This season and beyond

[Ron_Justice]

Interesting thread. One thing I'd add is Sharp and his desire to score goals. I suspect he knows it'll be tough to get meaningful minutes if we go up, but I wouldn't put it past him bagging a few in the PL. On the other hand, I'm not sure he'll be satisfied with a coaching role just yet. I can see him doing a Didzy and, if he wanted it, moving to another club and reaching 275 league goals.

 

[Torrix1889]

Bloody hell, opinions from bed-wetting right through to downright deluded on this thread....

1) we need to seal promotion first, get the current job done
2) who knows what will happen with the ownership of the club, could be that someone else is waiting in the wings to double HRH's money but only when promotion is confirmed
3) Hecky needs to decide who of the out of contract players should be offered new deals. 100% this should not involve sentiment.

 

[Torrix1889]

Interesting thread. One thing I'd add is Sharp and his desire to score goals. I suspect he knows it'll be tough to get meaningful minutes if we go up, but I wouldn't put it past him bagging a few in the PL. On the other hand, I'm not sure he'll be satisfied with a coaching role just yet. I can see him doing a Didzy and, if he wanted it, moving to another club and reaching 275 league goals.

Sharp can't score at Championship level at the moment so what suggests at 38 he could start scoring in the Premier League?

Absolutely deluded if you think he can

 

[BLADES1988]

Sharp can't score at Championship level at the moment so what suggests at 38 he could start scoring in the Premier League?

Absolutely deluded if you think he can

Pennos

 

[Ron_Justice]

Sharp can't score at Championship level at the moment so what suggests at 38 he could start scoring in the Premier League?

Absolutely deluded if you think he can

I think he could grab 3 or 4, given enough game time - you don't lose that certain something he has and in a pure technical level he's as good as they come at doing what he does. But, there's no denying it'll be tough as he'll likely get minimal minutes.

Which was my point, really. If he still wants to score goals, I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leave for one last go at breaking records.

 

[Torrix1889]

I think he could grab 3 or 4, given enough game time - you don't lose that certain something he has and in a pure technical level he's as good as they come at doing what he does. But, there's no denying it'll be tough as he'll likely get minimal minutes.

Which was my point, really. If he still wants to score goals, I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leave for one last go at breaking records.

To be perfectly blunt, (no pun intended to our resident Pigs) if we have any ambitions about staying in the Premier League then Sharp, as much of a legend as he is, shouldn't be anywhere near the bench, let alone getting minutes. Same goes for a lot of the current squad.

 

[Yewsman]

Burton being his level at 19 is some going there’s not many striker his age who score goals at that level. Is he the finished article no not even close but there aren’t many strikers with his combination of height and pace knocking around (we have another in Osula lucky us) if United hit on him then we’ll have hit big because a striker with Jebbo’s physical gifts who’s also a prolific goal scorer is the type of player we probably can’t afford to buy.

He’s the type of youth player you keep around if you can until you’re absolutely sure it’s not going to happen and at 19 he’s got plenty of years in front of him before that point I wouldn’t be wanting to make a permanent decision on him until at least his early 20’s when he’s really finished growing into his body.

Just look at DCL. Never given a chance in our first team. Everton bought for peanuts. Took 2 or 3 seasons but he developed into international goal scorer. Why shouldn't Jebbo do the same (but with us).
.

 

[bongleblade]

A back up keeper to Wes.

I'd go for someone like John Ruddy, experienced PL goalkeeper as backup on a 1 year deal

A decent RB with Baldock / Bogle as back up.

Arsenal's Rob Holding could be a decent shout for a loan - rumoured to be on the way out, deputises at both RB and CB

A decent proven playmaker MF if we can’t get the city boys back.

Doyle on a loan to buy imo, with condition of buying if we stay up

Another LCB to play in the 3.

Dennis Hadzikadunic - Bosnian Anel clone

 

[Wizard]

Feels early to be looking at this but just put together a quick look at the squad this year and what it would look like next season after loans go back and contracts expire.

Clear to see that there's a lot of work to do purely to make up the numbers, whether that be extensions or new signings. That's before considering whether we want to recoup fees for our biggest assets Ndiaye/Berge who will both be entering their final year and are unlikely to sign new deals. There's also those who might want to move for more football either on loan or permanently e.g. Basham, Jebbison and the other youngsters that aren't in the first team picture (Arblaster, Coulibaly, Brooks etc).

