Clearly look like a team 3 or 4 players short

[Ricky]

We've all been saying it, today highlighted it pretty well, it's clear where we're lacking.

We started well but after the first 20 minutes it went downhill and we never looked like scoring. Bolton outnumbered us in midfield, won the battles as you'd expect a team their size to do and we weren't good enough to play through them, weren't fast enough out wide or big/strong enough to threaten from crosses and set pieces. It was like a League One attack vs a Championship defence for most of the match, our limitations were clear.

Long had little to do but still refuses to communicate with his defenders leading to unnecessary pressure. He was lucky not to cost us a goal when he missed a punch. Needs replacing. Promotion won't happen with him as first choice, it's as simple as that.

Fleck did well in midfield but he needs a better player alongside him. At least someone physically OR technically good, Basham isn't quite either.
We also need pace in the team to make better use of Fleck's passing and creativity, we have none. Most of the time he had the ball he worked it over to the left, where we have no one who can go beyond a full back. Done offered nothing out wide as usual. That's one position we definitely need some pace. Duffy's fine on the other side but he's not particularly quick. Thought he looked good at times today, don't think he should've been subbed.

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

 

[Wards]

Absolutely clear we NEED a central midfielder to compliment Fleck and a wide man. Sure it'll happen over the next few weeks though - no need to panic.

 

[Blade82]

We've lacked a spine for years now. A set of nasty bastards who can bully our way to a point when facing a defeat or who can get us three when looking like a draw. That's what wins a team promotion.

 

[Drunk blade]

We're a mid table league 1 team with no money ... we need wilder to work miracles to get us up this year

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

Absolutely clear we NEED a central midfielder to compliment Fleck and a wide man. Sure it'll happen over the next few weeks though - no need to panic.

This plus a goalkeeper and I'll be happy enough.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

DOOM MONGER

 

[Jehovah]

Goalkeepers are ten a penny. Utterly ludicrous we haven't signed one.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

Agree with the OP re: Basham, for me he doesn't stamp his authority on the game, he's ok but has no personality and in a key position such as centre mid we need much more. Second half highlighted that, when we needed someone to drive us forward, take the game by the scruff of its neck and centre mid is the ideal area of the park to do just that, we didn't have it.

I liked the look of O'Connell but still feel we need a big dominant centre half leader to partner him. Of the other newbies I thought Fleck, Duffy and Clarke did well. I'll reserve judgement on Wilson and Hussey. Seems as though George Long is flavour of the month for some fans to have a dig at, if we're being honest we could look at the other end of the park, where Billy Sharp had a very poor game and their centre halves had him bottled up quite easily. I just hope Wilder doesn't think Billy is untouchable, I like Sharpy and his attitude but if he's not doing it get him brought off. We needed a goal or a spark in the second half, I'd have brought McNulty on as a straight swap for Billy Sharp.

 

[pommpey]

We haven't got the cash to bring any more players in, chaps. Unless they are freebies, or ditchers from other clubs and we know where that leads us to, don't we?

I really wish people would wake up a bit. Everyone is saying 'we are three or four players short' like there's a fucktonne of cash sat on McCabe's desk ready to blow on ready players who will happily trot down the car park of a team seemingly stuck in division three and has just lost their first game. The buying is over. We can wish all we want, but the marquee signings aren't gonna happen. Adams will go for an undisclosed and the cash will be used to finance the recent uninspiring input.

Just. Like. Before.

pommpey

 

[PokerBlade]

Problem is we had a huge squad and Wilder's managed to start the first game with six new signings. What this thread is really saying is that that still isn't enough which, while unsurprising, has been sadly impractical.

We're at the point now that most big business for the window is concluded and we need stand out quality.

 

[Finnieston]

We've all been saying it, today highlighted it pretty well, it's clear where we're lacking.

We started well but after the first 20 minutes it went downhill and we never looked like scoring. Bolton outnumbered us in midfield, won the battles as you'd expect a team their size to do and we weren't good enough to play through them, weren't fast enough out wide or big/strong enough to threaten from crosses and set pieces. It was like a League One attack vs a Championship defence for most of the match, our limitations were clear.

Long had little to do but still refuses to communicate with his defenders leading to unnecessary pressure. He was lucky not to cost us a goal when he missed a punch. Needs replacing. Promotion won't happen with him as first choice, it's as simple as that.

Fleck did well in midfield but he needs a better player alongside him. At least someone physically OR technically good, Basham isn't quite either.
We also need pace in the team to make better use of Fleck's passing and creativity, we have none. Most of the time he had the ball he worked it over to the left, where we have no one who can go beyond a full back. Done offered nothing out wide as usual. That's one position we definitely need some pace. Duffy's fine on the other side but he's not particularly quick. Thought he looked good at times today, don't think he should've been subbed.

