January 2025 Transfer Window


Northern saint

Recommended Posts

I think the summer one has past.  

There are variables in what we expect at the moment to be our needs as we live in hope that Simo can improve the players so "their potential" is realised sooner rather than later.  I'd hope that he has had the Saints out on loan in to at least speak with them to find out how to help them develop, inspire them to believe they have a future here.  As for Cameron and Neilson, I hope we can return them unless there is drastic improvement.   

I have hope that Olufunwa and Parker can improve and be good for us.  Essel may be the answer to the defensive midfielder with proper coaching.  I think Sinclair can develop into a top-class goalkeeper.  

With budget constraints, I think centre back is still the main area of concern though I do hope Bozo is one solution.  Left back as Raymond is more a wind back than defender at best.  

Who I haven't a clue but the fact that Saints didn't rehash the usual suspects and seem to have found a manager the fans relate to and from his record, could be the best appointment for some time, I will watch their judgement and anticipate good news.  If Simo matches Thelin at Aberdeen we'll all be delighted as they were no better than us. 

 

   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, Northern saint said:

I think the summer one has past.  

There are variables in what we expect at the moment to be our needs as we live in hope that Simo can improve the players so "their potential" is realised sooner rather than later.  I'd hope that he has had the Saints out on loan in to at least speak with them to find out how to help them develop, inspire them to believe they have a future here.  As for Cameron and Neilson, I hope we can return them unless there is drastic improvement.   

I have hope that Olufunwa and Parker can improve and be good for us.  Essel may be the answer to the defensive midfielder with proper coaching.  I think Sinclair can develop into a top-class goalkeeper.  

With budget constraints, I think centre back is still the main area of concern though I do hope Bozo is one solution.  Left back as Raymond is more a wind back than defender at best.  

Who I haven't a clue but the fact that Saints didn't rehash the usual suspects and seem to have found a manager the fans relate to and from his record, could be the best appointment for some time, I will watch their judgement and anticipate good news.  If Simo matches Thelin at Aberdeen we'll all be delighted as they were no better than us. 

 

   

Olufunwa and Parker 😂😂😂😂😂

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Broggy Man said:

Talk about the defence all day long but saints midfield is shocking 

Matt Smith, Jason Holt, Drey Wright and Graham Carey are MILES better midfielders than Sanders, Cameron and Neilson are defenders. No contest.

I’d be tempted to say Essel and Sprangler are too but their form is too inconsistent.

Our defenders are dug meat. Bring on the Bozo!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Updated squad list for the new thread:

Goalkeepers 

Josh Rae - 2026

Ross Sinclair - 2026

Craig Hepburn - 2027

 

Defenders/wing backs

David Keltjens - 2025

Sam McClelland - 2025

Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County

Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts

Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers

Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Scott Bright - 2025 - on loan at Brechin City

Bozo Mikulic - 2025

Jack Sanders - 2026

Andre Raymond - 2026

 

Midfielders/wingers

Max Kucheriavyi - 2025

Matt Smith - 2025

Cammy MacPherson - 2025

Sven Sprangler - 2025

Graham Carey - 2025

Drey Wright - 2025

Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion

Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Jason Holt - 2026

Josh McPake - 2026

Fran Franczak - 2026

Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville

Aaron Essel - 2027

 

Forwards

Nicky Clark - 2025

Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025

Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston

Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers

Adama Sidibeh - 2026

Uche Ikpeazu - 2026

Makenzie Kirk - 2026

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Updated to add Barry Douglas:

 

Goalkeepers 

Josh Rae - 2026

Ross Sinclair - 2026

Craig Hepburn - 2027

 

Defenders/wing backs

Barry Douglas - 2025

David Keltjens - 2025

Sam McClelland - 2025

Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County

Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts

Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers

Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Bozo Mikulic - 2025

Jack Sanders - 2026

Andre Raymond - 2026

 

Midfielders/wingers

Max Kucheriavyi - 2025

Matt Smith - 2025

Cammy MacPherson - 2025

Sven Sprangler - 2025

Graham Carey - 2025

Drey Wright - 2025

Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion

Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Jason Holt - 2026

Josh McPake - 2026

Fran Franczak - 2026

Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville

Aaron Essel - 2027

 

Forwards

Nicky Clark - 2025

Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025

Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston

Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers

Adama Sidibeh - 2026

Uche Ikpeazu - 2026

Makenzie Kirk - 2026

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, blueheaven said:

Updated to add Barry Douglas:

 

Goalkeepers 

Josh Rae - 2026

Ross Sinclair - 2026

Craig Hepburn - 2027

 

Defenders/wing backs

Barry Douglas - 2025

David Keltjens - 2025

Sam McClelland - 2025

Kyle Cameron - 2025 - on loan from Notts County

Lewis Neilson - 2025 - on loan from Hearts

Oludare Olufunwa - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Bayley Klimionek - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Liam Parker - 2025 - on loan at Cove Rangers

Joe Ellison - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Bozo Mikulic - 2025

Jack Sanders - 2026

Andre Raymond - 2026

 

Midfielders/wingers

Max Kucheriavyi - 2025

Matt Smith - 2025

Cammy MacPherson - 2025

Sven Sprangler - 2025

Graham Carey - 2025

Drey Wright - 2025

Connor Smith - 2025 - on loan at Hamilton Accies

Alex Ferguson - 2025 - on loan at Stirling Albion

Arran Cocks - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Ben McCrystal - 2025 - on loan at Berwick Rangers

