Sheffield clubs: The Transfer Policies

[Houston_Blade]

I just Cross my fingers that they've accounted for the debenture season tickets in a dodgy way and that it comes back to bite them. The money will dry up after this year, I just hope they fail again and it's not 3rd time lucky.

 

[Nade]

The "pigs" undoubtedly have 1 or 2 good players , I'm a football fan after all so have to say it .
That's all I'm going to say bout them
But this is what we are all about Blades , we have spent silly money in the past ,
but we are still a muck and nettles , hard as fuck , no nonsense working man's club ,
I would like to spend more money ( who wouldn't ) on players , but I trust our manager with his
approach to our recruitment , he may not get it right all the time , but after his signings last year ,
his reintegration of players who were on there way out , I know who I'd want spending our money .
The pigs have always had this snobbery about them , thinking they're better than us ,
the last few years league wise they where .
It's a level playing field now , we have a manager , captain , and MD , who have our club running through there veins , just like us .
I'm thinking back to the Sir Dave era at the moment , cheap as chips Deane and Agana , scrap heap players
who no one wanted , or no one had heard of , ( I'm not saying the new signings are those by the way ) .
Over the last few seasons people on this forum have been saying , sign hungry , up and coming with something to prove players , our boss is doing this and some are saying , who , not good enough , spend bigger on championship players .
I think our manager at the moment is building our club to mean something to us all again ,
that shirt means something , this Club and ground mean something to those 20 odd thousand fuckers out there .
We will never be signing players for 50 million , but whoever Chris buys , whoever pulls on that
Red , white and black shirt , is one of us , ( Don givens , and the cunt Curren never forgiven ) ,
The pigs can buy who they want , coco the clown , can talk his drivel , but I want
Somebody from Sheffield , telling it like it is , because we ain't nobody's fucking fools , and can see what's happening on that ( Desso ) pitch .
I'd take a steady as she goes season this year , not to get beaten by the "pigs " , shock a few result wise .
I'm happy with the signings so far .
The "pigs " fuck em .

 

[Liverpool blade]

In honesty I'm not overly bothered what Wednesday do. In fairness to them on paper they have an excellent championship squad and should really be challenging for the top two. We on the other hand have a budget miles away from there's and although it's disappointing that yet again McCabes promises of investment have turned out to be a crock of shit I'm actually quite comfortable with the sensible, low risk approach we are taking. We are signing young hungry players for reasonable fees and I'm confident Wilder is building something!

We've tried spending biggish money on "proven" players and we ended up in league one for six years. The first time we decided to take a different approach under Wilder we stormed the league.

The big spending might work for Wednesday, Rhodes had a poor last year but if he gets his confidence back there isn't a better striker outside the PL, they also probably have the best GK outside the PL.

But I like it this way round, let them slag our signings off & boast about spending millions cause this season and especially the Derby games all of the pressure is on them!

Really looking forward to this season, we finally have a squad of talented 100%ers and it's going to be fantastic watching them at this level and hopefully shocking a few!

Couldn't agree more!. Absolutely spot on.

 

[Iffy Onuora's Shiny Head]

I think you have to remember that a lot of callers to RS around the mid point in the season were saying they were being very fortunate in some of their wins. Turn a few of those into draws and a few draws into losses and that’s around 10 points worse off they could be.



I’m more than happy for us to go quietly about our business, building a strong stable model that we can build on.



I like that CW is externally writing out chances down (such as the 100 points over 2 years comments) but I think on the inside there is a fearlessness that will hopefully allow us to push on and achieve a good position. My one concern that is if we go on a bad run, the fans don’t turn on them. We need this fearlesness both in the team and in the stands as well. This apparently kept happening at Wednesday which comes with the expectation they have.



I don’t think you need to spend millions at this level to get a good team together. You can do it by being clever, understanding the market and having an excellent scouting network

 

[tomtheblade]

Generally our approach is good enough, because Wilder & Knill know what they are doing.

