Still in a job
Somehow after last season’s 19th-place finish, on the verge of the sack for a 1/8 of the season, I have managed to just about keep my job for a second season. It is vital that the summer rebuild goes to plan and that I start the next season well. I have already forgotten about last season.
Debt free!
Massive news – having been in debt the whole save so far, big Steve had covered all the debt. This means we are in the green for the first time in the save!
Outgoings
Clearing out the deadwood was essential and I was pleasantly surprised by the high amount of funds I was able to raise, especially Davies a player I bought in on a free, loaned out and now sold for 4 million. I didn’t want to let Shaun Hutchinson go, but he had to go if I wanted to keep my job! I’ve managed to completely revolutionise my wage bill, so I can go and get the players I want.
Incomings
I was very busy this transfer window. I had a clear plan going into the window that I wanted to add a good mix of experience and youth. Ideally, I wanted players who were consistent, with good pedigrees. Every player I signed was English. I managed to get 13 players through the door.
Signing #1 Tom Davies
Was surprised to find that Tom Davies was still a free agent. He failed to find a new club all of last season and although he has declined a lot as a player he still looks excellent in that BWM role. His work-rate, bravery and stamina make him a real workhorse that I can rely on. Not a world-beater, but a very solid first signing.
Signing #2 Troy Deeney
I had been tracking Deeney for well over a year, but couldn’t stretch the wage budget to get it done. His aggression, determination, leadership, strength and teamwork stats are everything I’m looking for in a striker. He has been signed as an impact sub off the bench. His legs are going and will go over the course of this season. I’m hoping he will chip in with a few goals off the bench!
Signing #3 Andros Townsend
Left winger was a clear weakness in the team last season, so it was one of the first positions I looked to strengthen and got in there early with Townsend who was the final early signing. It’s not his natural role, but I couldn’t turn down the chance to sign a player of his experience. Still got a good amount of pace and some great technical stats.
Signing #4 Alex Mowatt
I was searching through the transfer list for potential players and was shocked to find Mowatt on there at the measly price of 75k. Mowatt is the perfect player for this system. Left-footed and can cover at both BBM and BWM, so to get him in was a no-brainer. He is so well-rounded with almost every stat above 10. This signing is a game changer.
Signing #5 Mika Biereth
Again, was having a flick through the transfer list and saw Biereth who I remember scoring a lot of goals for me in a previous save and believed he could make a mockery of his 500k price tag. At just 20, plenty of potential to grow, he makes a good fit as my PF for the season.
Signing #6 Jordan Clark
Clark released by Luton was a very shrewd pick up. He suits the RW role perfectly, reasonable quick and well-rounded. Good experience, a championship pedigree and can also cover at CM. It’s tough to scout out good wingers, so when I saw him available on a free I quickly swooped in.
Signing #7 Sam Hutchinson
Replaced one experienced Hutchinson with another. Not the quickest, but I needed one more leader and experienced option at the back and believe I can get a good season out of Sam. I love his aggression and bravery!
Signing #8 Brandon Fleming
Was forced to get rid of Joe Byran as he wasn’t playing up to his 25k a week wages. There were very few good LB’s kicking about. I went for the cheap and youthful option in Fleming. He’s OK, but I don’t expect him to be anything special. Got him for a good price at 300k.
Signing #9 Luke Freeman
The second Luton winger raid. Funny story on Luke – I was about to sign him and he initially rejected me to sign a new contract with Luton, so I was pretty frustrated as he would be a great fit for the team. I went back in and put another bid in just in case, thinking he wouldn’t speak to me considering he had just signed a contract. Luckily, he wanted to speak to me again and I finally got the deal done.
Signing #10 Nathan Ferguson
Finally ending the trend of only signing consistent players. Really like this signing on a free. Young, very solid back up who can cover at CB, LB and RB.
Signing #11 Michael Smith
My most expensive signing. Spent a million on Smithy, not the smartest of signings but with a limited pool of TF’s he made the most sense. His jumping reach and heading ability will be massive. I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t get over 15 goals.
Signing #12 Dele Alli
Deep into deadline day and I got the inbox item that Everton had released Dele. Didn’t especially need him and he doesn’t fit the system, but when I saw he only wanted 9k a week, I thought why not? It’s a fun signing and a chance to get Dele’s career back on track. He has to be decent at championship level, right?
Signing #13 Nathan Redmond
Similar to Dele, I’d been keeping an eye of Redmond all transfer window and when he was released on deadline day, I quickly made my move. A couple of other teams put offers in, so I was buzzing to get him in. I needed better competition for Clark and felt Redmond offered that and fits the profile we are looking for perfectly.
In conclusion
I couldn’t be happier with my business. No excuses to not have a good season now: this team is light and day ahead of the team from last season and I can assure you we will have a much better campaign this time around. 12 out of 13 of my signings are consistent, which is unheard of and something I didn’t plan! I’m confident that I’ve built a very solid and well-rounded championship team.