League 1 players 'worth a punt'

['Doc' Pace my hero]

If there are any benefits from spending a few years in the 3rd tier,it is the chance to see at first hand players from other clubs that may just make the step up to the championship.As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad,have we seen any players this season in league 1 that may be 'worth a punt' ?

 

[TBW57]

If there are any benefits from spending a few years in the 3rd tier,it is the chance to see at first hand players from other clubs that may just make the step up to the championship.As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad,have we seen any players this season in league 1 that may be 'worth a punt' ?

Probably not, Doc. All the players who have improved our squad this season, apart from two on loan, came from the same division that we were playing in. I expect that means that CW will be looking for players who have come to his attention and impressed him in the second tier to join in the summer.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

If there are any benefits from spending a few years in the 3rd tier,it is the chance to see at first hand players from other clubs that may just make the step up to the championship.As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad,have we seen any players this season in league 1 that may be 'worth a punt' ?

Go and take a look at the EFL team of the season for L1 and L2 - it would be a good start and they might be in our price bracket.

UTB

 

[mancunianblade]

Couple of things where has it been stated we have limited funds? From what has been said granted take it with a pinch of salt.we needed to go up to truly see the Princes spending power. Not saying this is going to happen min

As for you point I'd agree but I'd hardly say the cream of the division will be bargain basement signings. Barnsley are a good example to follow they did exactly this. I'd expect Mitchell already has Wilders shopping list and may have even agreed a contract or two

 

[Danny_Blade]

As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad

What about the "think Liverpool" type of investment once we're out of this division then?

 

[knowsnowt]

What about the "think Liverpool" type of investment once we're out of this division then?

Beattie flu?

 

[BigBed]

Who's actually said we have "limited funds" for next season!?
Is it fact or just some more made up bollocks??
I'm keen to know where the fuck this information comes from!?

 

[SwissBlade]

What about the "think Liverpool" type of investment once we're out of this division then?

A more recent statement was made during the Cup Semi season, along the lines of the investment will kick in once we reach the Championship. However, like the "think Liverpool" statement and "europe within 5 years"(from 10 years ago), you have to keep them in the context of the time.

I believe that there will be investments in players, but hopefully this will not be pressurised purchased or the club buying big names for the sake of it, which i think we've see up the road recently.

Wilder has apparently identified targets for the Championship, some of whom are already with us. It would be wise to look at League 1 for suitable players as well as Championship and Premiership.

I'd be surprised if we didn't try to sign Harry Chapman (currently playing in League 1).

 

[blader]

Meredith should be our first signing if Bradford don't go up IMO. I'd also love a Charlie Wyke (reckon he's scored his way out of our price range now though, should have signed him when we got Hanson... but that's another story). Josh Cullen at Bradford ( on loan from West Ham) would also be a great acquisition!

I also think we need a CB, however I think it's important that the CB in question has Championship experience. We will need a bit of 'know-how' as our squad is relatively inexperienced at a higher level.

It does very much depend on how much we have though. Which no one, probably including Wilder, will know yet.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Maybe any new additions should have pace and mobility which is needed in all areas of the pitch.

That will be the big difference in the opposing teams when we go up.

 

[Blade56]

Still holding out in hope beyond hope we can land Bradley Dack and Sam Morsey NOT!

Who's actually said we have "limited funds" for next season!?
Is it fact or just some more made up bollocks??
I'm keen to know where the fuck this information comes from!?

Totally agree with BB fans are already thinking small and expecting that there will be no funds. If we have same attitude from McCabe when we went up into the PL (use same players in season 1 then use PL money to invest in season 2) we might as well stay where we are.

Now is the time for him and bog roll to stand up and be counted or cash in small time.

 

[Liaminho9]

One player that has impressed me every time i've seen him play is Southend's Left Back Ben Coker. 27 years old, and a good set piece taker as well.

 

[BigBed]

You never know, there are plenty of Oriental folk around at the moment with shit loads of cash, we could be the next man city by 2020!!

 

[Esablade]

along the lines of the investment will kick in once we reach the Championship.

I think the revised statement went along the lines of:

"We'll kick in anyone who mentions think Liverpool"

 

[Sheff de party]

If there are any benefits from spending a few years in the 3rd tier,it is the chance to see at first hand players from other clubs that may just make the step up to the championship.As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad,have we seen any players this season in league 1 that may be 'worth a punt' ?

Seeing players from the lower leagues is what an effective scouting system is for.

The only benefit I can see to the club is we stripped back all the dross and aged higher earners and started again with a group of hungry, committed and talented players under a manager who will not put up with less.

Well that and it's been fun to tick off some more grounds.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Extra league monies £5m ?, extra TV Money £?. Prince said he'd step it up once in the Championship.. McCabe still investing/donating.

