Summer 2021 Transfer Thread.

[Mar]

If he wasn’t wanted here why was he captain and first choice pick? I’ve read some nonsense but that is Boris Johnson level of narrative twisting.

It might be longer term he wasn’t in their plans. But that goes for many players I imagine. As it was he was not exactly someone you would have said a day before events transpired was ‘surplus to requirements’.

Pretty sure that there was a turning point that meant that he wasn't wanted at the club. That usually doesn't happen immediately but in Sarcevic's case I suspect that there was something that caused some significant ill will. Prior to that he probably was wanted and for the fans that don't know any better he still was wanted which is why its such an unusual news story. More than confident that he was definitely not 'surplus to requirements' and had Evatt been on a bad run of form or the club had a problem, we may have persisted with Sarce.

[BWFC_Insane]

If he wasn’t wanted here why was he captain and first choice pick? I’ve read some nonsense but that is Boris Johnson level of narrative twisting.

It might be longer term he wasn’t in their plans. But that goes for many players I imagine. As it was he was not exactly someone you would have said a day before events transpired was ‘surplus to requirements’.

Pretty sure that there was a turning point that meant that he wasn't wanted at the club. That usually doesn't happen immediately but in Sarcevic's case I suspect that there was something that caused some significant ill will. Prior to that he probably was wanted and for the fans that don't know any better he still was wanted which is why its such an unusual news story. More than confident that he was definitely not 'surplus to requirements' and had Evatt been on a bad run of form or the club had a problem, we may have persisted with Sarce.

Yes I agree with that. Can’t rewrite history and pretend he ‘wasn’t good enough’ or that this was some sort of tactical football based decision.

No way in September would Evatt have wanted to lose him. Whatever happened happened and we move on. But it’s a loss at least until January.

[GhostoftheBok]

There's another suggestion I've had from a mate of mine (who is in the game) that I must admit I hadn't considered. His view was that we have probably already lined up key January targets (entirely possible) and that when a big earner was suddenly causing a stink it was a chance to save a decent wedge of money and stamp out a possible problem before it flared up.

Essentially we know we've replaced him (or will have), we were looking at possibly carrying his wage for 6 months and we took a chance on getting rid now to improve our budgets by 8 months of the guy's wages.

[Mar]

If he wasn’t wanted here why was he captain and first choice pick? I’ve read some nonsense but that is Boris Johnson level of narrative twisting.

It might be longer term he wasn’t in their plans. But that goes for many players I imagine. As it was he was not exactly someone you would have said a day before events transpired was ‘surplus to requirements’.

Pretty sure that there was a turning point that meant that he wasn't wanted at the club. That usually doesn't happen immediately but in Sarcevic's case I suspect that there was something that caused some significant ill will. Prior to that he probably was wanted and for the fans that don't know any better he still was wanted which is why its such an unusual news story. More than confident that he was definitely not 'surplus to requirements' and had Evatt been on a bad run of form or the club had a problem, we may have persisted with Sarce.

Yes I agree with that. Can’t rewrite history and pretend he ‘wasn’t good enough’ or that this was some sort of tactical football based decision.

No way in September would Evatt have wanted to lose him. Whatever happened happened and we move on. But it’s a loss at least until January.

Fairly certain in October Evatt wouldn't wanted to lose him but given what happened it probably felt like the right decision to get rid. I suspect this has frustrated Evatt considerably.

[The_Gun]

Post-Stockport my brief for the January window would be as follows:


- Sign another good quality right back to compete with Jones. This is an absolute no-brainer and should be priority number one for Evatt/Markham. Could be a loan or a permanent, but there must be plenty of players out there who would be an upgrade on Brockbank or Izzy.

- Sign a centre forward who can compete with Doyle. Again, don't care whether it's a loan or a permanent, but we need another goal threat.

- Bring in another midfielder to replace Sarce/add more physicality to the middle of the park. I'm actually in agreeance with Insano on this one and think another more experienced pro is needed in midfield. We have looked vulnerable on transitions this season, so bringing in someone who can cover ground and put a tackle in would be a help.

- Recall Politic from loan. This one I suppose depends on his frame of mind and willingness to fight for a starting spot, but he has a bit of x-factor about him and I think should offer more of a goal threat than Delf, Kacha or Baka.

[BWFC_Insane]

Post-Stockport my brief for the January window would be as follows:


- Sign another good quality right back to compete with Jones. This is an absolute no-brainer and should be priority number one for Evatt/Markham. Could be a loan or a permanent, but there must be plenty of players out there who would be an upgrade on Brockbank or Izzy.

- Sign a centre forward who can compete with Doyle. Again, don't care whether it's a loan or a permanent, but we need another goal threat.

- Bring in another midfielder to replace Sarce/add more physicality to the middle of the park. I'm actually in agreeance with Insano on this one and think another more experienced pro is needed in midfield. We have looked vulnerable on transitions this season, so bringing in someone who can cover ground and put a tackle in would be a help.

- Recall Politic from loan. This one I suppose depends on his frame of mind and willingness to fight for a starting spot, but he has a bit of x-factor about him and I think should offer more of a goal threat than Delf, Kacha or Baka.

