This season and beyond

[blade too long]

So we need to oust a keeper who has the most clean sheets In league football... that's like demanding a 25 goal striker gets booted out

 

[RWE]

No idea how much some of these would cost, but I’ve added some in if they are relegated in hope we could sign them.

Hope we carry on playing with 2 number 10’s as it helps when defending having an extra body in midfield but frees up space when attacking too

I’ve put the new signings in bold and I’ll add:
Walker - RCB/RWB (honestly think this could happen, and he’s still one of the best in the league)
McAtee - AM (if they will loan him out again)
Walker-Peters - RWB (is that too ambitious?)
Adam Armstrong - ST/Wide number 10/Winger
Mark Travers - GK
Alex Scott - AM (think we’d get outbid straight away but if we’ve been in contact throughout the season who knows)
Ballard - CB (impressed me from the little I’ve watched of Sunderland this season)

Don’t shoot me down

 

[Maidenhead]

Some pelters

To address:

I’ve said we’d be fucked and then followed that up with what we need (transfers) to lessen the level of fucked IMO. A lot depends on new owner, actual debt etc.

Egan - he’s been solid this season bar the odd game but just don’t see him as a PL CB - willing to be proved wrong as I really like the lad.

Baldock - similar to above. There was a reason he was dropped earlier in the season. His crossing is terrible and when you cite a players biggest addition being because he’s angry and furious then you know you’re reaching.

Momentum - this season’s momentum is nothing like the underdog momentum we experienced under wilder - we were new boys to champ from 6yrs in League one, No one gave us a hint of promotion. This time we’re labelled with big £20m (one player for them is worth more than our club) signings and parachute payments with prem experience. Totally different to before and won’t benefit us as much.

Have I got this right?

The two players you mention there are both good enough to be regular starters for their countries, but are not good enough for us in the premier league?

Hmmmm

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

Have I got this right?

The two players you mention there are both good enough to be regular starters for their countries, but are not good enough for us in the premier league?

Hmmmm

Correct. It’s an opinion that’s been backed up many many times on here throughout the season but only now no one dares say a word against them because they’re playing well at this moment in time. Just about good enough for PL but if we have any ambition I’d be ordering the scouts to look at potential replacements if we stay up.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

So we need to oust a keeper who has the most clean sheets In league football... that's like demanding a 25 goal striker gets booted out

I said a “back up” to Wes. Read!

 

[1066blade]

Still feels like some people haven't grasped the situation we're in. If we don't go up this season, there's a strong chance that we end up in League One pretty soon after.

We've got very significant debts, we're in an EFL embargo (or worse, at the start of a lengthy transfer ban), we've got loads of players out of contract, we've got an owner who doesn't have the means (and/or the willingness?) to improve the situation, a prospective owner who for whatever reason can't get a deal over the line and we'd have the trauma of being the team who were 1/200 to get automatic promotion and blew it.

Let's say a pretty negative scenario following promotion is that we clear some of the debts, retain the majority of the players we want to, acquire a few players who will improve our chances of bouncing back if not staying up and go down with 25 points. I prefer that to the not going up scenario and certainly wouldn't see us as being "fucked".

Post of the month in these tumultuous times, well put mate.

 

[jono_t2000]

Some pelters

To address:

I’ve said we’d be fucked and then followed that up with what we need (transfers) to lessen the level of fucked IMO. A lot depends on new owner, actual debt etc.

Egan - he’s been solid this season bar the odd game but just don’t see him as a PL CB - willing to be proved wrong as I really like the lad.

Baldock - similar to above. There was a reason he was dropped earlier in the season. His crossing is terrible and when you cite a players biggest addition being because he’s angry and furious then you know you’re reaching.

Momentum - this season’s momentum is nothing like the underdog momentum we experienced under wilder - we were new boys to champ from 6yrs in League one, No one gave us a hint of promotion. This time we’re labelled with big £20m (one player for them is worth more than our club) signings and parachute payments with prem experience. Totally different to before and won’t benefit us as much.

