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Recruitment for Summer 2021


Harry

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This may get moved to the Transfer Forum but I'll post here initially as the departure of Ashton may open up a different approach to recruitment this summer, so it's quite topical.

We have 14 players in the first team squad who are out of contract and coming off the wage bill (including the loans of Mawson & Sessegnon).  This is a huge opportunity to completely reshape the squad in one window.
We’ve heard Steve Lansdown say that covid-finances will make things tricky, and we’ve heard Pearson say that we will need to be very “clever” in the transfer market.  With this in mind, I thought I’d put together a ‘long-list’ and then shorten this down, of what I’d think are realistic (some semi-realistic) targets within the budget, but also trying to play the free agency market as best we can, and also utilising Pearson’s contacts and influence (these elements are the ‘clever’ that Pearson alludes).

The OOC players should free up anywhere in the region of £6.5 to £8m in wages.  I don’t think we’d need to spend anywhere close to that for replacements and upgrades.

Out of Contract – approx. £130k - £150k pw
These are approximate salaries, but I don’t think they’d be too far off the mark judging by most sources.
Mawson CB £30k pw, Diedhiou ST £20k, Baker CB £19k, Weimann FW £18k, Lansbury CM £15k, Hunt RB £13k, Watkins FW £12k, Mariappa CB £5k, Paterson AM £7k, Walsh CM £6k, Adelakun RW £5k, Rowe LB £3.5k, Simpson RB £3k, Sessegnon RB £2k, Gilmartin GK £1k

For players on the 'long list', I've broken them down into a few categories :

Championship Experienced – Out of Contract
Adam Reach 28 – LW – Sheff Weds £23k pw
Andre Wisdom 27 – RB – Derby £27k pw
Ryan Nyambe 23 – RB – Blackburn £4.5k pw
Joe Rothwell 26 – CM – Blackburn £4.5k pw
Cyrus Christie 28 – RB – Fulham £20k pw
Nick Powell 27 – AM – Stoke £15k pw
Britt Assombalonga 28 – ST – Middlesbrough £39k pw
Ashley Fletcher 25 – ST – Middlesbrough £15k pw
Alex Mowett 26 – CM – Barnsley £6.5k pw

Prem Loanees/Others – Out of Contract
Josh Knight 23 – CB – Leicester / Wycombe £4.5k pw
Leo Ostigard 21 – CB – Brighton / Coventry £4.5k pw
Izzy Brown 24 – AM – Chelsea / Sheff Weds £20k pw
Ben Sheaf 23 – DM – Arsenal /Coventry £5k pw
Callum Wright 20 – CM – Leicester / Cheltenham
Taylor Richards 20 – AM – Brighton / Doncaster £7.5k pw
Scott Twine 21 – AM – Swindon
Reece Burke 24 – CB – Hull £3.5k pw
Alfie Jones 23 – DM – Hull £2.5k pw

Prem Loanees this season with potential Champ level loan next season
Matty James 29 – CM – Leicester / Coventry £30k pw
James Garner 20 – CM – Man Utd / Forest £9.5k pw
Matt Clarke 24 – CB – Brighton / Derby £21k pw
Luke McCormick 22 – CM – Chelsea / Rovers
Dion Sanderson 21 – CB – Wolves / Sunderland
Victor Gyokeres 22 – ST – Brighton / Coventry
Ryan Longman 20 – RW – Brighton / Wimbledon
Trevor Chalobah 21 – CB – Chelsea / France
Timothy Eyoma 21 – RB – Spurs / Lincoln
Harvey Elliott 18 – RW – Liverpool / Blackburn
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 22 – DM – Leicester / Luton
Ryan Giles 21 – LW – Wolves / Rotherham £2k pw
Jake Clarke-Salter 23 – CB – Chelsea / Birmingham
Dan Ballard 21 – CB – Arsenal / Blackpool

Champ Players in Contract at ‘lesser attractive’ clubs, but worth a fee
Ryan Woods 27 – DM – Stoke £15k pw
Lewis O’Brien 22 – CM – Huddersfield £5k pw
Tom Lawrence 27 – LW – Derby £27k pw (Pearson link)
Jed Wallace 27 – RW – Millwall £12k pw
Callum O’Hare 22 – AM – Coventry £10k pw
Jamie Lindsay 25 – CM – Rotherham £2k pw
Matt Crooks 27 – DM – Rotherham £2k pw

L1/L2 Players in Contract, but worth a fee/punt
Elliott Moore 24 – CB – Oxford
Stephen Humphrys 23 – ST – Rochdale
Jacob Greaves 20 – CB – Hull
Luke Jephcott 21 – ST – Plymouth
Jerry Yates 24 – ST – Blackpool
Jack Tucker 21 – CB - Gillingham
Matt Jay 25 – ST – Exeter
Josh Key 21 – RB – Exeter
Joel Randall 21 – LW - Exeter

Random Foreigner
Thomas Henry 26 – ST - Leuven

For me, if we want to look at the Championship ready free agents, our top targets should be Joe Rothwell, Ryan Nyambe & Alex Mowatt.  I think the rest of them will be too expensive a wage to justify.  All 3 will have a number of suitors, but we ought to be having the discussion.
The only other one would be Ashley Fletcher, currently on a more reasonable wage than some of the others – he’s not actually someone I’d personally go for, but he comes with good experience in this league.

