spring hall convert
Well-known member
In the summer there appeared to be a fair degree of confusion as to who was actually directing the Albion's recruitment of players and how much influence the manager had on it. I thought it might be interesting to review our summer business and make some conclusions on the success or otherwise of the summer business.
So in order of squad number
Keith Andrews - loan (Bolton)
I suspected that he was brought in over the summer anticpating that Bridcutt was moving then. The pleasing development of Ince has meant we haven't needed him as much as we thought. Seems a very reliable sort though, decent in possesion & wholehearted. With Bridcutt likely to go & Crofts out for the season we will probably be relying on him a little more in the 2nd half of the season.
Kemy Agustein - undislosed fee (Swansea)
A frustrating half season so far. He has the occasional flash of brilliance but now we are in January he really should be looking a little less sluggish. Big improvements needed in the 2nd half of the season
Adam Chicksen - undiscolsed fee (Mk Dons)
Showed himself to be extremely competent in the Reading game, though aside from that we've not seen a lot of him. There is a place up for grabs at left back if Ward doesn't come back for next year, Chicksen will have to have more chances in the 2nd half of the season for us to start trusting him as much as that.
Stephen Ward - loan (Wolves)
He's no Wayne Bridge but at this level, but aside from the man himself who is? A top end of the Championship fullback who is a good all rounder in attack and defence. I'd like to know how much we are paying him though, I suspect Wolves were paying some pretty daft wages.
Matthew Upson - free transfer (Stoke)
Mr consistency, a stand out performer for the entire season. The only worry for me would be how much juice has he got left in the tank.
David Lopez - free transfer (free agent)
He's not had the best of seasons so far but has maintained the manager's faith which suggests to me he is training well. Came into his own in the 2nd half of last season and we have to hope he does the same this year. Given the choice of signing him or not signing him again, I'd plump for the latter at the moment, just.
Leroy Lita - loan (Swansea)
Didn't really get a chance, however, if we are being charitable to management, he seemed to give Barnes a good kick up the bum that led to a series of Barnes' best performances in an Albion shirt. An opportunity wasted IMO.
First thing to say is I think it's fairly clear that whatever list these players came from it wasn't one that Snr Garcia brought over with him. Overall, it definately could have been worse, the key positions where we needed first team strengthening (CB & LB) were addressed well. Some of the other business is looking a little dubious currently.#
EDIT: Craig Conway - loan (Cardiff)
After a slow start, his loan expired as he was coming into his own. Excellent crosser of the ball, it would have been nice to see him sending them over to Ulloa. Would definately like to see him back.
6/10.
Over to you....
So in order of squad number
Keith Andrews - loan (Bolton)
I suspected that he was brought in over the summer anticpating that Bridcutt was moving then. The pleasing development of Ince has meant we haven't needed him as much as we thought. Seems a very reliable sort though, decent in possesion & wholehearted. With Bridcutt likely to go & Crofts out for the season we will probably be relying on him a little more in the 2nd half of the season.
Kemy Agustein - undislosed fee (Swansea)
A frustrating half season so far. He has the occasional flash of brilliance but now we are in January he really should be looking a little less sluggish. Big improvements needed in the 2nd half of the season
Adam Chicksen - undiscolsed fee (Mk Dons)
Showed himself to be extremely competent in the Reading game, though aside from that we've not seen a lot of him. There is a place up for grabs at left back if Ward doesn't come back for next year, Chicksen will have to have more chances in the 2nd half of the season for us to start trusting him as much as that.
Stephen Ward - loan (Wolves)
He's no Wayne Bridge but at this level, but aside from the man himself who is? A top end of the Championship fullback who is a good all rounder in attack and defence. I'd like to know how much we are paying him though, I suspect Wolves were paying some pretty daft wages.
Matthew Upson - free transfer (Stoke)
Mr consistency, a stand out performer for the entire season. The only worry for me would be how much juice has he got left in the tank.
David Lopez - free transfer (free agent)
He's not had the best of seasons so far but has maintained the manager's faith which suggests to me he is training well. Came into his own in the 2nd half of last season and we have to hope he does the same this year. Given the choice of signing him or not signing him again, I'd plump for the latter at the moment, just.
Leroy Lita - loan (Swansea)
Didn't really get a chance, however, if we are being charitable to management, he seemed to give Barnes a good kick up the bum that led to a series of Barnes' best performances in an Albion shirt. An opportunity wasted IMO.
First thing to say is I think it's fairly clear that whatever list these players came from it wasn't one that Snr Garcia brought over with him. Overall, it definately could have been worse, the key positions where we needed first team strengthening (CB & LB) were addressed well. Some of the other business is looking a little dubious currently.#
EDIT: Craig Conway - loan (Cardiff)
After a slow start, his loan expired as he was coming into his own. Excellent crosser of the ball, it would have been nice to see him sending them over to Ulloa. Would definately like to see him back.
6/10.
Over to you....
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