Championship thread 25/26! (81 Viewers)

[shmmeee]

I don't see us buying a whole new team.
Not just for the financial implications but also because of the upheaval it will cause in a club whose success has been built on stability.

I think we'll see 5 or 6 in in addition to maybe making a couple of the loans permanent.

Just checking but I think that would be by far and away the lowest number of signings any promoted club has made including Luton. I think you’re wildly underestimating.

 

---

[AOM]

I don't see us buying a whole new team.
Not just for the financial implications but also because of the upheaval it will cause in a club whose success has been built on stability.

I think we'll see 5 or 6 in in addition to maybe making a couple of the loans permanent.

Also can't see us completely revamping the team.
Think one of the reasons we started so well this season was due to having a fairly settled squad

 

[Major Tom]

A rebuild will be required. Do we honestly believe we could hold our own without bringing in new players across all positions with current key squad as back up. Our defence especially is really leaky and lacks pace against championship sides, i'm not sure apart from Rushworth that any would hold their own in a promoted side.
After 50 years of watching city I don't get emotionally attached to any players and I just don't want to be embarrassed if we go up.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

A rebuild will be required. Do we honestly believe we could hold our own without bringing in new players across all positions with current key squad as back up. Our defence especially is really leaky and lacks pace against championship sides, i'm not sure apart from Rushworth that any would hold their own in a promoted side.
After 50 years of watching city I don't get emotionally attached to any players and I just don't want to be embarrassed if we go up.

We’ll need to be pragmatic
But yep lots of change will be required as the team would be nowhere near good enough to stay up without significant improvement individually

 

[clint van damme]

Just checking but I think that would be by far and away the lowest number of signings any promoted club has made including Luton. I think you’re wildly underestimating.

Maybe. We'll see.
I'd imagine how many bodies we can off load will be a factor

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Maybe. We'll see.
I'd imagine how many bodies we can off load will be a factor

We’d need a robins season first time in championship

lots of teams have failed to stay up so we can see what works

not there yet though

 

[Skybluefaz]

I’m not saying we’re anti football. Just we do what’s needed to win games. We aren’t Burnley but we aren’t a Leeds. Were Lampards Coventry. I think the Mourinho comparison is a good one.

We've scored 2 more goals than Leeds last season at the 36 game mark.

16 more than Boro.

 

[shmmeee]

We've scored 2 more goals than Leeds last season at the 36 game mark.

16 more than Boro.

OK?

 

[Sky Blue Goblin]

One of the things I’ve thought we do well when playing well, is adaption. I genuinely think this season we have been the jack of all trades.

Press us high, we’ll go long. Low block we’ll play around you. We’ve given teams like Wednesday the ball just so we can press it of them in dangerous areas and we’ve thrown bodies behind the line like at Boro and countered very efficiently.

I don’t think Lampard is wed to any tactical philosophy apart from hard work and “forward”.

 

[KenilworthSkyBlue]

Also can't see us completely revamping the team.
Think one of the reasons we started so well this season was due to having a fairly settled squad

The PL is a different animal to the Championship though. I do think in many ways those that get promoted do have to work from a blank canvas and for the most part start afresh.

The majority of our squad isn't PL standard so if we're to be promoted a significant amount of investment is going to be required for us to stay up.

I wouldn't want to compromise on improving the squad simply to preserve continuity when it's highly questionable how much weight that would actually have on our survival prospects in all honesty.

If the money is there we have to be ruthless.

 

[shmmeee]

Maybe. We'll see.
I'd imagine how many bodies we can off load will be a factor

Yeah just checked and only two teams in the last five years have made fewer than ten summer signings: Bournemouth in 2022 - 8 (who still spent close to £100m) and Leicester in 2024 - 9 (who had been a PL team for a decade prior to relegation).

So five plus Onyeka would be by far the lowest.

The average over the last 5 years is 13.9.

I’d expect around 10.

Allen and Collins will be OOC. Lats, Bidwell, Wilson will have a year left and be told they can go, maybe Simms as well. BTA, Woolfenden, Brau probably also told they can go. Leaves us with 15 including Onyeka, 10 short of a squad. Maybe 8/9 if not all of those named leave.

 

[Grendel]

It doesn't discredit you in the slightest. It won Chelsea numerous titles, Mourinho was hailed as a master tactician and their attacking players regularly and rightfully got plaudits.

Not my fault you can't take a bloody compliment!

As for the Hoodoo that doesn't detract from your performance either, there are different ways of a Hoodoo being borne out. We have the exact same Hoodoo over Brum, but likewise it shouldn't detract from our performance on that day, like yourselves against us, we found another way to win, thereby fulfilling the Hoodoo.

