January 2020

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

Good signings in January are difficult to achieve, for obvious reasons already mentioned in this thread. And there is the additional problem of the way we play and the fitness levels expected; it would be really difficult to find players to slot in immediately. Barring a series of injuries, my guess is that the current squad will be little changed, and that the summer signings will be assumed to be in a better position to cope than players brought in in January.

 

[metalblade]

I can only see us filling the squad out in January with back up players. Sitting 6th in the league means to improve that will cost mega bucks a problem made worse by not much likely to come through from the academy and Prince A needing to buy the stadium by July 20. Buying the best players in the league below does not improve a top half Premier League team it only consolidates a bottom half team. It really is all about staying in the Prem and going again next season when we might have more money to spend.

 

[Weasel]

Bowen from Hull is a good shout.

Also like the look of Olly Watkins but probably would cost too much at the moment as he is on form and firing. He wouldn't be cheap.

Karlan Grant at Huddersfield is also a very good player.

Darragh Lenihan at Blackburn should just be getting back from injury around Christmas time and looked like he was coming on and starting to look a decent player too. I know we have had interest in him before.

And a bit of a left field one, but I also think Dwight Gayle would still do a decent job for us once he was up to speed.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

If we can offload Clarke and get another striker that would be good.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Duffy and if we can move him on? Unless his loan deal is til the end of the season?

Getting the dead wood of the wage bill is must even though they are not in our 25 man PL squad. The likes of Wright and Holmes need to go.

You say have to leave but who's putting in the effort and hours on the training pitch to make the team what it is?

Now that is unseen work.

 

[Droppingwell]

I would stick with the current squad until the summer. I understand from BladesPod that Lundstram is out of contract so will be able to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January I suspect there will be interest. Hopefully United will announce a new contract, but if not although Freeman may be able to provide useful cover Wilder will need someone else there.

 

[Jimmy Fleck]

I reckon an eventual replacement for basham is what we need. Rodon at swans or maybe lenhian at Blackburn? Basham getting on now

 

[Charlieblade]

Apart from securing Lundstram, I don't see us in desperate need of anything in January. There reasons why the JTW reeks of shit and desperation.
We have options for most eventualities regarding players, and management will have summer plans on the back burner already to go.
Remember we need to fund, academy, ground purchase and ground improvements in the summer, especially as it seems likely we will stay up.

 

[FallowfieldBlade]

Can never stand still in any league especially the prem , Id be looking at upgrading norwood and bash not that they haven't been goood enough

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Apart from securing Lundstram, I don't see us in desperate need of anything in January. There reasons why the JTW reeks of shit and desperation.
We have options for most eventualities regarding players, and management will have summer plans on the back burner already to go.
Remember we need to fund, academy, ground purchase and ground improvements in the summer, especially as it seems likely we will stay up.

You don't see us in desperate need because at present we have no injuries or suspensions - when these inevitably hit us, you may change your view.

January at the very least should be about covering bases.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

What's interesting, and I know injuries and suspensions will kick in at some piint, is that we spent around £50M in the Summer and we're still pretty much playing last year's team with Lundstram replacing Duffy with the strikers taking turns for 1 place.

 

[S64 Blade]

In - I think some better cover across the defence is probably required. Potentially another striker if the likes of Robinson and McBurnie don't start pulling up trees (Bowen and Watkins are the obvious choices).

Out - A loan deal for Bryan would be good to help him get games and for the club to assess his capabilities in competitive games. Then there's the likes of Clarke who would be good to get off the wage bill. I think someone like Stearman is good to have around the club. He seems a top professional and not someone who will be getting frustrated about not featuring (seems the sort who is probably thinking about coaching, so that could be something he gets involved with).

 

[Charlieblade]

You don't see us in desperate need because at present we have no injuries or suspensions - when these inevitably hit us, you may change your view.

January at the very least should be about covering bases.

