to them they’re dealing with someone from Yorkshire, they might have to whistle for it.

I'd surprised if we were spending £100k on a position that isn't a priority right now. Don't get me wrong though, would love to see that kind of investment in the squad.

Quoted from Hagrid

JMD Came on 4 minutes before we equalised......

think your being incredibly harsh regarding the final, i can only think of Sbarra getting in once on that right hand side

Our shape leading up to their goal was terrible. Watch from 2:40 below.

Sousa too central and making little effort to do anything in a defensive sense, Cropper essentially too far forward and where Sousa should be, Holohan completely failing to track back and pick up Dallas’ run into the box, with Smith suckered out of position as a result, leaving 5ft 10” Danny Amos marking the tallest man in the world for what amounted to a free header.

Easy to nit pick watching footage back in hindsight, but any one of the following would have prevented that goal from happening:

a) Sousa and Cropper being in their correct positions at the outset

b) Holohan tracking the Dallas run

c) Sousa busting a gut to get in front of Sbarra to block the cross

I’m very much in the ‘JMD in’ camp but I can kind of understand why Hurst might have a bit of a complex about things like this. They’re simple things that shouldn’t be that difficult for a National League / League Two player to execute. It’s about concentration, work ethic and to a lesser degree fitness.

If we get the basics wrong too often at this level we will be punished, make no mistake.

https://youtu.be/jAacmo3kTN4

Quoted from mariner91

So there has to be a balance. Do his attacking strengths outweigh his defensive shortcomings? Clearly in PH's mind they don't.

And do Clifton’s defensive capabilities outweigh his attacking shortcomings? Appreciate he got 2 on Saturday but we’d all agree he’s not the best going forward. I agree there’s a balance to be had but there’s a good reason we’re struggling to create.

Hursts decision at the end of the day but it’d be a crying shame to see one of our best creative outlets shipped out because he’s not great at defending.

Nevertheless, we’d still be in non league is it wasn’t for JMD. Let’s look at playoffs in isolation. He put both balls into the box from dead balls that resulted in both goals at Notts County. He then was instrumental in the equaliser in the final, with that dummy so the ball rolled to McAtee who was then in, he could’ve created what would’ve been the winner with that ball across the box that McAtee just couldn’t quite get to and he, of course, scored the winner.

I’d be disappointed if he was shipped out, he’s an extremely useful player to have on the bench when you need a goal against a side sitting back who won’t demand much defensive work from him.

Quoted from pontoonlew

And do Clifton’s defensive capabilities outweigh his attacking shortcomings? Appreciate he got 2 on Saturday but we’d all agree he’s not the best going forward. I agree there’s a balance to be had but there’s a good reason we’re struggling to create.

Hursts decision at the end of the day but it’d be a crying shame to see one of our best creative outlets shipped out because he’s not great at defending.

That's a valid question with Clifton. I'm only speculating but with teams in L2 being more willing to have a go at us as we're no longer big fish in a small pond, I'm guessing PH may value the defensive side a lot more highly than last season. Last season against some of the smaller teams who wouldn't bother to attack us and would sit back then JMD was invaluable with his creativity and good deliveries. I agree it would be a shame to see him go but can understand why PH has reservations.

Quoted from Mariner_09

Nevertheless, we’d still be in non league is it wasn’t for JMD. Let’s look at playoffs in isolation. He put both balls into the box from dead balls that resulted in both goals at Notts County. He then was instrumental in the equaliser in the final, with that dummy so the ball rolled to McAtee who was then in, he could’ve created what would’ve been the winner with that ball across the box that McAtee just couldn’t quite get to and he, of course, scored the winner.

I’d be disappointed if he was shipped out, he’s an extremely useful player to have on the bench when you need a goal against a side sitting back who won’t demand much defensive work from him.

With that theory maybe we should have kept Mani!

Quoted from Mariner_09

Nevertheless, we’d still be in non league is it wasn’t for JMD. Let’s look at playoffs in isolation. He put both balls into the box from dead balls that resulted in both goals at Notts County. He then was instrumental in the equaliser in the final, with that dummy so the ball rolled to McAtee who was then in, he could’ve created what would’ve been the winner with that ball across the box that McAtee just couldn’t quite get to and he, of course, scored the winner.

I’d be disappointed if he was shipped out, he’s an extremely useful player to have on the bench when you need a goal against a side sitting back who won’t demand much defensive work from him.

