INCRED

21 hours ago, SecretSam said:

'Senior' doesn't necessarily mean 'old'.

Experience is the key.

Vyner is 'senior', as he's played a lot of games.

I’m not sure age qualifies a player to be that leader or old head that is probably required. Certain players are natural leaders and can galvanise a squad by their actions and not just what they say on or off the pitch. 
 

LM quite clearly sees Knight as a leader having given him the captains armband on numerous occasions but I am sure there are others in the squad that also help guide the younger players. With King & James gone, I would like to see Williams retained as he appears to be a big character who is well liked. 
 

Dickie, Wells, Naismith & maybe McCrorrie are the ones who are likely to be the others who could step up regards passing on experience to those coming into the squad over the summer with Bird, Murphy & Stokes all new to the squad and bedding them in over pre season 

I also think we shouldn’t underestimate 2 former players at the club who are in important roles Tinnion and Scotty Murray 

Murray is not only a character but he is someone all the players trust & enjoy having around 

Im sure LM and the coaching staff have their own ideas on the dynamic of the squad and will manage it wisely 

My first ever visit to Wembley and my favourite 

Walking up the steps into the stadium and the sheer awe at the size of the place and then seeing our half of the stadium packed was incredible 

The match couldn’t have gone any better and was the kick start of our resurgence back up the divisions 

It was a joy to watch us play with 2 wingers and yes football and formations have changed but as an 18 year old at the time and having seen us play in the 1st Division and then plummet to the 4th it was tough but the journey back provided great memories 

2 hours ago, BCFCGav said:

Announced at 5pm on the dot so a small chance more news to come into the night. I would have guessed Williams were it not for the emergence of the PNE link.

Regardless, great news re Elijah. Seems to be very very well thought of, looking forward to seeing how far he goes ️

Serious talent and head and shoulders above others in his age group. Hopefully he continues to improve and gets opportunities in pre season and shows he can step up to first team level 

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

It’s not about Tommy not adapting, it is about a head-coach adopting a style (generally speaking) that until Easter that doesn’t service his striker particularly well, ie the system created less chances, and less chances of quality.  So again, generally speaking, it’s not Tommy’s fault.

FWIW I think Tommy is a good striker, hence why he has “interest” from other clubs, some further up the pecking  order.

The other reason I do lay some fault at Manning’s feet is he actually said that he would create chances of a type that Tommy would thrive on, ie, getting his wide players / full-backs in behind for cut-backs, but hasn’t delivered that.  He then changed tack and said Tommy would have to get used to different chances.

And of the chances he has had and in particular 1 v 1 with the keeper he has a poor conversion rate 

I can recall numerous opportunities and good scoring chances he had and if he had taken a greater proportion he would have had another 5-6 goals to his name 

It’s not all about tap ins in the 6yd box!

1 hour ago, Robbored said:

“Has he improved?  I’d say Manning’s system has stifled Tommy”

In terms of Conway developing as a striker Manning has certainly had a significant effect by highlighting what runs he can make, what spaces to look for and how to utilising them - whether or no the ball reached him is down to Mannings style and/or his teammates not playing him in.

Why is it always the head coaches fault? Good strikers should be able to adapt to different styles & formations 

If they are found to not be able to adapt regardless of coaching then they will usually be replaced by players who can 

If TC goes this summer then good luck to the lad but he has many limitations and flaws in his game still and until he addresses those he will not be a 20 goal a season striker for any club at this level or above IMHO

I would like him to sign a new contract and continue to work on his game and be that 20 goal a season striker but I fear whoever is advising him is not focussing on TC the footballer but more so TC the cash cow 

He is a shoe in for a squad place purely based on how far he has developed in Ireland and Ireland U21s. 
 

I would be amazed if he is loaned out or held back playing in the U 23s

If as is stated his peers are playing in English leagues and he is allegedly the best in his age group in Ireland, if he’s good enough age doesn’t come into it

slightly different with Stokes who is younger by a year but playing national league level but again, if he’s impressed the coaching team as much as they say then how refreshing seeing two hungry talented players in the first team as opposed to the unmotivated premier league cast offs we have had previously 

If they give everything to the shirt and want to take the opportunity in front of them then there is no reason not to utilise them. 
 

If we get a couple of stellar seasons from them and they either help us get promoted or are sold on at large fees then the club have recruited very well

Time will tell!

On 11/05/2024 at 09:22, Robbored said:

The pathway under Cotterill was almost lost. I don’t remember him ever giving an academy graduate his debut and partly why his was sacked.

Nige had to utilise the academy because of injuries and it’s debatable whether he would have done so if a fit squad was available.

Many managers are hesitant to give young players an opportunity. They see it a risk as they’re not sure if the youngster will make the step up. 

I remember LJ introducing Semenyo to the first team squad including travelling away simply to get the experience of the lifestyle of a first teamer and after a slow start AS developed into a PL quality player.