As I pointed out, we have cover, albeit not perfect, for all positions, and our expenditure must meet a number of future needs.
Our pockets are not as deep as some in the PL and we must cut our cloth accordingly. Too many posters seem happy to splash funds on players in JTW. Personally, I think Wilder has done well to cover the bases.
We have already used L Freeman for Fleck and others for McGoldrick for injury cover. We are still doing quite well. Not perfect, but adequate, and within our means.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Wilder keeps saying that a number of our established players have 'stepped up' to the P.L. level and in a way that has been a surprise and a little bit of an inconvenience/ embarrassment for Wilder as regards the limited playing time he has offered to L.Freeman and Osborn who are quality players 'champing at the bit' and no doubt frustrated at the moment. To a lesser degree Besic and Morrison will be disappointed. McBurnie and Robinson will appreciate they have not grasped their opportunities as yet. Jags will be fine.

Just possibly Wilder will feel that he can release one or two but he will not risk that if an attractive improvement cannot be signed.

Cover is a bit weak at the back but Besic, Lundstram and Stevens can drop back if absolutely necessary. I'm not sure Stearman is a starting option.

Cover for Baldock is L.Freeman primarily and I reckon K.Freeman is another who can prosper at this level and he looked really fit and sharp pre-season.

Overall no need to panic and any significant signing should be with next season in mind - all depending on our league position in 2 months time!!!

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

As I pointed out, we have cover, albeit not perfect, for all positions, and our expenditure must meet a number of future needs.
Our pockets are not as deep as some in the PL and we must cut our cloth accordingly. Too many posters seem happy to splash funds on players in JTW. Personally, I think Wilder has done well to cover the bases.
We have already used L Freeman for Fleck and others for McGoldrick for injury cover. We are still doing quite well. Not perfect, but adequate, and within our means.

I dont want us to splash alot of cash, just cover bases as bare minimum.

Who covers Bashams position if he is suspended?
Who covers Baldock?
Who covers McGoldrick to the levels we have seen him at recently?

 

[Charlieblade]

I dont want us to splash alot of cash, just cover bases as bare minimum.

Who covers Bashams position if he is suspended?
Who covers Baldock?
Who covers McGoldrick to the levels we have seen him at recently?

You are posing hypothetical questions. At the risk of repeating myself, we have adequate, but not perfect cover, which has worked ok so far.
Why should we spend on possibilities that may not happen, for situations that we can already cover?
Weerz the muneh? No academy or training improvements? Borrow against future budgets for ground purchase, or Kop refurb?

My point is that we have funding needs and talk of JTW spending, is one area that can be delayed until summer.
I think we will finish top ten this season, with the squad we have, (secure essential contracts). Once PL status is secure, then we can look at priorities. Players are one thing and academy is another. In my opinion, infrastructure comes first when we have secured funding for next season.
That might be too pragmatic for some, but I see Wilder having a similar view.

We can't do everything in our first season back, unless someone finds a money tree. Where do you think Wilders thinking is at right now?

 

[Niceguyeddie]

I dont want us to splash alot of cash, just cover bases as bare minimum.

Who covers Bashams position if he is suspended?
Who covers Baldock?
Who covers McGoldrick to the levels we have seen him at recently?

Besic
Besic
Freeman

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

Besic
Besic
Freeman

Has Besic ever played centre half before?
Has Besic ever played wing back before?
Maybe - but hes more a midfielder than a striker.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Besic
Besic
Freeman

During his career, Bešić has been deployed as a right back and as a centre back, although his natural position by his own words is defensive midfielder.

And mcgoldricks role is more of a number 10 than a striker which I'm sure Freeman could play , differently but I'm sure he could fill in

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

You are posing hypothetical questions. At the risk of repeating myself, we have adequate, but not perfect cover, which has worked ok so far.
Why should we spend on possibilities that may not happen, for situations that we can already cover?
Weerz the muneh? No academy or training improvements? Borrow against future budgets for ground purchase, or Kop refurb?

