01 Aug 2026 19:00:42
Sam Byram appears to have gone and talks supposedly are taking place with BA because Farke wants to keep him. Haven't seen anything about Gruev and the club's position regarding offering him a new contract or selling him on.
He's well liked for all the things he does off the pitch apart from his playing ability. If we buy another midfielder, which I think we will, then maybe he or AO may go.
1.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 20:34:24
I think Gruev is underrated. Is he as good as Tanaka in playmaking? No, but he's a better battler and has the ability to pull a great assist out of nowhere. He's also critical in that he's fully accepting of a squad role and honest minutes. That, and his exceptional contribution to the community, means I'd keep him over Tanaka.
I can see Tanaka getting itchy feet if he doesn't play as much next season. I think Gruev has a higher floor and lower ceiling. Tanaka has a low floor on an off day and a high ceiling.
Gruev also isn't on much and might accept similar terms or only a modest increase.
2.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 20:53:08
I think we're both on the same page, Ealing. If we buy a forward-thinking midfielder, someone has to go. The return on AO would be so much better and improve our squad ratio.
3.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 21:15:25
Am I the only one getting a tad twitchy with our recruitment progress?
By this Monday, just 4 weeks remain of the window, and just 3 weeks or so until the EPL season.
Our main striker, Dcl, is out injured currently, and Cairns is our number 1.
4.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 21:58:36
Yes, it is squeaky bum time, Baz.
We probably decided we'd keep Darlow, but maybe not as no. 1.
I think that was a mistake.
Once he went, we were spending big bucks on a replacement.
The other mistake was that we'd get Wilson and Brandt on frees, which would free up money for elsewhere.
Wilson worked out, but Brandt didn't.
The conclusion is that we will have to spend more than we originally thought, as we need a LB cover, two keepers, a quality striker, and maybe a no. 10.
Last year was a good recruitment window, but this year isn't looking so good.
We have a decent squad, but need to add a bit more quality.
5.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 21:59:07
Completely agree, Baz, we've sat on our hands again with Brandt!
No backup left back linked.
No keepers except Trafford linked.
Nothing happening on a 10 or a 9 to note!
Paixao linked (I'd take him) , but certainly not at EUR50m.
It's scarily quiet.
6.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 22:43:57
Indeed, Dune.
I said at the time it was a 'disaster' that Darlow was leaving. The club should have given him a 3-year contract as a number 1, with a hefty pay increase.
Don't be surprised at all if we end up not signing Trafford for a number of reasons.
Not least, Citeh haven't signed a replacement, and won't authorise a sale until / unless they do recruit one.
Things could potentially get very messy.
7.) 01 Aug 2026
01 Aug 2026 22:48:53
Indeed, Dave..
The Paxo link reeks of bs again.. A smokescreen for nowt, genuinely happening at the moment perhaps.
No LB link. No sign of a striker. Concerning.
Apart from seeking a keeper .. Are the 49ers done this window?
8.) 02 Aug 2026
02 Aug 2026 03:32:38
Paxo didn't choose us the first time so why would he now. More wasted time.
I'd keep Gruev over Ao.
Bit torn with Ba. Ba is a bit like Amps for me, ok against lower prem teams but not good enough v the better teams. I know that's unpopular. Just the way I see it.
9.) 02 Aug 2026
02 Aug 2026 08:03:19
Yes Baz, that was an excellent and valid point raised by Wigan Mally, wasn't it? Sits nicely in your scare mongering agenda too, tho you could at least give him the credit for it.
10.) 02 Aug 2026
02 Aug 2026 08:51:02
Let's all remember that Underwood and co have 1 gear.
They are in the USA so can't possibly multitask.
11.) 02 Aug 2026
02 Aug 2026 11:12:13
Good point, Mally, below.
12.) 03 Aug 2026
03 Aug 2026 11:42:35
DCL doing well, scoring 2 goals, injured. Imagine if he is fit?