Deadbat
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2024/25 SUFC SEASON REVIEW / SCHOOL REPORT: Part 6
Attack
Tyrese Campbell If I had thought I would be leading off the striking review with Tyrese Campbell as the main man – I would have wondered what happened for us to be in such a situation but this is more an inditement of how well Campbell did – than how badly the rest did. He certainly ended the campaign as our best player up there. We played a lone striker supplanted by two wide men and a number 10 most of the season. This meant that it was a difficult task for whoever played it but Campbell did it better than anyone and ended it our leading scorer – even if he was not prolific.
When we signed him from Stoke, I was not convinced. He had suffered a number of injuries over the past few seasons and seemed like he would never go on and fulfil the potential he had showed at Man City that saw Stoke sign him for a decent fee. Stoke had gone through a number of managers and had struggled and his form/appearances were a metaphor maybe for the Potters poor run in recent seasons. They/he could never seem to get going in the right direction. He always had talent I felt but had completely lost his way and they did not seem to make a serious effort to keep him. No clubs had been trying to really take him prior to his contract ending and United were not exactly battling for his signature when we took I felt, a bit of a ‘McGoldrick’ type punt on him. Wilder had proved with Didzy though, he could get former talented but injury prone strikers going and so it proved. Credit to Bladespod who was fully on board with this signing when we got him – he saw things many of us did not!
He was brought in but obviously had to play catch up fitness wise and Moore began the season as the lone striker. He had a few cameos off the bench but looked short of the stamina needed to be a starter. Slowly, he was integrated into the side and scored in one of his first starts – ironically against Stoke when he did little but score! He then came off the bench and did well to register another at Blackburn and formed a nice combo with Moore, as he played more of a wide role to begin with. As we got injuries he started against Wednesday and this game and the big winning goal, not only put him into United folklore but also was the start for him to be a regular. He scored 3 in 4 and his movement and ability to find space and instinctively finish became a real plus for us. Moore got an injury but Campbell remained the starter and continued to impress. His running down the channels, intelligent link play and movement, as his fitness improved saw him become more and more involved in games. He scored again at West Brom but then he maybe had a bit of a spell where his form dropped off and got an injury – was out for a month over Xmas – but was also rotated a bit more when he came back.
When he came on at Swansea, he helped change the game and did the same v Boro at home. We had signed Tom Cannon but he struggled and Moore never got back to his form of the early season where he did not score much but did a good job for the side. He got back into the scoring groove with a stunner at QPR but then more of the same sort of clever goals – with smart finishes v Preston, Bristol City and Coventry. He became our leading scorer and we always seemed to look a better side and more dangerous when he played.
He had a few quiet games in the losses early April and we struggled for goals in his poorest spell but got limited service but was very much in and out rather than a regular. He was nowhere near as effective and missed some chances in games and despite us going two up top, the goal tally dried up but his movement and ability to read the play saw him cause problems with Moore at Bristol City and again when he came on in the return leg – looked a threat with his hold up and running. Got the start and scored a great goal and when he came off, we did not look the same but his fitness issues continued to be a problem.
Overall, he has been a superb signing and for all the criticism of the big money buy in Cannon – Campbell for free has been a great addition. Seems to be really enjoying his football and looks a great teammate that is popular around the club too. I heard some whispers of a few Prem clubs looking at him around January and that did not shock me. He is an intelligent player who has good movement, can finish first time, and has pace/power. He needs to remain fit and be able to play longer but you would think he is going to be a big part of our squad moving forward. I am amazed he is still only 25 as seemed to be at Stoke for about 10 years so has time to keep developing along with our other young players like Cooper, Seriki, Burrows, Peck and Arblaster.
