Steve McClaren was interviewed by Sky Sports News after the 2-2 draw today at Sheffield United, and he was asked if there were more players coming through the door this summer, and the head coach surprisingly didn’t seem too sure there would be any more players brought in.
Steve McClaren at Bramall Lane today
We assume that’s after we get Chancel Mbemba through the door later this week.
Steve said he was pleased with the squad he has at the moment.
This is some of what he had to say:
¨Gini getting a couple of goals in the two games that he’s played, showing his quality and that’s what we’ve got in Mitrovic and Mbemba.”
“That’s what the club promised at the end of last season and the club have delivered on three very good players,”
“I don’t know if there will be more to come. As I said before, we’ve got to be patient, they’ve got to be the right players.”
“I’m happy with the players that we’ve got here, I’m happy with the additions.”
About a week ago Steve talked about players we were looking to sign, that were still under the radar screen, at least as far as the press were concerned.
But of course we still have to get them into the club – but we’d be very surprised if more players aren’t brought in before September.
However, if the right players are not available this summer we don’t want to bring players in just for the sake of it – that never works.
It’s almost like that’s what we did when we brought in Argentine striker Facundo Ferreyra last summer, and that one certainly didn’t work.
If we cannot get our top targets in permanently, then maybe we could look at some season-long loan deals – for good players?
Comments welcome.
113 comments so far
Menelauos
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:37 AM
Comment #41Well. There goes my optimism.
Is it worth assuming all those unsold season tickets have gone then? If we don’t bring in atleast another centre back after Mbemba were gonna struggle.
hopefully this is just a tactic to get those under the radar players in.
Derek
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:37 AM
Comment #42If there are no more signings I think top 10 would be a tough ask, but add our usually long list of injuries and we could be back to where we were last season.
What if Wijnaldum, Mitrovic, SDJ, Mbemba, Aarons either get injured or fail to adapt to the premier league?
The biggest thing Ashley’s done so far is create optimism amongst fans. People were talking about top 6 on here. If his plan is to fill the emptying seats with overly hopeful fans for the next couple of years and quieten the protests, it has probably have worked.
Time will tell…
lesh
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:44 AM
Comment #43Schteve’s happy with the squad?
Sounds familiar – didn’t Pardew and Carver such words too.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:50 AM
Comment #44lesh…and by such words Schteve shall be judged!
…really find it strange why he would say such nonsense!
Also find it strange that there are no connection between what he says to the media on a daily basis…it’s basically contradictions on contradictions. Why say anything at all?
Harley
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:51 AM
Comment #45If we sign no one else other than a big cb I’ll be happy.
1 top striker, 1 top midfielder and 2 top centre backs is fine with me.
Another winger/striker would be ideal, like some have mentioned Berahinio. But I pray the club can see that cb is the big weak link.
terencelim
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:55 AM
Comment #46It’s just too hard for the club to let Ashley ass lickers win for once.
Derek
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:55 AM
Comment #47Jesper,
I think Steve’s words to the media are not his own, just like Carver’s and Pardew’s BS. A part of taking the job is that you must say whatever words are put in front of you and those words are decided from higher up. Just a hunch..
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Jul 27, 2015 at 12:58 AM
Comment #48Derek…if that’s the case I honestly find it hard to respect him as a coach or as a person!
…really hope that’s not the case!
Derek
Jul 27, 2015 at 1:10 AM
Comment #49Jesper,
I also hope it’s not the case, but those emails to the fans signed with his name suggest to me otherwise. Seems like PR are at work and they understand that fans are more likely to believe the manager than another other employee of the club.
Bobbybee
Jul 27, 2015 at 1:21 AM
Comment #50Derek, do you actually believe a man like McClaren, a well respected and former England manager, would take a job on those terms? You do realise you’re saying he’s involved in a conspiracy with Ashley, if that’s the case? He took the job because he wanted to, not because he’s skint. He can’t commit to saying we will sign more players, because he only wants to sign the right players and it’s not as easy as it sounds. He has obligations to only buy the right players and so far, we’ve signed genuine quality. He won’t ruin that by going out and buying dross, as has happened in the past. To be honest, one more CB would be an excellent first window. Let’s see how it pans out first before immediately assuming the worst. Plus, as it stands he might have to rely on squad members, so coming out and saying ‘to be honest, the majority are garbage’ won’t help anyone. Just look how they responded to Carver! This was never a quick fix, he needs time. Let’s give him it eh? Nobody likes Ashley really, but we’re stuck with him.
