16 Jul 2023 05:58:24
I for one am not surprised at the inactivity so far this window and did not expect much even if the association had approved the change in ownership earlier.

I always thought that Farke would want to have a good look at what he had, make his own assessment as to those he thought could do the job he wanted, those he could improve, those to let go (that weren't already gone) and so identify the key gaps to be filled.

Maybe a couple of signings late in the window, but more activity in the next window when he has a good idea of exactly where things are at.

The way I envisioned the plan was:

- avoid disaster in the first half of the season

- fill/ replace as required in the next window

- build momentum in the second half of the season

- more signings between seasons

- real push for promotion in 2nd season.

Of course I am not American, not on the board and only know a few words of German, so I am probably completely off the mark.


1.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 06:52:16
Think the first part of your post makes sense jungle.
But not sure yanks would see it as a 2 yr plan. I would imagine farke on huge bonus to get us back up first season too. So think we should and need to see ins soon.


2.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 07:17:27
We need come back first time of asking and we can we will with a positive response and great attitude good start needed build confidence come onnnn MOT get on board boys.


3.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 07:27:03
Jungle - I suspect the intention is to try to do the majority of the changes to the squad in this window, given that it is notoriously difficult, and also often more expensive, to get the signings you need/ want in the January window. Farke will also want to have a squad which is focused on the task for the whole season ahead, rather than either wondering whether they might be shown the door/ or thinking about a possible move in January. They absolutely must bring in new players at GK, LB, CF for the starting 11, and almost certainly a CAM. How many more will depend on who else leaves, particularly at DM/ CM.


4.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 07:41:59
Sorry Aus, worded it badly because it is what I would look at doing, not what I thought the 49ers plan was.

Personally I think that there are too many things that need to be done at the club (not just changes on the field) for a sustained return to the premiership if we go back immediately.

The other variable we do not know (and never will know) is what was agreed with Radz in terms of any additional payments for a quick return to the Premiership (time frame or amount) .

The 49ers are first and foremost businessmen and if it is more financially beneficial to them to return in 1, 2 or whatever years, that is probably what they will aim for.

There is a big difference between the reported original (Premiership) sale price and the final reported price, so it is possible a potential payment to Radz for an immediate return outweighs the income benefit of Premiership v Championship.


5.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 08:29:39
Bottom line jungle. Prem is the aim.
That’s number 1 priority. Regardless of this and that etc.
as quick as poss get back to prem.
Not having a go mate. Just if you skin it to the bone.
Regardless how much it cost. Get there.
What if we fluked a cheapie euro spot first season. How much dosh there.


6.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 08:33:56
If 49ers think with this squad we will bounce 1st time of asking, they are in for a HUGE shock, imo it should be a 2 year plan, that would give us a couple of windows to strengthen plus 2 years to blood in the youngsters for the massive step up to prem league.
If we were to bounce back with this squad then we are miles away from being a stable prem team, unless 49ers throw millions at it.
All imo.


7.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 08:41:19
Rumours I'm seeing still say we are looking at 6 incomings and are 'waiting for the transfer dominoes to line up' before we start moving. Watch this space.


8.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 09:29:40
I've got a hide almost as thick as my head, so i am never going to take offense at anything said to me here.

I would be as happy as anyone if we were to bounce back straight away and become a fixture in the Premiership, but maybe 45 years of corporate finance has made me a little conservative/ pragmatic in the way I look at things.

Wouldn't mind having enough money to be the one making these decisions though. ?.


9.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 09:57:15
I'm with jungle all the way. Farke came in too late to have any real impact on the squad. Would like to go straight back up but think it will be the season after this one for the reasons stated.


10.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 10:08:38
It’s a great post Jungle, and totally valid thoughts. At this moment in time, as everything stands, it could be spot on, but, I agree with Alf, that we will see the sudden influx of at least 6 players, probably who have already agreed to sign, and with Cluey, that Daniel will be charged with getting us straight back up this year. The 9ers will not be here to wee about in the chumpionship.


11.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 10:21:40
There can only be one plan and that is Plan A, promotion this season, I just can’t see the new owners thinking anything different. If they are, then they are looking for a world of trouble.
If we don’t get promoted by the end of this season from this devils hole of a league then you can forget it.


12.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 11:03:03
Leeds United will definitely not be promoted this season . sheer fantasy to think otherwise.


13.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 11:59:50
How is it fantasy Baz, when not one of us know what the team will look like next season? No one has said we WILL be promoted, just that the new owners will have that set as the objective. If we sign no one, and lose more, then of course we won’t go up, anyone can see and say that. It’s not a prediction, it’s a sure bet! But only when the window closes can anyone be “realistic” about what is achievable!


14.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 12:30:20
I think that's about you 5th or 6th prediction in the last couple of weeks Baz. still another 3 weeks to cover all scenarios, so keep going and you'll definitely be right at the end of the season!

In all seriousness though, I err on the side of Baz in the promotion stakes, but I truly hope I am wrong.

I'm of the opinion that it's going to be pretty sticky for a while. I know a lot of folks are happy that "deadwood" is being moved on, but some of those players have never been seen in the Championship and would have probably done ok. It is inevitable now that the team starting the campaign is going to inexperienced and in all likelihood not up to speed with Farke's approach. I hope the next couple of friendlies improve my optimism. I would feel better if Adams, Gnonto, Harrison and co were in the teams rather than what I suspect is happening, whereby they are being protected from injury because they are on their way out of the club.

I think we will ultimately flirt with the play-off positions most of the season, with highs and lows on the way. You essentially need 90 points to be sure to get of this league and I suspect by mid-September that will be looking implausible.

But hey, none of us know what is going to happen and we won't for a while. I hope I am very wrong.


15.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 13:06:38
Bright yes of course one can be far more definitive about ones prediction after the transfer window closes in September.

It's just that I feel that there is far too much that needs to be done with this squad ( in little time also) and that Leeds will sell their best players .

Ani . Nope my prediction is consistent, hasn't changed at all . Leeds will finish mid table around 12th . it might change at end of window depending on recruitment and sales but probably won't change

Likewise Ani my consistent accurate prediction of 19th (or 20th) in EPL last season never changed once summer window closed.


16.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 14:22:40
Some excellent posts here. Can't predict accurately until window ? closes. The key positions are GK, LB, CD, CAM and CF. We must acquire 2 CFs. If we recruit well, we can go up.


17.) 16 Jul 2023
16 Jul 2023 14:57:19
Can’t disagree with much there Baz and George.