Flexible back up squad player. Doesn't help the winger or bring creativity to the midfield. The short contract is great as it will give Foley a chance to earn a new contract.
Also, when Duchatelet sells up in Dec / Jan it will give the new owners the option to keep him or not.
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
To me the duration of the deal - and especially the timing - smacks of a compromise between Slade and Meire rather than any kind of football decision. I have absolutely no doubt there is a real struggle going on about spending money behind the scenes (and I am not just guessing).
Slade "I win, I get Pearce" KM "oh, by the way, we have just signed off the transfer of Harriott, sorry couldn't get you on the mobile to ask you thoughts"
So who called the shots on this great bit of business? I keep being slated for suggesting RD and KM are still still in charge so assume RS must deserve all the credit for this little gem? Well done Russ. Pinnacle signing of your career. Or could I be mistaken in thinking that RD and KM don't want to spend any money. Don't want to commit. And don't want the new manager who comes in in January to be lumbered with this wonder signing?....
Of course RD and KM are in charge as much as Slade has a tight budget to work with. Foley is clearly not a player that RD's men have pointed out though is he?
Slade has a budget to work with and needs to ensure that we're able to bring in players in the positions that are a priority e.g. centre midfield, and a winger. Cover at right back isn't a position we should be blowing most of our budget on.
Just to add that this post isn't defending the regime at all, I'm merely pointing out that based on the evidence so far they're obviously allowing Slade to be in charge of recruitment as long as it's within the budget.
Players like Cousins, JBG and Watt etc were always going to leave a side relegated to league 1. I don't blame the club for selling them now we find ourselves in league 1. I do however blame them for us being in this position in the first place.
Of course RD and KM are in charge as much as Slade has a tight budget to work with. Foley is clearly not a player that RD's men have pointed out though is he?
Slade has a budget to work with and needs to ensure that we're able to bring in players in the positions that are a priority e.g. centre midfield, and a winger. Cover at right back isn't a position we should be blowing most of our budget on.
Just to add that this post isn't defending the regime at all, I'm merely pointing out that based on the evidence so far they're obviously allowing Slade to be in charge of recruitment as long as it's within the budget.
Players like Cousins, JBG and Watt etc were always going to leave a side relegated to league 1. I don't blame the club for selling them now we find ourselves in league 1. I do however blame them for us being in this position in the first place.
Then stop spinning us this "I'm in charge" yarn and giving him heaps of praise for signings that quite frankly are mediocre at best. If he wanted to sign Foley he would have done it for longer than 5 months. So either he's been given him for just 5 months or he wanted him for longer and was told 5 months. Either way this latest laughable signing has KM and RD all over it.
Novak, Ajose, Pearce, Rudd or Holmes would walk into any side in this division. I'd hardly describe them as mediocre at best. Perhaps you're setting your expectations on player recruitment a little high. We're in league 1!
Saw him quite a lot at Luton. Very impressively defensively, and his energy pushed the team up. As others have said has struggled to play many games recently for various reasons. No problem with a shorter term deal makes business sense
Saw him quite a lot at Luton. Very impressively defensively, and his energy pushed the team up. As others have said has struggled to play many games recently for various reasons. No problem with a shorter term deal makes business sense
no disrespect but he last played for Luton in 2007, a lot has happened since then, especially injuries and the main thing he lacks now is energy, as do all our central midfielders.
This signing reminds me of when CP signed Andy Hughes a experienced versatile player to provide cover do a job when called upon and support the young talent in the squad.
He will be good to have around the training groud, in the changing room.
There were signs last Saturday that Crofts and Foley were working together pretty well. Foley also covered a lot of ground and moved to RB when Solly came off in the second half.
He passed well on occasion too.
With Diarra and Kashi having long term injuries 5 months suits both sides.
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
No, you must, anything this regime does must be criticised at every opportunity. I'm still angry they went out and paid decent money for a 25 goal a season striker,FFS, what do they think they are doing?
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
To me the duration of the deal - and especially the timing - smacks of a compromise between Slade and Meire rather than any kind of football decision. I have absolutely no doubt there is a real struggle going on about spending money behind the scenes (and I am not just guessing).
No big surprise, what manager at any other club is just allowed to go out and sign players without discussions and negotiating with their CEO over the finances?
