Wilders summer recruitment

[bricktop]

Last season I watched Wilders pre-season recruitment and it was clear that he was rebuilding the squad with half an eye on making us difficult to beat, and that promotion wasn't a big a priority as turning round a sinking sink, and play offs or above would be a bonus.

This season I'm getting the impression rather than going all out and spending a lot of money, he is just going to bring in a few players who can add to the squad, and incrementally improve it rather than going full tilt at the Championship.

At the minute looking at his new signings, none of them make you think that we have managed to get a top quality player in who can drive us forwards, but they all make you think that they are just strengthening the squad, and the real target for next season is to finish 21st or above, and look at doing the same the following season.

The last time we dropped from this division we had a generally disinterested and threadbare squad of journeymen, supplemented by loan players who weren't wanted elsewhere who was here to either put themselves in the shop window, or for their own financial gain. I think Wilder knows this, and rather following a similar path, he is assembling a squad he knows that will be good enough to survive in our first season back.

I'm not rubbishing anyone, or being particularly negative but I think I'm just being realistic, and I think that Wilder is pragmatic enough that there is no point in running before you can walk

 

[sufcboy95]

The championship is a very tough league. When Bolton went down they were one of the worse teams I've ever seen in the championship, yet they've bounced straight back up with us out of league one. Wilder is doing the right thing in just trying to consolidate our place in the championship and then we'll build on that the season after

 

[ljk]

I think the league will be very strong next year, and that Wilder knows that one of our biggest assets is that we have players that work well as a unit, and play for each other. I guess he's trying to harness that to give us an edge over teams with better individuals, and a calibre of player that we can't currently attract or afford.

You're right that this recruitment points towards steady building, but I still feel quietly optimistic that we'll finish in the top 12.

 

[SwissBlade]

Last season I watched Wilders pre-season recruitment and it was clear that he was rebuilding the squad with half an eye on making us difficult to beat, and that promotion wasn't a big a priority as turning round a sinking sink, and play offs or above would be a bonus.

This season I'm getting the impression rather than going all out and spending a lot of money, he is just going to bring in a few players who can add to the squad, and incrementally improve it rather than going full tilt at the Championship.

At the minute looking at his new signings, none of them make you think that we have managed to get a top quality player in who can drive us forwards, but they all make you think that they are just strengthening the squad, and the real target for next season is to finish 21st or above, and look at doing the same the following season.

The last time we dropped from this division we had a generally disinterested and threadbare squad of journeymen, supplemented by loan players who weren't wanted elsewhere who was here to either put themselves in the shop window, or for their own financial gain. I think Wilder knows this, and rather following a similar path, he is assembling a squad he knows that will be good enough to survive in our first season back.

I'm not rubbishing anyone, or being particularly negative but I think I'm just being realistic, and I think that Wilder is pragmatic enough that there is no point in running before you can walk

I agree in the respect that he's not ripping the squad apart, but building on what he has. We're less than one month into the summer, Championship and Premier League teams have only just finished the regular season, the championship play off final yet to be played.

Wilder has acted quickly to snap up League 1 and League 2 players, Enda Stevens transfer being delayed as he was on the Pompey end of season holiday, because they finished a week after us. So perhaps some patience should be urged.

I said on another thread that Wilder moving quickly for (then) two players was a statement of intent that he a) knows his targets and b) is moving to get them.

If i remember correctly, the marquee signings of last summer, Leon Clarke and Caleon Lavery, were brought in whilst we were into preseason training. Both of which not being fully fit until Oct/ Nov, so I am sure Wilder also wants to avoid this scenario again.

I'd be surprised if there weren't 2-3 big money signings (500k-1million rated). One being a Centre half, One winger and One centre mid, these, i would expect, to be the marquee signings. On top of that I expect that we will add strength in depth across the pitch. Total spending could be up to 3 million. Can't see it going as high as 5 during the summer, but i think January 2018 will take it to 5Million

One thing is clear from Wilder is that he's building, keeping faith in his players and whilst he's released a few, transfer listed a few and will farm out youngsters too, he's not breaking up a very capable set of players.

If we'd scraped through the play offs or come 2nd, 14 points behind the champions, i'd expect a different approach, but i'd say that with the moves we've made, we're midtable at worst.

 

[DifferentClass]

"Sinking sink"?

We were well in shit

 

[Edinblade]

Last season I watched Wilders pre-season recruitment and it was clear that he was rebuilding the squad with half an eye on making us difficult to beat, and that promotion wasn't a big a priority as turning round a sinking sink, and play offs or above would be a bonus.

