Our 3 big signings this season

[Chabuddy G]

No evidence then? Okay.
Can’t be too simple as you’ve only the one example. You’ve heard of that thing called the burden of proof right? It’s all good telling me to do research but it seems that you haven’t done any either.
Again you’re trying to mask the fact he has done absolutely nothing in a Blades shirt so far. Some of the judgements he receives on here are over the top, and he needs more time obviously. But my issue was some wanting to drop Norwood for him, despite the fact he’s had no positive effect on the team so far, whereas Norwood is arguably our most important player in the current set up.

No, because there ins't any. But he hasn't been horrendous just because it's not what you expected from him. And Chris wouldn't play him if he didn't think he was performing as he wanted him to. Players take time to adjust to divisions sometimes, who knew?
How have I done no research? How do you work that one out when I've given you games to watch to see his performances?
I knew about Berge long before we even got promoted; nevermind before we were linked with. He was one of the hottest and most talked about talents on the continent a couple of years ago. Chris himself said if we didn't sign him when we did we wouldn't have got him at all because the big clubs were circling end of the season.

Sander is a long term signing. A £20mil CDM playing RCM. Why would Wilder sign a CDM for that much money to try and turn him into something he isn't? The plan has always been to turn him into our next Norwood. Thank god CWAK look at the bigger picture rather than whats right infront of them. That's why we are where we are right now.

 

[true99blade]

No, because there ins't any. But he hasn't been horrendous just because it's not what you expected from him. And Chris wouldn't play him if he didn't think he was performing as he wanted him to. Players take time to adjust to divisions sometimes, who knew?

When did I say he’s been horrendous?
And I knew... that’s why I said that he needs time.

How have I done no research? How do you work that one out when I've given you games to watch to see his performances?
I knew about Berge long before we even got promoted; nevermind before we were linked with. He was one of the hottest and most talked about talents on the continent a couple of years ago. Chris himself said if we didn't sign him when we did we wouldn't have got him at all because the big clubs were circling end of the season.

I’ve seen you give Genk v Liverpool as your only example of him playing well. Simply saying that there are other games is not evidence. You knew all about him? Based on FIFA or Football Manager I’m assuming. Where did Chris say that? I wouldn’t mind listening for myself.

Sander is a long term signing. A £20mil CDM playing RCM. Why would Wilder sign a CDM for that much money to try and turn him into something he isn't? The plan has always been to turn him into our next Norwood. Thank god CWAK look at the bigger picture rather than whats right infront of them. That's why we are where we are right now.

You don’t seem to be arguing with me here. I’ve not suggested anything contrary.

 

[Booker4]

Another thread to criticise Berge and McBurnie - for a change!

Its not escaped my attention either that we've spent a lot of money on them and the jury is still out. However, its much harder to recruit for the PL because the players we want are inevitably going to cost more money and yet still may not be better than what we had. You could also look at the signings of Osborne and Freeman and say the jury's still out there. As we've seen countless times before, we need to give players time. Signing the likes of Fleck, Bash and O'Connell for frees or peanuts is highly unlikely to be the way forward now. Sadly that means there will be expensive signings that don't work.

Back to McBurnie and the Moose, as others have said, without their goals we'd be in the relegation zone. Berger is showing, in my view, slow signs of improvement but not currently worth £20m, but its early doors.

 

[Bladeulike]

I agree that all three of them have yet to prove their worth (although Moose and McB have scored crucial, point winning goals this season). The issue for me is that this is turning into something of a witch hunt. Our frustration is that the whole team appears to have been replaced by a set of doppelgangers from the Handsworth Sunday League. It’s not Moose’s fault that Norwood has gone colour blind, it’s not McB’s fault that Egan’s clutch is suddenly stuck in second gear, it isn’t Berge’s fault that Stevens seems to have overdosed on brain fart beans. My point being they are all pretty bloody calamitous at the moment (Bash being the stand out exception). I just think there’s a time and a place for singling out players (and quite rightly considering their huge wages that we contribute to) but this current avalanche of criticism (not just Bert’s post) feels unpleasant and that the three of them are somehow being held responsible for a hugely disappointing return after lockdown. We have been crap, collectively crap and every player and the management should take responsibility for that. We are staying up and it’s a bloody miracle we have already garnered enough points to do that. Doesn’t feel right to pile into individuals at this point. No-one in the team is above criticism but at the same time no-one in this fantastic team deserves the vitriol currently being heaped on these three players

 

[Shoreham_Bhoys]

£50M is the going rate for this quality these days, if we want better we've got to spend bigger.

