This thread has been sniffing some depressive gas or something.
Positives
Martinez might be better than Heaton and last all season, command and organise the defence, something we haven't had properly since Brad Friedel.
Targett might actually have a better season, he's just had one hell of a kicking last season and he'll be better for it, Never know he might get some competent competition in the likes of Danny Rose/Rico Henry.
Mings and Konsa will be better this season, We've had some decent games in Pre season we beat both Man Utd and Arsenal who fielded quite strong sides, yes only a friendly but with the teams they put out with players looking to impress they'll be expecting the wins, we finished last season as one of the strongest sides.
SJM is back to 100% now, DS said he was at 80% after he came back from injury and said he's raring to go.
Already Jack Grealish and Watkins are linking up well, Grealish himself says it's coming on already, Luiz won't have a bad start like last season, and Grealish has something to prove to Southgate to keep getting picked.
IF Cash doesn't perform and impress then we know we've got Guilbert who will be improved as well.
With the likes of Traore instead of Ghazi it'll be like playing with an extra player on the field, I can see us getting another winger in be it King, Benrahma or Rashica, as soon as that happens Grealish can move into the centre and really start linking midfield to attack something we also lacked last season.
After listening to Dean Smith today I really expect us to get at least 3 more players, my money is on 2 wingers and a left back.
Like everyone has said it would be nice to have an experienced CB, but I believe we won't struggle like last season, Grealish himself expects the team to be finishing between 8-12th realistically I think 12-15th.
Cheer up guys we could have a blinder of a season.
I like your optimism, but...............................
Heaton was brilliant last season and if Martinez can replicate that then great, but I don't see him as an improvement as a fully fit Heaton would have been perfect.
Targett is just a pansy and is nowhere good enough and never will be. We should have signed a top left back.
Cash, well none of us know if he's going to be PL quality. It could take him a season to get there, but I don't expect him to be for a while.
Watkins, yes I think he is going to be a great signing but only if he gets enough service.
SJM, as most on here know he's not my favourite player. Decent but not top quality imo. This season will define for me whether he can kick on to become a top PL player.
Traore, to me is the biggest risk. Had a shocking last season and rated as Lyon's worst player by their fans. Yes he was good for them before that, but the French league isn't exactly the best in Europe. Will need a good start as he comes across as a confidence player. Any better than Trez, well despite him being an average player it was his goals that kept us in this league.
Personally, I don't think we have been smart enough in this window compared to other clubs who have got better players cheaper. Players were there for the taking as we have seen but were we ambitious enough to sign them or is Dean Smith the barrier to them signing.
I think our best signing has been Craig Shakespere who I think will bring some much needed changes to our attacking game.
I still think however unless there are some quality signings before the window slams shut that we will struggle to finish outside the bottom 6. I hope I am wrong.
