Another massive transition required?

[equinox]

People suggesting we need 1x new keeper: to start or as a number 2?

[SalisburyClaret]

People suggesting we need 1x new keeper: to start or as a number 2?

Definitely to start

[jojomk1]

Players who have proven they are good enough or definitely look good enough for the Premier League -
Cork
Taylor
Barnes
Beyer
Brownhill
Roberts
Rodriguez
Gudmundsson

With a fit squad, Cork JBG and Taylor don't get into the starting eleven - would even question Barnes if Jay fit
Barnes has scored 4 goals in 31 appearances when we are walking away with the league

Three of them over 30 so not sure any of them would be starters next season ?

[Silkyskills1]

Cork has had a good season but has slipped out of the starting 11 recently. Why would he suddenly become.good enough for the Premier league? Same applies to Taylor. Neither Barnes nor Jay could compete effectively at a higher level nor could Gudmundsson. Reality has to bite.

[equinox]

Definitely to start

Interesting, is Muric not ready or will he never be good enough?

I think he'll be fine, btw.

[Lancasterclaret]

You'd imagine there would be limited funds, and you'd think that the loanees plus a CM and a striker would be bigger priorities

[ksrclaret]

Can we try and keep this thread on topic and not take it down the road of you can only post if you've spent ages trawling through the club's accounts to back up your suggestions for the squad. There's a whole thread dedicated to that type of investigative posting.

This thread is about commenting on whether our squad will need a big transition again. In my opinion it won't - we will add players of course, but I think the nucleus of this season's team will be present again next season. This summer we really did rip everything up and start again.

[equinox]

Can we try and keep this thread on topic and not take it down the road of you can only post if you've spent ages trawling through the club's accounts to back up your suggestions for the squad. There's a whole thread dedicated to that type of investigative posting.

This thread is about commenting on whether our squad will need a big transition again. In my opinion it won't - we will add players of course, but I think the nucleus of this season's team will be present again next season. This summer we really did rip everything up and start again.

It's all relative, is it not?

[SalisburyClaret]

With a fit squad, Cork JBG and Taylor don't get into the starting eleven - would even question Barnes if Jay fit
Barnes has scored 4 goals in 31 appearances when we are walking away with the league

Three of them over 30 so not sure any of them would be starters next season ?

I’d agree. Just we ‘re going to need the odd bit of experience and these guys have shown they can do it at the top level as opposed to those who have struggled a little in the championship

[Chester Perry]

Can we try and keep this thread on topic and not take it down the road of you can only post if you've spent ages trawling through the club's accounts to back up your suggestions for the squad. There's a whole thread dedicated to that type of investigative posting.

This thread is about commenting on whether our squad will need a big transition again. In my opinion it won't - we will add players of course, but I think the nucleus of this season's team will be present again next season. This summer we really did rip everything up and start again.

If you are making statements about budget sizes and freely available funds it needs to be backed up - all well and good talking about what would be ideal - and the actuality of that used to be that you retained what had got you there and continue to develop them, particularly if they were young as ours mainly are, possibly make 2 or 3 additions and further develop via the youth teams. - The obsession with constantly buying new is what has contributed in a large part to the necessity of discussing finances

It's all relative, is it not?

indeed it is, unless we are talking about fantasy football

[ksrclaret]

If you are making statements about budget sizes and freely available funds it needs to be backed up - all well and good talking about what would be ideal - and the actuality of that used to be that you retained what had got you there and continue to develop them, particularly if they were young as ours mainly are, possibly make 2 or 3 additions and further develop via the youth teams. - The obsession with constantly buying new is what has contributed in a large part to the necessity of discussing finances



indeed it is, unless we are talking about fantasy football

Who would you like to see us recruit over the summer, Chester?

[SalisburyClaret]

Interesting, is Muric not ready or will he never be good enough?

I think he'll be fine, btw.

I’d love him to be good enough because as far as playing out from the back, he’s outstanding. Ignoring that part of his game, he doesn’t look good enough to withstand the level of pressure we’re going to be facing - so far

[Commy]

He will definitely go for a left winger. He mentioned in an interview that he was short of someone pushing Zaroury.

[Vegas Claret]

I feel (and hope) Kompany will attract players in the summer better than any we've had for a very long time, he's not come here to fail.

[Pickles]

He will definitely go for a left winger. He mentioned in an interview that he was short of someone pushing Zaroury.

This has been more and more evident in recent months.

Winger, centre midfield and striker are the priorities in my opinion.

[ksrclaret]

He will definitely go for a left winger. He mentioned in an interview that he was short of someone pushing Zaroury.

It's been notable that Zaroury, more often than not, remains on the pitch for longer than the other wingers even if he's not having a great game. I'm surprised Kompany said that though given it could read as a bit of a slight on Churlinov who I think is also classed as a left winger.

