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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: karlos on May 08, 2025, 06:46:59 pm

Title: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: karlos on May 08, 2025, 06:46:59 pm
Found this a interesting read.
https://offtheline599656488.wordpress.com/2025/05/08/2025-26-recruitment-plan-for-doncaster-rovers/
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: The Dav on May 08, 2025, 06:54:09 pm
Hull city relegated from the championship ! Decent read but factually incorrect.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: karlos on May 08, 2025, 06:56:13 pm
Yes a few things incorrect i.e wilks still being at hull but I like the thinking.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ncRover on May 08, 2025, 07:39:22 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: dickos1 on May 08, 2025, 08:25:51 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: mushRTID on May 08, 2025, 08:27:17 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

You think/know we’re after wilkes?
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ncRover on May 09, 2025, 11:43:39 am
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ForsolongaRover on May 09, 2025, 02:29:17 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

Talented players whose contracts are about to end are obvious targets with numerous suitors and then a bidding war. McCann has previously gone for the lesser known ones who can be developed and surely for a club with limited resources this is the sensible way to go. Quite often the widely-known free agent will go for the better money at Championship level and hope to compete for a first team place there.

Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Chris Black come back on May 09, 2025, 08:11:02 pm
In a scenario where we did sign Wilks, he would be easily our highest paid player. If you are paying those huge sums, then he has to start. With a relatively limited budget we aren't going to be paying that out to double up on our strongest player. So you are then looking at him playing somewhere else, potentially not his most effective position.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Padge_DRFC on May 09, 2025, 08:29:11 pm
Left footed RW is our least priority right now
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: dickos1 on May 09, 2025, 08:34:41 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

Talented players whose contracts are about to end are obvious targets with numerous suitors and then a bidding war. McCann has previously gone for the lesser known ones who can be developed and surely for a club with limited resources this is the sensible way to go. Quite often the widely-known free agent will go for the better money at Championship level and hope to compete for a first team place there.


Not always,
Sharp and wood for starters
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on May 09, 2025, 09:08:08 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?
You say that but has had probs the last two games. Most players will wear our with two much use. Like steering wheels, or soap.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ForsolongaRover on May 09, 2025, 09:12:04 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

Talented players whose contracts are about to end are obvious targets with numerous suitors and then a bidding war. McCann has previously gone for the lesser known ones who can be developed and surely for a club with limited resources this is the sensible way to go. Quite often the widely-known free agent will go for the better money at Championship level and hope to compete for a first team place there.


Not always,
Sharp and wood for starters

I wouldn’t see either of these as illustrative or typical.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: anton123 on May 10, 2025, 09:32:56 am
If he signed he would play down the centre as the forward but move on to the right if molly is ever out
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: rich1471 on May 10, 2025, 08:00:11 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?
because wilks has speed ,skill and is an upgrade on what we have
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: GazLaz on May 10, 2025, 08:17:40 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

I think we need four good wingers in L1. We have Gibson and Hurst for the left hand side. We need another for the right hand side.

It’s a much tougher assignment next season, we have flogged Bailey and Mols this season, I think we need good cover for them to share the minutes and be there for any potential injury/ drop off that may occur.

As we saw with Ironside, a monumental season doesn’t necessarily equate to the same output the following year. Not one for signing ex players but I’d certainly consider Wilks.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ncRover on May 11, 2025, 05:08:39 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

I think we need four good wingers in L1. We have Gibson and Hurst for the left hand side. We need another for the right hand side.

It’s a much tougher assignment next season, we have flogged Bailey and Mols this season, I think we need good cover for them to share the minutes and be there for any potential injury/ drop off that may occur.

As we saw with Ironside, a monumental season doesn’t necessarily equate to the same output the following year. Not one for signing ex players but I’d certainly consider Wilks.

The left wing needs strengthening, particularly  given that left back may be an area of weakness for us next season too (Senior offensively and Maxwell defensively are concerns).
Molyneux just needs a back up / younger long term replacement. It’s been a season and half he’s been quality for now.

As of now, Hurst is miles off League One standard.
Gibson (although things clicked and he finished strongly) had an inconsistent season on the whole.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Lytham Rover on May 11, 2025, 09:15:51 pm
Won’t be signing Wilks

Why would we make him one of our best paid players who himself would expect to start every game when his position is that of our current best player?

I think you’ll be surprised

Molyneux is our best player and can play 90 mins Saturday / Tuesday.

Why would we need to make right wing the area for a big signing before other areas?

I think we need four good wingers in L1. We have Gibson and Hurst for the left hand side. We need another for the right hand side.

