The summer ahead

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Malta tomorrow

Geez, what an underwhelming pre season it has been.

Wilson has failed to assemble any sort of squad and now we need to shift the goal posts to the start of the season (and no doubt later the end of the transfer window).

The writing has been on the wall and we look set to lose big earners over the coming weeks and have little room to maouvre to replace them.

Basically we are looking like a middle table team (rebuilding) at best next season. That is unless Wilson has got something up his sleeve and can pull of 4 or 5 good signings in the next few weeks. However he doesn't have much time to work as he'll be in Malta for the next few weeks and then it is count down to the start of the season.

It is far from ideal that we are now 3 weeks away from the start of the season (of which half the team will spend in a foreign country) and we are expected several outgoings and hoping for some incomings.

(i'll resist from saying 'I told you so', the clock is ticking - or ticked ior anything of the sort as it should be plain to see that this pre season has been completely and utterly underwhelming and we have little to look forward to next year)
 



Underwhelming is being diplomatic... I'd say poorly prepared, but we'll only know that when it all kicks off...

Lets hope i'm wrong about Wilson, but he's done nothing so far (except selling Yeates) to show he's the man... Very few out, not many in...
 
Ollessendro said:
Geez, what an underwhelming pre season it has been.

Wilson has failed to assemble any sort of squad and now we need to shift the goal posts to the start of the season (and no doubt later the end of the transfer window).

The writing has been on the wall and we look set to lose big earners over the coming weeks and have little room to maouvre to replace them.

Basically we are looking like a middle table team (rebuilding) at best next season. That is unless Wilson has got something up his sleeve and can pull of 4 or 5 good signings in the next few weeks. However he doesn't have much time to work as he'll be in Malta for the next few weeks and then it is count down to the start of the season.

It is far from ideal that we are now 3 weeks away from the start of the season (of which half the team will spend in a foreign country) and we are expected several outgoings and hoping for some incomings.

(i'll resist from saying 'I told you so', the clock is ticking - or ticked ior anything of the sort as it should be plain to see that this pre season has been completely and utterly underwhelming and we have little to look forward to next year)
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Got to agree with this. I wasn't expecting any stella signings this pre season but I was expecting something to happen early doors, if only to try and get the fans behind Wilson. Perhaps things are starting to move with Hendo and now Yeates going giving us a bit of room for wages but I won't hold my breath
 
I think the current staff's wage bill is still far above a sensible Div1 figure. Until Ched and at least three others can be offloaded, Wilson will be doing no business.

We need a Chedectomy rather urgently.
 
Chedwyn moving on will be the big one. He is on some serious wonga if rumour is to be believed.

Doubt we will see many coming in until he goes.

Edit* - snap JD!
 
So we head to Malta today and how are things looking?

Football - Played two friendlies with mixed teams. Players like Monty, Quinn, Ched and Yeates were held back, presumably to keep them from injury before we sell them. From what I've read on the friendlies, its hardly been inspiring stuff. But, in fairness to the manager, he's only been working with this bunch of players for two weeks and his back room have been cobbled together quite late. So I guess Malta will be the key for sharpening up and gaining match fitness

Player Movements - Very, very slow. I expected more to be moved out, but again this has been slow. I guess this is the reason (and the excuse) for us only managing to get 3 players in (one of which was not even Wilsons signing). Tying Slew into a 2 year deal is good news and getting Flynny in could potentially be a decent signing, but we need much more.

This is the summer when there are a lot of players available cheap, so perhaps we're finding it tough to sell our over priced 'stars', other teams are seemingly getting better players for less elsewhere.

I'm far from excited, I am perhaps being harsh but Danny Wilson hasn't exactly hit the ground running. I'm not party to the way things are run at United, so can only speculate that Wilson has had his hands tied, perhaps he was wanting to act faster, particularly in getting his back room sorted earlier. As for players, I think we should've publicly announced our transfer listed players early. Wilson should've been calling/ visiting each player so that when they all returned on 1st July they all knew their position. Set his stall out. Perhaps he did this, again I can only speculate from the lack of action that he hasn't.

For the sake of a settled training camp in Malta, I would've hoped that most of the movements had been done before we left for the sun. It hasn't happened so we have to get on with things.

