May as well get going with this since with Sullivan at the helm, season ticket renewals slow, and the football vacuum to commence, this will soon be all the "news" there is.
Can Potter and MacCauley pull multiple rabbits out of the hat, or will Sullivan 'try really hard' with all of them before grabbing a few aging bargains from Big Willie Salthouse?
Window this close season comes in two parts:
Part 1: 1st June to 10th June
Part 2: 16th June to 1st September
We are sleepwalking into a relegation battle. This isn't about just this summer though it's about years of poor recruitment.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 18:06
by El Scorchio
Massive Attack" wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 17:18
I'm hoping the new Goalkeeping Coach gets his way and we get this Keeper in..
Mads Hermansen is Graham Potter's No.1 target for the goalkeeper signing, with the Dane being valued at £25m. He's been recommended by Casper Ankergren.
He looked impressive in games that helped get Leicester promoted and he didn't look out of place against Premier League opposition even though he had a shocking Team trying to defend in front of him. Only real issue for me is the value. That's got to come way down as Leicester are taking the piss demanding that after relegation.
You'd think it a little weird after all that coaching reshuffle if we didn't get that specific player in. However if Cooper is indeed a Salthouse client, I think we know what Sullivan is going to do, even if all his staff are set on Hermanson.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 17:59
by Jaan Kenbrovin
Really can’t believe how anyone can see Hermansen as an improvement.
Even worse is Callum fucking Wilson joining.
It’s like a constant wave of the joke targets.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 17:18
by Massive Attack
I'm hoping the new Goalkeeping Coach gets his way and we get this Keeper in..
Mads Hermansen is Graham Potter's No.1 target for the goalkeeper signing, with the Dane being valued at £25m. He's been recommended by Casper Ankergren.
He looked impressive in games that helped get Leicester promoted and he didn't look out of place against Premier League opposition even though he had a shocking Team trying to defend in front of him. Only real issue for me is the value. That's got to come way down as Leicester are taking the piss demanding that after relegation.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:50
by El Scorchio
Sir Alf" wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 12:34
I see the Sheff Utd keeper Cooper’s agent is Will Salthouse. Nailed on for the keeper recruitment.
Hahaha you couldn't make it up. Still at least the connection might work to our benefit this time, like with AWB.
Probably been told if you want him and on good terms you'll have to take hopalong Wilson as a sweetener. You'd think it would be a good idea to lead with Cooper and sort that first and slip Wilson's name in under the radar afterwards so it's not such a stinker. Still a shit way to run the operation but it makes it a tiny bit more palatable if it's a means to an end to get a good young goalkeeper. He's not a big lad though, Cooper. Only 6 foot 1.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:34
by Sir Alf
I see the Sheff Utd keeper Cooper’s agent is Will Salthouse. Nailed on for the keeper recruitment.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:32
by Keep dreaming
Reckon we could hit rock bottom this week, when we sell Paqueta and buy Callum fucking Wilson.
The only way is up, from there.
There is always time for Bowen being sold, and giving Cornet another go...
With Sullivan you'll never hit a rock bottom
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:31
by El Scorchio
Funny actually. These are the guys people coated off on here during last season for being nerds not worth listening to.
stubbo-admin wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 07:17
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
The state of Sullivan's tenure at the club can be demonstrated by the fact that some data nerds have a better player analysis system than the club itself, and whilst we pay people to do whatever they do only to sign Salthouse and Silkman rubbish we don't need, these actual experts are doing the valuable work and releasing it on the internet for free.
Just employ these blokes, keep your nose out and we'll have improved our system dramatically.
This x100, by the way.
Gospel Gank solves your problems.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:20
by goose
We’re the new Everton.
financially mismanaged and a string of bad managerial appointments.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 12:15
by southbankbornnbred
The league starts in just over two weeks.
With this absolute melt of a chairman, manager, first team and squad, I'm definitely reconciled to the mindset many of us had in the early to mid-90s and after the Icelandic debacle. Where you just knew that every season was going to be a fucking mad slog.
Forget the European places, I'm already in "celebrating every point up to 40" mode. I'm just going to enjoy the ride because the club is still run chaotically. Hopefully, we'll make it all about the fans again - even in that soul-less bowl.
stubbo-admin wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 07:17
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
The state of Sullivan's tenure at the club can be demonstrated by the fact that some data nerds have a better player analysis system than the club itself, and whilst we pay people to do whatever they do only to sign Salthouse and Silkman rubbish we don't need, these actual experts are doing the valuable work and releasing it on the internet for free.
Just employ these blokes, keep your nose out and we'll have improved our system dramatically.
Sad thing is we will have these sorts of people affiliated with the club who churn out info an recommendations which just get ignored by Sullivan in favour of who he likes the look of. It reminds me of the opening chapter of the book Moneyball all about the struggle between the younger generation of data analytics driven scouts making recommendations to the grizzled old school head scouts who discounted it in favour of 'trusting their eye and experience' with prospects who 'carry themselves like ball players' and the like while paying little attention to the actual details and numbers. Guess who resoundingly won out in the end with overwhelming empirical evidence? Feels like the exact scenario likely going on at WHU.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 11:01
by Gank
stubbo-admin wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 07:17
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
The state of Sullivan's tenure at the club can be demonstrated by the fact that some data nerds have a better player analysis system than the club itself, and whilst we pay people to do whatever they do only to sign Salthouse and Silkman rubbish we don't need, these actual experts are doing the valuable work and releasing it on the internet for free.
