Srg

3 minutes ago, Nuwtfly said:

All of the money we did have had to go into wages. We literally didn’t spend a fee on a player. We had weird loans and promotions clauses and all kinds of creativity going on. How else could you describe the other than shoe string? We weren’t able to compete with Bolton and Pompey for players - we even got out manoeuvred by Charlton!

There are things that Warne can be fairly criticised on but I don’t think managing our budget can be one. Credit where credit is due!

There was also a significant portion of that budget that was taken up by players he didn’t sign himself, nearly all of which were old. Not a criticism on anyone, we all know the situation, but given the option I doubt those are the attributes he would’ve spent the budget on. 

This guy paid for beers in the local before Rotherham’s last home game of the season. Warne has always been big on character. 

Just now, chewbacca said:

No, it's Washington.

Ooof stand corrected. Is Barkhuizen not there then? I thought I saw him in some pictures previously. 

1 hour ago, IlsonDerby said:

I wonder why they are travelling to different countries? 
 

All clubs have wyscout or similar don’t they which allows you to watch any game and focus on any particular player? 
 

I wonder if it’s to actually speak to targets as a decision won’t be made based on 1 performance (unless we’ve gone backwards in terms of recruitment again) 

Warne has touched on this previously. Forgive me as I’m trying to do it from memory as I can’t remember exactly when the interview was, but it was essentially talking about getting a feel for them when they’re away from the ball, their reactions to different events within the game. There’s just certain things you don’t get from video. 

I would personally imagine you wouldn’t take the step to go watch in person abroad unless you have some serious interest. 

13 minutes ago, chewbacca said:

Isn't that Washington at the bottom left of the pic holding a Bud Light?

No, that’s Barkhuizen. 

42 minutes ago, angieram said:

Assuming that's the whole gang, I'm interested in who is, and isn't, on holiday.

Ward and Rooney probably have to stay back for treatment (is Rooney even old enough?) Robinson definitely isn't. 

Pretty much the whole first team regulars are there, apart from that. Wildsmith the obvious omission. 

Fornah we know, keeps himself apart. 

Also missing are Washington, Fozzy, Waghorn, Gayle, TJJ, anyone else? 

I love that Adams is there, even though he's a loan player. He's a Ram, for sure.

Ward put something up with him pushing kids in one of those shopping toy car things at Westfield Stratford. Fornah looked to be buying clothes or something or other. 

Unlikely to be Linz though. Contracted til 2028, only extended a few months ago. AGF Aarhus, their opponents in the cup final, have numerous players of a good age out of contract this summer though if Transfermarkt are to be believed. 

3 hours ago, Ghost of Clough said:

I suggested Alexander Lind before Christmas. He's only 21, has a 1 in 2 record and chips in with the odd assist. 

Silkeborg play Copenhagen tomorrow and in the Danish Cup Final next week. 

One to spark another debate no doubt… but Liam Rosenior has underperformed with that Hull squad. 

27 minutes ago, Eoghan1884 said:

Funnily enough just after I posted this Warnes interview was released where he’s said he’ll be looking at the free agent market and him and his staff are going to games in the Netherlands to look at players. 
 

Also extra info for people who haven’t seen it, they’re also going to be at games in Denmark and Warne has already met with a few players who he’s trying to sign.

Good, I like the sound of that. Dutch and Scandinavian players seem to be getting more and more common in the Championship, as do Japanese players. Anecdotal, I know, I haven’t ran any numbers!

Seen a few suggestions for Phillips from Barnsley. I actually rate Luca Connell much higher. Been very impressed with him several times. Younger than Phillips too. 

12 hours ago, ram59 said:

I think that we already have one 'new' CDM, I think that Jake Rooney will take up this position, effectively he's an addition to the squad that won promotion.

Nah, he’s pretty solidly a CB in a 3 or a right back. 

1 hour ago, Day said:

You’ve gone past Liam Thompson’s sunglasses and pearl necklace to comment on Hourihanes sunglasses chain? 

