Popular Post Lord Snooty Posted April 18, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 18, 2019 I mean it's all but over now isn't it. The last lingering hopes of the play-offs vanished down the drain last week with the defeat to L**ds United. But lets be honest, it was a dream we were clinging to by our fingers nails, with ever less of a grip every weekend. It was a long shot. A free hit. Something we didn't really expect. So there can't really be the crushing disappointment that you get when you've been up there all year and then dip. It was a step too far. Something which the gaffer, Steve Bruce intimated as much at today in his press conference when he said-: Quote "Leeds and Norwich, who I watched on Sunday are the benchmark. They are young and energetic and they have a player at the top end of the pitch who has 26 or 27 goals, so, they are two very different but very good sides.That's where we need to be and if we're being honest we're not, we're short ,that's where we've got to try and get to, now I've been delighted with what we've been able to achieve in a short time, but we're going to have to improve if we want to get to that level" There is one bit that sticks out in that for me. Well, actually there are several. But one bit in particular.. They are young and energetic and they have a player at the top end of the pitch who has 26 or 27 goals....that's where we need to be. It leads me to believe that Bruce very much in mind a style of play and a type of player that he wants to get into the club. Young, hungry energetic and a regular goalscorer at the top end of the pitch. Fletcher has been superb this season, but has never been a great goalscorer. Hooper, for all his attributes (and decent goals record when fit) couldn't really be described as young and energetic! Combine this with Bruce going several times on record as saying we have to many players in the striking department....and I think there might be a few surprise outgoings this summer. Of course, getting new players in is something that is never so simple, especially with Wednesdays financial situation and the rules which we have to abide by. Will this mean some lower league signings , young with potential, sprinkled with some exciting loan prospects? I suspect it might do. And to be honest I'm all for it. A WIND OF CHANGE AT HILLSBOROUGH? I CERTAINLY THINK SO. NEXT YEARS TEAM MIGHT BE UNRECOGNISABLE He also commented about Rhodes - : Quote IT's not gone as well in terms of time on the pitch for Jordan. It's been a bit limited because they play one up and one off. But with the system they play they have a centre forward who has 27 goals, so they've going to stick with that. We'll have a conversation with Norwich over the next few weeks and see where that lies. We've got 6 strikers. If Jordan comes back that's 7 which isn't healthy. We've some big decisions. We'll have to be led by Norwich and what they have up their sleeves. IF he comes back. Then good. Many people seem to have taken this as Bruce welcoming Rhodes back with open arms, and perhaps even making his someone to build a team around. I think that is a bit of conclusion jumping. When Bruces words are broken down I think it very much leans the other way. Twice he makes reference to seeing what Norwich want to do. Having a conversation with Norwich. If it was just a case of the loan deal finishing then why would we be waiting particularly on them. He'd just come back wouldn't he? I don't think it's any stretch at all here to see that Bruce would very much like to see if Norwich would take him off our hands. Especially in light of the earlier comments about 'young, hungry energetic players' and once more the comment about us having an unhealthy number of strikers and combine that with the speed in which he moved to bring in Lazaar, Aarons and Iorfa (three speed merchants) then I think there's every chance he's looking to move on most of the attacking staff. That's the way I read it anyway. Winnall has barely had a sniff either and again, I think Bruce already has someone in mind he'd like at the top end of the pitch. Or at the very least a "type" that he'd like at the top end of the pitch. And that type, I would suggest, is the type that the fanbase have been screaming out for , for the best part of 5 years. Since we had Wickham in fact. Someone big, athletic, strong, with speed and an eye for the back of the onion bag. I also think that the attack isn't the only place which might be getting ready for a huge overhaul, all over the pitch. He goes on to say that he hadn't really spoken to the Chairman about money. I'm sure that's just him being canny with the press. But ...he did talk about not having to spend a lot to build a good side... Quote You can do do it. You have to be shrewd in your signings. Look at Pukki at Norwich on a free....we have to adhere to the rules. We have to make big decisions in the summer. But in the Championship if you are shrewd enough and clever enough then spending (big money).isn't the be all and end all. I didn't spend much at Villa and we mounted a challenge. I genuinely believe there is a plan already in place. Players already targeted. I think the only problem he will have to that end is getting some of our players off the books, finding buyers. To that end I think that most of the out of contract players will be let go to free up wages. Anyone who's deal runs out this summer I think is highly like to be off. Whoever they are. The only possible exception being the goalkeeper who it would cost a lot more to replace. I don't think there will be any soft soaping or nostalgia playing a part in his thinking either. Especially with the final comment... Quote In management you have to make big decisions. Some aren’t always popular. But first I’ll address the 8 or 10 who are out of contract so I’ll deal with them first. 90% of the play off squad are still here. They’re three years older and maybe it’s time we had a freshen up. I don't think a single player is safe. So where does that leave the players in terms of Norwich tomorrow and Bristol on Monday? I mean they're nothing games aren't they now. Dead rubber as they are so fondly called by fans. But perhaps not. Because players who might be going into the summer with not many suitors lined up might just be going out there playing for their lives. Desperately trying to use these last few games to prove to the gaffer that they can still be useful enough to play a part in his quiet revolution. ++++++++ Norwich - V - Wednesday Championship Kick Off: 19:45 Carrow Road Norwich will be without Emi Buendia and Jordan Rhodes for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday, a game in which the Canaries could secure promotion. Midfielder Buendia completes his three-match ban while on-loan striker Rhodes is ineligible to face his parent club.Championship leaders Norwich will return to the Premier League following a three year absence if Sheffield United lose at home to Nottingham Forest in the 12:30 BST kick off and they then beat Wednesday. Wednesday expect to be without midfielder Adam Reach, who limped off during the weekend defeat at Leeds,Reach suffered an Achilles injury which