Nigel Pearson on Sounds of the City

[phantom]

1 hour ago, Dr Balls said:

Big changes in BBC “local” radio, i.e. it’s not going to be local anymore past 2pm weekdays or on weekends. Regional at best. So how that works with local sport I have no idea. All part of shifting resources from radio to digital apparently, but really just about saving money, even though local radio is “cheap as chips” compared to pretty much everything else they produce.

I'm not sure if anyone has listened to radio Bristol on a Saturday afternoon via an app, it switches to an EFL show 

It was literally the same as soccer Saturday on SSN but without the pictures 

It was an awful listen, I hope that isn't the future 

[phantom]

5 minutes ago, ScottishRed said:

Re a very late bid for Alex Scott, it could happen and that could be because club X would not pay what we asked for and moved to other targets, they fall through and they come back in with a premium offer albeit very late.

In that scenario my guess is that we would take the money. If the whole thing drags on other the summer we may have a discontented player to re-motivate.

Best scenario is that he does well in the U20 WC, which triggers a bidding war that is resolved by mid- July at latest.

I really don’t see him here for next season sadly, but the upside is of course we can massively cash in.

If the whispers from behind the scenes are true Alex will have no problem representing City for one more season 

But I believe if he does leave City will be pushing for him to be loaned back to us for next season 

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, phantom said:

If the whispers from behind the scenes are true Alex will have no problem representing City for one more season 

But I believe if he does leave City will be pushing for him to be loaned back to us for next season 

Would love one more season, for us to buck the trend of not selling when we don’t have to.

This summer is gonna have some twists and turns isn’t it?

[W-S-M Seagull]

16 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

And SL didn’t get him…wow, the chuckle brothers went for Holden.

That's the second time he's applied. The first time it was considered he wasn't experienced enough (figure that one out!) 

The most recent time I believe it may have been the compo SISU would have demanded that we were unwilling to pay for someone that was considered a risky appointment.

At that time Robins was more than willing to leave Coventry due to their stadium situation and them being owned by SISU. 

When SL spoke about Robins the other week to me it sounded like there may have been some regret in his voice. 

[Kid in the Riot]

26 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

I know for an absolute fact Mark Robins once again applied. 

Be very surprised by that given he'd just won the league (One) with Coventry & has a well-known personal affection for them. 

[Northern Red]

Just now, W-S-M Seagull said:

That's the second time he's applied. The first time it was considered he wasn't experienced enough (figure that one out!) 

The most recent time I believe it may have been the compo SISU would have demanded that we were unwilling to pay for someone that was considered a risky appointment.

At that time Robins was more than willing to leave Coventry due to their stadium situation and them being owned by SISU. 

When SL spoke about Robins the other week to me it sounded like there may have been some regret in his voice. 

When McInnes got it?

[Dolman_Stand]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Would love one more season, for us to buck the trend of not selling when we don’t have to.

This summer is gonna have some twists and turns isn’t it?

But unless he signs a contract extension we do have to sell him don't we? Unless we want to run the risk of having him 12 months away from being OOC this time next summer and reducing the fee we get?

[RedRock]

Pretty sure Holden wasn’t Steve’s choice.

Steve did an interview post-Holden where he said something along the lines that short term success doesn’t necessarily reflect in long term achievement. Think he was alluding to the fact that Holden got off to a flier and then - predictably in Steve’s mind - it fell apart (although injuries were a factor to be fair to Holden). Steve said it in a way that it was pretty obvious someone had said to him ‘told you so’ in justifying their decision when Holden was initially doing well. 

 I‘d speculate that Jon and Ashton were the two behind the appointment. Jon likely on the basis of a non-confrontational manager and, critically, Ashton to ensure his almost complete control of the Club - Steve was implementing his own exit strategy by taking a back seat in Club affairs at that time - was not threatened. I could be totally wrong, but the snippets that Steve lets out make me think quite possibly not. 
 

 

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, Dolman_Stand said:

But unless he signs a contract extension we do have to sell him don't we? Unless we want to run the risk of having him 12 months away from being OOC this time next summer and reducing the fee we get?

He’s been offered a new contract here don’t forget.…can only assume that’s not just a pay rise commensurate with being a starboy, but also an extension in term too.

(I don’t think we’d just keep him under existing contract, if that makes sense)

[cidercity1987]

9 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Be very surprised by that given he'd just won the league (One) with Coventry & has a well-known personal affection for them. 

What personal affection and did it develop after he left them the first time for Huddersfield?

[Lorenzos Only Goal]

1 hour ago, Red-Robbo said:

 

And what there is, could easily be provided in the commercial sector. Commercial radio is never going to give lower league football the prominence it gets on BBC local radio at present. 