Sunglasses not so weird but that necklace… yeah, I have no words on that one

2 hours ago, Caerphilly Ram said:

A fair few pics of the lads on Nat’s IG

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6hdqYxSGxA/?igsh=MXNla3FjbWtwdHRodw==

Has Hourihane gone a string round his neck for his sunglasses?! 😂

27 minutes ago, Eoghan1884 said:

Since we’re apparently going to try get prem loans, what about Omari Kellyman, apparently didn’t want to leave at all but did it for the good of the club. 
 

He’s played 4 times for Villa this season and looks a real talent, constantly being selected for their bench. I’m sure he’d happily come back for a season.

Not actually a bad shout. Removing the bias of him being here as a kid, it's the type of loan we should be looking at anyway in this league.

55 minutes ago, MadAmster said:

Agreed. However, we should, IMO, temper our expectations. Clowes has been clear from day 1 that the club will be run sustainably and be self sufficient. i.e. he's not going to throw millions at it. We'll spend what we can afford and no more than that. If it takes 2 or 3 seasons to start challenging for the top 6, so be it.

Obviously, top 6 is where I'd love to be this time next year. I'm just not going to run that particular flag up the pole as it's a perfectly normal wish but not a likely probability. Midtable would do me fine under the circumstances. If we do better, you won't find me complaining about it. 

Of course, I've said on another thread something like 12-17th would be a good result. But as far as recruitment goes, no restrictions other than our own budget will be fascinating to see who we end up targeting to try and achieve the style of play he's spoken about.

20 minutes ago, Anag Ram said:

Pretty slim pickings TBH.

Albrighton has always been reliable and would be a good squad player for a year.

Iheanacho would be great.

Shudder to think how much they pay Iheanacho.

Just now, Caerphilly Ram said:

Beebooopbeeepboooooop….

Would some of these be good signings?

 

I'll wait for Oldben to post this before reading it, thanks.

18 minutes ago, MadAmster said:

@DavesaRam The lift was right 🙂

On the PW front, I'm expecting to see more of his post 3rd promotion with RUFC football than that of the first 2 he had with them. In the weeks leading up to us nicking him, their fans were waxing lyrical about the results and the style of play being served up. An expansive style. I hope my expectations become a reality.

Warne has always talked a pretty good game with regarding what he likes. Fast, athletic, pressing, front-foot etc etc. Aligns with what I'd to see too.

He's always been hamstrung in delivering that with the players we've had at our disposal and those we could realistically get under restrictions. This is a major chance to see if he can actually put those ideas onto the pitch.

8 hours ago, RodleyRam said:

Better than expected?! Wow you're tough to please! The guy nearly bagged 20 goals, missed a fair chunk of games as he was really hurting his stride and was instrumental in setting the tone for the never say die attitude that was the single biggest factor in our promotion. But as you were proven right to dismiss him once, no doubt you'll be proven right again.

14 league goals with numerous penalties, don't go overboard.

He won't be hitting double figures this season. There's nothing wrong with being a realist. Warne dropped him last season as he wasn't good, tried to replace him in the summer and failed. He performed above expectations, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't have been better had we managed to get a replacement. And it certainly doesn't mean he's somehow going to go and perform in the Championship at 33. Bit part muscle when we need to get stuck in is a perfectly fine role for him.

20 minutes ago, DCFC1388 said:

Not a chance we would be able to afford Burrows

Yeah, the list is clearly guff. 

17 minutes ago, Carnero said:

Prices have always gone up after the initial ("early bird") deadline 🤷‍♂️

Yeah, not sure why this is a surprise. There would be no need to have an early bird renewal phase otherwise. 

6 hours ago, RodleyRam said:

Some people had that view going into this season... 

yup, I did. And he did better than expected. I’d have still preferred we had signed someone instead, like. Now you’re asking him to do it again at a higher standard? No ta. 

2 hours ago, Carnero said:

Also:

"but Washington didn't play in enough games to activate the clause that would have swelled the coffers at AESSEAL New York Stadium. The Millers will still be in the money as long as the Northern Ireland international reaches a certain number of appearances next term."

Another reason to probably let him go this summer, even if it's out on loan.

One of those you'd let him go on a free if you could find a taker for his wages.