Is Wendys approach working? Well yes because they're consistently reaching the playoffs. And also no because they're not yet promoted and their approach is unsustainable.

When it comes to spending, its obvious that we are being quite cautious, some might say overly so.
If we genuinely dont have the funds, then fair enough. However just 2 years ago we were spending large sums on full backs, past-it midfielders, and a huge squad overall.
So it seems like we do have at least a bit more than we are spending now. If this is the case it actually makes more sense to spend that kind of money now we're back in the championship than it did back then.

The other alternative, that we have more funds than it seems but Wilder likes to work this way, then also fair enough. I think we all have faith in our manager. I hope when the time comes to push on we don't hold back too much in the name of frugality.

The only really bad option is that we do have funds but they're not being released to Wilder. Given the sums spent 2 years ago and now you can make a case for this. I can also understand why this might be the case- ending up with a bloated squad.

But as another poster said, if we do have money we should make it available to Wilder. He really is the type of manager we should be investing in.

 

[Fanny magnet]

I don't know much about the deluded from s6 other than that in the few games I saw them in last season they were very workmanlike aggressive and direct .very good keeper and a variety of strikers to nick them the three points here and there

If I was paying the kind of ticket prices they are I'd expect a little bit more creativity flair and excitement

 

[8lade]

Any club, not just the one mentioned who starts blowing big money on transfers is entering the lottery to go up, sadly for them this does not exclude the teams not gambling as evidenced last year where 2 out of 3 promoted had not been daft with cash. There are about half a dozen teams blowing substantial money on transfers in the Championship so at least 3 of them are going to be unlucky, I'm happy we are doing it sustainably.

 

[I should coco]

The pigs can buy who they want , coco the clown , can talk his drivel

Good to know that my efforts on here reach across the Irish Sea, begorra.

 

[bornablade]

I think you have to remember that a lot of callers to RS around the mid point in the season were saying they were being very fortunate in some of their wins. Turn a few of those into draws and a few draws into losses and that’s around 10 points worse off they could be.



I’m more than happy for us to go quietly about our business, building a strong stable model that we can build on.



I like that CW is externally writing out chances down (such as the 100 points over 2 years comments) but I think on the inside there is a fearlessness that will hopefully allow us to push on and achieve a good position. My one concern that is if we go on a bad run, the fans don’t turn on them. We need this fearlesness both in the team and in the stands as well. This apparently kept happening at Wednesday which comes with the expectation they have.



I don’t think you need to spend millions at this level to get a good team together. You can do it by being clever, understanding the market and having an excellent scouting network

If we go on a bad run the fans will not turn on the team if they see the players are giving 100%.

We couldn't have had a worse run than the one during August -December 1990. The fans stuck by the players because they could see everyone was giving their all.

Wilder won't allow there to be any passengers.

 

[CaptainHotdog]

Quick question- I've seen a lot floating around about the Pigs being near the FFP, how does anyone know? Genuine question, is there a link or is there a way of finding out? People seem really confident but I'm interested to know is it just one of those things people now have in their heads but there is no evidence for? Anyone who can share something official I'd be interested to have a look.

My understanding is the maximum loss limit is now £13m per Championship season.

I think this will be the 3rd season since Chansiri took over and the big spend began. If Wednesday are to fall foul of the rules and be handed an embargo it would most likely be next season/season after. Of course if they are promoted, then like Bournemouth they can breach the rules yet avoid punishment as no longer in FL jurisdiction.

I echo many thoughts though - FFP is a load of bollocks. Far too much damage can be caused in 3 years that can cripple a club. Sensible spending should be a given for all clubs, in all leagues, every season.

 

[Coily]

Clearly the fish bloke has money to burn, and burning it he is. But with that outlay you'd expect them to be a no-doubter to go up this season and they aren't with the squad they have right now. And throwing an undeserved fortune at Alan Hutton wouldn't improve matters, that would be an odd signing to make particularly as they are already a decent defensive unit. That said, they are going to in the top six, it would be an utter failure if they weren't. The pressure is on them, and they know it.

