Using the January signings

[georgebernardshaw]

They'll get their minutes because Wilder sees them as the future instead of clinging on to the likes of Wright, Clarke and Freeman (and soon to be Duffy) as many on here are constantly bleating and pleading about. Its all a bit commonsensical really.

Manager signs player

Player enters squad

Manager picks team

Only 11 can play

Them’s the breaks

 

[Sean Thornton]

Manager signs player

Player enters squad

Manager picks team

Only 11 can play

Them’s the breaks

#profound

 

[RammyBlade]

Warnock always had a lot of strikers to choose from and lets not forget that in past seasons where we had a chance in play offs we have had injuries/suspensions/jailed players and gone into those games with no official strikers or total shit.
We now have 4 good strikers of whom I would be happy with any 2 on the pitch in any combination - wonder what Madine/Hogan would be like as a partnership ?

 

[Sharrow Snuff Mill]

I understand the need for depth, but I’m struggling to see the purpose of the Hogan signing. We already have Madine as a plan B. And now we are taking on Hogan at I assume quite a cost.

Should we not be looking to get in another midfielder to compete with Fleck instead?

Hogan is a quality finisher, better than what we have apart from Sharp. He also has more pace than than the other strikers apart possibly than Washington. If you count the chances we should have taken, but didn`t, this season then the Hogan signing is a no brainer. He is not another Madine. As long as he is fit and injury free, we will have a decent striker who might well make all the difference to the conclusion of our season.

 

[bladesman3]

There will be times when the strikers go through dry spells, and when Duffy's off the boil. We can't afford to keep them in the team for 3 or 4 games when this happens. Identifying these periods in advance could get us extra points. The statistical data could help with that. I think Duffy and Dowell will be rotated 50/50 anyway, it'll be more difficult with the strikers. Sharp and McGoldrick will have to be at the top of their game, but at their age I'd expect some rotation to happen anyway, certainly with Madine and Hogan to call on.

I wonder if there could be one more coming in as well, because if Norwood or especially Fleck got injured our hopes would nosedive. Or Stevens, or O'Connell. But I guess on our budget you can't adequately cover every player, especially ones of such quality. It'd be nice if we could though.

Spot on about the midfield/defence if one player gets injured...need better cover

 

[itsinyerblood]

Wilder's recruitment approach is refreshing, at least for this club. I've lost count of the times he's said, "I'm loyal, not sentimental", or something to that effect.

Given that CW has never had access to large transfer funds he's done a remarkable job in building a squad of disparate parts that somehow seem to work as a whole. So it will be with his latest signings, I'm not familiar with Hogan so I'm not anticipating much until the player impresses me, but the consensus seems to be favourable so well done CW where this signing is concerned. Not dissimilar thoughts about Madine either, but from the little I've seen of the player he does seem to be capable of responding to the cut and thrust of competing with no-nonsense defenders. Also, Madine does seem to possess a decent amount of skill, so his on-pitch contribution should be what we're seeking at this moment in time.

Returning to my first comment regarding not being sentimental. The fact that Wilder has never had millions to work with has been to his advantage, at least so far. He's managed to pull off one trick after another, signing players that many considered past their sell-by date, but for the most part being proved right in his judgement. I think we all hope that should we achieve promotion that Wilder will receive the funds necessary to compete at this level. I believe that even at Prem level that it's still possible to find players who somehow escape under the radar. Of course it will be an inescapable fact that we'll have to spend to survive, but in CW we have a manager brought up on the penny-pinching need to survive, and then flourish, so interesting times ahead for the mighty Blades.

 

[PokerBlade]

When your forward line is all over 30 then it makes sense to bring in cover. Madine isn't a signing I was keen on but he definitely adds something we haven't got. If we bring in Hogan then I'd assume that's more or less an end to Washington's chances, but I don't even want to start counting the times we've got to huge end of season games without a respectable striker. Craig Beattie up front, O'Halloran as a desperation loan, the list goes on.

If these players don't get in the team it will only be because the existing players are doing the business. I'm happy if we get plenty of cover in on loan rather than losing our chances because we didn't prepare in advance.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Our 'A' team is just falling short of Tufty's ideas of a top 2 team, we know that based on the points we've dropped through not taking chances etc. He's gradually improving the squad and instead of having Clarke/Washington/Johnson on the bench and possible starters we potentially have Dowell/Hogan/Madine, that's the difference.