That's the harsh reality of a club in our financial position.

 

[Chabuddy G]

When did I say he’s been horrendous?
And I knew... that’s why I said that he needs time.

I’ve seen you give Genk v Liverpool as your only example of him playing well. Simply saying that there are other games is not evidence. You knew all about him? Based on FIFA or Football Manager I’m assuming. Where did Chris say that? I wouldn’t mind listening for myself.

You don’t seem to be arguing with me here. I’ve not suggested anything contrary.

The exact word horrendous hasn't been made, maybe not. But you have scoffed at the idea of him replacing Norwood... when they're both CDM's.

There was an interview, one of many directly after we signed him, where he said that or something along those those lines. Also find this article, which basically says 'we may well have been gazumped by a bigger club in the summer.
" The Blades chief executive says Berge was a player who had remained on the radar, after initial interest was shown last summer, but it was felt United had to move swiftly to secure his services, rather than waiting until the end of the season. "

No mate, from watching plenty of European football. You should try it some time, it's quite enjoyable.
Also really helps you get to grips with Football Index too. Can make a pretty penny from it.
But anyway, I find it really funny when people use Fifa and Football Manager as a way of sarcastically demeaning the other persons point when many professional clubs literally use Football Manager's database to scout players


Sorry? You literally said it was a 'weird opinion' to hold that Berge would eventually be an upgrade on Norwood given time and exposure...

 

[true99blade]

The exact word horrendous hasn't been made, maybe not. But you have scoffed at the idea of him replacing Norwood... when they're both CDM's.

There was an interview, one of many directly after we signed him, where he said that or something along those those lines. Also find this article, which basically says 'we may well have been gazumped by a bigger club in the summer.
" The Blades chief executive says Berge was a player who had remained on the radar, after initial interest was shown last summer, but it was felt United had to move swiftly to secure his services, rather than waiting until the end of the season. "

No mate, from watching plenty of European football. You should try it some time, it's quite enjoyable.
Also really helps you get to grips with Football Index too. Can make a pretty penny from it.
But anyway, I find it really funny when people use Fifa and Football Manager as a way of sarcastically demeaning the other persons point when many professional clubs literally use Football Manager's database to scout players


Sorry? You literally said it was a 'weird opinion' to hold that Berge would eventually be an upgrade on Norwood given time and exposure...

Ah so it was the chief exec, not Wilder.

Well if you really do watch the Belgian league in your spare time then fair enough. I don’t really buy it though.

I didn’t “literally” say that. Again, you’re arguing for the sake of it now and making stuff up. I think it’s a weird opinion to want Berge in the team over Norwood now, which is what you were suggesting. He hasn’t merited a starting position over Norwood.

 

[Chabuddy G]

Ah so it was the chief exec, not Wilder.

Well if you really do watch the Belgian league in your spare time then fair enough. I don’t really buy it though.

I didn’t “literally” say that. Again, you’re arguing for the sake of it now and making stuff up. I think it’s a weird opinion to want Berge in the team over Norwood now, which is what you were suggesting. He hasn’t merited a starting position over Norwood.

" There was an interview, one of many directly after we signed him, where he said that or something along those those lines. "
And do you think Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder don't share the same view?

I don't care if you buy it or not, I said European (CL and EL) not the Juplier Pro League btw. I've seen the odd Belgian league game when there's nothing else on it but not much.

I wouldn't say anyone is meriting a place over the past 3, so I don't think any team change suggestions are that 'weird' or outlandish.
And for clarity I said " I happen to think he’s a huge upgrade on Norwood given time and a run of games.".

 

[true99blade]

" There was an interview, one of many directly after we signed him, where he said that or something along those those lines. "
And do you think Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder don't share the same view?

I don't care if you buy it or not, I said European (CL and EL) not the Juplier Pro League btw. I've seen the odd Belgian league game when there's nothing else on it but not much.

I wouldn't say anyone is meriting a place over the past 3, so I don't think any team change suggestions are that 'weird' or outlandish.
And for clarity I said " I happen to think he’s a huge upgrade on Norwood given time and a run of games.".

