With the transfer window set to “slam shut” (copyright, all tabloid journalists) on Monday, Uwe Rosler has admitted that he is looking to further improve his squad.
Uwe was believed to be happy with his options at the start of the season but recent long term injuries to Jake Bidwell and Conor McAleney plus the continued absence of Jonathan Douglas and Richard Lee have caused him to re-think.
With Farid El Alagui still returning to match fitness and Will Grigg struggling with a hamstring strain Brentford have started to look increasing light up front so this would seem one area where Rosler is looking to strengthen.
Paul Hayes was “unavailable for selection” for Tuesday’s debacle at Derby, fuelling rumours that he might be set to leave Brentford for pastures new, which would leave Clayton Donaldson as our only fully fit recognised front man.
Clayton, who is out of contract next summer, has himself been regularly linked with a move to League One rivals Wolves but with the current crop of injuries as well as his importance to Rosler’s preferred 4-3-3 formation we’d certainly hope that Donaldinho remains at Griffin Park.
The Bees also look somewhat light in defensive options – Scott Barron is our only cover for Bidwell apart from Tony Craig who is occupied at centre back – whilst Ben Nugent is yet to impress as cover for Harlee Dean or Craig. Youngsters Alfie Mawson and Aaron Pierre may yet have a part to play this season but regular first team football for a team seeking promotion might be too big an ask at this stage of their careers.
Richard Lee’s prolonged absence leaves rookies Jack Bonham and Liam O’Brien battling it out for a spot on our bench as cover for David Button but Beesotted predicts that we’d take advantage of the emergency keeper loan system if Button were himself sidelined for any prolonged period.
Rosler told the Hounslow Chronicle this week “We won’t bring someone in just for the sake of it. They must improve the squad” but after the pitiful showing from his second string at Pride Park on Tuesday this doesn’t currently look like a barrier to bringing in a new face or two.
Condorman
(@thecondorman)