Kompany thoughts so far....

[KRBFC]

Pretty sure Lampard was still play at 36 year old, while VK has 3-4 years management experience. Foolish to write off a 36 year old manager, especially one with the name of Vincent Kompany, who Man City will be keeping a very close eye on.

[jen1066]

What a great position we're in.

We have the best manager in years. Why can't we just enjoy the football and stop complaining?

[boyyanno]

What a great position we're in.

We have the best manager in years. Why can't we just enjoy the football and stop complaining?

Whilst I think Kompany has had a decent start to refer to him as "the best manager in years" is about as pig headed as you can be. We've just had arguably the best manager in the last 50 years, grow up.

[Spijed]

We have the best manager in years.

The only way to say he's the best manager we've had in years is if we stay in the Prem for a few seasons in a row.

[jen1066]

Whilst I think Kompany has had a decent start to refer to him as "the best manager in years" is about as pig headed as you can be. We've just had arguably the best manager in the last 50 years, grow up.

Before you come on to a message board, realise that people have a different opinion to you. Some people will not agree with what you say. Now, if you disagree with me? Not a problem. It's how forums work. Some people agree, some people don't. But you seriously need to work on your awful personality.

When I say he's the best manager in years, why do I need to put in brackets (in my opinion) - it's a forum. It's obvious.

[boatshed bill]

The only way to say he's the best manager we've had in years is if we stay in the Prem for a few seasons in a row.

Depends how you look at it.

Jimmy Mullen, in his own way, was the best manager we'd had for years and that started in Div 4

[jen1066]

Depends how you look at it.

Jimmy Mullen, in his own way, was the best manager we'd had for years and that started in Div 4

It was only my opinion. But isn't that a given, as it's a message board? That's what I'm not getting. Do we have to keep putting "In my opinion" after everything?

[warksclaret]

An absolutely brilliant start by this guy. We parted with 13 experienced players and for what we paid Leeds about 5 years ago for Chris Wood he has brought together a squad of 14 new players, of huge potential that has lost one game only all season. Him and the coaches have got them playing as a team
A number of Championship managers and away supporters have said we are the best team they have played against this season
He has had a major influence on players signing for us. I am sure THB, Tella, Maatsen had a number of clubs including some PL clubs wanting them, but they signed for us
Has used the loans market very intelligently
He has a real connection with the players-it stands out after games
He has the balls to drop players and make substitutions after 45 minutes rather than towards the end of the game as we often saw last season
We have a playing pattern, and some of the possession is a joy to watch
You can actually see on the pitch, what the coaches are doing in training
We all know where we need to improve, but someone who has achieved the above and more, will have the brains and know how to eradicate where we are going wrong

[boatshed bill]

It was only my opinion. But isn't that a given, as it's a message board? That's what I'm not getting. Do we have to keep putting "In my opinion" after everything?

Uh? i didn't.
I offered an alternative way of gauging success.
Basically what a manager does with the hand he's dealt.

[jen1066]

Uh? i didn't.
I offered an alternative way of gauging success.
Basically what a manager does with the hand he's dealt.

I was on about the other chap. Hence why I quoted somebody else.
But let's move on. I really rate him and think for what he's done in such a short space of time, it's incredible.

[Winstonswhite]

Incredible is a bit OTT don’t you think? He’s won 5 games.

[Hapag Lloyd]

Before you come on to a message board, realise that people have a different opinion to you. Some people will not agree with what you say. Now, if you disagree with me? Not a problem. It's how forums work. Some people agree, some people don't. But you seriously need to work on your awful personality.

When I say he's the best manager in years, why do I need to put in brackets (in my opinion) - it's a forum. It's obvious.

You maybe need to follow your own advice.

[ksrclaret]

Just seen this thread and was looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts on it, but sadly Newcastleclaret is up to old tricks again and has ruined much of the first and second page.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of VK so far and all that he's about. The team is playing well, it's getting results, the atmosphere around the club is much better despite a relegation, and I'm really enjoying my football. Is it perfect? No. Are there things to improve on. Absolutely. But there is a lot to be impressed by.

[jen1066]

You maybe need to follow your own advice.

That doesn't make any sense whatsoever. I think I've been pretty decent in saying how much I love how our team is playing.

