Tekel Towers » Summer Transfer Thread 25/26

Conway11 · 03/3/2026 12:32 pm

MockChop wrote:
Could be the spark we miss, the jolt we need.

It’s all very flat just now

100% - fantastic news!

redford_must_score · 03/3/2026 12:49 pm

Not wanting to be a Negative Norman but I'm a bit sceptical about the Return of JR. Really hope I'm wrong on this, I so much want to be wrong.

I'm fed up of criticising the manager and the terrible quality of football we're seeing. Hopefully this is a spark that ignites a fire.

Arabdownsouth · 03/3/2026 1:01 pm

redford_must_score wrote:
Not wanting to be a Negative Norman but I'm a bit sceptical about the Return of JR. Really hope I'm wrong on this, I so much want to be wrong.

I'm fed up of criticising the manager and the terrible quality of football we're seeing. Hopefully this is a spark that ignites a fire.

What do we have to lose really? It might work out, it might not but thats about where we are at right now so what the heck. As I've said previously, if nothing else he'll be a great influence in the dressing room and a crowd lifter too.

But.....

If we dont win the cup and he makes me look like an old fish wife then hes dead to me! 🤣🤣

Last edited by Arabdownsouth (03/3/2026 1:03 pm)

kdyteejay · 03/3/2026 1:20 pm

Arabdownsouth wrote:
redford_must_score wrote:
Not wanting to be a Negative Norman but I'm a bit sceptical about the Return of JR. Really hope I'm wrong on this, I so much want to be wrong.

I'm fed up of criticising the manager and the terrible quality of football we're seeing. Hopefully this is a spark that ignites a fire.

What do we have to lose really? It might work out, it might not but thats about where we are at right now so what the heck. As I've said previously, if nothing else he'll be a great influence in the dressing room and a crowd lifter too.

But.....

If we dont win the cup and he makes me look like an old fish wife then hes dead to me! 🤣🤣

Stillliving · 03/3/2026 1:23 pm

His presence and ability to talk younger players like Sapsford and Fatah through the match may be just as vital as anything he produces on the park

Macbonzo · 03/3/2026 4:44 pm

redford_must_score wrote:
Not wanting to be a Negative Norman but I'm a bit sceptical about the Return of JR. Really hope I'm wrong on this, I so much want to be wrong.

I'm fed up of criticising the manager and the terrible quality of football we're seeing. Hopefully this is a spark that ignites a fire.

My first reaction was scepticism. Fans are fed up with the manager and style of play….bring in an ex United legend. To me it’s a gimmick.

Everyone is really upbeat. I’m really happy. Genuinely hope it gives us a boost.

JerryDungle · Yesterday 11:33 am

Seemingly after Joshua Rawlins, an Aussie right back at Melbourne Victory.

kdyteejay · Yesterday 2:19 pm

JerryDungle wrote:
Seemingly after Joshua Rawlins, an Aussie right back at Melbourne Victory.

Never heard of him. Is this another with some potential for selling on? I’d much rather we get someone in that is already ready for Scottish football.

JerryDungle · Yesterday 2:37 pm

kdyteejay wrote:
JerryDungle wrote:
Seemingly after Joshua Rawlins, an Aussie right back at Melbourne Victory.
Never heard of him. Is this another with some potential for selling on? I’d much rather we get someone in that is already ready for Scottish football.

I’d imagine so, but doesn’t mean he’s not ready to play for us just now. It’s not as if the standard here is miles above wha it will be over there. Sapsford’s clearly more than good enough for this level, he’s just off the boil for whatever reason just now.

Tek · Yesterday 3:56 pm

JerryDungle wrote:
Seemingly after Joshua Rawlins, an Aussie right back at Melbourne Victory.

Looks like the 'League of Nations' experiment continues full throttle then.

JerryDungle · Yesterday 8:40 pm

Tek wrote:
JerryDungle wrote:
Seemingly after Joshua Rawlins, an Aussie right back at Melbourne Victory.
Looks like the 'League of Nations' experiment continues full throttle then.

Looks like it. Ogren’s desperate to claw back his money, and they’ll think there’s more chance of a cheap, unknown foreign player coming in and becoming a sellable asset than there is with a mid-table, run of the mill Scottish player.

