Marley Watkins and Josh Scowden

[fatpat]

Both turned down contracts at Barno, both highly rated, anybody know much more about them? could they be possible targets?

 

[sitwell]

Josh Scowen is a brilliant player ,if we could get him I will be impressed.

 

[Lmaobob]

some people need to give their heads a wobble.

 

[Kabba Kabba Doo]

Used to work at the Dingles and often had to go to matches, Josh Scowen was always head & shoulders above any other player on the pitch, also think Watkins is better than Winnall, would be delighted with either

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Feel a bit sorry for Barnsley really (not that I'd mind whatsoever if Scowen came here).

You build a side of hungry young players and within six months it's ripped to shreds. Similar state of affairs to Chesterfield in a way, when you look back on the side they had two years or so ago - Morsy, Roberts, Darikwa, Clucas, Doyle, Ryan, O'Shea, etc.

Barnsley as favourites for relegation next season already (through no real fault of their own)?

 

[Ricky]

Amazing how many of those Barnsley players have excelled this season - it's no wonder they got promoted last season. They were better than we realised.

Bree, Mawson, Roberts, Scowen, Hourihane, Winnall, Watkins.... all proven to be good players, will all be gone soon.

 

[Chief_Froley]

Feel a bit sorry for Barnsley really (not that I'd mind whatsoever if Scowen came here).

You build a side of hungry young players and within six months it's ripped to shreds. Similar state of affairs to Chesterfield in a way, when you look back on the side they had two years or so ago - Morsy, Roberts, Darikwa, Clucas, Doyle, Ryan, O'Shea, etc.

Barnsley as favourites for relegation next season already (through no real fault of their own)?

To be honest, I think it been a massive fault of Barnsley's in some ways.

They knew that there were a lot of big players for them coming to the end of their contracts by the end of this season and they decided to do nothing in the way of offering extensions the minute they were promoted from league one. I fully expect us to offer the likes of Freeman, Coutts and Basham extensions so they don't go for nothing next summer.

I know obviously it's not as simple as just giving them a new deal and expect everything to go off without a hitch but the amount of important players they had on their books (Scowan, Watkins, Winnal, Hourihane, Bree) whose contracts were expiring soon means to me that there was some element of overlooking this.

Before January there was a realistic chance of them pushing for playoffs. They shot themselves in the foot by leaving it too late and putting themselves in a position where they had to sell their best assets then or see them go for nothing in the summer because they outgrew the club and didn't want to sign another contract by that point.

 

[Booker4]

Can't see them joining us, even though we'll probably be as big a club as they'll end up at. I can see them joining a more established club in this division. When I say established I mean one that's been in this league for a few seasons, probably towards the top end. Leeds for example. Hate saying that but some won't join us because they'll see it as a gamble.

 

[Grizzly blade]

To be honest, I think it been a massive fault of Barnsley's in some ways.

They knew that there were a lot of big players for them coming to the end of their contracts by the end of this season and they decided to do nothing in the way of offering extensions the minute they were promoted from league one. I fully expect us to offer the likes of Freeman, Coutts and Basham extensions so they don't go for nothing next summer.

I know obviously it's not as simple as just giving them a new deal and expect everything to go off without a hitch but the amount of important players they had on their books (Scowan, Watkins, Winnal, Hourihane, Bree) whose contracts were expiring soon means to me that there was some element of overlooking this.

Before January there was a realistic chance of them pushing for playoffs. They shot themselves in the foot by leaving it too late and putting themselves in a position where they had to sell their best assets then or see them go for nothing in the summer because they outgrew the club and didn't want to sign another contract by that point.

I think Barnsley run a tight ship and wage structure. They did well to get those players in, and will have to hope they can repeat it constantly.
Because it doesn't matter how you paint it....it's still Barnsley. So even though I'm sure these lads won't be on a pittance, I doubt Barnsley will be able to get near to what others can offer so getting them to sign new deals will be tough...unless you get creative and start doing deals with release clauses, bonus payments etc on their eventual sale. (Eg, sign new deal for 5k a week...but will give a release clause of 1m....and once someone hits it the player can have 40% of the fee as a loyalty bonus from Barnsley plus a fee from his new club.) that way Barnsley profit and player is then paid as if he had been in a much higher wage.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Can't see them joining us, even though we'll probably be as big a club as they'll end up at. I can see them joining a more established club in this division. When I say established I mean one that's been in this league for a few seasons, probably towards the top end. Leeds for example. Hate saying that but some won't join us because they'll see it as a gamble.