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

Long had little to do but STILL refuses to communicate with his defenders.

Disgusting...those defenders have been here how long? And you might add have had several friendlys to perfect their communication skills. What was the communication like when we were pounding them in the first half hour, bearing in mind they were a Championship side last season. Told Wilder youll ring him on Monday regarding communication problem.

 

[Harry's Game]

We haven't got the cash to bring any more players in, chaps. Unless they are freebies, or ditchers from other clubs and we know where that leads us to, don't we?

I really wish people would wake up a bit. Everyone is saying 'we are three or four players short' like there's a fucktonne of cash sat on McCabe's desk ready to blow on ready players who will happily trot down the car park of a team seemingly stuck in division three and has just lost their first game. The buying is over. We can wish all we want, but the marquee signings aren't gonna happen. Adams will go for an undisclosed and the cash will be used to finance the recent uninspiring input.

Just. Like. Before.

pommpey

Unfortunately... ^^ This.

 

[robbiez666]

We haven't got the cash to bring any more players in, chaps. Unless they are freebies, or ditchers from other clubs and we know where that leads us to, don't we?

I really wish people would wake up a bit. Everyone is saying 'we are three or four players short' like there's a fucktonne of cash sat on McCabe's desk ready to blow on ready players who will happily trot down the car park of a team seemingly stuck in division three and has just lost their first game. The buying is over. We can wish all we want, but the marquee signings aren't gonna happen. Adams will go for an undisclosed and the cash will be used to finance the recent uninspiring input.

Just. Like. Before.

pommpey

Good young premiership/Championship loans. Cost nothing or next to nothing.

 

[Slug]

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

Agree with most of that apart from the bit about Clarke not working hard enough. I would say he worked twice as hard as Billy did today.

It's abundantly clear we need a partner for Fleck and some pace out wide, i thought Fleck was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch today but we unfortunately didn't have the players round him on the same wavelength.

I'm absolutely fine with the two CBs as they are, we have much more pressing concerns further up the pitch to sort first

 

[blade67]

Agree with the OP re: Basham, for me he doesn't stamp his authority on the game, he's ok but has no personality and in a key position such as centre mid we need much more. Second half highlighted that, when we needed someone to drive us forward, take the game by the scruff of its neck and centre mid is the ideal area of the park to do just that, we didn't have it.

I liked the look of O'Connell but still feel we need a big dominant centre half leader to partner him. Of the other newbies I thought Fleck, Duffy and Clarke did well. I'll reserve judgement on Wilson and Hussey. Seems as though George Long is flavour of the month for some fans to have a dig at, if we're being honest we could look at the other end of the park, where Billy Sharp had a very poor game and their centre halves had him bottled up quite easily. I just hope Wilder doesn't think Billy is untouchable, I like Sharpy and his attitude but if he's not doing it get him brought off. We needed a goal or a spark in the second half, I'd have brought McNulty on as a straight swap for Billy Sharp.

I' m not saying sharp is untouchable, and I'd assume that's exactly why Wilder has brought Mcnulty back, but the difference between him and Long is their respective performances last season. It's all about credit in the bank and long has far less than Billy.

 

[Bladesway]

We're a mid table league 1 team with no money ... we need wilder to work miracles to get us up this year

This. Clearing out the dross is underway although clearly not complete yet. New recruitment hasn't gone far enough to address the issues of the past and more needs to be done if we are to have any hope of making a realistic challenge this season. This shouldn't really be news to anyone. Without significant funds to properly strengthen we are going to end up with a team of Oldham and Bury cast offs and no real quality to compliment them. Wilder can only do so much and it will take time.

Before anyone gives it the "yeah, but it's only one game", for Wilder yes and for several of the new team, but the cancer of previous years still appears to be within the club. Shot shy, unable to genuinely create chances and put them away.

Everyone on here has already said it, more strength, more spine but I would add to that lets get some genuine ball playing quality (perhaps Fleck is that player) and wingers who are genuine wingers and not centre forwards filling a shirt out wide. Turning defenders, getting them facing their own goal and getting quality, dangerous crosses into the box. Its not a new tactic but it has been years since we did it.

 

[A_Blade1889]

Selling Che and reinvesting the money, could improve the squad massively. I haven't even seen us linked with any wingers, but we need one desperately. Done is useless, if he could be sold for £200k plus we should snap their hands off.

We don't seem a popular club to send young players to on loan. It should be a viable option to bring in at least a couple more options.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

Good young premiership/Championship loans. Cost nothing or next to nothing.

Eh? How've you worked that out?
Clubs at least cover the wages plus normally a loan fee especially for those that are highly rated.

 

[Revolution]

Absolutely clear we NEED a central midfielder to compliment Fleck and a wide man. Sure it'll happen over the next few weeks though - no need to panic.

