Aneke returns

Positive news at last as we sign Chuks Aneke from Birmingham on a three-and-a-half year deal. Some fans are moaning at having paid £300k for him when he left for nothing at the end of last signing but you have to remember he was out-of-contract and we were never going to get a fee for him. The three-and-a-half year deal is more eye-popping but at 28 he would be looking for some security and the term might be offset by lower wages - he will certainly have taken a big step-down from Championship money.

His move to Birmingham clearly hasn't worked out. Only two goals in 18 appearances this season after moving further down the pecking order when the Blues signed Troy Deeney. However, he has featured in their last four games and should be match fit.

Given the risks involved in signing any striker, Aneke looks a shrewd move. He knows the club and we know he will score goals at this level. That is what we need desperately right now in the continuing absence of Stockley and we shouldn't under-estimate the threat of relegation if we don't start scoring goals again and winning games. I would expect him to play tomorrow but it may be from the bench, although that's really how we have seen him used most effectively for us previously. 

For me, however, he is another 'second striker' and we already have Stockley and Washington in that mould. We still need that main striker who is going to get 20 plus goals if we are ever to get out of this division. Just look at the top two, Rotherham and Sunderland, where both have strikers heading for 20 plus this season (Smith 14 and Stewart 18 respectively). Chuks also has a poor injury record and that alone tells you we need more firepower, certainly ahead of next season. 

Aneke will provide stronger competition for Stockley and Washington and will mean we don't have to rely on inexperienced youngsters. Hopefully that will save Burstowe from what could become a dispiriting loss of confidence if over-played. It will also likley lead to a change for Davison who has struggled to make an impression in the first team.

Credit to Thomas Sandgaard too. He has been called out on this and has responded. The real cost of Aneke's deal will be well north of a million pounds over the term (guessing closer to £1.6m). A cheaper and riskier option may have been to go for a short-term loanee. I fear that could be it in this window, which I think might be another missed opportunity, but at least we have addressed the current emergency.