Doug Sez

I think Val's budget was the 2nd/3rd worst in the Championship which has in recent years had far bigger gulfs in class than L1. I still think in L1 if you have a poor side, if you're fit and well organised you could finish mid table.
I'm not too bothered about the budget side of things as long as I see a side that genuinely looks like it gives a crap and puts in a shift - as was the case with Val's side.

 

I've wondered whether we have a few out of contract players lined up who'll be announced early next week after their contract has expired where they are now. I know there's nothing stopping us from announcing them now. Just putting 2 and 2 together and probably getting 5.

 

Seems very reasonable and likely.

 

Conor's had the dartboard and pork scratchings removed from the smoking room.
Proper training this summer.

 

Reading something today that also said from Tuesday a new affordability window for the PL opens and some teams are waiting for this to open. Whilst on face value this shouldn’t affect us it could be the catalyst for chains to start to happen as well.

 

I think you should be Mladen’s number cruncher…5 full backs equals one striker or summat like.

 

I don’t know about astute. Clarke was furious about the fitness levels last season & wanted his own man in. Hourihane would’ve seen all that

 

Competitive...They didn't say who with though
That's their get out clause .lol

 

https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/32494/koroma-not-yet-a-red-as-connell-bids-not-accepted

He definitely knows more about Koroma than he can say.

If we loan Lopata out again it will just go to show like with Cotter that we are struggling to get off the books permanently our out of favour players.

 

Why does it matter if they go out on loan or not? As long as it gets wages off the books. If they have more than a year left, if they do really well, we might get a half decent fee. Weird thing to comment on bud

 

Cotter is out of contract end of this season. He's gone for good and yet there is no way Notts County will be paying his whole wage.

Lopata would still have another year left after a season long loan. We will be still paying some of his wage to play for a division rival.

 

"Barnsley are hoping to bring in wingers with Conor Hourihane switching to a formation which uses them, while Cleary is the only natural wide forward in the current squad."

Reminds me of that company who won the contract to supply KFC with chickens. Turned out they didn't have any chickens.

 

Lopata won't be on much I suspect, hence the four year deal sweetener. Plus he came from non-league don't forget..

 

They’re both on peanuts, relatively speaking. I’d imagine the borrowers will be paying the lot, or vast majority.

And if Cotter does well, who’s to say Notts don’t pay a nominal fee in January, to ensure nobody else steps in?

I was surprised we allowed Barry out. Versatile. Great attitude. Irish. But then, perhaps he desired the move?

Anyway, let’s have a great Friday. If we don’t melt.

 

Can't you sign a pre agreement from January if your contract expires that summer? If he does well, Cotter will be in the box seat. He let's his contact run down, he gets a signing on fee and we'll not see anything, other than fully getting his wage off the books.

 

We paid £30,000 for him by all accounts, might have been lower even. It was a small fee for sure. But you’re right, I think he could sign a pre-contract. Not something that occurs much these days though. And even then, doesn’t stop others offering him one. So they could throw us a few quid to perm him in Jan. All guesswork though!

I do appreciate it looks a little strange loaning someone out for a season, with 12 months left on their deal. Maybe a question for Mladen and co, the next time they publicly speak or attend one of those fan meetings where minutes are released six months down the line.

 

I'm a bit surprised like you are that we've essentially released him given he has versatility, a bit of pace and trickery and could be an option given we're trying to convert the system to wingers. He's not the best and is pretty erratic, he has his moments. We're only going to have to pay more wages to replace him and possibly a signing on bonus if its a free rather than loan, plus what ever balance of his wages. It's only nominal amounts granted, but if we repeat this multiple times, which I suspect we will, it all adds up to a more significant number.

 

Disappointed Lofthouse isn't in the plans. A real player there.

 

It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if we end up starting the season without a recognised right back. Or 7. Either or.

 

Nat Lofthouse would do a better job