Summer transfer window 2024

[blueheaven]

2 hours ago, Linky said:

I agree it’s not your job to find transfer targets, but this is a forum about the transfer window. I think this close season has been unique in very few players being suggested by people on here. Why? Because, unless like Ikpeazu they have some sort of connection to the manager, known established, quality players simply aren’t going to want to sign for us. We’re the new Ross County.

I'm not sure why you're so convinced players wouldn't want to come here. When we were in the First Division, people would probably have said Jody Morris wouldn't have wanted to come here. Probably the same with Fran Sandaza a few years later. Of course money is important but what you also need to attract players is a manager who can sell the club and sell the project and give players something they can buy into.

I actually think Macca had a better strategy last summer than Levein has had this year. Macca lost a pile of players and was given a tiny budget to replace them, but in bringing in Mitov, Matt Smith and Jephcott he signed three players who had established themselves at a good level down south and who he felt could form the spine of a team. He also brought in Sprangler who was a good age and had played at a good level in Austria, and I'd take Jaiyesimi over McPake any day of the week too. Macca recognised a need to go for quality and experience before quantity, and tried to sign players he thought would be starters and make a difference, rather than fringe players. Of course it didn't work out, but it was undoubtedly what he was trying to do.

Even compare the goalkeeping situation last summer to this summer. Macca went out and managed to sign one bloody good goalkeeper, and then got another experienced guy in on loan to be the backup keeper so that Sinclair could go back out and game time elsewhere. This summer Levein has doddered around spending money on one keeper who it turns out he wasn't even sure about, used the League Cup to take a look at him, and then realised he needs to spend more money on someone experienced. It's just all so lacking in proper planning and thought, and it's drained the club's budget to a point that it's now even harder to get the quality on board because the funds have been wasted.

[R.B.B:- Adz]

Talking of identifying players, Craig Levein should get himself over to the Polish Ekstraklasa. Some real gems in that league.

I took in Cracovia vs Piast Gliwice and two players stood out:

Filip Rozga and Michael Ameyaw.

In a game hugely less entertaining than what we see in Scotland, they lit up the game. 

[Thundercat]

5 hours ago, blueheaven said:

I'm not sure why you're so convinced players wouldn't want to come here. When we were in the First Division, people would probably have said Jody Morris wouldn't have wanted to come here. Probably the same with Fran Sandaza a few years later. Of course money is important but what you also need to attract players is a manager who can sell the club and sell the project and give players something they can buy into.

I actually think Macca had a better strategy last summer than Levein has had this year. Macca lost a pile of players and was given a tiny budget to replace them, but in bringing in Mitov, Matt Smith and Jephcott he signed three players who had established themselves at a good level down south and who he felt could form the spine of a team. He also brought in Sprangler who was a good age and had played at a good level in Austria, and I'd take Jaiyesimi over McPake any day of the week too. Macca recognised a need to go for quality and experience before quantity, and tried to sign players he thought would be starters and make a difference, rather than fringe players. Of course it didn't work out, but it was undoubtedly what he was trying to do.

Even compare the goalkeeping situation last summer to this summer. Macca went out and managed to sign one bloody good goalkeeper, and then got another experienced guy in on loan to be the backup keeper so that Sinclair could go back out and game time elsewhere. This summer Levein has doddered around spending money on one keeper who it turns out he wasn't even sure about, used the League Cup to take a look at him, and then realised he needs to spend more money on someone experienced. It's just all so lacking in proper planning and thought, and it's drained the club's budget to a point that it's now even harder to get the quality on board because the funds have been wasted.

Macca was unlucky with jephcott and injuries to Kane and Clark. He drew a lot of games but couldn’t win because you need strikers for that. Levering was lucky Clark came back at the right time. Macca would have had that luxury too

[RandomGuy]

https://x.com/thecouriersport/status/1816949440940491005

[Graeme S]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/5046510/adam-webb-st-johnstone-jim-spence/

[saintgscot]

On 7/25/2024 at 8:55 PM, Melbourne Saint said:

Can you spell it on android... !!! I get sex shit which I don't want...

I prefer shit sex to no sex 

[Strawman]

I’m really not understanding the whole, must get Stevie May out the door to free up money to bring other players in.

May I imagine will be on a decent wage, he s surely only going to move on if another club matches it or offers him less money but the security of a two year deal. I’m not sure there’s a lot of clubs waiting to do that.

If Saints end up paying part of his contract up for him to go, that then negates what moneys available for new players anyway.

Is May not due a testimonial at end of this contract as well ? Although given Murray Davidson only got a few events ( no actual match) and Spoony just got forgotten about altogether that maybe isn’t worth much.

Levein has been paying fees for players, has the budget changed when he’s suddenly realised he’s no money left ?