It’s a much tougher assignment next season, we have flogged Bailey and Mols this season, I think we need good cover for them to share the minutes and be there for any potential injury/ drop off that may occur.

As we saw with Ironside, a monumental season doesn’t necessarily equate to the same output the following year. Not one for signing ex players but I’d certainly consider Wilks.

The left wing needs strengthening, particularly  given that left back may be an area of weakness for us next season too (Senior offensively and Maxwell defensively are concerns).
Molyneux just needs a back up / younger long term replacement. It’s been a season and half he’s been quality for now.

As of now, Hurst is miles off League One standard.
Gibson (although things clicked and he finished strongly) had an inconsistent season on the whole.

Sometimes players do better when in a higher division as it is (slightly) less physical

Still think Hurst is quality and worth persevering with
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: selby on May 12, 2025, 10:37:12 am
Grant looks happy with most of the contracted players, but we are light in quality midfielders and a striker, both areas that cost money to sign permanently but can be generally found in the loan market with premiership side's loaning out younger players for development.
 That is what we did this season and I would think the way we will go next season, with just one or two signed permanently if at the right price and out of contract.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 12, 2025, 11:10:10 am
You forgot about the keeper, Selby. Top priority I would have thought, closely followed by a striker (Roberto?). Then, I would think Joe and Tom getting deals and your man Faulkner. After that, but no less important, 2 CM’ers - 1 attacking and I defensive. A left sided winger/ wing back and another CB would complete my list.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 12, 2025, 01:45:18 pm
I'm guessing we might get to know a little bit more by the end of this week now all the celebrating has been done.

Obviously the first priority is sorting out the five contract offers. Maybe some announcements this week once the details finalised and the videos recorded. Failing that, some indication from Grant when they're likely to be resolved by. Only then will he prioritise his next moves knowing what gaps there are to fill.

I would imagine he's done alot of groundwork and made contacts to assess what's possible and probable.

We know he doesn't like to be kept waiting so things could move quite quickly, just as last summer. He also has the advantage of not having to bother with the play offs.

Another thing we should bear in mind is how significant January was in the last two seasons when we acquired players who really kicked us on to superb strong finishes. The summer window is about reinforcing the strong foundations to keep us competitive, where as the icing on the cake might come later.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyOsmond on May 12, 2025, 01:47:03 pm
I'm guessing we might get to know a little bit more by the end of this week now all the celebrating has been done.

Obviously the first priority is sorting out the five contract offers. Maybe some announcements this week once the details finalised and the videos recorded. Failing that, some indication from Grant when they're likely to be resolved by. Only then will he prioritise his next moves knowing what gaps there are to fill.

I would imagine he's done alot of groundwork and made contacts to assess what's possible and probable.

We know he doesn't like to be kept waiting so things could move quite quickly, just as last summer. He also has the advantage of not having to bother with the play offs.

Another thing we should bear in mind is how significant January was in the last two seasons when we acquired players who really kicked us on to superb strong finishes. The summer window is about reinforcing the strong foundations to keep us competitive, where as the icing on the cake might come later.

He can already crack on with the TSL, Crew, Wood and Street shaped gaps that need filling.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 12, 2025, 01:54:51 pm
I'm guessing we might get to know a little bit more by the end of this week now all the celebrating has been done.

Obviously the first priority is sorting out the five contract offers. Maybe some announcements this week once the details finalised and the videos recorded. Failing that, some indication from Grant when they're likely to be resolved by. Only then will he prioritise his next moves knowing what gaps there are to fill.

I would imagine he's done alot of groundwork and made contacts to assess what's possible and probable.

We know he doesn't like to be kept waiting so things could move quite quickly, just as last summer. He also has the advantage of not having to bother with the play offs.

Another thing we should bear in mind is how significant January was in the last two seasons when we acquired players who really kicked us on to superb strong finishes. The summer window is about reinforcing the strong foundations to keep us competitive, where as the icing on the cake might come later.

He can already crack on with the TSL, Crew, Wood and Street shaped gaps that need filling.