Charlietoon
Jul 27, 2015 at 1:23 AM
Comment #51If he says we are getting more in it gives the teams we are buying off licence to chuck another mill on the asking price because we are then under pressure to do so otherwise he looks like a liar. Think he is playing it just right.
Sazzer
Jul 27, 2015 at 1:49 AM
Comment #52I don’t like this interview. Honeymoon is over.
The overrated Frenchman
Jul 27, 2015 at 2:41 AM
Comment #53That fat pig will never learn. If he thinks he’s “relegation proofed” his team by spending the money he has, he’d better think again. 80% of this squad is still rubbish. I’d like to say I’m sorry to ST holders who have bought into the lie (again) and renewed, but honestly I’m not sorry at all. You make your own bed, you lie in it. I’m off to the betting shop. Newcastle 0 -Southampton 4.
WestOzMag
Jul 27, 2015 at 3:25 AM
Comment #54Going into the new season with a 33yr old slow git that wants to leave, a crocked fist pumping nugget and the most incompetant cb in all of the leagues in the uk im dreading to think what will happen again. Dear me, as if last year didnt ring the alarm bells. Most frustrating club in the EPL this one
El Sleeve
Jul 27, 2015 at 3:45 AM
Comment #55abdennour wouldve been good but we have mbemba, colo, saylor, lascelles, willo and dummett. that should see us through
Derek
Jul 27, 2015 at 3:56 AM
Comment #56Bobbybee,
I’m not saying McLaren is conspiring against fans and supports Ashley’s business minded approach at the expense of footballing performance. I do, however, think he’s under very strict instructions as to what he says to the media. Do you honestly think he’s happy with the squad how it is? Does he really think in his own head that a central defense consisting of Willo, Saylor, Lascelles, Dummett, Satka, and possibly Mbemba (which is still pending) is satisfactory?
When he keeps saying “it will take time to bring in the right players” over and over, it sends alarm bells ringing for me. After last seasons disaster, it is a PRIORITY that we replace the two CBs in this window. Mbemba would be a start, but it not a guarantee that will be enough. So will we wait until next January for another CB, or next season, or next 2 years?! I’m sure we can afford a improvement on Colo/Willo/Saylor in this window with no problem, but the “right player” sounds to me like one who will 1) make big bucks for Cashley in future, and 2) be an improvement to the squad, in that order.
Our Toon
Jul 27, 2015 at 4:23 AM
Comment #57Think we all need to take a step back and not get carried away with every interview given. I think it’s right to try to manage expectations as well though as McClaren seems to be doing in this interview, I’m still against Ashley’s reign unlike some who have done a uturn, no doubt in a week if no one else is signed they’ll do another uturn. We are as consistent with our support for this regime or lack of support as the team is on the pitch or has been for 2 or 3 years.
I’ve said we should look at top 10 minimum but I’d like to us target European football for next season to keep the more ambitious players here, however 10th is progress considering how badly last season went. For the past 2 weeks we’ve had completely over the top responses of 6th etc, now these very people will talk of relegation. We really have no middle ground!!
We all take something different from the interview, my take on it is that he’s trying to manage expectations to say he’s happy with squad but if someone leaves we will bring in a replacement. Let’s have realism though rather the deluded ramblings of 6th etc. If we sign no one else and no one leaves then i think we are short but we have imoroved on last season, i wont be tk fussed if we then get 2 or 3 in january though…..steady progress its ultimately futile whilst he’s still the owner
HWTF
King_Solano
Jul 27, 2015 at 4:29 AM
Comment #5834.1 million pounds in the bank….net spend this window so far 34.5 million pounds. Spending stops. Coincidence??
lochinvar
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:07 AM
Comment #59Everton manager Roberto Martinez has refused to rule out making a move to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk, with the Scottish club reportedly wanting £10m for the 24-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Really have to try to believe that McLaren’s statement is a smoke screen to keep us under the radar when negotiating for further players to complete the squad. If that helps avoid us being drawn onto bidding wars for some players so be it. However if it’s the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning of new signings then that would be so short sighted. And what are to be make of the super surprise signing that was indicated last week? Don’t tell me that is Colo being persuaded to stay ? Nor should Ashley think that he does half now (attack/midfield) and the other half ( defence ) in January. That would be half hearted. Get the job done now, up front.