I suspect he’s just massively mismanaged the budget he had.

[Cagey]

Testimonials. Is it up to club to offer testimonials after 10. years ?.

Is it up to player to get an organising committee?.

Can the club be involved in it apart from offering the use of the pitch ?.

In any case the way they have been organised in the past would probably not have been very lucrative to the players.

In any case a game would just be another embarrassment like Andos game against Dundee.

[RandomGuy]

I dont think the club aren't allowed to organise the testimonials for tax purposes.

[Strawman]

My understanding was that the club let it be known a player was due a testimonial and a committee would be formed to arrange.

I know the player can’t promote himself or the club due to tax rules.

I think the player gets a testimonial year and so can have various events.

Its that first step of how a committee is formed, I don’t know how that happens.

 

 

[blueheaven]

2 hours ago, Cagey said:

In any case a game would just be another embarrassment like Andos game against Dundee.

I think there's a lot of truth in this as I know Geoff Brown had commented a while back that testimonial games weren't earning much money for players any more because it's hard to find attractive opponents and the fans don't turn up in big numbers.

But by not mentioning these things or explaining them it just leaves fans questioning and criticising. Why wasn't Chris Kane given a testimonial? Is Spoony's ever going to happen or are they just hoping we've forgotten about that? And as far as I know we were never actually told that Murray Davidson wouldn't be getting a game, if that is even the case. It's all just really poor.

 

[Strawman]

17 minutes ago, blueheaven said:

I think there's a lot of truth in this as I know Geoff Brown had commented a while back that testimonial games weren't earning much money for players any more because it's hard to find attractive opponents and the fans don't turn up in big numbers.

But by not mentioning these things or explaining them it just leaves fans questioning and criticising. Why wasn't Chris Kane given a testimonial? Is Spoony's ever going to happen or are they just hoping we've forgotten about that? And as far as I know we were never actually told that Murray Davidson wouldn't be getting a game, if that is even the case. It's all just really poor.

 

I can see it’s probably not worth it as well but like you say, it’s the fact it doesn’t even get mentioned.

I’m just speculating that Murray Davidson isn’t getting a game as he had at least one event I know of and ( I think but may be wrong ) the events have to take place all in same year for the taxable benefits.

[Linky]

Turns out the player people criticised us signing as nepotism actually turns out to be pretty good. Are we still going to see "bUt if StEvie MaY wAs pLaYing wE'd hAvE sCorEd aNoThEr fivE"?

[RandomGuy]

37 minutes ago, Linky said:

Turns out the player people criticised us signing as nepotism actually turns out to be pretty good. Are we still going to see "bUt if StEvie MaY wAs pLaYing wE'd hAvE sCorEd aNoThEr fivE"?

Please don't do this.

Makenzie Kirk deserves no criticism for his part in the whole thing but acting like this when he scores will lead to others responding when he struggles, and all that leads to is folk have negative entrenched views on a 20yo striker which will, rightly or wrongly, end with fans making that known from the stands.

[Linky]

10 minutes ago, RandomGuy said:

Please don't do this.

Makenzie Kirk deserves no criticism for his part in the whole thing but acting like this when he scores will lead to others responding when he struggles, and all that leads to is folk have negative entrenched views on a 20yo striker which will, rightly or wrongly, end with fans making that known from the stands.

So we can't criticise people for suggesting a signing of a player was dodgy in some way...in case that then encourages them to abuse the player from the stands?

He seems a decent player, it seems he was signed because of that fact. This is something worth saying.

[RandomGuy]

13 minutes ago, Linky said:

So we can't criticise people for suggesting a signing of a player was dodgy in some way...in case that then encourages them to abuse the player from the stands?

He seems a decent player, it seems he was signed because of that fact. This is something worth saying.

Kirk is going to be under fan pressure from the start because of who is dad is and who he, seems to be, replacing.

His performances should shape fan opinion on him, and he needs pressure taken off him to help due to his age.

He doesn't need the discussion around him turned into two entrenched sides gloating every week, particularly as those who won't like him will be the loudest. One late goal against a 4th tier side isn't enough to know if he's good enough, and if he's not and you spend your time riling up folk who want an excuse to moan at him, then you have to accept your part in that.

[Linky]

4 minutes ago, RandomGuy said:

Kirk is going to be under fan pressure from the start because of who is dad is and who he, seems to be, replacing.

His performances should shape fan opinion on him, and he needs pressure taken off him to help due to his age.

He doesn't need the discussion around him turned into two entrenched sides gloating every week, particularly as those who won't like him will be the loudest. One late goal against a 4th tier side isn't enough to know if he's good enough, and if he's not and you spend your time riling up folk who want an excuse to moan at him, then you have to accept your part in that.