[AlargeClaret]

VK has looked and sounded pretty impressive this far . The signings have been decent and were VK’s personal choices which is v good . The 3 loans are all prem class too . This style of football can be frustrating played by “lower level” players and it all but kills the atmosphere, though we’re flying high . I genuinely think he’ll get us promoted once things really click .

[Spijed]

VK has looked and sounded pretty impressive this far . The signings have been decent and were VK’s personal choices which is v good . The 3 loans are all prem class too . This style of football can be frustrating played by “lower level” players and it all but kills the atmosphere, though we’re flying high . I genuinely think he’ll get us promoted once things really click .

A few comments regarding Tella from the Southampton forum:
https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/59620-nathan-tella/

[NoFixedAbode_Claret]

Personally, it is quite a simple assessment, promotion must be our target this season and VK needs to achieve that. We are where we need to be at this stage, and could have been even better

He has done well but opposition this season are a gulf apart from last year so it’s been a bit frustrating, am sure for VK too. Need to start creating more chances and turn possession into 3 points and stop drawing games we really should be winning. Last week was good step in that respect. We also haven’t had a repeat of the Blackpool implosion, that was the most worrying part

[AlargeClaret]

A few comments regarding Tella from the Southampton forum:
https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/topic/59620-nathan-tella/

Interesting though they don’t seem to think he can cut it . If we go up , signing the likes of Tella/Bellis /Maatsen could be pivotal to survival and continuity .

[Newcastleclaret93]

What a great position we're in.

We have the best manager in years. Why can't we just enjoy the football and stop complaining?

If I had said something this radical I would have been slated

For the record it’s complete nonsense

[Elizabeth]

Kompany is doing great

[jen1066]

If I had said something this radical I would have been slated

For the record it’s complete nonsense

So instead what you've done is say something false to spark replies - guess it's working, as I'm replying ha.

Do I think I know more about football than you? Yes.
Did I feel sorry for you and think people were picking on you and thought it was unfair? Yes.
You're the third one.

I think you come out with some decent points, so for you to be out and think Kompany is an awful manager - which I disagree with, takes something.

I disagree with you. Will you accept that?

[taio]

Kompany has done an excellent job so far but saying at this juncture thay he's our best manager in years is premature to say the least.

[Bosscat]

If I had said something this radical I would have been slated

For the record it’s complete nonsense

I totally agree with you Newcastle ... for the record ... most of what you have said is complete nonsense

[Bosscat]

Kompany has done an excellent job so far but saying at this juncture thay he's our best manager in years is premature to say the least.

Well ejaculated

[jen1066]

Kompany has done an excellent job so far but saying at this juncture thay he's our best manager in years is premature to say the least.

I think I'm just trying to be positive. Premature - maybe. I'm enjoying the moment I guess.I love the way we're playing.

[taio]

I think I'm just trying to be positive. Premature - maybe. I'm enjoying the moment I guess.I love the way we're playing.

Nothing wrong with being positive and Kompany has started better than many expected. It's certainly translated onto the terraces both home and away. Need to keep expectations in check a little though and not undermine recent achievements in the process.

[Newcastleclaret93]

So instead what you've done is say something false to spark replies - guess it's working, as I'm replying ha.

Do I think I know more about football than you? Yes.
Did I feel sorry for you and think people were picking on you and thought it was unfair? Yes.
You're the third one.

I think you come out with some decent points, so for you to be out and think Kompany is an awful manager - which I disagree with, takes something.

I disagree with you. Will you accept that?

I don’t think he’s awful. I think he’s achieving probably what he should be given the quality of the team.

I fundamentally disagree that he’s our best manager of recent years and I also don’t think he will ever be an elite manager.

However, like everything it’s just opinions

[jen1066]

I don’t think he’s awful. I think he’s achieving probably what he should be given the quality of the team.

I fundamentally disagree that he’s our best manager of recent years and I also don’t think he will ever be an elite manager.

However, like everything it’s just opinions

But again. That makes no sense.

"he’s achieving probably what he should be given the quality of the team."

You mean the team he's worked on at buying?

You are suggesting that he's been given a team. That's not correct though is it?

Come on - he wasn't given anything. In fact, he was given bugger all. He's made the team we now have. How about you give the guy some credit? He's turned us into the best passing side in the Championship.

