Mark Sykes Signed (Confirmed)

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

Being reported that we are holding talks with Mark Sykes, right wingback at Oxford, who is shortly to be a free agent

 

https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/exclusive-bristol-city-close-in-on-new-right-sided-player-as-nigel-pearson-conducts-talks-this-week-3689934

[Mr Popodopolous]

Interesting response by an Oxford fan to the wing-back bit..

 

Edited May 11, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[Jerseybean]

Sounds conceivable given our Oxford links, his age/profile and NPs recent watching brief

[Carey 6]

Was at the training ground yesterday. 

Versatile, good age and decent stats this season. Can’t go wrong with a free transfer can you?

Edited May 11, 2022 by Carey 6

[Mr Popodopolous]

Interesting response by OxfordAnalytics when asked on his style etc...

Could be having a bit of fun of course.

Edited May 11, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous

[Fordy62]

13 minutes ago, Carey 6 said:

Was at the training ground yesterday. 

Versatile, good age and decent stats this season. Can’t go wrong with a free transfer can you?

At our training ground?

[AshtonRobin21]

I would be happy with this.

A free transfer, at the right age (24), and his career is on an upward trajectory. 

He has goals and assists to his game, let's hope he is determined to prove himself. 

Would be a good start to the window. 

I see the links to Pack have started as well (Richard Forrester - Bristol Post), as well as Andy King renewing for another year. 

[Gazred]

Getting business done early is always a bonus.

[chinapig]

Nigel did say a while ago that we don't have any genuine wide players. My guess is he might get Sykes for that purpose but still be looking for an experienced right back.

[AshtonRobin21]

5 minutes ago, Gazred said:

Getting business done early is always a bonus.

Guessing Nige wants deals done early. Then providing we get any offers we can't refuse for the likes of Semenyo, Scott or Massengo then we will have money available to replace them with quality additions. 

[Gazred]

1 minute ago, AshtonRobin21 said:

Guessing Nige wants deals done early. Then providing we get any offers we can't refuse for the likes of Semenyo, Scott or Massengo then we will have money available to replace them with quality additions. 

I think that is the strategy.

Would not be surprised to see Massengo gone before the end of the month, then a good few weeks to reinvest.

Get the free deals done as soon possible, with potential purchases lined up when/if we sell one of those 3.

[Malago]

We need an out and out right back, so we can play a flat back 4, not another right side midfielder who can double up as a wing back.

[chinapig]

1 minute ago, Malago said:

We need an out and out right back, so we can play a flat back 4, not another right side midfielder who can double up as a wing back.

The two are not mutually exclusive.

[AshtonRobin21]

2 minutes ago, Malago said:

We need an out and out right back, so we can play a flat back 4, not another right side midfielder who can double up as a wing back.

I don't believe that is the purpose of signing Sykes. 

His style of play is solely attacking. He can play centrally or out wide right. 

Nige said before that we don't have any wide players, and we don't have any defensive midfielders. This signing addresses one of those issues. 

I would certainly expect an 'out and out' right back to arrive this summer. 

[Carey 6]

18 minutes ago, Fordy62 said:

At our training ground?

Yes mates Gregor mentions in that article he’d been there for talks this week. 

Cotterill got all his business done early that summer we got promoted & it worked wonders, hoping for the same again this year. 

[Malago]

5 minutes ago, chinapig said:

The two are not mutually exclusive.

You see I disagree.  I think full back is specialist position which your average player needs time and games playing there to fully get the hang of it.

Edited May 11, 2022 by Malago

[Malago]

5 minutes ago, AshtonRobin21 said:

I don't believe that is the purpose of signing Sykes. 

His style of play is solely attacking. He can play centrally or out wide right. 

Nige said before that we don't have any wide players, and we don't have any defensive midfielders. This signing addresses one of those issues. 

I would certainly expect an 'out and out' right back to arrive this summer. 

I hope you’re right.

[chinapig]

Just now, Malago said:

You see I disagree.  I think full back is specialist position which your average players needs time and games playing there to fully get the hang of it.