We need some defenders who can defend before we worry about back ups or up front options.

Think all the areas you've highlighted are correct but the centre halves are poor. We cannot keep making excuses. We don't have a LB who can defend nor a RB who can defend without Jones either.

We need to be better balanced and have players who are first and foremost defenders.

I'm very unconvinced any of our back line as DEFENDERS are good enough. And then we need to decide whether we play with 2 MJ's to allow the full backs to bomb on (in which case Jones and DJ are ok) OR if we're sticking with the midfield setup in which case we need much more competent defenders at full back but ones who can also supply the crosses.

Fundamentally though we need some people in our box who want to put their head and bodies in there and are much more switched on.

Santos MIGHT be ok with the right partner as he was with an experienced leader in Baps last season. BUT lets be honest bar one or two games this season he's been woeful defensively.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

There's Brandon Barker at Rangers, whose career has fallen off a cliff. He went on loan to Oxford for the second half a last season and helped get them into the play offs. He is only a year older than Dapo and arguably more talented.

Thinking about this lad today, what with Stevie Me hightailing it to Villa. That could make Barker (a Mancunian in the last year of his contract) more likely to leave, as a new broom sweeps in. Although it could also make him more likely to stay considering Gerrard has only picked him in the matchday squad once this season, and still left him on the bench in a League Cup win.

[GhostoftheBok]

There's Brandon Barker at Rangers, whose career has fallen off a cliff. He went on loan to Oxford for the second half a last season and helped get them into the play offs. He is only a year older than Dapo and arguably more talented.

Thinking about this lad today, what with Stevie Me hightailing it to Villa. That could make Barker (a Mancunian in the last year of his contract) more likely to leave, as a new broom sweeps in. Although it could also make him more likely to stay considering Gerrard has only picked him in the matchday squad once this season, and still left him on the bench in a League Cup win.

Hard to know. He was 100% on his way out under Gerrard. I'm told he wants to come back to the North West, but if a new manager gives him game time then he's hardly likely to demand to leave early and if he plays for Rangers he might suddenly be out of reach of League One clubs.

Same goes for Zander Clark. Gerrard's team wanted him at Rangers, but some of their recruitment lot were not keen. He may now go back to shopping for an English club - although we'd be unlikely to get close to him wages.

A new boss at one of the Old Firm always shakes things up.

[GhostoftheBok]

In terms of other players we should be looking at, Nicky Cadden and Kane Wilson of FGR both have their deals expiring next summer and they're two of the best wingbacks outside the Championship.

Kane Wilson is especially impressive. He has the profile Evatt says he wants, having come through an "elite" academy and is now proving himself in League Two. He's 21, athletic, creative and defensively solid. He's still learning his trade, but he'd be a revelation for us. Can also play anywhere down either flank. Lovely body position and footwork when one-on-one, marks well and tracks runners. Does make positional errors, but he's young. He's far, far too good to stay at that level.

Cadden gives you work rate, grit and great crossing off both feet. Progressive passer and really nice set piece delivery off his left. Scored a hattrick recently and averages over 2 chances created per game.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

In terms of other players we should be looking at, Nicky Cadden and Kane Wilson of FGR both have their deals expiring next summer and they're two of the best wingbacks outside the Championship.

Kane Wilson is especially impressive. He has the profile Evatt says he wants, having come through an "elite" academy and is now proving himself in League Two. He's 21, athletic, creative and defensively solid. He's still learning his trade, but he'd be a revelation for us. Can also play anywhere down either flank. Lovely body position and footwork when one-on-one, marks well and tracks runners. Does make positional errors, but he's young. He's far, far too good to stay at that level.

Cadden gives you work rate, grit and great crossing off both feet. Progressive passer and really nice set piece delivery off his left. Scored a hattrick recently and averages over 2 chances created per game.

Aye, our boy Brommers has profiled Wilson before. As you say, sounds like the sort we need.

https://bwfcanalysis.wordpress.com/2021 ... ne-wilson/

[GhostoftheBok]

Aye, our boy Brommers has profiled Wilson before. As you say, sounds like the sort we need.

https://bwfcanalysis.wordpress.com/2021 ... ne-wilson/

I'd say that's spot-on from Brommers. I didn't realise he had a website. That'll be a rabbit hole to explore some evening.

Brommers - I'd be interested in seeing you do an analysis of Callum Wright. Currently injured, but a player I feel would offer us the goals we need from midfield.

[brommers95]

Aye, our boy Brommers has profiled Wilson before. As you say, sounds like the sort we need.

https://bwfcanalysis.wordpress.com/2021 ... ne-wilson/

I'd say that's spot-on from Brommers. I didn't realise he had a website. That'll be a rabbit hole to explore some evening.

Brommers - I'd be interested in seeing you do an analysis of Callum Wright. Currently injured, but a player I feel would offer us the goals we need from midfield.

He’s on my list of players to watch as I’ve heard good things about him and the impact he’s made at Cheltenham.

Such a shame he got injured (not back till about Jan/Feb I think).

