Transfer News Transfer Window Summer 21

[The mighty Aldo]

I wish there was more balance to this topic rather than slamming our chances before we have even kicked a ball or finished our recruitment. Where do our own strengths/track record come in to this conversation?

The point people are trying to make is that other clubs have more financial clout than us
That’s not to say we haven’t got good players. Take Atkinson last season nobody was sure haw he would perform after replacing Dickie and he makes team of the season. Mc Nally might do the same.
However you must admit that Ipswich Charlton and Wigan are getting in proven players at this level and will take some beating.
My point was that we didn’t perform well against the top 6 last year and if they are strengthening their squads we will struggle to beat them this year

 

[Swaby39]

The point people are trying to make is that other clubs have more financial clout than us
That’s not to say we haven’t got good players. Take Atkinson last season nobody was sure haw he would perform after replacing Dickie and he makes team of the season. Mc Nally might do the same.
However you must admit that Ipswich Charlton and Wigan are getting in proven players at this level and will take some beating.
My point was that we didn’t perform well against the top 6 last year and if they are strengthening their squads we will struggle to beat them this year

I'm not dismissing the point being made but there are two sides to it and I don't like the idea that we are a write-off. We've proven ourselves to be competitive using our own methods - but I totally agree we must be better in H2Hs with better teams. But we've got a lot of people here who think we are rebuilding and that's a disaster (ludicrous) - so what does that make the position of those clubs you mention? It's perfectly rational to say those clubs have more financial muscle but this isn't a new problem this season. The likes of Leeds, Southampton, Norwich, Shef Utd have all been down to this level in years gone by with far bigger resources than us. It's an advantage but also a disadvantage - they must win. They have to pull a winning team together in a matter of weeks. We have a more settled squad than the majority of those clubs you mention and our players are well proven at this level given we've had 2 successive 6th placed finishes despite losing other players along the way. A number of our players would be excellent signings for those clubs looking to go up. My unpopular opinion here would be if the season kicked off tomorrow, we are in a stronger position than all of those clubs even without a senior left back. Money cannot buy you a team ethic, understanding of a system, harmony in the dressing room etc. They have a lot to do and not all of them will do it well.

 

[westyorkshireexile]

I still believe the fairest decision would have been to maintain the salary cap but scrap the limit on squad size. This would have made a more level playing field and with less players without clubs.

 

[Jolteon]

I'm not dismissing the point being made but there are two sides to it and I don't like the idea that we are a write-off. We've proven ourselves to be competitive using our own methods - but I totally agree we must be better in H2Hs with better teams. But we've got a lot of people here who think we are rebuilding and that's a disaster (ludicrous) - so what does that make the position of those clubs you mention? It's perfectly rational to say those clubs have more financial muscle but this isn't a new problem this season. The likes of Leeds, Southampton, Norwich, Shef Utd have all been down to this level in years gone by with far bigger resources than us. It's an advantage but also a disadvantage - they must win. They have to pull a winning team together in a matter of weeks. We have a more settled squad than the majority of those clubs you mention and our players are well proven at this level given we've had 2 successive 6th placed finishes despite losing other players along the way. A number of our players would be excellent signings for those clubs looking to go up. My unpopular opinion here would be if the season kicked off tomorrow, we are in a stronger position than all of those clubs even without a senior left back. Money cannot buy you a team ethic, understanding of a system, harmony in the dressing room etc. They have a lot to do and not all of them will do it well.

I think most people are looking at the glaring gap at LB in particular and are getting edgy because of it - but in essence when it comes to our squad you are bang on. Our big advantage this season is we'll be able to go into the first few games with potentially 10 players who have been at OUFC for at least 6 months, and most of them for 18 months+. Grab that LB and if McNally shines in pre season the way Atkinson did, and I think we'll see more of a calmness.

But I don't think you can dismiss the money being splashed either - yes there have been other teams down at our level who have gone on to the prem, I think the difference this season is that there are more teams splashing the cash than ever. Wigan, Bolton, Burton and Ipswich in particular have brought in a lot of really decent players, and Sunderland, Rotherham, Wednesday, Charlton, Lincoln we know will be up there again. I think this is going to be the toughest season to be nearer the top of the table of the last few seasons and I think the nervousness is also coming from people recognising that. Personally I'd rather we were smart in the market, kept our budget reasonable and stable than go for broke, drop loads of money out of nowhere during the tail end of a pandemic in the vague hope of reaching the Championship. 10-12k wage on Wyke is utterly mental at this level and I am so glad that we aren't making moves like that.

 

[uptheus]

I see Ipswich have signed Fraser from MK Dons and Joe Pigott from Wimbledon
Both good players
I have a horrible feeling that the third tier of English football is going the way of tiers 1 and 2. The more money you have the more likely you will win the league or get promoted. I know it’s not always the case but by and large that’s where we are.
It will be difficult for us to go up automatically and I hope we have enough to get into the playoffs
My prediction is between fourth and eighth and we will have had another good season

Which is why it’s frustrating/disappointing that we didn’t beat Wycombe when we had a great opportunity, and even more annoying when fans say ‘I’m glad we didn’t get promoted as we weren’t ready’!