Maybe I wasn't clear. My point is that signing Sykes does not mean we won't sign an experienced out and out right back as well. We know Nigel would ideally prefer to play 4-3-1-2.

[Gazred]

Also about good partnerships between RB and RW/RM in a 4-4 or 4-3. For example, him and Tanner could compliment each other well iin NP's estimation.

[INCRED]

13 minutes ago, Carey 6 said:

Yes mates Gregor mentions in that article he’d been there for talks this week. 

Cotterill got all his business done early that summer we got promoted & it worked wonders, hoping for the same again this year. 

He has met with NP more than once now and he spoke with him after the game when he watched Oxford a few weeks ago. I would think this one is well advanced and possibly our first summer addition 

[Davefevs]

Got to say, he hasn’t leapt out at me, but good age, free, the right type / trajectory of signing if it goes through.  Looks to have plenty of energy, and his versatility will help.  Huddersfield allegedly interested in January???

Always excited by new signings nonetheless.

[SBB]

22 minutes ago, Malago said:

We need an out and out right back, so we can play a flat back 4, not another right side midfielder who can double up as a wing back.

This was NPs back 4 when pressing and counter attacking at Watford. I’m not saying this is how we will line up and obviously personnel is very different but a back 4 doesn’t have to be flat and or static.

[chinapig]

2 minutes ago, SBB said:

This was NPs back 4 when pressing and counter attacking at Watford. I’m not saying this is how we will line up and obviously personnel is very different but a back 4 doesn’t have to be flat and or static.

Yes, that kind of lop sided set up with one full back pushed high is not unusual these days.

[And Its Smith]

Sykes isn’t a wing back, he’s a winger.  Unless I’m thinking of someone else!  Question marks on his attitude as well.  Accused of downing tools when he knew he was moving.  Guess whether you think it’s understandable for a player to do that or if they should always try 100% will shape your view on how important that is seeing as when he signs for us he won’t be having his head turned 

[SinéadB]

I asked an Oxford fan who I trust about Sykes and he came back with this:

"Still not sure what his best position is. Came as an attacking midfielder who could play wide.
We've played him as a winger, a number 10, a central midfielder and at wing back. His best 6 months with us was the start of this season. Has some pace and covers a lot of ground. Can hit a good cross and find a pass. Incredibly skilful but frustrating. Kind of player who'd do a cruyff turn past a player then stick the pass into touch. 
Finishing prior to this season was terrible, there will be numerous podcasts where i said if he could finish then he wouldn't be in League One. 
Think his main issue has been attitude/training work rate. Got bombed out publicly a few times by KR, which seemed to work. 

If he was consistent, he'd be a very good player but still got age on his side. A lot to work with and going up a level and getting around the national squad could/should see him develop further. 
Can see him growing into a role like Joe Rothwell did after leaving us in a similar way.

On a free transfer, it's a no brainer."

[James54De]

Sykes has mainly played wide right midfield this season but it generally a central midfielder. 

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

I'm sure Nige will have done his due diligence on both his skills and where he'd want him to play when selected, and also on his character. If doesn't have the right attitude he won't last long with NP. 

[Davefevs]

18 minutes ago, SBB said:

This was NPs back 4 when pressing and counter attacking at Watford. I’m not saying this is how we will line up and obviously personnel is very different but a back 4 doesn’t have to be flat and or static.

I think this kind of thing feeds into Nige’s “front sweeper” thinking.  Just for example, Joe Williams sat in, able to take the ball from GK and CBs and then spreading it side to a high FB (WB).  It’s a bit like Grimes did for Swansea second half when he kept pinging it out to a wide and high Ethan Laird (who’d been pinned back by Pring first half). Digressing slightly, might Williams’s hamstrings be better not having to make lung-busting runs?

The thing Sykes has is energy by the looks of it.

[And Its Smith]

14 minutes ago, James54De said:

Sykes has mainly played wide right midfield this season but it generally a central midfielder. 

I would say he’s much more of a wide player than a central midfielder. 

[James54De]

Just now, And Its Smith said:

I would say he’s much more of a wide player than a central midfielder. 

I wouldn’t. Prior to this season he has played most of his games as an attacking midfielder. 

