The Daily ITK Discussion Thread - THE BIG POST MORTEM

[Archibald&Crooks]

​

And finally. At last.

The last thread of the window.

As promised, now the facts are in, we're giving you a venue to bitch/gripe/moan/cry about the transfer window. Or you can tell everyone what a great/superdooper/fantastilocious/hornprovoking window it's been

What it's not for is for you to start bickering amongst yourselves in a snidey/****y/fuck you and fuck the horse your rode in on kind of way

In other news, For some time, Mrs A&C has had this ridiculous idea that I’m playing too much golf. Actually, it came to a head at about 11.30 last night.
She suddenly shouted at me: ‘Golf, golf, golf. All you ever think about is bloody golf!’ And I’ll be honest, it frightened the life out of me.
I mean, you don’t expect to meet somebody on the 14th green at that time of night

Also and finally, we'd like to thank all of you who donated over the course of this transfer window. Thank you.

 

[HW61]

To me, it’s been a very successful transfer window. Actually less to do with who we signed but because we have the right noises from a happy Conte who is speaking for a longer term stay, hopefully inspiring Kane to sign a new contract. Those two staying would be massive.

We’ve yet to see the new signings bedded in but I think all will play a massive part by the business end of the season.

 

[HildoSpur]

Very positive and productive window for us. Still work to do in certain areas but I'd rather wait and get the right players in rather than being in players who won't make the grade just to get the numbers up.

 

[wiggo24]

In usual circumstances, this would have been a very good window, but given the context (the first big chance to back Conte, a chance to use our CL status to pull away from Arsenal/United, and heavy spending by our rivals), I think it's been fine but a little disappointing tbh.

Going into it, the priorities were:

- Get rid of all the deadwood.
- Sign a top CB who can help with our ball progression issues.
- Sort out our wingbacks.
- Bring in an upgrade on Winks/sort our creativity issues in midfield
- Bring in top competition for the forwards
- Kane back-up

We didn't achieve many of these.

We got rid of our deadwood but failed to sell, or even loan with an obligation, any of them, meaning we'll be back here next summer with Ndombele/GLC/Winks/Reguilon/Rodon etc.

We didn't sign a top CB, we signed a Barcelona back-up who, whilst displaying the traits we need from the position, will be competing with Davies for the LCB spot, rather than displacing him. What's more, even if he does do well, we didn't get an option on the loan for some reason. If we don't manage to get Bastoni or someone of similar quality next year then we're going to look very foolish because there were plenty of options. Look at Chelsea - they needed a revamp so they signed one of the best defenders in the world in Koulibaly and one of the best young defenders in Fofana. The failure to sell and replace Tanganga was also a shame as he's not CL quality but is now serving as a back-up to Dier, who has had his problems with long-term injuries in the past.

We sorted out one side of our wingbacks. Perisic is a fantastic signing which was done early and shows our backing to Conte. No complaints at all. At RWB, though, despite a lack of top-end options on the market, we've still ended up with a rotation between Emerson and Doherty, two of the most criticised players in the squad and two players most of this forum just assumed wouldn't be here right now at the end of last season. The weakness of the right-hand side was exploited by West Ham on Wednesday as they targeted that area with the press, and it'll be targetted by other teams too.

In midfield, Bissouma is a good signing. Prem proven, good age, fits into Conte's system, for a good price. He's isn't, however, a particularly different profile to any of the current group, he doesn't give us an opportunity to switch to 3-5-2 in certain games, and he doesn't help solve our creativity issues. Now, many will argue Conte clearly doesn't want to try the 352, but I don't see how adding more tactical flexibility could be a bad thing, especially given the obvious limitations of the 3-4-3 which have been evident once again this season. Eriksen was there on a free, Paqueta went to West Ham, Maddison was likely attainable - there were plenty of options, and I would have liked to see one more added in this area.

On the front line, Richarlison is an overpay but I can see why we went for him and he'll be a good signing, with the ability to cover Kane and Son whilst providing top shithousing. It's a shame we didn't go for Jesus imo but Richarlison probably fits us better at this moment. On the right-hand side, I think we all would have liked competition for Kulu brought in because, whilst our four main forwards are an excellent group (one of the best in the league if not the best), as soon as we get injuries we're back in a position of starting Lucas and Gil, who are huge downgrades and not close to CL quality. Again, there were plenty of options and I'm disappointed we didn't get anything over the line.

Overall

7/10 for me. An excellent start, with a clear plan, solved some of our main issues (LWB, competition for forwards, replacing Winks). Failure to get rid of our deadwood, however, seemed to stunt our ambition a bit in the second half of the window and we're now left with many of the same issues we had last season (poor RWBs, no top LCB, lack of creativity from midfield). Started bright but ebbed out and, given the equally good business done by our rivals, I suspect it's going to be another tight battle for 4th this season. The apparent willingness of Conte to sort these issues over multiple windows is, though, a MASSIVE positive, so fingers crossed.