What does me in the most is the bbc news clique, more often the content on radio 4 is far superior yet somehow were lumbered with the same thick TV presenter's putting a spin on it rather than any kind of analysis.  Radio content seems so much deeper across the board.

[Better Red]

15 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Would love one more season, for us to buck the trend of not selling when we don’t have to.

This summer is gonna have some twists and turns isn’t it?

Have a feeling he might stay one more year.

£25m asking price could price him out of deal. 

Ward Prouse at Southampton will move for 25m ish so on paper that looks a better deal.

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

[Tom]

27 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Have a feeling he might stay one more year.

£25m asking price could price him out of deal. 

Ward Prouse at Southampton will move for 25m ish so on paper that looks a better deal.

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

Ward Prowse is good but he's 28 and is probably at his peak, Alex will likely still improve. Quite different propositions. Ward Prowse may also have a relegation release clause, lowering the asking price.

For Brighton people are talking about 70 million EACH for Caicedo and Mac Allister (I don't think it will be this high) but I am sure they could afford Alex at 25 million, even without selling.
 

[Son of Fred]

1 hour ago, BCFCGav said:

Strange seeing Havanatopia’s comments now. It’s also nice in a way - a permanent record of our support of this Club, through the good, bad and really really bad. Rest easy Hav.

Yea, the continuity - heartwarming.

[And Its Smith]

37 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Have a feeling he might stay one more year.

£25m asking price could price him out of deal. 

Ward Prouse at Southampton will move for 25m ish so on paper that looks a better deal.

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

Scott for £25m is a hell of a better deal than Ward-Prowse for £25m ! 

[TonyTonyTony]

37 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Hope he goes and we get a loan back.

[The Bard]

27 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Have a feeling he might stay one more year.

£25m asking price could price him out of deal. 

Ward Prouse at Southampton will move for 25m ish so on paper that looks a better deal.

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

Anyone getting Ward-Prowse for £25 million is stealing a player

[W-S-M Seagull]

50 minutes ago, Better Red said:

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

For a millionth time, we have absolutely zero chance of loaning Alex back. 

[reddoh]

8 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

For a millionth time, we have absolutely zero chance of loaning Alex back. 

i think you are exaggerating

[Red-Robbo]

1 hour ago, Lorenzos Only Goal said:

What does me in the most is the bbc news clique, more often the content on radio 4 is far superior yet somehow were lumbered with the same thick TV presenter's putting a spin on it rather than any kind of analysis.  Radio content seems so much deeper across the board.

Deliberately so. Market research has shown R4  has a majority graduate, politically engaged audience.  The 1 and 6 and especially Breakfast News straddles the "news as light entertainment" boundary.  

[Fammyfan]

1 hour ago, Better Red said:

Have a feeling he might stay one more year.

£25m asking price could price him out of deal. 

Ward Prouse at Southampton will move for 25m ish so on paper that looks a better deal.

Hope he goes and we get a loan back. Circa 20m would still be a pretty decent deal. Brighton could have the money if they sell  2 players. 

I’d expect us to be getting £25m as an absolute minimum, being one of the most sought after young players around with a host of clubs interested.

Can’t see a loan back happening, the cost of retaining him on loan will put a dent in any transfer fee received. Had we have finished 7th/8th, we could have considered ourselves to be on the verge of playoffs and it would be a good time to really go for it by exploring the loan back but after a 14th place finish and falling 10 points short, it would be quite irrational to accept a dented transfer fee   (Likely to be several million) for an extra season with AS.

Whilst we are capable of reaching play offs next season, we’re not close enough to throw millions at it.

[W-S-M Seagull]

18 minutes ago, Fammyfan said:

I’d expect us to be getting £25m as an absolute minimum, being one of the most sought after young players around with a host of clubs interested.

Can’t see a loan back happening, the cost of retaining him on loan will put a dent in any transfer fee received. Had we have finished 7th/8th, we could have considered ourselves to be on the verge of playoffs and it would be a good time to really go for it by exploring the loan back but after a 14th place finish and falling 10 points short, it would be quite irrational to accept a dented transfer fee   (Likely to be several million) for an extra season with AS.

Whilst we are capable of reaching play offs next season, we’re not close enough to throw millions at it.

I think that the only clubs that would consider sending Alex out on loan would be one of the elite clubs in the country. 

If an elite club were to buy him and loan him out then he'd be sent out on loan to a club that plays in the premier league.

If its not an elite club that buys him, that club are simply not sending him out on loan because the kid is good enough to play premier league football now.

Those that speak about us loaning him back are fantasising. 

[Cityboy1954]

15 hours ago, spudski said:

Listening to Ashton makes me feel so angry now. How the hell did SL not see through that bullshitter. 

