In, Out, Shake It All About: January 2025 Transfer Window

[GhostoftheBok]

Nobody is complaining about Morley's character at Wycombe. Same with McAtee at Barnsley last season. Both have been cited for their great attitudes and winning mentalities - just not here.

The idea that you're either manly enough or a charlatan isn't a real world thing.

If it's as simple as not having grafters or players who will run then why do the same players get praised to the rafters for exactly those qualities elsewhere? If they're just never professional footballers then they shouldn't be leaders and winners elsewhere, but they are.

We have a load of players who have captained other clubs. We have lads who have been the main workhorses of decent sides. We have players who have scored and created for fun for other clubs.

It's easy to say they just lack character, but it often doesn't accord with reality.

Simple answers are nice, but reality is usually complicated. We're seeing that with City at the minute. A group of players that has won everything is falling to bits and there's no single reason for it. The onlineiverse will tell you Pep has been "found out" or the players are "bottlejobs" or whatever. People love one sentence answers.

[BWFC_Insane]

Nobody is complaining about Morley's character at Wycombe. Same with McAtee at Barnsley last season. Both have been cited for their great attitudes and winning mentalities - just not here.

The idea that you're either manly enough or a charlatan isn't a real world thing.

If it's as simple as not having grafters or players who will run then why do the same players get praised to the rafters for exactly those qualities elsewhere? If they're just never professional footballers then they shouldn't be leaders and winners elsewhere, but they are.

We have a load of players who have captained other clubs. We have lads who have been the main workhorses of decent sides. We have players who have scored and created for fun for other clubs.

It's easy to say they just lack character, but it often doesn't accord with reality.

Simple answers are nice, but reality is usually complicated. We're seeing that with City at the minute. A group of players that has won everything is falling to bits and there's no single reason for it. The onlineiverse will tell you Pep has been "found out" or the players are "bottlejobs" or whatever. People love one sentence answers.

I’ve been saying the same thing for years. It’s clear I read it correctly. It’s not as simple as someone is a strong character and someone isn’t but we’ve got a weak minded manager who has recruited in the main weak minded players. A manager who knew what they were doing might have got a grip on say Santos and knocked some sense into him and some work and desire to fix what clearly are major issues in his game. Instead Evatt proclaimed he was the best centre half in the league and as a result santos has spent years failing to maximise his talent because he has nowt between his ears and nobody able to build him into the player he could be. He needed some hard truths and years of hard work.

I could go on and on but the failing is not some technical thing. The manager is inherently flawed in his personality and this has led to where we are now. A combination of ego, limited ability and insecurity in Evatt has led us to this point.

[GhostoftheBok]

See, this is the issue. Rico was good yesterday. If yesterday was about character then he showed it. He cleared the box time and time again. He threw himself into players and covered for his mates. His passing was off, but he kept trying the difficult balls that can get you in behind teams. If the entire 11 had played to Rico's level we'd have won.

Thommo is apparently a great character, as you've said yourself. He was shocking. One of his worst performances in a white shirt.

So how are we discussing Rico's character failings? If yesterday was a result born of character how is Thommo escaping when he was arguably our worst outfield player and Rico getting it when he was probably our best?

If we're going to say "This was a character test" then it has to make sense.

[Bertie Wooster]

See, this is the issue. Rico was good yesterday. If yesterday was about character then he showed it. He cleared the box time and time again. He threw himself into players and covered for his mates. His passing was off, but he kept trying the difficult balls that can get you in behind teams. If the entire 11 had played to Rico's level we'd have won.

Thommo is apparently a great character, as you've said yourself. He was shocking. One of his worst performances in a white shirt.

So how are we discussing Rico's character failings? If yesterday was a result born of character how is Thommo escaping when he was arguably our worst outfield player and Rico getting it when he was probably our best?

If we're going to say "This was a character test" then it has to make sense.

Agree with this.

