Thanks again for a more balanced perspective than a lot of views which are based solely on his loan at WBA. Thorup spoke yesterday about him being primarily a player on the left wing cutting in and using his right foot. It made it sound like he's a replacement for Sainz whether just for his likely suspension or if we sell him. But of course he might get game time elsewhere in the front line. Sounds to me as though we're still after someone to play on the right flank whether that is Jurasek or someone else.
Yes, Thorup has been very clear we need more attacking options. You could be right about the possible Sainz suspension and I hadn't thought about that. He did mention a winger too. That seems a nod to the future. Whether Dobbin could be a future permanent signing I wonder if we could afford (he cost £10m but that was to get round FFP). Perhaps he could be a try before you buy if Sainz leaves however? And he is the right age. Maybe 2+2 = 4 in this case?
The transfer policy JHT has been open about is odd because we've scored so many goals (second to Leeds) and mostly thanks to Sainz even if we've tailed off a bit recently.
We still leak far too many goals. Looking at Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield Utd and they have mean defences. Always a sign of being in contention for an automatic place. My thoughts on the goals conceded is actually that there is not a settled defence partnership. We've chopped and changed a bit - including full backs. You get the sense Thorup is trying out loads of options to settle on his best team (unless that's his style). I'm unsure what our best 11 is. That is what makes this year interesting and unusual in many ways and why it feels to have a bit of transition about it. That said, on the highlights I've watched we have phases of lovely play. Just the consistency is missing. A mindset or players understanding of each other?
I had us finishing around 14th to 17th this season before it started. 16th to be precise. I think we will better that. At one point we threatened the top 6 but on every occasion we failed to take that step.
The transfers in (and as importantly, out) will give us a guide for next season I think most of all....because I think I've all but given up entertaining ideas of a play off push now. I guess it is interesting and full of potential. The jury is still out for me on the new management but I haven't lost any faith in either Thorup or Riddersholm. I think when you can see a plan coming together then it becomes more exciting. I felt like that in Farke's first season and under Worthy early on to pick recent examples. Neil inherited a very decent squad. Lambert and Culverhouse were stunning outliers. We need to give Thorup some time and I reckon he will get it.