[SalouClaret]

Ward prowse is the obvious one and would be an excellent replacement for cork. Granted his a bit ‘slighter’.

Would he come here? Unsure. I’m sure we were after him or even close under Dyche.

Of the other clubs down there. Hard to say who would be realistic. But there are some good individuals in poor squads.

Not a chance JWP signs for us.

[RVclaret]

This has been more and more evident in recent months.

Winger, centre midfield and striker are the priorities in my opinion.

Completely agree.

Mike Tresor (12m), Sambi Lokonga (loan from Arsenal) and Joel Piroe (7m from Swansea) would do nicely.

Worth mentioning that we will be without Zaroury for AFCON in January - February, like we were without Cornet last season.

[giveusaB]

Also without Foster during AFCON.

[TravisBickle]

It’s the ( as good as) totally losing the old guard and their influence and guile which has served us well at champ level . They’re pretty much past it now as starters even in the champ . Though I love these guys Barnes/Cork/JBG/Jay etc they all need replacing . That said I think we’ve a v good chance of keeping /signing 3 of our loans . Add a leader and a good mid/cf we’ll be ok . Also clear out our “ not quite made the graders” Though I like Ekdal he’s miles too slow for prem .

He’s easily as quick as Ben Mee who didn’t do bad and still continues to do well.

Perhaps he just looks slower given how much quicker our whole team is now.

[tiger76]

Cork has had a good season but has slipped out of the starting 11 recently. Why would he suddenly become.good enough for the Premier league? Same applies to Taylor. Neither Barnes nor Jay could compete effectively at a higher level nor could Gudmundsson. Reality has to bite.

Barnes, Cork, Jay, JBG & Taylor will all be amongst our higher earners, and much as they've all been wonderful servants of the club none of them are exactly in the prime of their careers now.

I can certainly see Barnes being released, great as he has been since the Rovers game he's still not the Ash of 3/4 years ago, and in the PL I fear he'll be found wanting now.

Cork still has a year to run I think, and I'd probably retain him for his experience, although I suspect he'll be a bit part player next term.

Jay also has a year left, however after a promising start to the season he's been absent through injury for a good few months, I'm not sure we can afford to rely on his fitness, so if we can I'd consider moving him on just to free up wages.

JBG has probably been the surprise of the season, and he thoroughly deserves his extension, again he might be a bit part player at Prem level, but he still does possess quality to create.

Taylor is a strange one, Mattsen is seemingly 1st choice left-back, and given the other options at centre half currently I don't see where he fits into the starting XI, and surely he'll want to be playing regular. 1st footy.

So of the 5 veterans keep Cork & JBG.

Release/sell Barnes, Jay & Taylor.

[Pickles]

Completely agree.

Mike Tresor (12m), Sambi Lokonga (loan from Arsenal) and Joel Piroe (7m from Swansea) would do nicely.

Worth mentioning that we will be without Zaroury for AFCON in January - February, like we were without Cornet last season.

Yep, that'd be a very good summer. Zaroury has been excellent for us obviously but been clear for a while we've needed someone to challenge and rotate for that position.

[Chester Perry]

Who would you like to see us recruit over the summer, Chester?

I would like to see the manager supported in priority his targets/retentions within the material constraints of the clubs regulatory constraints, budgets and financial means over the cycle of contract lives. The only reason I say manager rather than club is that the club appear to have largely passed over the responsibilities for transfers and squad development to him irrespective of the talked about transfer committee. They appear to be one and the same but distinction is to whom exercises the control - nuances are important.

We do not appear to have a director of football type appointment at the club (though Mike Smith is board member assigned responsibility in this area I believe) which is a little strange given the regularly repeated stated importance on the development and trading of 'talent' as Alan Pace phrases it (we are actually talking about young men in the main). This assignment of responsibility to VK may have been part of the deal to bring him to the club and while currently being fruitful, increases the risks when he decides (or indeed the club decide for him) to leave.

For now that is the role VK has so be must be allowed to pursue it as he sees fit. I just hope that in the background longer term succession and strategy is being actively prepared and updated.

[Burnleyareback2]

Ward prowse is the obvious one and would be an excellent replacement for cork. Granted his a bit ‘slighter’.

Would he come here? Unsure. I’m sure we were after him or even close under Dyche.

Of the other clubs down there. Hard to say who would be realistic. But there are some good individuals in poor squads.

The England international James Ward Prowse?

[Lancasterclaret]

I think we have to bear in mind that we funded the massive transition by selling all our premier league players

I'm not sure we are going to be doing that this summer, and our priority will surely be securing the loanees on permanents or another loan, then a CM and possibly another striker

Realistically just how much is going to be left after that?

