| Expectations for the rest of the season 20:03 - Nov 9 with 16888 views | Rangersw12 |
What are everyone's expectations now that we a quarter a way through the season ?
For me personally, I think we very much underperforming, players from last season regressing with Dunne & Varane being the biggest culprits.
We finally have a bit of pace in the squad and also a couple of decent strikers but we just never seem to improve and now look the most unfit squad in the league . This is a very poor Championship ( look at the top 10 ) yet other clubs with similar budgets are out performing us again .
We should easily be top 10 this with an outside chance of pushing for the play offs but at the moment we seem way off .
[Post edited 9 Nov 20:04]
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:00 - Nov 12 with 1630 views | thehat |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 07:51 - Nov 12 by WorthingR |
Morning all! First post, long time lurker here, so though I'd finally join. 
I think we'll end up around mid-table. The leaky defence and overall inconsistency will mean we'll in stuck in that middle pack. I think Stephan is still trying to work out how to get Kone and Burrell in the team at the same time. Clearly he wants them as a front two, but that leaves central midfield understaffed, but playing Kone deeper, or Burrell out wide, is not ideal either. We'll likely see different iterations of this until the end of the season.
Mbengue at RB and Dunne at CB makes a lot of sense, I hope we see that again.
Team is a big improvement over last season, though. So we're moving in the right direction, albeit slowly. |
If we go 3,5,2 he can get Kone and Burrell up top working together in a partnership. It will allow us to still play 3 in midfield and not get overrun and will give us 3 centre halfs for defending and attacking set pieces.
It does mean benching the midget 10"s but we can bring them on if we need to change the game second half.
Personally I think it is staring us in the face. | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:31 - Nov 12 with 1544 views | Hunterhoop |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:00 - Nov 12 by thehat |
If we go 3,5,2 he can get Kone and Burrell up top working together in a partnership. It will allow us to still play 3 in midfield and not get overrun and will give us 3 centre halfs for defending and attacking set pieces.
It does mean benching the midget 10"s but we can bring them on if we need to change the game second half.
Personally I think it is staring us in the face. |
It’s an interesting point, and a number of other posters (not me) suggested this should be our formation in pre-season and Aug.
However, it would be an even bigger departure from the Game Model than 442. We have spent two seasons signing wide forwards/wingers/tricky 10s. Two of the biggest outlays this season have been Poku and Saito. We have Chair, Smyth, Dembele was a big outlay last year. You have Vale, Kolli, and then Sutton from the EDS. Where do they all fit in?
It’s ironic in that we have clearly not built a squad for 352 based on the players signed. However, we may have inadvertently ended up with a squad which might be best suited to 352 in terms of getting results. What does that say? And what do you do with all those 10s/wide players? |  | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:46 - Nov 12 with 1496 views | thehat |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:31 - Nov 12 by Hunterhoop |
It’s an interesting point, and a number of other posters (not me) suggested this should be our formation in pre-season and Aug.
However, it would be an even bigger departure from the Game Model than 442. We have spent two seasons signing wide forwards/wingers/tricky 10s. Two of the biggest outlays this season have been Poku and Saito. We have Chair, Smyth, Dembele was a big outlay last year. You have Vale, Kolli, and then Sutton from the EDS. Where do they all fit in?
It’s ironic in that we have clearly not built a squad for 352 based on the players signed. However, we may have inadvertently ended up with a squad which might be best suited to 352 in terms of getting results. What does that say? And what do you do with all those 10s/wide players? |
I know but I think this team and the league we are playing in suits a more pragmatic approach. Set pieces are so important in both boxes and I think the midget 10's are part of our problem. The 3,5,2 0r 5,3,2 formation from below:
GK from
Nardi
Walsh
Hamer
Back 3 from
Cook
Mbengue
Morrison
Dunne
JCS
Field (left footer if JCS remains sidelined)
Wing backs from
Smyth (great defensively has pace and a longish throw)
Saito
RND
Esquerdinha
Centre mid from
Hayden
Varane
Morgan
Madsen
Field (if not in the back 3)
Strikers from
Kone
Burrell
Kolli
Frey
Bench
Chair, Dembele, Vale, Poku plus others from above not in the starting 11. [Post edited 12 Nov 8:51]
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:48 - Nov 12 with 1485 views | BrianMcCarthy |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 07:51 - Nov 12 by WorthingR |
Morning all! First post, long time lurker here, so though I'd finally join.
