"We are short of centre-backs and generally short of players..." says Houston.
Exactly the same situation as we were in last summer.
Why on earth has this situation been allowed to continue for over a year, and over 3 transfer windows?
We have one CB injured, two midfielders injured and apparently "we're down to the bones..." says Houston.
And we haven't even kicked a competitive ball yet.
I think we fans have been let down by United.
Despite the desperate financial climate we are all facing, the club plead with us to go out and buy season tickets to give the manager a budget to strengthen the squad.
Okay, I bought into that, but I don't see much return here!
Four midfielders out and two in, and no new CB - despite the fact that we have been short in this area for over a year!
C'mon thomson, get your finger out and get some players in before the start of the season. Otherwise things are just going to go from bad to worse.
I'm also pretty hacked off about the pre-Euro tie noises coming out of Tannadice.
Having already shelled out for a ticket for the return leg, I would like to hear some positive noises coming out of the club about our chances, but all we hear from the club about how good Slask are. I think this indicates that no-one at the club believes we will win through this tie.
C'mon Thomson, get your finger out and back the manager!
As requested, the fans have loyally backed the club through buying season tickets and tickets for the Europa tie. Please give the manager and team a chance - get some more players in FFS!
We know there is not much money in the pot, and that the board are holding on until Goodie gets sold, but surely the directors could input some cash short term (a bridging loan) until the inevitable Goodie sale happens?
We need to get the squad numbers up to a sustainable level NOW - or we are in for a really tough season.
If we are 'down to the bare bones' with just 3 injuries to first team players, how are we going to cope when the season kicks off and inevitable injuries take place?
Anyone else got a bad feeing about this?
posted on 11/7/11
I think Dillon is our best CB at the moment. I also think Thompson wants out but there is no one else to invest in the club, at least he isn't walking away and leaving us up do-do creek.
posted on 11/7/11
I had to use do-do because every other word I tried was flagged up as banned - I am not 6 years old.
posted on 11/7/11
I agree with the sentiment of this article, however we must be realistic. There is no money to spend and to do so would clearly be putting us in a position which the board are uncomfortable with. Have we learnt nothing from the irresponsible actions of the board across the road. I recognise we need cover, however if we have to wait till Goodie goes then at least a level of sense is being shown. I don't thik some arabs realise how tight money is for the club and Thompson, the family have poured millions in and some of the comments seem unfounded to me. The family effectively saved the club when they came in and have continued to support it.
Yes cover is required, however I am more confused as to why we spent money bringing in Rankin when a CB was the priority. Flood and a good CB were the obvious choice.
posted on 11/7/11
It feels like we're already up the proverbial 'do-do' creek without a ball even being kicked.
I have serious doubts about where Thomson's heart lies, and where the club is headed.
We have some decent/good players at the club, but we are seriously lacking in any sort of depth whatsoever.
More injuries WILL occur once the season gets underway, and there will be occasions where there are more than just 3 first team players are out injured.
If we're 'down to the bare bones' now - how on earth are we going to cope when those situations arise?
The loyal FANS have done their bit; buying their season tickets and thousands of tickets for the Europa tie.
The PLAYERS proved their worth last season; digging deep to cope with injuries, suspensions and an unprecedented backlog of games to ensure Europa qualification for the club this year (2nd year in succession).
But what are the directors up to? How much money are they taking out of the club for their suits, dinners, cars etc, etc?
Is it not time they stuck their hands in their pockets to give the players and manager a fighting chance for Europe and the season ahead?
In the season ticket brochure it was all 'United We Stand' etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.
Well, words are cheap, it's time for them to do something positive and get their collective finger (and wallets) out!
posted on 11/7/11
cybershed -
I feel confident in saying that Stephen Thompson has lost a lot more money to United than he has gained.
His family have put a lot of their own personal money in already. As others have said, look down the road to see what happens when clubs grossly overspend.
We must be realistic.
On that note, I sincerely hope Rankin isn't a high-earner...
posted on 11/7/11
Remember, Romanov tried to buy our club a few years ago... I won't hear a bad word about Thompson!
posted on 11/7/11
We must be realistic
--------------------------------------------------
I recognise and appreciate the financial input from the Thomson's, but we must be also be realistic in terms of the number of decent players needed to cover injuries/suspensions throughout a season and remain a top six club.
All I'm asking for is for the directors to put together a bridging loan until Goodie gets sold - allowing us to get in some defensive cover and sign GMS.
posted on 11/7/11
Let's face it - Goodie isn't going anywhere while he has that charge.
With no Goodie sale we don't get any money, and his goals are worth more to United than the pittance we'd get for him anyway - I see Wolves just spent £7m on someone I hadn't even heard of.
Football's gone mad.
posted on 11/7/11
£2m was too low a price to ask for Goodwillie anyway - clubs aren't going to take him seriously if he's "only" worth £2m. They'd rather sign half the player for 4x the price just to make it look as if they're making big signings!
posted on 11/7/11
I can't understand why people hate Sean Dillon. I for one thought he was rank rotten when played at right-back. However when he has been moved to a more central role, whether midfield or centre-half, he has suddenly become a much improved player. If he is ever played fullback again you are pretty much giving the opposition a two goal lead.
Strongest side for me would be:
Pernis
Watson Dillon Kenneth Douglas
Swanson Flood Rankin Dixon
Goodwillie Russell
Subs: Banks, Severin, Armstrong, Robertson, Daly, Allan.
We really need to sign GMS. A centre-half I have heard mentioned is James McPake. Quite possibly still talking about the need for a centre-half next year at this time.
As for someone to come in and takeover Utd I thought John Bennett was keen at one point.