Briefing Notes for the New Season — Part Three Saturday, 27th Jul 2013 12:00 by HarryFromBath In the third of a series of pre-season reports, HarryFromBath assesses the mood around the Championship clubs by delving into their forums. The East Lancashire teams of Burnley, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers are under the spotlight in today’s notes. Burnley“It seems like a lot of people are completely holding off on Dyche. There haven't been a great deal of posts defending him and there haven't been a great deal of sensible posts saying he isn't up to it.” Most Clarets are reserving their judgement on manager Sean Dyche until they see how their campaign starts. Burnley’s transfer dealings this summer have been characterised by a curious obsession with goalkeepers. With Lee Grant going to Derby and Brian ‘the Beast’ Jensen retiring, Burnley also decided to allow Wes Fletcher go to York. Replacing these three are Bristol City’s Tom Heaton, Adam Cisak from Oldham, Nick Liversedge from Whitby Town and 18-year old Daniel Nizic all the way from Sydney FC. The Clarets have brought in 24-year-old midfielder Scott Arfield from Huddersfield, 22-year-old striker Ryan Noble from Sunderland, and former Reading full-back Joseph Mills, who played at Turf Moor on loan for all of last season.
The outfield players of note to leave include midfielder Martin Paterson who joined Huddersfield and Chris McCann, who has been reacquainted with former Burnley manager Owen Coyle at Wigan. “The general negativity”; Those Clarets who are despondent are frustrated by the negative style of play last year and a perceived mediocrity with the club’s summer signings. “I don't see a plan now. Just sign loads of two-bob players and pray to God one of them can be sold for a profit - not only on him - but on all the others that don't make it. It seems that the club know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.” “I'm not optimistic now. I've kept quiet throughout the close season but we're only a fortnight away from the opening game and we have some gaping holes in our squad. We're limited to the point of being one dimensional.” Some much for the half-empty brigade, now for the optimists: “I’m not worried about relegation. Since (manager Sean) Dyche took over we only conceded three goals once in his 25 matches, and 11 of the 12 defeats were by a single goal. In fact we only conceded more than one goal in seven matches since Dyche took over with ten clean sheets.” “I’m not suggesting that the brand was pretty but, a 2-0 defeat at Forest aside, we have been in every single game of Dyche's tenure.” “On our more than modest budget I think we have a squad now comfortably able to hold its own in this league.” “I reckon that it will be mid-table safety for the mighty Clarets. We will probably flirt with relegation, everyone will **** themself and call for Dyche out. Then we will pick up get near play-offs and everyone will be dreaming of Premier League but eventually we will settle around 13th.” Burnley built their success last season on being resilient and hard to beat, playing a solid 4-4-2 system. The fact that they have been just tinkering in the transfer market suggests more of the same. This brings us to Charlie Austin. The striker failed a medical at Hull. Fans are in the dark about what is happening, although I came across this ‘def info’ epic: “Some fella called Mark Bennett said he's spoken to Austin in the Granada cafe today and while mulling over a sausage dinner and cup of tea, apparently Charlie said he's signed (a Burnley contact extension).”
