Originally Posted by
swaledale
I generally don't rate managers on their "success" rate with signings for a start! I judge them on what happens on the pitch and results, on that score I'm more than happy with Warne and consistently have been. Looking at the stats Derby have the 3rd best goal difference and the 2nd best defensive record, whats not to like?
Well I might be wrong, but I can't recall you slagging off the signings made by other managers for millions in the same way, or obsessing that they were still using the core of the team they took over 16 months ago!!
I just find it odd that Derby are in the play offs are unbeaten in the league for what 6 games? Yet your still harping on about the signings Warne's made. Furthermore, you gloss over the context, 1 transfer window with no EFL restrictions but a reality that the club has to operate within a sustainable business plan, which means it isn't automatically able to pay higher transfer fees or wages for players.
OK so lets look at the transfers (all free by the way) Springett and White were loans presumably the best available at the time, but clearly didn't add much thats loans for you. Ward, injury set him back but has talent and on paper a good signing. Vickers a good back up keeper. Nyambe no issue but was clearly a gamble as no other club had signed him. Waghorn, I was dubious at the time, but would say is a good squad player. John-Jules has the ability and worth a gamble as a loan. Fornah, well glimpses of what he could be. Wilson a good acquisition.
Bradley, a surprise he hasn't clicked but good back up. Washington disappointing, Elder been injured, Nelson excellent, Embleton, a potentially good player coming back from injury and he broke down again, it happens loans are a gamble.
So of the perm signings, Elder, Bradley, Washington are ones have actually not performed as expected.
Of the loans, Springett, White and Embleton I agree haven't worked out but thats loans. I'm not that concerned with loan signings, they are always a gamble, sometimes if like Lampard you can persuade your old club to loan you some top draw young players then its fine, often though your getting players that have potential or players that have suffered set backs
The others have all contributed, some more than others but then thats what happens and has happened when the club has paid millions for players! Plus your ignoring the fact that some existing players like Sibley for instance have performed well below par this season, whereas Collins seems to have improved over last season.
So his transfer dealings need to improve and he needs to bring in players who will make an immediate impact this time?
I fear you may be disappointed! He is still fishing in the same pool. the club cannot afford to be paying over the top on transfer fees or wages, it still has to have an eye on the future, so must balance getting a player in who might increase the chances of promotion, against say 2 players who will add to the depth of the squad. January is not a good window, its either going to be a player that can be tempted (and a club willing to sell) to move mid season or a loan.
On top of that of course is the reality that any player no matter what his pedigree can move clubs and not perform, get injured or take time to gell. I'd settle for a couple of signings that add to the depth of the squad and are able to fit into the team.