Il bet poor old steve didnt know which way to turn what with two bullshitters in Ashton and johnson :laugh:.

[Riaz]

11 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

For a millionth time, we have absolutely zero chance of loaning Alex back. 

Even if that was true - how the hell would you know?

[bcfc01]

Just listened to last nights episode, only one episode left with Geoff.

You never know what you've got till its (nearly) gone.

He really had a go at Ashton, wouldn't take his bullshite at face value.

Seems he had a rapport with NP though..

 

[W-S-M Seagull]

10 minutes ago, Riaz said:

Even if that was true - how the hell would you know?

Basic common sense. 

He is leaving this summer and he is not coming back. People need to accept that.

[Riaz]

1 minute ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Basic common sense. 

He is leaving this summer and he is not coming back. People need to accept that.

Its not really common sense.

There's different reasons for buying. Most, will be buying to play immediately. But there will be clubs interested who will see the benefit of another full season of playing in the championship.

You have no idea, where he's going or what there plans are.

Think everyone knows he's going, with a small chance of a loan back.

[W-S-M Seagull]

4 minutes ago, Riaz said:

Its not really common sense.

There's different reasons for buying. Most, will be buying to play immediately. But there will be clubs interested who will see the benefit of another full season of playing in the championship.

You have no idea, where he's going or what there plans are.

Think everyone knows he's going, with a small chance of a loan back.

There isn't even a small chance, there is no chance.

For one we wouldn't be able to afford his wages! 

If a buying club were looking to loan him out (very doubtful) then at the very very least he'd be sent on loan to a top Championship club but more than likely another Premier league club.

[Nugget]

Have heard that the loan back for a lower transfer fee is the clubs preferred choice too, it’s just so rare these days & Alex is ready but maybe another season with Tommy and co could sway him if we reinforce early and well

[Super]

10 minutes ago, Riaz said:

Its not really common sense.

There's different reasons for buying. Most, will be buying to play immediately. But there will be clubs interested who will see the benefit of another full season of playing in the championship.

You have no idea, where he's going or what there plans are.

Think everyone knows he's going, with a small chance of a loan back.

Certainly a small chance of a loan back if he signs for a top top club where he won't get much game time. Brighton would be such a good move for him.

[Riaz]

6 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

There isn't even a small chance, there is no chance.

For one we wouldn't be able to afford his wages! 

If a buying club were looking to loan him out (very doubtful) then at the very very least he'd be sent on loan to a top Championship club but more than likely another Premier league club.

Wages wouldnt be a problem - we could negiotiate low or zero wage contribution. Its all up for negiotiation!!

At the end of the day if the clubs willing to do a loan back, will be doing it, to give him another season, not to take a big wage contribution from us.

I think you are confused.

[Mr Popodopolous]

17 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

There isn't even a small chance, there is no chance.

For one we wouldn't be able to afford his wages! 

If a buying club were looking to loan him out (very doubtful) then at the very very least he'd be sent on loan to a top Championship club but more than likely another Premier league club.

We could tbh if we get a £25m profit on disposal it would fit into FFP. Technically we could.

Whether it would fit our wage structure well that's a whole different issue. Would we risk breaking our wage structure in this scenario?

[ScottishRed]

On the loan back question, what also needs to be considered is the players view.

If he gets his move and is told up front that in his first season his game time could be limited he may except that as he wants to settle into his new surroundings both professionally and personally.

I find it hard to believe that a club would pay out the sort of number being spoken about and then loan him back to us without there being a financial impact e.g. size of fee, wage contribution etc.

In my view, if the deal is right for the club and the player, it is best to thank him for his contribution, wish him the absolute best of luck and let all parties move on.

A loan back is a risk for all involved and for us is purely delaying the inevitable.

[ScottishRed]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

We could tbh if we get a £25m profit on disposal it would fit into FFP. Technically we could.

Whether it would fit our wage structure well that's a whole different issue. Would we risk breaking our wage structure in this scenario?

The point on wages is very valid. Regardless of whether we contribute or not you would have a player in the changing room being paid multiples of the rest of the squad.

I thought that was a scenario that Nige was not comfortable with.

[Major Isewater]

14 hours ago, Davefevs said:

And SL didn’t get him…wow, the chuckle brothers went for Holden.

I have been a long term admirer of Robins and when we had a vacancy at City I was , for the most part, ridiculed citing the bloke as a lower league manager etc. 
He has an impressive body of work and would have been an ideal candidate to take us on. 
Incidentally, those people who criticise SL’s lack of nous In managerial appointments must now realise that he doesn’t always get it wrong. 
I am a big fan of Nigel Pearson and hope he gets the success he deserves here. 