I think we'll end up around mid-table. The leaky defence and overall inconsistency will mean we'll in stuck in that middle pack. I think Stephan is still trying to work out how to get Kone and Burrell in the team at the same time. Clearly he wants them as a front two, but that leaves central midfield understaffed, but playing Kone deeper, or Burrell out wide, is not ideal either. We'll likely see different iterations of this until the end of the season.
Mbengue at RB and Dunne at CB makes a lot of sense, I hope we see that again.
Team is a big improvement over last season, though. So we're moving in the right direction, albeit slowly. |
Welcome aboard, Worthing. |  |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:48 - Nov 12 with 1482 views | Rsole |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:31 - Nov 12 by Hunterhoop |
It’s an interesting point, and a number of other posters (not me) suggested this should be our formation in pre-season and Aug.
However, it would be an even bigger departure from the Game Model than 442. We have spent two seasons signing wide forwards/wingers/tricky 10s. Two of the biggest outlays this season have been Poku and Saito. We have Chair, Smyth, Dembele was a big outlay last year. You have Vale, Kolli, and then Sutton from the EDS. Where do they all fit in?
It’s ironic in that we have clearly not built a squad for 352 based on the players signed. However, we may have inadvertently ended up with a squad which might be best suited to 352 in terms of getting results. What does that say? And what do you do with all those 10s/wide players? |
When You Have Eliminated the Impossible - Whatever Remains, However Improbable, Must Be the Truth |  |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:09 - Nov 12 with 1416 views | WorthingR |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:31 - Nov 12 by Hunterhoop |
It’s an interesting point, and a number of other posters (not me) suggested this should be our formation in pre-season and Aug.
However, it would be an even bigger departure from the Game Model than 442. We have spent two seasons signing wide forwards/wingers/tricky 10s. Two of the biggest outlays this season have been Poku and Saito. We have Chair, Smyth, Dembele was a big outlay last year. You have Vale, Kolli, and then Sutton from the EDS. Where do they all fit in?
It’s ironic in that we have clearly not built a squad for 352 based on the players signed. However, we may have inadvertently ended up with a squad which might be best suited to 352 in terms of getting results. What does that say? And what do you do with all those 10s/wide players? |
Exactly this. I do find 3-5-2 quite interesting, and alway watch out for Inter Milan when they play, as they have the purest version of this. For us though, too many players don't fit into this system, and the RWB/LWB roles need a certain type of player. RND would work on the left, and maybe Smyth on the right? But it's not ideal, and other than those two I don't see any others in the squad that can fill those roles.
If we sign Edwards (yes please), though, well then I see him as part of a back three carrying the ball out of defence and into midfield. Maybe then a 3-4-3 (with wingers) is then possible, no need for full backs, as we don't have any anyway. But the Kone/Burrell conundrum persists.