That’s why it’s best to strike whilst the iron is hot as you never know what’s around the corner or when that opportunity might come around again.

 

[The mighty Aldo]

I'm not dismissing the point being made but there are two sides to it and I don't like the idea that we are a write-off. We've proven ourselves to be competitive using our own methods - but I totally agree we must be better in H2Hs with better teams. But we've got a lot of people here who think we are rebuilding and that's a disaster (ludicrous) - so what does that make the position of those clubs you mention? It's perfectly rational to say those clubs have more financial muscle but this isn't a new problem this season. The likes of Leeds, Southampton, Norwich, Shef Utd have all been down to this level in years gone by with far bigger resources than us. It's an advantage but also a disadvantage - they must win. They have to pull a winning team together in a matter of weeks. We have a more settled squad than the majority of those clubs you mention and our players are well proven at this level given we've had 2 successive 6th placed finishes despite losing other players along the way. A number of our players would be excellent signings for those clubs looking to go up. My unpopular opinion here would be if the season kicked off tomorrow, we are in a stronger position than all of those clubs even without a senior left back. Money cannot buy you a team ethic, understanding of a system, harmony in the dressing room etc. They have a lot to do and not all of them will do it well.

Yes I can see your point and Leicester City proved that a good team ethic is vital
You could say the same about Wycombe when they went up last year.
You could say if we keep injury free get a couple of really decent loans we have a chance but you only stand still with a settled squad, you have to improve every season.
I would say that as McGuane was here last season we have two more players to replace Barker and Shopido who did very well. We have lost Atkinson and Ruffles so as it stands our squad is not as good as it was last season. You may disagree but that’s how I see it.
We will have to get some bloody good players in to push on

 

[Shosho]

Anyone think we could be involved here?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1415267797710643202

Sounds like Charlton have bid…maybe Pompey to replace Harrison? But not Sunderland (judging by other quote tweet).

 

[Oxford1996]

Anyone think we could be involved here?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1415267797710643202

Sounds like Charlton have bid…maybe Pompey to replace Harrison? But not Sunderland (judging by other quote tweet).

No chance. They want an absolute fortune

 

[Swaby39]

I think most people are looking at the glaring gap at LB in particular and are getting edgy because of it - but in essence when it comes to our squad you are bang on. Our big advantage this season is we'll be able to go into the first few games with potentially 10 players who have been at OUFC for at least 6 months, and most of them for 18 months+. Grab that LB and if McNally shines in pre season the way Atkinson did, and I think we'll see more of a calmness.

But I don't think you can dismiss the money being splashed either - yes there have been other teams down at our level who have gone on to the prem, I think the difference this season is that there are more teams splashing the cash than ever. Wigan, Bolton, Burton and Ipswich in particular have brought in a lot of really decent players, and Sunderland, Rotherham, Wednesday, Charlton, Lincoln we know will be up there again. I think this is going to be the toughest season to be nearer the top of the table of the last few seasons and I think the nervousness is also coming from people recognising that. Personally I'd rather we were smart in the market, kept our budget reasonable and stable than go for broke, drop loads of money out of nowhere during the tail end of a pandemic in the vague hope of reaching the Championship. 10-12k wage on Wyke is utterly mental at this level and I am so glad that we aren't making moves like that.

It's absolutely a fair point - The LB situation is undeniable and I'm also in the camp of wanting to see another established CB come in - though I'd happily kick off with McNally rather than rush it and go for the first semi-capable player we find. I expect new players but I also admire this more patient approach we seem to be taking.

It's certainly a more competitive league this year, but I prefer (perhaps naively) to look the the challenge within that and some may be thinking the grass is greener at the likes of Ipswish - it really, really is not! It's great to do battle with these teams - it's even more satisfying to beat them if you can. I genuinely believe we have a very strong chance even against these big spenders. Just because our players were not bought this summer for big money, does not mean they aren't as good. KR has his flaws but one thing we know is that we will always, always have a go and as an underdog that will suit us.

Interestingly enough, a lot of them play each other in the opening weeks! That could reveal a lot.