Jason Holt - 2026

Josh McPake - 2026

Fran Franczak - 2026

Taylor Steven - 2026 - on loan at Cliftonville

Aaron Essel - 2027

 

Forwards

Nicky Clark - 2025

Benjamin Kimpioka - 2025

Stevie May - 2025 - on loan at Livingston

Jackson Mylchreest - 2025 - on loan at Forfar Athletic

Adam McMillan - 2025 - on loan at Albion Rovers

Adama Sidibeh - 2026

Uche Ikpeazu - 2026

Makenzie Kirk - 2026

A lot out of contract at end of season. Will have to get a few contracts and a few with longer contracts off loaded , maybe even in January.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Rae needs to go out on loan in January to get his confidence back. I think he could be a decent 'keeper in the future. Depending on their loan agreements, send either Neilson or Cameron back (or both) - bring back Olunfanwa as a back up if needed, as he'd be cheaper (how is he getting on at Hamilton?)

Bring in a GK. If Bozo is good, I'm less worried about the other CB slot as I actually think Sanders is decent. The rest of the team is fine, it's more about getting players signing new contracts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, Linky said:

Rae needs to go out on loan in January to get his confidence back. I think he could be a decent 'keeper in the future. Depending on their loan agreements, send either Neilson or Cameron back (or both) - bring back Olunfanwa as a back up if needed, as he'd be cheaper (how is he getting on at Hamilton?)

Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, blueheaven said:

Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived.

Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Cagey said:

Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players.

Loans are only valuable if they play. I’d rather have had Olufunwa at Kelty, Montrose or Arbroath playing men’s football week in week out and developing 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, blueheaven said:

Every time I've looked at the Hamilton team, Olufunwa has been left sitting on the bench without being brought on. Probably doesn't say a lot for where his development currently is if he can't even get on the pitch for Hamilton. Seems such as a waste as I thought he looked promising when he first arrived.

In a Hamilton team where C Smith gets a game - yes, says a lot about where he is. What Linky says is also true, however, I believe Dare is on a wage that is relatively eye watering for an untested player. I suppose it shows just how desperate Macca was for players. 🤷‍♀️

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, Cagey said:

Is there any value in sending players out on loan. Not had any feedback on the loans this season but don't think any of them have set the heather on fire or getting much game time. A lot the guys we have had on loan have mainly sat on the bench or had any improvement to go back to their parent club better players.

I guess it can give a pretty good indication if a player is going to sink or swim? Players like May, Kane, Kerr, Clark etc all used their loan spells as a launch pad to break into the Saints first team. If a player heads out and doesn't even get a game, that probably tells us just as much about where they are, even if it's a negative rather than a positive.

I'm hoping we're going to send Franczak out on loan in the second half of the season, as it feels like he probably needs that. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, blueheaven said:

I guess it can give a pretty good indication if a player is going to sink or swim? Players like May, Kane, Kerr, Clark etc all used their loan spells as a launch pad to break into the Saints first team. If a player heads out and doesn't even get a game, that probably tells us just as much about where they are, even if it's a negative rather than a positive.

I'm hoping we're going to send Franczak out on loan in the second half of the season, as it feels like he probably needs that. 

Fran wanted a loan in the summer, and then him and Levein had an argument and fell out when Levein told him it was best for him to stay at the club.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having a think about the squad and where it needs improved. Think our strongest 11 at the moment might be something like: 

                        Rae 

Keltjens   Sanders   Mikulic   Raymond 

Wright    Sprangler    Holt    Kimpioka 

                 Clark      Sidibeh 

That leaves as backup or as different options in certain games:

                      Sinclair 

???      Nielson      Cameron   Douglas 

Franczak   Essel    Smith      Carey 

                Ikpeazu    Kirk 

I’d look to move on:

Mcpake, MacPherson and Kucheriavyi. Possibly one of Cameron or Nielson’s loans ended if we can get an improvement in at centre half. Send one of Rae or Sinclair out on loan. 
 

Bring in:

Starting goalkeeper, right back, centre half, winger and a centre mid. 
 

So that’s 4-5 out with 5 to come in during January. Plenty work to do but also the basis of a decent team there with some good options on the bench in certain areas. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't help but feel there must be a reasonably good, experienced goalkeeper somewhere out there in the world who hasn't managed to get a club this season and might be willing to accept a bit less money than they're normally used to, in order to get back to playing football, especially at the level Saints can offer. Even if it's someone who has to wait a month to get a work permit, it would still mean getting them in and ready earlier than if we wait for the transfer window to open.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, blueheaven said:

I can't help but feel there must be a reasonably good, experienced goalkeeper somewhere out there in the world who hasn't managed to get a club this season and might be willing to accept a bit less money than they're normally used to, in order to get back to playing football, especially at the level Saints can offer. Even if it's someone who has to wait a month to get a work permit, it would still mean getting them in and ready earlier than if we wait for the transfer window to open.

 

That's the thing , the Jan window isn't awash with players and you also have the work permit issue.Its taking long enough for Bozo to get one.

We will probably have to pay a fee to get a goalie and probably have to look at the national leagues in England or hope we can get a decent loanee. Hopefully that work is going on at the moment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It was a huge mistake when it was known that Mitov was moving on not to identify another of his quality as a year long replacement. Surely with the success he had getting into the Bulgarian squad due to the exposure we gave him that another keeper would not have jumped at the same opportunity we could provide.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our goalie coach at the time recommended Rae. 

The argument is that there should have been an experienced back up just in case. 

Or are we just unlucky that both of our youngish keepers wouldn't be able to make the step up? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...