You are underestimating our club mate....players look at lots of things before deciding where they go. If Wilder goes to a player and discusses who he's bringing in, and his plans....and the player looks and sees himself as part of a team capable of a challenge it won't be any concern to him if we have been in this league one year or five.

28k average gate....facilities....not many got all that and also on the up. Many of the clubs in the championship have been there a while and are stale...going nowhere. Be a waste of a few years. And I tell you what...I reckon Leeds will be one next season too.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

To be honest, I think it been a massive fault of Barnsley's in some ways.

They knew that there were a lot of big players for them coming to the end of their contracts by the end of this season and they decided to do nothing in the way of offering extensions the minute they were promoted from league one. I fully expect us to offer the likes of Freeman, Coutts and Basham extensions so they don't go for nothing next summer.

I know obviously it's not as simple as just giving them a new deal and expect everything to go off without a hitch but the amount of important players they had on their books (Scowan, Watkins, Winnal, Hourihane, Bree) whose contracts were expiring soon means to me that there was some element of overlooking this.

Before January there was a realistic chance of them pushing for playoffs. They shot themselves in the foot by leaving it too late and putting themselves in a position where they had to sell their best assets then or see them go for nothing in the summer because they outgrew the club and didn't want to sign another contract by that point.

Didn't they lose that Chief Executive guy (Mansford) to Leeds? He seemed really switched in/on. Maybe that's a factor? - just not having been able to replace the quality in his position, and to negotiate decent contracts serving the club better. The fact so many contracts seem to have fallen for renewal in a bunch seems very wrong. And why not longer contracts (so that, at least like in the case of Alfie Mawson, they'd profit significantly)?

In saying that (stating the obvious, I know), them and Chessy, are just both relatively small clubs, with very good players, and they've just had those players picked off. In a way, they were the victims of their own success.

Had a look on twatter earlier, & was amazed at the good grace with which Barnsley fans seem to be reacting to the Scowen/Watkins setback (on top of all the other setbacks) - just wishing them well, accepting the situation, etc. You just think: if it was us, we'd be going barmy!

 

[DifferentClass]

Marley... thank fuck Jose's no longer around

 

[Grizzly blade]

Had a look on twatter earlier, & was amazed at the good grace with which Barnsley fans seem to be reacting to the Scowen/Watkins setback (on top of all the other setbacks) - just wishing them well, accepting the situation, etc. You just think: if it was us, we'd be going barmy!

Difference is they are really at the maximum of their potential....whereas we believe we should be capable of competing in the top league, and therefore keeping hold of players until the really big boys come calling.

 

[Pinchy]

You are underestimating our club mate....players look at lots of things before deciding where they go. If Wilder goes to a player and discusses who he's bringing in, and his plans....and the player looks and sees himself as part of a team capable of a challenge it won't be any concern to him if we have been in this league one year or five.

28k average gate....facilities....not many got all that and also on the up. Many of the clubs in the championship have been there a while and are stale...going nowhere. Be a waste of a few years. And I tell you what...I reckon Leeds will be one next season too.

I admire your continuing stand against Bladey Inferiority Complex and cap-doffing. They'll take no notice. I've been trying for the best part of a decade...

 

[Booker4]

Didn't they lose that Chief Executive guy (Mansford) to Leeds? He seemed really switched in/on. Maybe that's a factor? - just not having been able to replace the quality in his position, and to negotiate decent contracts serving the club better. The fact so many contracts seem to have fallen for renewal in a bunch seems very wrong. And why not longer contracts (so that, at least like in the case of Alfie Mawson, they'd profit significantly)?

In saying that (stating the obvious, I know), them and Chessy, are just both relatively small clubs, with very good players, and they've just had those players picked off. In a way, they were the victims of their own success.

Had a look on twatter earlier, & was amazed at the good grace with which Barnsley fans seem to be reacting to the Scowen/Watkins setback (on top of all the other setbacks) - just wishing them well, accepting the situation, etc. You just think: if it was us, we'd be going barmy!

