Winter Improvement Thread (aka Winter Squad Weakening Thread and TWF Suicide Watch)

[Papper]

Golbourne did a good job for us but I thought he'd get better and for some reason he didn't. Best luck to him at his new club. Will always get a cheer from me when he comes back.

 

[Penk Wolf]

You can't sell what no-one will buy.

I'm just relieved we have him signed up to 2019.

You do know it will be extended?

 

[machin05]

Not that it needs confirming, but Spiers has said that the Golbourne deal is all but done. Probably going off the same Instagram post as has been shared on here.

Not that bothered as he's been poor for 18 months. But Doherty as our only left back??!? Surely we're going to sign a new'un.

My levels of apathy and contempt for this season are building by the day at the moment.

 

[Derby Wolf]

The Batth/Doherty horror show for Brentfords second is another. Doherty strolling back with his arm in the air appealing for an offside he himself knows he'll never get.

 

[Lord Knows]

I thought Golbourne showed a return to form when Williamson added some organisation and steadiness to the back four. Any players confidence would suffer without having a positive influence alongside him and in front of him. Tad surprised that with the imminent arrival of Williamson, Golbourne wasn't given the opportunity to again show such form in a reassured back four rather than the rabble which has become our seasons norm..

 

[Jinky]

I like Golbourne & will be sad to see him go. Even more so if we're left with Doherty and no natural left back at the club as back up.

 

[machin05]

Sheff Wed - partially at fault for at least a couple of the goals
Reading - absolutely appalling, Stephen Hunt vs Watford levels of awful
Charlton - didn't see, did ok apparently
Brighton - dreadful for 70 odd minutes, nearly cost us a goal inside 2 minutes, actually did a reasonable job right near the end but overall cack
West Ham - didn't see
Fulham - scored a one in a million goal, doesn't stop the cross for the first goal to cancel that out, gave his man ridiculous amounts of space all night
Cardiff - diabolical, never laid a glove on Noone, bizarre picking the ball up incident, woeful body language, partially at fault for two goals
QPR - part of a terrible left hand side, he was borderline acceptable in the second half when QPR barely had an attack I suppose but shocking first half again

Given that he has no left foot whatsoever, I've seen planets turn quicker and he stops virtually nothing I don't see how that "isn't that bad".

Oh, and don't forget this "solid as a rock" blcoking against Brentford

 

[Stan Hullis]

Oh, and don't forget this "solid as a rock" blcoking against Brentford

That one makes me RAGE

 

[machin05]

He had half a chance of chasing back to make the block but just gave up on it completely.

 

[Freddeno]

I like Golbourne & will be sad to see him go. Even more so if we're left with Doherty and no natural left back at the club as back up.

I agree with that

 

[FrankMunro-371]

So if we bring a defender in, and let one go, won't that still leave us a little short of bodies in defence?

 

[Lycan]

So if we bring a defender in, and let one go, won't that still leave us a little short of bodies in defence?

Could be a show of faith in Deslandes. They might think he's ready to push for a first team spot.

 

[NoodleWolf]

Sad to see Golbourne go. If there's one thing I appreciate it is a good FB! Shame he has been in decline a bit over the last 12 months, be it through the foot problem or the issue of getting dropped if he fails to jump high enough at the back post. At least he understood positioning for the most part and could actually stop crosses coming in. Wish him well for the future!

Also, my word, that Doherty gif.

 

[Langers]

Could be a show of faith in Deslandes. They might think he's ready to push for a first team spot.

I think Deslandes is exactly the sort of player who should be given a go during the run in. He's certainly a bit raw and erratic, but maybe having Williamson's experience beside him might help his game? It's an ideal time to give him a chance and I can't see how he could be a worse option than Doherty.

 

[Kenny]

Could be a show of faith in Deslandes. They might think he's ready to push for a first team spot.

KJ was saying he hoped to get him out on loan if the cover in defence allowed for it. Golbourne going removes that, so he is a step closer to the 1st team this morning unless of course we have a LB lined up. Considering we opened talks with one last week, it would at least point to us being active in that area.

 

[Norman Deeley]

Mason's goals from the season. http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/10145884/masons-moments Don't worry, doesn't take long to watch...

 

[pr0sl0]

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if they're thinking that they can make do with Rowe here for the last six months of his contract as backup, and then go for a new long-term option in the summer.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Also have Hause coming back who has been used there before (even if I would rather they didn't)

 

[MARKakaJIM]

Mason's goals from the season. http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/10145884/masons-moments Don't worry, doesn't take long to watch...

Very meh.

 

[Nando]

I'd happily take a look at Sam Winnall again if we're looking to add another forward.

Also think Hause is nailed on for LB once he's fit again.