Wilder and management will get new contracts. Some players will too as reward and to keep them. So it will cost more to stay as we are.

EEL may not be good enough and Chapman will take time to develop over the season. Riley hopefully. Why not a couple more on loan, real quality.

Reed and Whiteman and Brooks will go out on loan but if they don't they will be real challengers for the bench and the team as the season develops. George Long looks as though he has grown up a lot in the past year in more ways than one, looked more assured and confident the other night. Wilder's ways will help young players express themselves that's for sure.

The next phase is like a different world. Some players who look great in L1 will struggle for sure.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Conor McLaughlin has always impressed when I've seen him play and would probably be able to make the step-up to the Champ, as well as provide cover/competition for Freeman (assuming there'll be no way back for Brayford).

Chapman is a possibility to provide an additional option for CAM but he may well be playing in the Champ for M'boro next season.

Riley didn't impress in any of his appearances, esp. at Bristol Rovers and I'd therefore stay clear.

Despite their unconvincing performances on Tuesday, I'd still be tempted to recruit Webster and Gregory if sensible fees could be agreed.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Interesting to look at what transactions Barnsley (one of the models I'd imagine we'd be looking at following) carried out pre-season.

Two biggish acquisitions (both costing £500k or more), both from this level - Tom Bradshaw and George Moncur. Funded by selling Alfie Mawson to Swansea for £5m+. Moncur's turned out to be a bit of a flop (so far) though, having been loaned out to Peterborough.

And quite a lot of other activity, ranging from non-league (Angus Macdonald from Torquay's become a mainstay in central defence), through the division below (Andy Yiadom from Barnet), to a range of out-of-contracts & loanees (Ryan Kent, Adam Armstrong) from Championship level or above.

In our case, hopefully we'll not have to be funding activity with a major sale (what with the three £1m+ transfers out already this season), but the Mawson and Macdonald deals are interesting in the sense of them pretty seamlessly bringing a well-scouted (& unsung) replacement after selling a key player.

Yet, if Barnsley are anything to go by, then I'd imagine we will see a fair amount of activity, including from this level or below.

Cian Bolger would be one I'd pick out who's excelled in Division Three this season in an effective & resolute three-at-the-back system like ours. One year left on his contract, I think.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Cian Bolger would be one I'd pick out who's excelled in Division Three this season in an effective & resolute three-at-the-back system like ours. One year left on his contract, I think.

I think Bolger has another 2 years. Meredith (Bradford) will be out of contract as will Mendez-Laing who did well against us and Wallsall's keeper Etheridge.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

I think Bolger has another 2 years. Meredith (Bradford) will be out of contract as will Mendez-Laing who did well against us and Wallsall's keeper Etheridge.

Mendez-Laing seems to have come on amazingly well over recent months.

 

[crucialkneeligaman]

Conor McLaughlin has always impressed when I've seen him play and would probably be able to make the step-up to the Champ, as well as provide cover/competition for Freeman (assuming there'll be no way back for Brayford).

Chapman is a possibility to provide an additional option for CAM but he may well be playing in the Champ for M'boro next season.

Riley didn't impress in any of his appearances, esp. at Bristol Rovers and I'd therefore stay clear.

Despite their unconvincing performances on Tuesday, I'd still be tempted to recruit Webster and Gregory if sensible fees could be agreed.

I still think Riley would be worth considering MOTS, wasn't really here long enough, and as we know is thought of highly at MU. No doubt the lad has had some bad luck injury wise and would be up to proving a point.

 

[adebo]

Ricky Holmes, Marcus Maddison, (& I barely dare type this I am reaching for my tin hat before I do) Nile Ranger who has done brilliantly and was immense for Southend at the lane and his goal at the weekend brilliant! As good in the air as hanson and scores goals and has pace and cheap.

 

[bertieblade]

Nike ranger would be really good for team spirit!

I cannot see CW going anywhere near him, there is more to a footballer than being a good player, its integration with the squad, something that CW and Paul Mitchell place a lot of thought into.

 

[mancunianblade]

Whoever let Mendez laing get that bulky needs to have a word with themselves

 

[super_pig]

Conor McLaughlin has always impressed when I've seen him play and would probably be able to make the step-up to the Champ, as well as provide cover/competition for Freeman (assuming there'll be no way back for Brayford).

Chapman is a possibility to provide an additional option for CAM but he may well be playing in the Champ for M'boro next season.

Riley didn't impress in any of his appearances, esp. at Bristol Rovers and I'd therefore stay clear.

Despite their unconvincing performances on Tuesday, I'd still be tempted to recruit Webster and Gregory if sensible fees could be agreed.

i was quite impressed with Webster. he was clearly injured yet battled on to the end.. him and Hanson had a great battle but he maintained his composure throughout the game

 

[ben1987]

Mendez-Laing seems to have come on amazingly well over recent months.