Grade B (Last season NA)
Rhian Brewster The last few years my notes on Brewster have been much the same. Not played enough games due to injury – not scored many (any in some cases!) goals and not done anywhere near enough and overall been a big waste of money. A signing that had been pretty much a disaster and a real symbol of the struggles Wilder had in his second Premier League season. He had remained as was on a long contract and Hecky (and Wilder) always talked about him just needing a break and what a good kid he was. He did seem like he never moaned despite the injuries and never really establishing himself and his attitude always seemed to be positive. However, when push came to shove, he seemed a long way short of ever becoming a regular or meaningful contributor even at Championship level. I had talked about him being given a loan out somewhere this season – to save on wages and try and get him going but even I was sceptical that would work. I just thought we would have no choice but to run his contact down this season and then he may end up at League One at best. I felt his career trajectory was such that I would not be shocked if he was even out of league football within 2 or 3 years due to his lack of ability combined with him not being able to stay fit.
He remained to start the season as we struggled to bring players in up front with only Moore (and Campbell later on as more of a left field move) signing. We lost Jebbison, Osula and McBurnie. Archer and Brereton Diaz went back so we lost essentially 5 forward players so bizarrely just due to numbers by subtraction – you sensed there was a chance for minutes as we were short up here. I personally would have preferred the likes of Louie Marsh or even Ryan One (as he started to come through) being given a chance. I was done with Brewster.
Move on a year and my thoughts have changed. He had a season where he contributed. Was he consistently playing or scoring? No. However, he became a decent squad player and managed to stay fit much of the season – other than a few brief periods out. He played wide at Hull and against Luton and did ok. Not amazing but played a role and worked hard showing a different side to his game. He proved also that could play in a number 10 role as well as a wide striker and had moments.
He finally scored a goal at Millwall – a tap in but he had to finish and whilst he was mostly a sub – he did start games. Oddly he seemed to do better when he came on as gave us some energy and running in games and the odd start, he was less involved but did well in a game against Norwich at home. He was contributing though. His finishing was still poor with lack of composure and him wanting to thrash the ball with maximum face with little nuance, still a feature but he was at least getting involved. He played against Hull and Derby and then did well to assist Campbell against Bristol City getting him a start at Hillsborough.
The goal against Wednesday of course will be his signature moment for United and he clearly loved it celebrating wildly in front of their Kop and then our fans at the end. He finally had a big positive moment for the club. He followed it up with a goal against Coventry. He struggled to become as involved in subsequent games and came out as a starter for a period but Wilder persisted with him in that ‘ten’ role when O’Hare had mostly been more effective. Got kicked up in the air at Stoke as he played wide, showing his versatility and at least despite these crude challenges, did not get injured again and ended up captain in the final game after he came on versus Blackburn! Made some lovely passes in the first leg showing that he has good vision and a clever football brain – which is something I never thought – often saying he did not quite get the game (where to stand/reading play) so has improved hugely in this regard - maybe playing deeper has helped this – to see the game in front of him? However, at Wembley he was anonymous really and barely got on the ball.
I do think after the goal at Wednesday and his improvement, fans got carried away. I was worried so many (including Wilder seemingly) were championing a potential new contract. He had a better season and did ok (not amazing) but played some different roles and was a contributor after 4 essentially dead seasons where he was a bit of a joke – to our fans and opponents. He at least showed he was a footballer and we saw a bit of the potential we signed albeit not enough over the course of a 5-year contract. Personally, despite these improvements I still would let him move on – he will be on a huge wage and if we were to keep him – it would be a one-year deal on a lot less money but he now may have interested a few other Championship sides (can see a Swansea, Hull, or a Blackburn type) to give him a longer and better deal than us. If that is the case, I had let him go. We should be glad he ended his career with some better moments but also not forger that overall, he has been a huge disappointment. Seems a nice lad but we cannot keep rewarding players (RND, Robinson) for being decent pros. We need to utilise the funds we have better and I would shake his hand and wish him well. I am surprised a lot are so desperate for him to remain – I think the Wednesday winner has coloured a few. I still do not see where he plays long term of that he is good enough to start and with us stuck with Cannon and Moore (both I do not see as being long term answers even if at different ends of the age spectrum) we will not be able to keep those two, Campbell and Brewster I do not think with a further reduction in costs/wages with failing to go up. As I write this, it seems United are in negotiations with him to retain so we will see but I would expect he will test the water if the wage we are offering is significantly lower.