Both Foley and Magennis are about balancing the squad.
Foley provides competition for places and gives cover at fullback and central midfield.
Because every coach used Cousins in midfield we have had no proper cover for Solly since Wilson left, which is why we had to draft in Motta late last season.
In terms of the next 3 months both Konsa and Holmes-Dennis are completely unproven at a senior level. They may or may not be able to step up immediately but they may need more time. If you want them to develop and contribute to the squad then let them compete for the spot not just have it given to them because there is nobody else.
For the next 3 months Kashi & Diarra will contribute nothing on the field of play. In selection terms they do not exist! No one knows at what level they will be able to contribute when they are fit.
Foley covers Crofts in central midfield meaning you do not switch players from other positions in the event of injury or again have to force an unready youngster into the fray.
Slades' reference to how injured players were managed in the close season is no idle comment. The message to Meire is simple. This happened on your "watch" you need to fix it.
For now Foley has an opportunity to show whether he can still deliver - we have a short term or potentially long term fix if needed.
I am all for bringing young talent through but they have to able to contribute. If not they will lose confidence and fall away wasting all the time & effort of the player and development staff while putting an extra burden on the other senior players. For a game or two OK but it is a burden which over time which will take its toll. We have seen precisely that over the past 2 seasons.
Many have commented on the behaviour of Johnson in terms of his screaming and swearing at other players. If players are not doing their job someone else has to cover for them. It is not pretty but they need to be told "in real time". It is tough game. If you cannot stand the heat do not go into the kitchen. As Slade has stated it is a man's game. Peoples' pay packet depends on everyone being up to the job. No one will be a happy bunny if you cost them money is the message.
Magennis, if we secure his transfer, comes under the same approach. He has played at senior level and can compete for a job now, providing competition and cover for Novak in offering a foil to Ajose meaning in the event Novak is injured we do not have to rip up the pattern of play. Ajose, from what I have seen, needs someone to work off.
Vetokele is now in Belgium because we never provided him with the support he required
Makienok struggled badly to adapt because we never played to his strengths. Every time he was injured we had no one to replace him and either he or the other players had to adapt to a different style. We could not do it.
It again sends the message to Hanlan, and Umerah if you want the job you have to compete against a senior player to get it. That is how you test their mentality, the willingness to compete. Think you are better than him go prove it. You want a first team squad number earn it.
None of this comes with any guarantees but for me I am seeing the first signs of "grown up" squad building since Powell left.
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
No, you must, anything this regime does must be criticised at every opportunity. I'm still angry they went out and paid decent money for a 25 goal a season striker,FFS, what do they think they are doing?
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
To me the duration of the deal - and especially the timing - smacks of a compromise between Slade and Meire rather than any kind of football decision. I have absolutely no doubt there is a real struggle going on about spending money behind the scenes (and I am not just guessing).
WIth Meire as CEO it is like trying to swim with a dead weight. More of a hindrance to an effective & successful football team than a help.
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
To me the duration of the deal - and especially the timing - smacks of a compromise between Slade and Meire rather than any kind of football decision. I have absolutely no doubt there is a real struggle going on about spending money behind the scenes (and I am not just guessing).
WIth Meire as CEO it is like trying to swim with a dead weight. More of a hindrance to an effective & successful football team than a help.
Yes, but with a proper manager supporting her & telling her what we need, instead of a yes man accepting what he's given and coming out with rubbish, like we can only play 11, we have a better chance.
We've all been screaming for a proper manager, making proper football decisions. We now have one so let's support him and the players that he's bringing in.
Ok we haven't kicked off yet, but Slade possibly has as much experience in this division as any other manager and that is one of the crucial things that we've been missing.
I suppose if Slade thinks he might prove useful to bolster the squad, as he can cover a few positions, but isn't 100% convinced, then a 5 month contarct seems a decent compromise.
If he doesn't prove worth it, then we can try and replace him in January and if he has proved himself a good acquisition, we can offer him a new contract.
I can't criticise a decision that appears to be sensible.
No, you must, anything this regime does must be criticised at every opportunity. I'm still angry they went out and paid decent money for a 25 goal a season striker,FFS, what do they think they are doing?
Yep, all is rosy in the garden.
Never said it was, but some people really are trying too hard to find a reason to moan, covered end gave his opinion on what he sees as a sensible signing. My comment is for those that will pounce all over it.
