Rival Watch

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WestYorksRoyal
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Re: Rival Watch

by WestYorksRoyal » 14 Jan 2025 13:13

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WestYorksRoyal This will sound disrespectful, but what you see now with Wycombe is about as good as it can get. Every club has their natural ceiling; ours is probably being like Brentford or Bournemouth, and it's the same for Luton with their new stadium.

Wycombe is a small town near London. At their high point, they're barely averaging 5k attendances. They could have a good season in the Championship like we did in the PL on 06/07, but long term simply staying in L1 is an achievement for them and there are limits to how long you can defy gravity. Luton is obviously a big step up, plus it's a well run club which is nearby. No need to change his kids' school. It makes obvious sense.


Was talking to a mate the other day about the three B's in the Prem and how well run those clubs seem to be. We've done it before and, once the joker's finally handed the reins over, there's absolutely no reason why it can't be done again. BTW WYR, your words 'there are limits to how long you can defy gravity' are so true.

The 3 Bs are part of a host of mid sized clubs who could be anywhere between where they currently are and L1, even L2, depending upon how well they are run. I wouldn't say they're bigger or higher potential than us. There are clubs like Northern, Leeds and Sunderland who get over 30k in L1 (or in Norwich's case, sell out at 27k or so) who are definitely bigger. But there will always be underperformers and therefore always space for a few mid sized PL clubs.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Hound » 14 Jan 2025 13:27

Think both Brighton and definitely Bournemouth were pretty much relying on promotion to stave off a bit of a disaster - especially Bournemouth last time round

It’s that thin line between well run and cheating and getting away with it. We cheated and just did it absolutely terribly or we could have been one of these well run clubs with some decent recruitment

Brighton had a couple of years of just staying up as well, Bournemouth likewise a couple of years back. A few less points and they could have been in trouble again

What they have done in recent times is found some very good managers. The chap at Bournemouth particularly looks exceptional. Big fan of Thomas Frank as well

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Re: Rival Watch

by Sutekh » 14 Jan 2025 14:33

Clyde1998 What I've been able to find regarding transfers in League One this window (doesn't count young players returning from loan).
Barnsley:
In: Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers; Free)
Out: Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea; End of loan)

Birmingham

Blackpool
Out: Elliot Embleton (Carlisle; Undisclosed); Dom Ballard (Southampton; End of loan)

Bolton
In: Aaron Morley (Wycombe; Return from loan); Joel Randall (Peterborough; Undisclosed)

Bristol Rovers
In: Romaine Sawyers (Wimbledon; Free)
Out: Michael Forbes (West Ham; End of loan); Jake Garrett (Blackburn; End of loan)

Burton
In: Ivan Inzoudine (Kalmar; Return from loan); Owen Dodgson (Burnley; Loan)
Out: Ronnie Stutter (Chelsea; End of loan); Alejandro Bran (Minnesota; End of loan)

Cambridge

Charlton

Crawley
In: Ben Radcliffe (Derby; Undisclosed)
Out: Cam Bragg (Southampton; End of loan)

Exeter
In: Cheick Diabate (Bradford; Return from loan)

Huddersfield
In: Ruben Roosken (Heracles Almelo; Undisclosed)
Out: Kian Harratt (Fleetwood; Undisclosed/Loan made permanent); Kieran Phillips (Ross Co; Undisclosed)

Leyton Orient
Out: Zach Hemming (Middlesbrough; End of loan)

Lincoln

Mansfield

Northampton
In: Liam Shaw (Fleetwood; Undisclosed)
Out: Matt Dibley-Dias (Fulham; Return from loan)

Peterborough
In: Gustav Lindgren (Degerfors; Undisclosed); Carl Johnston (Fleetwood; Undisclosed)
Out: Sam Curtis (Sheff Utd; Return from loan); ; Joel Randall (Bolton; Undisclosed)

Reading
Out: Chem Campbell (Wolves; Return from loan)

Rotherham
Out: Esapa Osong (Nottm Forest; Return from loan); Joseph Hungbo (Nurnberg; Return from loan); Jamie McCart (Hearts; Undisclosed)

Shrewsbury
Out: Charles Sagoe Jr (Arsenal; Return from loan)

Stevenage
Out: Harrison Smith (St Albans; Undisclosed); Aaron Pressley (Barrow; Loan)

