Summer 2019 transfer thread

[LeithMike]

As it stands, I think our midfield 3 will be Mallan (holding) Vela (box to box) and Allan (in behind the strikers). Not ideal though and given that PH is on record as saying he wants a midfielder to being the ball out of defence and do the defensive side of the midfield role, I am pretty certain we'll be bringing someone else in (Ojo was obviously earmarked for this role).

From PH's description of Vela praising his athleticism, I'd be highly surprised if he takes the holding midfield role.

I get the impression that Mallan will be competing with Allan for a place in the starting 11 unless we go to a midfield 4 in which I could see him being shoe-horned into the right hand side of midfield. There is no doubt that Mallan is a bigger goal threat than Allan but, for me, the team is better with Allan. If Mallan is going to be a starter I think he needs to improve his movement off the ball (and I am meaning when we have the ball). Perhaps he can do that learning from Scott.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[hibbie02]

From what I have seen of Omeonga, he is more a bite yer ankles type than a box to box. Take what he is good at, winning the ball and work on his distribution. He gave Booney a fair old battle last season and I think he is probably one of the best ball winners in the squad. Could he be the defensive mid? Even if he wins the ball and plays the simple lay offs to the other midfielders. I know he is not that tall, but he is pure muscle and not afraid to get stuck into anyone.

[J-C]

Just drove past Willo Glood in Gorgie Rd, he was crossing the road going to the Costa, is this the standard of players the Orcs are going for or maybe a coaching role.

[Stevie Reid]

Agree with those who aren't totally convinced by Omeonga - I'd happily take him back, very likeable character and a great attitude, but I'm nowhere near as enthused as many on here. That's not to say he couldn't develop into an excellent player though.

Mallan always needs to play for me - potential match winner and a threat from anywhere. 25 years ago he would have been playing in the EPL with the attributes - and limitations - he has.

[J-C]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I'm starting to become concerned that we're doing what we did last year - signing good players but not having a proper team in there.
Not sure it has to be a bruiser but I think you're right that we definitely need someone else in midfield who's job is a little less glamourous.

There are 5 players in that team who will struggle to win the ball back and who we signed primarily to attack the opposition.
All of them are good shouts for the team and it doesn't include Horgan who's been one of the most consistent performers of late.

I think we have good players but an unbalanced squad.
Strength in depth is essential but it needs to be across the board.
Injuries to Vela, Stevenson or Gray and we'd be in trouble.

I think the team will look like this.

Rocky

Gray
McGregor
Hanlon
Stevenson

Allan
Vela
Mallon

Boyle
Kamberi
Horgan

Too many getting overly worked up about a DM midfielder etc, is Scott Brown one? no.

We have a varied type of player in the squad do we can change shape when needed, I'm liking the look of this squad.

[mjhibby]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Still think we need another midfielder and striker in. If we do then I'll be pretty happy

That's the way I see it.

[mjhibby]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Agree with those who aren't totally convinced by Omeonga - I'd happily take him back, very likeable character and a great attitude, but I'm nowhere near as enthused as many on here. That's not to say he couldn't develop into an excellent player though.

Mallan always needs to play for me - potential match winner and a threat from anywhere. 25 years ago he would have been playing in the EPL with the attributes - and limitations - he has.

Omeonga is underappreciated imho. As was said he glides along the ground and links quickly with other player. Not as good as Dylan but makes the opposition hurry their passing which gets us more possession and eases pressure on defence. He's a coaches ideal player and Vela looks the same. If we got him and McNulty or another very good striker I'd fancy us for third.

[Paloschi]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I think the team will look like this.

Rocky

Gray
McGregor
Hanlon
Stevenson

Allan
Vela
Mallon

Boyle
Kamberi
Horgan

In my opinion there is no balance in the side at all and very slow in midfield and in defence. Not aimed at you but what Hecky may go with. I'd go with a 4-2-3-1 but with the exact same lineup with S. Allan as playmaker. I still feel we lack a bit pace.