[DaveF]

50 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

There isn't even a small chance, there is no chance.

For one we wouldn't be able to afford his wages! 

If a buying club were looking to loan him out (very doubtful) then at the very very least he'd be sent on loan to a top Championship club but more than likely another Premier league club.

I think I agree.

He'd likely make the squad of 1/2 - 2/3's of the teams in the prem, if he went anywhere higher he would then get loaned out to 1/2 - 2/3's of the teams in the prem rather than a mid table championship side.

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, bcfc01 said:

Just listened to last nights episode, only one episode left with Geoff.

You never know what you've got till its (nearly) gone.

He really had a go at Ashton, wouldn't take his bullshite at face value.

Seems he had a rapport with NP though..

 

Bearing in mind that Geoff probably has his ear closer to the ground than any of us it speaks volumes. He is bound to have some inside knowledge of the goings on at both Bristol clubs that he can’t broadcast…….but he can ask awkward questions!!

[Numero Uno]

28 minutes ago, Major Isewater said:

I have been a long term admirer of Robins and when we had a vacancy at City I was , for the most part, ridiculed citing the bloke as a lower league manager etc. 
He has an impressive body of work and would have been an ideal candidate to take us on. 
Incidentally, those people who criticise SL’s lack of nous In managerial appointments must now realise that he doesn’t always get it wrong. 
I am a big fan of Nigel Pearson and hope he gets the success he deserves here. 

To be fair 99% of us could have appointed Pearson on his track record knowing he would be more likely to steer us through choppy waters than most candidates out there at the time. It was hardly a stroke of genius but yes, credit where it’s due, he got it right. If Mark Ashton wasn’t ******* off I wonder if we would have appointed a guy who would almost inevitably have called him out?

To all but a small minority of Twitter users who expect huge investment, champagne football and to win the league despite having a bloated, overpaid, demotivated squad lacking in any sort of quality and being on the verge of points deductions it was obvious. Steve’s problem is when he starts overthinking it and going left field.

[INCRED]

3 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

There isn't even a small chance, there is no chance.

For one we wouldn't be able to afford his wages! 

If a buying club were looking to loan him out (very doubtful) then at the very very least he'd be sent on loan to a top Championship club but more than likely another Premier league club.

So who’s to say as part of any deal that he is loaned back to us at a discounted rate? 
 

He is our player still and under contract for a further 2 years 

We are not in a situation where we have to sell and this has been said by the club, if clubs are lining up to buy him then we hold the cards still and can dictate the terms 

[CodeRed]

51 minutes ago, INCRED said:

So who’s to say as part of any deal that he is loaned back to us at a discounted rate? 
 

He is our player still and under contract for a further 2 years 

We are not in a situation where we have to sell and this has been said by the club, if clubs are lining up to buy him then we hold the cards still and can dictate the terms 

Well not all the cards, if Scott becomes aware of a bid then he may indicate that he wishes to take the move, you can't really hold a player who has decided he wants to go to the PL.. The big clubs tend to get their own way and I don't see them being dictated to.

Personally I don't think a club will pay £25-30M for a player and loan them back to the Championship. .......................For instance if you married a divorced lady would you be happy if her ex-husband carried on shagging her for another year ? 

[ScottishRed]

1 hour ago, CodeRed said:

Well not all the cards, if Scott becomes aware of a bid then he may indicate that he wishes to take the move, you can't really hold a player who has decided he wants to go to the PL.. The big clubs tend to get their own way and I don't see them being dictated to.

Personally I don't think a club will pay £25-30M for a player and loan them back to the Championship. .......................For instance if you married a divorced lady would you be happy if her ex-husband carried on shagging her for another year ? 

Your initial point is spot on, in debates like this we fans always seem to forget that the player has an enormous say on what happens. 

If, for example, we get a couple of bids this summer that meet our valuation the player may turn them both down for any number of reasons. If, for example, one includes a loan back, again the player may not want to do that, so that offer may have to be re- negotiated or reviewed.

As I have said previously I simply do not see any club, despite the vast riches in the EPL, spending the sort of money that we are allegedly asking for then loaning him back to a mid-level Championship club - it is not going to happen. 

 

[Cidre Monita]

6 hours ago, Nugget said:

Have heard that the loan back for a lower transfer fee is the clubs preferred choice too, it’s just so rare these days & Alex is ready but maybe another season with Tommy and co could sway him if we reinforce early and well

Where have you heard that from then? Who in the club is suggesting this scenario? What does Alex think about this option? 

Some real fantasy football manager on this thread right now. 

 

[REDOXO]

It’s unlikely he will be here next season  but not out of the question for a number of reasons  

As someone said it’s up to the player. If he says no I have a contract here the club can’t sell him. That’s that. it’s happened to us before, along with any number of other scenarios up to and including being another clubs player!
 