Yes, agreed - the bench should be much better now - for now though can still see McG/Duffs and Billy starting - they just have to produce the goods.

UTB

 

[1993]

There will be times when the strikers go through dry spells, and when Duffy's off the boil. We can't afford to keep them in the team for 3 or 4 games when this happens. Identifying these periods in advance could get us extra points. The statistical data could help with that. I think Duffy and Dowell will be rotated 50/50 anyway, it'll be more difficult with the strikers. Sharp and McGoldrick will have to be at the top of their game, but at their age I'd expect some rotation to happen anyway, certainly with Madine and Hogan to call on.

I wonder if there could be one more coming in as well, because if Norwood or especially Fleck got injured our hopes would nosedive. Or Stevens, or O'Connell. But I guess on our budget you can't adequately cover every player, especially ones of such quality. It'd be nice if we could though.

Can't see us bringing any more in as they would have to be permanent because we don't have any more room for loan players in the match day squad We've already got Henderson, Johnson, Dowell, Madine and Hogan.

 

[Ricky]

Warnock always had a lot of strikers to choose from and lets not forget that in past seasons where we had a chance in play offs we have had injuries/suspensions/jailed players and gone into those games with no official strikers or total shit.
We now have 4 good strikers of whom I would be happy with any 2 on the pitch in any combination - wonder what Madine/Hogan would be like as a partnership ?

Agree that any combination is a potentially good partnership. In order of suitability I'd probably put them like this...

Sharp / McGoldrick
McGoldrick / Hogan
Madine / Hogan
Sharp / Hogan
McGoldrick / Madine
Sharp / Madine

McGoldrick and Hogan could be an exciting one, but opportunities for that will be limited.

 

[Pinchy]

Madine think he’s ok as a player but he’s still a cunt and always will be, but Wilder want him so I’ll give him time.

How much time will you give him and what will you do when that time is up? Both player and manager need to know, you see, because they don’t want uncertainty at a crucial time in the season.

 

[Pinchy]

I understand the need for depth, but I’m struggling to see the purpose of the Hogan signing.

The ability to score the type of goals that our other strikers can’t and don’t.

People really need to start putting the best interests of the team ahead of whether their favourite players ‘start every week’.

 

[Ricky]

What a bunch of strikers we've got for the derby by the way.

Sharp - enough said
Madine - ex Wednesday
Hogan - Steve Bruce
McGoldrick - missed penalty to atone for

 

[Pinchy]

We now have 4 good strikers of whom I would be happy with any 2 on the pitch in any combination - wonder what Madine/Hogan would be like as a partnership ?

No. You must not even contemplate that. A ‘wonder’ is not permitted.

Those who think a guaranteed place for a particular player, whatever the circumstances, is more important than the best interests of the team, are already bristling with indignation.

Just to cut off the Bladey Bills at the pass. Yes of course he’s in great form and first choice at the moment. That hasn’t always been the case and things change quickly in football.

Tufty will pick whichever strikers are impressing him in matches and training. He will take into account the challenges presented by particular opponents together with their weaknesses. He will know of minor injuries, fatigue and other factors long before we do, if indeed we ever do. He won’t give a toss whether fan favourites are included or not.

The only certainty is that the footstampers and knee-jerkers will know better.

 

[Smirth]

The ability to score the type of goals that our other strikers can’t and don’t.

People really need to start putting the best interests of the team ahead of whether their favourite players ‘start every week’.

Looking back my post wasn’t very clear.

I’m happy with the signing in the sense that he is another different option and now we have 4 strikers all suited to different styles. However, I hope it is not at the cost of strengthening other areas in the team which we are a little light in.

 

[Pinchy]

Looking back my post wasn’t very clear.

I’m happy with the signing in the sense that he is another different option and now we have 4 strikers all suited to different styles. However, I hope it is not at the cost of strengthening other areas in the team which we are a little light in.

Yes. My second paragraph was not directed at you by the way, simply a general observation.

 

[TJB.]