Former Blues target Austin’s fate is critically important to the Clarets, as he has a year left on his contract and is the one player they have who could command a comfortable seven figure transfer fee. A thread called ‘The Austin Saga’ relates the sequence well. “Forest made a woeful bid (sub £1 million) a couple of days after Austin to Hull fell through, trying to capitalise on the situation.” “Austin now offered a new three-year contract by Burnley. Let’s hope he accepts it and ends the saga.” Enter Harry Redknapp, stage left. “You missed the boat with Hooper, 'Arry! Don't let the same happen with Charlie. Get a substantial bid in before it's too late.” “Latest news feeds have Hooper off to Norwich after they hi-jacked the QPR move. Jamie Mackie off to Forest from QPR, and Austin subject of a bid from QPR! Guess the show's not over until the ginger bloke twitches.” Clarets’ Views on ITFC and the SeasonYet again their prediction leagues are going for the relegated Premier League teams, plus Watford or Bolton, but two Clarets had us going up, one via the play-offs. Two other Clarets noted our “good signings”, but that was about it. In the omnipresent Chopra thread, one relieved Claret exclaimed “bullet dodged” even though they weren’t remotely in for the striker. Blackburn Rovers“(Manager) Gary Bowyer doing what every fan wants, building a strong CLUB. His appointment has hopefully galvanised the fans. He is very good with media comments and already has made some solid signings.” “He deserves great credit for the appointments of what seem to be excellent backroom staff, especially (former Rovers defender) Craig Short, who I think will be a real asset, especially for the defensive side of our game.” It is worth mentioning that there is very little open talk of promotion on Rovers sites, even though supporters are impressed with how the close season has progressed. After last year’s wretched post-Christmas run of form, most Rovers are just keen to see how things go while being quietly optimistic. Looking at their summer dealings, Blackburn have been moving poor performers out and bringing in talented players all across the pitch. When one reflects on the sum of their efforts, the results are impressive. Bowyer has brought in goalkeeper Simon Eastwood from Pompey, 19-year-old defender Todd Kane on loan from Chelsea, midfielder Chris Taylor from Millwall and 23-year-old midfielder Alex Marrow from Palace. In addition, two players Ipswich looked at, winger Alan Judge from Notts County and defender Matt Kilgallon from Sunderland have joined, and former ITFC loanee DJ Campbell was handed a permanent contract.
Additionally, Norwegian International Morten Gamst Pedersen announced that he would “stay loyal” to Rovers. Veteran David Dunn and defender Grant Hanley have signed contract extensions. Scottish international striker Jordan Rhodes, who was once on our books, ruled out a departure after being linked with Bolton earlier in July.
Benni McCarthy, Nuno Gomes and Danny Murphy have left or retired. Striker David Goodwillie has joined Dundee United. The Budgies purchased Swedish International defender Martin Olsson for £2.5 million, probably the one top class player to depart this summer. “The appointment of Gary Bowyer is a positive one. When he had the squad earlier in the season he won all but one. When he had the squad at the back end of the season the squad was in far worse shape in my opinion both in terms of personnel and in any other way you care to mention.” “This is the only doubt I have about GB. Can he do it over a length of time instead of being the managerial equivalent of a super sub? Only one way we'll find out of course and he has deserved the chance.” The majority of supporters are positive about the coming season, but there is always one out and out pessimist: “I said f****** ages ago that if we don’t appoint an experienced manager this f****** time round, I'm done.” “Well guys, I'm done. These bastards are not getting a penny off me this season, Good Luck Rovers - you’re going to need it. I’ll catch up this time next year. I’m Rovers till I die. I won't follow a team that makes me think death could be more fun than a 3pm Saturday kick-off. Venky’s out!”
Tactically, most Rovers expect to see a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rhodes as the lead striker playing ahead of Spaniard Ruben Rochina. Where 4-4-2 is proposed, a quartet of Alan Judge, Lee Williamson, Dickson Etuhu and Chris Taylor is the most popular quartet, although some Rovers would like to see Jay Spearing join in a central midfield role. “Goals win games. Without Rhodes we would have gone down last season, I have no doubt about that.” Bolton’s interest in Jordan Rhodes raised a debate about his wider contribution to the team, and whether they could be stronger through replacing him. “I think there is an argument that Rhodes lack of pace or ability to hold the ball up also had an impact on our ability as a team.” “Ah yes, that convincing ‘His 28 goals held us back last season’ one.” “Personally I think the loss of Rhodes will be a bigger loss to the team than Shearer was, although certainly not as big a loss emotionally. Back then you felt the midfield could still contribute goals - not too sure how many goals are in our current midfield. Heck I cannot think of a time when the loss of one player would so reduce our attacking options.” “The curse of Leon Best (injured in last year’s pre-season) strikes again.” There was a muted response to yesterday’s news that DJ Campbell had injured his ankle ligaments in a pre-season derby against Preston. He is well regarded, but seen to be a much more peripheral striker than Jordan Rhodes.
