New signing... City catch the train.

Nice to see us making some early moves to sign players. No idea if any of the signings are good but at least we seem to be far more prepared than last season. Did we even have a manager at this point last year?

Time will tell if it’s going to work but at least Bowyer seems to have identified areas that he wants to strengthen and is working to do so.

 

No we didn't. Collins wasn't appointed until 18th June.

 

Didnt have a manager this time last year, but didnt stop us signing players!

 

It was left in the capable hands of Rahic, Abbott and Grayson added his targets if I remember correctly, not sure how much notice Rahic took of the others.

 

I would even go as far as saying that RO’D didn’t have a bad season. Yes, his form fell apart during the last 2-3mths, but prior to that, he was one of the more consistent performers and constantly kept us in games.

But don’t we have this same behaviour from our fans EVERY close season. Get rid of McLaughlin- he’s not good enough. Get rid of Ben Williams- he’s not good enough. Get rid of Colin Doyle- he’s not good enough. Now it’s get rid of Richard O’Donnell.

Do we expect to sign someone of David de Gea’s quality? Oh hang on, he’s not good enough for us either as his performances last season were littered with errors....!

 

If O’Donnell goes...!

 

O'Donnell is more than good enough at league 2 level. Unless we can replace like for like on cheaper wages I don't see him leaving.

 

It's not just down to what we do though is it? If O'Donnell gets an offer from a league 1 club on similar or better terms than he is on now, I can't see him staying.

 

Won’t be missed

 

I didn't realise he was out of contract?

If he moved on it wouldn't be the end of the world though, I'm just pointing out that should he stay, he's a more than capable keeper.

 

He definitely has 1 more year of his contract. Personally, I think he will be gone during the summer though

 

He's not but I think he sees himself as better than league 2 and wouldn't be at all surprised if he is pushing his agent to find him a new club.

 

You worded your post that it was down to O'Donnell though. If he's under contract it'll be down to the club as I can't see many clubs wanting to pay a fee for his services.

 

We might be happy to get him off the wage bill though so if another club is interested, we may let him go for nothing.

 

I think they tried the foreign model where manager has no input in signings. Failed. Even more so when a new manager comes in with a totally new style of play and ideas. Only kind of works if you stick to a style of play and appoint managers who have the same philosophy

 

Yeah of course but the point was that that's down to the club and not the player.

 

Depends on who he is replaced by. If it’s the kid signed last week, I’ll be worried and in that case, RO’D would definitely be missed

 

Without seeing Hornby we don’t know Vale fans say he is to good to be number two. OD started last season bang average and deteriorated

 

No he didn't. He was one of our better players until around February time. Infact his form fell when we brought the GK coach in!

 

Nonsense Park, he was one of the only ones earning their crust until the transfer window passed. His saves tally was right up with the best in all 4 leagues according to Opta. Obviously he was busier than most but he is a good keeper when focused. There's only so much you can do when the defence just allow shot after shot, game after game. The amount of work he was getting through mistakes are going to happen. Can't really say his mistakes cost us as the team in front gave nothing to fight for and provide any inspiration at the other end of the pitch.