Grade C (Last season F-)
Kieffer Moore After the stagnation over the summer, when O’Hare and Moore signed I was delighted as these were the sort of signings that had you think we might be serious about trying to get back to the top level. Both were/are proven Championship players. Moore had the experience that we needed at the top of the pitch and the sort of player that was always a handful when he played against United for various clubs. He had maybe become a bit of a journeyman and only had that spell with Bournemouth where he played at the top level but in terms of his league- he is proven. Was part of the Ipswich team that went up – scoring 7 in 18. We needed a focal point and had been too much of a soft touch the last season so I welcomed him and Souttar into the squad. I went to Harrogate pre-season and remember thinking he was even bigger in real life than I remembered and being on the terrace, he seemed to dwarf all the rest of the players around him.
He started the season well and his hold up play and unselfish work was shown opening day although he missed a few chances. He scored (and missed a pen) v QPR but was a contributor as we started the season on a long unbeaten run. He did miss some opportunities but he also was able to help others find space as he occupied so many defenders. He dropped off for a period and Campbell was integrated slowly into the side. He scored against Stoke and did well at Blackburn but then got injured at Bristol City and recall him being out for the Wednesday game was seen as a big blow showing he had been a big part of the good start. Was out for a period before returning to score a penalty off the bench to seal the win against Plymouth before being back starting at Cardiff – where he had his best game for the club and scored two cracking goals. He struggled for a period and missed a penalty against Sunderland and then was out for nearly two months with another injury. Brewster came into some form and Cannon was signed so his opportunities were limited but I felt he could have been used more, especially with Cannon not impressing. He did set up a late goal for Wales in a vital World Cup qualifier (scored early in the season for them too in Montenegro). We saw him off the bench for a few games in the losses in early April and set up a goal v Cardiff and played ok at Stoke – as we went with a two and he partnered both Cannon and Campbell. Got back in for the playoffs and a real handful and big-time contributor in the incident that led to the red card and penalty and scored in the second leg but big moments went against him at Wembley with a poor choice to shoot rather than pass to Campbell and also the huge error leading to the goal. His touch continued to be poor at times as he took an age to move the ball on.
Overall, he did contribute to the team play and a big part of our strong start but Campbell made an even bigger impact than anyone thought and as we often played just one lone striker, he was not a regular and then his contributions were limited. If I was grading the first part of the season would be a solid B to B- as whilst did not score many was a big part of what we did and how we played.
It did not help that he picked up a series of injuries so was a bit stop start. His second half of the season he contributed little. Only scored 5 goals which also is not enough really and he did miss a fair few chances- had this annoying habit of chopping back but his height and physicality also did make a difference and get us up the field. Technically he was up and down. I recall some great play as we broke in some away games but also some frustrating moments where he took too long at the Lane too! Next season I would not really want him starting – I would prefer him as an option in some games or from the bench but would like a new striker to partner Campbell.
Grade C (Last season NA)
Tom Cannon Cannon had come through at Everton, being an Aintree lad, and had been prolific at their youth levels. He went on loan and scored 8 goals in 20 at Preston in half a season in 23-24 before signing for Leicester City but due to back issues and assortment of other injuries, he only played 13 games (scoring 2 goals). He never was able to fully establish himself but Leicester went up. He made his Ireland debut at the end of last season.
However, Cannon was not seen as being part of the Premier League plans and was allowed to go to Stoke. United had been linked with him all summer and Wilder clearly liked him but he opted to join Stoke and we signed Tyrese Campbell instead. Cannon did ok here although games I saw, he always seemed on the periphery of the action but did get 9 in 22 (albeit quite a few penalties and 4 in one game against Portsmouth). United continued to be linked with him and after his loan was terminated, it seemed clear Leicester had been getting bids. Sunderland and the Blades seemed locked in a two-way fight for his services. I was not convinced he was the right signing or player – especially for the figures being talked about but Wilder was still very keen and in the end we made the move. I felt we had other priorities in terms of the side (centre back) or a different type of striker (we play with one up top and he is not physical enough to do this role).
