Work in progress

[Teddy Nickelarse]

Ever the optimist; pre-season I entertained the notion of flirting with the play-offs. Still technically possible but likely unrealistic. Setting aside the doom mongers and *agenda motivated on other platforms, I still retain an optimism for the future, though tempered by a bit more realism. 

*Unlike those critics who insist DR will walk unless......,  or rail at DC for not having a pot to p*ss in etc, I see steady progress. The short termism of the early DC years is replaced now with a more structured plan. One year contracts for veteran players -and sticking to our guns (Vaulks) - tying younger prospects to longer terms etc. 

We're really not that far away. Players able to switch positions and systems within games that we've scarcely seen before. A bit to go but going the right way IMO. I think DR hinted at this on Saturday post match.

How do others see things in general?

 

 

 

[Tylluan]

We're still short in several areas but I think it would be unwise to spend a shed load trying to plug the gaps in January. If the player and deal is right then all when and good but they rarely are after Christmas and I believe the squad is strong enough to stay consolidated in the Championship this season. 

I'd hope that we're already planning for next pre-season. Shopping lists and scouting being prepared and the release list already written. I'd also hope that if the right money came in for one or two that we'd accept it and not try and hold on. I'm not talking of some of our home-grown talent but I'd be prepared to listen to decent bids for Gassama or Musaba if we could bring in another like Kobacki who seems more suited to the championship. 

[HoylandOwl]

TN, I think I'm with you. I do think there's more of a 'plan' now going forward. it's far less haphazard than it's been for a LONG time. There's green shoots of optimism in the academy setup too. 

I do think DR sees us as a bit of a project, it's his first club, his first time in charge and steering a ship on the pitch in the manner that he wants. The fans are still behind him, largely, as you say aside from the doom mongers. 

Look at where we are now points wise, to where we were this time last season. The difference is absolutely night and day. 

Onwards and upwards is definitely my outlook on things, and I don't mean racing upwards unrealistically, I mean methodically. 

[HoylandOwl]

1 minute ago, Tylluan said:

We're still short in several areas but I think it would be unwise to spend a shed load trying to plug the gaps in January. If the player and deal is right then all when and good but they rarely are after Christmas and I believe the squad is strong enough to stay consolidated in the Championship this season. 

I'd hope that we're already planning for next pre-season. Shopping lists and scouting being prepared and the release list already written. I'd also hope that if the right money came in for one or two that we'd accept it and not try and hold on. I'm not talking of some of our home-grown talent but I'd be prepared to listen to decent bids for Gassama or Musaba if we could bring in another like Kobacki who seems more suited to the championship. 

There are a few whispers about that there's a couple off in January and a couple of Prem loans are lined up. No names have been mentioned to me though.

[Teddy Nickelarse]

19 minutes ago, Tylluan said:

We're still short in several areas but I think it would be unwise to spend a shed load trying to plug the gaps in January. If the player and deal is right then all when and good but they rarely are after Christmas and I believe the squad is strong enough to stay consolidated in the Championship this season. 

I'd hope that we're already planning for next pre-season. Shopping lists and scouting being prepared and the release list already written. I'd also hope that if the right money came in for one or two that we'd accept it and not try and hold on. I'm not talking of some of our home-grown talent but I'd be prepared to listen to decent bids for Gassama or Musaba if we could bring in another like Kobacki who seems more suited to the championship. 

Agree with all of that and agree about Kobacki despite his limited exposure for one reason or another. We need to continue the steady steps rather than the spectacular. Again, I'd  expect the summer will be when our next raft of 'permanent' incomings happens  Loans in January?

Not sure that Gassama or Musaba have showcased quite enough for us to maximise on their undoubted talent. Perhaps though there are clubs out their with sufficient funds to take a punt on a rough diamond ot two. Doubt we'd  let either go other than for a signicant fee- especially the younger Gassama.

[Teddy Nickelarse]

28 minutes ago, HoylandOwl said:

There are a few whispers about that there's a couple off in January and a couple of Prem loans are lined up. No names have been mentioned to me though.

Interesting Pato one maybe? You'd  think that PL clubs would view how we've  handled Beadle and Charles very favourably.

[Harry Lime]

I reckon you're right, just that it'll take a couple of seasons to build something viable. January is for panic mode, summer is where it's important to have recognised and acquire what you need. I'm patient enough, just hope DR is as well and I'm sure most supporters will be if they can see improvement.

What I would hope for though is we could just get a few more points on the board and stop having to look over our shoulder all the time.

[owl4ever1867]

Unless we got a stupid bid for Gassama or Musaba, there's not a cat in hell chance I would sell either, both young and will learn under Rohl.