 

[Swaby39]

Yes I can see your point and Leicester City proved that a good team ethic is vital
You could say the same about Wycombe when they went up last year.
You could say if we keep injury free get a couple of really decent loans we have a chance but you only stand still with a settled squad, you have to improve every season.
I would say that as McGuane was here last season we have two more players to replace Barker and Shopido who did very well. We have lost Atkinson and Ruffles so as it stands our squad is not as good as it was last season. You may disagree but that’s how I see it.
We will have to get some bloody good players in to push on

I don't disagree but I would limit it to that area of the team - our defence is not as good because it's a player or two light and we will get those players in. When we do, it'll lift a lot of the anxiety among fans. I think Shodipo and Barker have been replaced, personally. Between Cooper, Williams and Bodin I think we have it covered but I wouldn't mind another one (Whyte?!?!?). I've not lost any sleep over Shodipo going elsewhere and my view on Barker hasn't changed - he was a glorified passenger for a lot of his time here and when we're going up against these big clubs down the road, particularly away, it's an 11 man effort to get points and he wasn't in the trenches enough for me.

 

[greatunclekip]

4th-8th for us? With the spending in this league i would take 12th if you offered me it.

After a very promising start its been our usual summer of glacier like dealings. We go into our first friendly without a first team left back!

 

[oufc1991]

I appreciate their is time to get a new LB before August the 7th but it’s a shambles considering the club knew once we lost to Blackpool in may that ruffs was leaving and even with ruffs we was a LB short the recruitment team aren’t earning there corn imo

 

[LeftSideBoy]

I appreciate their is time to get a new LB before August the 7th but it’s a shambles considering the club knew once we lost to Blackpool in may that ruffs was leaving and even with ruffs we was a LB short the recruitment team aren’t earning there corn imo

Is it really a shambles though? We know that the club are in talks with several players, and as is the case with every transfer window, these things take time! It’s far too early to start panicking. The players we have been linked with, are all better than Josh Ruffels. That in itself is a positive thing!

 

[oufc1991]

Is it really a shambles though? We know that the club are in talks with several players, and as is the case with every transfer window, these things take time! It’s far too early to start panicking. The players we have been linked with, are all better than Josh Ruffels. That in itself is a positive thing!

Oh I’m not panicking not yet and as I say I appreciate their is time but wouldn’t it be good to have certain players in the building to get used to each other’s game especially players that will be starting week in week out

 

[Jackinthebox]

There are Covid cases in the Gillingham and Doncaster camps, are we interested in any of their players by any chance?

 

[WRox]

There’s a balance for players to find between job security and getting the best offer.

We’ve signed three from two scenarios - 1) a player so well known to us we could fully quantify the risk of splashing out comfortably over six figures and 2) players that were unlikely to receive better offers than from a top 6 southern based football club.

Scenario 1 isn’t exactly a common one and we can’t go and spend big money on every position. Scenario 2 is fine for building a squad (I’d have put Harrison in this bracket too) but we’re at the point now where we need to find the kind of quality that replaces what we’ve lost out wide, at LCB and LB.

Players of that quality are very very difficult to sign in mid-July without paying silly money like Ipswich or Wigan have. They’ll start to become available as Championship squads swell, loan options become apparent, and free agents’ situations become clearer. We could never have signed Matty Taylor for example in mid-July and that’s the quality we need, whether it means Elechi plays against Oxford City or not.

 

[Jolteon]

There are Covid cases in the Gillingham and Doncaster camps, are we interested in any of their players by any chance?

Well we've been told we've agreed to sign a LB who currently has COVID - could be from one of those teams. Branden Horton is a 20 y/o LB at Doncaster, made 11 appearances for them last season before going on loan to Redditch United.

Gillingham only have one LB on the books after Ogilvie left, and he's just signed for them. They do have Lee Hodson who can play at LB (primarily a RB), is 29 so fits the rumoured age, but he's spent most of his Gills career on loan in Scotland and has only played 7 league games for them in 2 seasons.

Both I would suggest are very unlikely and I've definitely wasted my time researching

 

[bazzer9461]

Is it really a shambles though? We know that the club are in talks with several players, and as is the case with every transfer window, these things take time! It’s far too early to start panicking. The players we have been linked with, are all better than Josh Ruffels. That in itself is a positive thing!

But knowing that we would more than likely lose Ruffs and Atkinson surely the priority would be to get the right player in sooner rather than later so as to blsettle into the team rather than play catch up. God forbid we get a Grayson mk2

 

[Jolteon]

But knowing that we would more than likely lose Ruffs and Atkinson surely the priority would be to get the right player in sooner rather than later so as to blsettle into the team rather than play catch up. God forbid we get a Grayson mk2

My gut feeling is Robson was the top man for the LB role but now Ipswich have come in it's gotten much more complicated. The rumours are that we have a LB waiting to sign once they've recovered from Covid, so I don't think there is a need to panic unless that doesn't come to fruition. It might even be a blessing to get a good look at Elechi in the pre season games to get an idea of whether he's ready for that step up to backup LB. I personally didn't think Atkinson was ready in the close season last year, then pre season came and he blew me away with how good he was.

 

[pidge]

So supposedly we have agreed a fee for a left back, is it possible it could it be one who has been released[rejected contract] but is young enough for the club that the club they left are entitled too a fee or go to a tribunal. Someone like Nesta Guiness Walker who is only 21.