The Promotion Commotion Transfer Thread 2017

[BWFC_Insane]

I mean it isn't an either or situation.

But on the one hand we have a 31 year old winger who effectively has played all his football in and around lower league standards of football (league two, league one, smaller Scottish sides). He came here and had a big impact over a short number of games in league one. Something that was remarkable, but not necessarily representative of his career even at this level.

On the other hand we have a 25 year old who apart from his time here, has played all his football in the top two divisions. Albeit unconvincingly and at times inconsistent. Here for us in league one, after a somewhat patchy start he became invaluable to the team at the time, being a first choice pick every time, and seemingly, finally finding consistency in both performance and effort.

Now, of the two I know which I'd be more comfortable committing a chunk of resources to, for the next 2 years say. Of course not everything is equal and one may need considerably more resources than the other. And we could have both.

I just think the suggestion that we sign an essentially 31 year old lower league journeyman because of a purple patch here, is, whilst understandable, perhaps somewhat similar when we signed players out of loyalty or "better the devil you know) rather than with a solid business case (thinking of Spearing as a primary example).

I like Morais and would be happy to keep him. But being realistic the form he showed in the last few months is absolutely the exception to the rule. And we're gambling big time on him maintaining that form a league up. Having said all that delivery is very important and is he can even just be a set piece specialist then that in itself could be worth it.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Supa John was a lower league journeyman in essence and did alreet. I've no problem with 31 as I doubt we're looking at anything over 2 years anyway. Both played a relatively short period and neither has either convinced/played at a level we'll need to be at. Both are a gamble, but potentially one will be a more expensive one than the other.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I'll be surprised if we hand out any contracts over two years long. And if it's applied with reason, I'm fine with that.

It means that players are never far from the end of their contracts, which rids the club of millstones <glares at Amos> and also makes them play up to earn an extension <flicks eyes nervously at Madine>. The corollary is that players are more easily able to see out their contracts and leave on a free, but how many of our players would command much of a fee?

[TANGODANCER]

I'll be surprised if we hand out any contracts over two years long. And if it's applied with reason, I'm fine with that.

It means that players are never far from the end of their contracts, which rids the club of millstones <glares at Amos> and also makes them play up to earn an extension <flicks eyes nervously at Madine>. The corollary is that players are more easily able to see out their contracts and leave on a free, but how many of our players would command much of a fee?

Parky seems to have instilled a much better community feeling in both the club and dressing room, so maybe players can benefit from being a part of something rather than just a paid employee? They all play for a living, fair enough, but it would be nice to see a pride in playing for Bolton and each other amongst them....or is that going over the top?

[BWFC_Insane]

Supa John was a lower league journeyman in essence and did alreet. I've no problem with 31 as I doubt we're looking at anything over 2 years anyway. Both played a relatively short period and neither has either convinced/played at a level we'll need to be at. Both are a gamble, but potentially one will be a more expensive one than the other.

Yep. But we're in a different era now. And one where it is important that cold hard business decisions trump sentimentality.

Who has more potential to give a return both in terms of performances and follow on fee...has to be a big part of any decision.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Who has more potential to give a return both in terms of performances and follow on fee...has to be a big part of any decision.

I'll be surprised if that's a big part of our thinking. You'd have to give a three-year contract. We could be in a number of different places by then.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Supa John was a lower league journeyman in essence and did alreet. I've no problem with 31 as I doubt we're looking at anything over 2 years anyway. Both played a relatively short period and neither has either convinced/played at a level we'll need to be at. Both are a gamble, but potentially one will be a more expensive one than the other.

Yep. But we're in a different era now. And one where it is important that cold hard business decisions trump sentimentality.

Who has more potential to give a return both in terms of performances and follow on fee...has to be a big part of any decision.

Capable of the job at a price we can afford us the most important. Let's not discard journeymen as some can step up, parky just gas to decide which can.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Le Fondre wants in (per BN). And Iles says "Wanderers are keen to talk".

I came back here to get a promotion medal and to score goals – both of those have been done now, so it’s on to the next challenge. This club gave me a platform, again, to show what I can do and I can’t tell you how much it means to me to be able to say I’m back again.

