woodsaint

Why have the Maehle links went quiet? There was an article saying he was available for around 7.5 million, we have been 'long term' admirers and he previously said he would be interested in a move to us. Perhaps his agent is trying to get him a bigger move and it could go to the deadline. He'll definitely leave Genk this window

You can guarantee that any defensive qualities will be coached out of him by the time he reaches 18

Same as last season will do

Steady on with comparisons to Toby when he was here. Stephens has been excellent recently and hope it continues. Still believe that we need a quality CB and competition between them, Stephens and Bednarek can only be good. Yoshidas time here appears over and cant see Vestergaard/Danso around much longer if they arent featuring

They need to pick up points in those games big time because their last 10 games are pretty grim

Rotate the squad, play the likes of Yoshida, Valery, Romeu, Boufal, Obafemi and possibly even Smallbone. Hopefully Adams can get a goal or two to get his confidence going.

5 wins from safety and 17 games to do it. Looking so much better compared to a month ago. Ralph and the team deserve alot of credit because i feared we could be cast adrift by the end of the xmas period

Im not being a **** or whatever you're calling me, merely stating that some fans are so caught up in our past glories that they hang onto this belief than some former players could return and do a job. Theyve moved on, the club have moved on and some of fans should do so as well. We dont have a huge scouting network, black box etc to just bring back former players. Yes there may be opportunities which present themselves, but i havent seen anything from the likes of Vic or Morgan in recent years which makes me think they would be successful again here. Happy new year to you too.

Wish ppl would stop suggesting former players who cant even get a game at their current clubs. They're on huge wages for a start and theres plenty of other players available

Couldnt agree more

And who would that be in the u23s? Doesnt understand what to do to score a goal, yeah because he didnt do that plenty of times last season in the championship. Some ppl just need a fall guy on what was an excellent performance.

In which case, a good holding midfielder who can protect the two CBs better should be high on the agenda

Likewise. Thought his injuries had got the better of him (touch wood hes past that stage of his career) but hes exceeded my expectations already. Always had the potential but was confined to 5-15 games a season. Hope he continues to improve and think Long (another ive slagged off at times) is his best strike partner

Has very good games (like yesterday) in his locker. Composed on the ball but has occasional lapses of concentration which he needs to work on. Happy with him and Bednarek as 2nd and 3rd CBs (order debatable) but think they could both benefit from playing alongside a quality, mobile CB. Should be our focus in the window

He is our only out and out DM I agree, but dont agree hes having a good season. He makes the occasional decent tackle, but thats often because hes off the pace and having to lunge in. I loved him under Koeman and Puel but hes struggled in recent years (not the only one i admit)

Other clubs seem to have deals sorted for Jan 1st or shortly after (Liverpool at it again), wheras we always seem to be scrambling around at 11.55pm on deadline day. I know there are many factors at play which means its not that simple, but if we're looking at 'long term targets', why are deals not done earlier (position doesnt help i know). Having players on board earlier and getting them integrated sooner is crucial. By the time any new players do arrive by 31 Jan, our position could be beyond bleak

Romeu was decent under Puel. He offers zero protection these days because he turns like a bus

Agreed that we need that kind of player but CB to me is the priority. If Stephens and Bednarek had done the basics right we would have picked up a point. Can say that so many times this season. Take the goal for example - Bednarek came steaming across and got turned by Antonio and then once the cross comes in Stephens doesnt recognise that Haller had dropped off and allowed an easy shot. And in possession the less said the better!!

How did we manage to stock pile so many s**** CBs? Another masterclass from Stephens and Bednarek, dominated by an unfit Antonio and **** poor Haller. Honestly need two CBs in Jan, the club will likely sign none. Cedric and Hojbjerg can do one too

Stephens and Bednarek are a shambles at times

We have to address the defensive problems. 35 goals conceded in 16 games is dreadful (compare with Sheff United and Palace who have conceded 16 and 18). Even with the 9-0 not included we would still be in the bottom 5 defences. CB is imperative. I would then be minded to go for a DM next. Think we've missed that protection since Wanyama left and Romeu's downturn in recent seasons. If that was all the business we did in Jan I would be happy. Think Valery should be given the opportunity at RB

Frimpong looks a talent. I know its hard to judge players in the Scottish League (except VVD who was just strolling around) but Jullien doing well it seems. A play we were linked with before signing Vestergaard

Couldnt agree more. I was very dismissive of us signing Cahill (mostly due to his wage demands) but a quality, experienced CB (if they exist) is exactly what we need. Thejr leadership and organisation would help us see out games more easily. Bednarek would also benefit with that experience beside him. No surprise he plays his better for the national team with Kamil Glik alongside him. Yoshida is our most experienced CB which says it all

Well done to big Fraser, clearly enjoying his time at Celtic and it shows. I wouldnt take him back tho, his time here has ran its course and our club/goalkeeping coaches would find a way to wreck his confidence again. Hopefully he takes a pay cut to stay at Celtic and we get a fee

Normal service resumed. Miss clear chances + make defensive mistakes = defeat. Without Ings we would be screwed. Hope that article a while back about chasing a new RB and CB was accurate. Cedric and Stephens arent even championship level defenders. Redmond needs a spell on the bench