[And Its Smith]

Just now, James54De said:

I wouldn’t. Prior to this season he has played most of his games as an attacking midfielder. 

He has and I think this season has proved he is much better as a wide player 

[SBB]

 

12 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I think this kind of thing feeds into Nige’s “front sweeper” thinking.  Just for example, Joe Williams sat in, able to take the ball from GK and CBs and then spreading it side to a high FB (WB).  It’s a bit like Grimes did for Swansea second half when he kept pinging it out to a wide and high Ethan Laird (who’d been pinned back by Pring first half). Digressing slightly, might Williams’s hamstrings be better not having to make lung-busting runs?

The thing Sykes has is energy by the looks of it.

I don’t think I’ve been as interested in signings and pre-season games as I am for this summer.

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, SBB said:

 

I don’t think I’ve been as interested in signings and pre-season games as I am for this summer.

I really looked forward to last pre-season, first one with Nige, to see how we improved over each game in terms of getting used to the system.  I do wonder whether Antoine’s injury / op made planning difficult.

[Bristolcityyatton]

1 hour ago, AshtonRobin21 said:

I don't believe that is the purpose of signing Sykes. 

His style of play is solely attacking. He can play centrally or out wide right. 

Nige said before that we don't have any wide players, and we don't have any defensive midfielders. This signing addresses one of those issues. 

I would certainly expect an 'out and out' right back to arrive this summer. 

Is he attacking enough to be weimann's understudy ? Sounds like he has similar energy.

[RedRaw]

57 minutes ago, SinéadB said:

I asked an Oxford fan who I trust about Sykes and he came back with this:

"Still not sure what his best position is. Came as an attacking midfielder who could play wide.
We've played him as a winger, a number 10, a central midfielder and at wing back. His best 6 months with us was the start of this season. Has some pace and covers a lot of ground. Can hit a good cross and find a pass. Incredibly skilful but frustrating. Kind of player who'd do a cruyff turn past a player then stick the pass into touch. 
Finishing prior to this season was terrible, there will be numerous podcasts where i said if he could finish then he wouldn't be in League One. 
Think his main issue has been attitude/training work rate. Got bombed out publicly a few times by KR, which seemed to work. 

If he was consistent, he'd be a very good player but still got age on his side. A lot to work with and going up a level and getting around the national squad could/should see him develop further. 
Can see him growing into a role like Joe Rothwell did after leaving us in a similar way.

On a free transfer, it's a no brainer."

Sounds like the O’Dowda report 6 years ago!

[Sheltons Army]

1 minute ago, RedRaw said:

Sounds like the O’Dowda report 6 years ago!

Exactly who Oxford fans compare him too

[Harry]

I’ve said elsewhere that my comparison is a poor man’s Jamie Paterson. 
Someone who can play central or play wide, has good technique when on the ball and can sometimes look very good, but more often than not kind of drifts in and out of games too much and is too often on the periphery. I can see the logic in the signing, but from the games I’ve seen him, I’d expect the type of 1 good game in every 4 or 5, like Pato used to do. 

[NcnsBcfc]

1 hour ago, SBB said:

 

I don’t think I’ve been as interested in signings and pre-season games as I am for this summer.

I know what you mean. So many unknowns and potential twists and turns

Will we sell one or more of our four realistic sellable assets (Weimann, HNM, Semenyeo, Scott).

Will Cundy and Klose sign with us again?

Who from the OOC group of Summer 2023 will we work out a new contract with? Bentley and JD probably being key here. We can't let any player with value leave for free next summer.

What players will we be able to get off the wage bill? Who will we be able to get rid of permanently, and not on loan.

And finally of course, new players coming in to take what is the nucleus of a potentially promising squad to the next level.

So many aspects to the summer isn't there? A massive one for the club to get right, if we are to progress.

[RedNachos]

This signing reminds me a tad of Sammie Szmodics. One the club has done their work on early and are hoping to seal the deal before competition come in. Not loving what I'm hearing on the consistency front, as Nige seems to favour consistent hard-working players, over the 'flashes of brilliance' in Massengo and Bakinson.