Just going around in circles here.

 

[Chabuddy G]

Just going around in circles here.

I'll claim this one then, again

 

[Sam64]

In fairness though;

Basham - was deemed not good enough for league one by most of our fans before Wilder came in.

Fleck - came with mixed reviews from Coventry fans and the fleck we originally signed would not have been good enough for the prem. He's improved massively over the last 3 years to now be a Premier league level CM.

Stevens - was also deemed not good enough after a dip in form for about 6 months in our first season back in the championship. Hasn't been the same post lockdown but prior to it he was looking every bit a premier league wing back.

New players sometimes need time, regardless of how much they cost in transfer fees.

Also I feel like people are forgetting we still actually own these players as assets. It's easy to say "we've spent £50m on these three and not got much back" but if we were to sell mcburnie, mousset and Berge at the end of the season we would easily be able to recoup most of that.

Stop talking sense

 

[Brownieblade]

It’s the time frame for me with Berge, I just don’t get how someone from another league can be a waste so soon

 

[Bert]

.
Moose has never had a regular run on games

What do you put that down to?

 

[Chabuddy G]

What do you put that down to?

Fitness, personal issues and maybe attitude but we have no evidence to support that so it'd just be hear say.

Mousset clinched us the game at Everton, got us a point at Chelsea, Wolves & West ham, got us a 2 goal lead at home to Man United that we shouldn't have let slip, won us the game against Arsenal and got 3 assists in our rout of Burnley.

To suggest him or Oli have been a waste of money when they've contributed to getting us several points on the board is just not right in any way, it's fucking nonsense.

Oh, and stop talking in third person.

 

[Chabuddy G]

Only on this forum could any old moron say;
a) a that a player who has directly got us 13 (should be 15, maybe more) points has been a waste of money.
b) a player that has directly got us 7 points (could've been 3 more if his Southampton goal wasn't wrongly ruled out, Egan wasn't interfering with play) has been a waste of money.
c) a 22 year old lad that has been tracked by all the top clubs in Europe, starred in the Europa League and Champions League, collected 20 international caps already and played half a dozen games in an unfamiliar position, system and league has been a waste of money.

This fucking forum, seriously. You lot are worse than Pigs.

 

[Nicolaus_Copernicus]

Only on this forum could any old moron say;
a) a that a player who has directly got us 13 (should be 15, maybe more) points has been a waste of money.
b) a player that has directly got us 7 points (could've been 3 more if his Southampton goal wasn't wrongly ruled out, Egan wasn't interfering with play) has been a waste of money.
c) a 22 year old lad that has been tracked by all the top clubs in Europe, starred in the Europa League and Champions League, collected 20 international caps already and played half a dozen games in an unfamiliar position, system and league has been a waste of money.

This fucking forum, seriously. You lot are worse than Pigs.

How have you calculated the 13 points for Mousset?

 

[Bert]

Only on this forum could any old moron say;
a) a that a player who has directly got us 13 (should be 15, maybe more) points has been a waste of money.
b) a player that has directly got us 7 points (could've been 3 more if his Southampton goal wasn't wrongly ruled out, Egan wasn't interfering with play) has been a waste of money.
c) a 22 year old lad that has been tracked by all the top clubs in Europe, starred in the Europa League and Champions League, collected 20 international caps already and played half a dozen games in an unfamiliar position, system and league has been a waste of money.

This fucking forum, seriously. You lot are worse than Pigs.

So are you calling Bert a moron for saying that SO FAR they've looked a complete waste of money?

 

[Chabuddy G]

How have you calculated the 13 points for Mousset?

Goal against Everton - 3 pts (may or may not have seen it through but it took the pressure off for the last 10)
Goal against Chelsea - 1 pt (Zouma OG apparently but if he isn't there it doesn't go in and we lose 2-1)
Goal against Arsenal - 3 pts
Goal against Wolves - 1pt
Goal againt West Ham - 1pt
3 assists against Burnley - 3 pts
Goal and assist in our draw against Man United - 1pt

You can shave off the goal against Everton if you're being pedantic but I think if he doesn't score we'd have crumbled under the pressure of defending a lead with 0 attacking influence and conceded. That would still be 10. And if not for our collapse against Man United should be 2 more.

 

[Chabuddy G]

So are you calling Bert a moron for saying that SO FAR they've looked a complete waste of money?