[houseboy]

The one thing I'm worried about is, if we have built a model on buying young and cheap, improving them and making a big profit?
We are playing a system that doesn't make any players stand out that much. We don't seem to have players in team of the weeks or social media best championship X1s?

Good. I don’t want our players to stand out, I want to keep them if they are playing well. I don’t subscribe to this idea of thinking about how much we can sell them for two minutes after we’ve signed them. They are footballers not commodities. I’ve seen posts on here discussing how much we can sell a player for virtually the same day we signed them. Don’t we sign them to play for the club? Too many fans are concerned with how much money the club can make rather than enjoying what’s happening on the pitch.

[Quickenthetempo]

Good. I don’t want our players to stand out, I want to keep them if they are playing well. I don’t subscribe to this idea of thinking about how much we can sell them for two minutes after we’ve signed them. They are footballers not commodities. I’ve seen posts on here discussing how much we can sell a player for virtually the same day we signed them. Don’t we sign them to play for the club? Too many fans are concerned with how much money the club can make rather than enjoying what’s happening on the pitch.

The club have said this will be their approach.

How else do you expect our club to fund paying back Pace's debt?

[boyyanno]

Before you come on to a message board, realise that people have a different opinion to you. Some people will not agree with what you say. Now, if you disagree with me? Not a problem. It's how forums work. Some people agree, some people don't. But you seriously need to work on your awful personality.

When I say he's the best manager in years, why do I need to put in brackets (in my opinion) - it's a forum. It's obvious.

I think it's you that doesn't understand- I know it's your opinion- I just also know it's absolute bobbins. "Best manager in years" after 12 games when we've just had a sustained run in the top flight, qualified for Europe and achieved it all with reasonably little spend. I'm all for sharing opinions but don't cry when you're called out for a bad one.

[CrosspoolClarets]

A really good start though very early days. Articulate, calm and analytical. All traits I like.

We have been poor in a few games, but impressively have lost none of them. That shows a good mentality. The one game we lost of course we were superb.

I struggle to see a plan B at times. We are wide open on transition as Anderlecht were. But that is his judgement as to what works. I think we have better players than Anderlecht, particularly Cork, Maatsen and Muric. So in this tactical framework I think its important to keep the ball with better players which bodes well.

A lot is said about not playing good teams yet, but when we played Watford away I was astonished about how we dominated. So I’m not fearing the upcoming games.

The other good thing about young players - if we do go up, they won’t be earning huge sums, and that should enable good inroads to be made in the debt. If VK can get us back up and sort out much of that financial hole, it would be an amazing achievement. We’ll see but a very good start.

[superdimitri]

What type would you prefer? It's the best type of football you can ask for, we just need a few tweaks.

In the premier league we will go from having most of the possession in 90% of games to 10%.

[NewClaret]

My thoughts on Kompany, in a nutshell - massively impressed and has exceeded all my expectations.

So many positives it’s hard to name them all, but I’ll try:

- Press. He just deals with them so we’ll, comfortable, relaxed, honest and open. You can’t help warm to him & feel closer to the club as a result.

- Attitude. His attitude towards the fans and putting them at the heart of what he’s trying to do is a real credit (and something quite unique) to his leadership.

- Transfers. The squad he’s pulled together has just been remarkable in the timeframe and with the money he has. Clearly that’s a lot to do with him, his knowledge of foreign markets and his “pull”. Also used the loan market incredibly well.

- Style. I do think some of our play pretty but ineffective and aided by teams sitting off us (when they attack & press we look less able to play it). But overall, it’s massively better to watch us with the ball, playing good passing football, than the style over recent years. How he’s got us playing it so quickly is unbelievable.

- Team selection. So good to see some subtle team selections changes each game to keep us & the opposition guessing. And the players on their toes.

- Game management/subs. I don’t agree with every sub, particularly when we’re bringing more senior players on who in my opinion don’t offer as much any more, but in general they have been spot on. Nice and early when needed and I was v happy with the Beyer sub on Saturday.

- Improvements. I am seeing some subtle improvements, which is pleasing. A couple of balls in over the top to Tella on Saturday, a few long shots, keeper playing it long more regularly, etc. In my view this mixes it up and makes us less predictable.

So absolutely delighted overall.

