Squad and Embargo

[BWFC_Insane]

So Parky has just done a pre-Crewe press conference, judging from twitter the key points were:

Vela out long term. Ankle ligaments. Precise length of absence not yet known.
Wheater seeing a specialist this week for his back. Out presumably a few weeks at least.
No room to add to squad as it is "full" we have to go with what we've got.

Now, I assume there is a possibility of moving a player out (say Taylor) and bringing a CM in, but that seems very limited in scope (given the wage restrictions on 1 in 1 outs - the 1 in has to be a smaller wage than the one out and if CT is on loan we may only get some of that covered).

Can't think of any other obvious candidates to go, Derik maybe, but he covers a few positions and if we play 3 at the back is our only CB cover.

This leaves us with a squad of 3 fit CBs and 3 fit CMs. We can't even throw in our young pros to rest legs every now and again.

Going to be a ridiculously tough ask now. League one is beckoning with open arms I'd say. Embargo and the failure of Ken to lift it, is squarely to blame for this situation.

[Hoboh]

One game into the season and full of crocks again!
Just makes you wonder who the hell does medicals on some of these players.

[Peter Thompson]

So Parky has just done a pre-Crewe press conference, judging from twitter the key points were:

Vela out long term. Ankle ligaments. Precise length of absence not yet known.
Wheater seeing a specialist this week for his back. Out presumably a few weeks at least.
No room to add to squad as it is "full" we have to go with what we've got.

Now, I assume there is a possibility of moving a player out (say Taylor) and bringing a CM in, but that seems very limited in scope (given the wage restrictions on 1 in 1 outs - the 1 in has to be a smaller wage than the one out and if CT is on loan we may only get some of that covered).

Can't think of any other obvious candidates to go, Derik maybe, but he covers a few positions and if we play 3 at the back is our only CB cover.

This leaves us with a squad of 3 fit CBs and 3 fit CMs. We can't even throw in our young pros to rest legs every now and again.

Going to be a ridiculously tough ask now. League one is beckoning with open arms I'd say. Embargo and the failure of Ken to lift it, is squarely to blame for this situation.

What an utter prick you are....

[Bruno3]

So Parky has just done a pre-Crewe press conference, judging from twitter the key points were:

Vela out long term. Ankle ligaments. Precise length of absence not yet known.
Wheater seeing a specialist this week for his back. Out presumably a few weeks at least.
No room to add to squad as it is "full" we have to go with what we've got.

Now, I assume there is a possibility of moving a player out (say Taylor) and bringing a CM in, but that seems very limited in scope (given the wage restrictions on 1 in 1 outs - the 1 in has to be a smaller wage than the one out and if CT is on loan we may only get some of that covered).

Can't think of any other obvious candidates to go, Derik maybe, but he covers a few positions and if we play 3 at the back is our only CB cover.

This leaves us with a squad of 3 fit CBs and 3 fit CMs. We can't even throw in our young pros to rest legs every now and again.

Going to be a ridiculously tough ask now. League one is beckoning with open arms I'd say. Embargo and the failure of Ken to lift it, is squarely to blame for this situation.

Think Mr Holdsworth and his involvement with Blumarble might just be the one to blame

[Riviman]

One game into the season and full of crocks again!
Just makes you wonder who the hell does medicals on some of these players.

Not sure you can blame the medical staff for Vella's injury, unless the guy he tackled was one of our physios !!

[BWFC_Insane]

Of course Holdsworth hasn't helped. But the bottom line is to be able to get out of embargo, we have to present a business plan to the FL showing we have funding to continue as a going concern.

Ken could easily have provided this funding assurance now. He won't (so he says) because BM have a claim over the assets potentially. Which I understand the business sense. However, he is still the majority shareholder and his refusal to secure the business is the major reason we are in this position.

I'm not saying he should fund the club in the interim. But it is the major contributory factor. And lets remember his fall out with Dean Holdsworth certainly isn't anyone else's problem. Between them they've caused this. And seemingly neither is able or willing to resolve it.

Meanwhile we are suffer, fans, manager and players.

[bristol_Wanderer3]

Wow lets calm down a bit.

