Trueman and Sellars - permanent deal

I think putting in a sensible system and getting the basics right IS what achieves success at this level though, isn't it? The likes of Cambridge and Carlisle have been up there all season and its hardly like they have blown everyone apart with their superior quality - I think they've just organised well and got the most out of what they have.

I think the club were right to bring in the new recruits to attempt to play more effective attacking football, as you mention, but I think there were just too many enforced changes on Saturday to properly judge what Trueman and Sellars are looking to do in the next few weeks.

Losing Rowe was a massive blow and to not even be able to call on Cook for backup was really frustrating. Personally, I think they would have dropped Clarke, even without a knock, to introduce Vernam or Crankshaw, had they been given a choice, but I don't think introducing both of those flair players straight into the XI would have been the intended plan at Exeter away.

The last two defensive displays have been poor so their task is now to get the side properly balanced again. I can't see tomorrows game being on, so hopefully that at least gives a chance for a few of the knocks to clear up and give us more options.

You are right though, it will be what they can do with the new signings in the months ahead now that determines whether they get the manager gig on a full time basis. We have tackled the window with a plan and paid fees and, presumably, decent wages, to the new lads coming in, with several dropping down from League One, so we're building for next season already and Rupp and Sparks will need to see results with this squad as it is now easier to appoint another manager than rip up the squad again, after a heavy recruitment spell.

I think Trueman and Sellars are up to it and I hope we get the reaction we are all looking for.

 

Its a key foundation, yes. I've seen plenty of unimpressive but solid and organized sides earn promotion from this league. I think there's a reasonable expectation though, that with the resources we have, we should be able to put together slightly more joined up and convincing performances on the ball. The defensive weaknesses on display in the last 2 games are probably an opportunity to make changes and bring Canavan in. As I say, we have the beauty of not needing to rush - we can take our time to judge T&S over a longer period. We have 3 or 4 players who didn't play on Saturday, who I think would be part of our strongest XI, so that's a positive of sorts too.

 

T & S will be viewed on can they take us up next season. My feeling is that this season is a what will be will be season but we are gearing up for next season and its a MUST we go up.

If T & S want the gig for next season then they need to start dropping the players that won't be here like AOC and Wood. Prove that you can cope with injuries, illness, covid etc and get the best out of the squad. I think Canavan will come in soon and Wood will be dropped soon enough.

Last two matches defensively has been poor and we need to see how we bounce back now but people need to understand that we have brought players in now for next season, as next season no one knows what might happen. It seems highly unlikely fans will be allowed back in 2021 and City like other clubs will be losing money and I doubt much money will be available but Rupp knows he will need out of div 2. Lets see what the next few weeks brings but we are looking at the bigger picture here for sure and rightly so!

 

Mystic Fordy how do you know these players won’t be here next year. You don’t drop your best left back on a whim

 

AOC needs to leave. We have Staunton and we need to make room for him. So keeping AOC is pointless.

I never said drop Wood at a whim but he has been awful by the standards he has shown. He is out of contract at the end of the season and it's unlikely he will be staying. We got a LB to have a look at. also staunton can play LB.

Sparks has said NEXT SEASON many times. Get that into your head. We spent now because its highly likely the pot will be dry next summer.

 

Danny Cowley?

 

The more I think about this situation, and hear comments from T&S saying they are comfy with the situation, the more I come to the conclusion that there is a new permanent manager lined up for next season who is either contracted or on garden leave. I think T&S are (and have been since the start) fully aware of this, and its partly why they are so relaxed.

I'm also starting to wonder if there a part completed takeover somewhere in the background (DB and/ or ML & the ex Burnley Owner ??) and that's where the money came from. Basically both a new owner and a new manager pulling the strings.

Not against the idea, but keeping rookie managers beyond 4 games and an effective January transfer window just arent the "old" BCAFC way.

 

I'm think the Ex Burnley owner still has a share holding in Burnley.

 

Talking of Burnley, where is Dave Baldwin these days?

 

I believe he's on gardening leave.

 

who is the ex Burnley owner?

 

Garlick - who sold his near 50% stake in the club - and fellow former shareholder John Banaszkiewicz will remain at Turf Moor as directors.

If I was a Burnley fan I'd be a little worried with regards this article.

Burnley's US takeover has left club £90m worse off and loaded with debt

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/02/burnley-us-takeover-has-left-club-90m-worse-off-and-loaded-with-debt

 

Nominated for manager(s) of the month

https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2021/february/trueman-and-sellars-in-manager-of-month-nomination/

 

Agree about Wood, but based on his recent performances I'm not sure clubs will be falling over themselves to take him. I'm not really sure what he is. People say he's not a wing back, yet attacking and crossing the ball is the best part of his game. He is not a good defender and his positional sense is shocking, hence several managers consistently picking Chicksen ahead of him. I would be happy if he stayed but wouldn't be upset if he left. Likewise with AOC. I wouldn't have a problem with the moody bugger staying on a reduced contract, but also wouldn't be unhappy if he left. He can play RB, right or left CB and if absolutely desperate DM, so has his uses. Not sure how old he is.

 

Lets hope Huddersfield don't come knocking, I sense a change coming down the road...

 

Sinking fast ha ha

 

AOC is 28. I think people tend to think he is older because it feels like he has been here forever.
As for Wood, he has had moments of brilliance defensively in the past so it is in his locker. I get the feeling he will be off in the summer though, even if a decent offer to stay is on the table from us. I listened to an interview he did with JR a couple of weeks ago and he mentioned that he lives alone and all his friends and family are down south. That's hard for a young lad at the best of times but during a pandemic when he is stuck on his own inside 4 walls apart from when he is training and on match days, it must be extremely difficult. I'd like to be wrong and see him sign an extension, but if he has the chance to move to a club closer to home, I wouldn't blame him if he takes it.

 

Good luck to the lad whatever happens, he owes us nothing. Football can be a short career and if his life is happier elsewhere then a move nearer home can only be viewed as a positive.

 

I dont think we need to renew AOC's contract. We will have sufficient options in Paudie, Staunton, Canavan, FCD and Sikora. We could direct the savings on his salary toward a quality central midfield player instead.

As for Wood, I am convinced he will finding a club much nearer home in the summer.

 

I think Foulds will be in with more of a chance of a contract than AOC. I also see Foulds ahead in the pecking order of FCD for a defensive spot when next season starts.