Lighthouse

I don't think there was any lack of resources or manpower attributable to the multiclub model. Our problems last time in the Prem stemmed from our DoF buggering off to Man Utd in April and not appointing a replacement for the subsequent transfer window. I can't remember any big money signings for Goztepe in 2024 which detracted from our own recruitment.

Assuming we bring in some form of Larin-esq target man, such as Mubama, I would think the answer is no. Those two will essentially be competing for one place in the team, with Leo, Dobbin, Azaz, Fellows, Matsuki, Edozie and Oyekunle all competing to play in the three behind. That’s assuming DD leaves too.

Very unlikely IMO. Che scored 16 goals last time and JWP is an experienced PL player. I'd bite your hand off for two players that good being in our price range.

Albert playing like his uncle's a glazier now. This could be a big score.

Most likely we were sending a message to Fulham that it’s not a done deal yet and we’re still willing to put him in our squad until we get an acceptable offer.

On to the league then. Hopefully the Colchester game blew away any lingering cobwebs and a couple more players, namely Azaz and Larin, are fit to start. Azaz or Dobbin looks to be the only real selection headache at the moment, so that'll be interesting.

He's not a horrendous footballer and he was no worse than three or four other players. He lost his confidence and form completely playing two campaigns above his level in two of the worst teams the PL has ever seen. Like Dobbin he was effectively making his competitive debut in this team and the former was hardly any better.

TBH the whole front half of the team looked a bit out of sorts, I'd say because we were missing Jander/Charles, Azaz and Larin straight through the spine of it. Matsuki didn't really impose himself in a deeper role and the final balls from Scienza and Fellows were often wayward. BBD certainly didn't force his name onto the team sheet for Watford but I can't really blame him too much either. It's not like the rest of the team had them on toast.

Hardly an all time classic but I’ll take any away win, especially in the cup. It definitely had a first game of the season feel to it and overall we looked, let’s just say rusty. Two moments of quality from Manning and Azaz were the difference in the end. Hopefully next weekend the latter and Larin are both fit to start.

Let’s hope for a bit more of that this season.

That was a rarebit of Colchester attacking from Leake.

Quality goal that, delighted for the young lad. Great ball from Finn.

Archer has looked lively since he came on.

Thought that should’ve been a penalty on first viewing.

Looked like it just bounced up into his face and into the goal. They all count and the better the ball into the box, the luckier you tend to be.