CaptainOx

Notice period worked and now confirmed at our end as having left the club for Derby
https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/2023/february/mark-thomas-departs/

Previously we've needed to sell 1 or 2 every summer to basically fund the club.
Playing at a ground we don't own, paying an extortionate rent and service fee to an ex Chairman being the underlying reason.
 
Recent takeover (rich Asians including ex Inter Milan chairman) has made us pretty wealthy for our size, which has influenced the types of signings made, with less of the younger talent being recruited and as I mentioned previously may have had some influence on Thomas' decision to move on.

Previously we've needed to sell 1 or 2 every summer to basically fund the club.
Playing at a ground we don't own, paying an extortionate rent and service fee to an ex Chairman being the underlying reason.
 
Recent takeover (rich Asians including ex Inter Milan chairman) has made us pretty wealthy for our size, which has influenced the types of signings made, with less of the younger talent being recruited and as I mentioned previously may have had some influence on Thomas' decision to move on.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Previously we've needed to sell 1 or 2 every summer to basically fund the club.
Playing at a ground we don't own, paying an extortionate rent and service fee to an ex Chairman being the underlying reason.
 
Recent takeover (rich Asians including ex Inter Milan chairman) has made us pretty wealthy for our size, which has influenced the types of signings made, with less of the younger talent being recruited and as I mentioned previously may have had some influence on Thomas' decision to move on.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Yeah Hanson left us in the summer and doesn't even appear to have ended up anywhere on trial since.
As for Thomas, been with us since July 2014 when brought in as part of Michael Appleton's staff. Very much the right hand man to Craig Dean (head of scouting) to begin with, but when Dean left for Leeds (October 2017), Thomas became the main man for all things recruitment, analysis and scouting. A big part of our links to the Irish leagues and successes with players brought over.
Successes include:
Rob Atkinson - signed from Eastleigh Jan 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold July 2021 to Bristol City for circa £2m.
Rob Dickie - signed from Reading Jan 2018 Undisclosed fee. Sold Sept 2020 to QPR for circa £2m.
Tariq Fosu - signed from Charlton July 2020 Undisclosed fee. Sold Jan 2021 to Brentford for 750k (release clause)
Marvin Johnson - signed from Motherwell August 2016 650k. Sold August 2017 to Boro for circa £2.75m.
Ryan Ledson - signed from Everton August 2016 for a compo fee. Sold May 2018 to Preston for circa £1m.
John Lundstram - signed from Everton August 2015 for a compo fee. Sold July 2017 to Sheff Utd for 750k (final year of deal)
Luke McNally - signed from St Pat's Athletic Jan 2021 for circa 60k. Sold July 2022 to Burnley for circa £2.2m.
Joe Rothwell - signed from Man Utd July 2016 for a compo fee. Sold June 2018 to Blackburn for circa 500k (pre-agreed compo fee)
Mark Sykes - signed from Glenavon Jan 2019 for circa 50k. Joined Bristol City July 2022 on a free after running contract down.
Gavin Whyte - signed from Crusaders July 2018 for circa 75k. Sold July 2019 to Cardiff for circa £1.5m.
Loans over his time including Carlton Morris (now at Luton), George Baldock (now at Sheff Utd), Jonjoe Kenny (now at Hertha Berlin), Tyler Roberts (now at Leeds), Toni Martinez (now at Porto)
Also solid signings for the relevant levels - Liam Sercombe, Chris Maguire, Curtis Nelson, Cameron Brannagan.
Naturally there have been some "failures" as well - Hanson and Thorne have to be included, although with the latter, the entire medical department advised against and Karl Robinson overruled (a reoccurring theme in recent times). A couple of Irish/Scottish recruits haven't worked and there have been the failed loans that every club sees. 

But all in all, a pretty good hit rate for both improving the team, and younger "project" types to bring in and sell on.
It's noticeable that our recruitment tactic seemingly changed in the summer with older and bigger risk players coming in - Josh Murphy, Yanic Wildschut and now Thomas is looking to move on. Suggests he may have been undermined a bit more recently.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.

Our allocation increased to a touch over 3k now - 3093.
2.2k of the initial 2.3k had been sold as of this morning with general sale beginning today.