CONFIRMED Ricky Holmes

[1danewhitehouse]

I don't agree that he ran us ragged. He looked good but it was no better than Duffy had been for us during parts of last season.

Even with us nullifying Charlton as a team there's no excuse for his set pieces being so terrible. He also had two good chances to get a shot on goal and hit the top tier with both.

He curled one of those set pieces into the top corner and they hit the bar from one of his corners. So terrible? Really?

 

[1danewhitehouse]

That's a bit of an overreaction to what I said isn't it? Where did I say he was shit? Where did I say Wilder was out of his depth?

If Wilder think's he's good enough then great, he certainly knows more than I do. I'm just saying that: a) I don't think he's any better than what we've got and b) considering his age, what it sounds like he will cost and the fact he's never played above league 1 before I reckon we could do better.

On the note of Wilder being a good judge of players, his record with us is certainly very good but are you suggesting he hasn't got it wrong before?

Personally I think he’s of a similar standard to Duffy but a year or two younger. Similar types of players, good on the ball, not scared to have a shot, both look to unpick a defence with clever dribbling/ passing. I think he offers good competition in that role. I’m not sure where it leaves Carruthers though. I suppose we could potentially have 2 sets of 3 for midfield to choose from


-------Coutts-----------Fleck

-----------------Duffy


Or


-----Carruthers-------Leonard

----------------Holmes


Or obviously different combinations within that. If Holmes lands, I think Brooks will probably end up going out on loan.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

According to many, Holmes is still running running us ragged on the Bramall Lane pitch today, like Gazza on speed.

One thing I will say is that there seems to be a theme amongst our signings that they have impressed against us.


Evans: Caused us a lot of problems early on at Chez.

Holmes: Caused us a lot of problems early on at our place.

Leonard: Can’t really remember but scored a screamer against us the season before.

Baldock: I missed MK at home last season but by all accounts he and Carruthers were their standout performers.

Stevens doesn’t fit that category but we should all have some optimism about these players given the flashes they’ve shown against us coupled with Wilder’s ability to bring the best out in players.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

I think he would've been outstanding for us last season.

Worth noting that he did miss 11 games through injury though.

I wonder how we would've lined up if we had him and Duffy? Because it's not like Duffy was signed as an alternative to him.

One thing you could say though is that we surely wouldn't have signed Carruthers. It remains to be seen whether that would've been a particularly bad thing. I certainly don't agree with anyone saying we don't need Holmes because we've got Carruthers - their EPO levels are currently worlds apart.

But Carruthers does win penalties….

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Agree, its something that is worrying me tbh. We've spent the majority of last season playing against teams who have surrendered possession to us and put 10 men behind the ball. We are now going to face teams, who may dominate possession, so the likes of Coutts, Fleck, Freeman and Lafferty will have a lot more work to do without the ball. Fingers crossed they are up to it....

Or…… they may still be good enough to dominate possession even against these better sides? I think for that to happen though, we might need a better focal point up front. Someone who can win aerial balls like Hanson but who can control a ball and be comfortable in possession.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Frieth...that's just not true that Charlton hold the power. Do you not know how employment contracts work? Do you not know that it is illegal to force a person to work for a company if they do not wish to? This is a basic human right. No football club can insist that a player remains their employee if he doesn't want to. However, the correct termination process must be followed. In other words, the player has to hand in a transfer request.

That's all that needs to happen here - and in Leonard's case. But the player loses out financially if they hand in a transfer request (they lose a percentage of the fee which they would otherwise get if a deal is done without the transfer request having been made). Which is why, I suspect, neither Holmes nor Leonard have handed in a transfer request. They have refused to sign new contracts though - thus putting pressure on the club's owners to release them now for money or later for nothing.

It’s not as simple as that. A transfer request does not mean the club HAS to sell by law. Charlton hold his registration and whilst they cannot force him to stay there, they can refuse to let him sign for another club for the duration of his contract meaning he either spends the time unemployed or stays with Charlton until they receive an acceptable offer or his contract expires.

 

[The Crab]

http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...line-if-it-means-snaring-top-target-1-8623409

Just clicked on something else on that page. McDonalds "delivery" service. Fuck me, they can't get it right when you are stood there at the counter.

 

[Esablade]

It’s not as simple as that. A transfer request does not mean the club HAS to sell by law.

..has anyone told McCabe?

 

[LJBlade]

He curled one of those set pieces into the top corner and they hit the bar from one of his corners. So terrible? Really?

You mean the free kick that wasn't really anywhere near the top corner and should've been saved by Moore?

By set pieces I meant his corners, which were floated in (making it much easier to defend) and were generally over hit.