 

[Moorpheus19]

I'm happy with all the business we've done.

The signings we've made strengthen the squad - no doubt of that.

Those deemed surplus are also all out bar a couple - yes most of them are loans but at least they're out for now.

Would I have liked the top CB and attacker? Of course but I'd rather we wait than sign some dross that, this time next year, we're happy to see the back of.

Ultimately - a great window but I look forward to us making more improvements in January.

Rome wasn't built in a day!

 

[Flobadob]

View attachment 116409
​

And finally. At fucking last.

The last thread of the window.

As promised, now the facts are in, we're giving you a venue to bitch/gripe/moan/cry about the transfer window. Or you can tell everyone what a great/superdooper/fantastilocious/hornprovoking window it's been

What it's not for is for you to start bickering amongst yourselves in a snidey/****y/fuck you and fuck the horse your rode in on kind of way

In other news, For some time, Mrs A&C has had this ridiculous idea that I’m playing too much golf. Actually, it came to a head at about 11.30 last night.
She suddenly shouted at me: ‘Golf, golf, golf. All you ever think about is bloody golf!’ And I’ll be honest, it frightened the life out of me.
I mean, you don’t expect to meet somebody on the 14th green at that time of night

Also and finally, we'd like to thank all of you who donated over the course of this transfer window. Thank you.

Would you might pointing me in the direction of where you can donate please?

 

[phillipjpalmer]

For me, being a great window will depend on whether Sarr, Lenglet, Gill and Spence are trusted.
The squad is going to be stretched as we fight in 4 competitions and the winter world cup.
Hoijberg playing injured the other night is not something we should be repeating.
Otherwise, Richy gives great cover in all forward positions, deki, and bentacur we know are brilliant, perisic gives us quality and experience, and bissouma will become a main stay in midfield I believe.

 

[Clockspur]

I’m happy as I believe we are waiting for the right CB to kick us up a notch, and for me that all we are missing bar an improved RWB and Son finding some form.

 

[yido_number1]

Good window. Improved our strength in depth massively. Still some obvious problems in the squad but we've improved a great deal.

Shame not to have signed a first choice CB but hopeful Lenglet will contribute.

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

Would you might pointing me in the direction of where you can donate please?

Here you are, thank you

Donate to Spurscommunity

Help support Spurscommunity by donating or sharing with your friends.

www.paypal.com

 

[Martin91]

I think we have had a decent window
A lot of people will bang on about where the £150m has gone
For me i said when this news broke about the cash injection that it would be to cover the loses of the players we wanted out
Ndombele
Gio
Winks
Reggy
All went out on loan that £150m injection allowed them to leave on loan so we could replace them!
still feel we are 1 or 2 short but all in all we’ve had a decent window

 

[ero1x]

Great window, I’m happy with that!

 

[cliff jones]

In usual circumstances, this would have been a very good window, but given the context (the first big chance to back Conte, a change to use our CL status to pull away from Arsenal/United, and heavy spending by our rivals), I think it's been fine but a little disappointing tbh.

Going into it, the priorities were:

- Get rid of all the deadwood.
- Sign a top CB who can help with our ball progression issues.
- Sort out our wingbacks.
- Bring in an upgrade on Winks/sort our creativity issues in midfield
- Bring in top competition for the forwards
- Kane back-up

We didn't achieve many of these.

We got rid of our deadwood but failed to sell, or even loan with an obligation, any of them, meaning we'll be back here next summer with Ndombele/GLC/Winks/Reguilon/Rodon etc.

We didn't sign a top CB, we signed a Barcelona back-up who, whilst displaying the traits we need from the position, will be competing with Davies for the LCB spot, rather than displacing him. What's more, even if he does do well, we didn't get an option on the loan for some reason. If we don't manage to get Bastoni or someone of similar quality next year then we're going to look very foolish because there were plenty of options. Look at Chelsea - they needed a revamp so they signed one of the best defenders in the world in Koulibaly and one of the best young defenders in Fofana. The failure to sell and replace Tanganga was also a shame as he's not CL quality but is now serving as a back-up to Dier, who has had his problems with long-term injuries in the past.

We sorted out one side of our wingbacks. Perisic is a fantastic signing which was done early and shows our backing to Conte. No complaints at all. At RWB, though, despite a lack of top-end options on the market, we've still ended up with a rotation between Emerson and Doherty, two of the most criticised players in the squad and two players most of this forum just assumed wouldn't be here right now at the end of last season. The weakness of the right-hand side was exploited by West Ham on Wednesday as they targeted that area with the press, and it'll be targetted by other teams too.

In midfield, Bissouma is a good signing. Prem proven, good age, fits into Conte's system, for a good price. He's isn't, however, a particularly different profile to any of the current group, he doesn't give us an opportunity to switch to 3-5-2 in certain games, and he doesn't help solve our creativity issues. Now, many will argue Conte clearly doesn't want to try the 352, but I don't see how adding more tactical flexibility could be a bad thing, especially given the obvious limitations of the 3-4-3 which have been evident once again this season. Eriksen was there on a free, Paqueta went to West Ham, Maddison was likely attainable - there were plenty of options, and I would have liked to see one more added in this area.