is still being assessed by the Owls' medical staff. Rolando Aarons who has an ankle problem also looks set to miss out. Kieran Lee and Matt Penney are back in training but won't be included. People have stopped eve asking about Almen Abdi. Boss Steve Bruce will hope to have one, or both, of Dominic Iorfa and Rolando Aarons back available. +++++ Match facts Norwich have not completed a league double over Sheffield Wednesday since the 2001-02 season - they won 4-0 at Hillsborough earlier this season. Sheffield Wednesday are winless in three league visits to Norwich (D1 L2) since winning four in a row between 2005 and 2009. Norwich have lost on Good Friday at Carrow Road in each of the last two seasons, losing both matches against Fulham. Sheffield Wednesday have won their last four league matches on Good Friday (2002, 2014, 2017, 2018). Norwich have named 18 unchanged line-ups in the Championship this season, more than any other side. Sheffield Wednesday have lost two of their last three league games under Steve Bruce (W1) having lost none of his first 11 in charge (W5 D6). 11 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo Bonvin Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 Some good points there Milord. If Norwich can do it so can we next season. Up the Owls, and don’t put the flip flops on just yet please...... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev Owl Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Thanks again Milord. There's plenty in what SB says to keep the speculators in business during the next few weeks, you and me included. As to Norwich, head says they can clinch promotion and nothing in it for us so 2-0. Heart says it the Wednesday way to have previously thrown away our chance and then to pull off a great result 0-2. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ash60s Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Its nice to see that one man appears to be looking at the whole squad and not ignoring the problems therein In Bruce we have faith - busy summer for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcx666 Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Distinct lack of Stubbs, 4/10 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holmowl Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Enjoyed your views Snoots. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geedee Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 3 hours ago, marcx666 said: Distinct lack of Stubbs, 4/10 He's already on the beach 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 10 minutes ago, Geedee said: He's already on the beach Flippin part timers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OWLERTON GHOST Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Turned out nice again ...... 3 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handworth52 Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 our biggest problem is having no pace down the flanks , id leave bannan out and try someone else for this game ,maybe onomah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bouncing Owl Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 I love what Bruce is saying. I’m looking forward to huge changes this summer. I think anyone could go if the price is right. For me, the biggest deals we need to sort are tieing Westwood down to a new contract and signing Hector. Those 2 deals are necessities. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airborne_rat_of_s6 Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 7 hours ago, Pablo Bonvin said: Some good points there Milord. If Norwich can do it so can we next season. Up the Owls, and don’t put the flip flops on just yet please...... Indeed. We can do it next season providing our FFP plight is not too severe. Possibly could have done it this season if we had been able to close out a few games. Just shows you how bobbar this league is; you can have half a season playing utter twonk and with a good run be on the cusp of the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lombardo Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 A different post Snoots but full of facts and correct. I have to agree with you with the clear out and then the excitement starts again for next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owls_fan_since_1983 Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Come on Wednesday lets just go for the win.. Hopefully Sheffield United lose again today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treborowl Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 5 hours ago, marcx666 said: Distinct lack of Stubbs, 4/10 2 hours ago, Geedee said: He's already on the beach Back in 2 weeks... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latemodelchild Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 I miss Stubbs a bit but I'm glad he's having a break to be honest, the poor bloke works like a trojan for very little reward and he does it all with a smile. This OMDT is a good one and I agree with a lot of it. We now have a manager in who will look at the whole team and squad and know what attributes players need in which positions. He also has a vast amount of experience and contacts within the game so will have access to these types of players, be it through loans or deals. Add to this the fact that any young player should want to work under him considering his cv and we have employed an absolute gem. And that's before you look at how well he conducts himself in interviews and in the media in general. He'll send the team out to play today, whatever the team is. Dead rubber so go out and enjoy some football. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bladeshater Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Come on the Wednesday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pauli Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 ATTACK! ATTACK! ATTACK! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myHero Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Thanks for the memories but it would have probably been the worst thing to happen to Wednesday to get promoted with the current squad. It has no future. It would still be nice to go out and beat Norwich just to show how poor the Championship is. UTO 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergeant Tibbs Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 I was surprised when Rhodes chose us over Villa, but then heard a quote from Bruce (after signing Hogan), that pace had been a key factor in the money they spent. Based on what Rhodes has done here and at Carrow Road I hope he doesn't come back here and we can use his wages in improving the squad. There's no chance of us getting back anything like the money spent on him. I'm really glad there's a prospect of a big clear out. There's little, if any pace accross the team and whilst I think next season will be better than the last 2, the season after will be one where things will click. Bruce comes accross a realist, he is keeping his feet on the ground and so should we. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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