Tbh i would have no qualms going into the prem with our current back 5 (RND in for Lowe only exception) + Wes.

Its the midfield and up top where we are going to need to improve, if we keep Berge and Ndiaye means only really need 3 key signings as starters (2 in midfield and 1 up top)


Potential Additions could look at:

Up top:
Akpom - If boro dont go up
Keinan Davis - Loan him from Villa
Gyokeres - Hit and miss
Chris Wood - Possible loan, Dont think he will be anywhere Newcastle team next season
Joel Piroe - Only 23 has big potential


If midfield:
Gustavo Hamer - Rate him more at Coventry than Gyokeres to be honest
Matt Grimes - Underrated imho
Zian Flemming - key to Millwall doing so well this season
One of Mcatee or Doyle on loan


As you look at it, if we keep Ndiaye and Berge, we dont really need as huge an overhaul as people may think in my opinion.

 

[Teddy]

The real balancing act for me is between:

1 - modest recruitment giving us a chance to at least compete (not completely imploding like last time);

2 - securing the financials so we can leave all this transfer embargo nonsense behind and ensure we are stable for the future; and

3 - trying to make long-term legacy improvements that we’ll benefit from for years to come.

If we could recruit a few (3-4 as per some decent posts above) in key areas, settle some debts and also put aside a big chunk of money for making the Academy Cat 1 at some stage (once we have premises/planning etc) or massively improving the training facilities then that’ll be a great achievement.

 

[FranTheBlade]

Woke up feeling like we took a major step to promotion last night, unconvincing at times but we’ve been like that in a few games and bagged the all important 3points - not a bad habit to form in this league/any league.

Looking ahead, I’m worried. Our squad (minus the two City boys) is ageing and quite surprisingly still consisting of some of the original Wilder boys in the starting 11. It’s surprising to me we are where we are as I tipped us to scrape Playoffs this season.

If we go up…let’s face it…we’re fucked. We don’t have the momentum and underdog gung-ho spirit of the previous promotion campaign. We need a proper clear out and an owner who’s willing to spend a decent chunk of the circa £200m promotion pot we’re likely to receive in all.

Out the door:

Basham
Fleck
Norwood
Lowe
McBurnie
Sharp (unless he stays as staff)
Jebbison
Clark or Robbo
Baldock or Bogle
Davies becomes 3rd choice

Keep:
Berge (better suited to Prem and a season in champ will have done him good)
Ndiaye
Anel
Wes
RND (can see him becoming a Robertson type player)
Mcatee (loan extension)
Doyle (sign him up)
Egan (just)
Robinson (just)
Osula (loan out Champ)
Arblaster (loan out Champ)
Brooks (loan out Champ)

We need:

2 decent, proven strikers who can get double figures whilst being able to play with and compliment Ndiaye / not talking about MGW either, we need an out an out goal scorer.

A back up keeper to Wes.

A decent RB with Baldock / Bogle as back up.

A decent proven playmaker MF if we can’t get the city boys back.

Another LCB to play in the 3.

I’m sure there’s more….

I don’t agree. You’re doing a ‘Cooper’ and taking a wrecking ball to a solid group of lads who all know each other. That’s our key strength and only hope of survival. A few do need to move on because of Father Time. That said, four or five new additions will see us survive next season.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I wouldn’t be shipping Jebbo out unless either we get a very good offer for him or there’s a clear indication we can’t get him to sign a long term deal.

Some chance to play a match might help. Until we see what he can offer, he stays.

 

[Yogi]

Some chance to play a match might help. Until we see what he can offer, he stays.

He’s 19 an England youth international with clear physical gifts last year he had a successful half season loan at Burton and then half a season here where he struggled for game time. This year he’s struggled for game time and with injury but had some promising cameos. Given his age, physical profile and initial loan success there isn’t a team in the country who’d be writing him off as one who must be shipped out the door permanently.

