Chronicle Transfer Update

https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/23238/reds-players-not-in-control-of-moves-warns-boss-duff

Seems like we have explored the possibility of signing Alfie May but the asking price seems too high.

 

It sounds like they are still weighing things up. It will be dependent on outgoings too no doubt.

 

I hope not. It might just be me, but it seems baffling to break the bank for a player who's highly unlikely to improve in the future. Particularly one who's spent his entire career in the lower leagues, and has had one prolific goalscoring season.

If anything, his season last year is more of an indicator of the sort of coach Duff is, and what sort of work he'd be able to do with a 20-24 year old striker on the brink of making the step up to championship level.

 

I agree, he isn't worth the outlay it would take. Better options around that would be the same price or less.

 

It's been a crap week without a signing. Was hoping we'd sign Stretton and that Kiki Dee. It's breaking my heart this.

 

How do we know we'd be breaking the bank? The figure, or ballpark figure isn't mentioned. Also, 23 goals in 46 games in the league we are competing in this year sounds like the perfect signing. The only thing is his age, but we can't be sure he couldn't repeat his goalscoring feat of last season, especially under the same manager and with arguably a better squad around him. If they are asking for silly money however, then I'd be inclined to give him a pass.

 

Because as you have said he scored 23 goals in a team that finished in their highest ever league position and has 2 or 3 years left on his deal there they will undoubtedly value you him very highly. They are not going to let him go for 100/200k are they?

EDIT: Jon Palmer the local Journo down there says they want 500k minimum. Not worth that investment considering that is what many have said we got for Cauley

his record over the last 46 games does sound amazing too and ideal. But to caveat that and play devils advocate, his record in the EFL before that season with both Donny and Cheltenham is 25 goals in 148 games which to be honest is awful. He scored basically the same number of goals last season as he has managed in his other 6 EFL seasons combined. Signing him is a huge huge risk and they would 100% want a decent fee given how important they will feel he is to them. Not to mention we just stole a super successful manager from them so they won't exactly want us to go steal last seasons top scorer either.

 

The thing that galls me is now hard is it to identify a left back/wing back !.Are they an endangered species !!!!

 

Well I wouldn't say anything over 100/200k is 'breaking the bank.' Also, the comparison between last season and the seasons before is a good one - it suggests that contrary to what Archie said he is actually improving rather than on the decline; this can happen with late developers etc. Maybe he is reaching his peak?

And you are right, we just took their manager so they aren't going to want us to take their star player. But it happens. Look at West Brom, they came down to our league, took our manager and our captain. I can't imagine they will be asking for more than £2 million for him, and maybe we might just get that for Styles and Helik. It's all theoretical of course

EDIT: Just seen your edit 500k? Sign him up!

 

500k for us when we have only sold one player and need to fill a deficit isn't going to happen. Unless we sell Helik and or Styles pretty soon. May for me is also not worth 500k given his awful record in the EFL (aside from last year of course) based on his stats historically, it is very very unlikely he will come close to repeating that haul again this season. Maybe he is hitting his peak, or maybe it was a one off fluke season. Given last year was the only time he has ever hit double figures makes me suspect it is more likely to be a fluke season rather than him hitting his peak. He only got 9 when Cheltenham won the league 2 title.

But, due to last season, his value is much much higher than it should be. This time last year, they would have sold him us for peanuts. Now due to one good season they want 500k. We need to find someone who with the right coaching could hit 20 goals rather than buying based on hype of one good season.

We also need someone different to what we have already. May to my knowledge is small and quick and wants to get in behind. Iseka and Cole both have the pace to get in behind and do the 'May' role IMO.

 

Who says we got that for Cauley.? Rumour factory or fact. ?

 

Just rumours, the fee a lot seem to be saying on Twitter. Probably a load of rubbish mate but it is just what has been banded around online.

 

As I said, it's obviously dependent on how much we get for Helik and Styles (if they both go) and then if we're willing to invest and what other positions we need to fill. There's lots of ifs and buts.

As for finding someone with the right coaching who could hit 20 goals, forgive me repeating myself but May worked under Duff last season and hit 23. It's a strong enough argument and we're obviously seriously thinking about him otherwise Duff wouldn't have spoken about him in the Chron.

Take your point about Iseka, I think he could do a job in League 1. Cole on the other hand.. not so sure, but I really hope it works out for him. Maybe we'll just stick with who we have. It would be great if we can keep Morris but if a bid comes in I think he'll be gone.

 

I think Duff was asked about May as it is one many fans have asked about and one that on paper makes sense given he was with Duff last season and his other half is from Donny area. That is the way I interpret it anyway, just been asked because I have seen a fair few tweeting Doug asking about May. Rather than an actual solid interest from our part. Doug was the one who brought May up in the interview and asked about him, not Duff putting the name out there willingly.

I am not sure Duff agrees with the valuation either to be honest. (Again just how I am interpreting what he said) He said "“He’s a goal-scorer but sometimes you have to look at whether players’ values are realistic or not.”

To me he is saying he is a goal scorer (which I kinda disagree with based on his overall record) but the value is unrealistic in this case. That is how I read that anyway which could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time I have been wrong, but that is what I take from that.

 

Yes. But nobody knows if we had signed anybody it would have been a better week.

 

Fair do's, you may (pardon the pun) be right the bit you quote from Duff is an interesting one and stood out to me too. Slightly ambiguous in tone but maybe he thinks he's just not worth the punt #induffwetrust

 

Obviously if we do sign him, I hope he can smash a similar number to last season and on paper it is not the worst option out there at all given Duff knows him etc. I just don't think I would take the risk if it was me in charge of the money. Luckily for BFC I am not the one in charge.

I have a really good feeling about Duff and trust him 1000%. If he wants May then that is good enough for me, if he doesn't and we get someone else or stick with Iseka then again that is fine with me.

 

I can’t say I’d really want Alfie May here, and certainly not for that price. He turns 29 tomorrow and he’s only had one good goal scoring season in professional football.

 

I think we've reached a general consensus mate Personally I would take a punt on him, but I also trust Duff completely. I think he talks a lot of sense, he has shown himself to be thoughtful, sincere but no nonsense. He will make the right decision for the club I'm sure.