Thus unless you’re Alex Scott’s dad you really don’t have a clue. Which is a common thread here!

 

 

[Northern Red]

If he's loaned back then great, but I do think people shouldn't be hanging their hopes on it because it doesn't really make a lot of sense from a buying club's point of view. And if it does happen then I don't think it would be a case of just continuing as we have been with him for the last 2 seasons, the dynamic would change and people need to be prepared for that.

And I absolutely 100% guarantee it would take no more than a couple of bad games from him for the complaints to start that he isn't committed, doesn't really want to be here etc. I mean there were people doing it after he had a poor hour against Burnley the other week.

[Red-Robbo]

19 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

For a millionth time, we have absolutely zero chance of loaning Alex back. 

 

Never say never, but it's extremely unlikely.

For one thing, I think Scott is a really good player who can hold his own in the second tier and be outstanding on occasions. But PL clubs will hope they can improve him and; by the example of his team-mates, with extensive coaching and by testing himself against better opposition, make him something beyond "outstanding on occasions" - make him exceptional, world-class.

Young players are sometimes loaned back when they need more experience. Alex has played first-team football in the second tier since he was 17 and has made more than 80 appearances at this level.  It isn't game time he needs to push him on, it's higher-level experience. 

[NcnsBcfc]

21 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

If he's loaned back then great, but I do think people shouldn't be hanging their hopes on it because it doesn't really make a lot of sense from a buying club's point of view. And if it does happen then I don't think it would be a case of just continuing as we have been with him for the last 2 seasons, the dynamic would change and people need to be prepared for that.

And I absolutely 100% guarantee it would take no more than a couple of bad games from him for the complaints to start that he isn't committed, doesn't really want to be here etc. I mean there were people doing it after he had a poor hour against Burnley the other week.

I'm not sure what the natural benefit would be to us as a club as well.

NP made a big play on SOTC about using continuity in transfer dealings/squad evolution. Having Scott with us for another season would mean that one of the new signings (or an academy player) would only have to wait another season to gain valuable first team minutes.

I think this also relates to his views on loanees, you can't really plan for the future development of the squad, when you are spending a season developing other people's players.

I also think why would a PL club want Scott to play any more Championship games to "develop"? They would want him playing at a higher level, or a top level european club. Nothing to be gained for them playing him at a level/division in which he has already played two seasons.

[NcnsBcfc]

1 minute ago, Percy Pig said:

Regardless of how likely it is, having Alex Scott play for Bristol City will always be of benefit to us. He is one of the best young players in the country.

I get that in the short term.

But I remember how it turned out with Jack Clarke when he went back to Leeds from Tottenham. It depends on how we are planning for next season.

One of the points that NP makes clear is the need for more goals from midfield. It's fair to say this is an area of Scott's game that he needs to improve on. If by playing Scott you aren't playing one of those players that you specifically bought in to do that job then tough decisions would have to be made.

I love Scott, and it's been a pleasure to see his development over the last two seasons. But in all honesty, the last 2/3 months of the season weren't his best and of course he had probably his worse game for the club versus Burnley in the last home game. Whether all the press, media nonsense has got to him, I can't say; but his stock will never be higher than what it is now.

Like when Semenyo left, others have had to step up to the plate. Having Conway back was like a new signing, but collectively as a team we still only scored 4 goals in our last 8 away games. Winning 4 of our last 13 games after the Man City cup game. A lot of those games Scott played in, don't forget. Yes it was a collective issue across the team, but Scott was part of that issue unfortunately,

[NcnsBcfc]

1 minute ago, Percy Pig said:

To be fair, a lot of that has come from playing Scott in the 10, he had significantly more impact from deeper positions. 

Also, he's created 89 shot opportunities if you look at the Vyner Wells thread posted by Spud. 

Perfectly conceivable that with a 20% conversion rate he could have close to 20 assists this season! 

It's all academic, but Scott is the best player we've had in my lifetime. Retaining him alongside some other significant additions in defence and midfield would leave us in a very strong position to challenge at the top end of the league.

But it won't happen and we will have to move on without him (I actually think that's one of the reasons why Nige moved him to the 10 position. To see how our team could adapt without the most "press resistant" central midfielder in the league.

All good points @Percy Pig.

It's certainly been good to have a player that everyone talks about.

I do wonder whether Conway will be similar in a year or two? Going to be an interesting contract discussion around him soon. Like Scott 2 years left on his deal, and probably not on the greatest amount of wages.

Yes, I know he's local; and loves the club etc. But like Pring, we need to lock these players down for a few more years after 2025.