My point is that we have funding needs and talk of JTW spending, is one area that can be delayed until summer.
I think we will finish top ten this season, with the squad we have, (secure essential contracts). Once PL status is secure, then we can look at priorities. Players are one thing and academy is another. In my opinion, infrastructure comes first when we have secured funding for next season.
That might be too pragmatic for some, but I see Wilder having a similar view.

We can't do everything in our first season back, unless someone finds a money tree. Where do you think Wilders thinking is at right now?

You make a lot of good points, and like you say very sensible and pragmatic. I guess my views are driven by a nervousness that a few suspensions or injuries could derail us.

Just don't want out first season to be our last because we failed to get an extra player or 2 to cover the key areas where we would struggle when injuries/suspensions occur.

Like you I believe we have adequate cover in a lot of areas - just not all and especially not to maintain the system/style we have (ie Basham and Baldock cover).

The funding/money aspect is something I think you're right on - throw in McCabes appeal and it makes things trickier.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

During his career, Bešić has been deployed as a right back and as a centre back, although his natural position by his own words is defensive midfielder.

And mcgoldricks role is more of a number 10 than a striker which I'm sure Freeman could play , differently but I'm sure he could fill in

That's comforting to know then. Had only ever seen him for Everton as a midfielder - but if he has them two positions in his locker (and by being an international player he'd surly have the tools to adapt quicker than some) then all the better.

Freeman - have to agree to disagree, don't think he's got the engine/ability to get up and be a striker as well as the link up man like McGioldrick.

Freeman is a midfielder playing a more advanced role, whereas I 'd prefer a Striker playing in a deeper role.

 

[Charlieblade]

Freeman - have to agree to disagree, don't think he's got the engine/ability to get up and be a striker as well as the link up man like McGioldrick.

Freeman is a midfielder playing a more advanced role, whereas I 'd prefer a Striker playing in a deeper role.

He's not like for like but then who is? McGoldrick is a one off. I prefer a defensive edge to someone covering an attacking role that he isn't perfect for.
Freeman might even convert a few of the chances Didsy has missed?

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

He's not like for like but then who is? McGoldrick is a one off. I prefer a defensive edge to someone covering an attacking role that he isn't perfect for.
Freeman might even convert a few of the chances Didsy has missed?

Jarrod Bowen would be my nomination. But the outlay may mean we have to wait until he summer. If CW was interested of course.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Lot of interest in Bowen on here but where would he play ?

 

[Charlieblade]

Jarrod Bowen would be my nomination. But the outlay may mean we have to wait until he summer. If CW was interested of course.

We have assets now, we can use them instead of spending money on introducing new blood. We have seen how difficult that is at PL level. If we use these assets effectively to cover injury and suspensions, it helps them and it could help Wilder. Right now he has no chance to integrate the existing back up players. Win win, as long as we trust Wilder.

 

[S64 Blade]

Lot of interest in Bowen on here but where would he play ?

Up front. The McGoldrick link up role.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

Up front. The McGoldrick link up role.

Doesn't srtike me as that sort of player

 

[Ricky]

The more money we can put aside for infrastructure improvements the better.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

I understand from BladesPod that Lundstram is out of contract so will be able to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January I suspect there will be interest.

I would imagine we can negotiate a new contract with Lundstram with the cover of an extension clause that would automatically activate if he reaches a number of games for the season. It’s the standard thing for us nowadays for players in their final year, and I doubt Lundstram will be any different – though we’ll no doubt arrange a longer deal.

 

[jono_t2000]

Only thing i ask is please no more championship players.. don't think it's a coincidence that the only new signing showing some form was from a PL club.

Surely we can turn some heads and not get snubbed by better quality players (apparently a few did snob us in the last window) now that we're actually looking like a decent team who wont go straight back down

 

[Kanye]

Only thing i ask is please no more championship players.. don't think it's a coincidence that the only new signing showing some form was from a PL club.

Surely we can turn some heads and not get snubbed by better quality players (apparently a few did snob us in the last window) now that we're actually looking like a decent team who wont go straight back down

A very simplistic, misguided view.

10/11 of the starters against Burnley were championship players last season, like Robinson, McBurnie and company.