This season I'm getting the impression rather than going all out and spending a lot of money, he is just going to bring in a few players who can add to the squad, and incrementally improve it rather than going full tilt at the Championship.

At the minute looking at his new signings, none of them make you think that we have managed to get a top quality player in who can drive us forwards, but they all make you think that they are just strengthening the squad, and the real target for next season is to finish 21st or above, and look at doing the same the following season.

The last time we dropped from this division we had a generally disinterested and threadbare squad of journeymen, supplemented by loan players who weren't wanted elsewhere who was here to either put themselves in the shop window, or for their own financial gain. I think Wilder knows this, and rather following a similar path, he is assembling a squad he knows that will be good enough to survive in our first season back.

I'm not rubbishing anyone, or being particularly negative but I think I'm just being realistic, and I think that Wilder is pragmatic enough that there is no point in running before you can walk

Sorry but I don't agree with one single word.
Wilder does not do second, third or anything less than top. He builds teams to win, surely 199 points has convinced you of that.
Wilder also builds teams rather than groups of 11 with one or two so called expensive stars and the rest bang average. He does not need individual "stars" he builds a team that gels and wins matches.
We may or may not do well next season, but I can promise you this, Wilder is only thinking about winning, absolutely nothing less. Be confident, be positive and enjoy the ride.

 

[Norderner]

Too many people under estimating CW on here. He doesn't do 2nd best or run of the mill. If he's not given the sufficient tools to compete, he'll be gone. Blade or not.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Brownie will be in for a present surprise.

Wilder will be seriously aiming for promotion next season.

Also even our team from last season (with no improvements) would stay up in the Championship. We were far far better than the other promoted teams Bolton and Millwall.

The only possible grounds for concern is that Wilder is buying stars from the lower divisions who have massive potential.

Now we all know that "potential' is a risk. They may come good or not. I suppose Wilder fancies his self to get the best out of players and help his talented signings reach their potential.

Also I agree our main area of weakness is probably centre defense. I expect us to buy a tried and tested Championship defender for that position.

The season has only just ended so it's far too early to make any assessment on the squad signings.

 

[Balham]

Look at the Championship this season. The top two both had big budgets but spent well; below them you had three of the four sides in the playoffs punching above their weight. Yes, the Championship is a tough division but Huddersfield, Fulham and Reading proved that if the total of your team is worth more than the sum of its parts you'll do well.

We could throw money at signings but there's no way of knowing whether it will end up as a Brighton/Newcastle situation...or a Wolves/Villa/Derby/Norwich. Wilder has created something special - this is a group of players who play for each other as well as themselves and that is worth 20 points a season.

We'll do OK next season; I'm cautiously optimistic of a play off place if we can address the issues of a lack of mobility at centre forward and centre half. Another central midfielder wouldn't go amiss either.

 

[SteveBlade]

The signings are a breath of fresh air. The most exciting pre season I can remember and we're only a month or so in.

The best players from League 1 and 2, a couple of Prem loans and a couple of experienced heads is what we'll end up with I think. Every signing you look at and say 'yeah, I get that one, good signing'. He knows exactly what he's doing.

We could have potentially an extremely solid squad, with some great technical ability throughout. Mix that with everyone giving absolutely everything on the pitch and we'll surprise a lot of people.

Imagine a Blades Vs Wednesday play off final. I'd fancy a Wilder squad to shit all over them when it mattered.

 

[elgoog44]

I think as per lots of the above, he is making clever signings with an eye on having a team not expensive individuals, I think we all might be in for a pleasant surprise with how well we do next year, Knilly and Wilder will not have underestimated the strength of the championship and have bought players that fit with the new ethos in the club, a team that works for each other.

Looking forward to the season, not felt like this for a long time.

 

[FMBlade1]

I look forward to next season, but I do worry that we are asking a lot of players to step up from league one/two and there's no guarantee we'll make it. Whilst I don't want us to pay millions for some mercenaries, I would like us to get just a couple of established championship players to boost things and a 21st place finish is more than good enough for me.

A James Beattie style signing can have its benefits compared to an Omar Bogle one, its a tricky business I'll admit. There are some quality available on frees like Bennet and Turner from Norwich that we can get for example. I'd back Wilder to get it right and I know its early days but I will be a bit worried if we continue fully with this strategy, would be delighted to proven wrong as always UTB

 

[Sheffsteel]

I look forward to next season, but I do worry that we are asking a lot of players to step up from league one/two and there's no guarantee we'll make it. Whilst I don't want us to pay millions for some mercenaries, I would like us to get just a couple of established championship players to boost things and a 21st place finish is more than good enough for me.