 

[LJBlade]

Personally I think he’s of a similar standard to Duffy but a year or two younger. Similar types of players, good on the ball, not scared to have a shot, both look to unpick a defence with clever dribbling/ passing. I think he offers good competition in that role. I’m not sure where it leaves Carruthers though. I suppose we could potentially have 2 sets of 3 for midfield to choose from


-------Coutts-----------Fleck

-----------------Duffy


Or


-----Carruthers-------Leonard

----------------Holmes


Or obviously different combinations within that. If Holmes lands, I think Brooks will probably end up going out on loan.

So Holmes is no better than Duffy and isn't much younger? Wouldn't you prefer us to try and get someone who is a lot younger with the potential to be a lot better than Duffy?

 

[The Crab]

I like how the rest of them are being cautious and on the look out for floating turds, used jonnies and sanitary towels floating about on the waves!

Skeggy's your best bet for that

 

[The Crab]

I've not seen much of Holmes to be honest, is he a bit of a Baxter?

The local dealers will be hoping so if he is

 

[Booker4]

How many times have you seen Holmes play?

Against us last season but as with most players how often do we see them play - especially in League's One and Two, where coverage is just highlights. You go on how a player has done at the clubs he has played for and how the respective fans speak about that player. Holmes was the player of the season last season for Charlton scoring 13 goals in the process and yes Duffy did well for us too. It's just my opinion that Holmes will improve on Duffy.

I've not seen much of Holmes to be honest, is he a bit of a Baxter?

He's quicker than Baxter and works much harder, so I wouldn't compare him as similar to Holmes. See the video below mate.

 

[FTPE]

Against us last season but as with most players how often do we see them play - especially in League's One and Two, where coverage is just highlights. You go on how a player has done at the clubs he has played for and how the respective fans speak about that player. Holmes was the player of the season last season for Charlton scoring 13 goals in the process and yes Duffy did well for us too. It's just my opinion that Holmes will improve on Duffy.



He's quicker than Baxter and works much harder, so I wouldn't compare him as similar to Holmes. See the video below mate.

Both footed I see, he's smaller than I'd thought but he's clearly a class act.
Cheers mate.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

So Holmes is no better than Duffy and isn't much younger? Wouldn't you prefer us to try and get someone who is a lot younger with the potential to be a lot better than Duffy?

I'd say we have that in David Brooks. I think Holmes is immediate competition for Duffy. I can't say which will perform better in the championship and make the spot their own but I think they are quite similar and that there's not loads between them. As a fan of Duffy, that is a compliment to Holmes.

 

[LJBlade]

Against us last season but as with most players how often do we see them play - especially in League's One and Two, where coverage is just highlights. You go on how a player has done at the clubs he has played for and how the respective fans speak about that player. Holmes was the player of the season last season for Charlton scoring 13 goals in the process and yes Duffy did well for us too. It's just my opinion that Holmes will improve on Duffy.



He's quicker than Baxter and works much harder, so I wouldn't compare him as similar to Holmes. See the video below mate.

My question was based on your comments in post #653 which made it sound like you'd seen quite a lot of him, specifically the bit about "I think you'll change your mind when you see how good Holmes is".

There have been quite a few on here saying he played well against us but there have also been many (myself included) saying that he did look good but only for the first 20 minutes. I'm not arguing that he isn't a decent player. My concerns are more about his age and the fact he's never played above league 1 before. If we're going for someone at that age I'd rather they had Championship experience.

I'd also be interested to know what it is specifically that makes you think he'd be better than Duffy?

 

[EddieColquhoun]

Just received an exciting text.
Holmes left Charlton's pre season camp in Ireland this evening and has flown back to the UK.
Providing we agree terms it looks like we will have bagged our man by the weekend
Well done to Wilder, great signing!

 

[LJBlade]

I'd say we have that in David Brooks. I think Holmes is immediate competition for Duffy. I can't say which will perform better in the championship and make the spot their own but I think they are quite similar and that there's not loads between them. As a fan of Duffy, that is a compliment to Holmes.

So if we already have the player (in Duffy) and the understudy (in Brooks) why spend a significant amount of money (as that is what it sounds like) to get someone who isn't going to improve us, is at the end of his career and will have no re-sale value at all.

As someone who has previously turned us down for more money you also have to question his underlying motivation.

If we end up signing him then great, I hope he does really well for us.

 

[BigBed]

Skeggy's your best bet for that

Also for HIV, GONERIA, CLAMIDIA etc etc etc etc.........

 

[The Crab]

Also for HIV, GONERIA, CLAMIDIA etc etc etc etc.........