Just employ these blokes, keep your nose out and we'll have improved our system dramatically.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 10:55
by eusebiovic
stubbo-admin wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 07:17
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
Which just confirms what most of us should already know by now. There's no excuse anymore.
Our club displays a consistent habit of poor due diligence and a complete lack of a comprehensive scouting network and database when identifying the weakest positions in the team at any given time. If you commit to a properly funded team of data crunchers then medium to long term it works out far cheaper to run and provides a far more lucrative return than two decades of signing players based on the principle of wearing a blindfold and trying to find the steam room in a very fruity sauna...
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 10:51
by El Scorchio
It's a shame with those two. Top top attitude and professionalism, but just the body can't do it. Personality wise you'd gladly have 11 Soucek and JWPs in the team but physically they just aren't quite there.
But JWP and Soucek...can't see them going anywhere. And the manager clearly likes them too. They're hard working, commited personalities who don't ruffle any feathers, easy to manage etc. Both have some value as squad players for the bench IMO, but whilst they remain starters we're in trouble.
Uncle David will take them to Everton on deadline day
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 09:06
by El Scorchio
Lee Trundle" wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 08:16
Reckon we could hit rock bottom this week, when we sell Paqueta and buy Callum fucking Wilson.
The only way is up, from there.
Yup. Next out the door sadly. When Sullivan looks at him he just sees a walking pound sign. It wouldn’t be quite as bad if the money goes to those two central midfielders (and goalkeeper- I saw Hampton deal with a cross better than Areola yesterday) we sorely need and then we can buy a striker that we actually want, but you’re right. It’ll be Paqueta out Wilson in. Our best remaining midfielder gone for a bench warming past it West Ham hating cսnt of a striker no one except Sullivan wants anywhere near the club
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 08:16
by Lee Trundle
Reckon we could hit rock bottom this week, when we sell Paqueta and buy Callum fucking Wilson.
The only way is up, from there.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 08:02
by dealcanvey
stubbo-admin wrote: ↑28 Jul 2025, 07:17
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
What’s also concerning is the player most likely to receive a bid is paqueta and Sullivan won’t be able to sell him quick enough. Probably to Spurs.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 07:17
by stubbo-admin
For those that like the data analysis side of things, and maybe even those that don't, the first 10 mins of this video are interesting.
These particular data nerds went looking for what we need in midfield but as part of that defined some 'named buckets' based on data and described where our existing midfielders fall:
In recovery (based on recoveries and tackles won)
Waster, Grafters, Wolves, Terriers, Winners
In progressions (based on progressive carries and progressive passes)
In recovery, the only player remotely close to the winner category...Paqueta.
Full video here:
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 28 Jul 2025, 06:49
by stubbo-admin
Sir Alf" wrote: ↑27 Jul 2025, 21:09
Our issue seems to be that our appalling transfer / recruitment over many years has burdened us with a bunch of central midfielders we are stuck with. Sullivan wont sanction purchase of Potter and Macaulay’s targets before the likes of Guido, Soucek, JWP, Irvine, Alvatez or Paqueta are sold.
We have to accept that some of these players will need to released on season long, loss making loans. Will Sullivan accept this? If he doesnt we are in big trouble next season.
It is critical to get those 2 athletic, young, pacy , energetic central midfielders and also a goalkeeper or the upcoming season is a disaster in waiting. Its that simple.
As has been seen continuously across the Premier League, it's very difficult to shift players you don't want unless someone else in the PL wants them.
Of those players, suspect we'll manage to shift Irvine. He'l be on very low wages, is a good age and now a Scottish international.
The rest will all be on in and around 100k per week. And there's few clubs outside the PL top 10 that are in a position to pay that.
Maybe Alvarez will go since his stock is high from his Mexico exploits and a bigger continental team might be interested. Guido I reckon will go on loan, then get released end of contract. And Paqueta will depend on if he pushes for a move...hopefully he stays as he's the player worth watching for the odd touch of genius.
But JWP and Soucek...can't see them going anywhere. And the manager clearly likes them too. They're hard working, commited personalities who don't ruffle any feathers, easy to manage etc. Both have some value as squad players for the bench IMO, but whilst they remain starters we're in trouble.
Sounds like Sullivan is letting clubs know we have other more affordable options than their over priced creative midfield youngster….
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 27 Jul 2025, 22:15
by twoleftfeet
Linked with Michael Cooper from Sheff Utd, I’ve been singing his praises for quite some time. Superb keeper.
Re: Summer Transfer Window 2025 | Official Thread
Posted: 27 Jul 2025, 21:09
by Sir Alf
Our issue seems to be that our appalling transfer / recruitment over many years has burdened us with a bunch of central midfielders we are stuck with. Sullivan wont sanction purchase of Potter and Macaulay’s targets before the likes of Guido, Soucek, JWP, Irvine, Alvatez or Paqueta are sold.
We have to accept that some of these players will need to released on season long, loss making loans. Will Sullivan accept this? If he doesnt we are in big trouble next season.
It is critical to get those 2 athletic, young, pacy , energetic central midfielders and also a goalkeeper or the upcoming season is a disaster in waiting. Its that simple.