So what am I expecting now?

Player Movements - Either get rid or get on with it. If we can't sell then we have to just deal with what we have. Get the players in quick.

Tactics and Set Plays - I have mentioned this so many times, but we have to get these well drilled. We should be destroying teams with Set plays in this division. I want us to have a reputation to be feared at attacking set plays and tighter than a ducks arse when defending.
Tactically we need to learn how to keep our shape, sure have some levels of freedom, but if we line up 4-4-2, 4-5-1 etc then that's the shape we get back to.

Fitness - These players should be as fit as a butchers dog by the time we kick off the season. Absolutely no reason why we can't be the fittest team in the league.

I may sound like I'm giving Wilson rope to hang himself with my "requirements" but I'd expect this from any manager. If Wilson can't do this, then he will be no different to Robson, Speed, Carver or Adams.

Warnock may have his knockers, but he gets his teams organised, well drilled, fit and very stingy on defending set plays.

Blackwell had almost all of these except the set plays.

As you can see, playing style is not mentioned and to be honest if we get the above right, then I don't care what style we play - So if Pinchy and Ollie want to pigeon hole me, then pass me my copy of Nuts Magazine and a bottle of Malbec
 
you're spot on about the set plays Swiss.. we've been utterly crap at these for years, defending them and attacking them.. 'ooh look its the i bump into you one again'.. we don't have a player (since cotterill left) that can take a corner and beat the first man.. one can only suppose that he is waiting to see a bit more of the players before he decides.. or it's the same owd same owd
 
I don't think Blackwell had his teams particularly fit. We used to tire quite noticeably at the end of games.

I think we'll be hanging on to Quinn, Monty & Ched for a while yet. Chairmen will not move unless they're forced to in order to keep their wage bills down as long as possible.
 
This pre-season is exactly as I expected it to be to this point. A couple of players in we don't know and a couple of decent wage earners out. Ched and some others will go in the coming weeks and if they don't then I will be happy for them to start at Oldham. May as well use what we have.

The biggest thing for me was holding onto Slew (assuming we actually have). Whether it be we haven't had any offers for him or that Wilson and Co have talked sense into him, it was important he stayed.

I wouldn't say I am excited by the start of the season, how can you be excited at a season in League 1? But we are pretty much where I would have thought we should be.

As for comments on our performances in friendlies this far I would ask one question. When was the last time we turned over one of our opponents in a friendly with an impressive display?
 
Bladesway said:
As for comments on our performances in friendlies this far I would ask one question. When was the last time we turned over one of our opponents in a friendly with an impressive display?
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WE once beat Baslow 14-1 under Warnock :-)
 
Three more would do nicely now.....a centre half, a left sided player and another forward. We would be ok at that for the time being IMO. They need to be good, experienced players though.
 
Why do they need to be 'experienced'? Alehouse thought that I assume when he signed Doyle. The thought of watching him next term is enough to turn my stomach.

Young, athletic and pacey would be my criteria for any new players but then I forgot, it's a 'man's game'. Let's get stuck in and shout a bit.
 



SwissBlade said:
And I missed my chance to play in that one as I'd agreed to join Calver in one of the biggest transfers the Hope Valley League has seen
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I have played for Baslow 2nds in my time, long time ago - only a couple of games but enjoyed it. What years did you play for Baslow Swiss?
 
Micalijo said:
Why do they need to be 'experienced'? Alehouse thought that I assume when he signed Doyle. The thought of watching him next term is enough to turn my stomach.

Young, athletic and pacey would be my criteria for any new players but then I forgot, it's a 'man's game'. Let's get stuck in and shout a bit.
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Is that the micalijo theory? Experienced = can't be athletic, pacey or play football?

It is my humble opinion that we could do with a few more players who have experience at this level. Some with strong characters who we can rely on when the chips are down. So yes, that would include being able to play a bit as well.....and do it under pressure. Experienced players can be very valuable IF you get the right ones.

Nothing wrong with getting stuck in and having a shout mic, all good fun :)
 
Bladesway said:
You swapped sides? Never!
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Well ordinarily I'd agree... But....

