Brayford was a purchase for the Championship. That's what we wanted and crucially he wanted. He was the man to push us on and give the morale boost needed at that time. Come on, we were ALL excited when he returned, we saw it as a statement of intent. Sadly, then 3 things happened; the Championship didn't happen, he got injured in the play offs and Clough got sacked.
After that he just didn't have the zest and desire he once had. He looked around and instead of being the million quid signing amongst other Championshio million quid signings he stood out. The club then went into off field meltdown over Ched's release and Adkins just never got it going on the field.
On his return Brayford looked like the life had been taken from him and some of his mistakes, especially in defensive positioning late last season were significant. Just when we could have made the 6th spot a few conceded goals directly linked to his poor positioning cost us. And I can't recall many marauding runs can last year?
Wilder arrives and I guess expected more, didn't get it and here we are. A sad state of man and club, but if he ain't defending well and ain't marauding well and has gone into his shell then best be gone.
Final question did we love the cult or did we love the player? The first bearded hipster footballer, the mini, the Bradley Wiggins look, the engagement with the fans and his bird ( phwooaarrr as my grandad would say!).
I just wonder if it was the cult and the hope he brought that we mourn and not so much the player?
UTB ( and yes I would class him as a Blade)
Once again those responsible for the stewardship of the club, those entrusted with formulating a coherent long term sustainable strategy and one which will advance the club, have failed miserably - yet again.
Ok, so 18 months ago we buy Brayford, for a reported £1.5m and on a reported wage of £10k per week - might not be accurate but for this purpose lets go with these numbers. The investment therefore since date of acquisition totals by my reckoning £2.45m (£1.5m transfer fee + 78 weeks x £10k + 20% for other on costs NI & pension etc) - not an inconsiderable amount of money for (1) a right back and (2) a third division club - agreed?
The club having committed this level of funds towards this 1 player should, in my opinion, have made this investment in harmony with the playing style to be adopted, ensured that this player was of the right calibre and that then management team would go on to build a team around this individual & thus advance the club.
What, arguably, we have seen happen was an emotionally fueled decision to purchase an individual and not necessarily a player - there is a distinction between the two & one who was able to contribute or enhance the overall team performance - both Adkins and Wilder have spoken about individuals not playing according to the plan - Brayford?
To further infuriate matters, it has even been reported that the club is funding a significant proportion of wages in order to allow the loan move.
I have read a number of contributors comments on this forum who have expressed the view that Brayford's departure is no loss and based on current form and the players state of mind and fitness (there is a growing feeling that his last injury is worse & carries a longer lasting threat to his overall playing ability) - Views I would agree with.
However there is a more serious loss that has been had, namely a significant financial loss, the failure of yet another (short term knee jerk) plan and the loss of yet more time in putting together a sustainable plan & management team able to drive the club forward.
