DiggerB

Of all of the departures I think Korey Smith could’ve done a job in the champ. So that seems a bit disappointing. But I’ve no idea the reasons behind it.

Would’ve liked to have kept JW too, but that one was on the cards. All in all not bad. 

Personally I think Smith’s a shame as he did a solid job and seemed a good experienced pro to have around, but no room for sentiment I suppose and if there are younger options we can sign with his wages OR provide pathways to the likes of Robinson/Allen etc then I guess there’s sense in it. 
He gets a lot of credit from me for being a sort of bargain basement “Carrick” the last two years, did the basics of the game consistently to allow others the opportunity to play. 

Don't agree with Korey Smith being released as that leaves us without anyone in midfield other than Tomo. 

If it’s in Daj’s hands he’s doing football wrong!!

If it’s in Daj’s hands he’s doing football wrong!!

If it’s in Daj’s hands he’s doing football wrong!!

If it’s in Daj’s hands he’s doing football wrong!!

I've heard rumours but I must say, Warne has been ruthless

Few highlights confirmed last night (Some may be already known) 
Wildsmith going - Not offered (New Number one inbound) 
Collins Going 
Gayle Going 
Waggy going
Hourihane has a year if he wants it but Derby keen to cut ties 
Smith Offered 
Sibley offered 
Tommo offered 
Robinson offered 

Barkhuizen expecting one year trigger to be used 
Fozzy offered (believe it was a triggered contract clause) 
 
Two inbound midfielder at advanced stages (not a clue who but one is definitely from abroad) 
 

Got to be Curtis Nelson as reigning player of the year he is somebody that leads by example.
Bradley seems too much of a hot-head to be given the captaincy.
We gave it to NML toward the end of the season and in the last 8 games as captain he got 1 goal and 1 assist. Lets allow him the freedom to play and not have those captains responsibilities.

I think defenders or midfielders generally make the best captains and therefore I'd be surprised and a little concerned if NML got the gig, not least because I'd prefer it if he concentrated on his form and fitness.

I can’t see it being any of them tbh. One of them is dead to start with and the others are too old.

For me a captain is someone that other players look up to, someone that in adversity can drive others on either by their brilliance of play or their never beaten positive attitude. Roy Keane, Tony Adams, John Terry and the one and only Dave Mackay all spring to mind as excellent leaders of their teams, love em or hate em they were all winners with plenty of trophies to show.

He always comes over as bright decent family man who pedigree shines out when PW mentions his performances. Doubt there is any truth or evidence for these claims. 

Now I do think we need to improve on Korey for this season, but an attitude problem?! What a load of s****. 

Worst superhero ever.

Think he should nail his colours to the mast this year and select his captain. I’d strongly suspect Bradley will get it and to be honest I think he’d thrive off it!

Dropped out of the team….following the knee injury he suffered on the pitch against Bristol Rovers on 25/11/2023 and subsequent recovery time of several weeks? Having been involved in all 17 league one matchday squads up to that point including playing 90 mins in 10 of those games? The same Korey Smith who seems to be a well liked and respected member of the squad and has from the outside seemingly always conducted himself as a top pro and played out of position for the cause? 🤔 

Wish him luck in whatever he does, as long as it’s not here as a player. Would happily take him as a coach or whatever as he does seem like a good influence. It’s just clear he hasn’t got anything left in his legs. 

A lot of Barnsley fans in the last hour seem to think Hourihane could be on his way there. No idea where the link has came from, maybe their forum ? Anyways I’d be very happy if we moved him and his large wages on.

Also Warne after 10-12 new players mostly frees and loans . But has apparently put a few bids in for contracted players one I hear is the highest we’ve spent since Jozwiak so roughly around £1m 

So folks I’ve heard from my contact the following:
gone 
Wildsmith 
Waghorn
JJ
gayle 
hourihane 
smith 
forsyth - to be offered some type of coaching 
 
 
new contract offered 
Thompson 
collins 
sibley 
barks 
 
Contract offered to 3-4  out of contract players including these I’ve had confirmed 

Burrows 
Herbie Kane 
Tyrese Campbell 
 

Wildsmith offered 2nd contract turned down.
Warne now in for Johansson 

You'd get 9 assists playing in a team which scores so many from corners when you take every single one of them. Stats are nothing without context.
Legs have gone, he was a liability. We improved immensely when Warne finally realised it.

Niche Lorraine?