Looking at the current loanees from the Prem who are due to be free agents, and other free agents, I am most interested in Josh Knight, Leo Ostigard, Ben Sheaf, Taylor Richards, Scott Twine & Callum Wright.

Josh Knight is an athletic 23 year old CB who has had a very good season at Wycombe, on loan from Leicester.  When I watch him I get the same kind of vibe as I did when I watched Alfie Mawson in a Wycombe shirt back in 2013.  Knight always seems to be around the ball, his positioning and awareness seem good, in fact he’s been quite unlucky as I’ve seen a number of goals conceded have seen him so nearly block it or it’s gone through his legs and ricocheted.  He’s played a bit at DM as well and is decent enough on the ball as a CB.
Being a Leicester player, I am certain Pearson will know all about his qualities, but I’ve seen various descriptions of him as a “Rolls Royce” and a “Ferrari” of a centre back.

Leo Ostigard, 21, has been on loan at Coventry from Brighton and is a Norway u21.  He’s a CB who has a tremendous leap on him and is very much a threat/target from set pieces.

Likewise Ben Sheaf, 23, has also been on loan at Coventry from Arsenal.  He’s a DM who’s played very well in his loan at Doncaster last year and progressed to the Champ this year.  Apparently Cov had a fee agreed which was ‘obligatory’ at £750k, which is why they’ve not played him recently as I think it would trigger the fee.  I’m unsure of his contract status as I thought he was OOC but given the fee I think he may have another year.

Scott Twine is a 21 year old AM/Second Striker.  He was on loan at Newport before returning to Swindon and has been putting in some great performances and scored some superb strikes.  He’s got a great free kick on him too.  He’s bright and breezy and a definite threat.  An ideal replacement for Paterson’s role.

Taylor Richards is a 20 year old AM/W on loan at Doncaster from Brighton.  Brighton had signed him from Man City a couple of years ago for £2.5m.  He’s done well in L1 this season, with goals and assists.  His style is a bit of a mix of Palmer and Semenyo, but I think he’s got more talent than both, as long as he commits to it.  He’s been said to be able to dribble a football in a phone box.

Callum Wright is a 20 year old CM on loan at Cheltenham from Leicester, where he’s been skipper of the u23’s.  He arrived on loan at Chelts at the end of the last window and has been magnificent so far, chipping in with 3 goals from CM already.  Again, someone you’d hope Pearson knows a fair bit about.

As side thoughts, both Reece Burke and Alfie Jones have been doing very well at Hull this year, and Jones is a Bristol boy.

That’s the OOC market, now onto any current Prem loanees, who might either be available for loan again or worth an enquiry for purchase.

Matty James and Matt Clarke will likely both be available for loan or purchase, but I think both have wages that I wouldn’t pay.
Likewise James Garner would be a great loan signing but I wonder if Man U might allow him back to Forest or even want him loaned to the Prem next year.

Luke McCormick is a 22 year old CM on loan at Rovers from Chelsea.  Yes, he’s playing in an utter tripe gas side, but he’s been doing well by all accounts, and wouldn’t it be hilarious if he joined us next year, ha ha.

Ryan Giles is a 21 year old left winger at Wolves.  You may remember him tearing us open on numerous occasions when we played Shrewsbury last season.  I like Giles, and he’ll no doubt be available for loan again next year.

Dan Ballard is 21, a CB on loan from Arsenal to Blackpool.  He’s been instrumental in Blackpool’s fantastic form that sees them vying for promotion.  Very highly thought of at Arsenal, definitely a Champ loan beckons next season.

Trevor Chalobah is an interesting one, 21 year old CB at Chelsea.  Did well on loans to Ipswich, then Huddersfield, but he’s gone to France this season.  Would Chelsea loan him to the Champ again next season?

We then come to players who would cost.  If we have a decent enough budget available, these players would interest me :

Lewis O’Brien, 22, CM at Huddersfield.  He’ll have 1 year left on his deal.  I love O’Brien, such a tidy footballer.  May have Prem interest, but I’d love us to be asking about him.

Jed Wallace – again one year left this summer, could Millwall be willing to sell?  I’ve always liked Wallace, makes things happen.

Callum O’Hare, 22 year old AM at Coventry.  He’s still got 2 years left, but if Cov get relegated I’m certain he’ll be leaving.

Jamie Lindsay, 25, CM at Rotherham.  An under-the-radar type who goes about his midfield business in a neat and steady fashion and works hard.  Contract up next year and again, if Rotherham are relegated, can be picked up.

Next we look at lower league ‘punts’.  I use that term, but none of these are ‘punts’, I think they are all very capable players who could do a job in this league.  The ‘punt’ element would more be in regard to how much they may cost in a transfer fee vs the gamble.

Elliott Moore 24 – CB – Oxford.  Big lad, 6ft 4ins, known to Pearson through Leicester & Leuven.