Despite my scepticism, I wanted to see him in person (I felt the same about Campbell, McGoldrick and others – they cost nothing though!). He played against Hull in a difficult night for all the team and then at least set up a goal at Derby but rarely was involved in the actual play and did not look like scoring at all. He seemed to lack movement, pace and strength and sort of got swatted aside in those early games but again felt it was early so wanted to reserve judgement. He came off in the home games against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough – picked up an injury in this one – but remained unconvincing. He was better in the game against Leeds even though the team fell away but was used off the bench as Campbell rightly got back in and we improved. He showed little team play as he often tried to plough a lone furrow and his desperation to score as he hit shots from long range when he had men over. Wilder kept using him, even ahead of the more capable Moore, and seemed to almost want to prove his signing was correct and became a bit stubborn I felt. He finally got a goal – well taken strike at Burnley – and we saw a bit more of him as we had a two up top – but still looked pitifully weak and slow. We saw a bit more of him v Blackburn in terms of involvement but he was greedy again always taking shots on and then missed an absolute sitter to win the game. He did ok actually against Bristol City in the home playoff leg but still made poor choices, despite being more involved and showing a better work ethic. Ironic he nutted his own man challenging for the ball – leading to them breaking and scoring with us having 10 men.
His awareness of the play and team play was limited I felt but more than that he lacking ability wise but just lacking in ability to contribute to games. At this stage seems a lot of money for someone who to my eye has no real clear strengths in his play.
He needs a big pre-season. Surely Widler and co have seen something we can develop and a player that warrants such a big fee and contract but we can only comment on what we have seen and so far he has been a big disappointment. Still only 22 though so you hope this is a long-term investment that will bear fruit eventually but cannot see it really.
Grade E- (Last season NA)
Attack
Tyrese Campbell If I had thought I would be leading off the striking review with Tyrese Campbell as the main man – I would have wondered what happened for us to be in such a situation but this is more an inditement of how well Campbell did – than how badly the rest did. He certainly ended the campaign as our best player up there. We played a lone striker supplanted by two wide men and a number 10 most of the season. This meant that it was a difficult task for whoever played it but Campbell did it better than anyone and ended it our leading scorer – even if he was not prolific.
When we signed him from Stoke, I was not convinced. He had suffered a number of injuries over the past few seasons and seemed like he would never go on and fulfil the potential he had showed at Man City that saw Stoke sign him for a decent fee. Stoke had gone through a number of managers and had struggled and his form/appearances were a metaphor maybe for the Potters poor run in recent seasons. They/he could never seem to get going in the right direction. He always had talent I felt but had completely lost his way and they did not seem to make a serious effort to keep him. No clubs had been trying to really take him prior to his contract ending and United were not exactly battling for his signature when we took I felt, a bit of a ‘McGoldrick’ type punt on him. Wilder had proved with Didzy though, he could get former talented but injury prone strikers going and so it proved. Credit to Bladespod who was fully on board with this signing when we got him – he saw things many of us did not!
He was brought in but obviously had to play catch up fitness wise and Moore began the season as the lone striker. He had a few cameos off the bench but looked short of the stamina needed to be a starter. Slowly, he was integrated into the side and scored in one of his first starts – ironically against Stoke when he did little but score! He then came off the bench and did well to register another at Blackburn and formed a nice combo with Moore, as he played more of a wide role to begin with. As we got injuries he started against Wednesday and this game and the big winning goal, not only put him into United folklore but also was the start for him to be a regular. He scored 3 in 4 and his movement and ability to find space and instinctively finish became a real plus for us. Moore got an injury but Campbell remained the starter and continued to impress. His running down the channels, intelligent link play and movement, as his fitness improved saw him become more and more involved in games. He scored again at West Brom but then he maybe had a bit of a spell where his form dropped off and got an injury – was out for a month over Xmas – but was also rotated a bit more when he came back.