Also indicates Goodwin will be in charge again next season. I don’t see them chasing all these pre-contracts if they’re planning to change managers.

Slotbadger · Yesterday 9:28 pm

Heard Pat Boner on the radio on Sunday moaning about all the over paid English and foreign players on extremely high wages at the old firm, mainly Celtic, he thought were extremely poor. Everyone agreeing with him about being able to find better players in the Scottish leagues for a fraction of the price. He mentioned a boy at Falkirk specifically.

That is the way United have gone too. Almost feels like any nation but Scottish. I am all for finding the odd foreign gem to compliment a core of mainly Scottish players. Can’t think of many really good foreign players Jim has signed. Keep thinking that we miss Middleton (who I always thought was average). He was way more effective and reliable than what replaced him.

Arabdownsouth · Yesterday 9:50 pm

Slotbadger wrote:
Heard Pat Boner on the radio on Sunday moaning about all the over paid English and foreign players on extremely high wages at the old firm, mainly Celtic, he thought were extremely poor. Everyone agreeing with him about being able to find better players in the Scottish leagues for a fraction of the price. He mentioned a boy at Falkirk specifically.

That is the way United have gone too. Almost feels like any nation but Scottish. I am all for finding the odd foreign gem to compliment a core of mainly Scottish players. Can’t think of many really good foreign players Jim has signed. Keep thinking that we miss Middleton (who I always thought was average). He was way more effective and reliable than what replaced him.

Middleton was absolutely nowhere near the level of Amar Fatah who pretty much plays the same position.

I dont disagree about the need for more homegrown players though,on the whole the experiment has not worked.

Last edited by Arabdownsouth (Yesterday 9:52 pm)

kiwiarab · Yesterday 10:13 pm

Slotbadger wrote:
Heard Pat Boner on the radio on Sunday moaning about all the over paid English and foreign players on extremely high wages at the old firm, mainly Celtic, he thought were extremely poor. Everyone agreeing with him about being able to find better players in the Scottish leagues for a fraction of the price. He mentioned a boy at Falkirk specifically.

That is the way United have gone too. Almost feels like any nation but Scottish. I am all for finding the odd foreign gem to compliment a core of mainly Scottish players. Can’t think of many really good foreign players Jim has signed. Keep thinking that we miss Middleton (who I always thought was average). He was way more effective and reliable than what replaced him.

I have similiar thoughts to Bonner. Surely trying to sign Scottish players from clubs like Falkirk, or guys that show potential in the scottish championship, would be a better strategy for us.

To sign someone from Australia or New Zealand, is a big gamble, there are so many variables. A relatively young person having to move to the other side of the world, away from thier family and partner, and adapt to living in a different culture and weather, is a massive life change. Then they have to learn about a very different style of football.

Craig Brewster signed from Raith Rovers, Craig Conway from Ayr United, Noel Hunt was at Dunfermline. There must be some players at these levels who are capable of stepping up

Last edited by kiwiarab (Yesterday 10:27 pm)

Arabdownsouth · Yesterday 10:31 pm

kiwiarab wrote:
Slotbadger wrote:
Heard Pat Boner on the radio on Sunday moaning about all the over paid English and foreign players on extremely high wages at the old firm, mainly Celtic, he thought were extremely poor. Everyone agreeing with him about being able to find better players in the Scottish leagues for a fraction of the price. He mentioned a boy at Falkirk specifically.

That is the way United have gone too. Almost feels like any nation but Scottish. I am all for finding the odd foreign gem to compliment a core of mainly Scottish players. Can’t think of many really good foreign players Jim has signed. Keep thinking that we miss Middleton (who I always thought was average). He was way more effective and reliable than what replaced him.

I have similiar thoughts to Bonner. Surely trying to sign Scottish players from clubs like Falkirk, or guys that show potential in the scottish championship, would be a better strategy for us.

To sign someone from Australia or New Zealand, is a big gamble, there are so many variables. A relatively young person having to move to the other side of the world, away from thier family and partner, and adapt to living in a different culture and weather, is a massive life change. Then they have to learn about a very different style of football.