The embargo and ownership situation doesn't make things any easier. Don't want to jinx it but Premier league funds look like they'll be crucial.

 

[Torrix1889]

Feels early to be looking at this but just put together a quick look at the squad this year and what it would look like next season after loans go back and contracts expire.

Clear to see that there's a lot of work to do purely to make up the numbers, whether that be extensions or new signings. That's before considering whether we want to recoup fees for our biggest assets Ndiaye/Berge who will both be entering their final year and are unlikely to sign new deals. There's also those who might want to move for more football either on loan or permanently e.g. Basham, Jebbison and the other youngsters that aren't in the first team picture (Arblaster, Coulibaly, Brooks etc).

The embargo and ownership situation doesn't make things any easier. Don't want to jinx it but Premier league funds look like they'll be crucial.

View attachment 158373View attachment 158374

Doesn't Jebbo's deal expire in the summer as well...??

 

[Large Mendonca]

And that’s it, currently, at 19, (too early to judge potential? I don’t think it is) I don’t see any potential in him that warrants keeping him on. If all you have to go by is a decent ish loan spell in League One who probably focused their play around him and made him a target man + his physical attributes then that isn’t enough to warrant keeping him in the Prem in my view. He has offered very little when he’s featured for us bar stretching the play and looking alert. Feels all huff and puff and no end product. Decent strikers at 19 are starting to bang em in at champ level and he isn’t despite some very good chances. I dunno, maybe I’m being a little harsh on him and you’re right, he just needs time.

What I did love about him was how pissed off he was at FT on Tues for missing that sitter, his attitude is absolutely spot on.

Maybe I’ll be proven wrong about him, let’s hope so.

I'm happy to keep Jebbo, as I reckon he looks better at this age than DCL did when he was 19, and look what happened there. Two very similar strikers.

 

[blade too long]

Sharp can't score at Championship level at the moment so what suggests at 38 he could start scoring in the Premier League?

Absolutely deluded if you think he can

yes its like putting a winning race horse out to stud
put him in a nice meadow so we can go and pat him
no one can withstand the passage of time

 

[blade too long]

I'm happy to keep Jebbo, as I reckon he looks better at this age than DCL did when he was 19, and look what happened there. Two very similar strikers.

Jebbo is still raw but hes agile strong and intelligent which is a great base to start from
hes a keeper, not goalie , one to stay

 

[CPB]

Sharp can't score at Championship level at the moment so what suggests at 38 he could start scoring in the Premier League?

Absolutely deluded if you think he can

I actually think more his influence and as an option off bench etc. would be OK.
But depends on if he wants to play regular and start games. Cos if he does then he will need to move.

I've noticed in past few or so games he is looking "sharper" so to speak. Do wonder it's taking him longer to get sharp because of his age. But I feel just needs a goal.
No doubting he's at the end of his career though, he isn't the same as 3-4 years ago. Even last season pre-injury.

 

[Wapping Blade]

The biggest issue with promoted/bottom teams is the inability to score goals. Fixing this should be the priority but I know it’s a bit tricky (and expensive).

 

[Uncle mick]

Let's just go down quietly to the best league in the world where everyone has a chance like Luton brilliant season for them.
No fun in a year long struggle just to qualify for an extra year to struggle again

 

[Keen Blade]

The biggest issue with promoted/bottom teams is the inability to score goals. Fixing this should be the priority but I know it’s a bit tricky (and expensive).

Watching the PL , it's the power & accuracy of the shooting from the edge of the area which we just don't have - whoever we recruit , we need to get some players who can strike a ball hard on target , which seems beyond the capabilities of most of ours.
If we continue our style of slow buildup to try and get close to goal , we'll have great difficulty scoring next season.

 

[Ron_Justice]

Watching the PL , it's the power & accuracy of the shooting from the edge of the area which we just don't have - whoever we recruit , we need to get some players who can strike a ball hard on target , which seems beyond the capabilities of most of ours.
If we continue our style of slow buildup to try and get close to goal , we'll have great difficulty scoring next season.

If memory serves, Brewster can REALLY strike a ball. Be great is we ever get to see him properly.

