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How Was Your Window?


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Acknowledged that the domestic loan window remains open for the Championship to the end of February as an extra concession this year but leaving that aside, how was your club's window? A few clubs made some positive moves, some were very active (Hearts, Dundee). Some did little or went backwards. How was yours?

Queen of the South
In
Rhys Breen (21) - Centre back
Isaiah Jones (21) - Winger
Dapo Mebude (19) - Striker / Wide attacker

Out
Harry Robinson (19) - Winger

In contrast to last year's disastrous January which almost got us relegated as we lost McCrorie, Brownlie and El Bakhtaoui and replaced them with Stewart, Devine, Ledger and Petravicius, I think we seem to have had a pretty good January this year. Crucially, in a run of good form, we've lost nobody of any consequence. Despite speculation around a few players, particularly Connor Shields, the only one to actually leave was Harry Robinson whose injury hit loan from Motherwell was cut short. Hopefully he gets himself fit and either gets himself involved at 'Well or a more successful loan move elsewhere later this month.

We addressed the obvious shortage of defenders in the squad by signing Rhys Breen on loan from Rangers following his recall from Partick Thistle. Early days but his debut against Morton was encouraging enough.

We added pace to what was already a very quick attack when Dobbie's not playing with the addition of striker / winger Dapo Mebude on loan from Rangers and winger Isaiah Jones on loan from Middlesbrough. We look like we now have the ability to absolutely fly forward when we get the ball. Yet to see Jones actually kick a ball but he seems to be highly rated by Boro having just extended his contract before the move.

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In:

Cammy Smith (25) - Attacking Midfielder

Corrie Ndaba (21) Defender

Andre Wright (24) Striker

Brett McGavin (21) Centre Mid

Out:

Innes Cameron (20) Striker

Bruce Anderson (22) Striker

Start with the outgoings, 1 league goal between the 2 strikers and that just tells you as much as you need to know. Didn’t really suit our system (especially Anderson) however Anderson in particular just never got going and was really poor for what was expected of him. Cameron having never played at this level you could excuse, but Anderson never looked interested or even up to playing at Championship level. Astounded Hamilton have taken a punt on him.

In wise, potentially our best January window since the League 1 win when we brought in Bell and Kerr. Ndaba looks like the player we’ve been missing in defence and has allowed Baird and Muirhead to build up a good relationship at centre half. Getting Smith in permanently, even just till the end of the season was a big plus. Wright had a good game on Saturday and is probably still a few weeks away from being proper match fit, but the signs were there and was unlucky not to score. Not seen McGavin yet, but seems highly rated from Ipswich fans and we’ve been desperate for another centre mid.

8/10

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Raith Rovers 

In

Jamie Gullan (21) Attacking Midfield/Striker
Timmy Abraham (20) Striker
Adam King (25) Centre Mid
Kai Kennedy (18) Winger

Out

Lars Lokotsch (24) Striker
Ethan Ross (19) Winger

Mixed bag on the outgoings, I don’t think anyone was disappointed to see Lokotsch leave. He wasn’t completely hopeless and had some decent moments but he never looked capable of ousting Duku from the starting line up or putting any real pressure on him. Ethan Ross was excellent. Really rate him, lightening quick and worked hard for the team. Had his off days but to be expected from a 19 year old winger. Overall a very good signing and sad to see him go.

However, on the incomings, he was replaced in the starting 11 by Kai Kennedy who looks absolutely fantastic and an upgrade on Ross. Started 3 games for us and has already claimed 3 assists (is winning a penalty an assist? I’m counting it) and a great goal against Dundee. Assuming he doesn’t get too big for his boots and keeps the same attitude and work rate he should be a big player for us second half of the season.

Timmy Abraham is Lokotsch replacement and looks to be an upgrade but again, it is very early days. Strong, decent hold up play and good pace in behind gives us the option to go a bit more direct when teams press us and stop us playing out which we struggled against previously. Looking forward to seeing how he develops and he looks like he will give Duku/Ugwu better competition. 

Adam King looks like squad filler. Doesn’t come with much recent pedigree but is likely to be 5th choice for our central midfield role so I’d imagine his game time will be limited but adds depth to the squad. Probably would have preferred full back cover than another centre mid.

Finally, Jamie Gullan joined yesterday which looks to be another very positive move. He was great for us last season and the improvement in him from the previous season was huge. Limited playing time since he went back to Hibs but I see no reason to believe he won’t be a good signing for us. Can play upfront or in any of the 3 positions behind the striker so adds a lot to the squad. Our first 11 was good for the first part of the season but we lacked options off the bench if things weren’t working. With Gullan joining and Vaughan returning from injury that looks to have been rectified for the remainder of the season.

