Striker Watch.

[sheffielder]

Doesnt that kind of suggest that he hasnt been good enough at several clubs though or one of them would have snapped him up. Id have to agree that hes not the type of striker we should be looking at.

He is on 20k a week at Southampton. He is out on loan because nobody like Doncaster are going to pay him that and he's not good enough to play for Southampton. It is the reason many loans happen, players are getting paid more than other clubs are willing to pay. I say Sharp because he is probably the best we could get and once fit and confident will score goals. Who do you want?

 

[sheffielder]

Chris O'Grady is the man we should sign.

He has presence; is significantly quicker than the likes of Sharp; leads the line well, with or without a partner; brings welcome height and strength; scored 15 a league above us last season.

Can the S2 Bringembacks tell us why we should prefer Bladey Bill?

Personally i would be more than happy with either. I think your thoughts on ex blades don't need to be repeated constantly

 

[Fiery Blade]

You're just changing the argument on Blader. Even if it's not as strong as last season, why couldn't Sharp be effective?

As I said before because he spends the majority of his time on the pitch either offside or on his arse !

 

[Ted Danson]

He is on 20k a week at Southampton. He is out on loan because nobody like Doncaster are going to pay him that and he's not good enough to play for Southampton. It is the reason many loans happen, players are getting paid more than other clubs are willing to pay. I say Sharp because he is probably the best we could get and once fit and confident will score goals. Who do you want?

Yeah hes obviously not good enough for Southampton but Donny have deemed him not worthy of them either, and they are now in our league so I dont see why people think hel be good just based on the fact he scored loads several years ago. Id rather someone new and unprooven than Sharp just because he has too much bagage and theres too much presure on him.

Theres a whole world full of players out there, I see no reason for us to revisit past failures, just get someone new

 

[blader]

Yeah hes obviously not good enough for Southampton but Donny have deemed him not worthy of them either, and they are now in our league so I dont see why people think hel be good just based on the fact he scored loads several years ago. Id rather someone new and unprooven than Sharp just because he has too much bagage and theres too much presure on him.

Theres a whole world full of players out there, I see no reason for us to revisit past failures, just get someone new

Whilst the sentiment is correct 'just get someone new' is a rather simplistic way of looking at it. Well, who? I can understand your doubts about Sharp, but we are a league 1 side after all, and he has played above this level for the past few years. I hve yet to hear a realistic suggestion to convince me they are a better option than Sharp would be. As I have said before 'unproven' is just a risk we can't afford if we want promotion. McNulty is unproven but would you be happy with him being our first choice striker come august?

 

[Fiery Blade]

Sometimes strikers emerge and become very successful without having a strong pedigree or reputation:
eg Charlie Austin scored 42 goals in 48 apps for Poole Town before scoring 31 in 54 apps for Swindon, 41 in 82 for Burnley and then 17 in 37 for QPR
His replacement at Burnley Danny Ings scored just 7 in 27 for Bournemouth before scoring 27 in 87 apps for Burnley
Ross McCormack scored 17 in 48 games for Motherwell before becoming prolific at Cardiff City and now Leeds
There are strikers out there than can do the business and I am sure Mr Clough will get us the right one or two - who knows McNulty may become our Ross McCormack !
Strikers don't have to be failed premiership academy players one or two do come from the likes of Poole Town or in Ian Wrights case Greenwich Borough or one of our World Cup Strikers Ricky Lambert who having failed at Liverpool has now come full circle via Macclesfield Town, Stockport County, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers.
The right manager will get the best out of a good prospect - believe in Mr Clough !

 

[Ted Danson]

Whilst the sentiment is correct 'just get someone new' is a rather simplistic way of looking at it. Well, who? I can understand your doubts about Sharp, but we are a league 1 side after all, and he has played above this level for the past few years. I hve yet to hear a realistic suggestion to convince me they are a better option than Sharp would be. As I have said before 'unproven' is just a risk we can't afford if we want promotion. McNulty is unproven but would you be happy with him being our first choice striker come august?

thing is Im no footy scout and only see those who play against us and usually in a state of refreshment so quite often dont remember the names of the players who play well against us. I did see enough of billy while he was here though to see hes not what we need, you say unprooven is a risk we cant afford to take yet Id argue that Billy has prooved hes not the man for the job and as such is a signing we cant afford to take. Yes Id rather McNulty was first choice than him.