G
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:09 AM
Comment #60@57, the voice of reason at last. It’ll never catch on mind.
jimmysmith
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:10 AM
Comment #61They’ve effectively brought in 5 players, and strengthened in key areas. It’s a handy squad, and if the goal is top eight and to win a cup, it might well be good enough if well managed, as you’d expect it would be. I think the club is now in a position where it wants to sell to buy, which can be difficult to do. It’s no good selling Cisse late in the window for example, if you’re struggling to get a deal for Austin over the line. As is, it’s a better side and squad and coaching set up than went into last season with some optimism. If we don’t sign anyone else, and don’t come a cropper injury wise, I still expect us to play good, open, competitive football.
lochinvar
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:11 AM
Comment #62Nightfall@39
i agree.. we need 2 more players..
– tall, strong CB – rudiger/nastasic etc
– and a striker/winger – berahino
Spot on – can you have a word with Steve
dannitoon
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Comment #63Wat about the comment.. “we are after a few players who haven’t been mentioned. .. surprise players”…
I’m confident we will sign 2 – 3 more come end of august
Jail for Ashley
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:27 AM
Comment #64Jimmy,
Don’t take this as a negative only as a different opinion to yours. It is widely recognised that we have one of the worst defences in the division and we still haven’t signed Mbemba. Not one of the four players we have signed so far have any PL experience whatsoever. We all knew the squad was about four players short at least in January and since then five players WITH PL experience have left. We are still in danger of losing more as well. Scteve has said he’s happy with the squad, he can’t use the excuse of being short if things go wrong.
The overrated Frenchman
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:37 AM
Comment #65JFA @63 is quite right. If this is the squad we are going to take into the coming into the season (and it certainly sounds like it is) it will have McClaren’s credibility in tatters. Ashley out. Ashley’s spineless puppets out.
Phoenix
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:38 AM
Comment #66@bobbybee at last someone who can see the bigger picture
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:43 AM
Comment #67It doesn’t sound like we are done in the market to me. It sounds like we are in negotiations with clubs, but aren’t in agreement yet. If we were definitely done, why would he leave it ambiguous.
Steve said he wanted 4 or 5 in, which most fans agree is probably the minimum requirement this summer. At the minute we are on 2, with one pending, but clearly in the balance as the permit has gone to appeal. It isn’t enough to call this a good window though, even with Mbemba.
The squad in my view at the start of last season was good enough for 10th to 12th. Given Cisse missing 7 games through suspension, and the injuries suffered, plus Carver and Pardew in charge, I’d say that was probably about right, but other circumstances contrived to see us finish 15th.
Currently – if the Mbemba deal goes through, I think we have enough to be 8th-10th. An improvement on last term, but only sufficient to achieve our targets of the last 2 seasons – top 10 finish.
The defence, even without a huge change in personnel should improve from not defending the edge of the box, from retaining possession, from pressing higher up the pitch. Add Mbemba’s pace to the back line alongside the improved tactics, shape and style then the defence should prove better then we have seen previously. Mbemba’s pace will be crucial to this though.
We have a tough start, and it is crucial that McClaren gets Mitro (and Mbemba) bedded in asap. If not then we could be playing catch up pretty early on in the season.
jimmysmith
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:51 AM
Comment #68Jail, They’ve added two cb’s in Lascelles and Mbemba. That gives us 5 not including Dummett. We’ve conceded bucket loads in the past few seasons, but there are mitigating factors, we’ve lacked genuine outlets in attack and wide, and at times been overrun in midfield, we also effectively had no management the 2nd half of last season, and had nothing to player for the past two, and seemingly all those areas have been addressed and we have a better tactician at the helm and better players at his disposal, barring injury ofcourse. I suspect we’ll get the upgrades on Willo and Collo when their contracts run down. I do think we lack depth and experience at fullback though, having said that Haidarra is looking more of a genuine EPL player and of course still improving.
The overrated Frenchman
Jul 27, 2015 at 6:58 AM
Comment #69Mapou had pace. Didn’t do us much good. Mbemba and Colo together are too short at CB. Size does matter. You don’t always have the chance to use a “good spring”. If you are giving away four or five (or more) inches to these power forwards in the centre of your defence you will, at some point in every match, get punished.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:03 AM
Comment #70Overrated,
But Mapou wasn’t playing in the same system and style as McClaren is aiming to so it isn’t a reasonable comparison. The whole point of the higher line, higher pressing and retaining possession is to limit the chances that the opposition get in your box. Pardew had us defending very deep, and more often than not surrendering possession. That doesn’t suit a defender like Colo, or like Mbiwa. Probably wouldn’t suit Mbemba either.