Stephen Humphrys 23 – ST – Rochdale. I really like the look of this lad and had my eye on him a few years when back at Fulham.  Started drawing serious attention when on loan at Southend and now at Rochdale and proving a real threat.  He’s quick, strong, a powerful runner, has a bag of tricks and a hell of a strike on him.  His style reminds me of a fitter, faster  and more dedicated Tomlin.

Jacob Greaves 20 – CB – Hull.  Ex Cheltenham loanee, performing well for Hull this year.

Luke Jephcott 21 – ST – Plymouth.  Many already know of Jephcott’s record at Plymouth.  He’ll have a number of Champ clubs interested.

Jerry Yates 24 – ST – Blackpool.  Likewise, lots of Champ clubs will be keen on Jerry.  I think Yates links play better than Jephcott and is a bit quicker.

Jack Tucker 21 – CB – Gillingham.  In the same kind of mould as Josh Knight, above.  He’s had interest from the old firm and I think he’s definitely leaving Gills this summer for a fee.

We’ve then got 3 very good lads down the road at Exeter.  Matt Jay 25 – ST, Josh Key 21 – RB, Joel Randall 21 – LW.
All 3 are worth a shot, but Exeter drive a decent deal nowadays and all are under contract, so they won’t be normal L2 prices.  We do need to establish a better relationship with Exeter though, as they continue to produce talent.

Finally, a bit of a random shout, and unlikely, but we have Thomas Henry at Leuven, who Pearson signed when he was managing over there.  Big striker, banging plenty of goals, great target man, with good control and tidy feet (for a big man!).  Ideal Fam replacement.  However, I think Leicester, through their joint ownership of Leuven, might be interested.

 

That’s my long list, then whittled down to a shorter list.  If it was me, here’s what I’d do.

Release all of our Out of Contract players, freeing up around £7m-£8m in wages.  I might keep Walsh, but only if he accepts the same wage he’s on.

We are ok at left back, with Dasilva hopefully fit and can be backed up by Pring.

At right back, we need 2.  I’d try to attract Ryan Nyambe on a free and Josh Key from Exeter.  Both are young and talented and can share the load at that position, lots of energy required so keeping them fit on rotation.

At centre back, we have Kalas and then a need.  Vyner is ok, and Moore is meh.  I’d make Josh Knight a priority on a free from Leicester.  Due to his age I’d guess there’d be compensation.  As noted earlier, Pearson should know all about him and can use his influence at Leicester to attract him.
I think we need one more there, and I’d target Leo Ostigard on a free (compensation).
Failing that, I’d put in a bid for Elliott Moore and ask Arsenal for Dan Ballard on a season loan.

In Centre Mid we have a decent-ish stock if all fit.  Williams, Walsh & HNM should be a decent midfield.  Behind that though, I don’t particularly rate the rest of our midfield.
We should be asking serious questions to one of Rothwell or Mowatt.
We should also look at more depth and I’d be keen on Ben Sheaf.
In an ideal world I’d make Lewis O’Brien a priority, but I’m not hopeful on that one.
If not Rothwell or Mowatt, I’d have a look at Jamie Lindsay for a fee and Callum Wright on loan.

In the attacking midfield and wide positions, again I’m not convinced on our current options.  Semenyo is likely best as wideman or wide striker, so I include him here, Palmer is hit and miss, O’Dowda is, well, yeah. 
I would already be talking to Scott Twine’s agent and get him in pronto.
If Cov went down I’d enquire about Callum O’Hare’s fee.
Failing that, I’d also give serious consideration to Taylor Richards.
If we went for a 3-pronged attacking midfield, Semenyo one side, Richards the other and Twine behind the striker would be a scary prospect for defences.

Finally, up front.  We have Wells and Martin under contract.  I would want a younger player with movement, pace and strength, and also a younger, more mobile target man than Martin.
Of the 3 players which will attract the most attention this summer, Yates, Jephcott & Humphrys, if I had to choose 1, I’d put a bid in for Stephen Humphrys.
If we had money available, I’d see what we could nab Thomas Henry for, but I think we’ve got to get in there quick to have any chance on him – although again, Pearson’s link could play in our favour.
Failing Henry, it wouldn’t be my first choice by any stretch, but you’d probably have to look at Fletcher on a free as your targetman type.

In summary, I’d be looking at :
RB – Nyambe & Key
CB – Knight & Ostigard
CM – Sheaf plus one of Rothwell or Mowett
AM – Twine & Richards
ST – Henry & Humphrys

I realise that’s 10 players, but we are losing 14 from the current squad, so the squad places are there to fill.

 

Thanks for reading.

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4 hours ago, Harry said:

This may get moved to the Transfer Forum but I'll post here initially as the departure of Ashton may open up a different approach to recruitment this summer, so it's quite topical.

We have 14 players in the first team squad who are out of contract and coming off the wage bill (including the loans of Mawson & Sessegnon).  This is a huge opportunity to completely reshape the squad in one window.
We’ve heard Steve Lansdown say that covid-finances will make things tricky, and we’ve heard Pearson say that we will need to be very “clever” in the transfer market.  With this in mind, I thought I’d put together a ‘long-list’ and then shorten this down, of what I’d think are realistic (some semi-realistic) targets within the budget, but also trying to play the free agency market as best we can, and also utilising Pearson’s contacts and influence (these elements are the ‘clever’ that Pearson alludes).