The key now is that we need to up our win %, and keep it up throughout the rest of the season. Tbh, I’ve not seen enough from us to feel we will do that, which is a bit strange given VK’s comments “everything’s about scoring goals”.

Specifically I want to see us move the ball a lot faster on transition, more directly and quicker to our forward players. And to take more risks in possession and try to get “in behind” more regularly to create more chances. That might mean a one touch pass in to space for Tella on turnover, or Benson taking on his man more regularly instead of passing backwards. Or just speeding up build ups more regularly and committing more men to the box. Do that & I’ll be happy whatever the scoreline or table at the end of the season.

[houseboy]

The club have said this will be their approach.

How else do you expect our club to fund paying back Pace's debt?

I don’t Agee with it bud. I really don’t. I respect what you are saying but alas football has moved away from what it should be to a money obsessed game. I wish at times I could turn my back on it but I can’t and that’s the problem I have. Call it a love hate relationship if you like. I love the game and the club but I despise what it has become and I think many others think the same. Wouldn’t it be better to buy a good young player and have him serve the club well for ten years rather than flog him to the highest bidder after 2 years? The way it’s heading football as we knew it will be dead within ten years, if it’s not already.

[ClaretPete001]

I don’t Agee with it bud. I really don’t. I respect what you are saying but alas football has moved away from what it should be to a money obsessed game. I wish at times I could turn my back on it but I can’t and that’s the problem I have. Call it a love hate relationship if you like. I love the game and the club but I despise what it has become and I think many others think the same. Wouldn’t it be better to buy a good young player and have him serve the club well for ten years rather than flog him to the highest bidder after 2 years? The way it’s heading football as we knew it will be dead within ten years, if it’s not already.

Just to come back on some points from Crosspool, New Claret and above. Some good points but I would caveat some of them.

I agree with houseboy's sentiment above to an extent, but it would be wrong to suggest that ALKs purchase of the club is symptomatic of a wider malaise in the game. Leveraged buyouts of clubs our size are rare - I think it should be treated as a "thing in itself".

The PL is the best league in the world because it is so open but I think we are heading towards a tipping point, which could change our game irrevocably. The oligarch/Arab state - benevolent investor/brand washer is being replaced by American owners who will not like the competition or risk involved in the English pyramid.

In terms of one of Crosspool's points, the younger players deemed good enough by VK are largely on loan and would therefore have PL contracts.

And to NewClaret, I agree the style of football and progress made by VK is very good, however, at this point you cannot say that it leads anywhere because of the structure and finance of the club / the number of loans on the books. Normally, we would be all happy to accept the project on a longer term basis but it's not possible in this situation.

Obviously, I don't want to turn this into a financial thread, however, any analysis of the VK project has to touch upon the elephant in the room. Even if just to acknowledge that at this point it's not clear where we are financially or what the squad would be like next year.

I think it is only fair to VK to point out that his is a complicated situation.

[fatboy47]

Done wonders on the pitch, which is what matters.

Don't get the obsession with how he "" comes across in interviews ""

He could sit there scratching his backside and hawking up plegm like Bob Flowerdew for all I care.

[RVclaret]

Done wonders on the pitch, which is what matters.

Don't get the obsession with how he "" comes across in interviews ""

He could sit there scratching his backside and hawking up plegm like Bob Flowerdew for all I care.

I think he’s played a big role in keeping the ‘collective’ feel about the club and has quickly built a bond with fans. It’s important to have the club moving ‘as one’ as we’ve seen under SD.

Interestingly I was reading comments from Villa fans about Gerrard and they can’t stand him. He’s never made any attempt to create a relationship with them and they think he’s an arrogant p****.

[martin_p]

It was only my opinion. But isn't that a given, as it's a message board? That's what I'm not getting. Do we have to keep putting "In my opinion" after everything?

You don’t, but I think providing some explanation as to why may be beneficial, certainly when our previous manager had us in the Premier League for seven seasons and the new manager has only had 13 games.

[NewClaret]

And to NewClaret, I agree the style of football and progress made by VK is very good, however, at this point you cannot say that it leads anywhere because of the structure and finance of the club / the number of loans on the books. Normally, we would be all happy to accept the project on a longer term basis but it's not possible in this situation.