110%

Because I've just explained how many points they've earned us.

How can they possibly be a complete waste of money?

 

[Sithblade]

Roygbiv needs to go back and search what Chelsea fans were saying 6 months after Salah and KDB joined. Disclaimer, not saying Berge or McBurnie will reach those heights.

 

[Bert]

110%

Because I've just explained how many points they've earned us.

How can they possibly be a complete waste of money?

Personal abuse. Is that what you were banned for last time?

 

[Chabuddy G]

Personal abuse. Is that what you were banned for last time?

'Any old moron' - 'personal abuse'?
I need some correlation.

Think Bert needs to invest in some thicker skin rather than trying to find offence on the internet where there isn't any.

 

[Barney]

'Any old moron' - 'personal abuse'?
I need some correlation.

Think Bert needs to invest in some thicker skin rather than trying to find offence on the internet.

Carole Chabiyi?

 

[Chabuddy G]

Carole Chabiyi?

Is that you?

 

[Barney]

Is that you?

It's one of us, ain't me

 

[Chabuddy G]

It's one of us, ain't me

You'll tell me owt

 

[Harry's Game]

The more I think about it I begin to wonder if at the start of the season CW was less than confident that we would stay up and a lot of the buys, McBurnie, Freeman, C Robinson, were brought in for a Expected Championship promotion challenge In 20/21.

 

[BushBlade]

The more I think about it I begin to wonder if at the start of the season CW was less than confident that we would stay up and a lot of the buys, McBurnie, Freeman, C Robinson, were brought in for a Expected Championship promotion challenge In 20/21.

You may be overthinking it. Newly promoted clubs struggle to attract established PL players. So the options are sign from the lower leagues or sign from abroad. And signing from abroad can also be expensive now, unless you’ve got a well developed European scouting network. Look at what some of the other clubs have signed and how much they’ve spent, like West Ham and Villa.

We’ve only just started looking at the foreign market, starting with Berge, Retsos and Zivkovic. It hasn’t been any more fruitful so far than signing from the championship. Because in both cases, we can only attract potential, not the finished article. And potential doesn’t always work out.

Our aim at the start of the season was to stay up and grow as a club. We’ve done that. Now we’ve got a fresh set of challenges to deal with. And even at the end of next season, we’ll have another set of challenges to face. Because that’s how the PL works. There are seven or eight clubs that will stay up; the big six, Everton and maybe Leicester. The rest are potential relegation candidates. All this about ‘taking us to the next level’ is fanciful bollocks. There isn’t a next level. You’re either a big club with a massive income drawn from huge global sponsorship deals and competing in the CL regularly (or you’ve got a rich owner) or you’re a regular sized PL club that needs most things to go right for you most seasons.

 

[Harry's Game]

You may be overthinking it. Newly promoted clubs struggle to attract established PL players. So the options are sign from the lower leagues or sign from abroad. And signing from abroad can also be expensive now, unless you’ve got a well developed European scouting network. Look at what some of the other clubs have signed and how much they’ve spent, like West Ham and Villa.

We’ve only just started looking at the foreign market, starting with Berge, Retsos and Zivkovic. It hasn’t been any more fruitful so far than signing from the championship. Because in both cases, we can only attract potential, not the finished article. And potential doesn’t always work out.

Our aim at the start of the season was to stay up and grow as a club. We’ve done that. Now we’ve got a fresh set of challenges to deal with. And even at the end of next season, we’ll have another set of challenges to face. Because that’s how the PL works. There are seven or eight clubs that will stay up; the big six, Everton and maybe Leicester. The rest are potential relegation candidates. All this about ‘taking us to the next level’ is fanciful bollocks. There isn’t a next level. You’re either a big club with a massive income drawn from huge global sponsorship deals and competing in the CL regularly (or you’ve got a rich owner) or you’re a regular sized PL club that needs most things to go right for you most seasons.

Perhaps but I look at the Luke Freeman signing, clearly he would be best suited in the Duffy role and everyone assumed he was the direct replacement for Duffy. But not only have we not used that formation in the Premier League this season it also sounds like that we never had any intention of doing so. It’s does make it look a strange signing.

 

[Guesty]

'Points gained' is a tricky thing to quantify as applied to individual players, but don't winning goals net us two points, rather than three? We were already on course for one.