Recruitment for Summer 2021

[Toblerone boot]

That was a great read and very informative thanks Harry 

[mozo]

1 minute ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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. 

Pearson basically sent a message to fans that there won't be an overnight rebuild. My guess is that we will target a limited number of positions, but offer one year deals to Weimann, Walsh, Paterson, Baker and maybe even Hunt, just to plug a gap and give them a chance of redemption. 

Don't get me wrong I'd be delighted if we have lined up a dozen fresh, hungry faces for the summer, but I could see SL sanctioning something more conservative than that. I guess it depends on lots offactors though, not least investment, DoF and recruitment team.

[Numero Uno]

8 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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. 

Literally depends on whether Pearson rates a few of the OOC players. Walsh being an interesting one for a start......

[Finley_Smith10]

Love this post.
 

Looks like a lot of younger players are fancied compared to experienced however that’s just fan perspective. Like the look of that list, looks like a lot of potential and can hopefully be done due to them being on Lower wages compared to our squad now.
 

Taylor Richards stands out to me who we should be looking at aswell as Thomas Henry. I like the idea of picking up young and hungry players however it’s again about having that blend of experience.

[KegCity]

Great post and I agree with your picks too. Ostigard looks an especially good signing on paper.

[Clutton Caveman]

9 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.

Why don't you apply for Ashtons job?

[Kid in the Riot]

3 minutes ago, mozo said:

Pearson basically sent a message to fans that there won't be an overnight rebuild. My guess is that we will target a limited number of positions, but offer one year deals to Weimann, Walsh, Paterson, Baker and maybe even Hunt, just to plug a gap and give them a chance of redemption. 

Don't get me wrong I'd be delighted if we have lined up a dozen fresh, hungry faces for the summer, but I could see SL sanctioning something more conservative than that. I guess it depends on lots offactors though, not least investment, DoF and recruitment team.

Must say, I took that comment with a pinch of salt. Just looking at the numbers tells you there needs to be a significant number of incomings.

Nice idea on the one year deals, but most will get offers of 2/3 year deals from other clubs and when you are at their stage of career it's length of contract that is just as, if not more important, than salary.

[1960maaan]

1 hour 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..

 

1 hour 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...

Wasn't all that done under the previous scouting & recruitment set up, before Ashton came in and dismantled it?

12 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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. 

Supposing Pearson is taken on long term, I think you're right.
NP has been underwhelmed with what he's had to work with, could mean a big turn over. I do wonder about a couple of OOC players, Walsh, Baker would make sense, even Watkins. Still need a few on top of those.
The squad need a mindset change, as well as anything else, could come with the right signings.

[mozo]

Just now, Kid in the Riot said:

Must say, I took that comment with a pinch of salt. Just looking at the numbers tells you there needs to be a significant number of incomings.

Nice idea on the one year deals, but most will get offers of 2/3 year deals from other clubs and when you are at their stage of career it's length of contract that is just as, if not more important, than salary.

Yeah I hope you're right re incomings, and I hope we have a plan. 

And you're obviously right that those players should find longer deals, and they'd only stay if it suited them. 

 

[BLRed]

Would like us to try and steal kwadwoh Baah from Rochdale as a winger. Move fell through to Man City for reasons unknown but huge promise and is a Brentford type signing we should be going for. Shouldn’t cost the earth

[GrahamC]

13 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Must say, I took that comment with a pinch of salt. Just looking at the numbers tells you there needs to be a significant number of incomings.

Nice idea on the one year deals, but most will get offers of 2/3 year deals from other clubs and when you are at their stage of career it's length of contract that is just as, if not more important, than salary.

If they do then I’d be more than happy to say goodbye then & for us to look elsewhere.

Results have been dismal all of this calendar year, we have a number already under contract for next season that I think are worth keeping (Bentley, O’Leary, Kalas, Vyner, Massengo, Semenyo).

I am struggling to think of anyone out of contract (possibly Weimann apart) that I would shed many tears over if they left. Walsh? 8 league starts in his well over 3 years for us? 1 in 46 this season? No thanks.

