As the title would suggest this window has seen the arrival of several new players to cover the departures of several key players, but more on that soon!
Firstly pre-season, overall a good one even if it was broken up by the Qualifying Rounds for Europe but one that instilled some confidence into the side with the challenge of the Championship and UEFA Cup ahead. However at the back of everyones mind was who in the dressing room would still be here come the start of the season.
An opening victory against AFC Wiggle set us off on the right foot, our opposition reeling from a horrid first season that saw them drop out of the Conferance North. Whilst AFC Wiggle put up a good fight our quality shone through as we crusied to a 3-0 victory, Phil Taylor playing at left wing opening the scoring from the spot, with Ritchie Lee and Edwin securing the victory either side of the half time break.
Next up was our first dabble in Europe against Albanian side Elbasani, the first leg was to be played at their ground but the hostile environment made no difference to the final score as Wiggleville ran out 5-0 winners, Player of the Season Will Luck grabbing 3 and Phil Taylor, wearing the armband, was in great form to score 2.
In the friendly against Arsenal a disappointing showing from the boys ensured we were well beaten 4-1, this being our first loss since the West Brom FA Cup game. Ben Levy getting the solitary Wiggleville goal.
Elbasani were the visitors in our next game as they tried to restore some pride following the 1st leg loss, however once again they were dispatched with relative ease 6-0, making it 11-0 on aggregate. James Martin opening the scoring allowing Onos to cruise by the Elbasani defence to score 4 and Garner also managed to chip in.
Juve were the next friendly opponents and showed class to defend their 1-0 lead for an hour, Wiggleville could feel unfortunate as they had chances to equalise but squandered them. The final score 1-0.
The league campaign started well with an opening day 4-1 victory over QPR, we followed this up with a battling 1-0 win against Doncaster, however inconsistency and a rattled Wiggleville team led to a 2-1 defeat against Wolves. Portsmouth were the last opposition of the month and we looked to have recovered from our first ever league loss as the South Coasters they were beaten 2-0.
During that run of game we came up against Swiss team BSC Young Boys in the 4th Qualifying Round, over the 2 legs we beat them 1-0 on aggregate, Will Luck the scorer. Following this victory the groups were drawn, and Wiggleville were handed a relatively tough group consisting of Danish side SC Heerenveen, Italy’s Fiorentina and Austrian SK Rapid Wien.
Well thats the fixture round up so now onto the Transfers, firstly those players leaving Wiggleville, 1st to depart was inspirational, commanding centre back Stuart Mitchell who left for Blackburn for £9.75m, with this departure long serving vice-captain Phil Taylor took the armband and James Martin promoted to Vice Captain.
Next to leave was tireless midfielder Paul Horrox, Man City having a £9m bid accepted for his signiture. Also going to Man City for a measly £7.25m was our midfield workhorse Ben Newton. Following these 2 out of the Wiggleville door was Alessandro Ambrosini, leaving for his beloved AC Milan for £9m. And finally Andorran interntional Greg Beckett left the club for Porto, £6m the price.
So with these players leaving the club for a total of £34m, and obviously losing last years loan players, we were short in several areas, but I wasted no time in ensuring the team was covered. After an impressive loan spell Emiliano Insua (£4.2m) was brought in on a permanant deal to cover Taylor at left back. Tommy Spurr (£5m) was brought in for the departing Mitchell, along with Richard Stearman (£2.7m) to cover the losses of Ambrosini and Beckett. With Denilson’s loan not being extended Danny Rose (£7m) was brought in as cover for Lee at left wing. Giuseppe Ingrassia (£925K) was signed as back up for Foale and Raastad, and Ched Evans (£7.5m) to add competition up front. And to fill the void left by our workhorse young Brazilian Eduardo (£7m) was signed from Botafogo. The overall value of these signings hitting the £35m mark.
The next post will probably come at the end of December!