So, if he has some bad games & people have a go at him from the stands because he's the coach's son....it's my fault for pointing out on a very quiet fan forum that actually he might be a decent player & wasn't signed due to nepotism? Not the people's fault for suggesting that the transfer deal was in some way dodgy.

Just find it a bit odd that you're calling out the person defending the player, not the ones who were saying he was only signed because of who is dad was

[RandomGuy]

3 minutes ago, Linky said:

Just find it a bit odd that you're calling out the person defending the player, not the ones who were saying he was only signed because of who is dad was

Because the best thing is for the whole thing to be defused, not riled up every week depending on how he's performed.

[Nat King Goals]

1 hour ago, Linky said:

Turns out the player people criticised us signing as nepotism actually turns out to be pretty good. Are we still going to see "bUt if StEvie MaY wAs pLaYing wE'd hAvE sCorEd aNoThEr fivE"?

This is not what supporters have been saying as it is clear that Stevie May's best position is not a striker now but, instead, is an experienced Premiership player (for which Levein stated he is struggling to sign experienced Premiership players) and still can offer a lot to the team were he playing as a 10 or midfield.

May offers more than goals, is an intelligent player, can pick a killer pass to set up goals and knows game management when on the pitch.

In a very poor and inexperienced squad, if Levein wants experienced Premiership players in the squad, then he doesn't need to look too far.

Hopefully this clears up your confusion about the general views of supporters.

[Strawman]

FWIW I thought Kirk looked good when he came on, I think he probably does look more likely to score than Stevie May.

I still think May who is being paid by Saints was worth a place on the bench today.

My gripe is I’m not sure I believe Leveins position on May. I happily admit there’s sentiment massively on my part, but, if we sell Sidibeh in the next week, there’s the money you get from getting May off the books plus more. 
 

I think Levein will find another reason why he wants Stevie May gone.

[Linky]

2 minutes ago, Nat King Goals said:

This is not what supporters have been saying as it is clear that Stevie May's best position is not a striker now but, instead, is an experienced Premiership player (for which Levein stated he is struggling to sign experienced Premiership players) and still can offer a lot to the team were he playing as a 10 or midfield.

May offers more than goals, is an intelligent player, can pick a killer pass to set up goals and knows game management when on the pitch.

In a very poor and inexperienced squad, if Levein wants experienced Premiership players in the squad, then he doesn't need to look too far.

Hopefully this clears up your confusion about the general views of supporters.

I don't disagree that May can offer something. Personally I'd want to keep him. In fact, I would play him as a centre midfielder alongside Sprangler. However, some supporters seem to suggest he's the answer to all our problems. Then after a few games of seeing him playing, they're asking why he's still around.

[Gekko]

1 hour ago, Linky said:

"bUt if StEvie MaY wAs pLaYing wE'd hAvE sCorEd aNoThEr fivE"?

Ahh...just figured out who you are. The bit above gave it away.

Your writing style makes sense now as well.

I don't know whether you want to stay anonymous or care either way, but I'll respectfully keep it to myself just in case.

At least now I can happily answer you back if I disagree with you. I'm always worried about doing that in case the person at the other end is a bit fragile.

I'm sure that's not the case with you.

On the subject of the thread, we definitely need a powerful, midfield general. We're far too lightweight there.

An experienced keeper as well.

Defence wasn't threatened much today, so I guess we'll only find out what level they're at when the league starts.

[Linky]

3 minutes ago, Gekko said:

Ahh...just figured out who you are. The bit above gave it away.

Your writing style makes sense now as well.

I don't know whether you want to stay anonymous or care either way, but I'll respectfully keep it to myself just in case.

At least now I can happily answer you back if I disagree with you. I'm always worried about doing that in case the person at the other end is a bit fragile.

I'm sure that's not the case with you.

On the subject of the thread, we definitely need a powerful, midfield general. We're far too lightweight there.

An experienced keeper as well.

Defence wasn't threatened much today, so I guess we'll only find out what level they're at when the league starts.

Honestly have no idea what you're talking about, so please tell me who you think I am. Always happy for people to answer back if they disagree, that's the point of a forum

Actually agree with you - Gk and centre midfield most important

[RandomGuy]

4 minutes ago, Gekko said:

Defence wasn't threatened much today, so I guess we'll only find out what level they're at when the league starts.

My worry was that they gave us chances despite this.

The more I see of Cameron the more I worry, but it's a really small sample size so far.

[Gekko]

2 minutes ago, Linky said:

Honestly have no idea what you're talking about, so please tell me who you think I am. Always happy for people to answer back if they disagree, that's the point of a forum

Actually agree with you - Gk and centre midfield most important

I'm probably wrong, won't be a first. 😁

Happy to debate at any time.

Edited July 27, 2024 by Gekko
Fat fingers. Pressed send by mistake.