Transfers
So, with the promotion to the Premier League, I have had to bring in a fair few players, so here are the first team signings:
IN
Michu
With a £1.3m release clause and with my scouts thinking that he would be a 'good signing for most Premier League clubs', I couldn't really say no. Last season, in real life, he was prolific for Vallecano in La Liga, and has just signed for Swansea. I hope he will get me a few goals from midfield this season.
Jacob Butterfield
This was a deal which I agreed at the start of last season, as I didn't think I would be getting promoted this year. Nevertheless, I will give him a go in the big time after he joined from Barnsley for £2.6m. A good young player, hope he does well.
Mohamed Diame
Brought in from Wigan for £1.3m (transfer listed and a release clause?!),
Diame will be my first choice defensive midfielder this year. He is one of a few central midfielders I have brought in due to the expiries of last seasons loanees, and he is top quality and a real tough guy- even if he is wearing tights in the picture.
Keiron Westwood
Speroni is old, and
Westwood is better. Nuff said, £2.5m.
Victor Moses
A former Crystal Palace favourite,
Moses was very keen to join the club after Wigan got relegated. Joined for £7m and I think he will be a superb signing.
Robert Acquafresca
Joined on loan for £500k with an option to buy for £800k, he was prolific last season in Italy and I hope
Acquafresca will get the goals to fire me to safety this year, along with my other signings and
Zaha. He has impressed in pre season so far.
Alessandro Gamberini
It was either him or
Hangeland after Fulham got relegated, but
Gamberini cost £1.5m as opposed to £8m for the big Norwegian. A very strong centre half, the Italian is looking like a first team cert.
Frazier Campbell
Another striker in to bolster the front line, he joins on a years loan for £400k and £2.2m future clause. Not first choice, but still going to feature a lot.
Bongani Khumalo
The fourth centre half in the squad,
Khumalo won't be first choice but I intend on giving him a fair bit of game time this year after the South African joined from Tottenham on a permanent deal after he had a two week trial and impressed in two friendlies against the reserves.
Orlando Sa
Another striker joins from the relegated Fulham,
Sa looks impressive in pre season.
OUT
Glenn Murray to Southampton, £1.7m
Paddy McCarthy to Bristol City, £1.2m
Darren Ambrose to Wolves, £1.9m
Lewis Price to Middlesbrough, £75k
+
A lot of youth players- including the incredible
Max Talbot, who has headed to Championship side Sheffield United.
The season starts shortly, with the first game being at home to Chelsea.
Next update will be a list of the pre season results, and then an August review.