There's plenty of others that are under contract I'd be happy to move on before either of those 2.

Gassama will be an outstanding player imo, just needs to work harder on the defensive side of the game and we'll have an all round player.

Edited November 25 by owl4ever1867

[Tylluan]

I think Gassama would actually thrive more in a Premier League environment where the space and pace is a little more tactical and where the players may be a little more on the same wavelength.

If Palace lost Eze or Brentford lost Pinnock or Mbeumo and offered £3m for Gassama would you take it? 

[Teddy Nickelarse]

45 minutes ago, Tylluan said:

I think Gassama would actually thrive more in a Premier League environment where the space and pace is a little more tactical and where the players may be a little more on the same wavelength.

If Palace lost Eze or Brentford lost Pinnock or Mbeumo and offered £3m for Gassama would you take it? 

Every player has a price but personally I'd  be very disappointed if we accepted £3m for Gassama. If he attracted interest from a PL club, and he might well, I'd  expect a significantly higher offer anyway. Not even for Musaba and  Gassama is a more valuable asset IMO and still only a youngster who's learning.

Edited November 25 by Teddy Nickelarse

[Teddy Nickelarse]

1 hour ago, owl4ever1867 said:

Unless we got a stupid bid for Gassama or Musaba, there's not a cat in hell chance I would sell either, both young and will learn under Rohl.

There's plenty of others that are under contract I'd be happy to move on before either of those 2.

Gassama will be an outstanding player imo, just needs to work harder on the defensive side of the game and we'll have an all round player.

Fundamentally agree. Can't get too precious though. If the money's right; sell. 

[Reesh]

1 hour ago, Tylluan said:

I think Gassama would actually thrive more in a Premier League environment where the space and pace is a little more tactical and where the players may be a little more on the same wavelength.

If Palace lost Eze or Brentford lost Pinnock or Mbeumo and offered £3m for Gassama would you take it? 

I'm not sure he would be a good replacement at centre half

[Tylluan]

28 minutes ago, Teddy Nickelarse said:

I'd  be very disappointed if we accepted £3m for Gassama. 

 

17 minutes ago, Teddy Nickelarse said:

Can't get too precious though. If the money's right; sell. 

So what would you accept? 

Bearing in mind he's only 21 with just a year in English football under his belt.

I'll give you another offer. £3m and a 20% sell on clause if he's sold again before the end of his first contract with his new club. He would have to be offered a 4 year contract if he moved to keep him in the country till he's past 25. Drops to 10% if he signs an extension in the last year of that contract. 

[Andyben]

If Gassama was at sty they'd get £10m plus for him.

 

[Teddy Nickelarse]

8 minutes ago, Tylluan said:

 

So what would you accept? 

Bearing in mind he's only 21 with just a year in English football under his belt.

I'll give you another offer. £3m and a 20% sell on clause if he's sold again before the end of his first contract with his new club. He would have to be offered a 4 year contract if he moved to keep him in the country till he's past 25. Drops to 10% if he signs an extension in the last year of that contract. 

Good question. I wouldn't  want us to accept your other offer either though. I honestly think that he could go for big money. 

As I say every player has a price but unless really big bucks I'd keep and develop him and wait and see.

Edited November 25 by Teddy Nickelarse

[Teddy Nickelarse]

6 minutes ago, Andyben said:

If Gassama was at sty they'd get £10m plus for him.

 

Sounds fanciful maybe but for me It'd have to be a lot closer to that than £3m.

[Teddy Nickelarse]

Re. Gassama I read when we signed him that there was no up front fee but with a £1m deferred fee. Bit strange unless linked to sell on rather than the usual %age of fee.

Anyone here ITK?

[Reesh]

Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of football knowledge can see how things are progressing on and perhaps off the pitch.

We are creating a style and an identity which is being implemented across the club but a huge turnover of players in the summer and one that will be replicated next summer means that results and tangible markers won't be seen by a few who look to put the boot into the club.

An improvement to mid table is a success when you're not splashing the cash,  if that is then improved upon next season then the club will be on a far better footing than it has in years 

Edited November 26 by Reesh

[Hirstys 12th Pint]

12 hours ago, Reesh said:

I'm not sure he would be a good replacement at centre half

Was just going to say the same.  Think we need to recheck Ty's scouting reports 😁

[owl4ever1867]

15 hours ago, Tylluan said:

I think Gassama would actually thrive more in a Premier League environment where the space and pace is a little more tactical and where the players may be a little more on the same wavelength.

If Palace lost Eze or Brentford lost Pinnock or Mbeumo and offered £3m for Gassama would you take it? 

Not a chance in hell I'd take £3m.