When he came on at Swansea, he helped change the game and did the same v Boro at home. We had signed Tom Cannon but he struggled and Moore never got back to his form of the early season where he did not score much but did a good job for the side. He got back into the scoring groove with a stunner at QPR but then more of the same sort of clever goals – with smart finishes v Preston, Bristol City and Coventry. He became our leading scorer and we always seemed to look a better side and more dangerous when he played.
He had a few quiet games in the losses early April and we struggled for goals in his poorest spell but got limited service but was very much in and out rather than a regular. He was nowhere near as effective and missed some chances in games and despite us going two up top, the goal tally dried up but his movement and ability to read the play saw him cause problems with Moore at Bristol City and again when he came on in the return leg – looked a threat with his hold up and running. Got the start and scored a great goal and when he came off, we did not look the same but his fitness issues continued to be a problem.
Overall, he has been a superb signing and for all the criticism of the big money buy in Cannon – Campbell for free has been a great addition. Seems to be really enjoying his football and looks a great teammate that is popular around the club too. I heard some whispers of a few Prem clubs looking at him around January and that did not shock me. He is an intelligent player who has good movement, can finish first time, and has pace/power. He needs to remain fit and be able to play longer but you would think he is going to be a big part of our squad moving forward. I am amazed he is still only 25 as seemed to be at Stoke for about 10 years so has time to keep developing along with our other young players like Cooper, Seriki, Burrows, Peck and Arblaster.
Grade B (Last season NA)
Rhian Brewster The last few years my notes on Brewster have been much the same. Not played enough games due to injury – not scored many (any in some cases!) goals and not done anywhere near enough and overall been a big waste of money. A signing that had been pretty much a disaster and a real symbol of the struggles Wilder had in his second Premier League season. He had remained as was on a long contract and Hecky (and Wilder) always talked about him just needing a break and what a good kid he was. He did seem like he never moaned despite the injuries and never really establishing himself and his attitude always seemed to be positive. However, when push came to shove, he seemed a long way short of ever becoming a regular or meaningful contributor even at Championship level. I had talked about him being given a loan out somewhere this season – to save on wages and try and get him going but even I was sceptical that would work. I just thought we would have no choice but to run his contact down this season and then he may end up at League One at best. I felt his career trajectory was such that I would not be shocked if he was even out of league football within 2 or 3 years due to his lack of ability combined with him not being able to stay fit.
He remained to start the season as we struggled to bring players in up front with only Moore (and Campbell later on as more of a left field move) signing. We lost Jebbison, Osula and McBurnie. Archer and Brereton Diaz went back so we lost essentially 5 forward players so bizarrely just due to numbers by subtraction – you sensed there was a chance for minutes as we were short up here. I personally would have preferred the likes of Louie Marsh or even Ryan One (as he started to come through) being given a chance. I was done with Brewster.
Move on a year and my thoughts have changed. He had a season where he contributed. Was he consistently playing or scoring? No. However, he became a decent squad player and managed to stay fit much of the season – other than a few brief periods out. He played wide at Hull and against Luton and did ok. Not amazing but played a role and worked hard showing a different side to his game. He proved also that could play in a number 10 role as well as a wide striker and had moments.
He finally scored a goal at Millwall – a tap in but he had to finish and whilst he was mostly a sub – he did start games. Oddly he seemed to do better when he came on as gave us some energy and running in games and the odd start, he was less involved but did well in a game against Norwich at home. He was contributing though. His finishing was still poor with lack of composure and him wanting to thrash the ball with maximum face with little nuance, still a feature but he was at least getting involved. He played against Hull and Derby and then did well to assist Campbell against Bristol City getting him a start at Hillsborough.
