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

[boltonboris]

Randall on 3.5 years means 18 months from now, when he's entering his peak years (will still be 26), we have a 2-year-deal safety net.

Us giving another lightweight midfielder a 3.5yr deal on decent whack absolutely fills me with dread. He is not what we need. We need some steel and verve in the team. Not another attacking midfielder with nice technique but questionable physicality and character.

As you said earlier, too many moving parts are required to get it done and it will leave us with holes where this considerable outlay would be better served.

He's seemingly wanting to buy players to 'upgrade' on players that he's bought but isn't getting much out of, that were bought as 'upgrades' on players he'd bought but isn... You get the drift.

[The_Gun]

Now would seem like the perfect time to be looking at Prem loans. The types of players we can afford on permanents aren’t very likely to ‘move the needle’ as much as we require at present. However, if we hit on a Bradley or Maghoma, that could really kick start the season. If they don’t work out, then at least we can send them back in the summer with no further commitments.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Now would seem like the perfect time to be looking at Prem loans. The types of players we can afford on permanents aren’t very likely to ‘move the needle’ as much as we require at present. However, if we hit on a Bradley or Maghoma, that could really kick start the season. If they don’t work out, then no at least we can send them back in the summer with no further commitments.

They've seemed like a no-brainer for a while, but it was said that Prem clubs were asking too much money, we should develop our own, never fall in love with a loanee, etc and so on.

However, while I understand all that, I strongly agree we'd be stupid not to consider it - especially given there's a very strong chance of a change of management in summer.

[boltonboris]

Look at the likes of Louie Barry - Absolutely ripping it up and he was within Stockports budget

[officer_dibble]

Evatt only wants players who have played for managers he wants to suck off.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Look at the likes of Louie Barry - Absolutely ripping it up and he was within Stockports budget

Stockport are hardly paupers these days and I bet they'd have paid well given his success there last term. But yeah, there are deals to be done - and it's annoying that we aren't waving clipreels of Bradley and Trafford and saying "let us develop your asset".

[Bijou Bob]

I have to say I've been totally unimpressed with Randall when he's played against us. He was completely anonymous in our last match. Jellis I know nothing about. Young, hungry Prem loans have to be the way to go surely......as long as Shoretire doesn't come back.

[BWFC_Insane]

I don't get why anybody would rejoice in Dion leaving, but Bolton fans are strange and we have very short memories.

He's been the most likeable BWFC striker for many many years now. Works hard for the team and has scored bucket loads for us. Yes he's been guilty of missing big chances in big games, but every striker in World Football has done the same

I wouldn’t be sad to lose any of this squad. At all. But not sure what striker better than Dion we would sign. He has his issues and isn’t on form. But a better manager could get his form back out. Whereas I’m still not sure what McAtee was or is meant to offer beyond rolling his socks right down?

[The_Gun]

Presumably we aren’t going to be able to get Randell for less than £500k, and he’s going to be on big wages. Makes very little sense to me.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

*
Pete's trustworthy. Course, it could be that MacAnthony has told him we've bid, in order to flush out rivals; but we'll see.

[GhostoftheBok]

Randall is an excellent footballer. We'll do well if we get him.

[BWFC_Insane]

Randall is an excellent footballer. We'll do well if we get him.

How many has that been said of? We have a lot of good footballers. What we lack is not technical ability.

[Harry Genshaw]

Randall is an excellent footballer. We'll do well if we get him.

I'll bow to your knowledge on this GotB. My worry, from what I've read on him, is that he's another technically gifted midfielder but what else does he bring to the table that we don't already have in our current midfield?

I don't want another show pony stood on the pitch looking lost next season, straight after another limp performance against near neighbours or table toppers.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I don't want another show pony stood on the pitch looking lost next season, straight after another limp performance against near neighbours or table toppers.

I'm hoping that next season we have a manager who makes a team more than the sum of its parts, rather than less. Then we might not lose to rivals..

[GhostoftheBok]

How many has that been said of? We have a lot of good footballers. What we lack is not technical ability.

Wasn't talking about technical ability, though he's good there.

His brain sets him apart when you watch him.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

How many has that been said of? We have a lot of good footballers. What we lack is not technical ability.

His brain sets him apart when you watch him.

But my bro Insano won't be able to watch him, as he's taking a break from it. Can't blame him...

[GhostoftheBok]

I'll bow to your knowledge on this GotB. My worry, from what I've read on him, is that he's another technically gifted midfielder but what else does he bring to the table that we don't already have in our current midfield?

Movement, goals and pace.

He's not a ball-winner, but then he's a #10 and not a #6.

I can understand trepidation. He's just really good at the role we need.

Go back and watch what he did to us in the 3-3. Or even watch his movement when we beat them earlier this season. Always finding space and constantly available to receive the ball when Posh came forward.

He's not some world class player, but he adds lots of stuff we are missing.

[GhostoftheBok]

But my bro Insano won't be able to watch him, as he's taking a break from it. Can't blame him...

Watching players before deciding if they're any good is overrated anyway, as people all over social media are making clear.

[Harry Genshaw]

I'll bow to your knowledge on this GotB. My worry, from what I've read on him, is that he's another technically gifted midfielder but what else does he bring to the table that we don't already have in our current midfield?

Movement, goals and pace.

He's not a ball-winner, but then he's a #10 and not a #6.

I can understand trepidation. He's just really good at the role we need.

Go back and watch what he did to us in the 3-3. Or even watch his movement when we beat them earlier this season. Always finding space and constantly available to receive the ball when Posh came forward.

He's not some world class player, but he adds lots of stuff we are missing.

Cheers. That sounds positive. Must be me struggling with modern football parlance, but I thought it was an 8 we needed? I thought the 10 role (just off the front men? Attacking mid?) we already have Lolos, McAtee, CMG and at a push Collins who can play there?

[GhostoftheBok]

Cheers. That sounds positive. Must be me struggling with modern football parlance, but I thought it was an 8 we needed? I thought the 10 role (just off the front men? Attacking mid?) we already have Lolos, McAtee, CMG and at a push Collins who can play there?

Not sure it's very modern stuff, this. None of the numbers mean much, other than roughly where the guy needs to be most of the time and their general skillset.

Evatt is looking for a player who can link the midfield and the front 2 now, by the looks of it.

That means we need movement and someone who can play on the half turn. He has to be able to receive the ball and protect it. He has to be able to carry the ball and run in behind as needed.

Randall offers all that. He can play off both feet, finish and create.

For me he's a traditional #10.

Evatt could get exactly what he wants and still have gone too far off the rails to make it work, but hopefully we can get into the top 6 and make a fist of it.