So we have dipped in the transfer market - the funny thing is the words ‘at last’ sprung to mind what with transfer sagas continuing, and yet it is only 3 days that the window has actually been opened.

Again Gareth has gone for a young, hungry player in Marvin Emnes, who has been described as a potential “big player” for the future, but the name Carlos Marenelli springs to mind. Hopefully this can be not the case (that he does a Carlos) and he can prove to be a great success here. What it is, is a job done, as it’s pleasing to say that a right-sided midfielder is our first signing. Now Gary O’Neil did give us that balance within the midfield but his attacking prowess was left somewhat desired. According to reports this new guy is quick winger and it’s exactly what we need on the right.

I’m sure that might have been labeled ‘priority 1′ in the transfer wish list for Gareth and yet it was top priority in the last summer window, but I for one hope that the box is ticked for the right wing.

What is alarming however is the goalkeeping situation, Brad Jones as no1? In our back four we have 3 players who are pretty young (and I do class Huth and Poggy as young) and what with Woodgate leaving last January, we are without an organised coordinator in the defence section of the team. A relatively experienced keeper within the Premier League would do just the job and there are teams below us who do have good goalkeepers so hopefully we can match them with a good goalkeeper ourselves. Now that a right-winger is in place a goalkeeper is the next chapter (hopefully).

I suppose the vast array of midfielders we are linked with or been given the green light to actually talk to, Sidwell can go to Villa 6 million for all I care, a 1 season player with Reading and sat on the bench at Chelsea does not warrant that transfer fee, but I suppose more money has been paid for players with lesser abilities (Alan Smith?). Of the midfielders in question however I wouldn’t have predicted we’d go for, James Harper, Didier Degard and Ferne Bodde, if would obtain all 3 of them even it would bolster our options. I bet Stewy Downing is looking about thinking ‘who’s he? Who’s that?’

Not forgetting however who we already have O’Neil, Boateng, Arca, Cattermole and Johnson so may see a couple of movements there if we were to bring anyone in.

As Keith Lamb stated 3 players will hopefully be tied down by July 7th but as ‘spectacular signings’ go it looks as if it could be a ‘steady signings’ but I’m sure you’ll agree is needed. I’m sure I as well as everybody else will hope it’s not another ploy like the spectacular signings statement.

Another situation may occur is the players we have could be as good as new signings, with Mido shedding weight, Arca might back to his good old best, Tuncay will have a season under his belt as well as Alves, Aliadiere might be flourish a little as he is now been given more first team opportunities. So all in all it could well be a carbon copy of the team last year but not as we know it.

The season ticket scenario has been about 60% addressed; I just feel that freezing adult prices (which after the deadline would be £500+ for some) is a tad steep what with the credit crunch and all.

I’m sure Gareth knows what we need as do the supporters, it’s important to attend to the team issues as we ‘flirted’ with relegation but never really went all the way. We have a good 6 weeks so Keith please switch on the fax and the coffee machine and let’s get cracking!

Mark_B17