Transfermarkt have us down as the 4th most valuable squad in the Championship this season at 90m Euro's. We are behind Burnley (244m), Leeds (188m) and Luton (103m) but we 100% have players worth more than they have them valued as (Dan Neil is down as being worth 5m euros )
With the way modern football is, any season where we get top 6 we've had a good season. It's ****, but it's reality. The gamble that the club is taking is that by building the club the way they are, they can put themselves in position to challenge for playoffs every season (rather than gamble on being 'all-in' on one season, with the risk of having to rein it in the season after). We need to avoid massive upheavals like sacking coaches mid-season, but take enough shots and eventually one will go in. That's the theory anyway!
I'd expect those mentioned, plus Sheffield United to have stronger squads than us. They've got a budget that'll be three times bigger than ours. I guess the big question is where we stack up as best of the rest. Personally I'm not sure I'd swap our squad with any of them, but I'm happy enough for us to grow things gradually rather than going all out for next season.
With Dodds and Proctor I certainly believe that it is the influence of the training and learning time spent at St George's Park where a lot of our young coaches go for meetings, seminars and training. That is why I think they struggle to get the top jobs. Just my opinion of course but if you look at a lot of young British coaches they nearly all set up with 2 holding midfielders or an inverted full back coming in to midfield.
I think, and frankly hope, that multiple players will be out the door fairly soon. I would be perfectly fine with all of the following leaving; Hemir (loan) Rusyn (permanent) Bennette (loan) Ekwah (permanent) Embleton (permanent) Matete (permanent) Anderson (permanent) Triantis (loan) Johnson (loan) Wouldn't be against some of the u21s getting at minimum National League loans. Watson, Bainbridge and Crompton in particular. I think this would give us funds to invest back into the squad. Also it means the squad is no longer bloated and some players are getting much needed minutes on loan. We then need at minimum 3 signings; Striker - I'd want us to put most of our budget into this position. I'm higher than most on Mayenda and want him as part of the squad this season but he cannot be the starter. Looking at how we've played in pre season and the type of forwards RLB had success with at Lorient, the incoming forward has to be good with his back to goal but also able to run channels and pressurise defenders. Defensive midfielder - Would add an older head here as a Neil backup who also has the ability to start games along side him when needed. Think we can pick up one on a free, I liked the Jack Cork link earlier this summer, someone who only needs to start 10-15 games and come on for 20 minutes to see out games and is a dressing room presence. Centre back - Someone to pressure O'Nien and in time replace him. Would prefer a left footer so they can play alongside Ballard and provide balance. I personally see Alese as a left back, really not convinced by him in the centre of a back 4. The signing has to be able to pass and carry the ball while being aerially and physically sound. We can then look to add a loan forward towards the end of the window to complement the new striker and Mayenda. Get them signings correct, especially the striker and I think we can push for the playoffs.
One of the things I have noticed is how good some of the other championship sides have done so far in the window. There is some smart business being done by clubs who were ahead of us last season imo. Coventry are interesting to me, this may well be the season they do it. Millwall look to have done some decent business. Norwich look to have done some too. I know a lad at QPR and he thinks they will be much better this season. Sheff Wed look much stronger. Then Leeds look very well balanced at the minute. Sheff Utd seem to be being written off but imo have made soms shrewd signings. Burnley wont be far away with Parker in charge either. This looks like a very tight league to me. Hard to see anybody running away with it, which probably means a dog fight of 10 or 12 sides fighting for promotion. Is this year 4 or 5 for KLD? Feels like we are one of many who will be pushing for the top 6. I think a bit of work left for us yet to move into those clubs who will have really high expectations this season.
Even if we do sign a centre forward we will not finish ahead of Burnley, Sheff Utd or Leeds, we may flirt with the top 6 but that’s about it. I love optimism but that prediction is bordering on insanity.
You may be right but we will see, there will be some massive shocks this season...there always is in the Championship.
It's because Speakman needs to make sure that there's no one there to support RLB because it's highly important in his evil scheme to be able to undermine the coach he appointed anytime he wants.
Think it's year 4 for KLD. You're right,this is going to be a very competitive league this year,even more than last season,and we still have work to do. I'm not sure why,but I see it as a defining year for the club and for several of our players. I'm looking forward to it.
I have and will never gamble on a team I am supporting. Not outcome or position anyhow. First goal scorers I have (had Lee Clarke years ago when he went through 1 on 1 and was taken out by the keeper!! Martin Scott scored the pen!! Was gutted at 12/1 and £5 on it!!)
I wouldn’t have is as first mind but the teams that have came down don’t look as strong as they have been in recent years. Luton recruited well when they went up basically to prepare themselves to come straight back down, Sheffield United seem like a mess and don’t have much faith in Parker to get Burnley straight back up. Think Leeds will be strong and favourites is my guess.
I think is perhaps the last year that we see some of our established players, unless we are promoted. I am not sure we can hold on to Neil, Clarke, Ballard, Patterson, Jobe, Hume for example for another championship season after this one. Even Rigg will be watched endlessly by scouts this season. If we were to lose 4 or 5 of those at once it would require an unreal overhaul. We may become one of the super rich in the championship but rebuilding a core of a side and getting it to gel isnt easy. It is probably why, deep down, I am ok if were to sell one this summer if it gives us some money to do a bit of that reshaping now.
