How confident are you?

[Rattea]

Good point. So essentially Evens is chief scout and rush and McClaren pick the players!

Begs the question if McClaren was brought in to use his contacts and higher calibre players how does it work with such a set up? Is that a bit of a fib of a reason! The inconsistencies just continue.

And point remains he picks the players so he is still at fault and the system they have in appear to be heavily flawed. I'm not confident they can provide the goods they have had three transfer windows and not one gem as a permanent signing. That's poor in anyone's book.

[Stimaclegend]

If the last 2 months are McClarens fault then surely you have to credit the upturn in performances and results in the previous 16 months to him also?

Maybe his contacts in the game is the difference between us sealing the signature of players over other clubs?If a player had a choice of say Derby or Wolves would a player pick Derby because of McClarens reputation or Jacket who has achieved a lot less in the game?

[Rattea]

As I've covered many times before comparing results at then time mcclaren took over there was no upturn they were startlingly the same and infant worse against LFL opposition. Too many people were comparing previous season of rebuilding.

If it's the case quality players are more likely to sign for mcclaren on permanent basis then where are they? There is none close to the likes of Martin, Bryson, Russell, Keough etc. The perception may be that but the reality hadn't been the case on evidence as many are posting posting.

Who Do you blame for that. Mcclaren, Evans, Rush?

[RaminNZ]

Steve used the players from the clough era, the backbone of the team He got them playing far better than Clough ever did the results despite what certain people say proved that BUT they weren't and aren't good enough to get promoted. He gave them every chance but I for one hope he gets rid of the defenders they proved they can't hack it and were bottlers.
Its a tough one but I think he will bring in decent players and ones that will have the mental strength to get us promoted. I admit that some of his signings haven't been the best, cough Leeds reject, but some of Cloughs signings weren't that good and lets face it when he fell out with them he told everyone and I think that caused issues within the squad

[southernram22]

as you never even listen to others views rats its hardly point trying to answer you until you realise nigels gone you wont ever earn any repect.

[wristslasher_909]

I think RATS has a point here.

We will have a better idea by the end of October, but as it stands SM's transfer dealings aren't looking great.

The optimist in me hopes Thorne, Wisdom, Ince and Bent (permanent signings) all playing well in our first XI and we're top of the league at the end of October.

[swaledale]

With Ward and Barker being released that McClaren and Rush can buck the trend and bring in player at least equal to these on their day as permanent replacements?

I know Barker will probably never be back at his peak but as they have gone on paper the squad is weekend. And I'm not talking loans. Take into consideration also there may cutbacks as we pushed the boat out after Christmas.

Not one of the signings so far has come close to these so what are the chances?

Ward, good value squad player who never lasts half a season, all the best to him.

Barker injured has never played under McClaren and never will again wish him well.

Neither of those two players have been key squad members under McClaren - I think in Albenstosa, we shall see that we have a ready made replacement.

Ward's replacement? Well I'm confident that a player of better calibre who can last the full season will be brought in.

[swaledale]

As I've covered many times before comparing results at then time mcclaren took over there was no upturn they were startlingly the same and infant worse against LFL opposition. Too many people were comparing previous season of rebuilding.

If it's the case quality players are more likely to sign for mcclaren on permanent basis then where are they? There is none close to the likes of Martin, Bryson, Russell, Keough etc. The perception may be that but the reality hadn't been the case on evidence as many are posting posting.

Who Do you blame for that. Mcclaren, Evans, Rush?

And many posters have many times demonstrated that you like for like statistics meant absolutely nothing! Ironically, the slump over the latter part of the season, which you seem to claim verifies your opinion, actually shows clearly why like for like is not an appropriate measure for football.

I'm not going to explain further as I'm sure you wise enough to know

[Stimaclegend]

As I've covered many times before comparing results at then time mcclaren took over there was no upturn they were startlingly the same and infant worse against LFL opposition. Too many people were comparing previous season of rebuilding.

If it's the case quality players are more likely to sign for mcclaren on permanent basis then where are they? There is none close to the likes of Martin, Bryson, Russell, Keough etc. The perception may be that but the reality hadn't been the case on evidence as many are posting posting.

Who Do you blame for that. Mcclaren, Evans, Rush?

How can anyone have a serious debate with someone who points the finger at McClaren as soon as there is a down turn in results, but won't give credit to the same person who took us to Wembley after finishing 3rd with a record high points total and top goal scorers in the league!? Even with only 2 wins in 13 games we still achieved a higher points total and league p

[Ramkes]

IMO McClarens hands were tied last season, having come so close in 2013/14 he was left with little space to experiment with reserve players other than in the defensive midfield role. having to stick with experienced team members even if they weren't in form.
This pre season is going to be interesting, will players like Sse****ambo, Guy, Calero, Hanson etc be given time with the first team to see if they can make the step up, or will we bring in new blood, I hope our youngsters get a chance to impress otherwise why have a reserve team.