[boinging_along]

We've never really had the financial clout to survive in the Prem.  I remember looking at past years net spend and under Megson and early years it would be about £5m in the summer. 

I picture the divisions like the Prem teams, then a big gap to 21st/ top of Championship.  We're in that middle ground and the only way to make the step up is getting luck with a few astute signings and being careful when you drop down.  I don't find any shame in being a "yoyo" club, just means that we struggle to fiancially compete at the top level but we're at least well managed to keep making attempts.

Whether we are still well managed from that point of view we'll find out in 12 months.

[baggiemart]

I seriously question the judgement of Wilder for:

1) swapping Robinson for Burke
2) recruiting 38 yr old Jagielka in Premier League

no thanks

It is totally unfair judging Wilder on one unusual season when there were no fans in the stadium.

That fact alone made a massive difference.  Do you think Liverpool would have finished nearer to Man City or even retained the title if fans were present in Anfield.  Sometimes the crowd at Anfield is worth a goal start.  Do you think The Vile would have had such a good season if their moaning fans would have been on their backs all season.

The same could be said about Sheffield United. How much of a difference would the fans have made at Sheffield. If they had finished half way with fans in suddenly Wilder is a great manager. Also he would still be in a job and we wouldn't have him under consideration !!!

As for the Burke / Robinson deal. He probably looked at getting rid of Robinson because he didn't fit in there and probably swapped him for Burke who may be on a lot less money than Robinson was and possibly a shorter contract.  It was a way how 2 clubs could get rid of 2 spare parts  !!!

[Albionic]

The post that started the usual staunch defence of the failed Croatian was merely me highlighting that our last 2 managerial appointments have been more ambitious names than we expected. The hoped response would be speculation about people who may appear out of reach (but not unrealistically so).

You can't let it go can you? with comments like "staunch defence of the failed Croatian", its a bit rich tying to defend yourself but at the same time throwing out taunts like that.

Your "big" messiah was equally bad but you hold in such esteem apparently despite getting us relegated with a larger pro rata gap than the croatian

Liam, I apologise for raising to the bait, but its frankly very annoying someone giving out in such a childish manner.

[TheJacko2000]

You can't let it go can you? with comments like "staunch defence of the failed Croatian", its a bit rich tying to defend yourself but at the same time throwing out taunts like that.

Your "big" messiah was equally bad but you hold in such esteem apparently despite getting us relegated with a larger pro rata gap than the croatian

Liam, I apologise for raising to the bait, but its frankly very annoying someone giving out in such a childish manner.

I'm not sure it's me who can't let it go mate based on the replies. 

Regards the new manager, do you agree we may be surprised by the calibre when the appointment is made?

[Albionic]

I'm not sure it's me who can't let it go mate based on the replies. 

Regards the new manager, do you agree we may be surprised by the calibre when the appointment is made?

More likely disappointed TBH

[Albertbaggie]

I seriously question the judgement of Wilder for:

1) swapping Robinson for Burke
2) recruiting 38 yr old Jagielka in Premier League

no thanks

I'd have taken 38-year-old Jagielka over Peltier and Ivanovic to be fair

[GREGMT]

I'd have taken 38-year-old Jagielka over Peltier and Ivanovic to be fair

Your comments don't add anything earth shattering.  Choosing between Ivanovich and Jagielka is like a choice between the doctor or dentist!

[SirTonyM]

I am more than happy to mention Stevens, Fleck, Lundstrum, Norwood and Baldock. They are are maintstays in a Sheff Utd team that has finished 20th and averaged less than as goal a game for two years.

It’s as if some managers make mistakes on signings and others don’t. I would say the players Wilder bought in did well last season and not so well this. Have to say hindsight on signings is great. Wilder did well in the championship which is where we will be this season.
I guess I’m scratching my Head to find the brilliant manager who has played attractive swashbuckling football in the premiership (and done it over a few seasons) with defensive solidity who will rock up to the Hawthorns this summer.