You say that about wages but a friend of mine is a professional footballer at Man City and previously of Everton. When Everton initially signed him he was playing for their under 23's earning over £20k per week

 

[Harry's Game]

UTMB!!!

Or

GLTTJTWS

 

[Jan Age]

The two new signings (Madine & Hogan) will have it all to do dislodge Sharp and Mcgoldrick - it is up to them to do this. Keep the front two the same unless the goals dry up.

 

[Kev Gee]

Wilders ethos has generally been don't change a winning team.

If we stick with this then I'm sure we will be in the top 6 at the end of the season.

 

[blade67]

For the wages we'll be paying, they obviously can't just be subs, given 5 minutes like Johnson and Washington and then written off. There's additional pressure to start them and their ability dictates that they should get proper time on the pitch.

There's not many games left though so to get the most out of the signings and the squad Wilder might have to take something of a horses for courses approach to selection, often change winning teams and almost pre-empt the attacking players' dips in form, as well as making some decisive earlier substitutions.

Automatic promotion is possible but we'll have to squeeze every point we possibly can. That means really making the most out of what we've got. Getting in the right quality players is one thing, maximising them is another, especially over a short period. It's a big challenge for Wilder and might involve a fair few gambles, but it could be the difference.

Then this is the bit where I say it should be interesting anyway, to wrap up the post.

Warnock paid £6m for Madine, never played him really and Cardiff went up. It was an insurance policy.

At the blades Warnock paid a fortune for akinbuyi, who got nudged back out the team by Shipperley within a very short span of time.

The only pressure is to win games not pick particular players. These lads need to train hard, try and force some time on the pitch and then perform. If Goldie, Duffy and Sharp go on amazing runs the other 3 will be on the bench and it's job done.

 

[BushBlade]

Warnock paid £6m for Madine, never played him really and Cardiff went up. It was an insurance policy.

At the blades Warnock paid a fortune for akinbuyi, who got nudged back out the team by Shipperley within a very short span of time.

The only pressure is to win games not pick particular players. These lads need to train hard, try and force some time on the pitch and then perform. If Goldie, Duffy and Sharp go on amazing runs the other 3 will be on the bench and it's job done.

If those three play every game they’ll be fucked well before the end of the season. There’s a lot of research being done about how playing continually leads to a higher chance of injury. That’s why so many players who played in the World Cup are now injured. It’s very noticeable at Spurs where Poch tends to play his players a bit too frequently. The sports scientists who are doing this research predicted at the start of the season that Kane and Alli would get injured.

 

[blade67]

If those three play every game they’ll be fucked well before the end of the season. There’s a lot of research being done about how playing continually leads to a higher chance of injury. That’s why so many players who played in the World Cup are now injured. It’s very noticeable at Spurs where Poch tends to play his players a bit too frequently. The sports scientists who are doing this research predicted at the start of the season that Kane and Alli would get injured.

Agree 100%.

My point is that there is no pressure to use the players we have purchased. We are 4th, based on the team that have started nearly all the games. The good news as you say , is that we now have options to bring in as needed and keep the current starting 3 fresh or replace them based on form or advice from sports scientists etc.

Prior to January options off the bench were Clarke and Washington (Woodburn not really an option from October onwards)

Now it's Madine, Dowell and Hogan which is so much stronger it's unreal. Their chances will come for a load of reasons, but I just don't feel we "have" to use these players to justify signing them, only when it's the right thing to do

 

[TTMeysh]

I have a sneaking feeling that we are going to see Madine start quite a few. Rough up the opposition centre backs for the first hour and then give way for McGoldrick/Hogan to exploit the results.

 

[BushBlade]

Agree 100%.

My point is that there is no pressure to use the players we have purchased. We are 4th, based on the team that have started nearly all the games. The good news as you say , is that we now have options to bring in as needed and keep the current starting 3 fresh or replace them based on form or advice from sports scientists etc.

Prior to January options off the bench were Clarke and Washington (Woodburn not really an option from October onwards)

Now it's Madine, Dowell and Hogan which is so much stronger it's unreal. Their chances will come for a load of reasons, but I just don't feel we "have" to use these players to justify signing them, only when it's the right thing to do

I agree, particularly with Hogan who we can ease in and not have to take any risks with his fitness.