January 2022 Transfer Thread

[Prufrock]

We don't need to replace his goal potential, we need to improve on it. Doyle got 19 in League Two last year, Charles got 19 in League One.

Yes, it's one season, it could be a flash in the pan, but I don't think they're paying our first transfer fee since Magennis, and second since Twardzik, for him to sit on the bench. *If* he's been signed to play through the middle (and I think he has, but don't know) another striker is wages to sit on a bench. Other than a young kid I don't think it's worth it when we have Kachunga and Baka.

[LeverEnd]

We don't need to replace his goal potential, we need to improve on it. Doyle got 19 in League Two last year, Charles got 19 in League One.

Yes, it's one season, it could be a flash in the pan, but I don't think they're paying our first transfer fee since Magennis, and second since Twardzik, for him to sit on the bench. *If* he's been signed to play through the middle (and I think he has, but don't know) another striker is wages to sit on a bench. Other than a young kid I don't think it's worth it when we have Kachunga and Baka.

Doyle's goals last season are pretty much irrelevant now, unless we're keeping him with a view to going down. Charles for Doyle makes perfect sense to me.
I would be disappointed if we didn't sign someone else up front as well though, because Baka is injury prone and Kachunga has had just a handful of decent games against the weakest teams we've played. I wouldn't rely on either of them. They've been poor signings so far.

[LeverEnd]

A young loanee nearing the end of his contract on effectively an extended trial would make most sense.

[Prufrock]

I disagree on Kachunga, he took a while to get going but I'm a fan. It's all budgets and juggling but I suspect Bakayoko is in the squad as the "point of difference" (i.e. big cnut) and all the others we sign are going to be "play anywhere across the front three" Kachunga, Charles types. I think (and hope) we're looking at someone who covers two of winger/centre forward/10. I don't think we're going to sign another out and out #9.

Not been thrilled with Baka but think Evatt said he'd basically never missed big chunks through injury before in his career. Bit early to call him injury prone IMO.

Absolutely agree that Dapo types (20+, out of contract in the summer) is an area that should be looking at especially (though not only) at United/Liverpool/City.

[Worthy4England]

I disagree on Kachunga, he took a while to get going but I'm a fan. It's all budgets and juggling but I suspect Bakayoko is in the squad as the "point of difference" (i.e. big cnut) and all the others we sign are going to be "play anywhere across the front three" Kachunga, Charles types. I think (and hope) we're looking at someone who covers two of winger/centre forward/10. I don't think we're going to sign another out and out #9.

Not been thrilled with Baka but think Evatt said he'd basically never missed big chunks through injury before in his career. Bit early to call him injury prone IMO.

Absolutely agree that Dapo types (20+, out of contract in the summer) is an area that should be looking at especially (though not only) at United/Liverpool/City.

Kacha currently on something akin to 547 mins per goal. Worse than Doyle, Baka and Dapo...

I think Kacha looked good in a few of the most recent games, but if you're abandoning the concept of the elusive "main/secondary goalscorer" 20+ goals plus a 10+, then you need three/four/five other players getting to 10 to compensate

[BWFC_Insane]

We don't need to replace his goal potential, we need to improve on it. Doyle got 19 in League Two last year, Charles got 19 in League One.

Yes, it's one season, it could be a flash in the pan, but I don't think they're paying our first transfer fee since Magennis, and second since Twardzik, for him to sit on the bench. *If* he's been signed to play through the middle (and I think he has, but don't know) another striker is wages to sit on a bench. Other than a young kid I don't think it's worth it when we have Kachunga and Baka.

You are missing the point. If last season we were successful off the back of Doyle’s goals and you are arguing that this season he’s not scoring enough then any replacement has to be better because I don’t think we’ve got enough in the squad goals wise.

And we are replacing a man who has consistently scored goals at this level in his career with someone who at 26 has one good season in league football to his name.