On the front line, Richarlison is an overpay but I can see why we went for him and he'll be a good signing, with the ability to cover Kane and Son whilst providing top shithousing. It's a shame we didn't go for Jesus imo but Richarlison probably fits us better at this moment. On the right-hand side, I think we all would have liked competition for Kulu brought in because, whilst our four main forwards are an excellent group (one of the best in the league if not the best), as soon as we get injuries we're back in a position of starting Lucas and Gil, who are huge downgrades and not close to CL quality. Again, there were plenty of options and I'm disappointed we didn't get anything over the line.

Overall

7/10 for me. An excellent start, with a clear plan, solved some of our main issues (LWB, competition for forwards, replacing Winks). Failure to get rid of our deadwood, however, seemed to stunt our ambition a bit in the second half of the window and we're now left with many of the same issues we had last season (poor RWBs, no top LCB, lack of creativity from midfield). Started bright but ebbed out and, given the equally good business done by our rivals, I suspect it's going to be another tight battle for 4th this season. The apparent willingness of Conte to sort these issues over multiple windows is, though, a MASSIVE positive, so fingers crossed.

interesting post, thanks. Spence and Udogie are also good investments.

I'd therefore give it an 8, and I can't remember giving a window more than 5 in the past.

We now need Conte to utilise all the good tools, flex a little (more), and hope for luck avoiding injuries.

And spend equally big and early next summer, and so on...

 

[Rob]

12 (game) weeks until January window

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

12 (game) weeks until January window

Less for this thread if we open this toilet up a couple of weeks before it opens, around the time we start up again after the World Cup?

 

[WiganSpur]

If the thinking has switched to the long term, then if Conte and Kane sign contracts then it's a 9/10 window, but if they don't it's a 7 at best with a missed opportunity. It honestly depends so much on what happens to these two, but I guess we might still have January before their long term futures can be decided.

 

[Rob]

Overall I'd say a good window that's suffered a bit in terms of expectation because of the order we did things in. Getting Bissouma and Richarlison in on deadline day and we'd have been buzzing. It's like a kid getting their Christmas present in November and then sulking on Christmas day.

Having said this, I do worry we'll look back at a missed opportunity.

Right now we had a lot of things going for us to attract top players (CL, Conte, Kane, etc). Who knows whether we'll even have all of them in January, nevermind by next summer.

We're missing key pieces of the squad and importantly haven't upgraded the starting 11 (Perisic is class and if he starts every game then that's one big upgrade but it wasn't our most important).

 

[Bulletspur]

My feelings at the end of this Window are one of a kind of underwhelmnation ( I made that up). I equate it to getting all the gifts I want for Christmas two months early, and when Christmas does come, watching others opening their gifts with jealousy as I already had mine!

Saying that, the whole window was fantastic for us. The first time I can remember we getting players in early without having to be depending on sales. I was also impressed the way we got off load the ones we did not want, all be it some on loans.

It is all on Conte now, and he has no excuses as he has been backed by the club, more than any other Manager since I have been supporting since 1981.

[Edit] I just saw that Rob and I are on the same page with the Christmas analogy!

 

[Cel]

Ironically, after years of moaning about getting stuff done early, I think it's clouded things somewhat on what was a really good window. Think it's the equivalent of someone giving you all your Birthday presents a week early - they were really good, but you feel cheated with noting to open .

I 100% know it's better to get in early, but If Richy had come in on deadline day, I reckon I'd be happier today, which is nuts. Shows what kind of hype Sky have managed to do with deadline day though I guess.

Successful window for me, 8/10. If you look at the squad compared to what was in when Nuno was taking over last year, it's much improved, and I wasn't even slightly expecting to be challenging after 1 year with Citeh. If it happens, which will still be a big if, it will take 2/3 years I think.

As much as last night, I would have been happy with an Adama like stopgap coming through the door, I think reflecting this morning, I like the fact we are not just buying for the sake of it. Shifting deadwood seems to be harder and harder as the oversees market struggles to deal with the crazy high wages in EPL.

 

[gavspur]

I thought we had a good window. The outs were a bit disappointing from the view of actual money in for any of them. Surprised by the lack of Prem interest in them (although I’m not sure I should be, seeing as they’ve proved not to be capable!). The guys we have got in have balanced the squad more. Bissouma will complement Bentancur more I believe, Spence will make RWB his, and Lenglet (although Davies has done minimal wrong) is more progressive and will take that spot. Richarlison is already right up Son’s chuff - which is making Son uncomfortable, and that’s is good cos he often goes through these patches where everything just bounces off him. Gil needs to step up, Skip and Sarr too when they get a chance.

Mainly, it’s about Conte trusting the new guys, and maybe tweaking his system, as we are often overrun in midfield. We shall see. 7.8/10