It is going to be very tough to stay up, but we are two days into a 9 month long season!! Some reasons to be cheerful, for balance:

1.) Parky and his staff are about to sign a new deal. Not something they would do if they thought the club was a train wreck, or if things didn't look brighter going forward.
2.) The Blumarble situation does seem to progressing with the EFL being asked to give clarification in the latest adjournment of the SSBWFC winding up order. Suggests a resolution is on the table. Once that is sorted we should be on our way to exiting the embargo. Too late maybe for this TW, but if we can stay in contention a chance to properly strengthen in January.
3.) We don't know how long Vela is out for, it might only be a couple of months. And Wheater might be back in a few games, and Burke looks a decent replacement for Wheater. Pratley can do Vela's job, maybe not as well, but a reasonable replacement given our squad limitations. Buckley also could offer a more attacking option there, or Derik a more defensive one, with Cullen and Karacan pushed further forward, which is probably what needs to happen as neither of those are comfortable doing the DM role. In other words the injuries don't have to mean a complete derail.

Granted the first couple of days are as bad as they could have been, it is going to be tough, but jeez, a bit early for towel throwing.

[Worthy4England]

Wow lets calm down a bit.

It is going to be very tough to stay up, but we are two days into a 9 month long season!! Some reasons to be cheerful, for balance:

1.) Parky and his staff are about to sign a new deal. Not something they would do if they thought the club was a train wreck, or if things didn't look brighter going forward.
2.) The Blumarble situation does seem to progressing with the EFL being asked to give clarification in the latest adjournment of the SSBWFC winding up order. Suggests a resolution is on the table. Once that is sorted we should be on our way to exiting the embargo. Too late maybe for this TW, but if we can stay in contention a chance to properly strengthen in January.
3.) We don't know how long Vela is out for, it might only be a couple of months. And Wheater might be back in a few games, and Burke looks a decent replacement for Wheater. Pratley can do Vela's job, maybe not as well, but a reasonable replacement given our squad limitations. Buckley also could offer a more attacking option there, or Derik a more defensive one, with Cullen and Karacan pushed further forward, which is probably what needs to happen as neither of those are comfortable doing the DM role. In other words the injuries don't have to mean a complete derail.

Granted the first couple of days are as bad as they could have been, it is going to be tough, but jeez, a bit early for towel throwing.

Quite. No one said it was going to be easy.

[BWFC_Insane]

Wow lets calm down a bit.

It is going to be very tough to stay up, but we are two days into a 9 month long season!! Some reasons to be cheerful, for balance:

1.) Parky and his staff are about to sign a new deal. Not something they would do if they thought the club was a train wreck, or if things didn't look brighter going forward.
2.) The Blumarble situation does seem to progressing with the EFL being asked to give clarification in the latest adjournment of the SSBWFC winding up order. Suggests a resolution is on the table. Once that is sorted we should be on our way to exiting the embargo. Too late maybe for this TW, but if we can stay in contention a chance to properly strengthen in January.
3.) We don't know how long Vela is out for, it might only be a couple of months. And Wheater might be back in a few games, and Burke looks a decent replacement for Wheater. Pratley can do Vela's job, maybe not as well, but a reasonable replacement given our squad limitations. Buckley also could offer a more attacking option there, or Derik a more defensive one, with Cullen and Karacan pushed further forward, which is probably what needs to happen as neither of those are comfortable doing the DM role. In other words the injuries don't have to mean a complete derail.

Granted the first couple of days are as bad as they could have been, it is going to be tough, but jeez, a bit early for towel throwing.

I don't think we're good enough in midfield. For me it is the most critical area. You can't flog 3 players every game, you need fresh legs in there at times. We are way under quota there. And quality. For me we're at least 2 short. Perhaps Chris Taylor can play there?

I just don't see us having the presence in there to win many games at this level. Hope I'm wrong, and time will tell. But I don't think we can survive in this league under these embargo conditions. And I said this right at the end of last season too, before the conditions were tightened even further.

[Peter Thompson]

Of course Holdsworth hasn't helped. But the bottom line is to be able to get out of embargo, we have to present a business plan to the FL showing we have funding to continue as a going concern.

Ken could easily have provided this funding assurance now. He won't (so he says) because BM have a claim over the assets potentially. Which I understand the business sense. However, he is still the majority shareholder and his refusal to secure the business is the major reason we are in this position.

I'm not saying he should fund the club in the interim. But it is the major contributory factor. And lets remember his fall out with Dean Holdsworth certainly isn't anyone else's problem. Between them they've caused this. And seemingly neither is able or willing to resolve it.

Meanwhile we are suffer, fans, manager and players.

Again utter rubbish....KA has performed miracles in the current situation, look at the players he's managed to bring in - you can't blame him for injuries to players and you can't blame him for the Holdsworth / BM situation....

Its one game into the season FFS....I just wish you would feck off and play with your barbie dolls

[nelson66]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40679002

Are our injury problems being caused by modern football pitches - according to the article above - injuries are reaching epidemic numbers - but its all down to finance rather than player health

Maybe a return to grass and winter mud is the solution ?