Give me £12m plus 30% sell on fee and I might talk, over the years we've moaned at the club for allowing our better players leave for next to FA, it's our turn to take other clubs to the cleaners.

[Teddy Nickelarse]

100% with you on your first sentence..

Think we're a bit away re. your second paragragh. Maybe £10m + 20% 😆. Seriously though, he is an unpolished diamond IMO and as I've  already said, unless we are offered very very strong money then we keep and develope. 

[KrolMong]

For Gassama and Musaba to command a decent fee, they both need to produce real numbers that will attract the attention of a premier league side. That means goals and assists.

Last season, Musaba did. This season if either of them had 10-15 direct contributions (goals and assists), you could very very easily command 5-10 million.

[Reesh]

 

That's the improvement in 12 months!

[Reesh]

17 games

27/11/23 W1 D3 L13 F8 A29 PTS6 C/Sheets 3 POS 24TH  we'd lost 4-0 at home to Millwall before going down at Birmingham 2-1 despite improvement

27/11/24 W6 D4 L7 F21 A27 PTS C/Sheets 4  POS12TH

So we've not really arrested the goals against issues but we've scored 13 more than this time last year, the first half last night had we been clinical (a recurring theme) we'd be waxing lyrical about the performance

[Beaconowl]

26 minutes ago, Reesh said:

17 games

27/11/23 W1 D3 L13 F8 A29 PTS6 C/Sheets 3 POS 24TH  we'd lost 4-0 at home to Millwall before going down at Birmingham 2-1 despite improvement

27/11/24 W6 D4 L7 F21 A27 PTS C/Sheets 4  POS12TH

So we've not really arrested the goals against issues but we've scored 13 more than this time last year, the first half last night had we been clinical (a recurring theme) we'd be waxing lyrical about the performance

The Twatford game didnt help those numbers 

[Reesh]

Just now, Beaconowl said:

The Twatford game didnt help those numbers 

Watford and Sunderland games the outliers

Edited November 27 by Reesh

[Tank_Owl2,0]

On 26/11/2024 at 08:29, Reesh said:

Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of football knowledge can see how things are progressing on and perhaps off the pitch.

We are creating a style and an identity which is being implemented across the club but a huge turnover of players in the summer and one that will be replicated next summer means that results and tangible markers won't be seen by a few who look to put the boot into the club.

An improvement to mid table is a success when you're not splashing the cash,  if that is then improved upon next season then the club will be on a far better footing than it has in years 

Don’t be talking common sense to Wednesdayites it doesn’t work, well not on Stalk!  Most of the folk on here can see improvement even if there is still frustration at some of the performances.

So long as DR and DC are with happy with the way things are going that all that matters at the moment.

[Reesh]

[KrolMong]

We look properly coached. It’s that simple.

When I think back to other times we looked like the things on the training ground were showing up on the pitch. You’d probably say, year one under Carlos, Meggo, Sturrock and then Pleat, Big Ron and Wilko.

We are a side that can now change shape at will, which we do in a game depending on the circumstances. We are fit and athletic. Yes, we have off days, but that is simply because with our budget (which is in the bottom quarter of the Championship), you aren’t always guaranteeing quality and we have a lot of rough diamonds who need a bit of Polish. But, that is helped by the fact that when we sign players, they are being brought in due to a plan, they are of the right age, and they solve a problem.

It’s also the first time that we’ve had a transfer window where every single weakness we had, and that we acknowledge as fans, we’ve tried to address. Hell, we’ve even recruited a huge coaching team, which makes a massive difference in the club.

IF and this is a big IF, we manage to keep him to the end of the August transfer window next summer. I am adamant that we will knock of the premier league door the following May.

[Reesh]

11 minutes ago, KrolMong said:

We look properly coached. It’s that simple.

When I think back to other times we looked like the things on the training ground were showing up on the pitch. You’d probably say, year one under Carlos, Meggo, Sturrock and then Pleat, Big Ron and Wilko.

We are a side that can now change shape at will, which we do in a game depending on the circumstances. We are fit and athletic. Yes, we have off days, but that is simply because with our budget (which is in the bottom quarter of the Championship), you aren’t always guaranteeing quality and we have a lot of rough diamonds who need a bit of Polish. But, that is helped by the fact that when we sign players, they are being brought in due to a plan, they are of the right age, and they solve a problem.

It’s also the first time that we’ve had a transfer window where every single weakness we had, and that we acknowledge as fans, we’ve tried to address. Hell, we’ve even recruited a huge coaching team, which makes a massive difference in the club.

IF and this is a big IF, we manage to keep him to the end of the August transfer window next summer. I am adamant that we will knock of the premier league door the following May.

Kobacki?