Stockport
In: Benony Breki Andresson (KR; Undisclosed)
Out: Louie Barry (Aston Villa; Return from loan); Michael Mellon (Burnley; Return from loan); Tyler Onyango (Everton; Return from loan)

Wigan
In: Josh Robinson (Arsenal; Undisclosed); Joseph Hungbo (Nurnberg; Undisclosed); Will Goodwin (Oxford; Loan); Tobias Brenan (Oxford; Free)
Out: Calvin Ramsay (Liverpool; Return from loan); Josh Stones (York; Undisclosed)

Wrexham

Wycombe
In: Sonny Bradley (Derby; Loan); Ryan Cole (Newmarket); Jonny Pettitt (Pro Direct Academy; Free); Anders Hagelskjaer (Molde [Denmark]; €500k)
Out: Aaron Morley (Bolton; Return from loan); Caleb Taylor (West Brom; Return from loan)

EDIT: A couple of transfers which were confirmed yesterday after I posted this:
  • Matthew Craig (Barnsley to Tottenham; Return from loan) and (Tottenham to Mansfield; Loan)
  • JJ McKiernan (Lincoln to Burton; Loan)
  • Jay Williams (Crawley to Milton Keynes; Undisclosed)


and now of course

Chem Campbell (Wolves to Reading; Loan)

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Re: Rival Watch

by WestYorksRoyal » 16 Jan 2025 21:13

Wrexham losing at Shrewsbury, admittedly with plenty of time left.

I'm starting to back Huddersfield for 2nd. Wrexham aren't great and I don't think Wycombe will maintain it.

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Re: Rival Watch

by tidus_mi2 » 16 Jan 2025 21:41

WestYorksRoyal Wrexham losing at Shrewsbury, admittedly with plenty of time left.

I'm starting to back Huddersfield for 2nd. Wrexham aren't great and I don't think Wycombe will maintain it.

Agreed, be interesting to see how those two cope if they have to settle for play-offs after chasing automatics most of the season.


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Re: Rival Watch

by Stranded » 17 Jan 2025 09:01

And Wrexham lose - lost their last 2 away games now.

Would have to agree on Huddersfield likely joining Brum in the top 2 - would be incredibly depressing to see the 2 sides with by far the biggest budgets going straight back up but that is just the way of football these days.

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Re: Rival Watch

by WestYorksRoyal » 17 Jan 2025 09:11

Huddersfield can afford sign Dion Charles from a rival in the division in January. While Bolton haven't been great, they were pre season favourite and still have a chance of top 6 (you'd think this has harmed their chances though).

Shows the financial heft Huddersfield have and how uneven the playing field is. I'll be glad to see the back on Birmingham never year; hopefully with the teams coming down it'll be more level next season.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Hound » 17 Jan 2025 09:39

Bolton fans seem to be pretty unhappy with their manager, seemingly since their total no show in the PO final last year. And it’s fair enough, he comes over as complete twat. Can’t see them going up with him there

Didn’t think a lot of Wrexham when we played them despite the score line. Agree likely Birmingham and Hudders back up

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Re: Rival Watch

by Hound » 17 Jan 2025 09:43

Actually reading through about the Charles sale, was mention there that they might be considering Sam Smith to replace. Dunno if that’s just speculation though


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Re: Rival Watch

by Mid Sussex Royal » 17 Jan 2025 10:21

tidus_mi2
WestYorksRoyal Wrexham losing at Shrewsbury, admittedly with plenty of time left.

I'm starting to back Huddersfield for 2nd. Wrexham aren't great and I don't think Wycombe will maintain it.

Agreed, be interesting to see how those two cope if they have to settle for play-offs after chasing automatics most of the season.


Agree - Huddersfield have been very consistent in the last few months.

Wrexham are a very functional side but short of genuine match winners and I don't think they will make the autos, Parky is probably at his limit as to where he can take them now.

