Coolblade
Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2015
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- 194
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Apologies if this has all been said but I'm too depressed to read too many posts!
Reasons for optimism - Leeds got 90 points in their first year down, and won the title the year after. We failed to get in the play offs first year down last time, and got promoted in the second season.
There is a common perception that the first year down is the most important and likely for promotion, but I suggest the second year is arguably the best opportunity. The parachute payments only dip slightly from year one to year two (from about £43m to £35m) and in general during the first year down the relegated club needs to pay off high priced failures leaving little for new signings - meaning that having cleared the decks in year one, the £35m with a clean slate in year two can a better opportunity.
If on top of the £35m (plus Wembley revenue etc) our new owners also chip in a far wedge, then we may be in better shape to strengthen than we expect. Indeed I would be trying to persuade Hamer and Cooper (in particular) to stay on by demonstrating the willingness to invest further, and by uplifting their contracts if needed I am hoping Hamer's friendship with O'Hare may help too - although I know its highly unlikely we can keep Hamer as the best player in the division, and who appeared to wave good bye at Wembley.
To counter the above, the third year payments dip alarmingly. This makes next season absolutely crucial, and we must be absolutely sure we have the right man in charge, as giving Wilder until Christmas (as Deadbeat suggests) isn't an option, as if we sack him then and bring someone new in, we will have thrown away our best chance for years.
I admire Wilder's managerial record with us and loved our first year up pre Covid - although he is well behind Bassett, has a similar record to Warnock, and has a worse ppg record than Heckingbottom, even taking into account the number of points Wilder got in Div 1. But a combination of having demonstrated a poor recent transfer record, becoming more negative in his approach, no longer being consistent in team selection or formation, and having an ego which appears at times out of control etc. means I would prefer we pat him on the back, and bring in another proven manager (Dyche. Cooper....) for a refreshed assault.
Reasons for optimism - Leeds got 90 points in their first year down, and won the title the year after. We failed to get in the play offs first year down last time, and got promoted in the second season.
There is a common perception that the first year down is the most important and likely for promotion, but I suggest the second year is arguably the best opportunity. The parachute payments only dip slightly from year one to year two (from about £43m to £35m) and in general during the first year down the relegated club needs to pay off high priced failures leaving little for new signings - meaning that having cleared the decks in year one, the £35m with a clean slate in year two can a better opportunity.
If on top of the £35m (plus Wembley revenue etc) our new owners also chip in a far wedge, then we may be in better shape to strengthen than we expect. Indeed I would be trying to persuade Hamer and Cooper (in particular) to stay on by demonstrating the willingness to invest further, and by uplifting their contracts if needed I am hoping Hamer's friendship with O'Hare may help too - although I know its highly unlikely we can keep Hamer as the best player in the division, and who appeared to wave good bye at Wembley.
To counter the above, the third year payments dip alarmingly. This makes next season absolutely crucial, and we must be absolutely sure we have the right man in charge, as giving Wilder until Christmas (as Deadbeat suggests) isn't an option, as if we sack him then and bring someone new in, we will have thrown away our best chance for years.
I admire Wilder's managerial record with us and loved our first year up pre Covid - although he is well behind Bassett, has a similar record to Warnock, and has a worse ppg record than Heckingbottom, even taking into account the number of points Wilder got in Div 1. But a combination of having demonstrated a poor recent transfer record, becoming more negative in his approach, no longer being consistent in team selection or formation, and having an ego which appears at times out of control etc. means I would prefer we pat him on the back, and bring in another proven manager (Dyche. Cooper....) for a refreshed assault.