The Decline of the Blades

[bilsthorpeblade]

What a series of disasterous decisions over a fairly short period of time.

First of all we come out of the Premiership with a head start over our rivals and go and appoint Brian Robson , what on earth was McCabe thinking about ?

We then decide to sell a series of experience players and our best youngsters all within a period of a couple of years or so without much of a fight. No club can retain all its best players forever but to to see the likes of Jags , Kilgallon , Sharp , Cotterill , Naughton , Kenny , Walker , Beattie , etc etc all go in a relatively short period of time was suicide.

We are now left with such a poor group of players with no skill , no passing ability , no pace and no goal scoring threat.

Maybe SOD ( who didn't ever give the impression during his radio interviews ) that he didn't want to come was prepared to share with the board some home truths ! He probably would not have saved us but for those Blades like myself now in my early 40's , it would have least been an opportunity to rebuild by playing some decent football as opposed to the so called high energy ' huff and puff' stuff we've witnessed for far too long now.

I hope we get it right next year in league 1 but having watched a handful of league 1 games on Sky , I'm afraid my assessment of the current playing staff is bottom third at best.

What a shame , yes we were kicked in the teeth my the Premiership but the club has made so many mistakes since then.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

 

[EddieColquhoun]

 

[Newbury Blade]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

I agree about Brooks but “Little Jamie” isn’t replacing anyone.

 

[Cheesebored]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.

 

[SwissBlade]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

Football is cyclical for many clubs. Because of decisions, fine lines and competitiveness, small things can have big impacts and kick start those cycles.

As you intentionally tagged onto a 2011 thread, you’ve inadvertently demonstrated that things can change quickly

It’s about managing those cycles so that the peaks and troughs aren’t like the troughs of our neighbours but our peaks are as high as we can take them

We know that unless we make some big decisions when we’re at the top the decline will come. But how far we drop is also about how we manage things. Last seasons stupid decisions contributed hugely to us falling from 3rd to bottom and it was thankfully decisions taken that helped us level off at the lower end of the league…

We have a big summer to stabilise and hopefully push forward. It’s not going to be easy or fun for a while

 

[Bl4desutd]

WE’RE ALL DOOMED

 

[North Shields Blade]

Bilsthorpe hasn’t been “seen” since he posted his screed.

Has spent the last 15 years thinking “bet that put a cat amongst the pigeons!”.

 

[TJ blade]

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.
[/QUOTE

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.

Sum it up for me

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.

Sums it up nicely

 

[Eddiecolquhounsleg]

Good lunch TJ blade?

 

[TJ blade]

Good lunch TJ blade?

Yes its still going on

 

[247Blade]

Let's see if any of the Brooks money is reinvested before falling into a pit of despair before a balls been kicked. If anything it shows the slow decline of the club over the last few years when a meltdown occurs over players like Riedewald (could only do 60 minutes) and Brooks (1 in 3 performer) leave the club. FWIW I liked Brooks but completely understand why Wilder constantly chirped at him from the dugout. He was prone to switching off and losing his man on a regular basis. Same with Seriki. It's Wilder's job to do that. If the money isn't reinvested then I think it will say a lot about where the club is at present.

Yes but we always get told undisclosed! So is 'THE' money being reinvested?

 

[Snowflake]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

This feed started on a similar note in 2011 and look what has happened since !!

 

[BazWainwright]

What Kozzy said ...

In truth, we have been here before. Remember, we got rid of another talented, attacking winger in Jamie Murphy to Brighton for cough-cough and had jettisoned other decent potential with McDonald, real youth capability with Maguire and had to put up with some reyt bobbar arriving as 'the next best thing'.

Of course as we know, the best way to turn a decent player into one that you'd willingly place in a sack with some bricks and throw them in a canal like kittens is to put the hallowed red and white stripes on them. Higdon, Kitson, Done, Brayford, Baxter, Woodburn, Holmes, Bogle, Osula ... perhaps some more.