[dave the minion]

See, this is the issue. Rico was good yesterday. If yesterday was about character then he showed it. He cleared the box time and time again. He threw himself into players and covered for his mates. His passing was off, but he kept trying the difficult balls that can get you in behind teams. If the entire 11 had played to Rico's level we'd have won.

Thommo is apparently a great character, as you've said yourself. He was shocking. One of his worst performances in a white shirt.

So how are we discussing Rico's character failings? If yesterday was a result born of character how is Thommo escaping when he was arguably our worst outfield player and Rico getting it when he was probably our best?

If we're going to say "This was a character test" then it has to make sense.

Eggs-acker-ley.

For a chunk of so called fans it's Rico's fault most games before he's even got out of bed in the morning before a game. Christ, we've seen it on here that he's been blamed for yesterday's result by someone who didn't even see the game, and being put out there as the main culprit of everything that is wrong at the moment!!

But Thommo - what a leader. Only one of our lot fit to wear the shirt. Only one who shows any heart etc etc etc. Don't get me wrong, I like Thommo a lot, but he's been a shadow of himself for the last few games and all he seems to be able to do is get booked for reckless lunges, but what a leader eh....

Still, probably better than Wales (sometimes) captain and midfielder of the the season last year Sheehan. I'm just surprised that he hasn't had the finger pointed at him yet for yesterday....

As for the rest of them, then they're all cr@p and not fit to wear the shirt, and we should hate every one of them apparently for their blatant disregard for our precious club. All of this narrative continually put out there by some, despite never having met the guys or not knowing what's going on behind the scenes etc

And don't get me started about the manager, chairwoman, board, investors, backroom staff, cleaners, catering suppliers etc etc - they are all pure evil and doing everything they can to satisfy personal vendettas against the mighty BWFC. Clearly

As I've said, there is a lot wrong at the club at the moment, and I don't profess to know what it is or how to fix it, but assuming everything is a wicked conspiracy by everyone involved and then picking on individuals as the cause is very far from helpful

[Harry Genshaw]

I agreed with a point made on either here or elsewhere in social media land, that as a club we've clearly not gone out of our way to sign a bunch of lily livered bottle jobs. It's just what they've become after either, having all individuality coached out of them, or been so confused with their instructions, they've no idea what they're supposed to be doing.

There's got to be a case for going back to basics, starting with our dreadful defence and then working from there onto set pieces, movement etc. We know Evatts not going to do it, this isn't his fault remember but throwing a season away in January by sticking with him is criminal.

[Bertie Wooster]

They appear to be very poorly coached in every aspect of the game, the team are good at absolutely nothing - which isn't all that surprising as if rumours are to be believed they are left to coach themselves at times with neither the manager or assistants present at some training sessions.

I think a few of the players have stopped listening & respecting the manager, as have the majority of supporters.

[BWFC_Insane]

See, this is the issue. Rico was good yesterday. If yesterday was about character then he showed it. He cleared the box time and time again. He threw himself into players and covered for his mates. His passing was off, but he kept trying the difficult balls that can get you in behind teams. If the entire 11 had played to Rico's level we'd have won.

Thommo is apparently a great character, as you've said yourself. He was shocking. One of his worst performances in a white shirt.

So how are we discussing Rico's character failings? If yesterday was a result born of character how is Thommo escaping when he was arguably our worst outfield player and Rico getting it when he was probably our best?

If we're going to say "This was a character test" then it has to make sense.

I can’t comment on the game yesterday. But if Santos played at the level that wheater or Beevers did week in week out with their physicality and concentration we’d not have such an appalling defensive record. But he doesn’t and isn’t close. Yet he has the same if not better physical attributes. So his failings are all mental. Lack of concentration. Lack of desire to make himself the best he can be. Maybe if he had at any point in his life applied himself he’d have made it. But it’s clear to me he’s had to be ‘nudged’ even to this point.

If we had any collective strong mentality we wouldn’t continually bottle the big games. It’s not even a question anymore. Evatt has gone from claiming we aren’t mentally weak and don’t bottle the big games to saying ‘it’s a problem we have.’ He doesn’t know why. I could have told him why two seasons back yet still we are here.

