W We had a core of a side that finished 7th still here, they’ve shown a complete inability to step up and be the main figures of the squad. It’s a shame but it’s time for us to move on
As it stands, Rushworth, Bedia, Sinik, Longman, Puerta, Zambrano, Pedro, Burns and Jarvis are all out of contract in Summer. That's probably a hefty chunk of wage bill.
A fair few of them are loans anyway, and Pedro was a deal to the end of the season I believe. I thought McLaughlin was coming to the end of his contract too ?
Think our biggest problem is like HT alluded to after the Watford game, a lack of a game changer. We had KLP last time we were down here at this stage. Under Rosie we had Tufan, Traore, Seri, Christie. Now we have an honest bunch, but aside from the occasional dangerous ball from Kamara we don’t really have anyone who could get us out of a **** result with a bit of magic. Palmer probably the closest but he’s far too inconsistent
Yep. We still have all the crap from last season like Coyle, Jones, Slater, McLoughlin etc. but none of the game-changers like Philogene, Tufan or Carvalho. Those three could win games on their own with goals.
More often than not bits of magic is what kept us pretty in the table. Data wasn’t behind us being a top team (Rosenior’s system). But games like Preston (H), Sunderland (A) we’ve gained 4 points more because of a Carvalho volley outside the area and Philogene dribbling from half way. The list of games won by individual brilliance as opposed to a tactical domination is countless tbh. It’s why I don’t believe Rosenior is quite ready to be classed as a top upcoming coach.
I know. The likes of Coyle, Slater, Jones and McLoughlin were given contract extensions until 2026 under Rosenior. That’s fine. Just don’t renew them past that. We don’t have to sell them but keep them around as squad players then let their contracts run out.
I agree. Rosenior’s style of play was steady but dull. The whole point of it was control possession and therefore the tempo of the game and expect the truly technically-gifted players to carry the team to victory via individual brilliance. Our output in the final third was heavily dependent on brilliant players like Philogene, Tufan, Carvalho, Delap etc. creating something from nothing. Philogene’s dribbling could take two or three players out the game. Tufan could score worldies outside the box. Delap could receive the ball with his back to a defender, turn and run past people with pace and power. We don’t have that individual brilliance in the squad anymore. The only two players remotely capable are out for the season with ACL injuries. Last season was a mix of League One plodders and genuine Premier League or Championship top six quality players. Now we just have the League One plodders and a bunch of misfits from foreign leagues and extremely raw players. The players who are still here from last season like Coyle, Slater, Jones and McLoughlin look crap because they are crap.
There’s no doubt in my mind if we’d signed four players Walter knew from Germany, ideally from his former club, we’d be doing fine and he’d be our manager still.
It’s definitely a good enough level to recruit from as Leeds are showing. Tanaka the CM they got from Dussledorf in the second division is arguably the best midfielder in the division and he cost them 2/3m
