Astute signings trump big ones

[robbiez666]

Martin Woolford is a good start. Great attitude, Reliable. Played regularly at a high level in poorer clubs. 6ft, can play in several position. Will only be a benefit to the club and the first team. That's an astute piece of business.

I'd rather we go astute than big,

Two CBs who have played at a higher level or best in this division with know good attituted#
one strong striker who works hard and hold up well. Also scores a few goars
Dominant midfielder and captain..

 

[wizadry]

I'd rather we go astute than big,

Also scores a few goars.

Luckily our lass says exactly the same

We struggle to score goals never mind goars

 

[blader]

I'm not sure what you mean Robbie. Isn't 'astute' exactly the word we would use to describe every player we signed last summer?

We need QUALITY. In almost every area of the park. I'm not sure what you mean by 'big' either, I can only assume you mean money-wise. Therefore, I can't agree as the more you pay, the better quality you get, as in any market.

We went for freebies and versatile players last season, and frankly they're all shite. Let's spend big, let's get the quality required in the positions were lacking and get out of the division.

It annoys me so much that every player we've signed in the last 2/3 seasons has been greeted with a 'well let's see him play before we judge him' or 'great to have a player who can play in 2 or 3 positions'.

We need to sign players where everyone says 'f*** me that's a good signing' or 'can't believe we pulled that off' which we haven't had ever since we've been in L1 (with the possible exception of Brayford).

Bristol City have done it, Wolves have, Bournemouth have etc why can't it be our turn to make exciting signnings rather than always 'astute'. To me, that's just another word for 'average'.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Am I the only one who read this thread title and sniggered?

 

[bladesmanluke]

What blader said. Craig Alcock was the most "astute" signing we've ever made.

We must have made 100 of these types of signing whilst we've been in league one in a cheap attempt to get to the championship. Less than 5 have been any good whatsoever

 

[DorsetSUFC]

Get 3 or 4 quality signings in the right positions - I wanna be on the edge of my seat for the right reasons this coming season, think we have all waited long enough to get out of this league!

 

[SwissBlade]

We certainly need a physical presence this season. The players we have are all decent footballers and can play most teams off the park when we focus. But we got bullied a lot - in central defence, midfield and up front.

This season we need to get some size and physicality about us - look at Preston. Dirty bastards but did alright with it.

We also need players to be decisive and to take opportunities - Murphy and McNulty showed this, yet others like Doyle, Baxter (expect from the spot) scoogs, reed, Flynn and others all struggle with decision making at times and we were often shot shy or shot shit!

Players like Diego and Che Adams, whilst not being players we need to rely on for 46 games a season will have that edge about them that they're not afraid to have a go at defenders

We've got a fair bit of quality, we just need to be able to mix it a fair bit more

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

I'm not sure what you mean Robbie. Isn't 'astute' exactly the word we would use to describe every player we signed last summer?

We need QUALITY. In almost every area of the park. I'm not sure what you mean by 'big' either, I can only assume you mean money-wise. Therefore, I can't agree as the more you pay, the better quality you get, as in any market.

That's not guaranteed by any stretch of the imagination and astute signing is a far better look at Calium Wilson who we were looking at before his big season at Coventry. It wouldn't have been big money, but it would certainly have been astute. Compare that to (staying topical) bringing Billy Sharp back for 2 Million, that doesn't really fit the more you pay the better quality you get. There are always players who are bought for far too much money and they're a one season wonder or just fail to recreate their form.
Cost doesn't guarantee quality in any market, the skill is in knowing the market and where the true value lies within it, and I think that is what robbiez666 means by astute.

 

[Worksop II]

the skill is in knowing the market and where the true value lies within it

Agreed, unfortunately we seem to employ managers who fail to get their astute signing, but then rumage in the bargain bucket as they are shown the exit, and we go from astute to reliable

 

[finlaytheblade]

We certainly need a physical presence this season. The players we have are all decent footballers and can play most teams off the park when we focus. But we got bullied a lot - in central defence, midfield and up front.

This season we need to get some size and physicality about us - look at Preston. Dirty bastards but did alright with it.

We also need players to be decisive and to take opportunities - Murphy and McNulty showed this, yet others like Doyle, Baxter (expect from the spot) scoogs, reed, Flynn and others all struggle with decision making at times and we were often shot shy or shot shit!