[officer_dibble]

I’m not quoting cos cba with a massive post. Only to say I don’t disagree with a lot of what anyone is saying.

Santos isn’t the root of all evil. My issue with him is (1) he got to captain this great club got the good times and as soon as it got tough he was able to drop all responsibility. He’s looking after himself (understood, no issue) and will see his contract out. And (2) he’s 6 foot 6 shithouse and he’s a bit of a fanny.

But is he the reason we are rotten to the core? The reason we can’t drag ourselves out of this? The reason we are so easy to pick off tactically now by others? Is he bollocks, that’s Evatt and the rest of the Blackpool old boys. No he would be fine and still captain if all was rosy.

Thommo. He’s been shite since being made captain. Totally wrong to put that on him cos Rico didn’t fancy it any more. Maybe it should have gone to Sheehan? Or jones with tomo looking after until he was back. I’m not sure who all the other captains are ghost mentions- Dempsey was one think but he’s a bit pointless given he’s so injury prone.

But yeah, all roads again lead to Evatt. He hasn’t got the foggiest what to do. He has said so a few times! Should be sacked.

As for Sharon it’s very tough for her to keep backing Ian with the fans. Maybe easier on a day to day basis - anyone who has had to sack anyone knows how tough it is. But is she trying to damage the club? Is she bollocks!

That’s where I’m at…I really don’t think we are all that far apart. I’d imagine 100% would sack now. And most probably frustrated we aren’t and will lose this season. But varying degrees of empathy with Sharon I guess…

[GhostoftheBok]

The reason we can’t drag ourselves out of this?

I'm sure behind the scenes the rationalisation for not turning it around will be based on injuries and availability.

"No midfield", "defence not played as a unit before", "not enough on the bench" will all get trotted out.

If they get some in in January you'd imagine that excuse will fall by the wayside and it'll just be Evatt for all to see - even Sharon - if it continues to go tits up.

It was reasonable at the start of the season to cite the disruption of preseason as partially responsible and a manager doing a better job would have struggled a bit. Same goes for other issues so far. It's not the override "WHY?" of it all, though. That's very clearly Evatt.

He's had a poor year and a really shite few months. We as a club have to hope he can sort himself out in the New Year. If not it could get really, really nasty.

Sharon may go to her grave believing Ian suffered from the universe not playing nice, but it won't matter. We have to finish top 6 and be in a position where we can turn up for 3 games thereafter.

[officer_dibble]

I would be surprised if promotion was the be all and end all this season else they would have acted already. I wonder if the drop off in ticket sales will come as a budget surprise.

I’m interested to see if he is backed in Jan or told to fund his own gamble, surely Charles and/or Victor - one at least will go. Annoyingly Charles will doubtless head to Wrexham bag 12 goals and get an episode named after him.


You can run a poll but at this point I can’t see anyone thinking we stand a chance in 3 let alone 1 must win games!

[GhostoftheBok]

I’m interested to see if he is backed in Jan or told to fund his own gamble, surely Charles and/or Victor - one at least will go.

Entirely reasonable assumption.

We have to make space, but if one of those lads goes we'll likely need to sign (or recall) another striker - so it doesn't "make space", but you're right it would provide cash.

Randell could go and free up a proper wage, with Conway coming back. That'd give us a squad space (Conway is under age) and more money to play with. Doubt Evatt will be that brave, though.

A shame we can't boot Arfield.

Baxter, Southwood
Santos, Jones, Forrester, Toal, Johnston, Forino
Schon, Tutu, Williams, Cogley, Matheson, Conway
Matete, Morley, Sheehan, Thommo, Arfield, Dempsey
Carlos, Lolos, Sharples
Vic, Charles, Collins, McAtee, Nlundulu

Those are our options. Expiring contracts in bold. Wield the knife as you see fit.

[officer_dibble]

I’d sell anyone whose contract is up if it were my club, my money. All replaceable, all failed investments (if they leave for nothing so try no promotion).