Overall, very happy with our business. The squad is definitely stronger than when we entered the window and that’s all you can ask for. Only slight concern is if injuries hit defensively we don’t have much depth there. 

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In:

Kai Kennedy (18) - attacking mid/wide mid

Adam King (25) - central mid

Timmy Abraham (20) - forward

Jamie Gullan (21) - forward

Out: 

Ethan Ross (19) - attacking mid/wide mid

Lars Lokotsch (24) - forward

For a side that has been fine at scoring goals, we've certainly beefed up our forward options. No defensive cover added. 

Think we won a watch with Kai Kennedy. Already impressive at ICT, he was instrumental in us winning at Tynecastle and scored a belter to put the game beyond Dundee. Has all the technical attributes to be a great player.

Adam King, seems to have been brought in primarily as cover for injuries and suspensions in midfield. Didnt see too much of him on Saturday. Decent quality for squad filler would be my guess at the moment. 

Timmy Abraham: Looked a bit rough round the edges against Dundee, and was marshalled well by their Spurs loanee, but adds a lot of pace and strength and showed some nice touches and a good work rate. Looks like he'll fit in well.

Jamie Gullan:  A known quantity for Rovers fans. Our top scorer in league 1 when recalled by Hibs. Has good technique around the box, scored some quality goals and can fair fucking lash a football. Imagine he'll likely mostly play in the three behind which ever of our number 9s gets the nod. Played mostly to one side of an attacking three for us before. Happy to have him back.

Sorry to lose Ethan Ross. Good technical player, always trying to run at his man. Sometimes when things didn't come off for him he'd look a bit isolated and over the piece probably less effective than Dan Armstrong. However, good quality player and hope we seem him again.

Lars Lokotsch was mostly used as cover and had some late subs appearances. One goal that proved reasonably vital against Alloa but overall not disappointed to see him go. 

Edited by renton
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Scott Banks will hopefully add a bit of creativity. I think we might still see Craig Wighton at some point. 

I will be concerned if we are left with the forwards we have just now. I don't think McManus or O'Hara are very good up top as a lone striker. I think you need to be able to hold the ball up and take a good first touch, which neither are good at.

Lewis McCann is still young and doesn't make a huge impact on games. Feel we need another up there with a bit more composure and not just scurrying around defenders legs , disappointed that didn't happen yesterday.

 

So far 6/10( Cause I think Banks will be very good) but I still think we will have another striker in before loan window shuts to improve that 6/10

Edited by Chubbychops
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31 minutes ago, PB1994 said:

C0F5FF7E-2509-4AED-BCA3-095CCCE14F3B.jpeg

Yep, losing what looks like our most exciting and creative player to a rival with no-one coming in. *Sigh*

Talk of Robertson wanting to sign a striker if one's available as a free agent or on loan but aside from Billy Mckay I can't imagine there's much to choose from.

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Raith have had the kinda window that we really needed in the 18/19 season to maintain our title challenge. Lost Ethan Ross which was a bit of a blow but looks to be massively softened by getting Kai Kennedy.

As for us we’ve not done too badly ourselves. Got rid of the two biggest passengers in the squad and managed to bring Corrie Ndaba who already looks like a great find, Andre Wright, Cammy Smith who was already a known quantity to us and was linked away from us and Brett McGavin who comes with rave reviews from Ipswich fans. There’s still a fair bit of uncertainty as McGavin may not adapt or Wright might still prove to be a dud but we really needed a window where we could look forward to the rest of the season and I think that’s what we’ve managed.

8/10 for us imo.

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It looks like a good window for Ayr, Dundee, Raith and ourselves probably. Not sure about Hearts. but they certainly made a few moves (with Wighton surely imminently going too) and changed up the squad a bit so probably them too. I imagine Arbroath will be encouraged by their window too with Williamson and Hamilton in particular looking an upgrade.

A wee bit "meh" for Dunfermline but Banks could be a revelation.

Alloa look relatively unchanged for it?

Bad window for ICT and Morton surely?