You're sure? Why?

 

[robbiez666]

Eh? How've you worked that out?
Clubs at least cover the wages plus normally a loan fee especially for those that are highly rated.

not so much with the type of players who go on loan to League 1. Young, often youth players on low wages. Parent clubs often don't really mind still paying the wages because it's small change to them. They do require players getting game time though. You would think, with our academy and training facilities, that we'd be a good place to come.

 

[Kenilworth]

We've all been saying it, today highlighted it pretty well, it's clear where we're lacking.

We started well but after the first 20 minutes it went downhill and we never looked like scoring. Bolton outnumbered us in midfield, won the battles as you'd expect a team their size to do and we weren't good enough to play through them, weren't fast enough out wide or big/strong enough to threaten from crosses and set pieces. It was like a League One attack vs a Championship defence for most of the match, our limitations were clear.

Long had little to do but still refuses to communicate with his defenders leading to unnecessary pressure. He was lucky not to cost us a goal when he missed a punch. Needs replacing. Promotion won't happen with him as first choice, it's as simple as that.

Fleck did well in midfield but he needs a better player alongside him. At least someone physically OR technically good, Basham isn't quite either.
We also need pace in the team to make better use of Fleck's passing and creativity, we have none. Most of the time he had the ball he worked it over to the left, where we have no one who can go beyond a full back. Done offered nothing out wide as usual. That's one position we definitely need some pace. Duffy's fine on the other side but he's not particularly quick. Thought he looked good at times today, don't think he should've been subbed.

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

Analysis spot on, Ricks.
Good, measured post highlighted positives and issues we need to address. I'm more positive this season from what I have seen and know that Wilder will get those issues sorted.
Still worried about shots on goal but we could have been 2 up before they got out of first gear.

 

[larkymasher]

okay here is a question.

we could have signed Alex Davey as cover and I don't think anyone would have too much to say. Why then is young Semple not adequate cover? he is a better player than Davey without any doubt at all. add to that that CW said in June he was 6 months away from being ready ( November )

a young premiership centre back will cost 3k a week minimum. We should invest that money in other areas which we have no up and coming replacement.

just a thought

 

[spongebobblade]

We've all been saying it, today highlighted it pretty well, it's clear where we're lacking.

We started well but after the first 20 minutes it went downhill and we never looked like scoring. Bolton outnumbered us in midfield, won the battles as you'd expect a team their size to do and we weren't good enough to play through them, weren't fast enough out wide or big/strong enough to threaten from crosses and set pieces. It was like a League One attack vs a Championship defence for most of the match, our limitations were clear.

Long had little to do but still refuses to communicate with his defenders leading to unnecessary pressure. He was lucky not to cost us a goal when he missed a punch. Needs replacing. Promotion won't happen with him as first choice, it's as simple as that.

Fleck did well in midfield but he needs a better player alongside him. At least someone physically OR technically good, Basham isn't quite either.
We also need pace in the team to make better use of Fleck's passing and creativity, we have none. Most of the time he had the ball he worked it over to the left, where we have no one who can go beyond a full back. Done offered nothing out wide as usual. That's one position we definitely need some pace. Duffy's fine on the other side but he's not particularly quick. Thought he looked good at times today, don't think he should've been subbed.

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

Pretty much spot on. Don't expect Wilder to get all he needs before the end of August but at least 2 more in and the Adams situation sorting sooner rather than later

 

[coolhandluke]

Pretty much spot on. Don't expect Wilder to get all he needs before the end of August but at least 2 more in and the Adams situation sorting sooner rather than later

We keep giving Che a run out every now and again and potential suitors will see what he's like . Get him out of the first team set up immediately or we are stuck with him .

 

[Sean Thornton]

Long had little to do but STILL refuses to communicate with his defenders.

Disgusting...those defenders have been here how long? And you might add have had several friendlys to perfect their communication skills. What was the communication like when we were pounding them in the first half hour, bearing in mind they were a Championship side last season. Told Wilder youll ring him on Monday regarding communication problem.

But Ricky is bang on with his comment. Having a new player in front of him doesn't mean he stays on his line when the ball is clearly - and safely -,his. Three times today he did that putting his defenders under pressure resulting in then putting the ball into touch when Long should have come for it, causing uneccessary pressure.

 

[Leonardo Green]

I think we have some good foundations in place now. The window is not over yet.

 

[Bladesince59]

We've all been saying it, today highlighted it pretty well, it's clear where we're lacking.

We started well but after the first 20 minutes it went downhill and we never looked like scoring. Bolton outnumbered us in midfield, won the battles as you'd expect a team their size to do and we weren't good enough to play through them, weren't fast enough out wide or big/strong enough to threaten from crosses and set pieces. It was like a League One attack vs a Championship defence for most of the match, our limitations were clear.