[bristol_Wanderer3]

I don't think we're good enough in midfield. For me it is the most critical area. You can't flog 3 players every game, you need fresh legs in there at times. We are way under quota there. And quality. For me we're at least 2 short. Perhaps Chris Taylor can play there?

I just don't see us having the presence in there to win many games at this level. Hope I'm wrong, and time will tell. But I don't think we can survive in this league under these embargo conditions. And I said this right at the end of last season too, before the conditions were tightened even further.

We weren't good enough there on Sunday for sure. But I think Leeds had an exceptionally good midfield for this level, especially in the creative department. We won't come up against that many times this season. Lets wait and see how we look against Millwall, that will be a far better indication.

[BWFC_Insane]

Of course Holdsworth hasn't helped. But the bottom line is to be able to get out of embargo, we have to present a business plan to the FL showing we have funding to continue as a going concern.

Ken could easily have provided this funding assurance now. He won't (so he says) because BM have a claim over the assets potentially. Which I understand the business sense. However, he is still the majority shareholder and his refusal to secure the business is the major reason we are in this position.

I'm not saying he should fund the club in the interim. But it is the major contributory factor. And lets remember his fall out with Dean Holdsworth certainly isn't anyone else's problem. Between them they've caused this. And seemingly neither is able or willing to resolve it.

Meanwhile we are suffer, fans, manager and players.

Again utter rubbish....KA has performed miracles in the current situation, look at the players he's managed to bring in - you can't blame him for injuries to players and you can't blame him for the Holdsworth / BM situation....

Its one game into the season FFS....I just wish you would feck off and play with your barbie dolls

He's done well on the football side. But off the field little progress has been made. I don't blame him for injuries. I'm stating that under an embargo we cannot possible expect to compete in this league. 23 players isn't enough. Simply isn't. Especially if you end up with an injury or 2. Add in being unable to play your young pros. Being able to pay wages a fraction of the going rate for the league and being unable to pay loan fees...by any reasonable estimation staying up was always going to be a miracle.

Losing 3 senior players by matchday 1 (a match that showed up some weakness in the squad already) only compounds that.

We are 3 possibly 4 players short. Even if we shift someone on, we'll be able to pay only a % of their wages on a replacement. So if Taylor moves I think we can pay 60% of whatever his wages are (or 60% of the contribution we receive).

I don't see how we can construct a team to play 45 matches effectively and compete. We will get more injuries week to week. What cover is there in midfield now? Or at the back? Cover that can come in and still let us get results?

Honestly don't see it.

[BWFC_Insane]

I don't think we're good enough in midfield. For me it is the most critical area. You can't flog 3 players every game, you need fresh legs in there at times. We are way under quota there. And quality. For me we're at least 2 short. Perhaps Chris Taylor can play there?

I just don't see us having the presence in there to win many games at this level. Hope I'm wrong, and time will tell. But I don't think we can survive in this league under these embargo conditions. And I said this right at the end of last season too, before the conditions were tightened even further.

We weren't good enough there on Sunday for sure. But I think Leeds had an exceptionally good midfield for this level, especially in the creative department. We won't come up against that many times this season. Lets wait and see how we look against Millwall, that will be a far better indication.

See I think Leeds will be mid table. I don't think they were that special. We'll play many better teams IMHO.

[bristol_Wanderer3]

I don't think we're good enough in midfield. For me it is the most critical area. You can't flog 3 players every game, you need fresh legs in there at times. We are way under quota there. And quality. For me we're at least 2 short. Perhaps Chris Taylor can play there?

I just don't see us having the presence in there to win many games at this level. Hope I'm wrong, and time will tell. But I don't think we can survive in this league under these embargo conditions. And I said this right at the end of last season too, before the conditions were tightened even further.

We weren't good enough there on Sunday for sure. But I think Leeds had an exceptionally good midfield for this level, especially in the creative department. We won't come up against that many times this season. Lets wait and see how we look against Millwall, that will be a far better indication.

See I think Leeds will be mid table. I don't think they were that special. We'll play many better teams IMHO.

They looked very good to me. They finished 7th last season, having been in the top6 all year, and in a league where Newcastle were a class above, Brighton avoided key injuries and were super consistent, and Huddersfield were exceptional. Sunderland and Hull won't be close to those three, so Leeds have a realistic chance to be top6, even higher, given they have spent £11m in the summer!! On Sunday I felt their strength fitted perfectly with our biggest weakness. Hernandez has a top level pedigree, and for the opening game of the season, on a nice pitch, when we are without anyone in the middle who can put a tackle in, it was perfect for him and them.

