I'm really looking forward to David Flitcroft's transfer dealings this Summer

Re: As with most

I don't think we'll see any immediate activity, with the possible exception of O'Grady, if we are to believe that is well in progress. There was an operational deficit last season absorbed by the Stones transfer and the cup run, but there nonetheless and likely to be countered by the club by reining in salaries to prevent it happening next term. The club is still on the market so to speak and I believe the balance sheet is more important to the owner than excessive team investment.

I think it will be a wait and see situation as one by one, players agree new contracts/terms or not as the case may be with some. Luke Steele for me is the crucial one, if he leaves then a new keeper is our top priority as I don't see it as a given that Ben Alnwick will automatically assume the jersey. We need 3 keepers anyway. That position secured one way or the other, I think it will then be a case of building from the back with a Paul McShane type centre back, allowing Scott Wiseman the option of going back to the right. Again this depends on the retention of Cranie who I believe is under contract, but I get the feeling he is always looking towards the next opportunity. We have options down the left with a fit Goldy, TK and RNL, all versatile and interchangeable in those positions. Andre Jones looks an okay prospect at this stage, nothing more. Bobby will be around offering support in a number of positions, as for McNulty, I really don't know.

Personally, I think we are blessed in midfield at the moment, a bit more creativity wouldn't go amiss, but that is where we have been winning matches with Perks, Dawson and the resurgent Yaya Etuhu. I think Flicker has been driving Jimbo mad experimenting with him in different roles, but it should be clear by now what he can do and what he can't. He is starting to look a much more versatile player though even if he has been a bit hit and miss lately. Mellis is we all know a classy player, he shines in fits and starts, which might not be such a bad thing as it is not quite consistent enough to attract the big boys' attention. It will happen though and we just have to make sure we have him securely tied down to get the million pounds when they come knocking.

There are the young uns to come through and stake their claim but we can't be depending on them to come good and stay fit. My transfer punt, as I've said would be to bring Adam Hammill back to Oakwell. It's not a case of 'get over it and move on' I personally did that 2 years ago, but he will be a gettable player, two successive relegations will have reduced his salary considerably and I don't see Wolves having the brains to realise he would be one of their better options in League one. I think he could potentially thrive under Flitcroft and the current togetherness and team spirit will be good for him personally.

I think O'Grady will sign, there will be a few clubs sniffing but possibly no-one offering enough to put him off what he has started here. The cheeky banter and diplomatic answers suggest to me there has been something brewing for some time. I can see Wednesday trying to hold us to ransom over his price though. Without him, I would be very nervous about what we have up front. Marlon and Jason will be offered peanut contracts I'm sure and may be better off listening to offers from League one, Rotherham and the like, where they will definitely get more game time. Daggers went off the boil much as he came on it, always a big shift to be sure but we can't rely on goals. Strikers are a must, CO'G and one more, I would say it would be worth monitoring Marcus Tudgay's position at Forest. I think those 2 could be a decent partnership, interchangeable with Daggers and young Rose, if he can stop pissing about and get himself back in serious contention.

Oh 'eck, I've written an essay. More to be picked apart, quoted and argued with. Can I just start by saying I know nowt so save yer breath? !!

 

Re: As with most

Nail ont head I reckon. The wholly frustrating player sales at seemingly the bare minimum can probably be attributed to this, with the club's primary concern being to keep the accounts in the black thus appealing to any potential buyer, with relatively little care given to the effect this has on progress on the pitch.

That's why it's such an important summer, as we now have the greatest opportunity to really kick on since our return to the Championship, and to get clear of being a perennial struggler at the bottom and become an established mid-table side with a view to a play-off push. We really need to keep this group together as much as bringing new faces in, and so hopefully the contracts the club offers to the likes of Steele and Cranie will be ones which are in line with what players of their quality can expect (within good reason) to earn in the Championship. And just as importantly, we need to fight tooth and nail to keep our better contracted players such as Mellis and Dawson, and not roll over at the first whiff of dollar.

Just a shame for me that Flicker won't have the same level of funds available to him that Davey did... just think where we could have ended up! Never mind, I've every confidence, should the board realise that if they take care of things on the pitch, that will go a long way to helping things off it.

... and Cranie is out of contract this summer so tha reyt, tha knus nowt!!

 

Re: As with most

I want all of our out of contract players signed up, and each on 2 year deals or longer. Then sit down and extend the contracts of Perkins, Etuhu, Dagnall and especially Mellis, Golbourne and Dawson.
I'd then like COGba on a permanent, 2 year deal. A big nasty centre half. Another winger who can beat a man. And a striker up top with pace to burn.
I don't ask for much, and don't care what division they play in.