I suspect Evatt will wield the axe on a few - and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a queue of volunteers - and anyone who goes potentially doing better elsewhere as well.

[GhostoftheBok]

all failed investments

Hard to agree with that.

Jones and Santos came in in Evatt's first window and may be the two best free transfers we've done in many years. Mainstay players in a team that's gone from nowt in League Two to play-offs in League One.

Very good investments.

Cogley has been another very good return on minimal money. Not good enough for our first 11 with our ambitions, but it's not his fault he has been another mainstay and he's overperformed expectations.

Williams and Baxter have both arguably failed to deliver, probably both due to injuries. Baxter may well have helped us go up if he'd stayed fit.

Baxter is probably the best player on the expiring list, but could also be seen as the biggest failed investment as cost/benefit.

Everyone is on the shitlist right now, but that's a load of free transfers that were mostly worth doing.

We did build a squad that Evatt should have taken up. That's part of the reason there was a strong argument to sack him in the summer.

[irie Cee Bee]

No need for a cull. We need 2 in and 2 out. We need a central defender better than all we currently have to plug the leak, and a #10 midfielder better than Lolos and McAtee who are being played out of position. To fund this, sell Victor and Morley.

Then we hope that Evatt/Markham gets the 2 in who will not look out of place in the championship if we get promoted via the playoffs and at the same time pray that Evatt doesn't make them worse players after they sign.

[The_Gun]

I’m interested to see if he is backed in Jan or told to fund his own gamble, surely Charles and/or Victor - one at least will go.

Entirely reasonable assumption.

We have to make space, but if one of those lads goes we'll likely need to sign (or recall) another striker - so it doesn't "make space", but you're right it would provide cash.

Randell could go and free up a proper wage, with Conway coming back. That'd give us a squad space (Conway is under age) and more money to play with. Doubt Evatt will be that brave, though.

A shame we can't boot Arfield.

Baxter, Southwood
Santos, Jones, Forrester, Toal, Johnston, Forino
Schon, Tutu, Williams, Cogley, Matheson, Conway
Matete, Morley, Sheehan, Thommo, Arfield, Dempsey
Carlos, Lolos, Sharples
Vic, Charles, Collins, McAtee, Nlundulu

Those are our options. Expiring contracts in bold. Wield the knife as you see fit.

Isn’t ’under 21’ for this season 2004 born and later? Thus, Conway would actually take up a squad space.

[GhostoftheBok]

Isn’t ’under 21’ for this season 2004 born and later? Thus, Conway would actually take up a squad space.

Oh, you may well be right there. I fear my brain failed to maths.

[GhostoftheBok]

No need for a cull. We need 2 in and 2 out. We need a central defender better than all we currently have to plug the leak, and a #10 midfielder better than Lolos and McAtee who are being played out of position. To fund this, sell Victor and Morley.

Yeah. Vic is my son's favourite player and I made the mistake of saying that selling Vic and using Lolos as part of the striking group would free up space for a proper #10.

I don't think he's speaking to me anymore.

[Worthy4England]

all failed investments

Hard to agree with that.

Jones and Santos came in in Evatt's first window and may be the two best free transfers we've done in many years. Mainstay players in a team that's gone from nowt in League Two to play-offs in League One.

Very good investments.

Cogley has been another very good return on minimal money. Not good enough for our first 11 with our ambitions, but it's not his fault he has been another mainstay and he's overperformed expectations.

Williams and Baxter have both arguably failed to deliver, probably both due to injuries. Baxter may well have helped us go up if he'd stayed fit.

Baxter is probably the best player on the expiring list, but could also be seen as the biggest failed investment as cost/benefit.

Everyone is on the shitlist right now, but that's a load of free transfers that were mostly worth doing.

We did build a squad that Evatt should have taken up. That's part of the reason there was a strong argument to sack him in the summer.

Course you did. Here we go, not us, him. Unload.com

[Worthy4England]

I need to qualify this. With "we're of one mind" type statements from Chris...