Thursday 16 June 2016

Slade's first signing

News today that Russell Slade has made his first signing in Ricky Holmes from Northampton Town. Holmes, 29, is an attacking winger who played a big part in Northampton's promotion last year. Interesting that he triggered a clause in his contract to move and that he was reputedly a target for Chris Wilder before Wilder got a better offer by Sheffield United.

I have avoided the temptation to judge him via Wikipedia and will wait and see for myself whether or not he would have held his own in Chris Powell's League One promotion side because that is the benchmark for Russell Slade and his team this year. Given the calibre of the players we have been linked with so far, success is likely to be governed by how good a team we are rather than by how many good players we have. Northern Ireland have must reminded me of the value of team work and a good solid group with confidence and belief. Great to see them humble Ukraine just now.

Lee Novak could be next. He's always looked good off the ball in my eyes but at approaching 28 and having helped Huddersfield out of League One, he does at least have the requisite experience and may fit the bill.

3 comments:

  1. Nice to see him get to sign someone of his choosing.

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  2. Looks like Ajose joining as well Dave , good to see a few deals going through and looks like they are Slades picks .As you say Dave hopefully they are of a similar standard to the last promotion campaign and will compensate for some of the imminent departures.

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  3. 17th June - Novak signs as Vetokele heads to Belgium on a year's loan with a view to a permanent. Farewell Igor, so much promise, so little delivery.

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