If Kr insists on his 4231, a trio of Holmes, Clarke and, if we get him back, Mavididi, seems solid enough for league one. Two players in the prime of their career, one pacy up and coming youth player, with Magennis as well that's a decent attack. JFC began to look decent last backend and Konsa/Crofts/Aribo are all capable. If you get another CM in, a quality GK and some backups in the AM strata/ striker area then that begins to look solid for this level. What's more likely is that Holmes goes, we 'don't get a few deals' over the line and we are still scrabbling around on deadline day for loans and kids. I really don't think this side is too far away, but at the same time I don't believe the necessary areas will be rectified. Hope I'm wrong.
I know it's poor form to rubbish a signing before he's signed. But that is massively underwhelming for a supposed big fish in the third division. It'll go from underwhelming to outrage if he's the 'good news' to Holmes joining Sheffield United.
I know it's poor form to rubbish a signing before he's signed. But that is massively underwhelming for a supposed big fish in the third division. It'll go from underwhelming to outrage if he's the 'good news' to Holmes joining Sheffield United.
On the other hand we're buying a player from a Top 6 club in L1, and for that matter a club of relatively similar size. I think we can only really judge this when we get to the end of August and see who else we've bought and who we've sold
The usual mantra is to give a new player a chance before writing him off. Although underwhelmed by the prospect surely that still holds true? The same as getting over excited by a new signing too. What is the usual allowance, five games, eight games, ten games? I would start to judge after about 6 games personally, although I am still undecided about JFC and he has played more.
I think Clarke isn't that underwhelming compared to what we have had over the last few years.
Brings bit of experience, is consistent in this division. Impact wise hopefully more like Magennis less like Novak.
Can play Out Wide, no10 or striker. He has been reliable for Bradford. He also has the experience of winning and a strong mentality playing a part in 4 promotions with different sides.
We need more attacking midfielders/playmakers who technically sound with good vision and I welcome Reeves.
I know it's poor form to rubbish a signing before he's signed. But that is massively underwhelming for a supposed big fish in the third division. It'll go from underwhelming to outrage if he's the 'good news' to Holmes joining Sheffield United.
On the other hand we're buying a player from a Top 6 club in L1, and for that matter a club of relatively similar size. I think we can only really judge this when we get to the end of August and see who else we've bought and who we've sold
on the other hand we are buying a forward player who doesn't score goals who has his best years behind him for a six figure fee from a club who will be a promotion rival (he he ha ha) who obviously don't consider him good enough for such a team.
Bit weird when we were signing foreign crap nobodies people were saying we need British based proven players in the league we're in, in Clarke, that's exactly what we're getting, he's been in a Bradford team that's probably punched above its weight the last few seasons, I'm not saying he's a quality world beater but can he be worse than what we have?
I think Clarke isn't that underwhelming compared to what we have had over the last few years.
Brings bit of experience, is consistent in this division. Impact wise hopefully more like Magennis less like Novak.
Can play Out Wide, no10 or striker. He has been reliable for Bradford. He also has the experience of winning and a strong mentality playing a part in 4 promotions with different sides.
We need more attacking midfielders/playmakers who technically sound with good vision and I welcome Reeves.
Bit weird when we were signing foreign crap nobodies people were saying we need British based proven players in the league we're in, in Clarke, that's exactly what we're getting, he's been in a Bradford team that's probably punched above its weight the last few seasons, I'm not saying he's a quality world beater but can he be worse than what we have?
Not saying he will be of course he can. We've sold good players and signed lesser players every year under RD.
Clarke is a bit like Reeves, except he's older, can't shoot and doesn't score many goals.
Let's hope we've not got him instead of Reeves. Quite likely though.
Sorry CE don't agree with you at all, Reeves is quality, only seen Clarke a couple of times and he looks useful but nowhere near the cultured player that is Reeves.
We desperately need to improve our attacking options, particularly attacking options who can play centrally.
Clarke, at 29, doesn't exactly fit the mold of young and hungry that I'd like to see us sign, but we will need depth. As mentioned above, bringing in Reeves and maybe Mavididi or Marshall we would look very good in the attacking 3 behind the striker. Joe Aribo is still around too, of course.
Clarke is not a world beater, but sometimes signings are made in random order. Last summer it was Ajose, Novak, and Holmes in first. The former two didn't do a whole lot despite being heralded in this league. Let's hope we can get a bit more out of Clarke.
We know our manager is wedded to a system that relies a number 10. We don't have one. It's a long season and if we want success we will need two to cover injuries/form etc. Sounds a decent squad player at least.
We know our manager is wedded to a system that relies a number 10. We don't have one. It's a long season and if we want success we will need two to cover injuries/form etc. Sounds a decent squad player at least.
I loathe this number 10 nonsense. We haven't had one since Paolo Di Canio. Our successful teams have always played 442 and worked their nads off; as long as you have mobility in central midfield , it's perfectly doable
We know our manager is wedded to a system that relies a number 10. We don't have one. It's a long season and if we want success we will need two to cover injuries/form etc. Sounds a decent squad player at least.
I loathe this number 10 nonsense. We haven't had one since Paolo Di Canio. Our successful teams have always played 442 and worked their nads off; as long as you have mobility in central midfield , it's perfectly doable
Bit weird when we were signing foreign crap nobodies people were saying we need British based proven players in the league we're in, in Clarke, that's exactly what we're getting, he's been in a Bradford team that's probably punched above its weight the last few seasons, I'm not saying he's a quality world beater but can he be worse than what we have?
Agree that Bradford have punched above their weight.
But surely this point translates as: 'Bradford are a playoff-level team has been doing better than the quality of their players would suggest'?
Comments
ie Clarke in, Holmes out
It'll go from underwhelming to outrage if he's the 'good news' to Holmes joining Sheffield United.
https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/25322/charlton-still-chasing-top-summer-target-despite-imminent-capture-bradford-attacker/
Although underwhelmed by the prospect surely that still holds true?
The same as getting over excited by a new signing too.
What is the usual allowance, five games, eight games, ten games?
I would start to judge after about 6 games personally, although I am still undecided about JFC and he has played more.
Brings bit of experience, is consistent in this division. Impact wise hopefully more like Magennis less like Novak.
Can play Out Wide, no10 or striker. He has been reliable for Bradford. He also has the experience of winning and a strong mentality playing a part in 4 promotions with different sides.
We need more attacking midfielders/playmakers who technically sound with good vision and I welcome Reeves.
Clarke, at 29, doesn't exactly fit the mold of young and hungry that I'd like to see us sign, but we will need depth. As mentioned above, bringing in Reeves and maybe Mavididi or Marshall we would look very good in the attacking 3 behind the striker. Joe Aribo is still around too, of course.
Clarke is not a world beater, but sometimes signings are made in random order. Last summer it was Ajose, Novak, and Holmes in first. The former two didn't do a whole lot despite being heralded in this league. Let's hope we can get a bit more out of Clarke.
But surely this point translates as: 'Bradford are a playoff-level team has been doing better than the quality of their players would suggest'?
We're discussing buying one of those players.