Alloa Athletic
In: Innes Cameron (Ayr / Kilmarnock), Jordan Wright (Nottingham Forest)
Out:

Arbroath
In: Jake Davidson (Dundee United), Ben Williamson (Rangers), Jack Hamilton (Livingston), Lewis Moore (Hearts)
Out: Michael Ruth (Aberdeen), Miko Virtanen (Aberdeen), Conor Smith (Hearts)

Ayr United
In: Corrie Ndaba (Ipswich Town), Brett McGavin (Ipswich Town), Andre Wright (Bohemians) + Cammy Smith secured longer term
Out: Bruce Anderson (Aberdeen), Innes Cameron (Kilmarnock)

Dundee
In: Paul McMullan (Dundee United), Jason Cummings (Shrewsbury Town), Malachi Fagan-Walcott (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Declan McDaid (Partick Thistle)

Dunfermline Athletic
In: Scott Banks (Crystal Palace), Kyle MacDonald (Airdrie), Vitus Gaspuitis (Lithuania) + Pre-contract for Craig Wighton (Hearts)
Out:

Hearts
In: Gary Mackay-Steven (New York City), Armand Gnanduillet (Altay), Garvane Kasteneer (Coventry City), Aaron McEneff (Shamrock Rovers)
Out: Olly Lee (Gillingham), Lewis Moore (Arbroath), Jordan Roberts (Motherwell)

Inverness CT
In:
Out: Kai Kennedy (Rangers / Raith Rovers)

Morton
In: Kazaiah Sterling (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Josh McPake (Rangers / Harrogate Town), Ross McIver (Motherwell), Jim McAlister (Retired)

Queen of the South
In: Rhys Breen (Rangers), Dapo Mebude (Rangers), Isaiah Jones (Middlesbrough)
Out: Harry Robinson (Motherwell)

Raith Rovers
In: Kai Kennedy (Inverness / Rangers), Jamie Gullan (Hibernian), Timmy Abraham (Fulham), Adam King (Dundee United)
Out: Lars Lokotsch (Livingston), Ethan Ross (Aberdeen)

 

Not sure how complete the above is. Might be missing the odd loan return?

 

Edited by Skyline Drifter
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37 minutes ago, Skyline Drifter said:

It looks like a good window for Ayr, Dundee, Raith and ourselves probably. Not sure about Hearts. but they certainly made a few moves (with Wighton surely imminently going too) and changed up the squad a bit so probably them too. I imagine Arbroath will be encouraged by their window too with Williamson and Hamilton in particular looking an upgrade.

A wee bit "meh" for Dunfermline but Banks could be a revelation.

Alloa look relatively unchanged for it?

Bad window for ICT and Morton surely?

Alloa Athletic
In: Innes Cameron (Ayr / Kilmarnock), Jordan Wright (Nottingham Forest)
Out:

Arbroath
In: Jake Davidson (Dundee United), Ben Williamson (Dundee United), Jack Hamilton (Livingston)
Out: Michael Ruth (Aberdeen), Miko Virtanen (Aberdeen)

Ayr United
In: Corrie Ndaba (Ipswich Town), Brett McGavin (Ipswich Town), Andre Wright (Bohemians) + Cammy Smith secured longer term
Out: Bruce Anderson (Aberdeen), Innes Cameron (Kilmarnock)

Dundee
In: Paul McMullan (Dundee United), Jason Cummings (Shrewsbury Town), Malachi Fagan-Walcott (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Declan McDaid (Partick Thistle)

Dunfermline Athletic
In: Scott Banks (Crystal Palace), Kyle MacDonald (Airdrie)
Out:

Hearts
In: Gary Mackay-Steven (New York City), Armand Gnanduillet (Altay), Garvane Kasteneer (Coventry City)
Out: Olly Lee (Gillingham)

Inverness CT
In:
Out: Kai Kennedy (Rangers / Raith Rovers)

Morton
In: Kazaiah Sterling (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Josh McPake (Rangers / Harrogate Town), Ross McIver (Motherwell), Jim McAlister (Retired)

Queen of the South
In: Rhys Breen (Rangers), Dapo Mebude (Rangers), Isaiah Jones (Middlesbrough)
Out: Harry Robinson (Motherwell)

Raith Rovers
In: Kai Kennedy (Inverness / Rangers), Jamie Gullan (Hibernian), Timmy Abraham (Fulham), Adam King (Dundee United)
Out: Lars Lokotsch (Livingston), Ethan Ross (Aberdeen)

 

Not sure how complete the above is. Might be missing the odd loan return?

 

Arbroath have also brought in Lewis Moore from Hearts.

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2 hours ago, Skyline Drifter said:

Ben Williamson (Dundee United),

Ben is on loan from Rangers.

Arbroath have done really well during the transfer window ( which is still open for clubs in the Championship until the end of Feb).

Dick's signings have made an instant impact to the squad and Arbroath are looking good.

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2 hours ago, Tattie36 said:

Arbroath have also brought in Lewis Moore from Hearts.

 

2 hours ago, Skyline Drifter said:

amended

But forgot that Hearts have sent Lewis Moore on Loan

 

also

Out: Jordan Roberts to Motherwell
In: Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Roveres

So that's 3 midfielders out, 3 midfielders  and a striker in

I'd have expected that if we signed four  than there would be a defender in there

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