Wilder Rattled

[Rodley]

I would say the transfer business last time was very badly wrong. Just take a look at our lineup for the opening match v Palace, and it didn’t get dramatically better after that.

It smacked of the right idea, but lacking the systems and processes to deliver it. I.e looking abroad for better value, but without the scouting / recruitment infrastructure / financial muscle to get the quality in.

 

[Bell4]

I’m not buying much of that. They are far from a complete one off. They do set a great example for other clubs who are fortunate enough to attract a decent level of investment, though.

When I watch Bournemouth this season, which I really enjoy, I see the result of appointing the guy who I believe is currently the best manager in the PL, pound for pound. There are some very smart and progressive coaches with new ideas out there & they are gettable.

They are right up there on player recruitment, too. You are correct that they’ve been a project, but we also need to embark on exactly that, and the change in ownership will be the catalyst for that.

I think our next few years will be very interesting and those who aren’t rooted in parochialism and terrified of change will hopefully enjoy it. With the new ownership I expect change and progress and if they learn lessons from other clubs I find that exciting.

You’re on fire

 

[1987]

I’m not buying much of that. They are far from a complete one off. They do set a great example for other clubs who are fortunate enough to attract a decent level of investment, though.

When I watch Bournemouth this season, which I really enjoy, I see the result of appointing the guy who I believe is currently the best manager in the PL, pound for pound. There are some very smart and progressive coaches with new ideas out there & they are gettable.

They are right up there on player recruitment, too. You are correct that they’ve been a project, but we also need to embark on exactly that, and the change in ownership will be the catalyst for that.

I think our next few years will be very interesting and those who aren’t rooted in parochialism and terrified of change will hopefully enjoy it. With the new ownership I expect change and progress and if they learn lessons from other clubs I find that exciting.

Let's see how they finish the season before we go wild on their model. They're not performing that much better than us in our first season back in the prem (to this point). We also had some great performances that year and I'm sure we were the envy of lots of teams looking to break into the league.

RE: recruitment, it comes as much from club infrastructure than it does from the manager. First time round, he had (and I think has acknowledged) too much control, and went with what he knew. If the club has actually put systems in place to properly identify international talent (like I think they are doing), then I'd be optimistic we'd use them happily. To be honest, I'd be surprised if him and the owners hadn't already spoken about this kind of approach.

Character is clearly important to him, but I think we all understand that the right character isn't exclusive to these isles . I think what he wants to avoid is what he likely saw at Watford in 2023.