100% this, our squad was better than most in the league. We should have gone up automatically but shipped way too many goals. Defence was a shambles under Johnson at times.
That’s true but early on in the season we played some lovely stuff under Johnson winning games convincingly. Neil came in and made us a lot more solid overall, what a job he’s done so far…
For the first time since I can remember, I am very happy about the way we have conducted our business in the transfer market, the recruiting team have it all sussed out in the background and if we end up with a dud or two, so be it, it’s better than our old ways of being lucky to get a decent player or two at the very end of the window. I think the squad we have currently is more than capable of a mid table finish, if not higher, and with a few decent additions from the Premier League once their squads are sorted could push us even higher. my optimism for the club since KLD has come in has never been higher and long may it continue, there will be blips along the way but it now seems the rudder in our prestigious ship has now been fully fixed and steering us in the right direction for the first time in god knows how many years. keep the faith, Haway the lads
Good post mate. I just can't wait to get back in the SoL and see the Lads again after Wembley. Still buzzing from that
Stay cool Billy....we're not used to it,but,at long last,this recruitment team knows what it's doing.....all will be well.
Would like the squad assembled before season begins but this will be dependent on outside factors such as other clubs recruitment , most of our recent recruitment has been from the Premier and Championship and they are finalising their squads before releasing players so we will have no other option but to be patient and wait . Signings are easy to make but getting the right players at the right price is something completely different , just look at some of the very expensive mistakes we have made over the years due to the clamour for signings . The recruitment team at SAFC evaluate many players and provide the Management team with various options rather than rushing in as we have done historically and ending up with players that aren’t what we want , aren’t what we need and ultimately sold on at in some cases at massive losses . Remember the window doesn’t close until September 1st - act in haste repent at leisure . I have totally bought in to the data driven recruitment process - It’s the future .
I think this is one of the things that did us in when we were relegated from the Premier League. New players coming in must have looked at some of the ones on prem wages (especially Rodwell), and thought "why should I bother, when they're getting paid far more, and they aren't exactly busting a gut". If Broadhead's wages would disrupt our wage structure too much, then sorry but I'd say look for someone else. [Edited] Just to add to that, I don't know how the contracts are specified, but we should be offering competitive Championship wages, with guaranteed increases to a lower Premier wage level if we're promoted. I'd hope anyone wanting to join should have the confidence in themselves that they'll get us there, and should accept the going rate until we do.
I am certain strikers are being worked on, Broadhead presumably... money and Everton causing hiccups i suppose. Personally I would like to have 4 strikers on the books. If we assume Stewart and Broadhead are two of them, then 2 understudies,one big and good in the air like Stewart the other fast and pacy like Broadhead. So the same tactics/system can be played if anyone injured. Two youngish strikers eager to make a name for themselves. Its looking as if the strikers will not be on place before the start of the season. Nobodies fault really, strikers are the will'O the wisp to recruit. Makes me nervous though
It was just after they were promoted that he was being touted about...Before the season even kicked off.
Exactly, he can **** off if he wants a PL wage. Not worth upsetting the dressing room over, there seems to be a great team spirit amongst the group. Move on to the next target
Fair enough that. But Broadhead won't get Premier League money from any club who might sign him . So, with a year to go, he gas to decide if he wants to play football, over say a three or four year deal here or so somewhere else, or stay at Everton and pick up his cash, not play and hope for the best next summer.
It's a big call for him aged 24, he hasn't played a great deal of first team football. Surely the lad wants to play here after last season. Crazy if he ****s it off to stay at Everton, he won't get a look in imo