A James Beattie style signing can have its benefits compared to an Omar Bogle one, its a tricky business I'll admit. There are some quality available on frees like Bennet and Turner from Norwich that we can get for example. I'd back Wilder to get it right and I know its early days but I will be a bit worried if we continue fully with this strategy, would be delighted to proven wrong as always UTB

I'd be really dissapointed and really surprised if we are anywhere near the relegation area.
I'm confident we'll be at least mid table but don't expect us to challenge for the playoffs.

Agree that we have too many players with "potential", surely Wilder can't expect all his gambles to pay off? Although his track record for improving players last season was fantastic, so who knows.

I'm sure we'll buy (especially for defence) some tried and tested Championship level central defenders.

 

[FMBlade1]

I'd be really dissapointed and really surprised if we are anywhere near the relegation area.
I'm confident we'll be at least mid table but don't expect us to challenge for the playoffs.

Agree that we have too many players with "potential", surely Wilder can't expect all his gambles to pay off? Although his track record for improving players last season was fantastic, so who knows.

I'm sure we'll buy (especially for defence) some tried and tested Championship level central defenders.

Its a matter of perspective, so haunted have we been by league one that I'll be delighted just to stay clear of it, though understand my expectations are lower than most. I know we smashed the league last year in style but the championship is fully of 2 million pound players on 20k a week, doesn't mean they are that much better but it is a big step up in quality. We will have games where 13 million pound Helder Costa's of Wolves score 35 yard screamers that we can't do anything about, do we have anything to match that?

You're right that we have to expect some gambles to fail, Hussey being the main example from the past, so makes recruitment all the more vital and we can't be complacent (not suggesting we are, but the optimism whilst admirable by some is quite baffling to me)

 

[Nick Jansky]

I'm wondering if we have any sort of scouting representation in Europe/Scandinavia? There is some very good value to be had, particularly wages wise, in some of the overseas leagues, and I would hope that the club is at least monitoring them. Or is the current strategy to go for British/Irish players only?

 

[FMBlade1]

I'm wondering if we have any sort of scouting representation in Europe/Scandinavia? There is some very good value to be had, particularly wages wise, in some of the overseas leagues, and I would hope that the club is at least monitoring them. Or is the current strategy to go for British/Irish players only?

Completely agree have been saying the same thing for years. If you look at what Swansea did when they had Martinez bringing in the likes of Rangel its a perfect model for us to aspire to. Not saying we should bombard the squad with foreigners but there is some real quality and good value like you say, I hope that we are at least aware of options beyond the British Isles, perhaps we need to start to upgrade matters off the pitch for us to be able to do that

 

[BushBlade]

Sorry but I don't agree with one single word.
Wilder does not do second, third or anything less than top. He builds teams to win, surely 199 points has convinced you of that.
Wilder also builds teams rather than groups of 11 with one or two so called expensive stars and the rest bang average. He does not need individual "stars" he builds a team that gels and wins matches.
We may or may not do well next season, but I can promise you this, Wilder is only thinking about winning, absolutely nothing less. Be confident, be positive and enjoy the ride.

So, reading that through, whilst you say you disagree, it appears that you actually agree.

Because the way I read the OP 'Wilder also builds teams rather than groups of 11 with one or two so called expensive stars and the rest bang average. He does not need individual "stars" he builds a team that gels and wins matches.' is exactly what Brownie is talking about.

 

[BushBlade]

I'm wondering if we have any sort of scouting representation in Europe/Scandinavia? There is some very good value to be had, particularly wages wise, in some of the overseas leagues, and I would hope that the club is at least monitoring them. Or is the current strategy to go for British/Irish players only?

Given the number of foreign players already in the championship I suspect Europe is a pool that's quite heavily fished.

I see Norwich are on the brink of signing the Dortmund reserve team coach so it's obvious they're hoping to emulate Huddersfield.

 

[BushBlade]

I'd be really dissapointed and really surprised if we are anywhere near the relegation area.
I'm confident we'll be at least mid table but don't expect us to challenge for the playoffs.

Agree that we have too many players with "potential", surely Wilder can't expect all his gambles to pay off? Although his track record for improving players last season was fantastic, so who knows.

I'm sure we'll buy (especially for defence) some tried and tested Championship level central defenders.

'I'm sure we'll buy (especially for defence) some tried and tested Championship level central defenders'

Well I hope we don't sign any tried and tested central defenders to play up front.