Personally with Dasilva being so injury prone & Pring & Nurse unproven I could see the logic of keeping Rowe if we chose to do so & likewise one of Hunt or Simpson (but not both) but these are just useful squad members, not first choices.

[Roger Red Hat]

25 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Nice idea on the one year deals,

Can't see that being a goer, although there seem to be a few on here think it is. Not going to happen.

[mozo]

Just now, Roger Red Hat said:

Can't see that being a goer, although there seem to be a few on here think it is. Not going to happen.

Nah it's just me to be fair!

I just can't see us offering them 2 years plus and I'm not convinced they'll find what they're looking for elsewhere, so it could be an amicable short term arrangement that gives them a chance to regain fitness and prove they can sustain it, and for us to focus recruitment where we're especially light. 

An example, say Baker is on 20k and his best offer is Derby 2 years on 10k, but City offer 1 year at 12k which gives him home comforts and time to find his next move, it might be worth it. 

Just my imagination running wild as usual.

[Merrick's Marvels]

38 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Wasn't all that done under the previous scouting & recruitment set up, before Ashton came in and dismantled it?

Funnily enough, it was!

[The Bard]

9 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.

I'd chuck Dominic Hyam of Coventry in as a left sided CB and Olosunde at Rotherham as a Right Back option (both OOC with decent Championship experience and good ages).

I can see us going for someone like Ladapo - he's on a similar career path to Vardy coming late into the game and progressing at the point where others normally plateau in their careers.  They tend to be good characters having not given up on their career  in the game and having resilience - something we desperately lack.

[The Bard]

14 minutes ago, mozo said:

Nah it's just me to be fair!

I just can't see us offering them 2 years plus and I'm not convinced they'll find what they're looking for elsewhere, so it could be an amicable short term arrangement that gives them a chance to regain fitness and prove they can sustain it, and for us to focus recruitment where we're especially light. 

An example, say Baker is on 20k and his best offer is Derby 2 years on 10k, but City offer 1 year at 12k which gives him home comforts and time to find his next move, it might be worth it. 

Just my imagination running wild as usual.

We will pay Baker £1 million this season and get zero back for it.  Why on earth would we want to give him another £600k??  

[mozo]

1 minute ago, The Bard said:

We will pay Baker £1 million this season and get zero back for it.  Why on earth would we want to give him another £600k??  

I personally wouldn't, and I've been saying that for over a year with many disagreeing with me.

I guess the answer to your question is, if we don't find a suitable replacement but feel that someone might be more available further down the line. Also because we might think he's decent when fit and value his spirit and experience enough to want him around for the short term.

[Roger Red Hat]

6 minutes ago, mozo said:

want him around for the short term.

Would that be the first 42 minutes?.........

[mozo]

6 minutes ago, Roger Red Hat said:

Would that be the first 42 minutes?.........

Yeah exactly!

[Harry]

1 hour ago, EmissionImpossible said:

Cant see us signing 10 players, 7 tops.

See below..

1 hour ago, Kid in the Riot said:

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. 

Exactly. All depends how many of the OOC we keep. As I said in my first post, I’d let them all go, maybe with the exception of Walsh. 
We have Bentley, Dasilva, Nagy, Cod, MOL, Pring, Sem, Williams, Wells, Kalas, Moore, Vyner, Baks, Martin, HNM & KP as first team contracted players for next season. And I’d argue at least 4 or 5 of those aren’t necessarily in Pearson’s long term plans. 
That’s 16 players with 3 - 5 not really wanted. 
I can definitely see at least 8 incoming, allowing the likes of Bell, Pearson, Towler etc to go on loan. 

1 hour ago, Clutton Caveman said:

Why don't you apply for Ashtons job?

He’s already claimed responsibility for some things I’d already helped the club with. So I feel like I’ve already done his job for him.

37 minutes ago, The Bard said:

I'd chuck Dominic Hyam of Coventry in as a left sided CB and Olosunde at Rotherham as a Right Back option (both OOC with decent Championship experience and good ages).