I know we're a big club and I do think we'll be able to attract players that have a choice of say us and Forest and Ipswich and other clubs from the middle and lower places of the league, but I can't see if a club like Villa, Derby and Leeds come calling with no doubt bigger wages than I think they'll chose those types over us. The relegated clubs too. I know Villa and Derby haven't pulled up any trees but their budgets are huge and will be expected to challenge next season whereas I think we'll be seen by players as a club that is less certain in terms of where we might finish because obviously we've only just gone up. If we start spending millions then perceptions will change but I can't see us doing that and I'm quite happy signing up and coming players that might not cost the earth. Scowen and Watkins are exactly the sort we should be going for but I just can't see us been the biggest attraction.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

I know we're a big club and I do think we'll be able to attract players that have a choice of say us and Forest and Ipswich and other clubs from the middle and lower places of the league, but I can't see if a club like Villa, Derby and Leeds come calling with no doubt bigger wages than I think they'll chose those types over us. The relegated clubs too. I know Villa and Derby haven't pulled up any trees but their budgets are huge and will be expected to challenge next season whereas I think we'll be seen by players as a club that is less certain in terms of where we might finish because obviously we've only just gone up. If we start spending millions then perceptions will change but I can't see us doing that and I'm quite happy signing up and coming players that might not cost the earth. Scowen and Watkins are exactly the sort we should be going for but I just can't see us been the biggest attraction.

Yeah, instructive that Hourihane and Bree went to Villa, & the ungrateful Winnall went to the Chansiridome.

You'd think, in saying that "they're testing the waters", these two are hoping to end up in very similar seas - i.e. either to snare a move to the likes of genuinely, premier-funded wealthy Villa or, on very much another few rungs down, to some temporarily rich club handing out silly contracts in desperation.

We're operating in different waters. Which is fine IMO. More than happy with the up-&-comers we're currently being linked with (which, funnily enough, seem like Barnsley-type signings).

 

[Booker4]

Yeah, instructive that Hourihane and Bree went to Villa, & the ungrateful Winnall went to the Chansiridome.

You'd think, in saying that "they're testing the waters", these two are hoping to end up in very similar seas - i.e. either to snare a move to the likes of genuinely, premier-funded wealthy Villa or, on very much another few rungs down, to some temporarily rich club handing out silly contracts in desperation.

We're operating in different waters. Which is fine IMO. More than happy with the up-&-comers we're currently being linked with (which, funnily enough, seem like Barnsley-type signings).

Aye I can see Barnsley competing with us for some players over the summer. Only one winner there though and its not going to be those with webbed feet is it!

 

[Grizzly blade]

I admire your continuing stand against Bladey Inferiority Complex and cap-doffing. They'll take no notice. I've been trying for the best part of a decade...

First time in a good while mind......I would have steered clear of our club for a while too, especially some of the fucking pricks we have had as manager over the years.
It is almost criminal some of the players Blackwell had and the football he produced.....jeez!

Whereas now....club going places. And that's NOT McCabe spin either! I'm not bothered we aren't chucking mega bucks about...I'm happy with the way he does things. Players who want to come and work for the best English manager out there at this current time.

 

[Pinchy]

First time in a good while mind......I would have steered clear of our club for a while too, especially some of the fucking pricks we have had as manager over the years.
It is almost criminal some of the players Blackwell had and the football he produced.....jeez!

Whereas now....club going places. And that's NOT McCabe spin either! I'm not bothered we aren't chucking mega bucks about...I'm happy with the way he does things. Players who want to come and work for the best English manager out there at this current time.

I still shiver at the thought of the garbage semi-pro had us playing. No style; No finesse; Defenders knock it forward; midfielders try to elpiton in the direction of the strikers. No passing; No movement; No direction. Terrible.

Tuftyball is a completely different game. It's proper football played by talented individuals linking superbly as a unit. Not surprisingly, it wins matches and people flock to see it.

Our club has taken the first step of a spectacular journey and any player with half a brain (sadly we've had far too many with less) will see us as a sure thing, not a gamble. Speaking of gamble, the bookies have us comfortably in the top-half. Bookies don't starve.

I ❤ Tuftyball.

 

[sheffieldwhite]

Alan Nixon from the Sun linked us (PNE) to Scowen, doubt it will come off though. Him and Ben Pearson in CM would be class.

 

[McGrath]

I thought Barnsley had pots of cash from the John Stones to Man City sell on clause.

Why are they allowing their good players to go?

They could do a Rotherham next year especially if the manager decides to go to pastures new

 

[Grizzly blade]

I thought Barnsley had pots of cash from the John Stones to Man City sell on clause.

Why are they allowing their good players to go?