Agree though, that's where the money has to go and I believe CW has said he's after 2 centre halves. Could be another month before we get the right ones.

 

[Barmyblade]

Some members of this forum seem very swift to dismiss anyone perhaps perceived as being past their peak or "after one last pay day" - with memories of Hammond and Woolford all too recent. But as with most things in life, I would suggest the squad needs balance, which Wilder has always appreciated. Indeed his signings last season include Clarke (32), Wright (31), Duffy (31), Hanson (29) Hussey (28), etc most of which played a valuable role during the season. I dont know how well players like Kightly (31) have played recently, and whether they retain their drive and hunger, but I certainly wouldnt rule them out if Wilder thinks they would fit into the squad.

Possibly the bigger issue, as South Barnsley have discovered, is how wages can become a hugely disruptive influence to team spirit. If (however unlikely) we signed Jags on a sizeable wedge, I would hope other players would accept the pay differential for such a marquee signing. But if Wilder brings in less obvious high wage earners, it is always a more difficult exercise to keep everyone happy (and Wilder has less experience of the sort of big money deals which are commonplace in the Championship). However Wilder has done such a fantastic job so far, who I am to doubt him!!

 

[McGrath]

I think Wilder is building a team that he thinks will improve and get better.

He mentioned that when he said he was interested if getting Riley back... he said that he thought he could "grow with us".

 

[BushBlade]

Some members of this forum seem very swift to dismiss anyone perhaps perceived as being past their peak or "after one last pay day" - with memories of Hammond and Woolford all too recent. But as with most things in life, I would suggest the squad needs balance, which Wilder has always appreciated. Indeed his signings last season include Clarke (32), Wright (31), Duffy (31), Hanson (29) Hussey (28), etc most of which played a valuable role during the season. I dont know how well players like Kightly (31) have played recently, and whether they retain their drive and hunger, but I certainly wouldnt rule them out if Wilder thinks they would fit into the squad.

Possibly the bigger issue, as South Barnsley have discovered, is how wages can become a hugely disruptive influence to team spirit. If (however unlikely) we signed Jags on a sizeable wedge, I would hope other players would accept the pay differential for such a marquee signing. But if Wilder brings in less obvious high wage earners, it is always a more difficult exercise to keep everyone happy (and Wilder has less experience of the sort of big money deals which are commonplace in the Championship). However Wilder has done such a fantastic job so far, who I am to doubt him!!

I think people react like that to other posters 'player suggestions' rather than anyone we've been genuinely linked with.

There's a big difference between a player identified by our scouting team, scrutinised by Wilder and Knill and proper due diligence being carried out and a player that one of us has seen a couple of times and posted 'we should sign...'

 

[Th!stledo]

I think as per lots of the above, he is making clever signings with an eye on having a team not expensive individuals, I think we all might be in for a pleasant surprise with how well we do next year, Knilly and Wilder will not have underestimated the strength of the championship and have bought players that fit with the new ethos in the club, a team that works for each other.

Looking forward to the season, not felt like this for a long time.

I too think that CW is making some astute signings, who with the current squad, may surprise a few people. I also feel that he will leave some in the pot for contingencies to see how the first few games go, before the transfer window closes. Then the January window will be used to reassess the situation and our goals.

 

[Balham]

Some members of this forum seem very swift to dismiss anyone perhaps perceived as being past their peak or "after one last pay day" - with memories of Hammond and Woolford all too recent. But as with most things in life, I would suggest the squad needs balance, which Wilder has always appreciated. Indeed his signings last season include Clarke (32), Wright (31), Duffy (31), Hanson (29) Hussey (28), etc most of which played a valuable role during the season. I dont know how well players like Kightly (31) have played recently, and whether they retain their drive and hunger, but I certainly wouldnt rule them out if Wilder thinks they would fit into the squad.

The difference is that United is the biggest club any of the players you've mentioned, with the possible exception of Clarke, have ever played for. We were also a big step up from the clubs we signed them from and that's been reflected in the efforts they've put in.

 

[elgoog44]

I too think that CW is making some astute signings, who with the current squad, may surprise a few people. I also feel that he will leave some in the pot for contingencies to see how the first few games go, before the transfer window closes. Then the January window will be used to reassess the situation and our goals.

Completely Th!stledo I think both Chris and Alan are looking at it very pragmatically and looking who fits with the system and thinking currently at Sheff U, as you said he will hold back a little like he did last year, George was not working in the team, brought in Moore and then looked at the left side and Brought in Lafferty both very astute signings for the issues we had a those times.

