Deja vu - a sense of proportion.

[BiggEggo]

It strikes me how similar a situation we find ourselves in, compared to this time last season.

Almost identical points wise, some stuttering inconsistent performances and some glaring shortcomings.

Now I'm sure we would be better off without the pile of injuries or the shocking start. None the less we know that the right signings in Jan can revitalise us.

Just need to find the new Archer and Ramsey. Oh and a Chuba (22/23 model), if that's not too much to ask for.

I'm choosing to be optimistic atm.

 

[r00fie1]

Carrick said the following recently, when asked about the dire injury situation and the effects on his plans come January....

Is Carrick ready to expect the unexpected?

Yeah. It can happen. Anything can happen! You cant be prepared. Simply, you know, we`re prepared as well as we feel we can be for different scenario`s and balance within the squad. I think to be honest [with] the balance of the teams we`re being able to put out and the...teams we`ve put out, considering we`ve had sort of seven, eight, nine, ten players missing from games, is credit to the squad and the caliber of player.

But it is impossible [to know] whats going to happen the next few weeks, what`s going to happen in January. We`ll hopefully have more to chose from, but at the same point, in terms of who is available, then I`ve got absolutely no problem. I think we`ve got a good team, we got a good balance, so I`m still looking forward to the games ahead.

[Pre-Ipswich Media Conference]

To put that in context, he also commented recently that there might be some "surprises" [around the corner] - but left it open. He has hinted over the last month in each of his media conferences that he has plans for the New Year [but plays his cards close to his chest], whilst maintaining his faith in the squad and the potential for players to cover for injuries. He does`nt give much away and looks pzzd off when asked the same questions about when injured players will be back. I can understand that.

It wouldnt be beyond the realm of possibility that targets and players are already in "the tunnel". Carrick mentioned very early on in the season how they had players targeted, but the moves were thwarted by what happened at other clubs.

We know neither he, Scott or the other staff, want to fall back on the loan system and make the same mistakes we made last year. Its not beyongd the realms of possibility that two, or even three, players move on by January and new players move in. we`re talking here about players on propper contracts, not loanees.

We are all going to have to keep our ears to the ground...... ​