I've personally always favoured a compact, resilient and counterattcking 4-4-2. Grit in midfield, and pace down the wings and up front. [Post edited 12 Nov 9:10]
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:11 - Nov 12 with 1411 views | TheChef |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:46 - Nov 12 by thehat |
I know but I think this team and the league we are playing in suits a more pragmatic approach. Set pieces are so important in both boxes and I think the midget 10's are part of our problem. The 3,5,2 0r 5,3,2 formation from below:
GK from
Nardi
Walsh
Hamer
Back 3 from
Cook
Mbengue
Morrison
Dunne
JCS
Field (left footer if JCS remains sidelined)
Wing backs from
Smyth (great defensively has pace and a longish throw)
Saito
RND
Esquerdinha
Centre mid from
Hayden
Varane
Morgan
Madsen
Field (if not in the back 3)
Strikers from
Kone
Burrell
Kolli
Frey
Bench
Chair, Dembele, Vale, Poku plus others from above not in the starting 11. [Post edited 12 Nov 8:51]
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Maybe Smyth and RND could work as wing backs? But there's no one else in the squad who can do it, and they're especially difficult to recruit (this isn't 1997 any more).
442/4411 can work as we've already shown this season, but it's how best Stephan works that with Kone/Burrell and the myriad diddymen (let alone the Chair conundrum). |  |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:38 - Nov 12 with 1322 views | Burnleyhoop |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 22:02 - Nov 9 by Northernr |
Said at the time I love Saito, glad he’s here, but £2.8m down with more to come on him, and that position, instead of buying a proper CM was a bit punchy. |
Madsen has supposedly blossomed into our best midfielder, Varane was expected to kick on and boss our midfield and Hayden was supposed to bring experience and nous to the party.
All I see is a powder puff midfield with the usual soft underbelly that gets torn apart at whim.
Unless these 3 up their game, 16th again beckons. | | | |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:44 - Nov 12 with 1305 views | thehat |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:11 - Nov 12 by TheChef |
Maybe Smyth and RND could work as wing backs? But there's no one else in the squad who can do it, and they're especially difficult to recruit (this isn't 1997 any more).
442/4411 can work as we've already shown this season, but it's how best Stephan works that with Kone/Burrell and the myriad diddymen (let alone the Chair conundrum). |
I think Smyth and RND would make perfect wing backs - It's a tough position as you have to be super fit up and down that line. Saito and Esquerdinha could be 2 of your changes on 65/70 minutes.
Playing 2 up top gives you a fighting chance of clearing your lines and getting up the pitch. Madsen is better in a 3 and gives you the creativity and we have more height in the team for set pieces in both boxes. | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 10:46 - Nov 12 with 1206 views | Rsole |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:38 - Nov 12 by Burnleyhoop |
Madsen has supposedly blossomed into our best midfielder, Varane was expected to kick on and boss our midfield and Hayden was supposed to bring experience and nous to the party.
All I see is a powder puff midfield with the usual soft underbelly that gets torn apart at whim.
Unless these 3 up their game, 16th again beckons. |
It feels like we asked Madsen to play deeper to give him more time on the ball to play his passes and that improved our directness - and his performances too. It worked well for the good run of results and he improved a lot.
To account for that Madsen change, the others were pushed up further and played out of their more natural deeper positions. I think of Hayden pulling the ball back front the byline to Buzz and Varane putting Buzz in to score, for example. When did either of those types of assists happen previously ?
Unfortunately, it would appear that these other pesky teams and their wily coaches/managers have worked our shizzle out and have recently squeezed Madsen harder for time and space but we haven’t really adjusted what was working a month or so ago or adapted that approach yet. [Post edited 12 Nov 10:47]
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| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:18 - Nov 12 with 1120 views | GaryBannister86 |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 09:38 - Nov 12 by Burnleyhoop |
Madsen has supposedly blossomed into our best midfielder, Varane was expected to kick on and boss our midfield and Hayden was supposed to bring experience and nous to the party.
All I see is a powder puff midfield with the usual soft underbelly that gets torn apart at whim.
Unless these 3 up their game, 16th again beckons. |
Hayden isn't getting much game time so I think it has been tough for him to get back to the form of his loan spell. Varane's form is erratic (as well as subjective, I thought aside from his last second brain fart he was much improved on Saturday) and if Madsen is our best midfielder then I think we are in real trouble. He's only involved when he fancies it, and that just doesn't cut it through a whole season for me.
