With a little over 3 weeks to go before the transfer deadline day door slams shut, we know the blades still have some work to do. Since Wilder took charge its safe to say that the majority of our signings have been kept quiet until the deal is done. Despite a thriving rumour section, that I enjoy as much as anybody, its pretty rare that players who actually sign have much of a mention prior to them signing the contract. As a consequence speculating over individuals that are supposedly signing often remains as just speculation. However if we look at the 7 signings made since promotion was confirmed is there any patterns to narrow it down?
Age
For a while now our fans have been quick to criticise any older 'over the hill, last pay cheque, on the way down' types of signings (probably thanks to Dean Hammond), and that Wilder is after young 'hungry' players. However if you look at the 7 new arrivals the average age is just over 25, ranging from 22 (Thomas, who will be a bit part player) to 29. For me this shows Wilder wants players who are at their peak, bringing experience but some development possibility.
Division Signed from
The policy here seems clear; try to get value from the lower leagues. Only Stearman and Blackman have come from our own league or above. With the remainder all coming from League 1 (3 players) and League 2 (2 players).
Experience
Wilder seems more interested in how many games players have played, and what influence they have had on said games, as opposed to what level they we played at. The signings of Lundstram and Stevens perhaps highlight this best, both come in bang on form, full of confidence having been big players for their previous clubs.
Conclusions
For me we still need a couple of players, a Centre Back another striker and maybe a midfielder. Based upon Wilders current business evidence would suggest that any signing will more than likely be between 23-26, have played plenty of league 1 and/or 2 football, have had an excellent season last season- more than likely picked up one of their teams player of the year awards.
So I ask 2 questions:
Are there any other attributes that Wilder considers non-negotiable?
With this in mind are there any players who we have not been publically linked with, that fit this profile, and you would like to see at the Lane?
Age
For a while now our fans have been quick to criticise any older 'over the hill, last pay cheque, on the way down' types of signings (probably thanks to Dean Hammond), and that Wilder is after young 'hungry' players. However if you look at the 7 new arrivals the average age is just over 25, ranging from 22 (Thomas, who will be a bit part player) to 29. For me this shows Wilder wants players who are at their peak, bringing experience but some development possibility.
Division Signed from
The policy here seems clear; try to get value from the lower leagues. Only Stearman and Blackman have come from our own league or above. With the remainder all coming from League 1 (3 players) and League 2 (2 players).
Experience
Wilder seems more interested in how many games players have played, and what influence they have had on said games, as opposed to what level they we played at. The signings of Lundstram and Stevens perhaps highlight this best, both come in bang on form, full of confidence having been big players for their previous clubs.
Conclusions
For me we still need a couple of players, a Centre Back another striker and maybe a midfielder. Based upon Wilders current business evidence would suggest that any signing will more than likely be between 23-26, have played plenty of league 1 and/or 2 football, have had an excellent season last season- more than likely picked up one of their teams player of the year awards.
So I ask 2 questions:
Are there any other attributes that Wilder considers non-negotiable?
With this in mind are there any players who we have not been publically linked with, that fit this profile, and you would like to see at the Lane?