If Charles is the man to bag twenty goals a season on a regular basis then fine. But if not he’s not the answer to replace Eoin at this stage. And either way it’s too big a gamble in my view.

I don’t want the same mistake we made with Sarce. If Doyle goes we need a proper replacement who is ready to do the business.

[boltonboris]

Forget what Doyle did last season.

This season, he misses from 2/3 yards on a consistent basis, is on a last warning with the manager and seemingly wants away. Apparently his wife has said something on twitter about going 'home' and has now locked her account. Doyle has apparently said similar.

Doyle has scored 1 goal from open play, 1 set piece header and the rest penalties. He's cost us more points than he's won us, this season

Thanks for last season Eoin, but I'd like to think an opportunity to get his wages off the books to pay for reinforcements is most welcome

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I disagree on Kachunga, he took a while to get going but I'm a fan. It's all budgets and juggling but I suspect Bakayoko is in the squad as the "point of difference" (i.e. big cnut) and all the others we sign are going to be "play anywhere across the front three" Kachunga, Charles types. I think (and hope) we're looking at someone who covers two of winger/centre forward/10. I don't think we're going to sign another out and out #9.

Not been thrilled with Baka but think Evatt said he'd basically never missed big chunks through injury before in his career. Bit early to call him injury prone IMO.

Absolutely agree that Dapo types (20+, out of contract in the summer) is an area that should be looking at especially (though not only) at United/Liverpool/City.

Kacha currently on something akin to 547 mins per goal. Worse than Doyle, Baka and Dapo...

I think Kacha looked good in a few of the most recent games, but if you're abandoning the concept of the elusive "main/secondary goalscorer" 20+ goals plus a 10+, then you need three/four/five other players getting to 10 to compensate

To finish 16th?

Looking at last season’s goal returns in this division suggests that having five (or more?) players in double figures for league goals is… unlikely. Auto-promo duo Peterborough and Hull had three each, but that was rare.

Blackpool went up in the play-offs despite only one player reaching double figures. As for the other play-off teams, Sunderland had one. Oxford had two, one of whom was a Champo-loanee winger. Lincoln had three (one a Champo loanee winger).

Rest of the top half? Charlton had two. Portsmouth had two. Ipswich had none. Gillingham had two. Crewe had two. Accy had two, one of whom we’re about to sign and he’s being doubted already.

For clarity, I don’t think Doyle shouldn’t be replaced. And TBH it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we have an ambitious target to replace him, utilising his wages. But I don’t think we should get *too* carried away with the idea that everyone has to reach double figures. After all, we went up last season with just Doyler’s 19 troubling the double-digit column.

[Prufrock]

We don't need to replace his goal potential, we need to improve on it. Doyle got 19 in League Two last year, Charles got 19 in League One.

Yes, it's one season, it could be a flash in the pan, but I don't think they're paying our first transfer fee since Magennis, and second since Twardzik, for him to sit on the bench. *If* he's been signed to play through the middle (and I think he has, but don't know) another striker is wages to sit on a bench. Other than a young kid I don't think it's worth it when we have Kachunga and Baka.

You are missing the point. If last season we were successful off the back of Doyle’s goals and you are arguing that this season he’s not scoring enough then any replacement has to be better because I don’t think we’ve got enough in the squad goals wise.

And we are replacing a man who has consistently scored goals at this level in his career with someone who at 26 has one good season in league football to his name.

If Charles is the man to bag twenty goals a season on a regular basis then fine. But if not he’s not the answer to replace Eoin at this stage. And either way it’s too big a gamble in my view.

I don’t want the same mistake we made with Sarce. If Doyle goes we need a proper replacement who is ready to do the business.

It's not as mathematical as that, as DSB has pointed out. I'd be v surprised if Dapo didn't hit double figures for a start. Kachunga after a slow start has started to find the net. I don't think we need minimum 19 or we're fecked (and to do what, finish 3rd? That's not happening this season).