I reckon Stephan needs to sort out some consistency in that midfield selection, make sure Field is in the side every week or I really fear a relentless slide down the table. [Post edited 12 Nov 11:19]
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 with 1096 views | Wilkinswatercarrier |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:18 - Nov 12 by GaryBannister86 |
Hayden isn't getting much game time so I think it has been tough for him to get back to the form of his loan spell. Varane's form is erratic (as well as subjective, I thought aside from his last second brain fart he was much improved on Saturday) and if Madsen is our best midfielder then I think we are in real trouble. He's only involved when he fancies it, and that just doesn't cut it through a whole season for me.
I reckon Stephan needs to sort out some consistency in that midfield selection, make sure Field is in the side every week or I really fear a relentless slide down the table. [Post edited 12 Nov 11:19]
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I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. | |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:27 - Nov 12 with 1078 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. |
They can not want him all they like, reality will be the decider.
See Paal, Cook, and Nardi for details.
We went through all this with Clint Hill a decade ago. |  | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:35 - Nov 12 with 1040 views | GaryBannister86 |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. |
Well I hope the penny drops with the manager that Field improves this team, wherever he plays. Good Championship sides need some reliable, consistent players. We've got far too many erratic performers at the moment. | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:37 - Nov 12 with 1021 views | TheChef |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. |
Sad but true  | |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:39 - Nov 12 with 1012 views | Northernr |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. |
Would have been good if they could have decided that before extending his contract. Twice. |  | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:41 - Nov 12 with 1002 views | Blue_Castello |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:24 - Nov 12 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
I'm not sure why, but the penny hasn't dropped with some on here, Field will be having very limited game time this season.
The only games he has started since Coventry have been at LB.
If that doesn't say it all, then bar having a whopping flashing sign pointing to his head saying 'Not Wanted', then nothing will. |
Bearing in mind we are a club who has to develop players and then sell on for profit to give us some headroom in the FFP calculations, the next player very likely to be sold is Varane, it's all very subjective and you won't agree.
Varanes transfer value will not either hold or increase on the bench and we have Field and Hayden who do exactly the same job, Fields versatility also makes him an important member of the squad. | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:07 - Nov 12 with 931 views | dm97 |
I think the biggest issue with this chunk of the season (from Oct to Nov international break) is the lack of style and youth exposure.
Say what you want about game models, exec/management structures and further boring corporate chat (that, tbh, I have to deal with too much on a daily basis at work to bring into football discussions) - the dull football and lack of playing time for talented younger players is a problem.
Being direct and physical is fine, if coupled with tempo (see Burrell vs every other player in last month). Tempo of last few home games in particular has been pedestrian.
Not playing any younger players is fine if you win every week. At this point what is the benefit of playing Frey over Kolli, Hayden over Morgan, and Field over Esq (or only playing him against the best RWs in the league).
I’m happy being lower mid table if we’re fun to watch and genuinely developing some young players. Otherwise it’s the same gaslighting that’s happened for the last decade; “we’re a selling club that sells no one, a development club that develops no one…unless they’re called Ebere” |  | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:17 - Nov 12 with 882 views | Lblock |
Every time I re-read bit's of this thread it convinces me that the club are a circus again with no clear plan. It seems we can't see it if there is!!!
The clear plan at this level, for almost every club, has to start with PRAGMATISM.
Without a solid base you're going to get your arse served to you on average once every three to four games. That means having a solid keeper and solid defence so you can dog it out when that time comes around - pace in key areas as an outlet is also handy. These "times" are when you are playing the bigger clubs with bigger stronger squads - either home or away.
Going into the season having not strengthened at GK, both fullbacks (YET AGAIN) or centre mid (in fact weaker there with Colback released) was madness.
I know the model is Nourry choses players and gives them to JS and team to develop but this was always fraught with risk and so it is proving.
Whilst I may have started the "The Sky Is Falling In Club" my genuine concern weeks ago was the clubs below us and the likelihood they will either kick into gear and/or splash cash again in January to ensure they get out of trouble over the back nine of the season.