I agree where your coming from though we need to get out of this league and now isnt the time to gamble but Sharp is as big a gamble if not bigger than an unprooven striker.

 

[Pinchy]

Personally i would be more than happy with either. I think your thoughts on ex blades don't need to be repeated constantly

What thoughts are those? That I would be delighted at the return of Coady and/or The Beard?

I'm very fond and proud of many ex-Blades, especially those like Bob Booker, Neil Shipperley, Kyle Walker and Billy Sharp, amongst others, who still turn out to support us when they can. Has the Everton defender and volleyball player Jagielka been back to the Lane since his speedy exit?

I just don't think its a criterion for recruitment, one way or the other. I wish I could say the same for the Bladey Bringembackers, who can't see any further than their parochial S2 backyards.

Perhaps your thoughts on Bladey Bill don't merit constant repetition, either? I doubt you'd be so keen if he was a former (say) Charlton player with a similar record. He has much to be modest about recently, hasn't he?

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Yeah hes obviously not good enough for Southampton but Donny have deemed him not worthy of them either, and they are now in our league so I dont see why people think hel be good just based on the fact he scored loads several years ago.

THIS!

Donny must have had a really good look at him and his current level last season and haven't made a move.
They are league one and still not interested.

 

[blader]

What thoughts are those? That I would be delighted at the return of Coady and/or The Beard?

I'm very fond and proud of many ex-Blades, especially those like Bob Booker, Neil Shipperley, Kyle Walker and Billy Sharp, amongst others, who still turn out to support us when they can. Has the Everton defender and volleyball player Jagielka been back to the Lane since his speedy exit?

I just don't think its a criterion for recruitment, one way or the other. I wish I could say the same for the Bladey Bringembackers, who can't see any further than their parochial S2 backyards.

Perhaps your thoughts on Bladey Bill don't merit constant repetition, either? I doubt you'd be so keen if he was a former (say) Charlton player with a similar record. He has much to be modest about recently, hasn't he?

I think you're downplaying his record somewhat. Since Jan 2012, he has 25 in 80 appearances. So 1 in 3 in the championship averages at 15 goals in a season. Surely that would transpire to 20+ in league 1? Everyone seems impressed with Basham because he played for Blackpool most of last season, as did Bob Harris. I actually think objectively his stats show he's be a real coup for a league 1 side, especially when we take his career stats as a whole which are even more impressive.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

. So 1 in 3 in the championship averages at 15 goals in a season. Surely that would transpire to 20+ in league 1?

eh? Billy record goal haul in a Championship season is 15 so how can that be his average?
He scored 15 league goals for Donny 2009-10 and again 2010-11, since then he's hit 10, 9, 10 and then 6 last year.

It makes your argument look weak if you start playing with figures to try and prove your point when they clearly don't back it up.

So your point actually is; IF Billy played every Championship league game (which he never does) and continues his average goals/games (which he's never done) he should score 15 goals. Therefore that means he will score 20 goals next year in league one.
If this was anyone else than Billy, an ex-player, I don't think you'd be so desperate to sign him.

 

[blader]

eh? Billy record goal haul in a Championship season is 15 so how can that be his average?
He scored 15 league goals for Donny 2009-10 and again 2010-11, since then he's hit 10, 9, 10 and then 6 last year.

It makes your argument look weak if you start playing with figures to try and prove your point when they clearly don't back it up.

So your point actually is; IF Billy played every Championship league game (which he never does) and continues his average goals/games (which he's never done) he should score 15 goals. Therefore that means he will score 20 goals next year in league one.
If this was anyone else than Billy, an ex-player, I don't think you'd be so desperate to sign him.

Yes if billy played every game and continues his scoring record (surely the only thing we can judge any striker by) he would score 20+ IMO. As previously said, if someone could offer up a better option then that would be great, but compared to the other names thrown up e.g. Sammon and Delfouneso then Sharp is by far the best option IMO. However much you true to manipulate their stats they would never look good!