But you're absolutely right that any replacement for Doyle has to improve significantly on his goal threat so far this season. Which is 1 from open play.

All I'm saying is that at £300k they seem to think Charles is the man for that (if he's going to play through the middle. If he's not I expect we'll be in for a 9). I understand your reservations that he's only had one season. I'm not saying it's sure fire success. I'm saying it seems clear that's what they've signed him for and if so at £300k and presumably decent-ish wages I don't think we're going to be spending big wedge on another #9 when only one of them will play.

[Worthy4England]

I disagree on Kachunga, he took a while to get going but I'm a fan. It's all budgets and juggling but I suspect Bakayoko is in the squad as the "point of difference" (i.e. big cnut) and all the others we sign are going to be "play anywhere across the front three" Kachunga, Charles types. I think (and hope) we're looking at someone who covers two of winger/centre forward/10. I don't think we're going to sign another out and out #9.

Not been thrilled with Baka but think Evatt said he'd basically never missed big chunks through injury before in his career. Bit early to call him injury prone IMO.

Absolutely agree that Dapo types (20+, out of contract in the summer) is an area that should be looking at especially (though not only) at United/Liverpool/City.

Kacha currently on something akin to 547 mins per goal. Worse than Doyle, Baka and Dapo...

I think Kacha looked good in a few of the most recent games, but if you're abandoning the concept of the elusive "main/secondary goalscorer" 20+ goals plus a 10+, then you need three/four/five other players getting to 10 to compensate

To finish 16th?

Looking at last season’s goal returns in this division suggests that having five (or more?) players in double figures for league goals is… unlikely. Auto-promo duo Peterborough and Hull had three each, but that was rare.

Blackpool went up in the play-offs despite only one player reaching double figures. As for the other play-off teams, Sunderland had one. Oxford had two, one of whom was a Champo-loanee winger. Lincoln had three (one a Champo loanee winger).

Rest of the top half? Charlton had two. Portsmouth had two. Ipswich had none. Gillingham had two. Crewe had two. Accy had two, one of whom we’re about to sign and he’s being doubted already.

For clarity, I don’t think Doyle shouldn’t be replaced. And TBH it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we have an ambitious target to replace him, utilising his wages. But I don’t think we should get *too* carried away with the idea that everyone has to reach double figures. After all, we went up last season with just Doyler’s 19 troubling the double-digit column.

We're currently on target to leak more goals than anyone in the top half last season. Consequently we are likely to need to score more...Blackpool conceded 37 last season, we're on 33 after 23 games. I would be much more likely to accept your assertion if maybe we were currently on 20 conceded.

It's not, as we know, a direct correlation, winning three games 8-0, still only bags you 9 points.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

if you're abandoning the concept of the elusive "main/secondary goalscorer" 20+ goals plus a 10+, then you need three/four/five other players getting to 10 to compensate

To finish 16th?

Looking at last season’s goal returns in this division suggests that having five (or more?) players in double figures for league goals is… unlikely. Auto-promo duo Peterborough and Hull had three each, but that was rare.

Blackpool went up in the play-offs despite only one player reaching double figures. As for the other play-off teams, Sunderland had one. Oxford had two, one of whom was a Champo-loanee winger. Lincoln had three (one a Champo loanee winger).

Rest of the top half? Charlton had two. Portsmouth had two. Ipswich had none. Gillingham had two. Crewe had two. Accy had two, one of whom we’re about to sign and he’s being doubted already.

For clarity, I don’t think Doyle shouldn’t be replaced. And TBH it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we have an ambitious target to replace him, utilising his wages. But I don’t think we should get *too* carried away with the idea that everyone has to reach double figures. After all, we went up last season with just Doyler’s 19 troubling the double-digit column.

We're currently on target to leak more goals than anyone in the top half last season. Consequently we are likely to need to score more...Blackpool conceded 37 last season, we're on 33 after 23 games. I would be much more likely to accept your assertion if maybe we were currently on 20 conceded.