 

The OOC players should free up anywhere in the region of £6.5 to £8m in wages.  I don’t think we’d need to spend anywhere close to that for replacements and upgrades.

 

Out of Contract – approx. £130k - £150k pw
These are approximate salaries, but I don’t think they’d be too far off the mark judging by most sources.
Mawson CB £30k pw, Diedhiou ST £20k, Baker CB £19k, Weimann FW £18k, Lansbury CM £15k, Hunt RB £13k, Watkins FW £12k, Mariappa CB £5k, Paterson AM £7k, Walsh CM £6k, Adelakun RW £5k, Rowe LB £3.5k, Simpson RB £3k, Sessegnon RB £2k, Gilmartin GK £1k
 

 

For players on the 'long list', I've broken them down into a few categories :

Championship Experienced – Out of Contract
Adam Reach 28 – LW – Sheff Weds £23k pw
Andre Wisdom 27 – RB – Derby £27k pw
Ryan Nyambe 23 – RB – Blackburn £4.5k pw
Joe Rothwell 26 – CM – Blackburn £4.5k pw
Cyrus Christie 28 – RB – Fulham £20k pw
Nick Powell 27 – AM – Stoke £15k pw
Britt Assombalonga 28 – ST – Middlesbrough £39k pw
Ashley Fletcher 25 – ST – Middlesbrough £15k pw
Alex Mowett 26 – CM – Barnsley £6.5k pw

 

Prem Loanees/Others – Out of Contract
Josh Knight 23 – CB – Leicester / Wycombe £4.5k pw
Leo Ostigard 21 – CB – Brighton / Coventry £4.5k pw
Izzy Brown 24 – AM – Chelsea / Sheff Weds £20k pw
Ben Sheaf 23 – DM – Arsenal /Coventry £5k pw
Callum Wright 20 – CM – Leicester / Cheltenham
Taylor Richards 20 – AM – Brighton / Doncaster £7.5k pw
Scott Twine 21 – AM – Swindon
Reece Burke 24 – CB – Hull £3.5k pw
Alfie Jones 23 – DM – Hull £2.5k pw

 

Prem Loanees this season with potential Champ level loan next season
Matty James 29 – CM – Leicester / Coventry £30k pw
James Garner 20 – CM – Man Utd / Forest £9.5k pw
Matt Clarke 24 – CB – Brighton / Derby £21k pw
Luke McCormick 22 – CM – Chelsea / Rovers
Dion Sanderson 21 – CB – Wolves / Sunderland
Victor Gyokeres 22 – ST – Brighton / Coventry
Ryan Longman 20 – RW – Brighton / Wimbledon
Trevor Chalobah 21 – CB – Chelsea / France
Timothy Eyoma 21 – RB – Spurs / Lincoln
Harvey Elliott 18 – RW – Liverpool / Blackburn
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 22 – DM – Leicester / Luton
Ryan Giles 21 – LW – Wolves / Rotherham £2k pw
Jake Clarke-Salter 23 – CB – Chelsea / Birmingham
Dan Ballard 21 – CB – Arsenal / Blackpool

 

Champ Players in Contract at ‘lesser attractive’ clubs, but worth a fee
Ryan Woods 27 – DM – Stoke £15k pw
Lewis O’Brien 22 – CM – Huddersfield £5k pw
Tom Lawrence 27 – LW – Derby £27k pw (Pearson link)
Jed Wallace 27 – RW – Millwall £12k pw
Callum O’Hare 22 – AM – Coventry £10k pw
Jamie Lindsay 25 – CM – Rotherham £2k pw
Matt Crooks 27 – DM – Rotherham £2k pw

 

L1/L2 Players in Contract, but worth a fee/punt
Elliott Moore 24 – CB – Oxford
Stephen Humphrys 23 – ST – Rochdale
Jacob Greaves 20 – CB – Hull
Luke Jephcott 21 – ST – Plymouth
Jerry Yates 24 – ST – Blackpool
Jack Tucker 21 – CB - Gillingham
Matt Jay 25 – ST – Exeter
Josh Key 21 – RB – Exeter
Joel Randall 21 – LW - Exeter

 

Random Foreigner
Thomas Henry 26 – ST - Leuven

For me, if we want to look at the Championship ready free agents, our top targets should be Joe Rothwell, Ryan Nyambe & Alex Mowatt.  I think the rest of them will be too expensive a wage to justify.  All 3 will have a number of suitors, but we ought to be having the discussion.
The only other one would be Ashley Fletcher, currently on a more reasonable wage than some of the others – he’s not actually someone I’d personally go for, but he comes with good experience in this league.

 

Looking at the current loanees from the Prem who are due to be free agents, and other free agents, I am most interested in Josh Knight, Leo Ostigard, Ben Sheaf, Taylor Richards, Scott Twine & Callum Wright.