That might contribute to part of the problem from the players perspective.

As someone else has mentioned, PH is very much about being hard to beat in the first instance. Though we've proven we can, coming from behind to win is far more difficult than from a level scoreline, no points for stating the obvious on that one. If PH perceives that JMD is a risk to delivering that philosophy in the sense of defending from the front (and through the mid third) then he will find himself on the bench where he might be used for his universally agreed capability in the final third when in need of a goal.

The question it poses is whether JMD himself is happy with that role. If he isn't then it has potential to have an impact beyond the playing field and into the training environment and with relationships which we also know is a huge part of PH ideals. You also can't blame JMD if he wants to be playing regularly, who wouldn't?

Personally he doesn't make my team but he gets the nod in the last half hour when we're chasing a game and tell him not to worry about defending and focus what energy he has on getting into the box and/or getting crosses in. I'd also be interested in whether he could perhaps play #10 in McAtees absence. If a player has ability you can sometimes accommodate them as a luxury in the sense of off the ball work rate and maybe JMD could provide a more instinctive attacking link than Green is, not downplaying Greens contribution so far.

Think you're all ignoring the elephant in the room. It may well be more about his off field problems and how that affects him on field.

Quoted from forza ivano

Think you're all ignoring the elephant in the room. It may well be more about his off field problems and how that affects him on field.

I must have missed the "Elephant" pray do expand!!

Quoted from ska face

“Incredibly poor” is it now?! Seems to be a new consensus that built up at the back end of the summer and he’s somehow managed to get worse as the season has gone on despite hardly playing.

There is a balance, and I don’t expect our wingers and attacking players to be spectacular at the back too. At the minute we’re playing 1 up top, 1 just in front of the back 4, a DM in Green just behind the striker, another CM in Clifton on the wing, might as well have another DM in goal and be done with it.

We’re lacking creativity and quality, it’d be criminal to let him go without a decent replacement coming in.

Yes he does not have to be "spectacular" at the back but he should support the full-back in defense. This is no different to Efete being preferred to Cropper because he supports the winger in front of him when we are attacking

And do Clifton’s defensive capabilities outweigh his attacking shortcomings? Appreciate he got 2 on Saturday but we’d all agree he’s not the best going forward.

Clifton also got 7 goals last season and that is not a bad return for a midfielder. Not that I’d like to see JMD leave.

Quoted from chipsandgravy

I must have missed the "Elephant" pray do expand!!

You have a pm

Of course, we could be looking for someone who can do the attacking of JMD and also do the other side of the game. Hurst has mentioned wanting another winger and we already have a good few, so if we do bring someone in, then someone else has to make way, either dropping from the match day squad or moving on.

We've moved up a level and the name of the game is improving the squad. There will be players who fall by the wayside.

Many were disappointed at losing Macca, Sousa, Mani and even Abrahams, but to progress, you have to keep looking out for better players. As PH says, he won't bring in players just to make up the numbers, they have to be an improvement.

Some players who made a big contribution to our promotion are victims of their own success in that they are then not deemed good enough to move up a league.

Quoted from forza ivano

You have a pm

Thank you.

Hopefully it changes, but believe it’s unlikely a new striker will be signing at this point.

Quoted from Surrey97

Hopefully it changes, but believe it’s unlikely a new striker will be signing at this point.

I do hope you’re wrong.

Quoted from Surrey97

Hopefully it changes, but believe it’s unlikely a new striker will be signing at this point.

That is very disappointing if you are correct.

Going until January with Orsi who has looked OK in his little game time so far but is largely untested in league 2, a 34 year old Taylor and an incredibly raw Pepple is not ideal.

not heard a thing myself. not through want of trying on the clubs part

Quoted from Davec

That is very disappointing if you are correct.

Going until January with Orsi who has looked OK in his little game time so far but is largely untested in league 2, a 34 year old Taylor and an incredibly raw Pepple is not ideal.

An injury to Taylor, which isn’t unlikely given his age, and we’d be pretty screwed as things stand. The post-Covid Holloway era is as good a case study in why you don’t sign players for the sake of it as you’ll find, but if our favoured targets aren’t happening surely we need to look at padding the numbers out a little in certain areas.

Quoted from Poojah

An injury to Taylor, which isn’t unlikely given his age, and we’d be pretty screwed as things stand. The post-Covid Holloway era is as good a case study in why you don’t sign players for the sake of it as you’ll find, but if our favoured targets aren’t happening surely we need to look at padding the numbers out a little in certain areas.