Personally I don't know what fans of other clubs have said on here in the past, but I suspect you're tarring me with the same brush and assuming that almost everything I say is some kind of dig for whatever reason. It's not. I don't mind a bit of craic, that's all good fun, but persistently making digs isn't my style at all.

There's similarities between Carrick and Hellberg, but there's also major differences in their setup. What we have now is more fluid, with each player having less nailed down positions. Subs will also be made as soon as they're needed, rather than waiting until 75 minutes to get "even fresher legs" which Carrick would not deviate from and above all else if we went off the boil for a few games, Hellberg mixes it up and does the unexpected. Carrick had little in the way of a Plan B.

 

[Lamps]

A rebuild will be required. Do we honestly believe we could hold our own without bringing in new players across all positions with current key squad as back up. Our defence especially is really leaky and lacks pace against championship sides, i'm not sure apart from Rushworth that any would hold their own in a promoted side.
After 50 years of watching city I don't get emotionally attached to any players and I just don't want to be embarrassed if we go up.

If we can keep Rushworth it will mean we will have spent about 20m with Onyeka. How much money do you think we will have to spend in our first season up without risking our future?

What we do have is are squad of players that are close and would run through brick walls for each other. Spending money doesn't guarantee a chance of staying up. It will be a case of keeping our best players and adding quality to them.

We would need to look at the defence more than anywhere else. MVE deserves his chance and Thomas on the bench, but not leaking goals will be important. That's why Rushworth would be an important signing.

The rest? Grimes with Onyeka at CM. EMC, Rudoni, Torp and Sakamoto as players in front of them and Wright up front.

With already spending about 20m we would only have 10 players that I would be happy with either in the team or on the edge of it. We would have a few squad fillers like Eccles and BTA. We would bring in some money for the players sold but that won't bring much quality in.

There's a few clubs in financial difficulties so won't be as strong as normal. Our aim would be 17th place. If we came straight back down with an affordable wage bill with the parachute payments we would have a good chance of an immediate return. This would give us another 100m approx to spend on players. Somehow stay up? Time to strengthen again but with a guaranteed extra year's parachute payment.

There's going to be a lot of people expecting too much if we go up. Prem quality players are not cheap. We might get a free or so and a couple of cheaper players in. But it still won't stretch very far.

 

[biggymania]

If we are recruiting for the Premiership, assuming no ownership change or significant investment - Doug will be smart enough I think to plan for the season after in the Champ. I think that puts a lot of pressure on scouting - we'll be using the same approaches and network we have, but a level up. There's a lot of risk here because I doubt we'll sign many actual Premiership level players.

Doug will have to bid really high to get Rushworth, I imagine we will go for that - but it's not guaranteed. We should also be going back for a CB like Hughes. Which ever teams miss out of the playoffs, we might look there at a few who we think can step up.

I don't see us bankrolling the entire TV money on staying up, it's just not the way Doug is likely to work.

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

If we can keep Rushworth it will mean we will have spent about 20m with Onyeka. How much money do you think we will have to spend in our first season up without risking our future?

What we do have is are squad of players that are close and would run through brick walls for each other. Spending money doesn't guarantee a chance of staying up. It will be a case of keeping our best players and adding quality to them.

We would need to look at the defence more than anywhere else. MVE deserves his chance and Thomas on the bench, but not leaking goals will be important. That's why Rushworth would be an important signing.

The rest? Grimes with Onyeka at CM. EMC, Rudoni, Torp and Sakamoto as players in front of them and Wright up front.

With already spending about 20m we would only have 10 players that I would be happy with either in the team or on the edge of it. We would have a few squad fillers like Eccles and BTA. We would bring in some money for the players sold but that won't bring much quality in.

There's a few clubs in financial difficulties so won't be as strong as normal. Our aim would be 17th place. If we came straight back down with an affordable wage bill with the parachute payments we would have a good chance of an immediate return. This would give us another 100m approx to spend on players. Somehow stay up? Time to strengthen again but with a guaranteed extra year's parachute payment.

There's going to be a lot of people expecting too much if we go up. Prem quality players are not cheap. We might get a free or so and a couple of cheaper players in. But it still won't stretch very far.

There’s two unknowns though: a) if the club’s owner sells up and b) if we get big offers in for any of this season’s regulars.

 

[Sky Blue Goblin]

Quick thought is it worth it to spend big on six players or spend the same amount on 10?

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

Quick thought is it worth it to spend big on six players or spend the same amount on 10?