It's just who we are, Koz.

 

[Edgar Allan Poo]

WE’RE ALL DOOMED

Death is just the end.

 

[1973Blade]

Bilsthorpe hasn’t been “seen” since he posted his screed.

Has spent the last 15 years thinking “bet that put a cat amongst the pigeons!”.

To be fair, he was right!

 

[Borbokisfreekick]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

The Brooks departure is pretty simple to understand - him and Wilder don’t get along and see eye to eye, there was only ever going to be one winner in that battle (similar to how Fergie used to run Man Utd). Brooks agent also wanted to get him more money. So along comes a £10million pound offer, decent money for a somewhat inconsistent player, and we recoup that as pure profit under the financial rules.

The issue is that with better management skills could Wilder have kept a bright talent and got more out of him. We’ll never know.

We sold another Brooks (one of best talents we’d had in a long time) for similar money in 2018, and used that money to build a stronger “team” and we got promoted that year.

I’ll hold out final judgement until this window closes and see where we’re at. My overall faith and patience with Wilder is at an all time low…but the next 2 and a bit months is really his final chance to save and build on his legacy at the club. So hopefully he proves many of us wrong.

 

[Brian Deane]

Death is just the end.

Aye, it gets nearer every day

 

[Super Furry Blades]

I once sat in the casino near the lane before a gig .
Sydie & brookes were in there playing blackjack obviously very good mates.
One is obviously the teachers pet and the other it seems the exact opposite.
Wonder how that dynamic affected/affects their friendship.
And maybe brookes leaving may spell the end for sydie ...
Who knows

 

[Pintor75]

I once sat in the casino near the lane before a gig .
Sydie & brookes were in there playing blackjack obviously very good mates.
One is obviously the teachers pet and the other it seems the exact opposite.
Wonder how that dynamic affected/affects their friendship.
And maybe brookes leaving may spell the end for sydie ...
Who knows

Same maybe with Blaster, do they other lads think they've got to choose their words carefully in front of the soon in law

 

[Keen Blade]

View attachment 239411

Tell dat to dem pigs - they simply refuse to die when they can steal from others

 

[Keen Blade]

This feed started on a similar note in 2011 and look what has happened since !!

6 years in L1

 

[Bell4]

The Brooks departure is pretty simple to understand - him and Wilder don’t get along and see eye to eye, there was only ever going to be one winner in that battle (similar to how Fergie used to run Man Utd). Brooks agent also wanted to get him more money. So along comes a £10million pound offer, decent money for a somewhat inconsistent player, and we recoup that as pure profit under the financial rules.

The issue is that with better management skills could Wilder have kept a bright talent and got more out of him. We’ll never know.

We sold another Brooks (one of best talents we’d had in a long time) for similar money in 2018, and used that money to build a stronger “team” and we got promoted that year.

I’ll hold out final judgement until this window closes and see where we’re at. My overall faith and patience with Wilder is at an all time low…but the next 2 and a bit months is really his final chance to save and build on his legacy at the club. So hopefully he proves many of us wrong.

Nice post

But if what you say is true , financially , why do you lack so much faith in Wilder ?

 

[Jim Mcdonald]

It’s fair to say things aren’t looking great so they aren’t, but let’s wait and see. I’d assume we’ve found ourselves back at a comfortable level of being a middling unimpressive second tier side, not ideal but we’ve had it far worse so we have.

 

[Kona]

I can't help but feel that we're moving into a period of managed squad decline at the moment. Led by finances and the new financial regulations - which are a responsible idea, but it's more rather how we respond to them.

If rumours are to be believed, Phillips and Souttar may be about to arrive. That involves spending a large % of what you do have on loans, over longer-term investment and squad building. It's kinda 'going for it' as a latter roll of the dice, to try and reach the Prem. Holding on to Hamer is kinda in this bracket too. As much as I want us to do that.

