Expiring Player Contracts

[Chief_Froley]

I know I'm doubling up on the post I made here but I thought it would make a good thread.

Basically I've been thinking about players with expiring contracts this summer that we could be taking a low cost punt on. I've put a list below of ones I think would be worth a look to get the ball rolling but feel free to add any others you know of.

Sammy Ameobi ST. Been injured recently but a mainstay for Bolton. Big guy, brings a bit of pace, good age, left footed, can play up front, out wide or as a CAM. Signed during their transfer embargo so he wouldn't cost the world.

Isaac Vassell ST. Had strong start for Blackpool but missed a fair amount recently due to injury. Adds pace and strength and with him being there since they were in league 2 last season could be a good low risk punt.

Jack Robinson CB/LWB. Had massive issues with injury before but seems to have that behind him now. Was Liverpools youngest debutant back in t'day. Been playing CB for QPR but has played left back and left wing in the past. Been their captain so has that leadership quality that wilder seems to look for.

Mark Beevers CB. Another Bolton player. Left footer who has been playing in a back 3 so would be good competition for O'Connell. Strong tall bloke who is good in the air so I think he'd do well in the Stearman position too.

Reece James LWB. Been hampered with injury in the past again but seems to have that behind him. Mainstay in Wigan squad this season so should be more that enough competition for stevens

Erhun Oztumer CAM. Been linked before with him so not much else to add. Chips in with a fair few goals which is something Duffy seems to lack. If Brooks goes he could be a good cost effective replacement.

Adedeji Oshilaja CB. Catching the eye of a few teams along with George Long at Wimbledon. Good age again. Has pace, strength and moves forward well so seems like an ideal player to work in our overlapping CB system. Has also been deployed in a sweeper role so would be good to push Stearman on as well.

 

[Ricky]

Ameobi's one I'd definitely look to take if he's on a free. Athletic, versatile and much better technically than many seem to assume.

 

[andy m]

Thought Isaac Vassell played for Birmingham

 

[Chief_Froley]

Thought Isaac Vassell played for Birmingham

Bollocks! I meant KYLE Vassell!

 

[Liaminho9]

I think the problem with most if not all of these, is they wouldn’t have a huge impact on the first team - most free agents wouldn’t. If we want to push on next season (presuming we don’t go up this year) and make a real shot at promotion, we will need to invest money by paying fees for players, rather than picking up free agents from lower leagues.

 

[Grecian2000]

I know we've signed a few injured players in the past, but I think we should definitely draw the line at those who are about to expire! Think of the re-sale value.

 

[Chief_Froley]

I think the problem with most if not all of these, is they wouldn’t have a huge impact on the first team - most free agents wouldn’t. If we want to push on next season (presuming we don’t go up this year) and make a real shot at promotion, we will need to invest money by paying fees for players, rather than picking up free agents from lower leagues.

Agreed, I think there does need to be investment next season to find some quality players to build around. At the same time though good players can still be found on free transfers. A large number of our squad against Fulham comprised of free transfers (Basham, Stevens, Duffy, Fleck) and some of the best signings of the season came from free teansfers (Terry, Mendez-Laing). There can be be good deals to be had from doing it.

That's not even mentioning the fact that that one of the most important factors for success in the championship comes from strength in depth. Sometimes it's just as important to have good replacements pushing the first team on than just spunking loads of money on a few big names (a la Wednesday). Next season we need to build our squad as a whole up so it's inevitable that we'll pick up some free agents to ease the financial load.

 

[Groucho Blade]

What about trying to get DCL on a season-long loan...just a thought...

 

[Bladezz]

Wouldn’t sign any on that list.

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

Not a single player on that list would get into our starting lineup. All but perhaps one would struggle to make the subs bench and that estimate is pushing it.

As mentioned by Liaminho9 we will need to set our sights a lot higher budget permitting. With all due respect to our current squad (which is very decent) continuing to shop in the lower leagues and adding second tier journeymen to that won't take us to where we want to go. If we're lucky we will stand still.

 

[Chief_Froley]

I acknowledged earlier that free transfers alone aren't the answer but neither is just chucking a load of cash at it. Its inevitable that we will make some free transfers. Every team makes free transfers and that isn't a bad thing.

I'm also noticing many people are quick to point out that we need better and slag off my suggestions without actually caring to bring alternatives forward.

 

[Blade58]

I know I'm doubling up on the post I made here but I thought it would make a good thread.

Basically I've been thinking about players with expiring contracts this summer that we could be taking a low cost punt on. I've put a list below of ones I think would be worth a look to get the ball rolling but feel free to add any others you know of.