Players like Diego and Che Adams, whilst not being players we need to rely on for 46 games a season will have that edge about them that they're not afraid to have a go at defenders

We've got a fair bit of quality, we just need to be able to mix it a fair bit more

You are spot on Swiss most of Clough signings are easily good enough for this division it's the physicality that's missing adkins mentioned this last night(set pieces in both boxes)matching up at set plays is vital and we lost out big time. In both box,s.that for me is Clough,s biggest mistakew

 

[SwissBlade]

You are spot on Swiss most of Clough signings are easily good enough for this division it's the physicality that's missing adkins mentioned this last night(set pieces in both boxes)matching up at set plays is vital and we lost out big time. In both box,s.that for me is Clough,s biggest mistakew

It's a mistake that clough was aware of. I actually think that many of cloughs (and some of Wilson and weirs too) were capable of plying their trade at championship level.

The problem is that like when we were in the championship and Wigan went up all those years back, they were a very physical side. It's what worked in the championship back then. Now it's league one where you need the muscle and skill to be successful.

If anything, the championship is footballing division now. It still has its physical demands, more so than the Premier league where pace wins out much more as well as individual brilliance.

 

[secretchief]

So if Adkins makes a 'big' signing, can we look forward to a thread denouncing it...?

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

That's not guaranteed by any stretch of the imagination and astute signing is a far better look at Calium Wilson who we were looking at before his big season at Coventry. It wouldn't have been big money, but it would certainly have been astute. Compare that to (staying topical) bringing Billy Sharp back for 2 Million, that doesn't really fit the more you pay the better quality you get. There are always players who are bought for far too much money and they're a one season wonder or just fail to recreate their form.
Cost doesn't guarantee quality in any market, the skill is in knowing the market and where the true value lies within it, and I think that is what robbiez666 means by astute.

Even big money signings can flop . Its knowing the league inside out , which unfortunately appeared not be the case both from a management and scouting aspect last season .The bloke from Scunny as head scout , brought in by Adkins should do the trick , and assist big time in player recruitment .

Its having knowledge of what you've got and what you need, which Adkins will know doubt be on the ball with.

Big money signings means zilch , but signing of players who are fit , good mental attitude and perhaps have promotion on there CV does help.

Also the risk is high on putting all your eggs in one basket with 1no big money signing (s) , also sometimes , as last season you get what you pay for. Dammed if you do , dammed if you don't .

Are we rolling in money , so the fees are being inflated by other clubs , or have we a minimum amount of money , were Adkins cannot get the players he wants , and is having to do a balancing act . No idea , but the side to me as it stands is not good enough for automatic.

UTB

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

It's a mistake that clough was aware of. I actually think that many of cloughs (and some of Wilson and weirs too) were capable of plying their trade at championship level.

The problem is that like when we were in the championship and Wigan went up all those years back, they were a very physical side. It's what worked in the championship back then. Now it's league one where you need the muscle and skill to be successful.

If anything, the championship is footballing division now. It still has its physical demands, more so than the Premier league where pace wins out much more as well as individual brilliance.

I generally agreed with this, and still steadfastly believe we had a squad last year which should have been promoted, it just lacked some mental and physical toughness and confidence to play without fear.
I was reading some comments from Schneiderlin this week who said that playing in league one was one of the best things that happened to him career wise because it toughened him up, and taught him how to impose his class within a more physical game. This is what we need, the problem is the players we have that I honestly believe could easily play at a high Championship level aren't learning this lesson.
Obviously my hope is that this is what Adkins develops and we go up with a squad which just needs small additions to really compete at the top of the Championship.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

I generally agreed with this, and still steadfastly believe we had a squad last year which should have been promoted, it just lacked some mental and physical toughness and confidence to play without fear.
I was reading some comments from Schneiderlin this week who said that playing in league one was one of the best things that happened to him career wise because it toughened him up, and taught him how to impose his class within a more physical game. This is what we need, the problem is the players we have that I honestly believe could easily play at a high Championship level aren't learning this lesson.
Obviously my hope is that this is what Adkins develops and we go up with a squad which just needs small additions to really compete at the top of the Championship.

Bob , agree but i do not even want to think of the championship , until we get there . Let us get out of league 1 first .
Yes , the team last season was filled with players good enough to hold there own in the championship . However this is no good to man or beast , if we cannot get there in the first instance .

Concentrate on a manager and players who do not let the club or themselves down first , with effort and focus - League 1.