< but Slade possibly has as much experience in this division as any other manager and that is one of the crucial things that we've been missing.
Support the team !
Whilst I wish Slade all the best, your continual blind optimism reeks of desperation that protestors are winning. It'll be a lonely Valley for you, because most are not do willing to believe that a few concessions is the same thing as meaningful change.
Remember, Slade only has that superior experience of the division because he's never been able to get out of it!!!!!
Comments
Also, when Duchatelet sells up in Dec / Jan it will give the new owners the option to keep him or not.
KM "oh, by the way, we have just signed off the transfer of Harriott, sorry couldn't get you on the mobile to ask you thoughts"
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Foley_(footballer)
He managed about half a season in 2012/13 and you have to go back to 2010/11 for a 30+ game season.
That said I'd rather have him with us than not. It's another positive for me.
Slade has a budget to work with and needs to ensure that we're able to bring in players in the positions that are a priority e.g. centre midfield, and a winger. Cover at right back isn't a position we should be blowing most of our budget on.
Just to add that this post isn't defending the regime at all, I'm merely pointing out that based on the evidence so far they're obviously allowing Slade to be in charge of recruitment as long as it's within the budget.
Players like Cousins, JBG and Watt etc were always going to leave a side relegated to league 1. I don't blame the club for selling them now we find ourselves in league 1. I do however blame them for us being in this position in the first place.
He will be good to have around the training groud, in the changing room.
He passed well on occasion too.
With Diarra and Kashi having long term injuries 5 months suits both sides.
Foley provides competition for places and gives cover at fullback and central midfield.
Because every coach used Cousins in midfield we have had no proper cover for Solly since Wilson left, which is why we had to draft in Motta late last season.
In terms of the next 3 months both Konsa and Holmes-Dennis are completely unproven at a senior level. They may or may not be able to step up immediately but they may need more time. If you want them to develop and contribute to the squad then let them compete for the spot not just have it given to them because there is nobody else.
For the next 3 months Kashi & Diarra will contribute nothing on the field of play. In selection terms they do not exist! No one knows at what level they will be able to contribute when they are fit.
Foley covers Crofts in central midfield meaning you do not switch players from other positions in the event of injury or again have to force an unready youngster into the fray.
Slades' reference to how injured players were managed in the close season is no idle comment. The message to Meire is simple. This happened on your "watch" you need to fix it.
For now Foley has an opportunity to show whether he can still deliver - we have a short term or potentially long term fix if needed.
I am all for bringing young talent through but they have to able to contribute. If not they will lose confidence and fall away wasting all the time & effort of the player and development staff while putting an extra burden on the other senior players. For a game or two OK but it is a burden which over time which will take its toll. We have seen precisely that over the past 2 seasons.
Many have commented on the behaviour of Johnson in terms of his screaming and swearing at other players. If players are not doing their job someone else has to cover for them. It is not pretty but they need to be told "in real time". It is tough game. If you cannot stand the heat do not go into the kitchen. As Slade has stated it is a man's game. Peoples' pay packet depends on everyone being up to the job. No one will be a happy bunny if you cost them money is the message.
Magennis, if we secure his transfer, comes under the same approach. He has played at senior level and can compete for a job now, providing competition and cover for Novak in offering a foil to Ajose meaning in the event Novak is injured we do not have to rip up the pattern of play. Ajose, from what I have seen, needs someone to work off.
Vetokele is now in Belgium because we never provided him with the support he required
Makienok struggled badly to adapt because we never played to his strengths. Every time he was injured we had no one to replace him and either he or the other players had to adapt to a different style. We could not do it.
It again sends the message to Hanlan, and Umerah if you want the job you have to compete against a senior player to get it. That is how you test their mentality, the willingness to compete. Think you are better than him go prove it. You want a first team squad number earn it.
None of this comes with any guarantees but for me I am seeing the first signs of "grown up" squad building since Powell left.
We've all been screaming for a proper manager, making proper football decisions. We now have one so let's support him and the players that he's bringing in.
Ok we haven't kicked off yet, but Slade possibly has as much experience in this division as any other manager and that is one of the crucial things that we've been missing.
Support the team !
Remember, Slade only has that superior experience of the division because he's never been able to get out of it!!!!!