Obviously, I don't want to turn this into a financial thread, however, any analysis of the VK project has to touch upon the elephant in the room. Even if just to acknowledge that at this point it's not clear where we are financially or what the squad would be like next year.

I think it is only fair to VK to point out that his is a complicated situation.

ClaretPete - interesting point. I too don’t want to stray this thread off topic by debating finances.

What I would say is that VK took this club on knowing the financial parameters. He has also commented many times about the importance of not putting the club at risk, which endears me to him even more.

Yes, loans aren’t an ideal scenario but demonstrates to me that he’s taking a sensible, thoughtful approach but bringing some creative solutions to the table. Which, again, I like.

I don’t sense any big risks have been taken this summer (CB said we pulled out of deals that would’ve done so) but obviously there’s a certain urgency. That’s why I’d like to see those slight tweaks to playing style.

Atm, I sense we’re trying to play like Man City - patient and probing, expectant that chances will arrive - without their crazy levels of ability to unlock stubborn defences. Given the situation you outline, I’d just like to see us be that tad more urgent, stop using three passes where one will do, and take more risks to get in behind. That’s the only thing stopping VKs start being a 10/10 from me.

[fidelcastro]

You don’t, but I think providing some explanation as to why may be beneficial, certainly when our previous manager had us in the Premier League for seven seasons and the new manager has only had 13 games.

You seem surprised that the several times banned Fictional Frank Muchacho is posting rubbish.

How he's still permitted to post on here is the real mystery.

[ClaretPete001]

ClaretPete - interesting point. I too don’t want to stray this thread off topic by debating finances.

What I would say is that VK took this club on knowing the financial parameters. He has also commented many times about the importance of not putting the club at risk, which endears me to him even more.

Yes, loans aren’t an ideal scenario but demonstrates to me that he’s taking a sensible, thoughtful approach but bringing some creative solutions to the table. Which, again, I like.

I don’t sense any big risks have been taken this summer (CB said we pulled out of deals that would’ve done so) but obviously there’s a certain urgency. That’s why I’d like to see those slight tweaks to playing style.

Atm, I sense we’re trying to play like Man City - patient and probing, expectant that chances will arrive - without their crazy levels of ability to unlock stubborn defences. Given the situation you outline, I’d just like to see us be that tad more urgent, stop using three passes where one will do, and take more risks to get in behind. That’s the only thing stopping VKs start being a 10/10 from me.

I agree I want to stay within the constraints of the thread.

I think I would differentiate between VKs influence on the transfer policy, which has been good. The Belgian players and the City loanees would probably be down to him and have all been good.

And the constraints of the overall approach with budgets etc. The reality is that budgets have also been constrained by the takeover, which has nothing to do with VK but I think should be mentioned because it maintains a context should VK hit rocky periods, which he no doubt he will.

In terms of the football, I think you make an excellent point about the speed of transition. It seemed to be there earlier in the season but no longer; particularly, against Huddersfield albeit they were terrible.

It's the reason why I would like to see Bastien back because I think he contributed towards the early season speed of transition. I can understand why he was dropped prior to Tella's arrival but Tella is clearly capable of playing that forward role.

So, I also agree I detect a hint of caution. Roberts is another example he needed to move much quicker on him to protect Roberts from himself as much as anything else.

In relative terms, those are solutions but the speed of transition does seem to be THE problem. And the evidence is 1 goal in all but 1 game in the last 6 despite having the lions share of possession.

[Vegas Claret]

The biggest compliment I can pay Kompany is he has put a smile back on faces and a spring in the step of the supporters. The season ticket sales were impressive and I doubt that would have been the case had we got someone like Wilder. A little too early to judge the on the pitch stuff in terms of expected success but it's been a very positive start and we are way ahead of where I thought we would be. If I was back in the UK I'd be going home and away to watch this lot play.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Just to come back on some points from Crosspool, New Claret and above. Some good points but I would caveat some of them.

I agree with houseboy's sentiment above to an extent, but it would be wrong to suggest that ALKs purchase of the club is symptomatic of a wider malaise in the game. Leveraged buyouts of clubs our size are rare - I think it should be treated as a "thing in itself".

The PL is the best league in the world because it is so open but I think we are heading towards a tipping point, which could change our game irrevocably. The oligarch/Arab state - benevolent investor/brand washer is being replaced by American owners who will not like the competition or risk involved in the English pyramid.