Marciano

Gray (James)
Porteous
Hanlon
Stevenson

Vela
Mallan

Boyle
Allan
Horgan

Kamberi

Subs: Maxwell, McGregor, Mackie, Newell, Slivka, Doidge, Shaw.
Reserve: Jackson, Campbell, F Murray, Gullan.

I still think, in line with Hecky's comments, 1 more CM.

[Stevie Reid]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Omeonga is underappreciated imho. As was said he glides along the ground and links quickly with other player. Not as good as Dylan but makes the opposition hurry their passing which gets us more possession and eases pressure on defence. He's a coaches ideal player and Vela looks the same. If we got him and McNulty or another very good striker I'd fancy us for third.

I do like him, and would happily have him back. Just wouldn't want us spending a huge chunk of the budget.

[Forza Fred]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I think the team will look like this.

Rocky

Gray
McGregor
Hanlon
Stevenson

Allan
Vela
Mallon

Boyle
Kamberi
Horgan

Too many getting overly worked up about a DM midfielder etc, is Scott Brown one? no.

We have a varied type of player in the squad do we can change shape when needed, I'm liking the look of this squad.

I’m not sure Hecky enticed the English players to Easter Road, just to have most of them sit on the bench.
Can’t se Doidge not being a regular for starters.

[Tug Wilson]

I am not convinced that Heckingbottom wants to play with an out and out defensive midfielder. Suspect he wants players like Vela and Omeonga dare I say it Ojo who are able to mix it but also play a bit.

The players like Allan, Mallan and Newell are going to be the more attacking midfielders with Boyle and Horgan out wide.

If Heckingbottom gets the blend right then we could have a very good midfield that will play fast energetic football.

We will defend as a team, squeezing and hunting in packs.

I will be happy with Omeonga and McNulty being added to the squad plus maybe a couple of loan players to fill in.

[AlbertK86]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I’m not sure Hecky enticed the English players to Easter Road, just to have most of them sit on the bench.
Can’t se Doidge not being a regular for starters.

Totally agree.

No danger he won’t start most of his signings

I reckon James, Jackson, Vela, Allan and Doidge will all be first picks once everyone is bedded in and match fit.

As I’ve said before I very much think it will be horses for courses dependant on who we are playing and who is on form for us.

Marciano

James
Jackson
Hanlon
Stevenson

Vela
Mallan

Boyle
Allan
Horgan

Doidge



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[1620]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

In my opinion there is no balance in the side at all and very slow in midfield and in defence. Not aimed at you but what Hecky may go with. I'd go with a 4-2-3-1 but with the exact same lineup with S. Allan as playmaker. I still feel we lack a bit pace.

Marciano

Gray (James)
Porteous
Hanlon
Stevenson

Vela
Mallan

Boyle
Allan
Horgan

Kamberi

Subs: Maxwell, McGregor, Mackie, Newell, Slivka, Doidge, Shaw.
Reserve: Jackson, Campbell, F Murray, Gullan.

I still think, in line with Hecky's comments, 1 more CM.

I agree with the 4-2-3-1 formation.
A lot of the most successful teams utilise it because it is very flexible if played properly ie there is strength in numbers in both defence and attack and the lone striker should never be left isolated.
If Hecky goes that way I think we need another defensive mid to play along side Vela (perhaps Omeonga). Boyle Allan and Horgan would form the next section and Kamberi/ Doidge up front. Mallan I would see as cover for Allan and over the course of a long season I would expect to see Allan/Kamberi and Mallan/Doidge getting plenty 1st team games.

[we are hibs]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

No idea why people say things like this. They are completely different players. Mallans range of passing and dead ball ability is much better but Omeonga has much more tenacity and energy.

Because I rate Omeonga more than I do Mallan. Not really that difficult to understand.

[Chefki Kuqi]

Id prefer Mallan behind the striker than Allan, better at shooting. Bring in Omeonga and all we need is a winger IMO, possibly another CB if Efe’s had a change of heart.

[Col2]

Are we still certain Heckingbottom is after omeonga?

[WhileTheChief..]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I think the team will look like this.