 

[Ricky]

I'm wondering if we have any sort of scouting representation in Europe/Scandinavia? There is some very good value to be had, particularly wages wise, in some of the overseas leagues, and I would hope that the club is at least monitoring them. Or is the current strategy to go for British/Irish players only?

Alan Biggs could have clarified this when he interviewed Paul Mitchell but he didn't bother asking.

I don't get the impression we currently scout outside the UK.

 

[coolhandluke]

I'm wondering if we have any sort of scouting representation in Europe/Scandinavia? There is some very good value to be had, particularly wages wise, in some of the overseas leagues, and I would hope that the club is at least monitoring them. Or is the current strategy to go for British/Irish players only?

No , we haven't , yet .

Mitchell has been here for one season and he specialises in Leagues 1 and 2 and non league . This , imo , has heavily influenced our purchases to date .

But I'm certain that the club will be rebuilding our scouting and recruitment network from top to bottom . And let's face it , it's sorely needed when you consider the mess we've been in over the last six or seven seasons . I'd expect an extension of our network throughout the UK as a starting point and an improvement in our coverage throughout the top two divisions .

Europe does however offer great rewards in terms of recruitment and value for money but this is someway off yet .

 

[coolhandluke]

Last season I watched Wilders pre-season recruitment and it was clear that he was rebuilding the squad with half an eye on making us difficult to beat, and that promotion wasn't a big a priority as turning round a sinking sink, and play offs or above would be a bonus.

This season I'm getting the impression rather than going all out and spending a lot of money, he is just going to bring in a few players who can add to the squad, and incrementally improve it rather than going full tilt at the Championship.

At the minute looking at his new signings, none of them make you think that we have managed to get a top quality player in who can drive us forwards, but they all make you think that they are just strengthening the squad, and the real target for next season is to finish 21st or above, and look at doing the same the following season.

The last time we dropped from this division we had a generally disinterested and threadbare squad of journeymen, supplemented by loan players who weren't wanted elsewhere who was here to either put themselves in the shop window, or for their own financial gain. I think Wilder knows this, and rather following a similar path, he is assembling a squad he knows that will be good enough to survive in our first season back.

I'm not rubbishing anyone, or being particularly negative but I think I'm just being realistic, and I think that Wilder is pragmatic enough that there is no point in running before you can walk

I can understand the conclusions you infer from our recruitment to date Brownie , but the inferences you have drawn are countertuitive to Wilder's philosophy about the game . As recently as the league 1 playoff final Wilder claimed that teams who go into the game looking not to give anything away are destined to fail . In other words , a cautious approach wins nothing .

The signings are a breath of fresh air. The most exciting pre season I can remember and we're only a month or so in.

The best players from League 1 and 2, a couple of Prem loans and a couple of experienced heads is what we'll end up with I think. Every signing you look at and say 'yeah, I get that one, good signing'. He knows exactly what he's doing.

We could have potentially an extremely solid squad, with some great technical ability throughout. Mix that with everyone giving absolutely everything on the pitch and we'll surprise a lot of people.

Imagine a Blades Vs Wednesday play off final. I'd fancy a Wilder squad to shit all over them when it mattered.

This almost exactly mirrors my thoughts on what we'll do this summer . If I have one slight concern it's in the area of Championship recruits . We'll be fine in relation to Prem loan recruits as our Academy means we have an already extensive network at U18 and U23 level and we'll know all about who's out there . But in the Championship our current scouts have had no exposure .

Time will tell I guess .

 

[McGrath]

Alan Biggs could have clarified this when he interviewed Paul Mitchell but he didn't bother asking.

I don't get the impression we currently scout outside the UK.

I thought it was an interesting interview. Don't think it was a top priority question in; but I accept to some it might be.

 

[SalopianBlade]

The below is taken from William Hill odds for outright Champions. No Reading or 'udders in there.

Realistic to say mid table next season then?

1. Aston Villa 7/1
1. Fulham 7/1
3. Norwich 8/1
4. Derby 9/1
4. Middlesbrough 9/1
6. Sheff Wed 12/1
7. Hull 14/1
7. Sunderland 14/1
7. Wolves 14/1
10. Leeds 16/1
11. Brentford 20/1
12. Cardiff 25/1
12. Sheff Utd 25/1
14. Birmingham 33/1
14. Nottingham Forest 33/1
16. Bristol City 40/1
16. Preston 40/1
18. QPR 66/1
19. Ipswich 80/1
19. Millwall 80/1
21. Barnsley 100/1
21. Bolton 100/1
23. Burton 150/1