 

[Nick Jansky]

He’s 19 an England youth international with clear physical gifts last year he had a successful half season loan at Burton and then half a season here where he struggled for game time. This year he’s struggled for game time and with injury but had some promising cameos. Given his age, physical profile and initial loan success there isn’t a team in the country who’d be writing him off as one who must be shipped out the door permanently.

Correct. But every club has a section of fans who are, frankly, stupid.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

Correct. But every club has a section of fans who are, frankly, stupid.

Jesus, it’s an opinion based on what I’ve seen of him, Nick. If you can’t handle reading other people’s opinions without the temptation to drop him a jibe then maybe a forum isn’t for you?

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

He’s 19 an England youth international with clear physical gifts last year he had a successful half season loan at Burton and then half a season here where he struggled for game time. This year he’s struggled for game time and with injury but had some promising cameos. Given his age, physical profile and initial loan success there isn’t a team in the country who’d be writing him off as one who must be shipped out the door permanently.

I don’t see any potential in him at all. Burton worked because Burton is his level. I’d agree that another development loan in the Champ if we go up would be beneficial perhaps, then assess him afterwards. Let’s say that.

 

[CPB]

Once we are up (not there yet) then just enjoy the moment.

But all of you super concerned about how wer aren't prepared for the level up. There are many members of the squad who are capable of stepping up.

The reality is we might be up for a season and back down.

There are however many members of the squad who aren't too.

But something to bear in mind.
We have had very little in way of fresh impetus in this squad. Aside from Anel and Iliman, It's come from loan players the last two seasons and of course the issue here is we don't own them.

That's a real testament to Heckys job in my opinion. Wilder was different in that he really shaped a train that got up there.

Yes recruitment is going to be key this summer and we will need a fair few in.
But I'm assuming that will happen. They should improve the squad and then it's a case of how much of an improvement that gives you.

I'll be leaving it up to management but in terms of players to make up the main squad next season. (Not deffo all starters)

Wes, Anel, Egan, Robbo, Baldock, Bogle, Lowe, RND, Norwood, Berge, N'Diaye, McBurnie

If keep sharp but he might want to play more.
Jebbo, Osula and Brewster may need to go on loan perhaps.

We probably need 7-10 players in at a guess. Let's hope recruitment who have got MGW, The City Loanees and Anel right come up with more good options.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

I don’t agree. You’re doing a ‘Cooper’ and taking a wrecking ball to a solid group of lads who all know each other. That’s our key strength and only hope of survival. A few do need to move on because of Father Time. That said, four or five new additions will see us survive next season.

Yeh agree to an extent but recruitment is key. I’d like to see us assess the foreign markets for the positions I’ve listed - Anel was a gem of a find, more of that please.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

Once we are up (not there yet) then just enjoy the moment.

But all of you super concerned about how wer aren't prepared for the level up. There are many members of the squad who are capable of stepping up.

The reality is we might be up for a season and back down.

There are however many members of the squad who aren't too.

But something to bear in mind.
We have had very little in way of fresh impetus in this squad. Aside from Anel and Iliman, It's come from loan players the last two seasons and of course the issue here is we don't own them.

That's a real testament to Heckys job in my opinion. Wilder was different in that he really shaped a train that got up there.

Yes recruitment is going to be key this summer and we will need a fair few in.
But I'm assuming that will happen. They should improve the squad and then it's a case of how much of an improvement that gives you.

I'll be leaving it up to management but in terms of players to make up the main squad next season. (Not deffo all starters)

Wes, Anel, Egan, Robbo, Baldock, Bogle, Lowe, RND, Norwood, Berge, N'Diaye, McBurnie

If keep sharp but he might want to play more.
Jebbo, Osula and Brewster may need to go on loan perhaps.

We probably need 7-10 players in at a guess. Let's hope recruitment who have got MGW, The City Loanees and Anel right come up with more good options.

“Just enjoy the moment” “super concerned”…

Then proceed to do exactly what I did and list your concerns. Ok.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Jesus, it’s an opinion based on what I’ve seen of him, Nick. If you can’t handle reading other people’s opinions without the temptation to drop him a jibe then maybe a forum isn’t for you?