In terms of one of Crosspool's points, the younger players deemed good enough by VK are largely on loan and would therefore have PL contracts.

And to NewClaret, I agree the style of football and progress made by VK is very good, however, at this point you cannot say that it leads anywhere because of the structure and finance of the club / the number of loans on the books. Normally, we would be all happy to accept the project on a longer term basis but it's not possible in this situation.

Obviously, I don't want to turn this into a financial thread, however, any analysis of the VK project has to touch upon the elephant in the room. Even if just to acknowledge that at this point it's not clear where we are financially or what the squad would be like next year.

I think it is only fair to VK to point out that his is a complicated situation.

I’ll also stay within the thread which is thoughts on Kompany, but in praising him for developing a young squad I think its right to point out that could be financially beneficial if we go up as those young players, while paid more, will still not be at the Tarky / Wood kind of salary levels I’d suggest. As an example, the players we have on loan like THB I don’t think will be paid that much by their parent clubs, sites like Capology have them at under £10k per week.

So hats off to Kompany that’s the point I’m making because other managers we could name would have gone for expensive journeymen.

The other unrelated point I forgot to post above was that our methodical passing style is very different to other passing clubs who stroll around the back four sideways. We’re more akin to an army, where we are gradually forcing back the other team, slowly but steadily advancing to get a foothold in their half. I think that is brilliant but we just need to develop that ‘BANG’ when a space appears and we exploit it with speed and skill. A bit like City if you will.

So again, hats off to Kompany, very good so far.

I may be talking nonsense here but lets compare on Saturday when Swansea come.

[ClaretPete001]

I’ll also stay within the thread which is thoughts on Kompany, but in praising him for developing a young squad I think its right to point out that could be financially beneficial if we go up as those young players, while paid more, will still not be at the Tarky / Wood kind of salary levels I’d suggest. As an example, the players we have on loan like THB I don’t think will be paid that much by their parent clubs, sites like Capology have them at under £10k per week.

So hats off to Kompany that’s the point I’m making because other managers we could name would have gone for expensive journeymen.

The other unrelated point I forgot to post above was that our methodical passing style is very different to other passing clubs who stroll around the back four sideways. We’re more akin to an army, where we are gradually forcing back the other team, slowly but steadily advancing to get a foothold in their half. I think that is brilliant but we just need to develop that ‘BANG’ when a space appears and we exploit it with speed and skill. A bit like City if you will.

So again, hats off to Kompany, very good so far.

I may be talking nonsense here but lets compare on Saturday when Swansea come.

You'll have to clarify the point because I'm not getting it.

Those young players, or at least the best 4 of them, will unlikely be here next year and if they are - they will be on PL contracts having increased their value having been promoted with us.

Unless I'm missing something, which is entirely possible, the reality is exactly the opposite of the point you are making...!

[Hipper]

As pointed out by someone, this is ALK's project and VK is the person assigned by ALK to manage it.

ALK's purpose is of course about making money - they're investors and that's what they want to do.

The method we hope that they see as making money is success on the pitch, in particular, regaining Premier League status. Failing that, another method is to develop players to sell on.

The loanees are there to support our owned players as they are probably too good for us to afford to buy. If the loanees succeed in helping us to the Premier League and its millions they will have done their job. If they fail they will have been a waste of money.

If we do get into The Premier League, I cannot see us spending like Forest so I expect we will be immediately relegated. That's OK as we get one season of a lot of money and then still parachute payments. Bring in some more careful loanees and repeat.

If we do not get promoted ALK must hope that some of the new players - which ones will be fun to guess at this stage - can be sold to cover loan repayments and further new players.

How long VK will stick around to play this game is anybody's guess. If he leaves, can we find another forward thinking manager.

One day, with loans paid off, perhaps more can be spent on players to keep us up - or will that free money be used to reward investors?

That's my vision.

[Colburn_Claret]

You'll have to clarify the point because I'm not getting it.

Those young players, or at least the best 4 of them, will unlikely be here next year and if they are - they will be on PL contracts having increased their value having been promoted with us.

Unless I'm missing something, which is entirely possible, the reality is exactly the opposite of the point you are making...!