They could do a Rotherham next year especially if the manager decides to go to pastures new

Because even with that, and the tv money they don't have enough revenue to survive as a championship club looking to go up. They need to sell to survive.
We lose millions a year, and are propped up by the owners. Have done for over a decade. Don't think they have that luxury.

 

[Chief_Froley]

Because even with that, and the tv money they don't have enough revenue to survive as a championship club looking to go up. They need to sell to survive.
We lose millions a year, and are propped up by the owners. Have done for over a decade. Don't think they have that luxury.

I don't know if I make this up but I think the owner for Barnsley has terminal cancer and with the whole situation I think they're having to keep in a state of self-sustaining. I think there were talks at one point of them getting additional investment but they broke down last year when the owner got the diagnosis.

 

[Slim Man]

Marley Watkins would be a great signing. Brilliant grafter on the wing or up front.

Will probably end up at Ipswich

 

[FriethBlade]

Well if I was choosing between is and Ipswich it would be an easy choice. He wouldn't have to move digs either

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Difference is they are really at the maximum of their potential....whereas we believe we should be capable of competing in the top league, and therefore keeping hold of players until the really big boys come calling.

It's gonna be interesting. I wonder what really would happen if, say, Villa or Sunderland came in with a "hostile bid" for John Fleck? Would we be able to resist or, like Barnsley, are we just as vulnerable to clubs who, as things stand, are clearly bigger and more powerful?

 

[Grizzly blade]

It's gonna be interesting. I wonder what really would happen if, say, Villa or Sunderland came in with a "hostile bid" for John Fleck? Would we be able to resist or, like Barnsley, are we just as vulnerable to clubs who, as things stand, are clearly bigger and more powerful?

It depends on individuals and what is their priority.

If it's all about the money then we would probably struggle to compete with teams carrying a wad of parachute money to splash about. But, Fleck had the chance to go to the championship when he came to us. So he clearly looks at a lot more than just money.
Looking at the clubs mentioned, Sunderland are in a mess and need a complete rebuild. They will be needing a new manager too. Potential wise...yes it's all there, big fan base, great facilities etc but it's a big job.

Villa....also need a rebuild and still looking for new owners I believe. Historically a huge club, but again will have a big job getting sorted. Plus of course, for both of them the pressure to go back up is huge.

Then look at us....little expectation from the media, and a settled set up going forwards in a positive way. Everything all settled, and Fleck knows where he sits in the club. He's being paid well, no doubt he might well be getting paid even more now too so not as if he's on a pittance. He has a young family that seems to be settled too.

I would wager that he would be more than happy to sit where he is and see what happens this season with us. If we make huge strides and challenge for the play offs or above then he might well be prepared to have another year.

However....when I say big boys, I mean the ones who nobody could turn down.
The big name clubs well established in the top 10 of the premier league and ambitions to win leagues and cups. They tick every box for any aspiring player. Could he play for them? IMHO yes he could.
I could see him comfortably in an Everton side.

 

[Chali 2na]

It depends on individuals and what is their priority.

If it's all about the money then we would probably struggle to compete with teams carrying a wad of parachute money to splash about. But, Fleck had the chance to go to the championship when he came to us. So he clearly looks at a lot more than just money.
Looking at the clubs mentioned, Sunderland are in a mess and need a complete rebuild. They will be needing a new manager too. Potential wise...yes it's all there, big fan base, great facilities etc but it's a big job.

Villa....also need a rebuild and still looking for new owners I believe. Historically a huge club, but again will have a big job getting sorted. Plus of course, for both of them the pressure to go back up is huge.

Then look at us....little expectation from the media, and a settled set up going forwards in a positive way. Everything all settled, and Fleck knows where he sits in the club. He's being paid well, no doubt he might well be getting paid even more now too so not as if he's on a pittance. He has a young family that seems to be settled too.

I would wager that he would be more than happy to sit where he is and see what happens this season with us. If we make huge strides and challenge for the play offs or above then he might well be prepared to have another year.

However....when I say big boys, I mean the ones who nobody could turn down.
The big name clubs well established in the top 10 of the premier league and ambitions to win leagues and cups. They tick every box for any aspiring player. Could he play for them? IMHO yes he could.
I could see him comfortably in an Everton side.

Not saying Fleck would leave, but just to correct you: Villa now have an extremely wealthy owner in Tony Xia who is worth nearly a billion and spent around £70m in his first season.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Fair enough....wasnt aware they had finally been sold on.