It's not, as we know, a direct correlation, winning three games 8-0, still only bags you 9 points.

Aye, it depends how often you shift the goalposts as well

You were talking about the absence of a 20+goal striker creating the need for "three/four/five others" to hit double figures. You didn't mention the defence at all, although I happily agree that if you need to score five to win, you'll probably get players hitting double figures.

Oxford reached the playoffs – perhaps beyond our scope this season, we'll see - with only two double-figurers (one a loanee winger) and also while conceding 56 goals (1.21 per game); that's below our current rate of 1.5, but it's possibly also worth noting that we woke up on New Year's Day 2021 having conceded 32 in 20 games (1.6 per game) and conceded 18 from the final from 26 (0.69). It's a huge ask to expect the same turnaround again, but improvement would definitely help. To match Oxford's playoff-reaching concession rate of last season we just need to concede 23 goals in 24 games (0.96 per game) for the rest of the season – and, again, they only had two lads in double figures, one of whom was borrowed from QPR.

[Worthy4England]

Goalposts been where they always have. Score more in theirs than they score in ours and you usually do OK.

I did say if you're abandoning the concept of a 20 goals a season striker...Oxford's main guy got 18...which of course you can accurately say "isn't 20+"

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Somewhat burying the lead, Ilesy appears to confirm Amaechi is staying:

"Ian Evatt also revealed that Xavier Amaechi will miss the [Rotherham] game because he has to be re-registered for a work permit after extending his loan deal from Hamburg."

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1 ... rotherham/

[GhostoftheBok]

A huge thing with Charles will be whether he is good in the press. Doyle isn't. He does try, but he's not an intelligent presser and his legs aren't there to make sprints. If Charles is closer to Kachunga's quality in that area it'll make a massive difference to the number and quality of chances we can create. Same goes for any 10 or winger we add.

We need to see more specialised system players for the way Evatt wants the game to be played. We have a little money to spend now, apparently, so we don't want to see square pegs in round holes as much after Jan and certainly not much after the summer.

Charles doesn't need to score 1 in 2 to be a round peg. He obviously needs a bag a few, but if he makes our play better out of possession as well as in we will make strides even if he offers, say, 1 in 3 goal involvements.

[GhostoftheBok]

Somewhat burying the lead, Ilesy appears to confirm Amaechi is staying:

"Ian Evatt also revealed that Xavier Amaechi will miss the [Rotherham] game because he has to be re-registered for a work permit after extending his loan deal from Hamburg."

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/1 ... rotherham/

Good. Basically a January signing in real terms, but with the benefit of knowing the system.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Doyler's a done deal, per Irish Examiner. Three years: the boy's agent earns his money.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soc ... 75631.html

[GhostoftheBok]

Doyler's a done deal, per Irish Examiner. Three years: the boy's agent earns his money.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soc ... 75631.html

Pleased for the lad, to be honest. He and his family get to go home and they have three years security. He's done nothing wrong here. Wish him all the best.

[Worthy4England]

Doyler's a done deal, per Irish Examiner. Three years: the boy's agent earns his money.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soc ... 75631.html

We'll miss him next time there's a piss up! Happy for him to get 3 years. When we had a roster of one (or whatever was left), learning we'd signed Doyle in L2 was great. Good luck to the lad.

[officer_dibble]

Another one to be replaced…best be some window this one…

[GhostoftheBok]

Another one to be replaced…best be some window this one…

Would be interesting to know if this has been set for a while. Seems unlikely that the Irish clubs just suddenly decided to reach out and get him on a free and there were mutterings he might go at the same time as Sarce. If his preference was to go to Ireland that might explain why he didn't, due to league rules. Also would account for why he didn't get the armband when he otherwise seemed a natural choice.

If it has been on the cards you'd imagine we will have this one covered.