Rocky

Gray
McGregor
Hanlon
Stevenson

Allan
Vela
Mallon

Boyle
Kamberi
Horgan

Too many getting overly worked up about a DM midfielder etc, is Scott Brown one? no.

We have a varied type of player in the squad do we can change shape when needed, I'm liking the look of this squad.

If our squad looks like this by the end of the window it's gonna be a long hard season!!

Thankfully it won't be. We've just signed 7 players and you're only giving 1 of them a starting place??!

I think we still need another 3 or 4 in with a goal scoring striker still very much the priority.

[J-C]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

In my opinion there is no balance in the side at all and very slow in midfield and in defence. Not aimed at you but what Hecky may go with. I'd go with a 4-2-3-1 but with the exact same lineup with S. Allan as playmaker. I still feel we lack a bit pace.

Marciano

Gray (James)
Porteous
Hanlon
Stevenson

Vela
Mallan

Boyle
Allan
Horgan

Kamberi

Subs: Maxwell, McGregor, Mackie, Newell, Slivka, Doidge, Shaw.
Reserve: Jackson, Campbell, F Murray, Gullan.

I still think, in line with Hecky's comments, 1 more CM.

4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-5-1 are all interchange and fluid transitions.

I disagree re English players being 1st picks, I think Heckingbottom will choose who's on form and not because they've came up from England.

[Steven79]

Does everybody not realise that three of our new signings are Welsh not English?

[hughio]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Are we still certain Heckingbottom is after omeonga?

No but

[jacomo]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

I’m not sure Hecky enticed the English players to Easter Road, just to have most of them sit on the bench.
Can’t se Doidge not being a regular for starters.

This is the art of management, right here.

No doubt that Hecky saw the opportunity to reshape the squad this summer as a good thing... he made it pretty clear that he was a wee bit unhappy with the attitude and application at the end of last season.

The new signings will present a fresh challenge to the existing players. However, if those players accept the challenge and step up, they should earn their place in the team.

Flo was filling in on the left last season but that really doesn't seem to be his preferred game. I hope him and Doidge are both busting a gut to prove they should be the first choice centre forward.

[The 90+2]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

4-3-2-1/4-3-3/4-5-1 are all interchange and fluid transitions.

I disagree re English players being 1st picks, I think Heckingbottom will choose who's on form and not because they've came up from England.

Nothing to do with where they came from, it’s a matter of the players being Heckys signings who would have told them they would play to get them up here.

[tonyrougier123]

Cummings told he is free to find new club.papers source.

[Sean1875]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Just drove past Willo Glood in Gorgie Rd, he was crossing the road going to the Costa, is this the standard of players the Orcs are going for or maybe a coaching role.

This might be a mental thought but maybe he was just passing through Gorgie and fancied a coffee?

[Billy Whizz]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

This might be a mental thought but maybe he was just passing through Gorgie and fancied a coffee?

He’s a coach, was doing a few bits and pieces for Hearts Academy last season

[tonyrougier123]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

This might be a mental thought but maybe he was just passing through Gorgie and fancied a coffee?

That is mental! If your passing thru gorgie keep passing til your thru. Absolute dive.

[GloryGlory]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Cummings told he is free to find new club.papers source.

Cue meltdown on here!

[The 90+2]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Cummings told he is free to find new club.papers source.

Got told this a couple of weeks ago.

I would have him back.

[neil7908]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Got told this a couple of weeks ago.

I would have him back.

Right now I wouldn't. If we're going 4-3-3 (which like it or loath it seems to be the case from pre season) we'll only have one proper forward up front. I can't see Cummings playing that role and it wouldn't make sense to have 4 senior forwards competing for one position.

I'm also not sure he's suited to the mangers style.

[The 90+2]

This quote is hidden because you are ignoring this member. Show Quote

Right now I wouldn't. If we're going 4-3-3 (which like it or loath it seems to be the case from pre season) we'll only have one proper forward up front. I can't see Cummings playing that role and it wouldn't make sense to have 4 senior forwards competing for one position.

I'm also not sure he's suited to the mangers style.

He’s a fox in the box goalscorer, none of our forwards seem to play that role. JC could play off Doidge or Flo’.