Quality over quantity imo

 

[Offhegoes]

A rebuild will be required. Do we honestly believe we could hold our own without bringing in new players across all positions with current key squad as back up. Our defence especially is really leaky and lacks pace against championship sides, i'm not sure apart from Rushworth that any would hold their own in a promoted side.
After 50 years of watching city I don't get emotionally attached to any players and I just don't want to be embarrassed if we go up.

I remember Lampard saying he assessed our squad deeply before accepting the job.
King would have reiterated he wants promotion in 2 years, so Lampard would of factored that in.
He would have thought, Do Cov have a core of players that could make the step up, age-wise and technically.

We would obviously need signings in key positions, with defence being top priority.

Secure Rushworth on a perm deal
Spend big on a CB & LB
Spend big on a LW to challenge EMC
Sign James Maddison from Spurs
High potenital pacey young European striker (CF) - Although I'd keep Simms and Haji

Elsewhere
High Potential young CB

 

[shmmeee]

If we are recruiting for the Premiership, assuming no ownership change or significant investment - Doug will be smart enough I think to plan for the season after in the Champ. I think that puts a lot of pressure on scouting - we'll be using the same approaches and network we have, but a level up. There's a lot of risk here because I doubt we'll sign many actual Premiership level players.

Doug will have to bid really high to get Rushworth, I imagine we will go for that - but it's not guaranteed. We should also be going back for a CB like Hughes. Which ever teams miss out of the playoffs, we might look there at a few who we think can step up.

I don't see us bankrolling the entire TV money on staying up, it's just not the way Doug is likely to work.

What makes you say that? He spent all the Vik and Gus money and then some on getting up. Were more likely to skimp on wages if anything.

 

[SafeAsMilk]

We are better than Boro… and the Sky cameras showing their manger on the touch line at the CBS looking confused and his wig twitching was another great moment from this season ..

 

[Brighton Sky Blue]

What makes you say that? He spent all the Vik and Gus money and then some on getting up. Were more likely to skimp on wages if anything.

I think he’s more likely yet to sell the club.

 

[SBAndy]

If we can keep Rushworth it will mean we will have spent about 20m with Onyeka. How much money do you think we will have to spend in our first season up without risking our future?

What we do have is are squad of players that are close and would run through brick walls for each other. Spending money doesn't guarantee a chance of staying up. It will be a case of keeping our best players and adding quality to them.

We would need to look at the defence more than anywhere else. MVE deserves his chance and Thomas on the bench, but not leaking goals will be important. That's why Rushworth would be an important signing.

The rest? Grimes with Onyeka at CM. EMC, Rudoni, Torp and Sakamoto as players in front of them and Wright up front.

With already spending about 20m we would only have 10 players that I would be happy with either in the team or on the edge of it. We would have a few squad fillers like Eccles and BTA. We would bring in some money for the players sold but that won't bring much quality in.

There's a few clubs in financial difficulties so won't be as strong as normal. Our aim would be 17th place. If we came straight back down with an affordable wage bill with the parachute payments we would have a good chance of an immediate return. This would give us another 100m approx to spend on players. Somehow stay up? Time to strengthen again but with a guaranteed extra year's parachute payment.

There's going to be a lot of people expecting too much if we go up. Prem quality players are not cheap. We might get a free or so and a couple of cheaper players in. But it still won't stretch very far.

The whole “putting our future at risk” angle doesn’t really stand up to scrutiny unless we literally signed no good players. Most of the time, if you’re relegated you can sell 2-3 players and recoup over 50% of your spend.

 

[biggymania]

What makes you say that? He spent all the Vik and Gus money and then some on getting up. Were more likely to skimp on wages if anything.

I can see him continuing to look at players as assets whose values should be going up, so he'll be pressuring recruiting along those lines. I think he'll balance the likelihood of survival Vs relegation and will want to primarily make sure if we come straight back down we're in a position that allows us to come right back up. There's also the 50-100m of debt the club has from his loans and the mortgage on the arena to consider. It would be unwise to spend all of your revenue on transfers given that.

Agree with you on wages. I also imagine there's other projects he might want to consider as well - heavy investment in the training facilities, potentially pursuing tier 1 academy status.

 

[skybluecam]

Sign James Maddison from Spurs

 

[shmmeee]

I can see him continuing to look at players as assets whose values should be going up, so he'll be pressuring recruiting along those lines. I think he'll balance the likelihood of survival Vs relegation and will want to primarily make sure if we come straight back down we're in a position that allows us to come right back up. There's also the 50-100m of debt the club has from his loans and the mortgage on the arena to consider. It would be unwise to spend all of your revenue on transfers given that.

