If (when) we go down, there's no doubt in my mind at this stage that we'll put together a competitive squad. This is based on not much more than thinking Power wants us to do well, because why wouldn't he?
I'll counter that.
Of course he doesn't want us to be shit. That much we are agreed on. I disagree its a given we'll get a competitive squad.
I'll start with the obvious disclaimer. What he says and what he does may not match. We may also 'get lucky' with recruitment. i.e. Its not a forgone conclusion we won't be competitive.
Short answer reasoning:The model isn't right. The total policy of youth, of Prem rejects, loans and non-league punts is very very high risk. I'm surprised this is the only approach we can take, surely there is budget for some tweaking so that more experience can come in.
More reasoned:
- Sherwood is in charge of recruitment. In the January window he stuffed up. He's going to have to pull in some serious favours to get better players in for a lower league.
- Policy of youth
- seems we want to totally recruit young, technical players that are ill equipped at this stage for the physicality of the league. Mentally fragile. Understandable given where they are in their career, but that's irrelevant.
- no "wise heads to learn off". NT fair enough, but if Branco is the type of elder statesman we see as providing advice to the youngsters we are stuffed.
- Style of play
- seems to match recruitment (obviously), technical style but not effective.
- Previous Recruitment
- seems to be little evidence of a plan, everything seems last minute
- even if we have a plan, seems we don't have the budget to execute (hence lastminute.com buys).
- Reluctance to change things/stubborn a-hole
Two seasons in a row we've done the same thing. Got away with it last time, blew it this.
So you can disagree with that. But surely its a concern to most?