[RVclaret]

I think we have to bear in mind that we funded the massive transition by selling all our premier league players

I'm not sure we are going to be doing that this summer, and our priority will surely be securing the loanees on permanents or another loan, then a CM and possibly another striker

Realistically just how much is going to be left after that?

I made a rough estimate on the previous page:

PL revenue will be around 125-135m depending on where we finish in the league. Our current wage bill has been suggested to be under 30m. Even with promotion bonus’ and increases, it would be hard to see that going any higher than, let’s say a maximum 70m. Other costs (going off our last PL accounts) are around 13m. This leaves a fair chunk (50m approx) of PL income (before mentioning potential sales of the likes of Weghorst, Taylor, McNally possibly etc).

[equinox]

I made a rough estimate on the previous page:

'rough'? That estimate has been on three back to back stag do's.

[jojomk1]

Whilst in the main recruitment was very good last summer, some of the guys have had little game time at Championship level so we can only assume they are nowhere near ready for the Premiership even from the bench
Egan-Riley
McNally
Bastien
Churlinov
Twine
They are all on the wage bill which will have a factor on summer recruitment - and don't forget Weghorst

[equinox]

You know when the players go into training? They need other players to train with.

[123EasyasBFC]

If we do secure promotion I have 5 players in mind that we might need to move in in order to bring in new recruits. VK will again have to be looking abroad for the quality required. Let’s get over the first hurdle before we think of recruiting.

Who’s the 5?

[Hedontplayforyou]

Put the financial uncertainties aside , I do think we will spend on a few this summer in addition to making a few loans permanent . When we are clearly looking to attract more investment or have already got people/entities on board or on the horizon on promotion , the board won’t want to rest on their laurels. Whilst we have VK at the helm , who has this elitist nature about him, we will strive for better , he has already stated that he will seek to “close the gap” on those teams above him. As we are the 21st best team in the country in his words . We won’t do that without improving the playing staff.

I think it’ll be a busy summer .

[KRBFC]

Players who have proven they are good enough or definitely look good enough for the Premier League -

Cork
Taylor
Barnes
Beyer
Brownhill
Roberts
Rodriguez
Gudmundsson

Players who really don’t look good enough -

Bastien
Churlinov
McNally
Egan Riley

Everyone else is a maybe. Keeper, Central Midfield and Centre Forward look crucial

Rodriguez has 3 goals in his last 60 PL appearances, if that's good enough in your eyes then you have incredibly low standards.

[DCWat]

I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Taylor moved on, if we are able to do so. He’s put in some steady performances this season but he’s really not suited to the new style of play.

Brownhill didn’t pull up any trees at the level above so would be a concern, as would Cork (I say this regretfully because he’s been one of our better players for years).

With a question mark over Cullen at the level above (perhaps dependent upon who plays alongside him) midfield is the area that needs the most attention, in my opinion.

I’m not sure if McNally will stay with us but I’d like to keep him. He’s done well at Coventry and there looks to be a decent prospect in there.

[123EasyasBFC]

Not saying this will happen but I think kompany is ruthless enough to say to likes of barnes, jay, Taylor, cork and BPF that they are free to look for clubs to get first team football.

Cork the only one of the above I would keep around
Try and make as much as we can on BPF and Taylor.

Some players out of contract in the summer we could go for:
Kent
Oxlade-chamberlain
Denayer

Harwood bellis and Maatsen back on loan as our 2 prem loans to save on transfer fees.
Beyer and tella are going to cost upwards of 10mil each but still gives us room to play with

[AlargeClaret]

He’s easily as quick as Ben Mee who didn’t do bad and still continues to do well.

Perhaps he just looks slower given how much quicker our whole team is now.

That’s a fair point re: BM who was and is a very good technical defender, and of course great CB’s of the past were rarely known for speed . While Ekdal seems decent enough I think he’d be torn to pieces in the prem due to lack of experience allied to his lack of speed . Retaining THB would be fantastic though .

[SalisburyClaret]

Rodriguez has 3 goals in his last 60 PL appearances, if that's good enough in your eyes then you have incredibly low standards.

The point was that he has proven he was good enough to play in the Premier League. He’s done so for different teams and different managers and averages a goal or assist every 4 or 5 games. If you think these standards are low then perhaps you’re being just a little bit unrealistic.

[KRBFC]

The point was that he has proven he was good enough to play in the Premier League. He’s done so for different teams and different managers and averages a goal or assist every 4 or 5 games. If you think these standards are low then perhaps you’re being just a little bit unrealistic.

I'm not sure how Rodriguez playing well for Southampton in 2014 has any relevance to his performances today. He's not the same player, a better season to look at would be his last PL season.

