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Town Chiefs Keen on Wickham Return Friday, 4th May 2012 08:36
Town chiefs Paul Jewell and Simon Clegg would both be interested in taking former striker Connor Wickham on loan if Sunderland were to allow the 19-year-old to move on a temporary basis next season. Reports in the North-East on Sunday linked Wickham with a possible return to his old club.
Jewell says Town have first dibs on Wickham if the Black Cats were to make him available, although he says his wages might be prohibitive depending on what sort of proportion the Wearsiders would be looking for a loan club to pay: "We have first say on Connor as part of the deal that took him to Sunderland, although there are other factors regarding wages that will make it difficult for any Championship club to take him.
"But if Sunderland wanted him to go out on loan and play football and something could be sorted out, then of course we would be interested."
Chief executive Simon Clegg similarly is similarly positive: “Let’s see where we get to on that. I wouldn’t rule anything out. He left on very good terms and I’ve kept in contact with him since he left, and with his father.
“If they want to let him out on loan, then depending on where he fitted into the rest of the squad and if that’s what the manager wanted, then I’d be delighted [to see him return].”
'On 22 January 2011, Wickham scored Ipswich's second goal, a header, in a 3—2 win over Doncaster Rovers — his first of the season.[15] Two games later, Wickham scored in a 3—0 win over Sheffield United at Portman Road. A clearance of a set piece saw Wickham pass two opponents before wrong-footing Robert Kozluk and goalkeeper Steve Simonsen to tap the ball into the goal.[16] Former Ipswich player, Kevin Beattie witnessed the goal, and described it as one of the greatest goals ever scored at Portman Road.[17] Two weeks later Wickham recorded his first professional hat-trick in a 6—0 win at Doncaster Rovers.[18] Wickham's superb scoring form continued when he scored late in the match against Reading on March 8. With Ipswich already 3—0 down, his goal counted for little, although it was once again a superb finish, as he volleyed a ball that was coming over his shoulder into the top corner of the goal from a tight angle.[19]'
'On 4 March 2011, Wickham was named Championship player of the month for February after scoring four goals in the month, including his first professional hat-trick at Doncaster.[20] Two weeks later he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year as well as the Championship Apprentice of the Year at the 2011 Football League Awards.[21]'
'He scored his next league goal on 7 May away to Leicester City, making the score 3—2 in Leicester's favour.'
Nine goals in half a season wasn't bad, wouldn't you agree?
Nice one garv and Connor played left side of an attacking 3 in those games. Much more productive than Murphy this year but people seem to want to break the bank to get him back!
I agree Garv and hairbear, good player and defo better than Murphy at scoring from wide left. There's no pleasing some people, he's the best loan we could get because he's been here and could slot right in. Would have to be for a season though for stabilities sake.
As others have mentioned, I would also like it if we could develop and keep our own players. 8Million was really good money for an 18 year old and as Guthrum rightfully pointed out, the club has been losing substantial amounts of money for a number of years now. Bring him back for the season and COYB!
Im really not excited by this at all,tho mid table championship football is about the level he should be playing at. Didnt think he was good enough for us the 1st time around and i can only remember him for the things he couldnt do. I think we need a striker with some physique but preferably 1 who can jump! If its to happen then i can see him playing the Murphy role but the whole thing fills me with little enthusiasm.
I would like to see Connor back if the terms and conditions are right including a one season loan Also, I have no issue with a couple of good loans. It was the over reliance of loan players that got us into a mess before.
9 Goals, wow, not bad for an 8.1 million striker, so that's the standard it seems many will accept. The hard reallity is that Alan Lee was the last player to get a decent double figures, about 17 I seem to remember and this drought has gone on long enough. Connor Wickam is not the answer, lazy, inconsistent and over rated.
It's a difficult one this...get him on a long loan and as a foil with someone other than Chopra, I know this might sound stupid but Jordan Rhodes. Chopra I think is past his best, a gamble I think will work, 2 young players with alot of future infront of them.