 

[wizadry]

Yes if billy played every game and continues his scoring record (surely the only thing we can judge any striker by) he would score 20+ IMO. As previously said, if someone could offer up a better option then that would be great, but compared to the other names thrown up e.g. Sammon and Delfouneso then Sharp is by far the best option IMO. However much you true to manipulate their stats they would never look good!

Look on the first page blader,ive already mentioned who we should get and they are very realistic,assombalonga and mooney,both proven at this level now and could both step up to the championship next season imo,will them do for ya.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Yes if billy played every game and continues his scoring record (surely the only thing we can judge any striker by) he would score 20+ IMO. As previously said, if someone could offer up a better option then that would be great, but compared to the other names thrown up e.g. Sammon and Delfouneso then Sharp is by far the best option IMO. However much you true to manipulate their stats they would never look good!

The point is mate, I've not tried to manipulate any just let them stand for themselves.
I'd be happy with a unknown forward who's been brought in, I don't need a name.

 

[blader]

Look on the first page blader,ive already mentioned who we should get and they are very realistic,assombalonga and mooney,both proven at this level now and could both step up to the championship next season imo,will them do for ya.

I would be over the moon with Assombalonga, would be an incredible signing. Not one I perceive as realistic, but would love it. Mooney is interesting. Good player, but can you say it is a better signing than Sharp? I would say no, but I would like him no doubt.

Flatulent_Bob I think we're on the same page about it, I just see sharp being less of a gamble because we know what we'll get. A minimum 10 goals in a bed season but realistically more IMO. An unproven signing would be exactly that. Look at lyle Taylor as proof. I want promotion and a signing that is guaranteed to return goals. It's not Sharp I want specifically, but a striker who has scored goals at this level at least in the past. It just so goes that Sharp has the best record of all the linked names thus far.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Blackwell had him running the channels, no wonder he was offside so much but that is not Cloughies style.

Sharp would be getting on to crosses from the wings so it would suit him better.

Disagree with that. Sharp rarely "gets on to crosses". What he would do IMO is come short to the midfield just like Baxter did last season, lay the ball off to the oncoming midfield especially the wingers, and then be on the penalty spot for the cut back. If you need someone to get on to crosses you get a Henderson or the like.

Sharp's qualities are mainly on the ground. He has the touch to play one twos and lay-offs, and he plays with his head up to spot runs into the box.

 

[Woodwardfan]

When last playing at League 1 level Sharp scored 50 odd goals in 80 odd games; pedigree undoubted.

He is only 28 years old but it has to be said that fitness to play a full season is an issue. If we are going in to the new season with McNulty, Porter and Baxter as the back up strikers to the main man, then that main man has to be available week in week out for a full season otherwise we are short.

I agree we need TWO new top strikers. I also agree that Baxter is not a striker, though he can step in occasionally and so can Murphy actually.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

Disagree with that. Sharp rarely "gets on to crosses". What he would do IMO is come short to the midfield just like Baxter did last season, lay the ball off to the oncoming midfield especially the wingers, and then be on the penalty spot for the cut back. If you need someone to get on to crosses you get a Henderson or the like.

Sharp's qualities are mainly on the ground. He has the touch to play one twos and lay-offs, and he plays with his head up to spot runs into the box.

We're singing off the same song sheet, I see the crosses been either between six yard line and pen spot or cut back a bit deeper but both for primarily the feet not the head.

 

[wizadry]

I would be over the moon with Assombalonga, would be an incredible signing. Not one I perceive as realistic, but would love it. Mooney is interesting. Good player, but can you say it is a better signing than Sharp? I would say no, but I would like him no doubt.

Flatulent_Bob I think we're on the same page about it, I just see sharp being less of a gamble because we know what we'll get. A minimum 10 goals in a bed season but realistically more IMO. An unproven signing would be exactly that. Look at lyle Taylor as proof. I want promotion and a signing that is guaranteed to return goals. It's not Sharp I want specifically, but a striker who has scored goals at this level at least in the past. It just so goes that Sharp has the best record of all the linked names thus far.