I seriously doubt that Manning is any different to lots of other managers but it doesn’t mean that the pathway isn’t there.

 

It’s all about timing IMHO. If we have 10 very good young players that have proved they are worthy of a contract because they have excelled at the level last year then over the next 1-2 years we and the club should expect at least 4-5 to make a breakthrough to the first team squad. If one or two excel and warrant a first team place then I trust the club to make that happen as it did for Bryan, Reid, Semenyo & Scott. Bringing in youngsters such as Murphy & Stokes is just another avenue to seek quality players before they become too expensive and these two look technically & physically capable but still a big step up which I am sure bathe club will manage correctly 

Can’t believe Murphy is playing for Oxford at this level. If I was LM I would be going back for him in the summer as he’s an upgrade and n Mehmeti

Just now, Roger Red Hat said:

Yes. I saw Stokes in one of the televised FA Cup games earlier in the season and he stood out a mile. Him, Murphy and hopefully Bird ( who I've not seen) look like being excellent signings.

You win nothing with kids

7 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

I may have spoken too early , 5-4 (agg.)

Good game now and Barnsley on top 

Got to love the play offs 

On 27/04/2024 at 18:41, Bris Red said:

Obviously purely speculation on my part but i have a feeling Manning will be backed fairly heavily this window, we have seen it before with LJ and i wouldn't at all be surprised if we did sign him for £5m or close to that the powers that be would still find plenty left in the infamous 'nest egg' to give Manning and Tinnion the other targets they want..

We will sign him but it will be an undisclosed fee 

We will also spend big on a striker and if TC is sold then that nett’s off some of the outlay

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

It’s funny, because when LM said that, I was indeed buzzing from the result, but I also said that it didn’t take Albert Einstein to work out that a specific approach to 1) a high possession Championship team like Saints or 2) a PL team like West Ham, wasn’t gonna be the model for most “bread and butter” games.  So to say we were happy, was more a case of happy for those couple / few games, and not happy at all at some of the other games around that period.

I might be a million miles off target, but I still think the players went “rogue” in that last 30 mins v Swansea in reaction to boos aimed at LM inadvertently seem like they were aimed at the players.  Rogue is a shit word, perhaps more they decided their way of problem solving was better.  You know what I mean.

I’m getting the impression (with absolutely nothing to back it up ) that the no9, although being brought in to add a presence may not be a “big signing”, ie we will try to keep Conway and the new no9 is more of an “option”, as TC remains key.

If TC goes, we will replace TC appropriately.

So the bulk of the “money” will be on Twine.

I can’t see us spending more that £3-5m in total (assuming no sales).

See above reply to Cov77 re my latest thoughts on the no9.

Nothing to back it up just your opinion then 

On 28/04/2024 at 14:42, DeParis said:

You overestimate 1) the tactical track record of Warne 2) Derby ability to recruit. A Paul Warne side has never played attractive football, he didn’t do it with Rotherham a small fish in a big pond, or Derby a big fish in a small pond…..as for recruitment, this Derby side in terms of quality is far inferior to any of his Rotherham sides - they also have no money so if you genuinely think that Derby in the champ are going to suddenly play decent football you will be VERY disappointed.

On paper, with their inability to spend, they are going to really struggle next season, especially with their aging squad and losing a number of players. Good luck to them, absolutely no surprise that Bird wanted to jump ship though - relegation battle for them next season. 

Ditto

Quality of their football is poor and they will struggle next season and do well to stay up

If they have a financial challenge around transfer budgets then it will likely be loans & frees to build a squad 

2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Depends if depth and succession planning or similar. You can't rely on one striker, Conway has had two medium term injuries already after all.

Still selling Conway seems foolish IMO. He should only get better really injuries permitting 

 

It’s Conway who is stalling, not the club 

TC needs to knuckle down and continue his development rather than go somewhere that he is just another young player as opposed to a club who have developed and nurtured him from a young age 

I wouldn’t be surprised if his heads been turned after Antoine & Alex move to Bournemouth and his agent is touting him around as the next big thing out of Bristol City 

3 hours ago, DeParis said:

Well if signing a number 9 is as nailed on as being made out will TC even be a regular for us next season? Unless im mistaken hasn’t LM made it clear that 1 up top is here to stay.

Totally agree, TC probably thinks he’s going to play second fiddle to whoever they bring in and is looking at options. The club will sell him if he doesn’t sign a new contract and I agree it would be a shame if he left but he isn’t by any means the finished article and still has a lot to learn and also hasn’t fully developed physically. Stay and do another 3 years and prove your good enough 

3 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unless Conway leaves I doubt we’ll spent even half of £12m.

If you listened to Tinnion in a recent podcast he as much as said this.

Wells is going nowhere, he has one year left on his deal & is very happy in this part of the world.