 

Josh Knight is an athletic 23 year old CB who has had a very good season at Wycombe, on loan from Leicester.  When I watch him I get the same kind of vibe as I did when I watched Alfie Mawson in a Wycombe shirt back in 2013.  Knight always seems to be around the ball, his positioning and awareness seem good, in fact he’s been quite unlucky as I’ve seen a number of goals conceded have seen him so nearly block it or it’s gone through his legs and ricocheted.  He’s played a bit at DM as well and is decent enough on the ball as a CB.
Being a Leicester player, I am certain Pearson will know all about his qualities, but I’ve seen various descriptions of him as a “Rolls Royce” and a “Ferrari” of a centre back.

 

Leo Ostigard, 21, has been on loan at Coventry from Brighton and is a Norway u21.  He’s a CB who has a tremendous leap on him and is very much a threat/target from set pieces.

 

Likewise Ben Sheaf, 23, has also been on loan at Coventry from Arsenal.  He’s a DM who’s played very well in his loan at Doncaster last year and progressed to the Champ this year.  Apparently Cov had a fee agreed which was ‘obligatory’ at £750k, which is why they’ve not played him recently as I think it would trigger the fee.  I’m unsure of his contract status as I thought he was OOC but given the fee I think he may have another year.

 

Scott Twine is a 21 year old AM/Second Striker.  He was on loan at Newport before returning to Swindon and has been putting in some great performances and scored some superb strikes.  He’s got a great free kick on him too.  He’s bright and breezy and a definite threat.  An ideal replacement for Paterson’s role.

 

Taylor Richards is a 20 year old AM/W on loan at Doncaster from Brighton.  Brighton had signed him from Man City a couple of years ago for £2.5m.  He’s done well in L1 this season, with goals and assists.  His style is a bit of a mix of Palmer and Semenyo, but I think he’s got more talent than both, as long as he commits to it.  He’s been said to be able to dribble a football in a phone box.

 

Callum Wright is a 20 year old CM on loan at Cheltenham from Leicester, where he’s been skipper of the u23’s.  He arrived on loan at Chelts at the end of the last window and has been magnificent so far, chipping in with 3 goals from CM already.  Again, someone you’d hope Pearson knows a fair bit about.

 

As side thoughts, both Reece Burke and Alfie Jones have been doing very well at Hull this year, and Jones is a Bristol boy.

 

That’s the OOC market, now onto any current Prem loanees, who might either be available for loan again or worth an enquiry for purchase.

 

Matty James and Matt Clarke will likely both be available for loan or purchase, but I think both have wages that I wouldn’t pay.
Likewise James Garner would be a great loan signing but I wonder if Man U might allow him back to Forest or even want him loaned to the Prem next year.

 

Luke McCormick is a 22 year old CM on loan at Rovers from Chelsea.  Yes, he’s playing in an utter tripe gas side, but he’s been doing well by all accounts, and wouldn’t it be hilarious if he joined us next year, ha ha.

 

Ryan Giles is a 21 year old left winger at Wolves.  You may remember him tearing us open on numerous occasions when we played Shrewsbury last season.  I like Giles, and he’ll no doubt be available for loan again next year.

 

Dan Ballard is 21, a CB on loan from Arsenal to Blackpool.  He’s been instrumental in Blackpool’s fantastic form that sees them vying for promotion.  Very highly thought of at Arsenal, definitely a Champ loan beckons next season.

 

Trevor Chalobah is an interesting one, 21 year old CB at Chelsea.  Did well on loans to Ipswich, then Huddersfield, but he’s gone to France this season.  Would Chelsea loan him to the Champ again next season?

 

We then come to players who would cost.  If we have a decent enough budget available, these players would interest me :

 

Lewis O’Brien, 22, CM at Huddersfield.  He’ll have 1 year left on his deal.  I love O’Brien, such a tidy footballer.  May have Prem interest, but I’d love us to be asking about him.

 

Jed Wallace – again one year left this summer, could Millwall be willing to sell?  I’ve always liked Wallace, makes things happen.

 

Callum O’Hare, 22 year old AM at Coventry.  He’s still got 2 years left, but if Cov get relegated I’m certain he’ll be leaving.

 

Jamie Lindsay, 25, CM at Rotherham.  An under-the-radar type who goes about his midfield business in a neat and steady fashion and works hard.  Contract up next year and again, if Rotherham are relegated, can be picked up.

 

Next we look at lower league ‘punts’.  I use that term, but none of these are ‘punts’, I think they are all very capable players who could do a job in this league.  The ‘punt’ element would more be in regard to how much they may cost in a transfer fee vs the gamble.

 

Elliott Moore 24 – CB – Oxford.  Big lad, 6ft 4ins, known to Pearson through Leicester & Leuven.

Stephen Humphrys 23 – ST – Rochdale. I really like the look of this lad and had my eye on him a few years when back at Fulham.  Started drawing serious attention when on loan at Southend and now at Rochdale and proving a real threat.  He’s quick, strong, a powerful runner, has a bag of tricks and a hell of a strike on him.  His style reminds me of a fitter, faster  and more dedicated Tomlin.

Jacob Greaves 20 – CB – Hull.  Ex Cheltenham loanee, performing well for Hull this year.