He's about 5 stone lighter than when he was with us. Couldn't believe it was the same bloke.

 

[Chief_Froley]

IMO Mendez-Laing could be an amazing signing of we went in for him. Bulky bloke right now but imagine what he would be like after a pre-season with our training routines. Could be a match made in heaven!

 

[1danewhitehouse]

If there are any benefits from spending a few years in the 3rd tier,it is the chance to see at first hand players from other clubs that may just make the step up to the championship.As it seems that we will have limited funds available to strengthen the squad,have we seen any players this season in league 1 that may be 'worth a punt' ?

Few names off the top of my head:-


Etheridge from Walsall to provide competition for Moore.


Patrick Bauer from Charlton- Looked very assured in the recent game at our place.


Mark Beevers- We all know about him. Big strong, experienced centre half.


Ehrun Oztumer- If we are to go for another attacking midfielder, I think I would prefer to go for him over keeping O’Shea.


Tote Obadeyi- Looked really quick, tricky and lively for Oldham last week.


Robert Hall- Oxford- Pacey, tricky winger at Oxford. He’s young so has time to improve and would give us a different dimension.


Sammy Ameobi- On loan at Bolton earlier in the season. Direct, quick, strong. A real miss for Bolton when he went back to Newcastle. Assuming they go up, we might be able to get him as a championship club.


John Lunstram- Oxford- Midfield playmaker in a similar mould to Coutts. He’s about 22-23 years old and has captained England at youth level. Very composed on the ball.


And now strikers. It’s easier to identify these as they catch the eye more when playing against us.


Charlie Wyke- Been prolific for Carlisle and scored a few for Bradford since his January move. Seems to have a bit of everything. Big lad, mobile, goalscorer. Only watched him on the highlights shows but looks a real threat around the box and seems to have a bit of a swagger and aggression about him.


Tom Elliott. Big, powerful target man at Wimbledon. He’s reasonably quick and has scored a fair few goals.


Lee Gregory- We all know about him. In the team of the year. Amongst the top scorers last season. Bladey bladeness etc.


James Vaughan- Has had a superb season for Bury in a fairly poor team. Always had talent but has been plagued by injuries but signs this season he might have put them behind him.

 

[Ricky]

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could be worth signing on a free. He's lost some weight, has kicked on this season and looks to be fulfilling his potential. As attacking players often do playing for Keith Hill. Versatile too which is a plus.

Jamie Allen is another Rochdale player worth a look, out of contract but 21 years old so compensation would be due. Looks like a very accomplished all round midfielder with a lot of potential. He's their captain too, which is a good sign for a young player - as we've seen with JO'C.

Marcus Maddison has always given me mixed impressions but there's no doubt he's got good ability, and is quick, direct and versatile. Has a year left on his contract and Peterborough will sell, as is their policy in these circumstances.

Sammy Ameobi's not a L1 player anymore but is out of contract and too old to have to pay compensation for. I'd have him here, he's big, athletic and versatile and has good ability too.

Erhun Oztumer is a player I'd like to see in our shirt. Bags of ability and entertaining to watch. Could play in the Championship, and would be a good option for us in the 10 position, and one who can score goals.

Ben Reeves is out of contract at MK Dons. Left footed attacking midfielder, good player. Worth considering on a free. Can we go with just Duffy and Carruthers for the number 10 position next season?

Ben Coker and Stephen McLaughlin form a very good left side for Southend. McLaughlin was scoring a lot of goals before he got injured. Think we'd be looking for a more athletic wing back type than Coker though, Lafferty is OK for LB.

Conor McLaughlin and Amari'i Bell, Fleetwood's wing backs, are both out of contract and would be good additions. They'd obviously fit into our current system, and both can play in a back 4. McLaughlin in particular would be ideal as RB in a 4, and that's one of the reasons I think we'll be interested in him. Bell's a good athlete and we'll need more of those next season.

Joe Edwards at Walsall has had 3 good games against us. Very versatile, fairly solid and quick and tidy with the ball. He'd be good cover anywhere on the flanks and also in central midfield. I read he had Championship interest last season too which helps back up his ability.

James Meredith and George Baldock are 2 other full backs/wing backs we could look at. Both quick, which is important as I've said.

Jordan Willis at Coventry might be worth a look. Young, versatile and athletic defender who's their captain. Would be easy to sign.

Cian Bolger seems to have really established himself as a good CB this season, and is used to being in a back 3. At 25 he's still quite young for a CB. Will be easy to sign if Fleetwood don't go up. Might be worth consideration.

Neil Etheridge would be a decent keeper to pick up on a free. Connor Ripley would be a great signing if Boro stay up, although I could only see a loan. Can't see us replacing Moore like that though.