Re Kane Wilson, defensively not the greatest* which I’m sure Insane will be pleased to hear, but going forward he’s electric and is definitely destined to play at a higher level than L2. Only 21 as well so still lots of time to improve.

*Definitely not saying he’s bad though. Just haven’t seen loads of outstanding defending from him, but that’s more down to the fact FGR dominate games and the three CBs behind him are putting in some exceptional performances so he‘S not had much to worry about.

[GhostoftheBok]

Re Kane Wilson, defensively not the greatest* which I’m sure Insane will be pleased to hear, but going forward he’s electric and is definitely destined to play at a higher level than L2. Only 21 as well so still lots of time to improve.

*Definitely not saying he’s bad though. Just haven’t seen loads of outstanding defending from him, but that’s more down to the fact FGR dominate games and the three CBs behind him are putting in some exceptional performances so he‘S not had much to worry about.

FGR play a containment defence so I think his passiveness is a reflection of that. He is more aggressive when the ball enters the box, going tight and nipping at the ball. He's definitely a natural wingback, though.

I rate him. If we don't make a move for him during this period we'll not have another chance, I shouldn't think.

His playmaking ability in the final third would make us much, much better.

I'd be interested to see the analysis of his mate on the other flank.

[brommers95]

Re Kane Wilson, defensively not the greatest* which I’m sure Insane will be pleased to hear, but going forward he’s electric and is definitely destined to play at a higher level than L2. Only 21 as well so still lots of time to improve.

*Definitely not saying he’s bad though. Just haven’t seen loads of outstanding defending from him, but that’s more down to the fact FGR dominate games and the three CBs behind him are putting in some exceptional performances so he‘S not had much to worry about.

FGR play a containment defence so I think his passiveness is a reflection of that. He is more aggressive when the ball enters the box, going tight and nipping at the ball. He's definitely a natural wingback, though.

I rate him. If we don't make a move for him during this period we'll not have another chance, I shouldn't think.

His playmaking ability in the final third would make us much, much better.

I'd be interested to see the analysis of his mate on the other flank.

I do like Cadden as well, what a wand of a left foot that guy has - I wouldn’t be upset if we tried to sign him. However, I’m not sure he can play as a full back predominantly due to his lack of physicality, so you’d have to either change to a back three to accomodate him at LWB or have him as an out and out winger (which is where he played in Scotland).

Seeing as we’ve already got a great left-winger, I thought it’d be more interesting to take a look at Wilson - who’s also 4 years younger so a bit more headroom to develop.

[GhostoftheBok]

Cadden is definitely a converted winger, but he's the same height and build as Declan John and he's really combative. We play our left back so aggressively that I think he'd be good competition for John.

I agree that we are still figuring out how to finetune the shift from a back three to a four both Cadden and John would arguably suit that system more. I'd rather Cadden at left back than Gordon as things stand, by some distance.

[The_Gun]

The two FGR lads you’re describing sound great, but we’d have to pay transfer fees for either, right? Is that realistic?

[GhostoftheBok]

The two FGR lads you’re describing sound great, but we’d have to pay transfer fees for either, right? Is that realistic?

They would have 6 months left on their deals by that point, so the fees involved would be minimal. From what Evatt said about money being available I'd say yes. It'd depend on how much they are worth to FGR in terms of their promotion push vs losing them on a free. Same goes for their number 9.

[Prufrock]

We could always just say we'll pay them and not bother.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

With contract-lapsing players who are still wanted by their current team there’s also the possibility of lining up a summer transfer, notwithstanding promotion/relegation of his current/prospective team. Sounds like that’s what happened with Sheehan last term, and possibly Johnston. Legally we’re not allowed to approach such players before the January window, but let’s not pretend their agents won’t be sounding out.

With contract-lapsing players who AREN’T still wanted by their current team, it’s easier to conclude an arrangement that suits all parties, like with did with Dec and Dapo and MJ. Clubs often just want shut of folk (see Crawford, Comley) and are happy to reduce their wage bill, even if only by part of the lapsing contract (Declan again).

Sounds like these two lads are in the first category. All FGR can do is try to get promoted (they’re top of L2) and hope their players stay, but it’s not always that simple - as proven by Doyle and Sarce, among other less extreme examples who didn’t voluntarily drop divisions but moved to clubs in the same tier. I don’t like the “bigger club” argument but I’d suggest Kane Wilson for example could go further with BWFC than FGR.

That said, for the impending window: unless we offer transfer fees for such players - which is possible but arguably a poor use of money for assets that could be free in six months, especially when we have finite finance and several areas to improve - then I’d suggest they’re far more likely to come in June than Jan. This one is probably about finding unwanted players, which doesn’t necessarily equate to being cack - MJ and Dapo prove that.

[GhostoftheBok]

That said, for the impending window: unless we offer transfer fees for such players - which is possible but arguably a poor use of money for assets that could be free in six months

That's a very reasonable argument. I think the counter-point is whether they'd make us more likely to get into the playoffs - or, rather, would Evatt see it as boosting our chances? Equally, if we go the other way, would they help keep us in the division?