No such pressure on United, other than not being anywhere near the bottom three which simply won't happen. I like our strategy of signing players with potential, players with points to prove who in some cases have had setbacks at big clubs. In time we'll need to mix that up with bigger signings that will push us up the division, but for now we can be excited to see how far this squad can go with the astute additions made.

 

[Rusty view]

Re the last paragraph of the op. I saw the same and thought are they in a pickle. Think it said no more than a 13m loss over 3 years. Now I'm sure they spent silly money over last 2 years.

Seem to also recall Dolphin Killer saying gaffer had 2 years to get promoted.

Maybe this is more in hope but I reckon it's do or die for them this season.

Our approach seems much more sustainable and as Wildet has said he won't gamble the clubs money.

 

[Sheffsteel]

I don't know much about the deluded from s6 other than that in the few games I saw them in last season they were very workmanlike aggressive and direct .very good keeper and a variety of strikers to nick them the three points here and there

If I was paying the kind of ticket prices they are I'd expect a little bit more creativity flair and excitement

I was also underwhelmed when watching SW last season on Sky (apart from the Newcastle games).
SW reminded me of England on a bad day, decent individual quality but not gelling as a team.
Also reminded me of us when Clough was our manager, over cautious and over tactical.
SW looked a tidy side but the tempo was often too slow, no urgency as though they were playing in 2nd gear all the time waiting for things to happen. Very few players trying or wanting to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

It's a slow continental style, which you might expect as they have a continental manager.

Our style of play is far far superior and more entertaining than there's.
Wednesday fans don't know this yet and many will be in shock when we consistently play better football.

 

[Champagneblade]

They can't I'm sad to say. The present company is a different legal entity to the one culpable in the disaster. That's why the then Secretary, Herring or whatever his name wasn't, is being prosecuted.

How come they managed to keep the ground and the training ground? Keep the assets but not the liabilities?

 

[Bartleby]

The other dark cloud heading there way could very well be the Hillsborough Tragedy, once the criminal proceedings get under way, Sheffield Wednesday could be held accountable for some of it, still a long way off, but I think they will get caught in the ripple effect once things are under way and it could cost them dearly.

Was saying the same thing the other week when talking to a bloke I know who supports Crewe, and he said about the effect that all the scandal there has had on his club.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Morning fellow Blades of the world.

Firstly I apologies for polluting our beautiful forum with a mention of the dark side.. however I feel the need to scope your thoughts on the contrasting transfer policies of the two Sheffield teams.

Wilder has mentioned it several times, that we've clearly adopted this approach to buy the best from the lower leagues. Players whose stock is rising - captains, players of the season, the right age etc. Stearman being the exception.

I look at the transfer activity at Hillsborough. Boyd, to be fair, I still think is a decent player who will likely play a lot of games for them this season. However he fits a mould of players who they have signed who have already peaked and are on their way down, maintaining big contracts:

Fletcher
Jones
Wallace
Hooper & Rhodes - I'd have both, however I'm including these players in this bracket as they've hit the PL and not cut the mustard.
Hutton - linked with them this week, 32 and one of the highest earners at Villa, seemingly willing to let him go.

My point is this. Two clubs, one city. Yet the transfer policies differ greatly. I see them 'spunkin moneh' on big transfers and high wages and yet I feel no jealousy at all. I prefer our approach - in an era where I am growing vastly disillusioned with modern football and daft amounts being spent, what we are doing gives me hope that success can be achieved in this modest way.

Finally I have a sneaky feeling it could implode at Wednesday this season. I saw some comments from Carvalhal in the paper and reading between the lines I don't think they're able to continue with the big transfer fees due to FFP. My opinion is they will fail to make the play-offs this time round. Could well be wrong, hope I'm not!

Thoughts ??

UTB

A welcome and nicely considered piece of analysis mate!