And it’s clear that PH won’t play him twice a week unless necessary. Very disappointing if we don’t make additions to our striking options.

Sounds like most of our targets have moved higher up in the pyramid, so you can't accuse the club of being unambitious. It will be a shame if we can't add a new striker but we do have options in the squad, albeit unproven ones. Can't see Hurst just signing someone to make up the numbers. We do need a little more depth in a few areas though, like DM and CAM (if we play with that position). I'd be happy with Hunt and possibly another.

Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself, let's wait until 11PM before conducting the post-mortem.

A long time between now and 11pm.

I wonder if Mani D is available at Halifax? He hasnt played a game this season. We all know what he is capable of.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I wonder if Mani D is available at Halifax? He hasnt played a game this season. We all know what he is capable of.

Pretty sure he's started every game for them, hasn't he?

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I wonder if Mani D is available at Halifax? He hasnt played a game this season. We all know what he is capable of.

he has played, no he isnt available, nor would Hurst sign him

Mikey O'Neill according to a Preston fan:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565353286252736515

And a good clip:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565354665880956928

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Mikey O'Neill according to a Preston fan:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565353286252736515

And a good clip:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565354665880956928

One clip admittedly, but I like the look of that.

If that striker thing is true, then we’re leaving ourselves quite badly exposed to a Taylor injury or suspension (not impossible given he often leads with his arms and elbows). Bim and Orsi are not target men, they aren’t going to hold the ball up like Taylor can.

This may not be our fault, I suspect the 5 subs rules and no loan window leads to clubs higher up the pyramid hoarding players as they need deeper squads. However, that doesn’t make it ideal.

Full thread of O'Neill clips:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565358413751664641

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Pretty sure he's started every game for them, hasn't he?

Then I accept I am wrong. I put his name in Google and the first page that come up was Wikipedia and it showed no appearances and no goals, but I just looked at the report of their last game where they won away at the Scunts and he is named in the first paragraph.

If anything, from what little I’ve just seen, he looks a little bit McAtee-ish. Or perhaps a young Jamie Devitt.

Quoted from Poojah

If anything, from what little I’ve just seen, he looks a little bit McAtee-ish. Or perhaps a young (like) Jamie Devitt.

Poor lad!

If that’s the case we have to get lucky with injuries. If we sit top half of mid table by the time John Mc, Scannell and Khan are back we can then push on from there

Quoted from MarinerDevil

Mikey O'Neill according to a Preston fan:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565353286252736515

And a good clip:

https://twitter.com/willatherton_/status/1565354665880956928

It was originally posted by a Partick Thistle fan. The PNE fan responded to Matt Dannatt

Quoted from Abdul19

Poor lad!

Always thought he was a good looking lad myself...

[img]https://i.ibb.co/WHv3FvJ/jd.jpg[/img]

Quoted from Hagrid

JMD Came on 4 minutes before we equalised......

think your being incredibly harsh regarding the final, i can only think of Sbarra getting in once on that right hand side

Nah he isn't, JMD was absolutely not tracking back properly in the final, it was noticeable at the time. If your not willing to do it in extra time having played loads of minutes lessbthan the oppo, in a promotion final then your never gonna do it.

I like JMD but I can see why Hurst doesn't start him even if im not sure i agree with it. I really hope he doesn't leave mind as he is a very creative player.

Quoted from toontown

Nah he isn't, JMD was absolutely not tracking back properly in the final, it was noticeable at the time. If your not willing to do it in extra time having played loads of minutes lessbthan the oppo, in a promotion final then your never gonna do it.

I like JMD but I can see why Hurst doesn't start him even if im not sure i agree with it. I really hope he doesn't leave mind as he is a very creative player.

All depends on whether JMD wants to be a bit part player doesn’t it? As he certainly wasn’t happy when at Woking and not playing hence him forcing his transfer to us.

Quoted from Poojah

If anything, from what little I’ve just seen, he looks a little bit McAtee-ish. Or perhaps a young Jamie Devitt.

Holding his arm at Burton?

JMD needs to get fitter to last 90 minutes, regardless of his defensive qualities. Any pro footballer needs to at least last out a full game in case of fully used subs and / or injuries.

His ball playing and attacking abilities are excellent, however he will only be an impact player currently, and I think he has been told this by the management team.