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, NcnsBcfc said:

But in all honesty, the last 2/3 months of the season weren't his best and of course he had probably his worse game for the club versus Burnley in the last home game.

Need to factor in the opponent…the best team in the Championship and some…and a lot of the game chasing the ball with no time on it when he got it.  They isolated him and swarmed him.  Clever.  No other team has really had the quality / nous to execute that.  The middle of the pitch was impossible to play through first half.  It wasn’t until we switched to a diamond that he found different areas of the pitch to play in, albeit was then subbed.

FWIW I thought his pressing / channel blocking first half was exemplary.

In a game where we don’t get much quality possession, Scott can be wasted (OTT word) as a no10…you need to get him on the ball deeper…would’ve been more effective playing with James, rather than Andy King imho.

58 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

All good points @Percy Pig.

It's certainly been good to have a player that everyone talks about.

I do wonder whether Conway will be similar in a year or two? Going to be an interesting contract discussion around him soon. Like Scott 2 years left on his deal, and probably not on the greatest amount of wages.

Yes, I know he's local; and loves the club etc. But like Pring, we need to lock these players down for a few more years after 2025.

For me, purely because he is a striker, Tommy could actually have a greater impact than Scott, weird as that sounds.

[redkev]

On 15/05/2023 at 21:30, Davefevs said:

Would love one more season, for us to buck the trend of not selling when we don’t have to.

This summer is gonna have some twists and turns isn’t it?

There has to be at least one season where we put a full stop to selling on our best talent ( young or old ) and have a crack at getting to the play offs other wise the wheel is just gonna keep turning , with our current side ( if we did manage to keep Scott) with a few decent additions next year could be a good time to start

[Bodiesaffer]

12 hours ago, Percy Pig said:

To be fair, a lot of that has come from playing Scott in the 10, he had significantly more impact from deeper positions. 

Also, he's created 89 shot opportunities if you look at the Vyner Wells thread posted by Spud. 

Perfectly conceivable that with a 20% conversion rate he could have close to 20 assists this season! 

It's all academic, but Scott is the best player we've had in my lifetime. Retaining him alongside some other significant additions in defence and midfield would leave us in a very strong position to challenge at the top end of the league.

But it won't happen and we will have to move on without him (I actually think that's one of the reasons why Nige moved him to the 10 position. To see how our team could adapt without the most "press resistant" central midfielder in the league.

I don’t think he’s a 10 TBH

[trickytimes]

12 hours ago, NcnsBcfc said:

I get that in the short term.

But I remember how it turned out with Jack Clarke when he went back to Leeds from Tottenham. It depends on how we are planning for next season.

One of the points that NP makes clear is the need for more goals from midfield. It's fair to say this is an area of Scott's game that he needs to improve on. If by playing Scott you aren't playing one of those players that you specifically bought in to do that job then tough decisions would have to be made.

I love Scott, and it's been a pleasure to see his development over the last two seasons. But in all honesty, the last 2/3 months of the season weren't his best and of course he had probably his worse game for the club versus Burnley in the last home game. Whether all the press, media nonsense has got to him, I can't say; but his stock will never be higher than what it is now.

Like when Semenyo left, others have had to step up to the plate. Having Conway back was like a new signing, but collectively as a team we still only scored 4 goals in our last 8 away games. Winning 4 of our last 13 games after the Man City cup game. A lot of those games Scott played in, don't forget. Yes it was a collective issue across the team, but Scott was part of that issue unfortunately,

How can you possibly know that "his stock will never be higher". If he gets the expected move to the Premier, and has a good season then his stock will most certainly be higher than it is now.

[One Team]

Listening to that Ashton segment back again is as riveting as it is nauseating. 

GT had him sussed and knew exactly the questions to ask, the first one being, “what’s the logic of sacking your head coach and appointing one of his assistants?”. Straight in!

If anyone had any doubts on how much we have moved on in the last couple of years listen to this. 

I hope MA gets the welcome he deserves next season. 

Edited May 17, 2023 by One Team

[Taz]

45 minutes ago, One Team said:

Listening to that Ashton segment back again is as riveting as it is nauseating. 

GT had him sussed and knew exactly the questions to ask, the first one being, “what’s the logic of sacking your head coach and appointing one of his assistants?”. Straight in!

If anyone had any doubts on how much we have moved on in the last couple of years listen to this. 

I hope MA gets the welcome he deserves next season. 

He won't make the trip.

[One Team]

33 minutes ago, Taz said:

He won't make the trip.

I think his ego is too big not too!

[Taz]

1 hour ago, One Team said:

I think his ego is too big not too!

Ordinarily I'd agree with you, however he knows what a monumental cockup he made here, and is well aware that a lot of people (staff, board, supporters) were onto him before he left. The extent of the mess he left behind, has been made clear since he foxtrot oscared out of here.