That remains the case.
A death spiral this year will be one too many I think.
We need the Chef Weds takeover to take two months and further points deductions and then we need another two worse than us - still !!!
Lot's will disagree and spin out this "better squad" line. I still don't see it and remain utterly unconvinced with certain additions and indeed the overall make up of the squad.
I'd hope there's a grown up in the room in the Club meetings between now and last week of December (Ruben.... fancy a bit of Regent's Street this year maybe?) and we can set a plan in place for the run in side of the season.
Here's hoping. |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:23 - Nov 12 with 867 views | TK1 |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 08:46 - Nov 12 by thehat |
I know but I think this team and the league we are playing in suits a more pragmatic approach. Set pieces are so important in both boxes and I think the midget 10's are part of our problem. The 3,5,2 0r 5,3,2 formation from below:
GK from
Nardi
Walsh
Hamer
Back 3 from
Cook
Mbengue
Morrison
Dunne
JCS
Field (left footer if JCS remains sidelined)
Wing backs from
Smyth (great defensively has pace and a longish throw)
Saito
RND
Esquerdinha
Centre mid from
Hayden
Varane
Morgan
Madsen
Field (if not in the back 3)
Strikers from
Kone
Burrell
Kolli
Frey
Bench
Chair, Dembele, Vale, Poku plus others from above not in the starting 11. [Post edited 12 Nov 8:51]
|
I think the idea we've bought wingers Poku and Saito this summer - two of three marquee signings, the other Kone - to ditch wingers and have them either retrain as wingbacks or sit on the bench alongside other redundant wingers/10s Vale, Chair, Dembele, Kolli is for the birds.
We scoff about the game model and, yes, we're playing a sort of two upfront now...but this squad has been assembled entirely to support a hybrid of either 4231 or 433 and we're not going to start playing three at the back with wingbacks. It would change the formation of every age group too.
Far better better, in my uneducated opinion, to have Burrell tweak his position so he's fighting for one of the wide attacking roles in a 433 than ditching Saito, Poku, Chair and Dembele - besides, wingbacks are a premium and, by and large, a disaster against most set-ups nowadays. | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:24 - Nov 12 with 862 views | Rsole |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:39 - Nov 12 by Northernr |
Would have been good if they could have decided that before extending his contract. Twice. |
We all know that you don’t want to go to see Lenny Henry in the Premier Inn, Blackpool, but stop leaking contract details or you’ll end up in the garden…maybe facing West (Thread West - yeah, that one).
How are we ever meant to be competitive when this sort of information is shared around. | |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:34 - Nov 12 with 823 views | Rsole |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:41 - Nov 12 by Blue_Castello |
Bearing in mind we are a club who has to develop players and then sell on for profit to give us some headroom in the FFP calculations, the next player very likely to be sold is Varane, it's all very subjective and you won't agree.
Varanes transfer value will not either hold or increase on the bench and we have Field and Hayden who do exactly the same job, Fields versatility also makes him an important member of the squad. |
Did we ever get offered real money for Varane or was it all loans that could/might covert and payments spread over time, like the ‘offer’ for Dunne in January ? Lots of speculation I know but hard cash - up front ?
I’d expect more chance that we get real offers for people that score goals regularly, play more consistently and feature every week without injuries. Not many in that category apart from Burrell who has a first touch issue and has probably found his level - where transfer fees are not great anymore. | |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:45 - Nov 12 with 811 views | Hunterhoop |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 11:39 - Nov 12 by Northernr |
Would have been good if they could have decided that before extending his contract. Twice. |
Quite.
Wilkins may well be right that the club don’t want Field anymore. Seems pretty clear to me.