I played and captained Calver all the way through the Juniors, playing for Calver mens team at 15 (child superstar or they were extremely short of players, you decide)

Then Calver (folded) merged with Baslow when I finished in the U16's... I went to the other side and enjoyed a few seasons at Grindleford, Youlgreave and then back to Bas.

My heart was always with Calver, family ties to the ground and Grandad setting up the Junior Sports etc So when Calver reformed I was part of the resurection, I was marking the pitch out at Calver when the Blades played at Baslow.

Micalijo said:
I have played for Baslow 2nds in my time, long time ago - only a couple of games but enjoyed it. What years did you play for Baslow Swiss?
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I played for the 2nd's Mic, did you play with Chaz, Reidy I think until 2002
 
A 'quiet revolution', red and white specs or too much mediteranean sun?

I have to give Wilson some credit for his couple of signings. Decent additions before we went out to Malta. Whilst I was hoping for a clear out, perhaps we will experience a 'quiet revolution'. Wilson still needs another 3 or 4 players (striker with pace, CB and left winger) if we are to push for promotion, but perhaps he has time. The sooner we shift Monty and Ched the better (I'd be happy to keep Quinn but expect him to go). However the transfer window closes on August the 31st, so as long as Wilson thinks he has the base of his squad then a couple of late addittions will not impact too much.

The squad

I presume* the team starting against Oldham will be. In brackets I put potential replacements and hence the strength of the squad.

----------- SS (Aksalu)

Lowton (Kozzy) Maguire Collins (Ertl?) Lescinel

Flynn McAllister (Harriot) Williamson (Doyle) Tonne

----------- Porter (Boggy) Slew (Cresswell)

There is also Philskirk, hopefully pushing for a CM place and . Taylor and Morgs will come back to bolster the defence but we cannot expect to see them before Christmas. Does anyone know when Ertl is due back?

Additions needed

I think the above shows that we need a centre back (plus possibly another defender) and a winger. These are the most important to fill. Another player with pace (either on the wing or upfront would be ideal too). Wilson clearly feels that he can work with this squad and a couple of late additions will not make a difference. The signing I think he has to make before August 6th is another CB. We need cover for Collins and Maguire (or ideally Collins being cover) and should learn from when KB started with only two CB's on the books.

Can we challenge

I still think this looks like a transitional season, but if Wilson can shift the big earners and pull another 3 decent signings out of the bag then I think we could challenge.


* assuming Quinn, Monty and Ched leave and we bring noone else in.
 
You know what Ollie, thats bang on. Constructive and while we can argue over what, who and in what position I think you make an excellent case on who we need and when.

I knew you could do it if you tried. :)

I don't think Wilson has put a foot wrong to this point. He has been professional in the way he has handled his dealings, not made any rash promises and delivered when he said he would. No complaints from me. I would like to see the dead wood shifed on by now but you can't shift it if nobodys buying can you?
 
SwissBlade said:
Warnock may have his knockers
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Didn't know he had the augmentation, Swiss. Do they look good?

Pre season has gone pretty much as I would have expected. Slow and plodding. Tumbleweed city.
Clubs are keeping their powder dry and not looking to move too early so they can save on the wages in the summer.
The window doesn't close until 31st August so there will be plenty of time for agents and managers to play a waiting game.
Trouble is that clubs know we are desperate to sell and whilst they may be tempted I am not sure that Ched is on the top of anyone's list.
Maynard vs Ched - not a very tough choice is it?
The other issue is that Ched may have to take a pay cut to go - he won't be best pleased at that. Not that he has earned any of the money he has been paid whilst turning out in a red and white shirt as it is - useless fecker.

I think it will come down to the wire and whilst it is a very slow market beneath the Premiership elite and whilst Wilson may be frustrated it makes a nice change for Utd not to appear to sell as soon as a wad is wafted under the nose.

As for Warnock, do you think he will go for Monty for QPR if he can get their chariman to stump up £750k?
 
Kenilworth said:
As for Warnock, do you think he will go for Monty for QPR if he can get their chariman to stump up £750k?
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Oh, I thought thats how much we would be giving QPR to take him on. Silly me.
 
Returning from Malta - 2 weeks to start of season

The Blades should have now returned from their trip to Malta which leaves 2 weeks for the final preperations for the season.