Luke Jephcott 21 – ST – Plymouth.  Many already know of Jephcott’s record at Plymouth.  He’ll have a number of Champ clubs interested.

Jerry Yates 24 – ST – Blackpool.  Likewise, lots of Champ clubs will be keen on Jerry.  I think Yates links play better than Jephcott and is a bit quicker.

Jack Tucker 21 – CB – Gillingham.  In the same kind of mould as Josh Knight, above.  He’s had interest from the old firm and I think he’s definitely leaving Gills this summer for a fee.

We’ve then got 3 very good lads down the road at Exeter.  Matt Jay 25 – ST, Josh Key 21 – RB, Joel Randall 21 – LW.
All 3 are worth a shot, but Exeter drive a decent deal nowadays and all are under contract, so they won’t be normal L2 prices.  We do need to establish a better relationship with Exeter though, as they continue to produce talent.

 

Finally, a bit of a random shout, and unlikely, but we have Thomas Henry at Leuven, who Pearson signed when he was managing over there.  Big striker, banging plenty of goals, great target man, with good control and tidy feet (for a big man!).  Ideal Fam replacement.  However, I think Leicester, through their joint ownership of Leuven, might be interested.

 

 

 

That’s my long list, then whittled down to a shorter list.  If it was me, here’s what I’d do.

 

Release all of our Out of Contract players, freeing up around £7m-£8m in wages.  I might keep Walsh, but only if he accepts the same wage he’s on.

 

We are ok at left back, with Dasilva hopefully fit and can be backed up by Pring.

 

At right back, we need 2.  I’d try to attract Ryan Nyambe on a free and Josh Key from Exeter.  Both are young and talented and can share the load at that position, lots of energy required so keeping them fit on rotation.

 

At centre back, we have Kalas and then a need.  Vyner is ok, and Moore is meh.  I’d make Josh Knight a priority on a free from Leicester.  Due to his age I’d guess there’d be compensation.  As noted earlier, Pearson should know all about him and can use his influence at Leicester to attract him.
I think we need one more there, and I’d target Leo Ostigard on a free (compensation).
Failing that, I’d put in a bid for Elliott Moore and ask Arsenal for Dan Ballard on a season loan.

 

In Centre Mid we have a decent-ish stock if all fit.  Williams, Walsh & HNM should be a decent midfield.  Behind that though, I don’t particularly rate the rest of our midfield.
We should be asking serious questions to one of Rothwell or Mowatt.
We should also look at more depth and I’d be keen on Ben Sheaf.
In an ideal world I’d make Lewis O’Brien a priority, but I’m not hopeful on that one.
If not Rothwell or Mowatt, I’d have a look at Jamie Lindsay for a fee and Callum Wright on loan.

 

In the attacking midfield and wide positions, again I’m not convinced on our current options.  Semenyo is likely best as wideman or wide striker, so I include him here, Palmer is hit and miss, O’Dowda is, well, yeah. 
I would already be talking to Scott Twine’s agent and get him in pronto.
If Cov went down I’d enquire about Callum O’Hare’s fee.
Failing that, I’d also give serious consideration to Taylor Richards.
If we went for a 3-pronged attacking midfield, Semenyo one side, Richards the other and Twine behind the striker would be a scary prospect for defences.

 

Finally, up front.  We have Wells and Martin under contract.  I would want a younger player with movement, pace and strength, and also a younger, more mobile target man than Martin.
Of the 3 players which will attract the most attention this summer, Yates, Jephcott & Humphrys, if I had to choose 1, I’d put a bid in for Stephen Humphrys.
If we had money available, I’d see what we could nab Thomas Henry for, but I think we’ve got to get in there quick to have any chance on him – although again, Pearson’s link could play in our favour.
Failing Henry, it wouldn’t be my first choice by any stretch, but you’d probably have to look at Fletcher on a free as your targetman type.

 

In summary, I’d be looking at :
RB – Nyambe & Key
CB – Knight & Ostigard
CM – Sheaf plus one of Rothwell or Mowett
AM – Twine & Richards
ST – Henry & Humphrys

 

I realise that’s 10 players, but we are losing 14 from the current squad, so the squad places are there to fill.

 

 

Thanks for reading.

Did you break into Ashton’s office ?

Good work . 
 

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I turned Ostigard into a £100m player on championship manager- he does need some strong man management but he followed me from Sevilla to Dortmund and finally Man City - on this proviso he is a must signing for me.

Great read mate- Mowatt yes please, and I have liked O’Hare has really impressed me this season.

Ashley Fletcher is utter Pony Trap though.

Hopefully an interesting summer ahead, how important is it to get the manager situation sorted quickly with this talent pool you have laid out potentially up for grabs?

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Excellent post, @Harry. I agree with a lot of those suggestions and particularly forging better links with Exeter. That should've been done years ago, mind. 

I don't know a lot about Richards, Humphreys or Twine, but the rest of those names would be great signings, especially if we could get them in before the start of pre-season. I'd also take a punt on Matt Jay if we could get him for a reasonable fee. He's got two years left on his deal, though. 

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Some very decent names on that list. Going to take a look at Knight because he sounds like exactly what we need at the back. 