Why is assombalonga not a realistic target blader?

 

[blader]

Why is assombalonga not a realistic target blader?

Few reasons really:

1) he is not for sale
2) if he went, why would he go to a club which finished lower than his current employers?
3) He cost Peterborough about 1.5 million. He has just bagged 33 goals in a season and is 21/22 years of age. I dread to think what sort of transfer fee he would be commanding! We don't know how much money we have, but there is no way it would come close to a £4/5/6 million price tag they would put on his head.

 

[wizadry]

Few reasons really:

1) he is not for sale
2) if he went, why would he go to a club which finished lower than his current employers?
3) He cost Peterborough about 1.5 million. He has just bagged 33 goals in a season and is 21/22 years of age. I dread to think what sort of transfer fee he would be commanding! We don't know how much money we have, but there is no way it would come close to a £4/5/6 million price tag they would put on his head.

Numbers 1 and 3 i take your points but number 2,any player like his young self would come to us over pboro imo but as you have so rightly pointed out his valuation might put us off as we haven't any money and we don't want to get out of this league

 

[diplomat]

Few reasons really:

1) he is not for sale
2) if he went, why would he go to a club which finished lower than his current employers?
3) He cost Peterborough about 1.5 million. He has just bagged 33 goals in a season and is 21/22 years of age. I dread to think what sort of transfer fee he would be commanding! We don't know how much money we have, but there is no way it would come close to a £4/5/6 million price tag they would put on his head.

And he plays for a club that somehow negotiated £8m for Gayle

 

[blader]

And he plays for a club that somehow negotiated £8m for Gayle

Ye I mean he really is well out of financial reach for a league 1 club. His next move will have to be top champ / low prem with the sort of money involved. Great player in this league tough, will be surprised if he's still at Peterborough come august.

 

[blader]

Another on your point tough wizadry. I just don't think we're as big a draw as man blades think. It seems obvious, why would you goose Peterborough over Sheff Utd? I don't know either, but this type of thing has happened repeatedly over a long period. Just not sure we're the pull us blades like to think.

 

[Woodwardfan]

We're singing off the same song sheet, I see the crosses been either between six yard line and pen spot or cut back a bit deeper but both for primarily the feet not the head.

Ah I see. I'd call them cut backs rather than crosses. You could have saved me a load of typing Grumpy!!!

 

[JOEYDEE]

I know of a good striker who knocked in over 30 goals last time he played in lge 1,and is available soon when he's free,sorry..on a free *coughs*,and is only 25 yr old ,maybe NC is keeping he powder dry,I mean,after all a good striker should have been his first priority,....shouldn't it ?

 

[wizadry]

Another on your point tough wizadry. I just don't think we're as big a draw as man blades think. It seems obvious, why would you goose Peterborough over Sheff Utd? I don't know either, but this type of thing has happened repeatedly over a long period. Just not sure we're the pull us blades like to think.

Yes get what your saying blader but i'd like to think thats all about to change,wouldn't you say so blader.Back to the mooney debate,at the minute i would say he would be a better signing than billy imo and he surely would choose us over leyton orient.

 

[blader]

Yes get what your saying blader but i'd like to think thats all about to change,wouldn't you say so blader.Back to the mooney debate,at the minute i would say he would be a better signing than billy imo and he surely would choose us over leyton orient.

Hard to say isn't it. Would love both in an ideal world, different players offer different things. Sharp has more than proven himself at this level and above, although you could argue mooney has had a better 12 months than Sharp. Mooney isn't an out and out striker though is he? That may be my only issue, we need a 'number 9' which I don't think mooney is, to my limited knowledge of him.

 

[wizadry]

Hard to say isn't it. Would love both in an ideal world, different players offer different things. Sharp has more than proven himself at this level and above, although you could argue mooney has had a better 12 months than Sharp. Mooney isn't an out and out striker though is he? That may be my only issue, we need a 'number 9' which I don't think mooney is, to my limited knowledge of him.

I just think he's a good all round player who works hard and would fit into cloughy ethos

 

[Donnybladerixy]

Beckford is a name that keeps coming up??