I think you've hit upon many salient points that highlight the difference between us and the heathens. Key for me (and I'm sure for many other Blades) is Wilder and his take on how to do things. I've no doubt at all that Chris would sorely love to have budgets that exceed his current spending power, but Wilder is nothing if not canny, and so far I think we're strengthening the squad in ways we've failed to do in past seasons. One of Wilder's key qualities is his razor sharp approach in recognising what exactly a player can do for this club. He's not infallible of course, but he's close to it! I think we've got some real talent that will enable this club to progress as a group of players grow together and learn how to improve. Good times ahead I hope, I'm certainly encouraged, and it's mostly down to the fact that we have Wilder as our manager. UTB!

 

[LJBlade]

I think instead of just casting an eye over the dark side, which is known to cause nausea and vomiting, we've got to look at football as a whole in England.

I've mentioned on a different thread in the 'Other football' section; the current levels of second-tier spending are ridiculous and completely unsustainable. With so many chasing the honey pot, one or two clubs are going to fall flat on their arses and do a Pompey (or perhaps a Bolton if they don't sort their shit out).

I think many fans become blinded by big-money signings without stopping to think of what the future implications might be. Personally, I'd rather spend and build gradually over time than splash massive sums around and potentially end up in trouble if it doesn't come off.

It'd be lovely to spend more and get better quality in, but as we've seen from them lot, it guarantees nothing. I'm actually of the opinion that if they got a new manager in they'd do even better than they have with that squad, but long may the 'Carlos & Tunaman 4eva' romance continue.

A sustainable future for our club should always be the aim from now on, especially in the current climate.

Some fans are definitely becoming blinded by big money signings. We've got people on here talking about our recruitment this season not being a 'statement of intent', when what they really mean is that they didn't cost enough so they aren't excited.

I'd much prefer us to go about our business the way we have been doing. We've done the overspending bit before, it didn't work out well.

 

[Westran]

Just in terms of maximum loss for FFP, found this that explains a bit. The max loss for a team in the Champironship for 3 seasons is £39m or £15m if no equity is invested. Maximum loss is assessed in March/April 2017 based on submission relating to two previous seasons plus projection for 2016/17. Not sure about how Wednesdays spend translates compared to this.

 

[Boxer Blade]

A welcome and nicely considered piece of analysis mate!

I think you've hit upon many salient points that highlight the difference between us and the heathens. Key for me (and I'm sure for many other Blades) is Wilder and his take on how to do things. I've no doubt at all that Chris would sorely love to have budgets that exceed his current spending power, but Wilder is nothing if not canny, and so far I think we're strengthening the squad in ways we've failed to do in past seasons. One of Wilder's key qualities is his razor sharp approach in recognising what exactly a player can do for this club. He's not infallible of course, but he's close to it! I think we've got some real talent that will enable this club to progress as a group of players grow together and learn how to improve. Good times ahead I hope, I'm certainly encouraged, and it's mostly down to the fact that we have Wilder as our manager. UTB!

And Knill of course dont forget its a duo.

 

[blade too long]

They can't I'm sad to say. The present company is a different legal entity to the one culpable in the disaster. That's why the then Secretary, Herring or whatever his name wasn't, is being prosecuted.

so in that case the police cant be sued as they are all different policemen now
new cheif constable , new union different regional funding
was it sheffield wednesday football club that failed to produce a safety certificate ,, yes or no

who was in charge is meaningess as its so long ago , but it was sheffield wednesday fc s responsibility

like when west ham tried to get outof it with Tevez saying different board. that didnt matter we won 20 m compo

 

[Pinchy]

so in that case the police cant be sued as they are all different policemen now
new cheif constable , new union rep
was it sheffield wednesday football club that failed to produce a safety certificate ,, yes or no

who was in charge is meaningess as its so long ago , but it was sheffield wednesday fc s responsibility

Are you asking me a question or arguing the point? Your last paragraph suggests the latter. It may well be morally arguable but is quite wrong in law.