Judging by the slow pace of the summer I will not hold my breath for much activity before the start of the season. Hopefully we will see Evans shipped out and this will allow us to bring in 1 or 2 players. Ideally we would also ship Monty out and Quinn's future would be decided. I expect the latter 2 to go to last minute bids, but just hope we can get rid of Evans and free up the wage bill in time for Wilson to manouvre for the Oldham game.

As stated before a CB with pace is the priority and I would say urgent. Maguire and Collins are slow and regardless we need cover. I also think we need a left wnger and possibly another striker. However if these arrive in August then it is no big deal. A first choice CB is needed (or at the very least cover).
 
Kenilworth said:
Now, now Bladesway - let's be positive for a change shall we?
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In the history of deals with SUFC can you please tell me an example where I should think positive? Mind you with Turry out the way things can only improve can't they?
 
Season to start in a few days: Ollessendro's assessment of what lies ahead

Well muckers, it is a few days to the start of the season and the summer ahead is sadly coming to a close. I have updated this thread at regular intervals on my take of progress and hence I will give a summary of I think were we are with the new season start in a matter of days.

Can we challenge?

This is a difficult one. I think we can, but I am not entirely sure we will. I think we are 3 or 4 players away from having a good (promotion capable) squad and am not sure this season will see us go straight back up. I think the key will be how get kick off. If we have a good start then I think we could set ourselves up for a top 2 finish. Bt for me it is difficult to make an assessment as there are too many unknowns: e.g. how the development: academy players will perform, how the failures from last season will perform and whether Wilson can get the right balance of experience and youth. I think morale is low, but we have some talent and if we get off to a good start and make a few more additions before the end of August then you never know.

Transition season

For me I think this is more realistically a transition season. I will be willing to give Wilson time and be patient if he makes the right noises. This season I expect to see youth being developed, experience being used wisely, players being picked on merit, a change in style and some attractive, attacking, positive football. If he does this then I will back him for another season or so.

It will take time to clear out the junk and I think that we are more likely to see this 'quiet revolution' I keep harping on about. I am disappointed not see the clear out I hoped for and it pains me to see overpaid failures (such as Collins, Doyle, Cresswell, Evans and Monty) still at the club. However Wilson has cleared out some junk and he seems to have replaced them wit younger, hungrier and more athletic players. If he can do the same over the next season or two then I will be happy.

The squad

As stated earlier (and earlier in the thread) I think we are still 3 or 4 players away from having a squad that is good enough to challenge for promotion. In my book we need a CB (see below), (left) winger and another CF.

The squad for me is still lacking pace. Only Slew and possibly Flynn are quick. Perhaps some of the development players are quick and I have missed something, but I fear for our lack of pace. There is no substitute for pace and I would like to see Wilson bring in more quick players.

Weaknesses

The defence is the main worry for me. I see the first choice backline as being Lowton, Collins, Maguire and Lescinel. This may be decent at 3rd tier level, but it lacks pace. Also, there are question marks over Collins ability and Lowton, Maguire and Lesclinel are fairly inexperienced. Hence managers may try and exploit this. I can actually see this back line gelling and potentially being decent at this level (presumably Wilson has seen this and is working on it) but do worry about the lack of pace. A half decent, quick CF could give Maguire and Collins a real hard time. For me the addition of a pacey centre half before the end of August is essential. At the moment we do not have a lot of cover and an injury could really muck things up.

Ollessendro's prediction

I will stick my neck on the line and make a prediction. I think we will finish mid table, top half. This could change though. I plan to post again at the end of August. By this time I will have had chance to see the team play and hopefully we will have seen more transfer activity.
 
Comprehensive update Ollie. Fine to give him time, but what if we have another Robson? How much time do you give someone. Mickys case was 4 months. If the signs are bad early on then how long do we stick it out? Then when do we look back on the summer and say it simply wasn't good enough?

Automatic Promotion is Wilsons only target. How we get that I couldn't care less. I simply can't bare another summer like this.

Get promotion, play the pretty stuff in the Championship.
 
If they start badly then I cant see him being there for the wendy match in October and then the manager merry go round starts again.
That said I am a lot happier about things now than the day we appointed him. Dont think he has signed anyone that hasnt improved the squad. Like Ollie says a couple of signings and we can be up there in my opinion
 



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