Not necessarily until you know about Olowu, Sharp, Anderson, Lawlor so he knows the extent of funds available. But yes, he may already have plans A & B ready depending on those outcomes
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Chris Black come back on May 12, 2025, 08:38:40 pm
If we wanted to prioritise quality over quantity, if all the offered contracts are re-signed, then we would only need to recruit a keeper, central midfielder, right winger and striker. They will likely be a mix of loans and permanents. If Street was a permanent signing, you could rely on loans for the rest.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Chris Black come back on May 13, 2025, 05:57:04 am
That minimalist approach would deliver the below and you could argue that one of Close and Westbrooke could potentially leave and the midfield would still have enough numbers:


New keeper
Lawlor
Oram

Sterry
Nixon
Anderson
Olowu
McGrath
Faulkner
Senior
Maxwell

New central midfielder
Broadbent
Clifton
Bailey
Close
Westbrooke
Sbarra

Molyneux
New right winger
Gibson
Hurst

Sharp
Ironside
Street
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: selby on May 13, 2025, 09:06:28 am
  Alan, with Anderson Olowu and Faulkner I would give it only 50/50 chances of any of them staying, and could would not be the clubs decision if they leave.
  I hope they all stay as getting as good or better is going to cost and only in Faulkner's case could the club look to get something back in a transfer fee him being under 24 and having a contract offered which they are negotiating at the moment I suppose.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ForsolongaRover on May 13, 2025, 10:27:39 am
I'm guessing we might get to know a little bit more by the end of this week now all the celebrating has been done.

Obviously the first priority is sorting out the five contract offers. Maybe some announcements this week once the details finalised and the videos recorded. Failing that, some indication from Grant when they're likely to be resolved by. Only then will he prioritise his next moves knowing what gaps there are to fill.

I would imagine he's done alot of groundwork and made contacts to assess what's possible and probable.

We know he doesn't like to be kept waiting so things could move quite quickly, just as last summer. He also has the advantage of not having to bother with the play offs.

Another thing we should bear in mind is how significant January was in the last two seasons when we acquired players who really kicked us on to superb strong finishes. The summer window is about reinforcing the strong foundations to keep us competitive, where as the icing on the cake might come later.


As a complete aside, I have heard the view quite widely expressed that little is achieved in the January window and McCann has conclusively disproved that. Obviously it comes down to the choices that are made and I expect that if the proposition were examined closely it may well have never held.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 13, 2025, 04:11:04 pm
  Alan, with Anderson Olowu and Faulkner I would give it only 50/50 chances of any of them staying, and could would not be the clubs decision if they leave.
  I hope they all stay as getting as good or better is going to cost and only in Faulkner's case could the club look to get something back in a transfer fee him being under 24 and having a contract offered which they are negotiating at the moment I suppose.

I think I get what you’re saying, so Anderson staying is 50/50 etc for the others? Of course, if they all leave it’s going to give the manager a bigger problem than what he probably expects. Out of the 5 though, it has to be said that perhaps only 2 of them are what we might deem first teamers, I.e Anderson and Olowu. BS isn’t really a 90 minute man anymore but he’d be in any squad I’d pick.

Yes, it’ll cost to replace them, but it’ll also cost to keep them, so what’s the difference? Let’s face it, they’re all ‘replaceable’, by definition they have to be, otherwise we’re down on numbers. The thing is GM has already made it clear that we’re not going into L1 with the thought of ‘making up the numbers’. So, if players leave they will have to be replaced and, in some respects, you’d think whoever comes in will need to be as good, if not better than what we had!

Grant has done a good job, so far, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 14, 2025, 04:08:58 pm
A bit more info about TSL and the other loanees.

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers-transfer-update-on-premier-league-loanee-who-starred-in-promotion-success-5127827
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 14, 2025, 04:25:48 pm
I think Ricky may be having his typing fingers rapped for putting that out. I notice drfc have asked for a dm with him?
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Nudga on May 14, 2025, 04:38:47 pm
I think Ricky may be having his typing fingers rapped for putting that out. I notice drfc have asked for a dm with him?

That's an unofficial X account
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Ldr on May 14, 2025, 05:42:34 pm
I think Ricky may be having his typing fingers rapped for putting that out. I notice drfc have asked for a dm with him?

@donny_rovers is not the club
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 14, 2025, 07:31:13 pm
Fair enough.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Red wizard on May 15, 2025, 03:51:19 pm
Imo we need to be talking to Lincoln and putting a package together to sign Street.If he isn't in there plans then a bid about what they paid for him would be enough.  It's a no brainer and is similar to the Billy Sharp situation. We know he works in our system so it's a pretty good investment for the future. If he scores at the rate he has for us he will be around 20 goals a season. Strikers scoring 20 in league go for food money. Million plus.i wouldn't think wages will be a issue.  Id we could get him for 350k to 500k it would even worth taking it off the wage budget.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: mushRTID on May 15, 2025, 03:55:48 pm
Imo we need to be talking to Lincoln and putting a package together to sign Street.If he isn't in there plans then a bid about what they paid for him would be enough.  It's a no brainer and is similar to the Billy Sharp situation. We know he works in our system so it's a pretty good investment for the future. If he scores at the rate he has for us he will be around 20 goals a season. Strikers scoring 20 in league go for food money. Million plus.i wouldn't think wages will be a issue.  Id we could get him for 350k to 500k it would even worth taking it off the wage budget.

