Actually, we lack a third striker let alone a fourth one. And as for this search for the 'right striker', if 'right' means a set of criteria which makes it unlikely that we will get anyone in by Christmas then I would prefer a more flexible approach which ensured we started the season with competition for places. We went most of last season without this and paid the price in my view.
Of course we all want competition for places, UR more than anyone.
But my point is that if you sign players just for the sake of it i.e. numbers rather than quality, then they cease to provide proper "competition" just as soon as the established players cotton on that the new guys aren't up to it.
Of course, I'm sure Uwe could be much more successful in attracting talented new signings to GP if he promised them a place in the Starting XI, but that wouldn't provide real "competition" would it, though it would piss off CD and FEA.
Let's be quite clear about what's going on here. UR doesn't have pot loads of money to throw at the problem. Nor, to the outsider, is GP a particularly attractive* proposition compared with several other clubs in the Division. And if you're a family man in your mid-20s and playing for a club outside the M25, even if BFC offer a wage package which is competitive by League One standards, the cost of moving house and buying somewhere in the London area will often rule it out. Sure, Uwe could go for youngsters who don't have these things to worry about, or maybe veterans who have a few bob behind them already, but there is always a chance that the former won't make it or the latter are past it.
Above all, goalscoring forwards are the most valuable asset at any club and therefore the most sought-after. Therefore if one is available, affordable, hasn't already been snapped up by another club and is willing to come to GP, then there is very possibly a reason why.
And not a good reason, either.
* - Even if we insiders know differently!