I've mentioned on the transfer forum previously I like the look of Twine, as you've said he can really strike a ball & he sort of reminds me of Hourihane

In your 10 I notice you've not named a winger, I think we'll definitely be going out and getting 1 or 2 this summer. 

I remember after watching that Shrewsbury game I thought Giles stood out, he's been at Rotherham and not got the best stats but it is his first season at the level. Can't imagine he'd be on a massive wage either so wouldn't be against taking him on loan next season as mentioned. 

I know he's a bit older at the age of 27, but Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu is someone I think we should seriously consider. He's played 80 odd games at this level in the past two seasons, and impressed me whenever we've played Luton. 

Another player I'd like to mention to others is Anthony Scully at Lincoln. He's a winger but he drifts inside quite a bit. I can't say I've seen massive amounts of him, but from the little I have, he looks very good. It's his first season playing League/cup football and he's got 13 goals & 8 assists in 44 appearances (all comps) Hopefully gets another few against the Gas saturday!

He's perhaps one for next summer because as you said when I mentioned him to you, he's under contract for another 2 years.

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I think the big point here, when you look at those wages, that for the first time in years clubs will have the upper hand this summer. There’s no chance in hell Assombalonga is getting £39k at his next club, Wisdom £27k and so on - and vitally, that’s even if they were performing at this level.

Although it was careless in the extreme to have so many contracts expiring, both from an asset value protection angle, and from the “downing tools” angle, limping to the finish line intact and with that budget freed up gives real opportunity to do what Harry’s suggesting (or similar) so it may have been an unintentional masterstroke (Thanks Mark).

If people wonder why Pearson’s keen on permanent this encapsulates it. Knows what he’s got and real opportunity to shape it further.

Mind you, that number of signings in a summer does give me nightmares of Heywood, Grant Smith, Bridges et al arriving en masse!

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Good stuff @Harry I must admit I have been keeping my own (much less researched) smaller list, based on those out of contract in 2021, Transfermarkt is really good, if not 100% accurate for this.

I have about 5 names that I think we should go for from that, (all of them on your much longer list) covering full back, centre back & midfield.

Looking at those strikers out of contract, I feel they are for a reason, so unless we were willing to take a punt on say, Ashley Fletcher who I think has only scored 1 this season & has missed a chunk of it out injured, then it might well be the one area we have to pay a fee.

What it does show is that there are loads out there without deals for next season & I genuinely see the fact that we are in the same boat as a real positive, a chance to overhaul what I believe to be a mediocre squad.

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30 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

I think the big point here, when you look at those wages, that for the first time in years clubs will have the upper hand this summer. There’s no chance in hell Assombalonga is getting £39k at his next club, Wisdom £27k and so on - and vitally, that’s even if they were performing at this level.

Although it was careless in the extreme to have so many contracts expiring, both from an asset value protection angle, and from the “downing tools” angle, limping to the finish line intact and with that budget freed up gives real opportunity to do what Harry’s suggesting (or similar) so it may have been an unintentional masterstroke (Thanks Mark).

If people wonder why Pearson’s keen on permanent this encapsulates it. Knows what he’s got and real opportunity to shape it further.

Mind you, that number of signings in a summer does give me nightmares of Heywood, Grant Smith, Bridges et al arriving en masse!

Posted last week, under Keith Burt we signed Wade Elliott, Korey Smith, Luke Freeman, Mark Little & Luke Ayling all in the same week, it can be done if you know your stuff..

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2 hours ago, The hand of RO'D said:

I’d really hope we bring in Adam Reach especially with SW heading for the drop.

Brilliant player at this level.

Yes, Reach is on the long list but didn’t make my shortlist mainly due to wages. I don’t want us to be paying the sort of wage he’s currently on. 

1 hour ago, MC RISK77 said:

I turned Ostigard into a £100m player on championship manager- he does need some strong man management but he followed me from Sevilla to Dortmund and finally Man City - on this proviso he is a must signing for me.

Great read mate- Mowatt yes please, and I have liked O’Hare has really impressed me this season.

Ashley Fletcher is utter Pony Trap though.

Hopefully an interesting summer ahead, how important is it to get the manager situation sorted quickly with this talent pool you have laid out potentially up for grabs?

I agree on Fletcher to be honest mate. I don’t particularly rate him. He’s kind of on there by proxy as there aren’t too many OOC strikers at this level, particularly target man types like him. 

1 hour ago, tin said:

Excellent post, @Harry. I agree with a lot of those suggestions and particularly forging better links with Exeter. That should've been done years ago, mind. 

I don't know a lot about Richards, Humphreys or Twine, but the rest of those names would be great signings, especially if we could get them in before the start of pre-season. I'd also take a punt on Matt Jay if we could get him for a reasonable fee. He's got two years left on his deal, though. 

Yes. Matt Jay is very good and a late developer. 25 now but really hitting his straps now. I’d like us to form a much closer link with Exeter. You’ve also got Jack Sparkes down there who would’ve been in my list had we been in more desperate need of a left back. And Randall Williams is decent too. 

7 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Good stuff @Harry I must admit I have been keeping my own (much less researched) smaller list, based on those out of contract in 2021, Transfermarkt is really good, if not 100% accurate for this.

