At the very least we'd need at least one back-up squaddie striker, a classic 9 - just to slam them home when there's a loose ball in the box.
I'm completely on board with Rudan signing a Jordan Murray (Who I thought looked a similar player to Corey Gameiro) or similar goal return state league player as a punt. Maybe that's a squaddie option until a gun striker becomes available in January.
We can't start the season without a *Striker* surely? No matter how many numbers are crunched with goal returns from our plethora of attacking mids.
While I agree with you on the need for a backup striker, our definiton of squaddie would have to change before we see a squaddie in Nix colours just "slammin' them home". Our "squaddies" were never at that level, and are best remembered by the chances they've missed.
My own hope for Rudan's Reign is to see the end of the culture of mediocrity we've accepted over the last few seasons. If we really need a central striker, let's get a good one even if it costs money. I am not convinced we need one until we see how this team performs, till say January window. Let's buy one then if there is a real need and one is available. However if you are talking about a "squaddie", then all we need is an injury cover from the lower AUS/NZ leagues - or even simply a young guy that has not done his ACL yet and knows how not to stray into the offside trap. That is enough to get us started.