The goal against Wednesday of course will be his signature moment for United and he clearly loved it celebrating wildly in front of their Kop and then our fans at the end. He finally had a big positive moment for the club. He followed it up with a goal against Coventry. He struggled to become as involved in subsequent games and came out as a starter for a period but Wilder persisted with him in that ‘ten’ role when O’Hare had mostly been more effective. Got kicked up in the air at Stoke as he played wide, showing his versatility and at least despite these crude challenges, did not get injured again and ended up captain in the final game after he came on versus Blackburn! Made some lovely passes in the first leg showing that he has good vision and a clever football brain – which is something I never thought – often saying he did not quite get the game (where to stand/reading play) so has improved hugely in this regard - maybe playing deeper has helped this – to see the game in front of him? However, at Wembley he was anonymous really and barely got on the ball.
I do think after the goal at Wednesday and his improvement, fans got carried away. I was worried so many (including Wilder seemingly) were championing a potential new contract. He had a better season and did ok (not amazing) but played some different roles and was a contributor after 4 essentially dead seasons where he was a bit of a joke – to our fans and opponents. He at least showed he was a footballer and we saw a bit of the potential we signed albeit not enough over the course of a 5-year contract. Personally, despite these improvements I still would let him move on – he will be on a huge wage and if we were to keep him – it would be a one-year deal on a lot less money but he now may have interested a few other Championship sides (can see a Swansea, Hull, or a Blackburn type) to give him a longer and better deal than us. If that is the case, I had let him go. We should be glad he ended his career with some better moments but also not forger that overall, he has been a huge disappointment. Seems a nice lad but we cannot keep rewarding players (RND, Robinson) for being decent pros. We need to utilise the funds we have better and I would shake his hand and wish him well. I am surprised a lot are so desperate for him to remain – I think the Wednesday winner has coloured a few. I still do not see where he plays long term of that he is good enough to start and with us stuck with Cannon and Moore (both I do not see as being long term answers even if at different ends of the age spectrum) we will not be able to keep those two, Campbell and Brewster I do not think with a further reduction in costs/wages with failing to go up. As I write this, it seems United are in negotiations with him to retain so we will see but I would expect he will test the water if the wage we are offering is significantly lower.
Grade C (Last season F-)
Kieffer Moore After the stagnation over the summer, when O’Hare and Moore signed I was delighted as these were the sort of signings that had you think we might be serious about trying to get back to the top level. Both were/are proven Championship players. Moore had the experience that we needed at the top of the pitch and the sort of player that was always a handful when he played against United for various clubs. He had maybe become a bit of a journeyman and only had that spell with Bournemouth where he played at the top level but in terms of his league- he is proven. Was part of the Ipswich team that went up – scoring 7 in 18. We needed a focal point and had been too much of a soft touch the last season so I welcomed him and Souttar into the squad. I went to Harrogate pre-season and remember thinking he was even bigger in real life than I remembered and being on the terrace, he seemed to dwarf all the rest of the players around him.
He started the season well and his hold up play and unselfish work was shown opening day although he missed a few chances. He scored (and missed a pen) v QPR but was a contributor as we started the season on a long unbeaten run. He did miss some opportunities but he also was able to help others find space as he occupied so many defenders. He dropped off for a period and Campbell was integrated slowly into the side. He scored against Stoke and did well at Blackburn but then got injured at Bristol City and recall him being out for the Wednesday game was seen as a big blow showing he had been a big part of the good start. Was out for a period before returning to score a penalty off the bench to seal the win against Plymouth before being back starting at Cardiff – where he had his best game for the club and scored two cracking goals. He struggled for a period and missed a penalty against Sunderland and then was out for nearly two months with another injury. Brewster came into some form and Cannon was signed so his opportunities were limited but I felt he could have been used more, especially with Cannon not impressing. He did set up a late goal for Wales in a vital World Cup qualifier (scored early in the season for them too in Montenegro). We saw him off the bench for a few games in the losses in early April and set up a goal v Cardiff and played ok at Stoke – as we went with a two and he partnered both Cannon and Campbell. Got back in for the playoffs and a real handful and big-time contributor in the incident that led to the red card and penalty and scored in the second leg but big moments went against him at Wembley with a poor choice to shoot rather than pass to Campbell and also the huge error leading to the goal. His touch continued to be poor at times as he took an age to move the ball on.