Absolutely respect everyone’s right to an opinion but that doesn’t mean I have to respect the opinion. I also have opinions, and one of them is that writing off a teenager because he isn’t yet as composed in front of goal as a 25 year old with a couple hundred appearances under his belt is stupid. And, like you, I chose to voice my opinion. Sorry if I seemed harsh, but it really vexes me when people are prepared to write off very young players, as was also happening with McAtee at the beginning of his loan.

 

[Yogi]

I don’t see any potential in him at all. Burton worked because Burton is his level. I’d agree that another development loan in the Champ if we go up would be beneficial perhaps, then assess him afterwards. Let’s say that.

Burton being his level at 19 is some going there’s not many striker his age who score goals at that level. Is he the finished article no not even close but there aren’t many strikers with his combination of height and pace knocking around (we have another in Osula lucky us) if United hit on him then we’ll have hit big because a striker with Jebbo’s physical gifts who’s also a prolific goal scorer is the type of player we probably can’t afford to buy.

He’s the type of youth player you keep around if you can until you’re absolutely sure it’s not going to happen and at 19 he’s got plenty of years in front of him before that point I wouldn’t be wanting to make a permanent decision on him until at least his early 20’s when he’s really finished growing into his body.

 

[HD8 Blades]

Woke up feeling like we took a major step to promotion last night, unconvincing at times but we’ve been like that in a few games and bagged the all important 3points - not a bad habit to form in this league/any league.

Looking ahead, I’m worried. Our squad (minus the two City boys) is ageing and quite surprisingly still consisting of some of the original Wilder boys in the starting 11. It’s surprising to me we are where we are as I tipped us to scrape Playoffs this season.

If we go up…let’s face it…we’re fucked. We don’t have the momentum and underdog gung-ho spirit of the previous promotion campaign. We need a proper clear out and an owner who’s willing to spend a decent chunk of the circa £200m promotion pot we’re likely to receive in all.

Out the door:

Basham
Fleck
Norwood
Lowe
McBurnie
Sharp (unless he stays as staff)
Jebbison
Clark or Robbo
Baldock or Bogle
Davies becomes 3rd choice

Keep:
Berge (better suited to Prem and a season in champ will have done him good)
Ndiaye
Anel
Wes
RND (can see him becoming a Robertson type player)
Mcatee (loan extension)
Doyle (sign him up)
Egan (just)
Robinson (just)
Osula (loan out Champ)
Arblaster (loan out Champ)
Brooks (loan out Champ)

We need:

2 decent, proven strikers who can get double figures whilst being able to play with and compliment Ndiaye / not talking about MGW either, we need an out an out goal scorer.

A back up keeper to Wes.

A decent RB with Baldock / Bogle as back up.

A decent proven playmaker MF if we can’t get the city boys back.

Another LCB to play in the 3.

I’m sure there’s more….

I’m one of those positive clapper types but even I agree with this.

 

[CPB]

“Just enjoy the moment” “super concerned”…

Then proceed to do exactly what I did and list your concerns. Ok.

I'm not that concerned.

Reality is we prob go up and straight down. Recruitment will be key of course.

I'm getting at is yeah let's enjoy it. The let it transpire.

I'm much happier having this concern than no promotion. I think that would be a huge issue for us.

 

[Frank the tank]

Added to this, Brighton’s recruitment has been the template for me….South American market ought to be somewhere we explore for once.

Fifty million losses every season

 

[Nick Jansky]

Burton being his level at 19 is some going there’s not many striker his age who score goals at that level. Is he the finished article no not even close but there aren’t many strikers with his combination of height and pace knocking around (we have another in Osula lucky us) if United hit on him then we’ll have hit big because a striker with Jebbo’s physical gifts who’s also a prolific goal scorer is the type of player we probably can’t afford to buy.

He’s the type of youth player you keep around if you can until you’re absolutely sure it’s not going to happen and at 19 he’s got plenty of years in front of him before that point I wouldn’t be wanting to make a permanent decision on him until at least his early 20’s when he’s really finished growing into his body.