On the plus side, you'll get a game of Crazy Golf and some decent Fish & Chips

 

[Grizzly blade]

Watching that clip, you just don't see Duffy doing that.
So for me, he's like Duffy, but with a shot on him.

 

[TJB.]

Against us last season but as with most players how often do we see them play - especially in League's One and Two, where coverage is just highlights. You go on how a player has done at the clubs he has played for and how the respective fans speak about that player. Holmes was the player of the season last season for Charlton scoring 13 goals in the process and yes Duffy did well for us too. It's just my opinion that Holmes will improve on Duffy.



He's quicker than Baxter and works much harder, so I wouldn't compare him as similar to Holmes. See the video below mate.

Not seen that before. We ain't got anyone who can strike a ball like that.

Ger
Rim
In

 

[Barney Rubble]

Surely the big difference between Holmes and our other targets is that he played for Tufty at Northampton. In this case he knows how good he is and given how he's pursued him all close season I reckon HE thinks Holmes is better than what we've got. So on that basis, rather than on 90 minutes football or some you tube clips, I'm in favour.

 

[Booker4]

Watching that clip, you just don't see Duffy doing that.
So for me, he's like Duffy, but with a shot on him.

Holmes is really known for his work rate. Duffy tends to float and he is available for the ball don't get me wrong but Holmes is just all over the place wanting the ball, closing people down when out of possession and he has more pace than Duffy. I'd definitely like Holmes, his age is the only downside but lets be honest if he was 25, there would probably be other clubs wanting him!

 

[Booker4]

My question was based on your comments in post #653 which made it sound like you'd seen quite a lot of him, specifically the bit about "I think you'll change your mind when you see how good Holmes is".

There have been quite a few on here saying he played well against us but there have also been many (myself included) saying that he did look good but only for the first 20 minutes. I'm not arguing that he isn't a decent player. My concerns are more about his age and the fact he's never played above league 1 before. If we're going for someone at that age I'd rather they had Championship experience.

I'd also be interested to know what it is specifically that makes you think he'd be better than Duffy?

I haven't seen him regularly in person but his record, as with Duffy is there for all to see. I can't prove Holmes is better than Duffy, its just my opinion based on what I have seen on him and what his recent record has been. 13 goals from 38 games isn't too bad is it for an attacking mid! The last one we had like that was Lee Williamson.

If compared to Duffy, Duffy is older and based on last season Holmes had a more impressive season than Duffy, since Holmes was playing for an average Charlton team and excelled - the way the Charlton fans speak about him says it all. Duffy played for the best team in the league and, don't get me wrong, did well, but in my view, not as well as Holmes did. Its just my view based on what I have seen of both players and I think Holmes's work rate will also be a huge asset and his ability to run past people is something we really lack, since Jamie Murphy went.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

So if we already have the player (in Duffy) and the understudy (in Brooks) why spend a significant amount of money (as that is what it sounds like) to get someone who isn't going to improve us, is at the end of his career and will have no re-sale value at all.

As someone who has previously turned us down for more money you also have to question his underlying motivation.

If we end up signing him then great, I hope he does really well for us.

I think Wilder knowing what type of guy he is, coupled with Duffy's previous struggles at this level and his advancing years means that he might end up playing more than him. Lot of similar qualities but as I say, Holmes is a year or two younger, Duffy seemed to tail off slightly towards the end of the season. I'm not sure how ready Brooks is and can imagine Wilder wants 2 good players for each position.

 

['Doc' Pace my hero]

I'm a big fan of Duffy,in my opinion our MVP last season,it's good that he will get the chance to play in the championship,i think he deserves the opportunity.As regards Holmes,lets reserve opinion,but as Wilder has been so persistant in chasing him,he must be some player !!

 

[madeinsheffield]

Both footed I see, he's smaller than I'd thought but he's clearly a class act.
Cheers mate.

I think that's Duffy's big weakness, very one footed, a half clever defender will push him on to his left.

I heard an old interview with Holmes where he spoke about only playing at 100%, that's the Wilder way!

 

[Ricky]

Holmes is really known for his work rate. Duffy tends to float and he is available for the ball don't get me wrong but Holmes is just all over the place wanting the ball, closing people down when out of possession and he has more pace than Duffy. I'd definitely like Holmes, his age is the only downside but lets be honest if he was 25, there would probably be other clubs wanting him!

If he was 25 the top Championship clubs would be in for him.

His work rate, versatility and EPO is what makes him different to anything we've got, and that's why we want him.

 

[Booker4]

If he was 25 the top Championship clubs would be in for him.

His work rate, versatility and EPO is what makes him different to anything we've got, and that's why we want him.

Agreed! I think the signing of Sterman will definitely help signing others, as its obvious we are signing quality there.