I can see us going for someone like Ladapo - he's on a similar career path to Vardy coming late into the game and progressing at the point where others normally plateau in their careers.  They tend to be good characters having not given up on their career  in the game and having resilience - something we desperately lack.

Yes mate, good options those too. I was gonna add those to my ‘long list’ but I didn’t want to make it too long . Certainly the teams in the bottom half of the table should be ones we ought to look at and see if any are good enough and available. Whoever goes down out of Rotherham & Cov have got some decent players to pick off. 

[Red Skin]

1 hour ago, Clutton Caveman said:

Why don't you apply for Ashtons job?

Should be a role for you somewhere in player recruitment @Harry

It'll be another difficult season with so many new players coming in.   Need to get business done early to get the squad gelled and indoctrinated in what Pearson's way of playing.  

Llooking forward to it. 

[Davefevs]

4 hours ago, Loco Rojo said:

Somewhere Dave Fevs has fealt a disturbance in the force!

I’ve just realised that the beautiful image / hologram coming out of R2D2 (OTIB) is my sister, Princess Harry.

Harry and I have already conversed on WhatsApp, and he’s asked / I’ve offered to help him with any data.

Great list btw.  Think there’s a real opportunity here with the OOC players to get rid (one maybe two exceptions) and build something special.

Glad you have Joel Randall and Stevie Humphrys on your list.

[Harry]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I’ve just realised that the beautiful image / hologram coming out of R2D2 (OTIB) is my sister, Princess Harry.

Harry and I have already conversed on WhatsApp, and he’s asked / I’ve offered to help him with any data.

Great list btw.  Think there’s a real opportunity here with the OOC players to get rid (one maybe two exceptions) and build something special.

Glad you have Joel Randall and Stevie Humphrys on your list.

Yes viewers, I can confirm Mr Fevs was consulted in this recruitment process.

As well as a couple of other of my mates whom I used to scout with. 

[CodeRed]

7 minutes ago, Harry said:

 

As well as a couple of other of my mates whom I used to scout with. 

 

Which one is you?

[Finley_Smith10]

another players that’s caught my eye is Siriki Dembele from p’boro. That’s if they don’t go up this season but if I can remember January he put in a transfer request 

[redcherryberry]

3 hours 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...

He (SOD) has good scouts working for him Will .........

 

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Finley_Smith10 said:

another players that’s caught my eye is Siriki Dembele from p’boro. That’s if they don’t go up this season but if I can remember January he put in a transfer request 

Dembele includes the Peterborough premium added to the price tag!

[redcherryberry]

1 hour ago, Harry said:

See below..

Exactly. All depends how many of the OOC we keep. As I said in my first post, I’d let them all go, maybe with the exception of Walsh. 
We have Bentley, Dasilva, Nagy, Cod, MOL, Pring, Sem, Williams, Wells, Kalas, Moore, Vyner, Baks, Martin, HNM & KP as first team contracted players for next season. And I’d argue at least 4 or 5 of those aren’t necessarily in Pearson’s long term plans. 
That’s 16 players with 3 - 5 not really wanted. 
I can definitely see at least 8 incoming, allowing the likes of Bell, Pearson, Towler etc to go on loan. 

He’s already claimed responsibility for some things I’d already helped the club with. So I feel like I’ve already done his job for him.

Yes mate, good options those too. I was gonna add those to my ‘long list’ but I didn’t want to make it too long . Certainly the teams in the bottom half of the table should be ones we ought to look at and see if any are good enough and available. Whoever goes down out of Rotherham & Cov have got some decent players to pick off. 

Forgot to ask Har‘a, do you like Crooks at Rotherham? big lad, strong & technically very good...

[Finley_Smith10]

5 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Dembele includes the Peterborough premium added to the price tag!

Just googled, not sure if true but contract up end of season. If so defo one city should be looking up even if we have to pay abit of compo

[Harry]

9 minutes ago, redcherryberry said:

Forgot to ask Har‘a, do you like Crooks at Rotherham? big lad, strong & technically very good...

Yes mate. Look again - he’s on the opening post . 
On the long list. A plan C if you can’t get either Mowatt or Sheaf in the deeper role.