But a) it’s seems a bizarre, stupid, and not-at-all strategic about turn from giving him a big contract extension early in the summer. If he’s on a big salary (rumoured to be) and no one else can afford it, then you’re stuck with him having made it clear you don’t want him. That is a stupid position to put yourself in, especially if we end up relying on him. The club’s leadership seems to be making a habit of this mistake.
And, b) and there is where I disagree with Wilkins, it is a big mistake freezing him out. As LBlock says, as anyone who has watched a lot of Championship football knows, you need a solid base, you need bollocks and work rate to go alongside the ballers. Sam Field is arguably our best defensively minded player. Field The Shield at the height of Warburton’s success. A key part of Beale’s top 6 spell, and that great run where he started every game under Cifuentes culminating in the Leeds thumping where he scored. He gets through so much work off the ball and is the sort of player you need if you’re going to play with all these tiny tricky 10s and wide players. Yes, he is limited on the ball. But look at Preston, Millwall, even Stoke…they have a balance. Not everyone is a baller, nor should they be. Functional football is successful in this league. You have to strike a balance. Field is a part of that. He’s in the prime of his career. He’s always available. He’s reliable. He was the Players’ runner up for Player of The Year last season. He’s already ours.
Even forgetting point a), why is he the sort of player you want to freeze out? | | | |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:57 - Nov 12 with 763 views | TheChef |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:17 - Nov 12 by Lblock |
Every time I re-read bit's of this thread it convinces me that the club are a circus again with no clear plan. It seems we can't see it if there is!!!
The clear plan at this level, for almost every club, has to start with PRAGMATISM.
Without a solid base you're going to get your arse served to you on average once every three to four games. That means having a solid keeper and solid defence so you can dog it out when that time comes around - pace in key areas as an outlet is also handy. These "times" are when you are playing the bigger clubs with bigger stronger squads - either home or away.
Going into the season having not strengthened at GK, both fullbacks (YET AGAIN) or centre mid (in fact weaker there with Colback released) was madness.
I know the model is Nourry choses players and gives them to JS and team to develop but this was always fraught with risk and so it is proving.
Whilst I may have started the "The Sky Is Falling In Club" my genuine concern weeks ago was the clubs below us and the likelihood they will either kick into gear and/or splash cash again in January to ensure they get out of trouble over the back nine of the season.
That remains the case.
A death spiral this year will be one too many I think.
We need the Chef Weds takeover to take two months and further points deductions and then we need another two worse than us - still !!!
Lot's will disagree and spin out this "better squad" line. I still don't see it and remain utterly unconvinced with certain additions and indeed the overall make up of the squad.
I'd hope there's a grown up in the room in the Club meetings between now and last week of December (Ruben.... fancy a bit of Regent's Street this year maybe?) and we can set a plan in place for the run in side of the season.
Here's hoping. |
I'm not quite as despondent as you, but you make fair points.
To me it doesn't appear that the Championship is a difficult division to compete in, yet for the past ten years it feels like we continue to overcomplicate things. | |
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| Expectations for the rest of the season on 13:07 - Nov 12 with 730 views | Blue_Castello |
| Expectations for the rest of the season on 12:34 - Nov 12 by Rsole |
Did we ever get offered real money for Varane or was it all loans that could/might covert and payments spread over time, like the ‘offer’ for Dunne in January ? Lots of speculation I know but hard cash - up front ?
I’d expect more chance that we get real offers for people that score goals regularly, play more consistently and feature every week without injuries. Not many in that category apart from Burrell who has a first touch issue and has probably found his level - where transfer fees are not great anymore. |
Guess you need to ask CN for the definitive answer to that question, there was plenty in the press saying we had been made an offer and turned it down, some saying it was £3 million plus add-ons, any hard cash who knows most transfers seem to be done in staged payments.
The offer was either a Spanish or French club I can't remember which, lots of people saying that he would excel more on the Continent as he would get more time on the ball, totally agree that strikers are more marketable but Varane may be the first cab off the rank, he's the right age and it's a good time to sell in relation to his contract length. | | | |
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