Overall, he did contribute to the team play and a big part of our strong start but Campbell made an even bigger impact than anyone thought and as we often played just one lone striker, he was not a regular and then his contributions were limited. If I was grading the first part of the season would be a solid B to B- as whilst did not score many was a big part of what we did and how we played.
It did not help that he picked up a series of injuries so was a bit stop start. His second half of the season he contributed little. Only scored 5 goals which also is not enough really and he did miss a fair few chances- had this annoying habit of chopping back but his height and physicality also did make a difference and get us up the field. Technically he was up and down. I recall some great play as we broke in some away games but also some frustrating moments where he took too long at the Lane too! Next season I would not really want him starting – I would prefer him as an option in some games or from the bench but would like a new striker to partner Campbell.
Grade C (Last season NA)
Tom Cannon Cannon had come through at Everton, being an Aintree lad, and had been prolific at their youth levels. He went on loan and scored 8 goals in 20 at Preston in half a season in 23-24 before signing for Leicester City but due to back issues and assortment of other injuries, he only played 13 games (scoring 2 goals). He never was able to fully establish himself but Leicester went up. He made his Ireland debut at the end of last season.
However, Cannon was not seen as being part of the Premier League plans and was allowed to go to Stoke. United had been linked with him all summer and Wilder clearly liked him but he opted to join Stoke and we signed Tyrese Campbell instead. Cannon did ok here although games I saw, he always seemed on the periphery of the action but did get 9 in 22 (albeit quite a few penalties and 4 in one game against Portsmouth). United continued to be linked with him and after his loan was terminated, it seemed clear Leicester had been getting bids. Sunderland and the Blades seemed locked in a two-way fight for his services. I was not convinced he was the right signing or player – especially for the figures being talked about but Wilder was still very keen and in the end we made the move. I felt we had other priorities in terms of the side (centre back) or a different type of striker (we play with one up top and he is not physical enough to do this role).
Despite my scepticism, I wanted to see him in person (I felt the same about Campbell, McGoldrick and others – they cost nothing though!). He played against Hull in a difficult night for all the team and then at least set up a goal at Derby but rarely was involved in the actual play and did not look like scoring at all. He seemed to lack movement, pace and strength and sort of got swatted aside in those early games but again felt it was early so wanted to reserve judgement. He came off in the home games against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough – picked up an injury in this one – but remained unconvincing. He was better in the game against Leeds even though the team fell away but was used off the bench as Campbell rightly got back in and we improved. He showed little team play as he often tried to plough a lone furrow and his desperation to score as he hit shots from long range when he had men over. Wilder kept using him, even ahead of the more capable Moore, and seemed to almost want to prove his signing was correct and became a bit stubborn I felt. He finally got a goal – well taken strike at Burnley – and we saw a bit more of him as we had a two up top – but still looked pitifully weak and slow. We saw a bit more of him v Blackburn in terms of involvement but he was greedy again always taking shots on and then missed an absolute sitter to win the game. He did ok actually against Bristol City in the home playoff leg but still made poor choices, despite being more involved and showing a better work ethic. Ironic he nutted his own man challenging for the ball – leading to them breaking and scoring with us having 10 men.
His awareness of the play and team play was limited I felt but more than that he lacking ability wise but just lacking in ability to contribute to games. At this stage seems a lot of money for someone who to my eye has no real clear strengths in his play.
He needs a big pre-season. Surely Widler and co have seen something we can develop and a player that warrants such a big fee and contract but we can only comment on what we have seen and so far he has been a big disappointment. Still only 22 though so you hope this is a long-term investment that will bear fruit eventually but cannot see it really.
Grade E- (Last season NA)