That depends which division we are in next season.
Going off the Saints link above, S'oton fans aren't overly impressed with Tella, despite his contribution to us this season.
Maatsen, although I like him a lot, is realistically not that good that he will earn a spot in Chelsea's starting XI. Devisoglu is an unknown property, as we haven't seen his capabilities yet.
The only one who will have a chance at their parent club is THB. The thing with City is their budget is overflowing, so they don't have to rely on producing their own. They can easily go out and buy the best CBs in the world, so even THB isn't a given.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of ifs, buts, and maybes. Yet it isn't unrealistic that promotion might see some of these players stay, especially if they've found a home, with a boss they like playing for.


The other thing that nobody seems to have mentioned is VKs feelings for Burnley. I'm sure we were/are a job for him, but I listened to Bellamy's interview a couple of days ago, at it is obvious that the homeliness of the club, the friendliness of the staff and fans, at all levels, is a major pulling factor for working in East Lancs. We are so different from many, many other clubs around the country, and it's that difference that could make the difference.

[Hipper]

That depends which division we are in next season.
Going off the Saints link above, S'oton fans aren't overly impressed with Tella, despite his contribution to us this season.
Maatsen, although I like him a lot, is realistically not that good that he will earn a spot in Chelsea's starting XI. Devisoglu is an unknown property, as we haven't seen his capabilities yet.
The only one who will have a chance at their parent club is THB. The thing with City is their budget is overflowing, so they don't have to rely on producing their own. They can easily go out and buy the best CBs in the world, so even THB isn't a given.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of ifs, buts, and maybes. Yet it isn't unrealistic that promotion might see some of these players stay, especially if they've found a home, with a boss they like playing for.


The other thing that nobody seems to have mentioned is VKs feelings for Burnley. I'm sure we were/are a job for him, but I listened to Bellamy's interview a couple of days ago, at it is obvious that the homeliness of the club, the friendliness of the staff and fans, at all levels, is a major pulling factor for working in East Lancs. We are so different from many, many other clubs around the country, and it's that difference that could make the difference.

Referring to your last paragraph, and being a bit of a cynic, what you say maybe true but I'm more inclined to think it's just noise for us fans to feel good about things - get us on their side. I doubt for example that Bellamy would tell us this is just another club and he's here for the money.

And if they weren't doing well we would be having a go at them.

An obvious example is Wout Weghorst. He was simply being honest. Now we all hate him.

[ClaretPete001]

That depends which division we are in next season.
Going off the Saints link above, S'oton fans aren't overly impressed with Tella, despite his contribution to us this season.
Maatsen, although I like him a lot, is realistically not that good that he will earn a spot in Chelsea's starting XI. Devisoglu is an unknown property, as we haven't seen his capabilities yet.
The only one who will have a chance at their parent club is THB. The thing with City is their budget is overflowing, so they don't have to rely on producing their own. They can easily go out and buy the best CBs in the world, so even THB isn't a given.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of ifs, buts, and maybes. Yet it isn't unrealistic that promotion might see some of these players stay, especially if they've found a home, with a boss they like playing for.


The other thing that nobody seems to have mentioned is VKs feelings for Burnley. I'm sure we were/are a job for him, but I listened to Bellamy's interview a couple of days ago, at it is obvious that the homeliness of the club, the friendliness of the staff and fans, at all levels, is a major pulling factor for working in East Lancs. We are so different from many, many other clubs around the country, and it's that difference that could make the difference.

Indeed I was addressing a specific point, which has been somewhat lost, but anyway they may stay - the point is they will want PL contracts and their value will be enhanced if we have a highly profile promotion campaign.

In other words, rather than us benefitting from VKs good work this year: it will cost us! We may not be experts but those 4 (including Beyer but not Devisoglu) are quality players...

[boatshed bill]

Indeed I was addressing a specific point, which has been somewhat lost, but anyway they may stay - the point is they will want PL contracts and their value will be enhanced if we have a highly profile promotion campaign.

In other words, rather than us benefitting from VKs good work this year: it will cost us! We may not be experts but those 4 (including Beyer but not Devisoglu) are quality players...

If they are instrumental in getting us promotion then they will have helped make us a large amount of money.
They may stay with us (hopefully) and enjoy improved contracts but you'd expect that.