wellsince75 Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 30 minutes ago, wellgirl said: That's Halliday and Ward signed extensions See there's some discussion on pie and bov about Balcombe and Ox - assume Balcombe will be returning back down south at the end of his loan spell and that's why they've extended Wards contact as cover for Ox Hard to argue with Halliday given his game time - experienced pro etc . Ward - really don't get it tbh. If he's not an upgrade on Balcome or Ox I don't see the point. If he is better than why's he had zero game time. A background in National league and Finland doesn't convince me. Overall Im not sure if Ox is the obvious No1 . If he is would prefer Connelly to be the back up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mio Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 3 minutes ago, grizzlyg said: I can imagine a few folk unhappy but I am happy to see Halliday sign another deal. I think he is underrated and remember he probably played more games due to injuries. Is a good experienced pro to have on board. I get why we’ve given him another year but I do find him a frustrating player to watch. Probably the most annoying aspect to him is that there is a very good player in there but the theatrics of him on a park and the constant diving and constant moaning just bugs me. (I do still get that feeling from him as well that he thinks he’s too good for us…. Might just be me tho) He has been reliable tho so I’ll give him that, especially in and around the chocolate fireguards we signed up last year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 15 minutes ago, wellsince75 said: Hard to argue with Halliday given his game time - experienced pro etc . Ward - really don't get it tbh. If he's not an upgrade on Balcome or Ox I don't see the point. If he is better than why's he had zero game time. A background in National league and Finland doesn't convince me. Overall Im not sure if Ox is the obvious No1 . If he is would prefer Connelly to be the back up. It's always tough for young keepers. Sitting on the bench every week with with close to zero chance of game time isn't exactly a great way to develop. Going on loan gives you that experience, but then you're not available if the first team keeper is injured. Someone like Ward has over 100 first team appearances, but presumably is OK playing second fiddle as needed. Either way, it can't be much fun being a second choice keeper anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santheman Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 When I saw the post I honestly couldn't initially remember who Calum Ward was which kinda sums up a mental season on the signings front. Pleased about Halliday though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellfan Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Halliday is one who has surprised me and surpassed my expectations this season, so I can’t really grumble at him being offered an extension. He’s been solid. Ward is an unknown but I can only assume - and hope - that he and Ox will be battling it out for the no. 1 jersey next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewelllfan Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Squad under contract for next season :- Goalkeepers- Ox, Ward Centre-Backs- Gordon, Balmer, SOD RWB - Sparrow, Johnny K LWB- Wilson Cm - Miller, Slattery, Halliday, Nicholson Attackers - Maswanhise, Stam, Stuperavic, Robinson 16 now under contract. 2/3 need moved on to make space for new players who can have more of a contribution next season. I suspect we'll also renew Paton, Watt and Casey. Which would make it 19. (18 once Miller is sold.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spit_It_Out Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Halliday does put a shift in and at least seems to care can't fault his efforts this season however I hope it stops there we need a massive clean out we can't be retaining a vast majority of this squad or we shall get the same results as this season it's simple as that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcalpin Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 3 hours ago, wellsince75 said: Ward - really don't get it tbh. If he's not an upgrade on Balcome or Ox I don't see the point. If he is better than why's he had zero game time. A background in National league and Finland doesn't convince me. Overall Im not sure if Ox is the obvious No1 . If he is would prefer Connelly to be the back up. Balcombe is only on loan. Matty Connelly might be a decent enough keeper at non league/Second Division level but thats it. He's now 22 and never made a first team appearance. His problem is that he's just too small for the Premiership at 5-10 /6-0. He'd get battered by Jordan Whites and Ikpeazus of the world. These days 6-2 is about the minimum height for a top level keeper. St Johnstone has just signed a 6-8 keeper (don't know if he's any good mark you). I suspect we'll release Matty Connelly at the end of the season and re-allocate his wages elsewhere. A similar discussion on P & B. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellsince75 Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 8 minutes ago, Kmcalpin said: Balcombe is only on loan. Matty Connelly might be a decent enough keeper at non league/Second Division level but thats it. He's now 22 and never made a first team appearance. His problem is that he's just too small for the Premiership at 5-10 /6-0. He'd get battered by Jordan Whites and Ikpeazus of the world. These days 6-2 is about the minimum height for a top level keeper. St Johnstone has just signed a 6-8 keeper (don't know if he's any good mark you). I suspect we'll release Matty Connelly at the end of the season and re-allocate his wages elsewhere. A similar discussion on P & B. Makes sense , hadn’t realised MC was now in 20s . Overall so far it’s a bit underwhelming as we have a lack of pace, guile and resigned a few mediocre players some of which unlikely to have much game time . Slattery aside , there’s not many resigning that