100% this. But he was doing it at Burton at just turned 18 (he was 17 when the loan started) so the potential isn’t in doubt. They don’t all develop in a smooth curve, injuries and other factors play a part.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

Burton being his level at 19 is some going there’s not many striker his age who score goals at that level. Is he the finished article no not even close but there aren’t many strikers with his combination of height and pace knocking around (we have another in Osula lucky us) if United hit on him then we’ll have hit big because a striker with Jebbo’s physical gifts who’s also a prolific goal scorer is the type of player we probably can’t afford to buy.

He’s the type of youth player you keep around if you can until you’re absolutely sure it’s not going to happen and at 19 he’s got plenty of years in front of him before that point I wouldn’t be wanting to make a permanent decision on him until at least his early 20’s when he’s really finished growing into his body.

And that’s it, currently, at 19, (too early to judge potential? I don’t think it is) I don’t see any potential in him that warrants keeping him on. If all you have to go by is a decent ish loan spell in League One who probably focused their play around him and made him a target man + his physical attributes then that isn’t enough to warrant keeping him in the Prem in my view. He has offered very little when he’s featured for us bar stretching the play and looking alert. Feels all huff and puff and no end product. Decent strikers at 19 are starting to bang em in at champ level and he isn’t despite some very good chances. I dunno, maybe I’m being a little harsh on him and you’re right, he just needs time.

What I did love about him was how pissed off he was at FT on Tues for missing that sitter, his attitude is absolutely spot on.

Maybe I’ll be proven wrong about him, let’s hope so.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Decent strikers at 19 are starting to bang em in at champ level

Who?

 

[Yogi]

And that’s it, currently, at 19, (too early to judge potential? I don’t think it is) I don’t see any potential in him that warrants keeping him on. If all you have to go by is a decent ish loan spell in League One who probably focused their play around him and made him a target man + his physical attributes then that isn’t enough to warrant keeping him in the Prem in my view. He has offered very little when he’s featured for us bar stretching the play and looking alert. Feels all huff and puff and no end product. Decent strikers at 19 are starting to bang em in at champ level and he isn’t despite some very good chances. I dunno, maybe I’m being a little harsh on him and you’re right, he just needs time.

What I did love about him was how pissed off he was at FT on Tues for missing that sitter, his attitude is absolutely spot on.

Maybe I’ll be proven wrong about him, let’s hope so.

There’s not many strikers who bang them in at Champ level at 19 I think the last one was Pedro with 9 before that maybe Tammy Abraham with Bristol. Could we afford to buy a 19 year old scoring regularly at Champ level? Given Alex Scott a 19 year old midfielder has a 25 million pound asking price I’d suggest not especially given the premium paid for strikers that suggests a 19 year old striker scoring regularly in the championship under a decent amount of contract control would likely cost you between 25-30 million maybe more.

I’m not against loaning him out in fact I’m in favour of it as sitting on our bench won’t be doing him many favours. I think expecting a 19 year old who’s been out injured and hasn’t had many minutes to come in and hit the ground running is a big big ask. If he’s rusty I’m not surprised he’s not had many minutes in the last 18 months get him out on loan leave him there and let him build his confidence and swagger.

He also did more in half a season at Burton than the player preferred ahead of him for England Dane Scarlett has done for Portsmouth in a whole year. Spurs won’t be shipping out Scarlett on a perm this year.

Also if can’t do it at as a regular starter at championship level at 19 is the cut off point then we should also be clearing the following players out of the academy.

Dewhurst
Wharton
Buyabu
Barratt
Maguire
Arblaster
Williams
Brooks
Marsh
Hackford

And plenty of others that I’ve definitely missed.

That would leave us pretty thin on the ground.

 

[BiggerBladeThanThou]

Who?

Seem to remember Ryan Sessegnon doing bits at Fulham very young.