The last 18 months have been horrible. I didn’t play enough, I didn’t score enough, I made bad decisions. But it led back to here at Bolton. This is my spiritual home, I think. Things fit perfectly. If something can be done here, I’d stay in a heartbeat.

Since I was five years old, all I have done is score goals. It’s all I want to do. There’s no question if I get the opportunity I can do that in the Championship, but I need the opportunity. I need games. You saw from the start I had here at Bolton, it took me longer than I expected to get fully fit and back to the player I know I can be.

The great thing about Bolton is the fans love me, so I don’t have to prove anything. That gave me a little bit of breathing room and the performances come off the back of that. I’ve really enjoyed both times I’ve been here and I think I’ve reaped the rewards – it’s revitalised me.

[Prufrock]

All about money that one I think. Can't think of a way of getting him in the XI that suits the rest of the squad, but scoring goals is the name of the game and I can't think who better we're likely to get. Could maybe get away with him as the one through the middle if we signed SammyAmmy or similar...

[BWFC_Insane]

All about money that one I think. Can't think of a way of getting him in the XI that suits the rest of the squad, but scoring goals is the name of the game and I can't think who better we're likely to get. Could maybe get away with him as the one through the middle if we signed SammyAmmy or similar...

Yes. Ideally we'd get a more "complete" goalscorer. ALF is a tricky one because I think he looked good with Madine, ineffective without. So we'd need a target up there with him, which alters the systems we might use.

However, I can't as you say, think of another goalscorer type we might get, and he likes it here. So sign him up. Like you I think he'd benefit greatly from Sammy A behind him.

[BWFC_Insane]

All about money that one I think. Can't think of a way of getting him in the XI that suits the rest of the squad, but scoring goals is the name of the game and I can't think who better we're likely to get. Could maybe get away with him as the one through the middle if we signed SammyAmmy or similar...

I'll be surprised if ALF doesn't end up back here. Quite a few places (and PP himself through Iles if I remember correctly) confirmed that he took a hefty paycut and waived various bonuses from Cardiff to move back here on loan, over other clubs offering more. Unless we offer him a truly paltry amount I think he'll be signed on permanently before the start of the season. Of couse unless we get trumped significantly by another NW based club as it sounds like he wants to stay in the area, but I can't see any of the other NW clubs going for him (Wigan, Rovers going down and others likely not having enough money).

Agreed, though it is possible his valuation and the club's could be different. Remember he's 30, he's looking at his last major contract. Whilst I'm sure he would stay here, I suspect he wants some sort of security. And the club may not be able or willing to offer it.

Remember that we have (transfer market wise at least), fairly savvy operators in Ken and Lee. I'm sure they won't spend a penny more than needed, and will be looking at optimal value. If they feel they can get better in the market, they will do so.

Still think it is likely he will stay, but wouldn't say its a done thing.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

I don't think Wigan would be beating a path to his door. And if they did, I'm not sure he'd answer the bell.

While nodding at BWFCi's note that this will be his last "major" contract, I also think that Alfie will have to be realistic. The last time he signed a permanent contract was in May 2014, as a recognised reliable goalscorer – he'd scored 39 in 104 league games for Reading over the previous three seasons (after 52 in 93 for Rotherham), one (12-goal) season of which was in the top flight. Since then, he's scored 3 in 21 for Cardiff, 3 in 30 for Wolves, 1 in 9 for Wigan; he's also 31 in December. Obviously he's had success here and we love him very much, but does anyone else? The scouts will also have noticed that he's much better playing in a front two, which severely narrows his options.

It might not be easy and there might need to be some negotiations but I would hope and expect that the relationship is cordial enough to cope. It may be that after we put our offer down he and his agent talk to other clubs, and it may be that one of them persuades him. But I'm confident that we'll get him if we want him enough – and I'm also willing to trust Ken/Parky/Breacker etc on that.

[Bijou Bob]

The biggest issue I foresee is replacing Wheater. A dozen goals, player of the year and an injury free season probably mean one of the bigger players will come in with a decent 2 year deal that will blow anything we can offer out of the water.