If his wages are low and its a free I'm all for it though - and I'd love a contract where he is rewarded for appearances etc with extensions, so that we can offload easier should it become clear Sykes won't be part of our long term rebuild squad, but tie him down should he become a hit. 

[Rocky]

He’s not signing as a finished article. Perhaps Nige and staff can coach him to improve 

[chinapig]

1 minute ago, RedNachos said:

This signing reminds me a tad of Sammie Szmodics. One the club has done their work on early and are hoping to seal the deal before competition come in. Not loving what I'm hearing on the consistency front, as Nige seems to favour consistent hard-working players, over the 'flashes of brilliance' in Massengo and Bakinson.

If his wages are low and its a free I'm all for it though - and I'd love a contract where he is rewarded for appearances etc with extensions, so that we can offload easier should it become clear Sykes won't be part of our long term rebuild squad, but tie him down should he become a hit. 

The difference with Szmodics was the involvement of Ashton. Remember LJ said he had to be convinced, which I took as diplomatic talk for "I didn't want him." As was shown by the fact that he didn't play him.

Sykes in contrast seems to be a player Nigel has identified from the information provided and actually gone to watch. If he has any doubt as to his character he will be unlikely to sign him.

[P'head Red]

11 minutes ago, RedNachos said:

This signing reminds me a tad of Sammie Szmodics. One the club has done their work on early and are hoping to seal the deal before competition come in. Not loving what I'm hearing on the consistency front, as Nige seems to favour consistent hard-working players, over the 'flashes of brilliance' in Massengo and Bakinson.

 

Think it's very harsh to bungle Massengo in with Bakinson. Whilst his end product had been lacking, he's always one of the hardest working on the pitch, and has put MANY classy performances in for us of the last few years, it's not very often he has a truly bad game. 

[SBB]

34 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

I know what you mean. So many unknowns and potential twists and turns

Will we sell one or more of our four realistic sellable assets (Weimann, HNM, Semenyeo, Scott).

Will Cundy and Klose sign with us again?

Who from the OOC group of Summer 2023 will we work out a new contract with? Bentley and JD probably being key here. We can't let any player with value leave for free next summer.

What players will we be able to get off the wage bill? Who will we be able to get rid of permanently, and not on loan.

And finally of course, new players coming in to take what is the nucleus of a potentially promising squad to the next level.

So many aspects to the summer isn't there? A massive one for the club to get right, if we are to progress.

Yes, exactly this!

[Edge1981]

4 hours ago, Carey 6 said:

Can’t go wrong with a free transfer can you?

Remember Nicky Hunt??

[Taz]

54 minutes ago, Edge1981 said:

Remember Nicky Hunt??

Didn't until then. Thanks a lot!!

[Lew-T]

If he has a rep of a bad attitude, I don’t think Nige would go there. 
 

 

[Fuber]

6 hours ago, Malago said:

You see I disagree.  I think full back is specialist position which your average player needs time and games playing there to fully get the hang of it.

Bradley Orr?

[Son of Fred]

Reading between the lines he is contrary and of questionable attitude.....hates a tackle with little end product...

O'Dowda'esque??

[KegCity]

13 hours ago, Malago said:

We need an out and out right back, so we can play a flat back 4, not another right side midfielder who can double up as a wing back.

“Another” right sided midfielder, do we have any at the club at the moment? COD is our only winger and he’s off? 

[GrahamC]

12 hours ago, NcnsBcfc said:

I know what you mean. So many unknowns and potential twists and turns

Will we sell one or more of our four realistic sellable assets (Weimann, HNM, Semenyeo, Scott).

Will Cundy and Klose sign with us again?

Who from the OOC group of Summer 2023 will we work out a new contract with? Bentley and JD probably being key here. We can't let any player with value leave for free next summer.

What players will we be able to get off the wage bill? Who will we be able to get rid of permanently, and not on loan.

And finally of course, new players coming in to take what is the nucleus of a potentially promising squad to the next level.

So many aspects to the summer isn't there? A massive one for the club to get right, if we are to progress.

Excellent post, though of course I always agree with you .

