I've read that he was offered £35k p.w. by 'United, too, though none of us/the public will know with any certainty, which says everything that we need to know about how S.A.F.C. is being run now . . . . well done, Kyril
He did but I have seen him on other occasions playing for Plymouth and he's been poor, quite lethargic and ineffective. He had a good game against us but I don't particularly rate him.
Two very good players though. It'll be like if they bought Clarke and Neil from us and we finished below Hull.
Aye, seems to be the way with a few teams these days. Fulham did it a few times before they became established in the PL
Makes sense to build your squad to go up again rather than spunking millions and inflating wage bill, to likely get relegated anyway. Need longer term thinking. It's why I back our approach. However, agree with previous poster, now is the time, as we're bloated with youth, to loan a few out and bring in experience through the spine. So you'll need a big outlay on a striker
2 very good players, 2 of the best in the league in their position Weakens hull but also arms them with a lot of money to strengthen
Signing Rigg is a big statement of intent in my opinion. I have always banged on about the importance of having academy players in the first team. It shows those making their way through the academy that they are in the right place for their career and hopefully the loss of players at 14 and 15 to other academies will stop. It is why I value homegrown players over bought in ones, and why I think they should be given a leg up at times. The value to the club down the line is enormous, both in terms of on the pitch, future sale revenue and as I have said more Chris Riggs emerging. I hope we reach a point where we can promote 2 each season and reduce the need to buy 18 year olds from elsewhere. I remember a time in league 1 banging on about Dan Neil and his ability. Some were not convinced and wanted him dropped, and at times he made mistakes. But now we are seeing the value of patience with our own young players been given time and support to thrive. Sometimes the job of a coach is to ignore fans and trust the player you see day in day out, the rewards are there if you do. Neil signing, in some ways, is an even bigger statement. His reputation at prem clubs is very high. We could absolutely cash in for £20m plus this summer. Him staying is a statement of his belief in us. Importantly it also sends a sign to prem clubs we cant be low balled because players want to stay here. If Neil were to go next summer for example, then it is not £20m but £30m. The club are being very smart with these contracts so early in the summer. These are moves that will set expectations about how we operate for seasons to come. If I were the club I would now offer Jobe a new deal as well. Of course we need to back this up with signings that add new quality to the squad. But keeping together the nucleus of your side is how teams are created that keep improving. I was genuinely worried Neil would go this summer so this, for me, is the biggest sign yet in KLDs time here that he has absolutely got a grip on what is needed to make this club challenge again. Good times. Haway the lads.
Got a message this morning saying that the buzz is back within the AOL and the good feeling factor that went missing for large parts of last season has returned. Long may it continue …
The three positions we crucially need quality in is DM, RW and CF for me. I really hope we see these addressed especially the CF. I’m sure KLD is aware of exactly what we need up top now after the countless questions asking for it haha. Hoping to see a proper goal threat come in
