I just looked up the "most successful transfer window ever" details and of the 12 transfers we made, we've now only 6 left at the club. Of those 6 who've left, I think its fair to say we've likely made a combined loss on any transfer fee outlay. Of the 6 remaining, 2 more are out on loan, and as things stand with just a year left (plus a year option for one of them) on their respective contracts (Schmidt and Thomas), we're unlikely to see their hefty transfer fees reimbursed. And I'd very much question extending their contracts for that extra year given their circumstances, our cash flow and the effect they have on the team. That leaves us with just 4 left. Halme, Oduor, Andersen and Collins. Halme's contract is up in the summer, though we do have an option to extend for a year. Given our likely new financial landscape following relegation, I'm not sure taking on his cost given how little game time hes had in 3 years is a great idea. Andersen and Collins have contracts that run to summer of 2023 but have an extra year option. While Oduor's contract lapses in 2023 without an extra year option. I'd say we're completely reliant on any sale of Collins and Andersen to claw back the transfer fees we've paid for those 12 players. And I'd expect any sales values to be suppressed after relegation. Perhaps if Conway does emerge for an interview, if time, it may be put to him whether he regrets citing that summer 2019 transfer window as the most successful ever.
I like Aapo. Wish he could stay fit and get game time. OK in defence, as good an option in the middle as any current. And he knows where the net is. Not afraid to put his head in where it hurts. Agree with the post by the way, and God help us with the signings SINCE 2019!!
So Schmidt and Thomas are still under contract with us for next season? I didn't know that. Both might be back in the squad then for L1 given the lack of funds available......
Yes, both signed 4 year contracts, with Schmidt having the option of an extra year, so potentially 5 years.
So, two players out of 12 with any likelyhood of being sold for a profit. One needed six months and an experienced team mate brought in to let him settle in, while Collins took 18 months. The only player with any sort if instant impact was Chaplin. Who was a casualty of the constant head coach turnover. There's also the possibility that Andersen and Collins' values are likely to be fixed by relegation clauses. It's almost as if exclusively signing players that are "for the future" isn't a particularly profitable one. Especially if you never know who your head coach will be in 8 months' time
Luke Thomas' highlights video when he joined. Was pretty bleeding obvious that he was not a Championship level player.
The thing is, it did change briefly. Dane Murphy signed Solbauer, Ritzmaier, Frieser, Helik, James, Morris and Cole, all were 25 or over when they signed. But then we assembled a massively inbalanced squad, with Woodrow, Morris, Frieser, Iseka, Cole, Oulare and Adeboyejo as forward options, as well as Thompson and apparently Odour. But brought in Benson and Gomes to replace Mowatt and Kane, when we already looked a midfielder light last season with the number of times Halme played there. I just think that when it comes to player recruitment, Conway simply doesn't know what he is doing. And unless he pulls a rabbit or three out of the hat in the next few days, you'd have to start to think the same about Khaled. The frustrating thing is, if we'd signed an experienced midfielder to go alongside them in the summer, Benson and Gomes in particular could've looked like very good signings.
What he is showing in that video is pace and a desire to run at defenders. We don't have any of that at the minute. Might be worth bringing him back... though tbh it's probably better for him if he stays where he is. He could come back into the team next season.
I don't think so, a direct and pacey winger that was well worth a go at championship level imo. The issue is we haven't played with wingers for a prolonged period of time and he's obviously had his own mental health battles.
Look at the end product though and amount of times he falls over the ball. He was clearly a long, long way off the finished product and we overspent on him. I remember watching this video when he signed and being a bit bewildered.
Yeah you're right. He was very young though, and still is really. In League One he could be useful, depending if he fits into our system.... (If we have one...)