I expect though that the Hollywood guys would prefer a play off promotion
Last edited by Mid Sussex Royal on 17 Jan 2025 10:25, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Snowflake Royal » 17 Jan 2025 10:23

Hound Bolton fans seem to be pretty unhappy with their manager, seemingly since their total no show in the PO final last year. And it’s fair enough, he comes over as complete twat. Can’t see them going up with him there

Didn’t think a lot of Wrexham when we played them despite the score line. Agree likely Birmingham and Hudders back up

Wrexham were the epitome of a fairly average organised side, that were absolutely chock full to overflowing in confidence and winning mentality.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Snowflake Royal » 17 Jan 2025 10:26

Mid Sussex Royal
tidus_mi2
WestYorksRoyal Wrexham losing at Shrewsbury, admittedly with plenty of time left.

I'm starting to back Huddersfield for 2nd. Wrexham aren't great and I don't think Wycombe will maintain it.

Agreed, be interesting to see how those two cope if they have to settle for play-offs after chasing automatics most of the season.


Agree - Huddersfield have been very consistent in the last few months.

Wrexham are a very functional side but short of genuine match winners and I don't think they will make the autos, Parky is probably at his limit as to where he can take them now.

I expect though that the Hollywood guys would prefer a play off promotion though

I'm sure they have the money to do a squad refresh end of season.

Parky may not have a great championship record, but he knows how to pick a good L1 player and get promoted.

Wrexham could very well be one of the clubs come calling for our better players in the summer.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Clyde1998 » 17 Jan 2025 11:54

WestYorksRoyal Huddersfield can afford sign Dion Charles from a rival in the division in January. While Bolton haven't been great, they were pre season favourite and still have a chance of top 6 (you'd think this has harmed their chances though).

Shows the financial heft Huddersfield have and how uneven the playing field is. I'll be glad to see the back on Birmingham never year; hopefully with the teams coming down it'll be more level next season.

£750k apparently. Wonder if that could make Bolton interested in Sam Smith.


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Re: Rival Watch

by Stranded » 17 Jan 2025 11:55

Snowflake Royal
Hound Bolton fans seem to be pretty unhappy with their manager, seemingly since their total no show in the PO final last year. And it’s fair enough, he comes over as complete twat. Can’t see them going up with him there

Didn’t think a lot of Wrexham when we played them despite the score line. Agree likely Birmingham and Hudders back up

Wrexham were the epitome of a fairly average organised side, that were absolutely chock full to overflowing in confidence and winning mentality.


Wrexham are currently showing what a near perfect home record can do for you - from 14 games they have won 12 and drawn 2 - picking up 38 of their 51 points at home.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Brum Royal » 17 Jan 2025 12:59

Birmingham sign Grant Hanley

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Snowflake Royal
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Re: Rival Watch

by Snowflake Royal » 17 Jan 2025 13:06

Brum Royal Birmingham sign Grant Hanley

Jez,how many signingsis that this season? 15?

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Re: Rival Watch

by Sutekh » 17 Jan 2025 13:58

Snowflake Royal
Brum Royal Birmingham sign Grant Hanley

Jez,how many signingsis that this season? 15?


How many million was this one?

Really is ludicrous. IMO there should be an overall cap in each division that dictates how much a member club is allowed to spend by way of transfer/loan fees each season.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Brum Royal » 17 Jan 2025 14:04

Sutekh
Snowflake Royal
Brum Royal Birmingham sign Grant Hanley

Jez,how many signingsis that this season? 15?


How many million was this one?

Really is ludicrous. IMO there should be an overall cap in each division that dictates how much a member club is allowed to spend by way of transfer/loan fees each season.


Norwich released him from the last 6 months of his contract so he could sign a short deal to the end of the season with Blues according to the BBC

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Re: Rival Watch

by Pepe the Horseman » 17 Jan 2025 14:17

Hound Actually reading through about the Charles sale, was mention there that they might be considering Sam Smith to replace. Dunno if that’s just speculation though

Think it was based on someone claiming they saw Sam Smith in Huddersfield, with photographic evidence of someone who definitely wasn't Sam Smith.

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Re: Rival Watch

by Hound » 17 Jan 2025 14:40

Pepe the Horseman
Hound Actually reading through about the Charles sale, was mention there that they might be considering Sam Smith to replace. Dunno if that’s just speculation though

Think it was based on someone claiming they saw Sam Smith in Huddersfield, with photographic evidence of someone who definitely wasn't Sam Smith.


Not sure he’d be in Huddersfield if Bolton were looking at him anyway

I’d say there is a chance that he could move there. Whether they are interested or not is a different matter

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