I’m not saying it is ideal, I’d much prefer another centre half who can lead the back line brought in, but the defence will improve through the style of play and tactics alone.
Ron Knee
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:03 AM
Comment #71Lilongwe
As usual, NUFC contrived to shoot itself in the foot with that ill-conceived trip to the USA. Add to that the slothlike speed with which transfer business is being conducted.
It’s painfully obvious that our defence is not up to scratch and needs a complete overhaul. So far we only have Mbemba (we hope!) but it’s obviously not enough.
As things stand now, I can’t share your (cautious) optimism.
The overrated Frenchman
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:12 AM
Comment #72McClaren isn’t suddenly going to give Collocini and Williamson another two yards of pace. He’s not going to suddenly turn Taylor and Obertan into intelligent footballers. He’s not going to imbue Colback, Gouffran, and Riviere with the technical ability they lack at this level. He can’t turn the clock back and make Cisse and Tiote the players they were. He’s not going to make Anita taller. Spin and sophimism continues unbridled at St.James. It’s not as bad as you think though. It’s worse.
jimmysmith
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:13 AM
Comment #73Transfers don’t get over the line for a host of reasons. McClaren is right to claim he’s happy enough with the squad, and doesn’t know if there’ll be addition to a squad that he might have to take into the season. Seems to me the five new players to the squad are all upgrades, and that they are still working hard on transfers.
Mag52
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:18 AM
Comment #74Derek.
‘Steve’s words are not his own…..’ 100% agree with you there Derek.
Unfortunately he’s now put it on record that he’s happy with the squad and any future defensive disasters will be down to him rather than to the puppeteer.
mindshaft
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:21 AM
Comment #75Unlikely we were ever going to fix the years of neglect in one transfer window – I’d prefer at least 1 more CB but if the right player isn’t available then we should wait
Highly unlikely anyone will take Austen at 15million when he’ll be next to nothing in Jan and actually nothing next season
If McClaren is a better coach and has a better coaching staff than Pards / Carver / Stone then they should be able to get 10% more out of the current players , that and the new additions will hopefully propel us to top ten
Those demanding top six this season are off their rockers
Let’s get to Jan and see where we are – tough start to the season but after 8 – 10 games we should have more of an idea how the season will pan out
I’m hoping top ten and full strength teams for the cups
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:23 AM
Comment #76Ron Knee,
I agree about the tours, unless we are really boosting our profile against big opposition I don’t see what benefits there are to a tour to the US. Yes, the club look at it as brand building and oping to increase commercial income, but the level of opposition we were playing isn’t going to do that significantly. Plus it was hugely detrimental to the build up to the football season for the squad.
We finished 15th last season, had a squad decimated by injuries, our only goalscorer missed half 10 games through suspension alone, and had injury problems. Not to mention we still had the dismal tactics of Pardew even after he had left.
I don’t think we are going to see a wonderful season, and feel we need another couple of players, but we have more than enough for mid table if we keep players fit.
Ron Knee
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:25 AM
Comment #77Big “if”, Lilongwe!
will die for the toon army
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:33 AM
Comment #78I listened to Mcclaren carefully I think Ciise Tiote and Colo are staying. To create a core for the old players.
I think we have one more firat time signing in a winger. Shaqiri , Thauvin or Bolseo. If he is considering Perez as a winger then we will b in for Austin or Rolan.
I think he rates Aarons and PereZ but not as starters.
Colocinni is going to stay for sure he will b rotated with Taylor Durmett and Lascales. There is an excuse for the game Sheffield that Colo and Mbemba didnt play.
jimmysmith
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:36 AM
Comment #79I believe this squad will be improved over the next three windows as the deals for targeted players get done, and that we will realistically pursue the cups and a top eight finish. The acquisitions of Janmaat, De Jong, Cabella last, and Mitrovic, Wijnaldum, and Mbemba this, as well as the demands of the crowd, dismal run ins in recent seasons, hiring of McClaren and upgrades in coaching staff, and the statement by the owner, all point to this. If it doesn’t entirely happen this window, hand wringing would be premature, but we do obviously need to see an improvement in all areas.
will die for the toon army
Jul 27, 2015 at 7:37 AM
Comment #80If we r to succeed we need the old Tiote and we will have the wall we had wen we made 5th. Call back has heart but not good as the old Tiote.