[SalisburyClaret]

I'm not sure how Rodriguez playing well for Southampton in 2014 has any relevance to his performances today. He's not the same player, a better season to look at would be his last PL season.

Fair enough, I’ll take an injury hit season playing for a team that didn’t create many chances as being the most relevant way of evaluating him.

[CoolClaret]

Fair enough, I’ll take an injury hit season playing for a team that didn’t create many chances as being the most relevant way of evaluating him.

Or you could look at this season? Hardly been a world beater and injury problems again - he’s not getting any younger.

Top bloke but we can’t look through claret tinted specs just because ‘he’s one of our own’

[Boss Hogg]

The point was that he has proven he was good enough to play in the Premier League. He’s done so for different teams and different managers and averages a goal or assist every 4 or 5 games. If you think these standards are low then perhaps you’re being just a little bit unrealistic.

He’s older now and didn’t pull any trees previously. Not nearly good enough now.

[SalisburyClaret]

He’s older now and didn’t pull any trees previously. Not nearly good enough now.

Ok so you don’t think he’s a proven Premier League player - that was the point being made.

[agreenwood]

The only thing I know is that with this board and manager, it’s really hard to predict what might happen in the summer.

I don’t recall many people predicting the size of the scale of the change last summer and I don’t just mean the squad.

VK will know we’ll need to adapt our style a little. Whether he mostly trusts the players he already has to do that or is looking for a largish number of new ones to help us make the transition is anyones guess.

[jojomk1]

Ok so you don’t think he’s a proven Premier League player - that was the point being made.

He WAS a proven Premier League player - some years ago

As were Cork, Barnes, JBG and maybe Taylor

But we can't afford to carry on living in the past

They have to be replaced - memories get you nowhere

[Clive 1960]

It's going to be a long summer in recruitment if we are going to let Barnes, jay, cork, Taylor, leave and a few on loan and we have to try and buy the loan player's as well, it will be interesting few months.

[Newcastleclaret93]

The only thing I know is that with this board and manager, it’s really hard to predict what might happen in the summer.

I don’t recall many people predicting the size of the scale of the change last summer and I don’t just mean the squad.

VK will know we’ll need to adapt our style a little. Whether he mostly trusts the players he already has to do that or is looking for a largish number of new ones to help us make the transition is anyones guess.

Didn’t nearly everyone predict the summer was going to have a massive over haul? I mean we literally had 11 players out of contract and had to sell our saleable assets to balance the books.

I would be amazed if Kompany doesn’t sign 9 players this summer. Like I said on a page earlier he needs a minimum of the following:

2 x CMs
2 x wingers
1 x keeper
2 x CBs
1 x left back
1 x striker

[RVclaret]

Didn’t nearly everyone predict the summer was going to have a massive over haul? I mean we literally had 11 players out of contract and had to sell our saleable assets to balance the books.

I would be amazed if Kompany doesn’t sign 9 players this summer. Like I said on a page earlier he needs a minimum of the following:

2 x CMs
2 x wingers
1 x keeper
2 x CBs
1 x left back
1 x striker

Is that including the loanees? Agree with this if so.

I think we will sign Maatsen, Beyer and THB again, while being priced out of Tella by the Saints. Though not sure another cb will be signed as we will have 4.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Is that including the loanees? Agree with this if so.

I think we will sign Maatsen, Beyer and THB again, while being priced out of Tella by the Saints. Though not sure another cb will be signed as we will have 4.

Yes that includes any loans.

I am assuming McNally and Al Dakheel will be loaned out

[Ampth7]

I think the squad next year may look something like this!?

Keepers - Muric + new keeper + 3rd choice from reserves
Right back - Roberts, Vitinho
CB’s - Ekdal, Dakhil, Beyer, H-B
LB - Maatsen + new signing + Vitinho
CM - Cullen, Brownhill + 2 new signings
Attacking mid - JBG + new signing
LW - Zaroury + new signing
RW - Benson + Tella or new signing
FW - Barnes, Foster, Obafemi + new signing

That would mean 11 new signings including Beyer, Maatsen and THB which seems a bit of a stretch considering the cost.

Therefore, other squad players like Taylor, Cork, Bastien, Twine, Churlinov, Peacock-Farrell, Jay, CJ etc…. will either have to be sold/loaned out or used to fill gaps if our budget doesn’t stretch far enough.

Long story short, I have no idea how many or who we will sign this summer!

[Hedontplayforyou]

Looks like Newcastle are interested in Harwood-Bellis which, if true means he won’t be coming here

[CaptJohn]

Looks like Newcastle are interested in Harwood-Bellis which, if true means he won’t be coming here

BBC are reporting that Newcastle are one of several PL clubs looking at THB. If we want him it will take some serious effort on our part methinks.