Sammy Ameobi ST. Been injured recently but a mainstay for Bolton. Big guy, brings a bit of pace, good age, left footed, can play up front, out wide or as a CAM. Signed during their transfer embargo so he wouldn't cost the world.

Isaac Vassell ST. Had strong start for Blackpool but missed a fair amount recently due to injury. Adds pace and strength and with him being there since they were in league 2 last season could be a good low risk punt.

Jack Robinson CB/LWB. Had massive issues with injury before but seems to have that behind him now. Was Liverpools youngest debutant back in t'day. Been playing CB for QPR but has played left back and left wing in the past. Been their captain so has that leadership quality that wilder seems to look for.

Mark Beevers CB. Another Bolton player. Left footer who has been playing in a back 3 so would be good competition for O'Connell. Strong tall bloke who is good in the air so I think he'd do well in the Stearman position too.

Reece James LWB. Been hampered with injury in the past again but seems to have that behind him. Mainstay in Wigan squad this season so should be more that enough competition for stevens

Erhun Oztumer CAM. Been linked before with him so not much else to add. Chips in with a fair few goals which is something Duffy seems to lack. If Brooks goes he could be a good cost effective replacement.

Adedeji Oshilaja CB. Catching the eye of a few teams along with George Long at Wimbledon. Good age again. Has pace, strength and moves forward well so seems like an ideal player to work in our overlapping CB system. Has also been deployed in a sweeper role so would be good to push Stearman on as well.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/1...ited-leading-race-to-sign-qprs-jack-robinson/

 

[Reedy1889]

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/1...ited-leading-race-to-sign-qprs-jack-robinson/

Would imagine this would mean direct compeition for Enda but equally able to come in at LCB (his more regular position at QPR) should O'Connell not be available. Should be an upgrade on Laffety by all accounts.

 

[Blade58]

Would imagine this would mean direct compeition for Enda but equally able to come in at LCB (his more regular position at QPR) should O'Connell not be available. Should be an upgrade on Laffety by all accounts.

I'm waiting for the day we aren't looking at out of contract players and actually in the market to pinch a clubs perceived best player for £10m

Alas, I think I'll be waiting a long time

 

[Ricky]

Yep, that'd be a very good free transfer.

 

[Chief_Froley]

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/03/1...ited-leading-race-to-sign-qprs-jack-robinson/

That can't be possible! None of the players I put on my list are apparently good enough!

 

[Keef Chedwyn]

I'm also noticing many people are quick to point out that we need better and slag off my suggestions without actually caring to bring alternatives forward.

Haha, you've made the same mistake I've done a few times in the past. Best not to bring your own opinion about football to the forum in my experience.

Good effort with the op by the way.

 

[Liaminho9]

Nobody out right attacked you - some just have differing opinions. That’s what an online forum is all about, contrasting opinions open for discussion. Your post was a good one, just not one i agreed on. There isn’t a poster on here that everyone agrees with all the time - we wouldn’t be football fans if we all agreed on every point raised.

 

[Moan? Nope-I saw Longhorn]

I know we've signed a few injured players in the past, but I think we should definitely draw the line at those who are about to expire! Think of the re-sale value.

Aye but they'd be very effective in the box

 

[gavtheblade]

Jason koumas.
Gerrimmsigned.

 

[Yewsman]

I'm waiting for the day we aren't looking at out of contract players and actually in the market to pinch a clubs perceived best player for £10m

Alas, I think I'll be waiting a long time

The problem is just because you spend £10 mill on a player it doesn't necessarily mean that a) he is any good b) will fit in c)won't get injured d) will necessarily improve the team. You only have to look across the city to see that throwing money around does not guarantee success. Plus in relative terms we did it in L1 for years and got nowhere.

 

[Blade58]

The problem is just because you spend £10 mill on a player it doesn't necessarily mean that a) he is any good b) will fit in c)won't get injured d) will necessarily improve the team. You only have to look across the city to see that throwing money around does not guarantee success. Plus in relative terms we did it in L1 for years and got nowhere.

I agree, but I think CW's ambition means he would like to have the option to have a crack at it

It's plain to see from his comments that he wants a bigger budget, one that enables him to compete with other top end clubs

I believe he's earned that right, but how the club achieves that sort of budget to enable him to ply his wares against the big budget clubs is anyones guess

However, I trust him more than any of the bozos over the other side of the city

 

[Dutch Blade]

The problem is just because you spend £10 mill on a player it doesn't necessarily mean that a) he is any good b) will fit in c)won't get injured d) will necessarily improve the team. You only have to look across the city to see that throwing money around does not guarantee success. Plus in relative terms we did it in L1 for years and got nowhere.