“To be fair DJ has shown signs of improvement during pre-season, and has shown a good work ethic.” “DJ is definitely I think going to be a sick note from now on. It is a shame because DJ is a very effective player at this level and not just for his goals. He's a real pest also and pressures the opposition constantly.” Rovers’ Fans Views on ITFC and the Season“The surprise team might be Ipswich.” Once again, in the wealth of QPR and Wigan promotion predictions, there was just the one voice in our favour. Bolton Wanderers“We have problems and are weak in certain areas but we are rebuilding from the ground up and doing the right things. Investing in youth and sports science and trying to streamline the excesses of previous regimes on older, expensive players who do not contribute much.”
Dougie Freedman has been strengthening his squad purposefully over the summer. He has brought in established players such as striker Jermaine Beckford from Leicester, defender Alex Baptiste from Blackpool, full back Mark Tierney from the Budgies, and promising youngsters in 18-year-old full-back Hayden White from Wednesday and 19-year-old winger Robert Hull from the Hammers. Older players such as Kevin Davies (to Preston) and defender Sam Ricketts (to Wolves), and in addition the 22-year-old Marcos Alonso (to Fiorentina) are the most noteworthy departures.
“I want to see us dominate more games, rather than defend an early lead for 80 minutes with goalmouth scrambles in the dying seconds. We are a better team than that, as we showed numerous times in the first 20 minutes of games before going ultra-negative.” The more nervous supporters are concerned that he is not making more of what they perceive to be an above average squad for this division. “I'm not entirely down on Freedman but I have my doubts about his style of management. Hopefully having a full pre-season and chance to bring in some more of the players he wants will see our performances improve.” “I like what Freedman is trying to achieve. He seems to talk a lot of sense. There have been a few instances of WTF moments but in total these are few and far between. I think we've just got to have a little faith.” Interestingly and as a contrast, those supporters who rate Freedman more highly feel that the squad he has inherited may not be good enough to get out of the division.
“I'm not 100% sold on ‘Douglas’, but I'm not concerned about him one bit. In fact, I'm more concerned about pretty much every single one of our players being poorer at their jobs than the gaffer is at his.” “Yes, that is where I'm at. I mean I think for the first time in a while we have a competent manager. It remains to be seen how good he is. However, this is not a squad that looks like automatic promotion challengers to me. I'd expect to be in contention for a play-off place as it stands and no more.” The manager has always liked a solid back four screened by two protecting midfielders, and the 4-2-3-1 formation proposed by most Wanderers runs thus: Adam Bogdan; Alex Baptiste, David Wheater, Zat Knight, Marc Tierney; Darren Pratley, Medo Kamara; Chris Eagles, Stuart Holden, Robert Hall; Marvin Sordell. The defence is consistent and agreed on, but variations include Chung Yong Lee and Chris Eagles in midfield, or David Ngog or Jermaine Beckford up front, often in a 4-4-1-1 shape. Former Ipswich loanee midfielder Keith Andrews barely figured in any supporters thoughts. Trotters’ Views on ITFC and the SeasonThe usual suspects featured in the promotion stakes, with all bar three fans including Bolton in the top three. “Not one person has gone for Ipswich?” was one sarcastic remark until one Wanderer had us in the play-offs (we would have played Leeds). “McCarthy will do alright there (I said at the time Wolves would regret firing him… although I still wouldn't swap him for Freedman).” The best Burnley forum is Clarets Mad. Blackburn Rovers have a number of very busy forums, the best being Rovers Talk, and the best site to visit for Bolton Wanderers is The Wanderer. In the fourth part of this series, I will be taking a trip along the M55 and M6 Motorways, starting at Blackpool, passing by Wigan Athletic and ending up at Birmingham City. Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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Joseph Mills
Charlie Austin
Alan Judge in a pre-season friendly at Wrexham
Jordan Rhodes doing his Matt Holland impression
Blackburn Chairman, Venkys Out
Former Town player DJ Campbell
Jermaine Beckford signed from Leicester
Kevin Davies now at Preston
Dougie Freedman
