Retained List.

On 29 June 2021 it was announced that he had signed a two-year contract with Bradford City.

 

Although a few have improved under Hughes, there's still a nagging frustration that they're only a couple of defeats from returning to type. Those who've barely featured (unless inured) are most likely out the door. I see one or two are advocating keeping Staunton but it can't be coincidence that he's barely had a look in under 2 managers. Is he really a good as some think or was it that he looked half decent in the worst defence I can remember? Add to that he hasn't pulled any trees up when out on loan. For his own career he needs to be playing.

 

No not really. I completely agree with your sentiments, I’d have him in a heartbeat. I was pointing out you can’t put a player on a “retained list” when he’s under contract with another club.

We agree though

 

Staunton and FCD need to go out on season long loans where they have the opportunity to be playing regularly because that isn't (and shouldn't) be happening here next season. Scales only signed a year extension last summer so I wouldn't be surprised to see him being released.

 

We’ll get next to nothing though, as it’s based on the input we’ve had from a development point of view. With him being here 2 years only, it’ll barely be 5 figures is my guess.

 

Every little helps

 

Pretty much agree with all of that. Though I’d be open to keeping Cooke, I don’t think Hughes rates him. Not fussed about Sutton either.

 

Spot on, some bizarre comments on here. Despite being lower half of league two we apparently now have half a team who are capable of succeeding at a higher level, and even players who would be comfortable in the Championship. They aren't and we don't.

None of this current squad would be any great loss. but if Hughes has seen something he can work with and there's no better out there we can get then great, if not then who cares.

 

Nah pointless. Sutton just brings energy but lacks quality.

Loads of players like him around that are better and offer more.

 

Didn’t Staunton turn down a loan move last season? Maybe the new guy can find him a team that works for both parties. FCD will find a loan and needs to because he isn’t good enough for what we need.

 

100% He won’t be retained, I’m as sure as I can be

 

He is the only player that will make runs from midfield often running 20 0r 30 yards with the ball making defenders retreat, He has been responsible for some vital goals we would not have scored without his runs committing defenders,
Have no doubt he will easily find another club but would prefer him to play and develop with us

 

I think him and Scales initially turned down loans because they didn't want to drop below national league level but it was only teams lower than that which showed an interest. Staunton eventually went to BPA for a month and Scales went to Farsley but I don't think either of them impressed much.

 

Watt has suffered due to adamsszzzz tactics and cooks lack of movement. Give him movement ahead of him and he can play far higher than league 2. He’s looked far better under Hughes with pace and movement head of him.

 

Watt has impressed me under Hughes, he dominated Spearing and had he not got a silly red card we’d have won comfortably. Game after against Colchester had we played our full team Watt included it would have been a different story imo and we could have easily been talking about a 5 game win streak to finish instead of 3. It’s evident under Hughes when Watt doesn’t play, credit to the lad because I’ve criticised him a lot earlier in the season but he’s kept his head up. I really hope he stays but won’t be surprised if he doesn’t.

 

Watt has the quality and passing ability. He has been disappointing at times and appeared almost pedestrian but I feel there is massive potential and a real player there who could definitely step up a league, I would be tying him down for another couple of years.

 

If he's on a relatively low salary then I think he's a good option as a multi role backup. CM areas and RB/RWB. Agree he brings energy, also has ability to knock it past his man and deliver a cross, and with the exception of Vernam he's the only player who gets us up the field rapidly without giving the opposition time to set.

 

And Hughes likes him. As a midfielder, he's proved himself to be an utterly do or die defender for us at the back. It's a while since I've seen a City defender so regularly put their body - and their health!! - on the line as much Yann over the last ten games. Still has things to learn positionally at centre back, but I reckon MH and Hodges will be working on that alot with him over the summer. For me, he's been one of our most impressive players under MH.

 

Agree Biker. I'd be happy for him to stay. But think he'll get an offer 'from above'.

 

Scales signed a 2 year deal so he's got a year left
https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/news/2021/june/two-more-years-for-scales/