Portman Road, yeah he'll be there, may be low-key, but he'll be there. Ashton Gate, not so sure about that.

[Jerseybean]

The OS media team strike again, look at the date on this! 
 

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/pearson-on-sound-of-the-city/

 

[chinapig]

23 minutes ago, Taz said:

Ordinarily I'd agree with you, however he knows what a monumental cockup he made here, and is well aware that a lot of people (staff, board, supporters) were onto him before he left. The extent of the mess he left behind, has been made clear since he foxtrot oscared out of here.

Portman Road, yeah he'll be there, may be low-key, but he'll be there. Ashton Gate, not so sure about that.

He's a narcissist so possibly not that self aware. He may even want to do a lap of honour so us adoring fans can show our thanks for all he did for us.

[phantom]

14 minutes ago, Jerseybean said:

The OS media team strike again, look at the date on this! 
 

https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/pearson-on-sound-of-the-city/

 

For anyone that doesn't see this before it gets edited, they have literally just re-shared an old story

[View from the Dolman]

4 minutes ago, phantom said:

For anyone that doesn't see this before it gets edited, they have literally just re-shared an old story

Or more likely, they've written a new story but the CMS for the website is poor at handling stories with the same headline (and slug as used in the URL) and so people are viewing the old article when clicking the link to the article.

[ScottishRed]

13 hours ago, redkev said:

There has to be at least one season where we put a full stop to selling on our best talent ( young or old ) and have a crack at getting to the play offs other wise the wheel is just gonna keep turning , with our current side ( if we did manage to keep Scott) with a few decent additions next year could be a good time to start

Unfortunately that is wishful thinking I’m afraid.

There are two reasons why, money and ambition.

Regarding money, we still run at a huge loss, so any bid for any player that meets the clubs valuation will be seriously considered - the later point is the same the world over, every player has their price. You also have to the financial impact on the player, they are professional sports people, in the main they do not support the club they play for, it’s a job. If they are made aware, usually by their agent, that another club is prepared to pay them multiples of their current wage to move and ply their trade there, it is most likely they will want to leave.

The point regarding ambition is a simple one, most, if not all professional sports people are hugely competitive, they are unlikely to be where they are unless they have that characteristic. It is therefore completely understandable for them to test themselves at the highest level possible, this is more pertinent to younger players  who want to see how far they can go.

For clubs below the EPL, these are the facts unless you have PP’s and can keep players financially content whilst you try for promotion.

For clubs like us the secret, and it’s difficult to achieve, is develop talent whether that is by clever recruitment or the academy and hope that the stars align in a particular season.

If you take the example of the 4 clubs in the playoffs this year, two are loaded with EPL loan players - expensive and blocks pathways, the other two have done extremely well, but would you bet on them being top six next season should they not be promoted.

[NcnsBcfc]

6 hours ago, trickytimes said:

How can you possibly know that "his stock will never be higher". If he gets the expected move to the Premier, and has a good season then his stock will most certainly be higher than it is now.

In terms of us, ie he is the new guy on the block all PL are supposedly looking at. If we were looking to sell, now woukd be the best time to maximise his potential.

It'll be someone else next season, and injuries/form/entering into last year of contact post season could all play a part on his valuation.

[Davefevs]

14 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

In terms of us, ie he is the new guy on the block all PL are supposedly looking at. If we were looking to sell, now woukd be the best time to maximise his potential.

It'll be someone else next season, and injuries/form/entering into last year of contact post season could all play a part on his valuation.

I think the reality is that if Alex Scott is still here beyond the summer it’s because he has signed a new deal (with whatever clauses) for a term beyond 2025….so I don’t think he ever gets to next summer with just a year left.

On an aside, I am noticing a trend for our younger players to be offered fixed end contracts, no option clause, which I think shows clarity in the clubs thinking about securing assets.  The year option doesn’t really seem to have given us any benefit for the youngsters.

Will be interesting to see what we do with Owura and Dylan this week.

[hinsleburg]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I think the reality is that if Alex Scott is still here beyond the summer it’s because he has signed a new deal (with whatever clauses) for a term beyond 2025….so I don’t think he ever gets to next summer with just a year left.

On an aside, I am noticing a trend for our younger players to be offered fixed end contracts, no option clause, which I think shows clarity in the clubs thinking about securing assets.  The year option doesn’t really seem to have given us any benefit for the youngsters.

Will be interesting to see what we do with Owura and Dylan this week.

Edwards feels like one that 5 years ago we would have given a 3 year deal but not sure we will now.

Had an OK season in SPL which I would say is between league 1/Championship standard, however he is now 22 and doesn't feel like he's anywhere near the first team picture.