make me think ‘oh good - I look forward to seeing them play’ appreciate some need of continuity , seasoned pros etc but we need to leave plenty of room for new blood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Posted April 30 Author Report Share Posted April 30 I’d expect that anyone being asked to remain at the club is someone the manager believes can contribute to the style of football he’s aiming to implement. So I wouldn’t view those players as simply being part of the status quo. I suspect a few from this season will still be a good fit, but with several additions likely over the summer, the overall shape and approach of the team could look noticeably different next season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grizzlyg Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 1 hour ago, wellsince75 said: Makes sense , hadn’t realised MC was now in 20s . Overall so far it’s a bit underwhelming as we have a lack of pace, guile and resigned a few mediocre players some of which unlikely to have much game time . Slattery aside , there’s not many resigning that make me think ‘oh good - I look forward to seeing them play’ appreciate some need of continuity , seasoned pros etc but we need to leave plenty of room for new blood. Getting Sparrow on extended deal good business also, joint top scorer and great energy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texanwellfan Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 13 minutes ago, grizzlyg said: Getting Sparrow on extended deal good business also, joint top scorer and great energy He strikes me as a player suited to high pressing game. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellsince75 Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 25 minutes ago, grizzlyg said: Getting Sparrow on extended deal good business also, joint top scorer and great energy Good point - I’d forgotten about that one . 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsterwood Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Think we needed clear out. Wouldn't have extended Halliday or ODonnell.. I'm ok with Sparrow. Think we need more pace in team and attacking flair. I'm hoping Wimmer has contacts but it don't look like it if he's just extending contracts of some if team that been part of worst well side in years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grizzlyg Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 1 hour ago, texanwellfan said: He strikes me as a player suited to high pressing game. Especially on the wing........cue........ba boom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twistandshout1983 Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Happy enough with Halliday signing , think we do need a clear out this summer but Halliday has earned it I think Hopefully we will clear out some of the deadwood and the Wimmer will bring in a few new faces Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewarkfanclub Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 No issues with the Halliday extension on its own. As others have said he has earned it with the minutes he has played and some decent performances, obviously we need some experienced heads around. Im just concerned that with SOD and possibly McGinn also being extended we could end up in a similar position injury wise next season. If Wimmer wants his high press next season we are gonna need younger fitter players who wont break down under the stress of what they are being asked to do. With Nicholson, Robinson AND Stama also under contract, the space to bring in new talent is already looking limited. Ward? If he is happy being back up to Ox, I guess thats fine. I would be annoyed if we offer Balcombe a contract as well..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiddy Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 Wait till the boss brings in the top players from the german 2 nd division and they turn out to be superstars then we sell them to engerland for millions kettlewelll n bair will only be a memory or the germans will be journeymen and shite at best and we are fighting relegation next year time will tell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weeyin Posted April 30 Report Share Posted April 30 20 minutes ago, smiddy said: Wait till the boss brings in the top players from the german 2 nd division and they turn out to be superstars then we sell them to engerland for millions kettlewelll n bair will only be a memory or the germans will be journeymen and shite at best and we are fighting relegation next year time will tell Or neither of these things. Maybe he'll bring in players that are quite good and we do quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Dog Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 Maybe he'll go with a smaller squad and use our best youngsters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wellfan Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 Any Motherwell manager who relies on brining in numerous loanees each season in favour of developing the Club’s own youth players is not working in the long term interests of the Club. There is obviously a balance to be struck, particularly when the first team is blighted with injuries and there isn’t enough youth players ready, but the latter will remain the case without development opportunities being consistently offered, and the former is bad luck and bad recruitment policy. The amount of loanees we have signed this season is not acceptable. It stifles opportunities and sends the wrong signals. I challenge anyone to argue that the likes of Plange, Dickson, Thompson, Tavares, for example, are better options than Wells, Ferrie, L. Ross, Wilson, for example. We should be running with a smaller squad of better first team players (quality over quantity) and have a crop of youth players baked into the manager’s ideas, every season, and particularly to cover injuries and rest others. We’re a selling club and we do well from developing our own, both financially and performance wise. I hope Wimmer shares my views. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcalpin Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 1 hour ago, wellfan said: Any Motherwell manager who relies on brining in numerous loanees each season in favour of developing the Club’s own youth players is not working in the long term interests of the Club. There is obviously a balance to be struck, particularly when the first team is blighted with injuries and there isn’t enough youth players ready, but the latter will remain the case without development opportunities being consistently offered, and the former is bad luck and bad recruitment policy. The amount of loanees we have signed this season is not acceptable. It stifles opportunities and sends the wrong signals. I challenge anyone to argue that the likes of Plange, Dickson, Thompson, Tavares, for example, are better options than Wells, Ferrie, L. Ross, Wilson, for example. We should be running with a smaller squad of better first team players (quality over quantity) and have a crop of youth players baked into the manager’s ideas, every season, and particularly to cover injuries and rest others. We’re a selling club and we do well from developing our own, both financially and performance wise. I hope Wimmer shares my views. I agree with that, but really don't know much about which youngsters are ready to step up, if indeed there any. The organisation of youth football has a lot to answer for, but thats a separate debate. I've heard of the likes of Wells, Ross and Whyte, but thats about it. Hopefully there are some about to fledge. Long term developing our own youths is the only way forward. To balance that we need a sprinkling of old heads like Halliday to show them the ropes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewelllfan Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 The only youngsters who seem close are Luca Ross and Dylan Wells we've got a boy who's consistently getting in the Scotland U17s so he's probably decent as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennyc Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 2 hours ago, wellfan said: Any Motherwell manager who relies on brining in numerous loanees each season in favour of developing the Club’s own youth players is not working in the long term interests of the Club. There is obviously a balance to be struck, particularly when the first team is blighted with injuries and there isn’t enough youth players ready, but the latter will remain the case without development opportunities being consistently offered, and the former is bad luck and bad recruitment policy. The amount of loanees we have signed this season is not acceptable. It stifles opportunities and sends the wrong signals. I challenge anyone to argue that the likes of Plange, Dickson, Thompson, Tavares, for example, are better options than Wells, Ferrie, L. Ross, Wilson, for example. We should be running with a smaller squad of better first team players (quality over quantity) and have a crop of youth players baked into the manager’s ideas, every season, and particularly to cover injuries and rest others. We’re a selling club and we do well from developing our own, both financially and performance wise. I hope Wimmer shares my views. I agree 100% with your comments re strategy but worry that it will take several years to rebuild a youth programme that has been diminished over a number of seasons under several Managers. Certainly the Loanee numbers are farcical and those you highlight are certainly no better than the youth quoted. But that bar is pretty low. And unless they have improved leaps and bounds I'm not sure any of the current crop are first team standard, or have that potential. Wilson looked to be the best of the lot but he has fallen off a cliff of late, although I believe he can bounce back given strong support. The players currently out on loan are doing ok, but no more than that. I guess what I am saying is that, like the first team, the youth squad has been weakened over a number of seasons and it will take quite some time for both squads to be rebuilt to an effective standard. I suspect that long term aim was why Wimmer was chosen for the job in the first place. It will be interesting to see whether he makes changes to the coaching staff at several levels over the summer. I know a few think Wimmer will move on at season end no matter what, but I hope he stays and is given scope to develop a coherent strategy that covers all age groups. A complete reset is required. In my opinion anyway. Others will disagree. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewarkfanclub Posted May 1 Report Share Posted May 1 3 hours ago, wellfan said: Any Motherwell manager who relies on brining in numerous loanees each season in favour of developing the Club’s own youth players is not working in the long term interests of the Club. There is obviously a balance to be struck, particularly when the first team is blighted with injuries and there isn’t enough youth players ready, but the latter will remain the case without development opportunities being consistently offered, and the former is bad luck and bad recruitment policy. The amount of loanees we have signed this season is not acceptable. It stifles opportunities and sends the wrong signals. I challenge anyone to argue that the likes of Plange, Dickson, Thompson, Tavares, for example, are better options than Wells, Ferrie, L. Ross, Wilson, for example. We should be running with a smaller squad of better first team players (quality over quantity) and have a crop of youth players baked into the manager’s ideas, every season, and particularly to cover injuries and rest others. We’re a selling club and we do well from developing our own, both financially and performance wise. I hope Wimmer shares my views. 100% agree. Kinda hoping that this is one of the main reasons for going for someone like Wimmer who has a strong background in youth development. Otherwise whats the point of thinking outside the box? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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