However, alongside this, we seem to be having a managed decline of the rest of the squad, those contracted to the club. Cannon given the #9 shirt, Davies instead of a suitable replacement for Cooper's prolonged absence, Brooks potential replaced by Chong?, and presumably Souza replaced by Reidewald, then replaced by little Jamie or sumat.

The Brooks sale this week has knocked the stuffing out of many, myself included. That partly has to be due to it now being difficult to understand the full extent of our ambitions. Or gauge what we are capable of building. Are there additional factors that can be used to explain Brooks' departure or are we that financially shafted that we need to sell to a divisional rival? Or rather a side who, aren't expected to challenge for autos and aren't amongst the biggest money bags in the division?

One thing's for certain, I hope that we don't spunk what limited resources we do have on overinflated wages for a few. I'd much rather we opt for young players, with the potential to develop further, with a higher ceiling, with something to prove, and the possibility of a good resale value. We need athleticism and energy across the squad after all, presumably the ability to cover a few positions too.

Cleary from Barnsley to replace Brooks for example, likely off to Boro.

Tickle, excellent keeper, ever present for the last 3.5 seasons. Much needed in Cooper's absence. Gone to Bristol City.

Why do I lack any faith that we have the necessary nous, foresight, planning or resources to recruit well? Why do I fear that we'll chuck what we have at declining championship performers who's legs are going in the hope that it somehow limps us across the line to promotion? Mepham when at Sunderland is an example of an experienced head who gets you over the line. Mee and Ings are just knackered and not what they once were.

Aside from that, modern football is talented athletes. Stuff your culture carriers, buy some young, promising, talented athletes and see where it takes you. Last time we did that, it worked out oreyt.

I can relate to many of the points you raise, because I feel the same to an extent. Although, I do think we need to see what the squad looks like at the end of the window.

My biggest concerns with recruitment is that don’t seem to have a long term strategy, we haven’t for many years, and also that I have lost faith in both Wilder and the recruitment team when it comes to player selection.

It’s almost like we approach each season separately on what we need a don’t need, rather than a longer term plan. Whilst there may be some logic in this (and I may be wrong), it feels like we just see what’s available and go with that. We don’t seem to succession plan - JOC being a prime example of this. If we did, perhaps we’d be more responsive in the market, rather than leaving many signing until the end of the window.

As for faith in Wilder and the recruitment team, I know I’m not on my own with these concerns. I’m not anti-Wilder or a hater or whatever it is you get called for seeing some of his shortcomings, but this is an issue that the club should have addressed years ago.

Brighton and Brentford are often sited as examples for being good recruiters but smaller clubs such as Peterborough have also been for more effective than us at this. It can be done but it doesn’t seem like we’ve adapted to this.

 

[Hanauer]

How can we have declined, we've never been high enough to decline. Last La Liga when Queen Vic was Empress of India, last major honour over 100 years ago, same year Adolf published his fun book Mein Kampf, 2 top 5 finishes in 100 years, never played in European Cups. Most of the time in a 3 sided cricket ground, never any ambitious owners. Pigs like to call themselves "Sleeping Giants", would love to know if we swapped records and ambition in those times how far above them in attendances we'd be, well above the 1986 they are in front on averages at present , and that takes in the size of the ground and much higher away support they get at The Sty.

 

[Silent Blade]

Brighton and Brentford are often sited as examples for being good recruiters but smaller clubs such as Peterborough have also been for more effective than us at this. It can be done but it doesn’t seem like we’ve adapted to this.

Peterborough?

 

[Kona]

Peterborough?

Yes. I seem to recall them being able to pick up young talented players and then sell them for decent fee.

 

[Silent Blade]

Yes. I seem to recall them being able to pick up young talented players and then sell them for decent fee.

But not much success in the first team? You prefer to play in League One but have a lot of talented players we sell at a profit rather plan play in the Championship?

 

[jimmymuir]

It's not looking promising, but let's see where we are come the end of the window. Still plenty to come in and go out. On paper, the opening bunch of fixtures present a good chance to get a solid points total on the board. UTB