I'd look to see if we could get Holding in on loan, or look at league one for a younger replacement.

I suspect next season might make grim watching. If we can keep clean sheets, we'll garner enough points. If PP is looking to play the same system, we need cover for Madine and pace out wide. Ameobi will be well out our budget IMO.

[BWFC_Insane]

The biggest issue I foresee is replacing Wheater. A dozen goals, player of the year and an injury free season probably mean one of the bigger players will come in with a decent 2 year deal that will blow anything we can offer out of the water.

I'd look to see if we could get Holding in on loan, or look at league one for a younger replacement.

I suspect next season might make grim watching. If we can keep clean sheets, we'll garner enough points. If PP is looking to play the same system, we need cover for Madine and pace out wide. Ameobi will be well out our budget IMO.

I'd say Wheater is the most likely to stay here. He loves it here, and this season has won a place in our hearts.

Won't be an issue at all IMO.

If you are worried about affording Ameobi I find it a stretch that you think we'd be able to afford a loan for a player starting games for Arsenal.

[Bijou Bob]

I don't share your confidence that his love ( Or his agent's) for Bolton would overrule a double your money deal at what would be the end of his career, not to mention a nice signing on fee. In respect of Hollden, I reckon if Wenger goes, a couple of defensive signings might push Holden down the pecking order, a view shared by a couple of Arsenal supporters I know. As we would presumably only pay a portion of his wages in exchange for giving him game time and developing him, he might well be affordable. It's all speculation till it happens.

[Prufrock]

Only place I could see Wheater going is Boro if they happened to be interested.

He was quoted as saying he'd be camping outside the chairman's door for a new deal as soon as his hangover wore off!

[TANGODANCER]

For what it's worth; Dave Wheater has operated as part of an efficient unit. With Beevers alongside him and those around him, they've worked an understanding and method of play. Some things will have to change playing in the Championship, but Parky may well want to go with what he has and knows and fine tune it rather than start team building all over again. Much of what he's done is on team spirit and togetherness; I'm betting he won't want to lose that. That point seems proven in the attitudes of people like Morais, Karajan, Alf and Dave Wheater. Just like Super John, Gudni, Ivan Campo and Kev Davies, they actually like Bolton enough to want to stay. If their agents adopt a reasonable attitude to dealing we may well see a team not too much changed next season. We havea couple of youngsters coming through and it doesn't look too shabby right now.

Like I said, for what it's worth.

[BWFC_Insane]

For what it's worth; Dave Wheater has operated as part of an efficient unit. With Beevers alongside him and those around him, they've worked an understanding and method of play. Some things will have to change playing in the Championship, but Parky may well want to go with what he has and knows and fine tune it rather than start team building all over again. Much of what he's done is on team spirit and togetherness; I'm betting he won't want to lose that. That point seems proven in the attitudes of people like Morais, Karajan, Alf and Dave Wheater. Just like Super John, Gudni, Ivan Campo and Kev Davies, they actually like Bolton enough to want to stay. If their agents adopt a reasonable attitude to dealing we may well see a team not too much changed next season. We havea couple of youngsters coming through and it doesn't look too shabby right now.

Like I said, for what it's worth.

Still need to add some extra quality to it. Big step up the championship.

As Parky has said keep the "core" and then add to it, is the way forward.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Love Rob Holding. Would actually be sad if he came back, because it'd mean his career was stalling.

Wheater's relative lack of pace and mobility leave him exposed in a badly-organised defence. In a well-drilled back-line it's much less of a problem, although I can still imagine the better/trickier/faster Div 2 forwards running straight at and past him, especially if they do it once and he gets yellowed.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

One of the few D2 clubs poorer than us, Barnsley, set to lose two of their best on freebies: Josh Scowen (central midfielder, 24) and Marley Watkins (winger/striker, 26) are to "explore options" at the end of their contracts next month.
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/brist ... fter-52910

For the record: Watkins is 6ft1in, Scowen 5ft10in, but neither's a Northerner - both London-born, though Watkins was Swansea-raised.