 

[HeySethUTB]

Let’s cut the shite, these lads have made us proud again, yes we have an aging squad but we are a premier league outfit again with one more win. The common theme of our successful past 6 years or so has been some of he players we all tare our hair out about sometimes. Enjoy it. You never know what’s round the corner.

 

[ormester]

One thing is we need to build a quality side if it means a mix of signings on free and. Paid so be it but we need quality not the forest route though

 

[dexter101]

Everytime I see a team who spends loads on promotion they don't seem to do particularly well.

I would prefer that we sign a couple of new players over the summer, stay up next season (just, with luck and a fair wind...) players like bogle, jebbo coullibally have a year of experience and can see if they stand the test and that gives you another season to then make progress with the squad.

Who could we sign cheap (because... money) who is better than:

Baldock
Basham
Foderingham
Egan

 

[A Storm of Blades]

Jebbison goes on Championship loan - surely that’s the best option for all parties? He could be the ‘Doyle and McAtee’ for someone next year.

 

[Champagneblade]

I think those posts hoping for mass signings and mass departures are not being realistic. It costs money for players to come and go so there more you can minimise trading, the better.

We will need a 25 man squad with those younger than 21 not counted.

Goalkeepers - at present we effectively have in the squad Foderingham, Davies, Dewhurst and Amissah.

I fully expect the latter two to be retained and loaned out.

Wes is a decent Championship keeper and should we go down might still be ok to resume the no 1 spot but you’re probably looking at a new PL number 1, something like this:

Kelleher (loan), Foderingham, Davies

In defence you’ve probably got more of a basis to go with what we have. I doubt we’ll not be extending first team regulars like Robinson, unrealistic to expect so many to come in. I’d probably be looking for someone experienced of this level like Kolasinac when his Marseille contract expires and possibly Walker if an arrangement with City can be brokered. I’d expect Stevens, sadly O’Connell and Clark to move on. That gives you:

Baldock, Bogle, Walker, Basham, Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson, Kolasinac, Norrington-Davies, Lowe

In midfield you’re looking at a first choice ideally of Berge, Doyle and McAtee. McAtee you’d loan. Doyle you’d maybe pay 12-15m for an arrangement with a buy back clause. Norwood’s experience would be retained. I’d keep Coulibaly and then it’s a question if you stick with Osborn or your money stretches further. I expect a natural parting of the ways with Flecky after a great Blades career:

Berge, Doyle, McAtee, Coulibaly, Norwood, Osborn*

Up front I’d have six options even though I’d only be starting two.

Ndiaye, McBurnie, Piroe, Brewster, Jebbison, Sharp

Piroe has scored goals and has just a year left on his contract so I’d imagine 8-10m would be difficult to reject. Of the others, I think Pukki looks over the hill now, Brereton-Diaz will go overseas, Morelos might be too much of a temperamental gamble and Gyokeres will have too many suitors. Osula I’d loan out and then I’m 50/50 to keep Jebbo around as I think a year at somewhere like Hull for example would be good for his development.

So nothing mad.

For 2023/24 season:

Loan - Kelleher, McAtee
Sign - Doyle, Piroe (20-25m)
Free - Kolasinac, Walker

Anticipating we may go down I’d be expecting Ndiaye, Berge, Ahmedhodzic and probably Kolasinac to move on as well as Sharp and Basham to call it a day, In which case I’d be aiming for something like this the following season:

G - Foderingham, Davies, Amissah/Dewhurst

D - Baldock, Walker, Egan, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Bogle, Lowe, Boyes, Freckleton or other youth + 1 RCB/CB signing

M - Coulibaly, Doyle, Norwood, Osborn, 1 from Arblaster/Peck/Maguire/Brooks + 1 McAtee/Gibbs-White type loan

F - Piroe, McBurnie, Jebbison, Brewster, Osula, Marsh or other signing

That would be my relatively modest plan for the next 2 years anyway, worst case, which should leave us in a better financial spot but still with an excellent chance of promotion in the 2024/25 season.

 

[Melbourne Blade]

Interesting watching the promotion celebrations and jebbo didn't seem as involved as the other players. Maybe he's a little introverted and doesn't show emotion or maybe he's off.

 

[Wapping Blade]

The hotel needs opening as well, it’s embarrassing to see that place shut and non operational

The Heras fencing has gone and there appear to be “meeting rooms for hire” notices in the windows, though I only glanced them when driving past yesterday.