UTB

 

[maxstertheblade]

Personally think we need to get 2 CB's In before Newcastle get them in a solifide partnership. And so they can understand each other. Think Woolford is a decent signing can play anywhere and is 6ft. Think Higdon will play a big part this season

 

[Worksop II]

Personally think we need to get 2 CB's In before Newcastle get them in a solifide partnership

I am looking forward to the moment, after the season has started, when Adkins declares we need 2 x CBs

 

[maxstertheblade]

I am looking forward to the moment, after the season has started, when Adkins declares we need 2 x CBs

Haha, I think tbf he's identified that we need 2 CB. I think and I certanliy know that we are In talks with Zak Whitebread

 

[Grecian2000]

Think Higdon will play a big part this season

I believe he's pencilled in to play both of the ugly sisters at the Lyceum come Christmas.

 

[maxstertheblade]

I believe he's pencilled in to play both of the ugly sisters at the Lyceum come Christmas.

Sounds like him and a Baxter have been on the Adkins diet

 

[raul]

I firmly believe I can beat Usian Bolt over 100 metres. I just lack the physique, training and speed.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

I think and I certanliy know that we are In talks with Zak Whitebread

I hope not. For someone past 30, he hasn't played anywhere near the number of games you'd have expected. A career that seems to have been blighted by persistent injury.

 

[Pierre's PC]

I think and I certanliy know that we are In talks with Zak Whitebread

 

[BushBlade]

I firmly believe I can beat Usian Bolt over 100 metres. I just lack the physique, training and speed.

And the drugs?

 

[robbiez666]

Astute doesn't mean cheap.

Astute in this sense means buying the right type of player to get us out of this league. Experience and potential. You don't need to spend millions (indeed NC demonstrated how that backfired with Brayford).

Buy tall
buy good attitude
buy strong
buy quick
buy reliable

and also, buy talent whose price is likely to rise as they get older.

Aguero was astute business, as was Costa.

You buy what you need, don't pay over the odds and don't bring in someone who will rock the boat or is injury prone.

A solid and consistent team with a solid back and good forward line will get promoted. There's lots of mistakes in this division. Don;t make them and take advantage when the opposition does.

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Astute doesn't mean cheap.

Astute in this sense means buying the right type of player to get us out of this league. Experience and potential. You don't need to spend millions (indeed NC demonstrated how that backfired with Brayford).

Buy tall
buy good attitude
buy strong
buy quick
buy reliable

and also, buy talent whose price is likely to rise as they get older.

Aguero was astute business, as was Costa.

You buy what you need, don't pay over the odds and don't bring in someone who will rock the boat or is injury prone.

A solid and consistent team with a solid back and good forward line will get promoted. There's lots of mistakes in this division. Don;t make them and take advantage when the opposition does.

Astute signings will mean we have a strong start to the season , which pays dividends in points , confidence and stops fans going in to melt down.

Wouldn't say Brayford was a mistake or backfired , but perhaps due to the budget , he put all his eggs in one basket.

Brayford is a asset ( in playing terms not transfer money if we sold him ) , but we want the other 25 or so squad players to be a asset both on the field of play and in transfer dealings ) . In saying that , yes you do need players who have talent and there value will rise . You also need older experienced heads to steady the ship when things are not going to plan . Bit of a balancing act , of which Adkins his equipped to do , without bankrupting the club or blowing the transfer budget on duds.

UTB

 

[robbiez666]

Astute signings will mean we have a strong start to the season , which pays dividends in points , confidence and stops fans going in to melt down.

Wouldn't say Brayford was a mistake or backfired , but perhaps due to the budget , he put all his eggs in one basket.

Brayford is a asset ( in playing terms not transfer money if we sold him ) , but we want the other 25 or so squad players to be a asset both on the field of play and in transfer dealings ) . In saying that , yes you do need players who have talent and there value will rise . You also need older experienced heads to steady the ship when things are not going to plan . Bit of a balancing act , of which Adkins his equipped to do , without bankrupting the club or blowing the transfer budget on duds.

UTB

He is an asset. My point was about putting your eggs in one basket. splashing out 3 million now on one player will not get us up and that player can easily get injured. Need to be clever with our transfers and I think he'll do a lot of his business in the loan market.

 

[maxstertheblade]

All we've got to do is hope Nc gets another job then boom well ask him for 3/4 mill for bray

 

[super_pig]

It's a mistake that clough was aware of. I actually think that many of cloughs (and some of Wilson and weirs too) were capable of plying their trade at championship level.

good points actually.. for the last few seasons at least, all of our signings seem to be 'one for next year when we're in the champ'.. problem is we never get there.. you have to battle your way out of league one... the refs aren't good enough at this level to protect skilful players