Given that permanent recruitment cannot take place until 1st January, notwithstanding the short term signing of Madjo until January which in effect is the same as a loan, I think Micky has done the right and prudent thing in bringing in the 2 Hull lads. To leave the squad, given our current League position, without cover for 6 League games together with an FA Cup and a JPT game all to be played during this period would have been suicidal. Until the 1st Jan and we see what movement there is in the market, I think it is wrong to criticise the current management for the failings of the past. Micky's loan moves have been fairly astute to date particularly when compared to the dross who were given permanent deals under the previous manager.
I am going to explore this issue a little further. Striking options already at the club; Stockton, Richards, Odejayi, Donnelly(
) Madjo, Baggie, Johnson [not mentioned on the official site if we're extending his loan after tomorrow, but I suspect if we asked Cardiff they'd let us] We've now added two more loans in Jahraldo-Martin and Fenelon, the latter recalled from Rochdale because he wasn't getting enough games. Fingers crossed he's not on a pay-if-he- doesn't-play-deal. So potentially 9 'strikers' to use the term loosely. Given we don't play more than 3 up front and it would be inadvisable to have a bench of 6 strikers and a keeper, is it really prudent to have so many on the books?
Compare and contrast with defensive midfielders. With Gill's departure, we have Steve Jennings. If Jenno were to get injured/banned/recalled (in descending order of probability), then short of trying Woodards there, we don't have a replacement, so isn't that an area that needs bolstering, even with a rookie youngster? Similarly we only have Baggie, who MA seems not to rate and Kirby who really isn't a winger, so wide players also in short supply.
If it's true, as suggested elsewhere, that Edwards only had ~£700,000 playing budget, then is it that much of a surprise he was only able to bring in 'dross'? To be fair Brezovan, Woodards, Hill, Donacien, Ihiekwe, Gill, Richards and even Laird aren't bad players at this level. RE also believed enough in Stockton to give him a confidence boost, while Baggie turned in some decent performances under Rob. Micky is undoubtedly experienced and Rovers are in a very difficult position. However, I would prefer to see him try and build on the positives from the previous regime, few that they are, rather than going through a succession of short-term loanees, given the failings that approach has previously caused.