Agree with you on wages. I also imagine there's other projects he might want to consider as well - heavy investment in the training facilities, potentially pursuing tier 1 academy status.

I think he’ll want to sell it or keep us up. I can’t see why you’d spend £70m getting here then not try and stay personally and I think it’s cope from fans who want an excuse when we’re relegated.

The irony of the “come straight back up” proponents like yourself is the one club to do what you propose went down to L1 after their relegation.

 

[fernandopartridge]

I can see him continuing to look at players as assets whose values should be going up, so he'll be pressuring recruiting along those lines. I think he'll balance the likelihood of survival Vs relegation and will want to primarily make sure if we come straight back down we're in a position that allows us to come right back up. There's also the 50-100m of debt the club has from his loans and the mortgage on the arena to consider. It would be unwise to spend all of your revenue on transfers given that.

Agree with you on wages. I also imagine there's other projects he might want to consider as well - heavy investment in the training facilities, potentially pursuing tier 1 academy status.

I'm not sure if Category 1 academy status is something he's likely to pursue if he's looking to flip the club.

 

[skybluecam]

I think Doug will do broadly what he's done already, just on a larger scale:

- Focus transfer spending on younger players that are likely to appreciate in value if they perform
- Keep tight control of the wage budget so our hands aren't tied in the event of relegation
- To that end, not being afraid of relatively healthy transfer spends if they meet the above two criteria
- Continue development of the commercial aspects of the club to increase revenues and make us more sustainable to operate.

 

[TomRad85]

I think Doug will do broadly what he's done already, just on a larger scale:

- Focus transfer spending on younger players that are likely to appreciate in value if they perform
- Keep tight control of the wage budget so our hands aren't tied in the event of relegation
- To that end, not being afraid of relatively healthy transfer spends if they meet the above two criteria
- Continue development of the commercial aspects of the club to increase revenues and make us more sustainable to operate.

I agree. Business as usual but with more money, basically.

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

I think Doug enjoys the limelight to much and will stay so can't see him selling up. He'll improve the infrastructure ofvl club even more i think, Ryton upgrade and buy the Connexion back, develop the accedmy. He'll want his face and shiny haircut on the Sky cameras more than ever

 

[AFCCOVENTRY]

Doug has spoken in the past that if you get to the Prem and become established you have to look at investors. I suspect there could be some minority shareholdings on offer for investment.

 

[clint van damme]

I think Doug enjoys the limelight to much and will stay so can't see him selling up.

My mate floated this theory to me last week.
I'm not in agreement but you never know.

And to be fair, he's spoken to him a few times.

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

My mate floated this theory to me last week.
I'm not in agreement but you never know.

And to be fair, he's spoken to him a few times.

Did he spill any secrets about selling or staying?

 

[AOM]

The PL is a different animal to the Championship though. I do think in many ways those that get promoted do have to work from a blank canvas and for the most part start afresh.

The majority of our squad isn't PL standard so if we're to be promoted a significant amount of investment is going to be required for us to stay up.

I wouldn't want to compromise on improving the squad simply to preserve continuity when it's highly questionable how much weight that would actually have on our survival prospects in all honesty.

If the money is there we have to be ruthless.

Yeah, it's a fair point. I think the Premier League could be a shock for a lot of our squad.

Just have a feeling that we'll want to keep at least a similar spine to what we currently have and anyone on the fringes will be let go.

I guess the other factor is buying new players on higher wages, and then struggling to get rid of them if we're back in the Championship the following season, but then I don't know how it works with current players and their wages if we're promoted.

 

[SwanLane]

If we went up, Sunderland is an obvious blueprint but as soon me have said, it’s not clear we would b as active as them.

An interesting one is Brighton in 2017-18. Ok, a few years ago but the gulf between Champ and Prem was pretty similar. They had finished second in the Champ and although they brought in 12 players on permanent deals that summer, only 5 played in the PL for them that season. 3 loanees made a combined 23 appearances. Of the players they sold, only 2 had made more than 10 appearances in the championship.

Maybe premature but could be one for a closer look if we did go up.

 

[shmmeee]

Yeah, it's a fair point. I think the Premier League could be a shock for a lot of our squad.

Just have a feeling that we'll want to keep at least a similar spine to what we currently have and anyone on the fringes will be let go.

I guess the other factor is buying new players on higher wages, and then struggling to get rid of them if we're back in the Championship the following season, but then I don't know how it works with current players and their wages if we're promoted.

PL players will want PL wages regardless of when they came to the club really. It’s no coincidence we’ve had a flurry of renewals as agents spot their clients are about to get promoted.