This might seem an odd thing to say with the retained list not even out yet & the season not finished for 4 teams, but I did wonder whether we could move too soon in the market this summer?

Say we sell Bakinson, Kalas, & then both HNM & Semenyo go, we could suddenly have more room for manoeuvre & picking up Sykes & another free like Pack would have limited our room to make change.

Counter argument of course is that if our options are limited these 2 could be our best bets.

As you say, really interesting summer from a transfer perspective.

[NcnsBcfc]

11 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Excellent post, though of course I always agree with you .

This might seem an odd thing to say with the retained list not even out yet & the season not finished for 4 teams, but I did wonder whether we could move too soon in the market this summer?

Say we sell Bakinson, Kalas, & then both HNM & Semenyo go, we could suddenly have more room for manoeuvre & picking up Sykes & another free like Pack would have limited our room to make change.

Counter argument of course is that if our options are limited these 2 could be our best bets.

As you say, really interesting summer from a transfer perspective.

Forgot to add the trio of Webster, Brownhill; and Kelly.

Can't budget on one or more of them leaving their clubs for a decent fee. But any sell on has a massive effect on our financial position, and options for the summer.

[AshtonRobin21]

14 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Excellent post, though of course I always agree with you .

This might seem an odd thing to say with the retained list not even out yet & the season not finished for 4 teams, but I did wonder whether we could move too soon in the market this summer?

Say we sell Bakinson, Kalas, & then both HNM & Semenyo go, we could suddenly have more room for manoeuvre & picking up Sykes & another free like Pack would have limited our room to make change.

Counter argument of course is that if our options are limited these 2 could be our best bets.

As you say, really interesting summer from a transfer perspective.

Every signing made this summer will be scrutinized more than ever before. 

- How will they fit in the team?

- Do they improve us?

- was better available? 

- Why did we sign them and then sell "...."

- "this is going to be a long season" / "Now I'm excited for the season ahead"

- Is this all we could get? 

There's no doubting we need signings in early this summer. We look to have established a playing style, and Nige will be keen to settle the new signings in early and have his squad ready for pre-season. 

I firmly believe that free agents will arrive to 'shape' the squad. Then any departures will free up some funds for a replacement to be signed. E.g. Massengo departs (£4m), new signing (£1.5m). This will help to support our financial situation. 

[Jerseybean]

Local rag account provides nothing new: https://www.witneygazette.co.uk/sport/20132340.oxford-uniteds-mark-sykes-in-talks-bristol-city---reports/

[Davefevs]

If you want to see more stuff:

I’m a bit more encouraged by these 3 videos, but usual caveat that it’s a highlights reel, it’s gonna be good.

@GrahamC

@NcnsBcfc

@AshtonRobin21

I guess there will always be ifs, buts and maybes.  I guess there is also the case that if we do generate extra budget, looking at more “expensive” players means competing with “better” (define better?) clubs for their signature.

I guess there is also no harm in keeping a bit up your sleeve for January or even next summer.

Lots of fun to be had this summer trying to work out how it’s going to go.

[KegCity]

I've not watched the guy but his underlying stats aren't amazing and haven't read too many glowing reviews. James's compilation is encouraging but it is only a highlight reel. One thing I did notice is that Oxford won the vast majority of games in which he played right midfield/wing according to TranferMarket. Whether thats anything to do with him I don't know.

Bit worried we're signing another O'Dowda just after it looks like we've finally shifted the current one, but we can only judge him once he's playing in a City shirt.

[Bat Fastard]

Two footed, very quick, direct, skilled and free. What is there not to like?  If Big Nige sees something extra in him and can even add further improvement, then he could be a great signing.

[tin]

I’m not sold on this deal, but there’s no doubt we need more pace and width and Skyes gives us that option. 

[And Its Smith]

2 hours ago, Bat Fastard said:

Two footed, very quick, direct, skilled and free. What is there not to like?  If Big Nige sees something extra in him and can even add further improvement, then he could be a great signing.