[Albionic]

It’s as if some managers make mistakes on signings and others don’t. I would say the players Wilder bought in did well last season and not so well this. Have to say hindsight on signings is great. Wilder did well in the championship which is where we will be this season.
I guess I’m scratching my Head to find the brilliant manager who has played attractive swashbuckling football in the premiership (and done it over a few seasons) with defensive solidity who will rock up to the Hawthorns this summer.

the nearest was Steve Clarke, not swashbuckling but neither was he overly defensive, thats the secret being balanced and having a plan B & C as required.

[hardtobeat]

Just to Chuck another ex Baggies name into the fray Micky Mellon is leaving Dundee United after just one season 

[tuamigos]

Just to Chuck another ex Baggies name into the fray Micky Mellon is leaving Dundee United after just one season 

Dundee fans seen disappointed that he's going, but please no more ex Baggies.

[TheJacko2000]

Dundee fans seen disappointed that he's going, but please no more ex Baggies.

Perhaps we could manage by committee. The 5 M's:

Maresca, Morrison, McInnes, Mellon and Moore.

[tuamigos]

Perhaps we could manage by committee. The 5 M's:

Maresca, Morrison, McInnes, Mellon and Moore.

According to most of the journos they're all saying Wilder is the standout candidate.
One saying that Lampard would not be adverse to speaking to the board.

[Dudleylad]

As daft as it may sound wonder of Steve Clarke is being considered.

[TheJacko2000]

As daft as it may sound wonder of Steve Clarke is being considered.

Hope not mate. The gradual collapse of what Hodgson built was a painful watch.

[Dudleylad]

Im 50/50 with Clarke, he sailed on Roys coattails to a certain extent but wasnt helped by the board after.

Im not a fan of having him as manager but hes another who sort of fits the age bracket as hes only 57.

My personal view is we will go young but not neccesary inexperienced.

[TAFKATMNo1Fan]

Hope not mate. The gradual collapse of what Hodgson built was a painful watch.

Clarke took us to our highest ever premier finish of 8th
All our problems stretch back to sacking him IMO
Put ourselves in a position to need Pulis to keep us up

[TAFKATMNo1Fan]

Do you reckon Frank would fancy it?

[ex coseley kid]

Do you reckon Frank would fancy it?

Skinner?

[TAFKATMNo1Fan]

Skinner?

Yeah, Baddiel in his his assistant and Statto as first team coach 

[tuamigos]

Do you reckon Frank would fancy it?

According to one Ian McGarry, Lampard would not be adverse to speaking to us.
I suppose it depends if he's put forward for the Palace/Spurs job

[TheJacko2000]

Clarke took us to our highest ever premier finish of 8th
All our problems stretch back to sacking him IMO
Put ourselves in a position to need Pulis to keep us up

Another with something like 4 wins in 10 months. Simply had to go, amazing what a team built by a manager as good as Hodgson can achieve when you add Lukaku in spite of the manager.

[mulliganstired]

Do you reckon Frank would fancy it?

I'd rather have someone like Lampard ambitious to prove himself than an old stooge like Wilder after his pension scheme

[wbasoprano]

Another with something like 4 wins in 10 months. Simply had to go, amazing what a team built by a manager as good as Hodgson can achieve when you add Lukaku in spite of the manager.

Losing Gera, Yacob, to injury, Mulumbu to the Africa cup of nations, Odemwingie to QPR  all didn't help after a fantastic start. Lukaku carried us through the rest of the season. Still feel it was Hodgsons work and a lucky loan though, yes.

I'd rather have someone like Lampard ambitious to prove himself than an old stooge like Wilder after his pension scheme

He would raise our profile, I just have my doubts about him as a manager

[baggies_24]

I'd rather have someone like Lampard ambitious to prove himself than an old stooge like Wilder after his pension scheme

Wilders 53 & I’d imagine is pretty eager to try and repair his reputation.