Long had little to do but still refuses to communicate with his defenders leading to unnecessary pressure. He was lucky not to cost us a goal when he missed a punch. Needs replacing. Promotion won't happen with him as first choice, it's as simple as that.

Fleck did well in midfield but he needs a better player alongside him. At least someone physically OR technically good, Basham isn't quite either.
We also need pace in the team to make better use of Fleck's passing and creativity, we have none. Most of the time he had the ball he worked it over to the left, where we have no one who can go beyond a full back. Done offered nothing out wide as usual. That's one position we definitely need some pace. Duffy's fine on the other side but he's not particularly quick. Thought he looked good at times today, don't think he should've been subbed.

Clarke was disappointing, although that's probably the hardest game he'll have all season. Was never going to win anything in the air, and Beevers gave him nothing (as usual with our strikers, wish we signed him). I do feel he could've worked harder and ran the channels more though.

The defence did quite well, not that they were tested much in open play. They were never going to be against the incredibly negative line up Parkinson put out - two right backs down the right side. Three solid central midfielders. A solid winger. Madine on his own up front. It was screaming 'keep it tight and try and nick it from a set piece'. And that's basically what happened, but with a non scoring midfielder scoring the sort of wondergoal that we always seem to get done by.
Wilson and O'Connell seemed solid enough to confirm that CB is no longer the number one priority. I still want us to sign another CB but today showed that we're more desperate in other areas.

It was far from the disastrous start we had last season though, we were well in the game, should've scored in the first 20 minutes and could've easily got something from it. Bolton are going to be a hard team to beat this season. Not too much can be read into today in terms of our chances this season, especially with the inevitability (I hope) of further signings to be made. It's far from the worst starting point we could've had.

We've been 3 or 4 short since 1974.

 

[robbiez666]

okay here is a question.

we could have signed Alex Davey as cover and I don't think anyone would have too much to say. Why then is young Semple not adequate cover? he is a better player than Davey without any doubt at all. add to that that CW said in June he was 6 months away from being ready ( November )

a young premiership centre back will cost 3k a week minimum. We should invest that money in other areas which we have no up and coming replacement.

just a thought

I really doubt the kind of Premiership Youth players that go on loan to League 1 clubs earn anything like that. Even if they do, I'm guessing most clubs aren't fussed at getting a contribution towards them. Unless the likes of Swindon (who seem to use their full allowance every year) have a pot of cash they're hiding.

I would ring Nick Cox and ask him if they have any good Academy players who would fit into the positions we need. It's an obvious connection and one club at least must be impressed with our youth set-up.

 

[larkymasher]

I really doubt the kind of Premiership Youth players that go on loan to League 1 clubs earn anything like that. Even if they do, I'm guessing most clubs aren't fussed at getting a contribution towards them. Unless the likes of Swindon (who seem to use their full allowance every year) have a pot of cash they're hiding.

I would ring Nick Cox and ask him if they have any good Academy players who would fit into the positions we need. It's an obvious connection and one club at least must be impressed with our youth set-up.

two lads signed three year deals at Man Utd on their 17th birthday worth 450k over the 3 years plus a tidy boot deal.

both are not even in their dev u21 squad yet.

Our young lads played Charlton last year at 18/21. if you had seen the range of top sports cars these 17/18 year olds were getting into after the match you will know how much money there is a lot of clubs. and that was Charlton.

NIck Cox has spent a lot of time bringing through SUfC youngsters and would not hinder any of them by bringing in so called better players from Man Utd.
MAn UTd youth and dev sides are piss poor At present hence the complete overall in their academy.

but as always Robbie I take all your points and see the sense in them.

 

[Chezzy Blades]

two lads signed three year deals at Man Utd on their 17th birthday worth 450k over the 3 years plus a tidy boot deal.

both are not even in their dev u21 squad yet.

Our young lads played Charlton last year at 18/21. if you had seen the range of top sports cars these 17/18 year olds were getting into after the match you will know how much money there is a lot of clubs. and that was Charlton.

NIck Cox has spent a lot of time bringing through SUfC youngsters and would not hinder any of them by bringing in so called better players from Man Utd.
MAn UTd youth and dev sides are piss poor At present hence the complete overall in their academy.

but as always Robbie I take all your points and see the sense in them.

If these young lads are so unaffordable, how do the other clubs in the league manage to sign players on loan every season? Swindon and Peterborough in particular have been propped up for them for years.

From your posts its clear you have a connection to either the academy or someone in it, but I think sometimes you just have to face the fact that the likes of Reed, Whiteman, Semple, Kelly and the others just aren't good enough (yet) to contribute to our first team. If they were, we wouldn't have had two transfer listed players on the bench yesterday.