 

[blade too long]

Are you asking me a question or arguing the point? Your last paragraph suggests the latter. It may well be morally arguable but is quite wrong in law.

again I quote the tevez response
no mlud wasnt us was the previous board , , no it wasnt it was west ham united

if you could just change the boards make up to get away with previous misdemeanors thered be board changes every month and fiddling across the league

swfc were responsible for crowd safety , just like we are as a club

any deaths should be the responsibility of the club

corporate manslaughter , is undeniable in this case

 

[Sean Thornton]

so in that case the police cant be sued as they are all different policemen now
new cheif constable , new union different regional funding
was it sheffield wednesday football club that failed to produce a safety certificate ,, yes or no

who was in charge is meaningess as its so long ago , but it was sheffield wednesday fc s responsibility

like when west ham tried to get outof it with Tevez saying different board. that didnt matter we won 20 m compo

edited. If you won't listen to Pinchy there's really no point in saying anything.

 

[BushBlade]

Generally our approach is good enough, because Wilder & Knill know what they are doing.

Is Wendys approach working? Well yes because they're consistently reaching the playoffs. And also no because they're not yet promoted and their approach is unsustainable.

When it comes to spending, its obvious that we are being quite cautious, some might say overly so.
If we genuinely dont have the funds, then fair enough. However just 2 years ago we were spending large sums on full backs, past-it midfielders, and a huge squad overall.
So it seems like we do have at least a bit more than we are spending now. If this is the case it actually makes more sense to spend that kind of money now we're back in the championship than it did back then.

The other alternative, that we have more funds than it seems but Wilder likes to work this way, then also fair enough. I think we all have faith in our manager. I hope when the time comes to push on we don't hold back too much in the name of frugality.

The only really bad option is that we do have funds but they're not being released to Wilder. Given the sums spent 2 years ago and now you can make a case for this. I can also understand why this might be the case- ending up with a bloated squad.

But as another poster said, if we do have money we should make it available to Wilder. He really is the type of manager we should be investing in.

'If we genuinely dont have the funds, then fair enough. However just 2 years ago we were spending large sums on full backs, past-it midfielders, and a huge squad overall.
So it seems like we do have at least a bit more than we are spending now. If this is the case it actually makes more sense to spend that kind of money now we're back in the championship than it did back then.'

The money for the signings (and it was one full back, not multiples) came straight out of our owners' pockets. That's why the accounts show a big loss. The club has lost money every season since we got relegated from the PL. I'll be extremely surprised if we don't make a loss this season.

 

[BushBlade]

Are you asking me a question or arguing the point? Your last paragraph suggests the latter. It may well be morally arguable but is quite wrong in law.

I know you mean well but you really should listen to the experts.

 

[Pinchy]

again I quote the tevez response
no mlud wasnt us was the previous board , , no it wasnt it was west ham united

if you could just change th boards make up to get away with previous misdemeanors thered be board changes every month and fiddling across the league

Again, are you asking me a question or arguing the point?

Just to give you a clue, I've had thousands of such conversations over the last thirty years...

 

[blade too long]

edited. If you won't listen to Pinchy there's really no point in saying anything.

not you Pinchy , but thats bullshit
changing titles was for financial reasons
is it still swfc ., if not how are they allowed in the league as a "new" club

they are having their cake and eating it

 

[Pinchy]

I know you mean well but you really should listen to the experts.

Guess I better stick to talking bollocks about hoof....

 

[blade too long]

its either Sheffield Wednesday as it was in 1989 or a new club
one way they avoid whats due as prosecution for failing to uphold safety

or
they have swindled a club out of a league place by entering the league as a new club

we can no longer slag off mk dons as this is a new franchise in our city

 

[Sean Thornton]

again I quote the tevez response
no mlud wasnt us was the previous board , , no it wasnt it was west ham united

if you could just change the boards make up to get away with previous misdemeanors thered be board changes every month and fiddling across the league

swfc were responsible for crowd safety , just like we are as a club

any deaths should be the responsibility of the club

corporate manslaughter , is undeniable in this case

Your West Ham comments are plain wrong in any event. CEO and in house lawyer Scott Duxbury was with the club throught until Gold Sullivan and Brady kicked him out. His untruths is what cost them the case.