There’s not many strikers who bang them in at Champ level at 19 I think the last one was Pedro with 9 before that maybe Tammy Abraham with Bristol. Could we afford to buy a 19 year old scoring regularly at Champ level? Given Alex Scott a 19 year old midfielder has a 25 million pound asking price I’d suggest not especially given the premium paid for strikers that suggests a 19 year old striker scoring regularly in the championship under a decent amount of contract control would likely cost you between 25-30 million maybe more.

I’m not against loaning him out in fact I’m in favour of it as sitting on our bench won’t be doing him many favours. I think expecting a 19 year old who’s been out injured and hasn’t had many minutes to come in and hit the ground running is a big big ask. If he’s rusty I’m not surprised he’s not had many minutes in the last 18 months get him out on loan leave him there and let him build his confidence and swagger.

He also did more in half a season at Burton than the player preferred ahead of him for England Dane Scarlett has done for Portsmouth in a whole year. Spurs won’t be shipping out Scarlett on a perm this year.

Also if can’t do it at as a regular starter at championship level at 19 is the cut off point then we should also be clearing the following players out of the academy.

Dewhurst
Wharton
Buyabu
Barratt
Maguire
Arblaster
Williams
Brooks
Marsh
Hackford

And plenty of others that I’ve definitely missed.

That would leave us pretty thin on the ground.

Yeh good points - I remember Sessegnon doing well and Watkins but a year or two older but that gap is massive in terms of development at this level.

The more I hear, the more I read, the more I’m coming round to the fact that 19 isn’t an age to fully judge potential and I was wrong on that. But, I still maintain we should loan him out next season to upper champ and reserve judgement until he’s 21/22. I accept Burton was decent for him, I accept Champ is a tough league to shine and score goals in at his age and I accept he’s in the England youth ranks for a reason. Just haven’t seen much in the way of future potential in his appearances with us. Maybe a successful loan will fully change my mind.

 

[Yogi]

Seem to remember Ryan Sessegnon doing bits at Fulham very young.


Yeh good points - I remember Sessegnon doing well and Watkins but a year or two older but that gap is massive in terms of development at this level.

The more I hear, the more I read, the more I’m coming round to the fact that 19 isn’t an age to fully judge potential and I was wrong on that. But, I still maintain we should loan him out next season to upper champ and reserve judgement until he’s 21/22. I accept Burton was decent for him, I accept Champ is a tough league to shine and score goals in at his age and I accept he’s in the England youth ranks for a reason. Just haven’t seen much in the way of future potential in his appearances with us. Maybe a successful loan will fully change my mind.

Yeah if we can bring in actual first teamers then all the ones currently floating around the first team need to go out a play a season of football. Arblaster, Jebbo, Osula, Sachdev and Brooks spending another year in house as cover would be a real shame.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Seem to remember Ryan Sessegnon doing bits at Fulham very young.


Yeh good points - I remember Sessegnon doing well and Watkins but a year or two older but that gap is massive in terms of development at this level.

The more I hear, the more I read, the more I’m coming round to the fact that 19 isn’t an age to fully judge potential and I was wrong on that. But, I still maintain we should loan him out next season to upper champ and reserve judgement until he’s 21/22. I accept Burton was decent for him, I accept Champ is a tough league to shine and score goals in at his age and I accept he’s in the England youth ranks for a reason. Just haven’t seen much in the way of future potential in his appearances with us. Maybe a successful loan will fully change my mind.

Good post, and I agree on a championship loan.

 

[Mumbo]

we dont have the momentum
only game weve lost in the last stretch dash was due to a sending off and we are in a cup semi final on saturdaty

if thats not momentum what is


aint half some crap spouted on here


think its fair to say Hecky didnt do too bad getting in anel doyle and mcatee why all this panic crap

This^
Everyone with a brain knows all promoted teams need strengthening….. it’s a given.
Hecky is learning all the time but some people are in a time warp and only reluctantly give him credit.
I have Zero concerns about being in the prem I’m just enjoying the ride.
Fa cup semi against the best club side in the world with promotion only one win away,what a position to be in.
Another great season to be a Blade.