True and that's why we should not have the goal to buy 10 mill players ( at least as long as we're in the Championship)

You can find a lot of quality for 2-5 million. But you're not gonna find that in England. (at least not every year) So it's vital to scout in competitions with lots of talents and low wages. Danish Superliga, Ligue 2 and Eredivisie for example.

 

[ormester]

Oztumber would be a great signing

 

[Mouth of the South]

Oztumber would be a great signing

He wouldn't get in the match day 18 IMHO.

 

[Chief_Froley]

Just been having another look at other players who have contracts running out. Feel free to add anyone else I've missed.

Florian Jozefzoon: With a name like that you just know hes got pace coming out the wazoo (which according to experts is where pace normally comes from). Playing really well for Brentford. 2 footed winger. We obviously dont tend to use wingers but he could still be a very good acquisition.

Curtis Good: Left footed CB and former Australian International. I remember him being so hyped a few years ago but injury saw that off. Not getting a sniff at Newcastle but playing regularly for the U23s and doing well from reports. All the right ingredients for a Wilder project. At best: an international quality player. At worst: alright cover for O'Connell.

Pablo Hernandez: Age isn't on his side but he's a great player for Leeds. Scores some top goals, plays on either wing and CAM. Monk once said that he isnt a 46 game season man but sadly I dont think Duffy will be next year either. Together they can keep our tempo going all season.

Steve Sidwell: Again, old but he has a lot of champ/prem experience. Good leader and holding midfielder. Never relied on pace so he could be the next McCall... That said he could also be the next Dean Hammond.

Junior Hoilett: Winger. Injury riddled past but seems to have finally come good for Cardiff this year. If they go up they'll look to strengthen and with Mendez-Laing there already he may not see his contract renewed. Can play up front so wouldn't be wasted if we stick with the same formation. Also his name. Pace. Wazoo. Etc

Ben Marshall: Wolves player on loan at Millwall. Another winger so maybe not for our formation but he's two footed and can play right back so maybe a good choice for left/right wing back. We seem to get a lot of Wolves players so would be right at home with the rest.

Massadio Haidara: Left back for Newcastle. Barely played due to injury but he's French and black so according to S24SU rules would probably offer pace and wazoos. Bit mardy but I couldn't see a lot of left backs with contracts running out... Rhoys Wiggins anyone?

Bakary Sako: Attacking Midfielder/striker. Only featured a few times for Palace but up until recently somehow managed to be their top scorer with a grand total of 6 goals (dont laugh). Probably well out of our reach but worth a cheeky punt if we get some investment.

Wayne Hennessey: Bit wobbly recetly but a solid player at international level. Lot of GKs at Palace and it is also an area they're looking to strengthen over summer so again worth a punt.

Abel Hernandez: Was Hull's record transfer so probably another who's too expensive for us. Been injured until recently but on his day a good striker. Already said he isn't going to renew and will probably be looking to bring his career back at a club with their eye on the Premier League so why not us?

Jan Kirchoff: Up until recently a free agent but has signed until the end of the season for Bolton. Jury is still out on him but I remember loads of Sunderland fans being annoyed that he didn't get a renewal. Maybe one worth keeping an eye on if he performs. Can play CB or CDM.

Andreas Bjelland: Left footed CB at Brentford. Seems to be a good player with an equally good name. Would suit the middle of a back 3 and is also a decent ball player who can keep O'Connell on his toes.

Aron Gunarsson: Cardiff holding CM. Rejected a new contract offer so seems destined to leave this summer. Works hard so would be worth a go. Did have admirers from Burnley at one point though so may be out of our reach.

Jason Lowe: CM for Birmingham. TBH I wasnt going to include him as he hasnt even been featuring for that shit heap of a team but then I remembered the last player we got from them for free who couldnt get in their team. He seemed to do alright.

Greg Halford: I'll be fair. If it wasn't for the fact that he played for us once I probably wouldn't have bothered but dammit we have bladey blade criterias we need to fill and it was a toss up between him and Michael Tonge. Experienced CB who used be able to play every position under the sun (probably can't now). Cardiff will be looking to shift him and he could maybe could fill Wright's boots if he leaves. Finally, I have it on good authority that filling bladey blade criterias is an act that appeases the old gods and prevents the dark Lord Pinchy from consuming our world.

 

[Chief_Froley]

Can anyone else tell that my work's been going slow this morning?

 

[Bladezz]

So many poor players on that list.

 

[Chief_Froley]

So many poor players on that list.

Who else would you suggest then?