If he was unproven when Lincoln signed him, why would they accept the same fee when he's just performed very well for half a season and helped get a team promoted?
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Red wizard on May 15, 2025, 04:01:33 pm
They probably won't. They payed 60k rising to 100k. So they would probably be willing to talk about a deal for 250k. That gives them money for ffp as well.  It's all depends on there manager and if he has him in there plans.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: GazLaz on May 15, 2025, 04:03:18 pm
They probably won't. They payed 60k rising to 100k. So they would probably be willing to talk about a deal for 250k. That gives them money for ffp as well.  It's all depends on there manager and if he has him in there plans.

250k probably impossible. They would have to pay his contract which would be more than that.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: ncRover on May 15, 2025, 05:00:38 pm
They probably won't. They payed 60k rising to 100k. So they would probably be willing to talk about a deal for 250k. That gives them money for ffp as well.  It's all depends on there manager and if he has him in there plans.

250k probably impossible. They would have to pay his contract which would be more than that.

Yeah. Not unfeasible it would need to be triple that.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 15, 2025, 05:01:03 pm
They probably won't. They payed 60k rising to 100k. So they would probably be willing to talk about a deal for 250k. That gives them money for ffp as well.  It's all depends on there manager and if he has him in there plans.

250k probably impossible. They would have to pay his contract which would be more than that.

Not necessarily when you consider a deal would probably include installments depending on the period of contract we'd offer etc.

But if you were in Lincolns shoes, you'd expect to see a return on their investment on the pitch and it could be a PR disaster for them to sell him to a rival club.

Then of course Street himself and whether he feels wanted by their manager  and being given a chance to shine.

Had he been closer to the end of his contract, I think there'd be a chance but as it stands, I think it's highly unlikely.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 15, 2025, 06:39:29 pm
According to Transfermarkt, his market value is £250k!

Just saying.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: KC_DRFC on May 16, 2025, 03:10:10 pm
According to Transfermarkt, his market value is £250k!

Just saying.

Wouldn't pay much attention to that site. Apparently Ben Close is worth 150k.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on May 16, 2025, 06:29:32 pm
Now I see why McCann opted to cancel his holidays. Going to be busier than I thought.

That's alot of experience departed from our centre half department in Wood, Anderson & Olowu.

In Grant we trust.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Chris Black come back on May 17, 2025, 07:18:37 am
That minimalist approach would deliver the below and you could argue that one of Close and Westbrooke could potentially leave and the midfield would still have enough numbers:


New keeper
Lawlor
Oram

Sterry
Nixon
Anderson
Olowu
McGrath
Faulkner
Senior
Maxwell

New central midfielder
Broadbent
Clifton
Bailey
Close
Westbrooke
Sbarra

Molyneux
New right winger
Gibson
Hurst

Sharp
Ironside
Street

With Gotts arriving and Olowu and Anderson departing, that changes the recruitment dynamic.

I assume this now leaves McCann needing as a minimum a keeper, two senior centre backs, right winger and at least one striker. Those five become seven if Sharp doesn’t sign and if either Close or Westbrooke leave, with another centre midfielder joining.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: Alan Southstand on May 17, 2025, 08:02:26 am
Faulkner hasn’t signed yet, either!

McGrath must be wondering if it’s something he’s said!  ;)
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: In the box on May 17, 2025, 01:34:16 pm
We are in the sane position as when McCann came requiring players . We need 6-7-8 new signings most will be loans (Again) so in fact we need three central defenders having lost (3) signed and not loaned as our defence has been depleted of quality and experienced players . L1 will be even harder than last time we were there and we’re starting from a negative balance in the squad . We don’t buy players yet we spend a fair bit on player agents ?? .. so Street is definitely out our reach !! Same. Same old again . I just hope it’s smoke and mirrors and there’s more happening than we know about !!
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: IDM on May 17, 2025, 01:55:55 pm
f**k me, anyone would think we have just been relegated..

Going by your logic, how the hell did we manage to sign Gotts? 

You’re entitled to your opinions of course, but equally we’re entitled to question them.
Title: Re: 25/26 recruitment plan
Post by: les@donr on May 17, 2025, 08:09:29 pm
If Street wants away from Lincoln, I can’t see them stopping in his way. However, if he only wants to play for Rovers I think we should get him for 250K-300K. If he generally wants away from Lincoln his price would be a lot higher and outside of our reach.