Craig Brewster signed from Raith Rovers, Craig Conway from Ayr United, Noel Hunt was at Dunfermline. There must be some players at these levels who are capable of stepping up

Jimmy Gomis signed from Cowdenbeath also

Tek · Yesterday 11:54 pm

Arabdownsouth wrote:
kiwiarab wrote:
Slotbadger wrote:
Heard Pat Boner on the radio on Sunday moaning about all the over paid English and foreign players on extremely high wages at the old firm, mainly Celtic, he thought were extremely poor. Everyone agreeing with him about being able to find better players in the Scottish leagues for a fraction of the price. He mentioned a boy at Falkirk specifically.

That is the way United have gone too. Almost feels like any nation but Scottish. I am all for finding the odd foreign gem to compliment a core of mainly Scottish players. Can’t think of many really good foreign players Jim has signed. Keep thinking that we miss Middleton (who I always thought was average). He was way more effective and reliable than what replaced him.

I have similiar thoughts to Bonner. Surely trying to sign Scottish players from clubs like Falkirk, or guys that show potential in the scottish championship, would be a better strategy for us.

To sign someone from Australia or New Zealand, is a big gamble, there are so many variables. A relatively young person having to move to the other side of the world, away from thier family and partner, and adapt to living in a different culture and weather, is a massive life change. Then they have to learn about a very different style of football.

Craig Brewster signed from Raith Rovers, Craig Conway from Ayr United, Noel Hunt was at Dunfermline. There must be some players at these levels who are capable of stepping up

Jimmy Gomis signed from Cowdenbeath also

Danny Swanson from Berwick Rangers.
Andy Robertson from Queens Park.
Barry Douglas from Queens Park.
Barry Robson from ICT.

ETC

Just about every good Scottish player we have signed in the past 15-30 years has been a lower league player.

Macho Man · Today 9:21 am

but is the problem not the expectation from these Scottish players for inflated wages and signing on fee's and also competition for their signature from so many clubs, most of who would be able to and be prepared to pay more than what United will?

I don't care where the player comes from, I just want us to get a team on the park that will play their best for the badge week in week out.

Arabdownsouth · Today 10:44 am

Macho Man wrote:
but is the problem not the expectation from these Scottish players for inflated wages and signing on fee's and also competition for their signature from so many clubs, most of who would be able to and be prepared to pay more than what United will?

I don't care where the player comes from, I just want us to get a team on the park that will play their best for the badge week in week out.

We need someone with an eye for talent to spot them before everyone else does

Finn Seemann · Today 10:51 am

Arabdownsouth wrote:
Macho Man wrote:
but is the problem not the expectation from these Scottish players for inflated wages and signing on fee's and also competition for their signature from so many clubs, most of who would be able to and be prepared to pay more than what United will?

I don't care where the player comes from, I just want us to get a team on the park that will play their best for the badge week in week out.

We need someone with an eye for talent to spot them before everyone else does

Not sure that is right. We were offered Barney Stewart before Falkirk were. Although sad thing is I doubt he would have developed as well as he has done with Falkirk if he'd signed for us.

Macho Man · Today 11:25 am

I think he might be the exception to the rule as he was playing University Football, not professional football.

Our eye for talent is more iPad stat based than actually watching football in the flesh. Is it maybe the case that the other Goodwin doesn't actually go to any games and just bases his recommendations on stats and on-line clips? I genuinely don't know, but I don't get the impression he is seeing most of players actually play a full 90 minutes on a wet Tuesday in Stoke..

Arabdownsouth · Today 11:45 am

Macho Man wrote:
I think he might be the exception to the rule as he was playing University Football, not professional football.

Our eye for talent is more iPad stat based than actually watching football in the flesh. Is it maybe the case that the other Goodwin doesn't actually go to any games and just bases his recommendations on stats and on-line clips? I genuinely don't know, but I don't get the impression he is seeing most of players actually play a full 90 minutes on a wet Tuesday in Stoke..

Knowing Jim Goodwin, he'd have insisted on analysing the lads defensive capabilities rather than is he a goalscorer.

redford_must_score · Today 11:45 am

There's no doubt we're failing to do the hard yards of talent spotting in the lower leagues, but against that it's got to be said that the financial gap between us and Hibs/Hearts/Aberdeen has got larger over the last few years, enabling them to out bid us at every level.

Youngsters used to come to us because of our great reputation for developing kids. Can't see many parents saying that now.