The clubs senior management have stated numerous times and even during the January window that a striker was a priority in the summer as would be a No10 

Conway probably knows he would be playing second fiddle to whoever they bring in which means Wells would be 3rd choice. Add in Stokes who appears to be impressing everyone at the HPC then do you think we will go with 4 forwards vying for 1 maybe 2 spots on a match day?

Just now, Mike Stone said:

10-12 spend, that won't be happening

 

Why?

You don’t think we are in a position to spend what is a reasonable amount on 2 players that come at a premium especially as the board intimated after NP was sacked that they held back funds or is it that structured payments from Bournemouth enable us to use in the next transfer window?

26 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

That really is no surprise to anyone who has been watching closely.

We signed Bird for the first team & Stokes for the squad in January, but they don’t arrive until now.

Manning has been pretty clear that Twine is his main target & if he gets him then that’s the vast majority of the summer transfer budget used up, unless Conway goes.

If Conway stays we already have our main striker & any further additions (back up keeper & possibly a striker) are going to be low cost ones.

How can you state that our complete transfer budget will be used up on Twine?

It will probably cost us the £4m Burnley paid for him. I would be surprised if Wells is still with us at start of season and Conway looks 80% out of the door 

Regardless of what we pay for Twine or an alternative, the priority has always been a striker that has more physical presence but a bit of pace also and they don’t come cheap 

There is almost certainly funds held back from the sale of Scott and what was spent in January was minimal

I would not be surprised if we spent £10m - £12m on the two key positions and hope the business is done early 

What we need to be mindful of is if anyone comes in for any of our players!! 

4 hours ago, cidercity1987 said:

Hope he comes in with a positive happy to be here attitude. Not sure.

Seems a good player of our level but I was a little concerned when Knight said in the week that Bird is a very similar player to him

With both of them pressing opposition then I’m more than happy if they are similar as long as we have Twine around to unlock defences 

I liked JD as an attacking wing back but defensively he was targeted due to his height. Roberts can play in a number of positions, is technically as good and more importantly has the physical build to defend 

Money well spent and a player who will only improve us going forward 

Hopefully Atkinson will be fit for the new season as I think we have some excellent young defensive players with the experience of Dickie & Naismith 

Our midfield next season is going to look pretty impressive with Bird coming in

If Twine is our target for No10 and we get a striker in who provides that pace & physicality then I’m fairly happy with what we could have in the squad for the new season 

52 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

Credit where it’s due, decent end of season run and some good performances in there to match. A real shame we lost those Cardiff, QPR and Sheff Wed games now.

I don’t think momentum into a new season is really a thing though, it’s a new start in August and that’s where we can really judge protest.

In some respects it is, LM will have the majority of players still at the club and has now worked with them for 5 months and the last 7 games has shown some consistency and patterns of play that has yielded a decent return of points 

If you then look at the games prior that we lost or Drew and the majority of defeats were by a single goal then you can look to the summer and pre season with some confidence that the addition of 3-4 players in positions that we all know we need to challenge next season will build on the end of season unbeaten run (Stoke TBC)

certainly should feel an air of optimism that we shouldn’t be looking down but up towards the top of the league 

Just watching Derby v Carlisle and Max has just launched a screamer into the net for what is likely to be his last game for Derby 

Look forward to seeing him in our team next season 

6 minutes ago, MrRedRobin said:

I have been blown away recently with his performances. He has settled so well into the back 3 and him Dickie and Tanner were a really solid back 3 today. This kid is something special, he has got potential to have a really top career and picking him up on a minimal fee (I think it was a bit of compensation to Brighton) was incredible business just like Dickie. I remember right at the start of the season there was glimpses of what he could do before he picked up that injury and I remember reading a month ago about how he asked Manning to go out on loan in January. Our upturn in form has come with Haydon Roberts has been playing in this back 3. What a brilliant defence and goalkeeper we have, dare I say next season I am really excited to see what could happen if we do some good summer transfers on the other end of the pitch!

He is a very good technical player who reads the game extremely well. He’s had to bide his time and know he was frustrated a few months ago but he’s taken his chance and looks a very good signing 

Of the 3 clubs in the mix, I really can’t see Leeds messing up today!

2 hours ago, Alessandro said:

Yes it’s nice win but you’re absolutely right.

I don’t think you can understate how poor Blackburn were tonight.

If a team wins 5-0 either you’re meeting a hugely talented attacking team or the losing team have capitulated.

Given the fact we’ve only won a game by more than 2 goals 3 times all season and only 8 teams in the league have scored less goals than us…

Add in Blackburn’s current bottom 6 form and the fact they have the 2nd leakiest defence in the league.

Suggests more of the latter.

A nice win yes, credit for that - but IMo people probably shouldn’t get too carried away though on the back of tonight…

 

Totally agree and whilst it’s nice to put 5 past the opposition I would reference the last 3 games as a better marker of where we are under LM. 
 

Huddersfield & Norwich will provide a stern test as they are desperate for points for different reasons. If we can dispatch them then perhaps LM has cracked the formula 

Maybe next season could bring something better?