Hopefully Parky will take off his Darby tinted glasses, or Morais will force is way in, or Little, and we will get better in midfield (can't be worse), other teams won't be as good in that area, and it won't look so bad.

[BWFC_Insane]

I don't think we're good enough in midfield. For me it is the most critical area. You can't flog 3 players every game, you need fresh legs in there at times. We are way under quota there. And quality. For me we're at least 2 short. Perhaps Chris Taylor can play there?

I just don't see us having the presence in there to win many games at this level. Hope I'm wrong, and time will tell. But I don't think we can survive in this league under these embargo conditions. And I said this right at the end of last season too, before the conditions were tightened even further.

We weren't good enough there on Sunday for sure. But I think Leeds had an exceptionally good midfield for this level, especially in the creative department. We won't come up against that many times this season. Lets wait and see how we look against Millwall, that will be a far better indication.

See I think Leeds will be mid table. I don't think they were that special. We'll play many better teams IMHO.

They looked very good to me. They finished 7th last season, having been in the top6 all year, and in a league where Newcastle were a class above, Brighton avoided key injuries and were super consistent, and Huddersfield were exceptional. Sunderland and Hull won't be close to those three, so Leeds have a realistic chance to be top6, even higher, given they have spent £11m in the summer!! On Sunday I felt their strength fitted perfectly with our biggest weakness. Hernandez has a top level pedigree, and for the opening game of the season, on a nice pitch, when we are without anyone in the middle who can put a tackle in, it was perfect for him and them.

Hopefully Parky will take off his Darby tinted glasses, or Morais will force is way in, or Little, and we will get better in midfield (can't be worse), other teams won't be as good in that area, and it won't look so bad.

Even if Cullen, Karacan and Pratley prove to be an effective midfield at this level (I have serious doubts) we can't have no cover for them. One more injury, suspensions, tired legs...we need more options there. If we genuinely now can't sign anyone I cannot see how we can survive. Genuinely can't see it. If we can add to the squad with proper signings for this level then that is different.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Bit early to be panic fannying already

[bristol_Wanderer3]

Even if Cullen, Karacan and Pratley prove to be an effective midfield at this level (I have serious doubts) we can't have no cover for them. One more injury, suspensions, tired legs...we need more options there. If we genuinely now can't sign anyone I cannot see how we can survive. Genuinely can't see it. If we can add to the squad with proper signings for this level then that is different.

Again, we don't know how long Vela will be out for. He hasn't done a cruciate ligament, it might only be a couple of months, and he is very likely to play some part in the season. As well as the three you mention, Derik can play defensive midfield. Burke might even be able to play there, when Wheater is back. Morais, Ameobi and Buckley could all play the Vela role in a more attacking way. We are two days into the season, the TW is still open, Parky is a good manager, the squad have a good spirit, there is hope.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

We might look better when our midfield doesn't number three but five – either with the wingbacks as wingbacks (rather than fannying about two yards behind the centre-backs) or in a 4-2-3-1 that when out of possession flattens into a compact hard-working unit, as it did last autumn.

Bit early for predictions but bugger it: I think Leeds will be top six; I think Millwall will be bottom six, and so will we. I think the top-six teams will find us obstunate but beatable – Leeds did it despite two defensive injuries and a daft penalty giveaway. The biggest question is how well we do against the other bottom-six teams – Barnsley, Burton and a couple of "droppers" (maybe Preston); the fascinating question is how well we do against the half-dozen in the middle – teams like QPR, Brentford, Cardiff, Ipswich, Bristol City, Forest and many others. Last season relegated Blackburn only finished 11pts behind 11th-placed Preston; the season before, QPR (12th) were only 11 clear of Rotherham (21st, ie the worst survivors). There's a whole heap of points there to be won, if we can find a way to win them.

My current hope is that Parky, who has proven himself capable of radically switching plans between games, gets the balls to do it in-game. I'm not best pleased how doggedly we stuck to three centre-backs when we were two down at home against a team happy to retain possession.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Made one signing, anyway: the gaffer "inks" his new one-year rolling deal.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/15 ... rers_deal/

“I’m pleased to sign the contract and really looking forward to working exceptionally hard to try and establish us as a Championship club. It’s all part and parcel of the job. It’s about progression on and off the pitch and I truly believe me and the staff can push on from what we have done thus far.

“We needed stability last summer. And I think the fact we came over from Bradford and everyone integrated so successfully with the good people who were already here was very, very important. There’s a team behind the team here. And if we’re going to get where we want to be this season everyone has got to do their bit.”