Gut feel is he goes but may end up being one that makes a decent career at L1/Championship level

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, hinsleburg said:

Edwards feels like one that 5 years ago we would have given a 3 year deal but not sure we will now.

Had an OK season in SPL which I would say is between league 1/Championship standard, however he is now 22 and doesn't feel like he's anywhere near the first team picture.

Gut feel is he goes but may end up being one that makes a decent career at L1/Championship level

Yeah, with Bakinson, we exercised option and then got a small fee.  I wonder if we will do the same here?  Dunno how to call it.

[bcfc01]

22 minutes ago, NcnsBcfc said:

In terms of us, ie he is the new guy on the block all PL are supposedly looking at. If we were looking to sell, now woukd be the best time to maximise his potential.

It'll be someone else next season, and injuries/form/entering into last year of contact post season could all play a part on his valuation.

I can see Tommy Conway being in demand a year from now.

Good break through season under his belt with 38 games and 12 goals. The total minutes he played was 2105 so an average of 55 minutes per game. Thats a big goal return ratio from a 19 now 20 year old at this level. Hopefully he has a big pre-season, I think he has 20+ goals next season in him.

If Benarous can get over his ACL injuries and get in a good pre-season, he's another that could be in demand by the end of the season. 

Sam Bell needs to use this pre-season to build up his upper body strength and use his body on the ball to better effect. If he can do that, he's another young player that could attract some attention and also score a few next season.

I've personally not seen any others in the U21s that come close to their potential tbh, but Tinnion reckons that there are some standout 15/16 year olds coming through.

 

 

[cidered abroad]

19 hours ago, NcnsBcfc said:

I get that in the short term.

But I remember how it turned out with Jack Clarke when he went back to Leeds from Tottenham. It depends on how we are planning for next season.

One of the points that NP makes clear is the need for more goals from midfield. It's fair to say this is an area of Scott's game that he needs to improve on. If by playing Scott you aren't playing one of those players that you specifically bought in to do that job then tough decisions would have to be made.

I love Scott, and it's been a pleasure to see his development over the last two seasons. But in all honesty, the last 2/3 months of the season weren't his best and of course he had probably his worse game for the club versus Burnley in the last home game. Whether all the press, media nonsense has got to him, I can't say; but his stock will never be higher than what it is now.

Like when Semenyo left, others have had to step up to the plate. Having Conway back was like a new signing, but collectively as a team we still only scored 4 goals in our last 8 away games. Winning 4 of our last 13 games after the Man City cup game. A lot of those games Scott played in, don't forget. Yes it was a collective issue across the team, but Scott was part of that issue unfortunately,

Oh dear, we've just gone through three years of misery and living on the financial edge of FFP when we avoided FFP points deductions and the subsequent relegation. In that time we have relied on a few more elder statesmen and a never ending supply of very promising Academy graduates. So we finished comfortably in mid table with several long term injured unable to help out.

I believe that we played some very decent football losing against the two automatic promotion sides but actually playing very well in both matches..

Cheer up mate as City are still in the Championship instead of League Two and now recruiting for what will be a good next season.

[Davefevs]

47 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

I've personally not seen any others in the U21s that come close to their potential tbh, but Tinnion reckons that there are some standout 15/16 year olds coming through.

Think the next “crop” includes Araoye, Knight-Lebel, Palmer-Houlden and Morrison (and others), so we’ve got some almost there, even if the crop after that at 15-16 and a bit further away.  The likes of OTC have probably gained themselves a year by shining when given an opportunity.

Think it allows us to be a bit ruthless with the current crop, because of what’s behind them.

Glad you mentioned Benarous, I tend to forget him.  

[bcfc01]

41 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Think the next “crop” includes Araoye, Knight-Lebel, Palmer-Houlden and Morrison (and others), so we’ve got some almost there, even if the crop after that at 15-16 and a bit further away.  The likes of OTC have probably gained themselves a year by shining when given an opportunity.

Think it allows us to be a bit ruthless with the current crop, because of what’s behind them.

Glad you mentioned Benarous, I tend to forget him.  

I forgot about Araoye, not seen a lot of him, but he looked good last pre-season against Bournemouth when he was 17. Didn't look at all out of place.

I tend to agree about the current crop, but I'm sure some of them will have a decent career maybe somewhere else, just as Towler is doing.

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, bcfc01 said:

I forgot about Araoye, not seen a lot of him, but he looked good last pre-season against Bournemouth when he was 17. Didn't look at all out of place.

I tend to agree about the current crop, but I'm sure some of them will have a decent career maybe somewhere else, just as Towler is doing.

Yep, I see any player that comes through our academy that has an EFL career as being a success.  Those who play our level or higher is just amazing.