"Need" new signing for prem league this season?

[NickG]

I keep seeing comments that we "need" a new signing in this window, or the squad is too weak.

 

I am not sure when "want" turns into "need" as personally I can't see that we need any signings this window. Obviously we should always be looking to improve so we don't go backwards and there are clearly areas in the squad with less depth than others. Our signings, if any, should be players who will add to the squad primarily for next season, rather than West Ham like panic for this window.

 

We currently are 9th with 31 points. Examples of final points totals for us at different points / game rates;

 

- drops to only match the bottom's three clubs this season (West Ham, Cardiff, Sunderland) = 44 points

 

- match our season rate last season = 48 points

 

- finish season as we finished last season (last 16) = 50

 

- match our rate so far this season = 54 points

 

- improve to match our first 16 = 55 points

 

- improve to match Liverpool's season so far = 62

 

We should be safe for 47-54. (even if Lovren takes a while I think this season's squad is better than last's which got 19 points)

 

If we get 50, Newcastle and Man U would need relegation form for us to catch them.

 

If we finish as strongly as top four side, we would still need Man U and Newcastle to drop their form for us to climb the table - although we have both at home so possible.

 

If Villa improve their points per game to the level we have been they will still be behind us if we only get 47.

 

If we get into the 50-55 points range Villa will need to perform at the level so far achieved by Man U to Liverpool to catch us.

 

If we have a disaster and finish on 44, due to us suddenly performing at the lowest level in the table - Villa would still be to improve to catch us.

 

Buy no-one, or sign Astori, CF, winger etc - we are still very likely to finish 9th

 

So we don't need anyone this window!!

 

....however, few top non-FA cup tied players..

[MarkSFC]

I keep seeing comments that we "need" a new signing in this window, or the squad is too weak.

 

I am not sure when "want" turns into "need" as personally I can't see that we need any signings this window. Obviously we should always be looking to improve so we don't go backwards and there are clearly areas in the squad with less depth than others. Our signings, if any, should be players who will add to the squad primarily for next season, rather than West Ham like panic for this window.

 

We currently are 9th with 31 points. Examples of final points totals for us at different points / game rates;

 

- drops to only match the bottom's three clubs this season (West Ham, Cardiff, Sunderland) = 44 points

 

- match our season rate last season = 48 points

 

- finish season as we finished last season (last 16) = 50

 

- match our rate so far this season = 54 points

 

- improve to match our first 16 = 55 points

 

- improve to match Liverpool's season so far = 62

 

We should be safe for 47-54. (even if Lovren takes a while I think this season's squad is better than last's which got 19 points)

 

If we get 50, Newcastle and Man U would need relegation form for us to catch them.

 

If we finish as strongly as top four side, we would still need Man U and Newcastle to drop their form for us to climb the table - although we have both at home so possible.

 

If Villa improve their points per game to the level we have been they will still be behind us if we only get 47.

 

If we get into the 50-55 points range Villa will need to perform at the level so far achieved by Man U to Liverpool to catch us.

 

If we have a disaster and finish on 44, due to us suddenly performing at the lowest level in the table - Villa would still be to improve to catch us.

 

Buy no-one, or sign Astori, CF, winger etc - we are still very likely to finish 9th

 

So we don't need anyone this window!!

 

....however, few top non-FA cup tied players..

 

 

I think we do "need" a decent CB even if Lovren was not out. Other positions are merely wants.

 

What our position does allow for is the signing of one or even two players that are part of the longer term because these last 4 months are as close to a no pressure situation as we are ever likely to get in this league. Its imortant to continue to win and build confdence around that but as pointed out the reality is that almost whatever we do we will not move up more than one place. This is a great chance to embed a player or players into the systmen and club ready for the new season.

 

There is the FA Cup though....

[Batman]

We want to improve every area we can. All clubs have area they'll want to improve. 'Need' isn't the right word given that we did ok last year without having Lovren and with Fonte not having established himself the same at this level.

 

It all starts to sound a bit spoiled with need this want that, now not summer etc. It's not like they'd ignore a target they could afford if available now. Scouting goes on all year it just happens that in modern football the summer is a far better time to do business. I wish they'd keep the window shut all season to stop the January nonsense. Probably give managers more time in their job too.

we do want this now and that is not being spoilt

Edited 27 January, 2014 by Batman

[dubai_phil]

Christ Nick. Your OP was longer than some of my golf stories.

 

Which reminds me..........

 

(Oh and yes with (IF) Osvaldo leaving we need a signing far more than we would need money in the bank)

[KelvinsRightGlove]

We need 18 signings in every window, but we should never drop any current first XI player, though if the new player does play every game and isn't amazing straight away he is useless

 

[Saint Charlie]

One or two additions wouldn't be OTT or frivolous.

 

If we had a better third CB we would have at least four more points.

[Andy Durman]

Trust in Youth! The futures bright the futures Gallagher.

[Bearsy]

i would be more happy to find ponch signing new contract than any player we're likely to bring in. If i was kat i would be putting my full weight behind that.

[EBS1980]

Could also say getting players in now gives them half a season to settle to the premier league and southampton without the pressure of relegation etc... Then come next season they are raring to go..

[nta786]

Could also say getting players in now gives them half a season to settle to the premier league and southampton without the pressure of relegation etc... Then come next season they are raring to go..

 

but it is near damn hard finding players for a decent price in january! we want lovren standard players, not forren standard. Obviously i understand that not all transfer are successful, but theres more of a chance that we find a successful player in the summer than in january for a decent fee.