Inconsistent is what’s not to like. And attitude.  Maybe Pearson improves both of those things though. Time will tell 

[Jerseybean]

3 hours ago, billywedlock said:

Not the player from Oxford I would  be signing . Beggars  cannot be choosers I guess . Only seen him once and was most unimpressed . But others will know more about him and comments above suggest some talent but not consistent 

Inconsistency reinforced here: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-transfer-sykes-lowdown-7071230

[Northern Red]

I'm just impressed that we've got so many posters who've seen so many Oxford matches to be able to form a definitive opinion.

[Davefevs]

32 minutes ago, And Its Smith said:

Inconsistent is what’s not to like. And attitude.  Maybe Pearson improves both of those things though. Time will tell 

The Devil’s advocate in me questions “attitude or is it ambition”, i.e. he is striving for better than Oxford now that they’re remaining in Lg1.  I don’t know the answer, not looking for one either, just two sides to that coin.

I still think of Nahki Wells and all of the “he doesn’t want to be here” type comments because he doesn’t smile much. Yet every interview he does or stuff we hear (via Nige in the main) is the exact opposite.  Yeah he wants minutes, but he’s still been a good pro, mentoring the Conway’s and Bell’s etc.

Assuming Sykes signs he will get my full support, start with a blank sheet, etc, etc.

 

 

…and finally, Karl Robinson is a bit of a cock (outsider view looking in).

[LondonBristolian]

10 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

I'm just impressed that we've got so many posters who've seen so many Oxford matches to be able to form a definitive opinion.

I can only speak from the experience of my one trip to Oxford. But what I saw that day was that Tony Pulis was our manager, Steve Phillips made a lot of mistakes and we lost 3-0. From everything I've seen, Mark Sykes seems to be a footballer of some description but there seems to be uncertainty across the board about what his actual position is. 

[Supersonic Robin]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The Devil’s advocate in me questions “attitude or is it ambition”, i.e. he is striving for better than Oxford now that they’re remaining in Lg1.  I don’t know the answer, not looking for one either, just two sides to that coin.

I still think of Nahki Wells and all of the “he doesn’t want to be here” type comments because he doesn’t smile much. Yet every interview he does or stuff we hear (via Nige in the main) is the exact opposite.  Yeah he wants minutes, but he’s still been a good pro, mentoring the Conway’s and Bell’s etc.

Assuming Sykes signs he will get my full support, start with a blank sheet, etc, etc.

 

 

…and finally, Karl Robinson is a bit of a cock (outsider view looking in).

Yepp, I've been wondering this. When Oxford fans say "he has a bad attitude" does that actually mean "He won't sign a new contract"?

[Sheltons Army]

3 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

Yepp, I've been wondering this. When Oxford fans say "he has a bad attitude" does that actually mean "He won't sign a new contract"?

Reading their forum - they felt that he basically switched off partway through season knowing he was off, and appearing disinterested 

Their overall suggestion is that he was very good for 6 months of his time there

 

[formerly known as ivan]

Would this be instead of or as well as Kane Wilson, if we were interior course?

Edited May 12, 2022 by formerly known as ivan

[Davefevs]

39 minutes ago, formerly known as ivan said:

Would this be instead of or as well as Kane Wilson, if we were interior course?

I still think we might see a RB too.  I’m not expecting Wilson, purely because I think he may have better options and secondly, going with two 22 year old RBs from Lg2 with little Champ experience between them might be seen as a bigger gamble than Vyner and Simpson was last summer.

[bpexile]

12 hours ago, Northern Red said:

I'm just impressed that we've got so many posters who've seen so many Oxford matches to be able to form a definitive opinion.

Just thinking along the same lines 

[Major Isewater]

22 hours ago, billywedlock said:

I only saw him once, and there was not much to write home about,  but others have described him  as a talent but inconsistent. The Oxford sports reporter said the same, talent but inconsistent. So having talent and being inconsistent, seems a consistent view. 

If City think we can get what we need from him, then that's ok for me. 

I’ve never seen him and wasn’t impressed. 

[bpexile]

1 minute ago, Major Isewater said:

I’ve never seen him and wasn’t impressed. 

I nearly saw him !!

[Major Isewater]

7 minutes ago, bpexile said:

I nearly saw him !!

Might you have been unimpressed ?