I have about 5 names that I think we should go for from that, (all of them on your much longer list) covering full back, centre back & midfield.

Looking at those strikers out of contract, I feel they are for a reason, so unless we were willing to take a punt on say, Ashley Fletcher who I think has only scored 1 this season & has missed a chunk of it out injured, then it might well be the one area we have to pay a fee.

What it does show is that there are loads out there without deals for next season & I genuinely see the fact that we are in the same boat as a real positive, a chance to overhaul what I believe to be a mediocre squad.

Yes, lots of good OOC options this year, as you say GC. Re Fletcher, see my other comments to MCRisk above. 
And @Carey 6, yes there are others who could’ve made the list too - Pelly being one. Scully I also like. Re wingers, I was kinda thinking along the lines of Semenyo, Richards & Twine all being able to fill that role plus of course we already have O’Dowda. But you’re right, we may well be looking at more traditional wide players, in which case Giles definitely comes into the conversation. 

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17 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Posted last week, under Keith Burt we signed Wade Elliott, Korey Smith, Luke Freeman, Mark Little & Luke Ayling all in the same week, it can be done if you know your stuff..

And SOD's only three signings we paid a fee for: Pack (£100k), Flint (£300k) and Fielding (£300k?). Made us the best part of £8m in the end...

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5 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And SOD's only three signings we paid a fee for: Pack (£100k), Flint (£300k) and Fielding (£300k?). Made us the best part of £8m in the end...

Derrick Williams too for £100k & he didn’t turn out too shabby, either.

Always thought he was worth keeping around, myself.

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4 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Derrick Williams too for £100k & he didn’t turn out too shabby, either.

Always thought he was worth keeping around, myself.

Done very well for himself has Del, and still only 28 can you believe! And making his debut for LA Galaxy this weekend. Great move for him. Apparently he has an American passport (along with Irish and German!) which made it a no-brainer for him.

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Just now, Kid in the Riot said:

Done very well for himself has Del, and still only 28 can you believe! And making his debut for LA Galaxy this weekend. Great move for him. Apparently he has an American passport (along with Irish and German!) which made it a no-brainer for him.

LJ obviously didn’t rate him but I thought he was ideal for us.

If we played a back four he could do a job at LB (imagine how many games he would have played there this season), however he was here at a time we had Bryan & Cunningham.

In Cotterill’s back 3 his pace was a great insurance for Flint & he then had a decent career at Blackburn all at Championship level.

Pretty sure his Dad is American, he was born in Germany when his Dad was there serving in the army, but his Mum is Irish & he was brought up there, hence the accent if you ever hear him speak!

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Great Post @Harry. Any off that list would be decent signings, and could/should turn us into a competitive top half side at least.

Absolutely spot on with the Pearson links comment - this for me is why it's a must to get everything signed and agreed for next year at the very least.

Steve has taken a lot of flack over the past few years because of the Bears/Lam success, whilst keeping Johnson/Ashton/Holden here. 

Things are changing in the background with Ashton moving on, and we have never been in a better position to be able to attract a better calibre of player than we would if Pearson was in charge.

Personally I think Big Nige's contract is all sorted and incomings behind the scenes are already happening.

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I like the look of the Arsenal lads, Ballard and Sheaf. Think Sheaf can slot into multiple positions as well which is a bonus. If we can bring in two cbs, I wouldn’t mind Vyner slotting in at RB. Think Simpson would end up staying too so that would be RB sorted. Defensive type but best football in championship was with two cbs at fullback. 

I know we have a lot leaving. Think it said 14. You have 10 coming in. Not sure I would look at that many to be honest. Some won’t make the grade but I’d leave some room for the younger lads to get minutes. Bakinson, Pring, Nurse, Moore etc. I wouldn’t fill the squad like it was with different clubs in the bag. 
 

I hope we are aware of the European market as well. They have been equally, if not more, affected by covid. NP spent a good amount of time in Belgium so maybe he will have a bargain or two in mind. 
 

All in all, and this is easier said than done, I’d be targeting 4-5 starting players. More in the mould of Reach and Wallace rather than the lower league ones. Not that they can’t be stars from there, just that I think we need a big boost at the top of our squad. We have at most what? 4 players that would get decent minutes in playoff sides. Bentley, Kalas, Dasilva(not with his injuries though) and maybe Massengo on that path. We need to add to that list. 
 

 

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3 minutes ago, EmissionImpossible said:

Cant see us signing 10 players, 7 tops.

Agreed. I think it could be as low as 6 in the next window but with a steady 2-3 players in each of the five windows thereafter if Pearson is in charge which is why he needs that time because by window 6, if Pearson gets it right, we should have the makings of a decent squad.

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4 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Agreed. I think it could be as low as 6 in the next window but with a steady 2-3 players in each of the five windows thereafter if Pearson is in charge which is why he needs that time because by window 6, if Pearson gets it right, we should have the makings of a decent squad.

Unless the club surprise us and we end up retaining several of the OOC players, then we'll need much more than 6 players.

Including loans I can see it being 8-10, minimum, if we don't retain any of the OOC players. 

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