Due to the types of players we have linked to (Flethcher/Ward/Dann) and the types of fees involved it got me to thinking what is the benefit of buying players from relegated clubs? It used to be the case that relegated clubs were inclined to sell their better players for reduced fees to balance the books following dropping down a division (ala Phillips/Sorensen with us) however possibly due to parachute payments it seems the selling club is in a much stronger position and can hike the prices up for teams looking to recruit like ourselves. Also these parachute payments have been in effect for some time, im 27 now and from my perspective the number of clubs going into administration/liquidation (Rangers/Leeds/Portsmouth etc.) has only increased not decreased? Ps contrary to popular opinion I dont mind Stephen Ward, overlaps well, gets forward and the odd goal here and there, solid defender, not a massive fee. Im as much of a fan of Olsson as anyone but do we really need another left back who is good going forward but not the best in defence who uses his pace to hide his defensive capabilities? Thought we had Rico for that?
One thing ill credit Moxey for is what he did with all the player contracts at Wolves. If relegated your wages are reduced by 50%. Hence why they arent desperate to get rid of Fletcher and Jarvis. They'll probs only be on 10-15k a week now
Nearly put us out of business when we first went down didnt it, all the wages we couldnt get rid of, same as what Pompey's been dealing with. Think those clauses in contracts are pretty standard now with all mid/lower table teams.
Which makes the achievement of Mick Mac getting us promoted back up within 2 seasons all the more impressive - IIRC he had to get rid of the equivalenty of an entire squad for financial reasons !
Its crazy to think we finished top with some of the players he had at his disposal, Caldwell/Wright/Robinson/Whitley etc. had no right reallty to be in a Championship winning team however somehow we did it, sure we finished a cany few points ahead as well!
Didn't know that, very cute indeed. No wonder they are being silly with prices, if they have to stay it isn't gonna cripple them. Still an unhappy player on your books but eventually they'll fall in line so they can play. Even more reason to cut the club some slack for struggling to get the deal done. A bid for a different striker might make them think, hence Defoe.
Could at least bid on someone realistic though, im personally of the opinion Defoe has been electronically tagged and is unable to leave the London vacinity for fear of prosecution.
I thought Jordan Rhodes would have been a good option to be honest. Very impressed when I've watched and a promising talent even if you took his ridiculous goal tally away.
Im always in favour of having a punt on young British strikers a go especially from lower divisions where theyve shown promise. He obviously knows his way to the goal and the fact that hes playing in a particularly physical league means it reduces the risk that sometimes comes with foreign players adapting to the roughness/pace of english football. Noble has been prolific in the reserves and hopefully he can have a breakthrough season for us but ive reservations regarding his strength/presence, fingers xd tho!
