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Dougie's record since he took over is pretty good seeing as he inherited a losing squad (Games 36 Wins 15 Draws 12 Losses 9 Win Ratio 41.6%) but as he starts to shape his squad, I can't help but be more impressed (on paper at least) with the signings he's made so far (apart from the Butterfield loan) We haven't seen much of them, and no doubt they will be looked upon with contempt in some quarters but I like his thinking.
Tierney and Baptiste aren't exactly superstars but they're both experienced full backs and above all else we need some calmness and solidity at the back which they'll bring. Hayden White is a flyer and will be pushing for a start despite being so young. Bolger - we don't know how he'll progress as a CB but Conor Wilkinson is a decent prospect up front long-term. Medo looks like a bargain. Hall - can't see what the fuss is about but it does seem like those in the know rate him as a top prospect. Jan Gregus appears to have been sent back to Banik which is encouraging inasmuch that it cost us nothing to find out if he could hack it. Cavies doesn't impress me that much but he was a low cost stop gap and can do a job. The loans of de Ridder, Dawson, Spearing and Afobe were all good and appropriate at the time. If we add Beckford and (could it be really true?) Rhodes or similar quality striker to that lot and theoretically we have a great squad.
Whether it works out that way, time will tell but I like Dougie's vision. He's spent very little for rather a lot and maybe that's why he was supported with funds to bid for Rhodes.
Still a bit of dead wood (Mears and Andrews) to get rid of plus maybe a striker (if he gets his targets) and Sam Ricketts but I'm impressed that Dougie has been decisive and is prepared to make changes rather than tinkering.
I just know that I'm going to be stupidly optimistic when the season actually starts as I am confident in our manager.
Tierney and Baptiste aren't exactly superstars but they're both experienced full backs and above all else we need some calmness and solidity at the back which they'll bring. Hayden White is a flyer and will be pushing for a start despite being so young. Bolger - we don't know how he'll progress as a CB but Conor Wilkinson is a decent prospect up front long-term. Medo looks like a bargain. Hall - can't see what the fuss is about but it does seem like those in the know rate him as a top prospect. Jan Gregus appears to have been sent back to Banik which is encouraging inasmuch that it cost us nothing to find out if he could hack it. Cavies doesn't impress me that much but he was a low cost stop gap and can do a job. The loans of de Ridder, Dawson, Spearing and Afobe were all good and appropriate at the time. If we add Beckford and (could it be really true?) Rhodes or similar quality striker to that lot and theoretically we have a great squad.
Whether it works out that way, time will tell but I like Dougie's vision. He's spent very little for rather a lot and maybe that's why he was supported with funds to bid for Rhodes.
Still a bit of dead wood (Mears and Andrews) to get rid of plus maybe a striker (if he gets his targets) and Sam Ricketts but I'm impressed that Dougie has been decisive and is prepared to make changes rather than tinkering.
I just know that I'm going to be stupidly optimistic when the season actually starts as I am confident in our manager.
