Wonderboys manager tells of 'painful' transfer decisions
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys manager Billy Whizz has today come clean about the incessant speculation about who may be leaving and joining the club at the season update.
Whizz admitted that a '4 player cull' was considered at one point, in an attempt to sign one or two 'superstars', but has confirmed this evening that a more restricted approach would be taken:
"Today's been a prett hectic day, as we've been negotiating deals both ends. Obviously, from our point of view, any player signed before the Season Update would be beneficial, because it would cost somewhat less than afterwards, but it's mightly difficult to get your own players out to meet those deadlines as well."
"We're getting a rather substantial amount from our sponsors, but the rest of the money would have to be funded through player sales, which is horrible from my point of view. We were looking at 3 players, who are all stars, and looking to sell 4 or 5 squad members just to be in with a chance of signing them. Realistically though, they're way out of our league. While you see some super player available, who ticks every box, you sometimes get a bit too surefire, and keen to get them, without taking a step back, and thinking logically."
"At one stage, we were considering only having 2 strikers at the club. Thats how silly things were getting. We, as a club, have chosen a certain route to go down, and we've got to stick by it. Yes, if everything had come off, we would have a Division 4 squad, of that there is no doubt. But there was a 99% chance it wouldn't have come off, and we'd have been caught with our pants down. In one respect it's disappointing, as we've worked our arses off today with pens and calculators going everywhere, and being on the phone, chatting and emailing other clubs nearly every minute, but it's just too much - we would be sacrificing a hell of a lot, and we might not even get those guys."
When asked about Khalid Shehata being placed on the transfer list, Whizz was insistent that it was necessary for the club's progression:
"He's been great since he's come here, but realistically we need someone more experienced, Khalid is just too raw. He can be a world beater on his day, but overall I think we needed to see a little bit more from him. Hopefully he can join a good club on Friday evening, and from the cash generated we can find a replacement."
"We think we've found someone, and we have a deal agreed, but it depends on retirements in their squad. We've got our fingers crossed here, because we could be getting a fantastic keeper for a good price. If things don't go our way, then we should have sufficient cash to enter the market with confidence anyway, but we're very hopeful of this deal going ahead"
The Wonderboys finish the season at Wensley Wanderers tomorrow night.
A blog with the latest news about Billy Whizz's Wonderboys, an English team on Trophy Manager
Shehata axed as planning commences
Veteran keeper to be preferred as Whizzers prepare for Season 24
It can be revealed that Wonderboys keeper Khalid Shehata has been placed on the transfer list, as manager Billy Whizz looks to prepare his side for a promotion challenge in Season 24.
Following a disappointing finish to the season, that has seen the Whizzers collect 9 points from a possible 42 since beating nottingham forest fc at the beginning of March, Whizz has pinpointed areas of his team that need strengthening, and has received backing from chairman Jack Richardson.
Shehata has been on of the team's better performers in his 2nd season at Shitters Palace, but has yet to consistently show the potential that persuaded Whizz to pay AFC Pollard 28m for his services at the beginning of Season 23. Instead, it is thought Whizz would prefer a more experienced 'keeper, and has already made enquiries for his top targets:
"One or two are already being looked at" said a club director. "Billy has pretty much made up his mind, it's a case of waiting to hear back from other clubs, and possibly relying on one or two other deals to go through"
A striker is also believed to be on Whizz's wishlist, while Robert Matthews could also depart the club, following a disappointing first season for the Wonderboys.
It can be revealed that Wonderboys keeper Khalid Shehata has been placed on the transfer list, as manager Billy Whizz looks to prepare his side for a promotion challenge in Season 24.
Following a disappointing finish to the season, that has seen the Whizzers collect 9 points from a possible 42 since beating nottingham forest fc at the beginning of March, Whizz has pinpointed areas of his team that need strengthening, and has received backing from chairman Jack Richardson.
Shehata has been on of the team's better performers in his 2nd season at Shitters Palace, but has yet to consistently show the potential that persuaded Whizz to pay AFC Pollard 28m for his services at the beginning of Season 23. Instead, it is thought Whizz would prefer a more experienced 'keeper, and has already made enquiries for his top targets:
"One or two are already being looked at" said a club director. "Billy has pretty much made up his mind, it's a case of waiting to hear back from other clubs, and possibly relying on one or two other deals to go through"
A striker is also believed to be on Whizz's wishlist, while Robert Matthews could also depart the club, following a disappointing first season for the Wonderboys.
Whizz predicts player interest
Intriguing close season ahead, as Whizz insists every player sellable
Billy Whizz made the unusual statement today that bids would be considered for every player in his squad, as he prepares to assemble a squad capable of promotion to Division 4 next season.
His team currently sits 5th in Division 5, with Whizz already admitting last week that promotion was too far this time round for the club, and playing 8 youth players in the club's league game against Arsene-all on Wednesday night. However, the Wonderboys manager is using the time between now and the new season wisely, planning the look of his squad for Season 24.
"After assessing a few things, we've let it be known that all bids would be considered. Basically, all players are open to offers. Obviously some players would cost more than others, but in our situation we need to have a look at things, because we want to be going into next season the favourites to win the league bar none."
"It's difficult to say how big the changes will be - it depends very much on player sales. If nobody wants any of our players, then it'll be a quiet close of season, however, if a few move on, then we'll be replacing them. It'll be a difficult task, and the first big transfer window for the club in terms of player movement, but it's necessary, so its a case of careful planning to ensure we're in the best position possible"
Billy Whizz made the unusual statement today that bids would be considered for every player in his squad, as he prepares to assemble a squad capable of promotion to Division 4 next season.
His team currently sits 5th in Division 5, with Whizz already admitting last week that promotion was too far this time round for the club, and playing 8 youth players in the club's league game against Arsene-all on Wednesday night. However, the Wonderboys manager is using the time between now and the new season wisely, planning the look of his squad for Season 24.
"After assessing a few things, we've let it be known that all bids would be considered. Basically, all players are open to offers. Obviously some players would cost more than others, but in our situation we need to have a look at things, because we want to be going into next season the favourites to win the league bar none."
"It's difficult to say how big the changes will be - it depends very much on player sales. If nobody wants any of our players, then it'll be a quiet close of season, however, if a few move on, then we'll be replacing them. It'll be a difficult task, and the first big transfer window for the club in terms of player movement, but it's necessary, so its a case of careful planning to ensure we're in the best position possible"
'Promotion chances gone' says Whizz
Wonderboys boss admits defeat in the 'impossible dream'
If you had told Billy Whizz his team would be sitting 4th in 5.10 with 7 games to go, he would have shaked his head in disbelief, perhaps offering that yours should be checked out. Following 2 relegation battles, the Whizzers headed into Season 23 with some optimism, more hope than expectation, but buoyed by 6 wins in their last six games of the previous seasons. The feelings around Shitters Palace were rather different today however, despite the Wonderboys' position in the table, and this was encapsulated by Whizz's not too unpredictable statement that promotion was a step too far for his side this year.
A press room that was filled with smiles and laughter earlier in the season was as quiet as Shitters Palace on matchday, as a rather tired and fed up looking Whizz called time on the Wonderboys push for Division 4 football:
"The last couple of weeks have been really rough" he said. "For me, it's been the worst times since I've been here, which is unbelievable given the position we're in"
The irony in his statement was obvious to see, from a man who had seen his side bottom after one win in 10, and in the relegation zone with 4 games to go just a couple of seasons ago. Yet then, the Whizzers were the underdogs, and any points gained where just that - gained, rather than now, where every draw seems to be 2 points lost. While optimists would, correctly, claim that is a positive indicment of the progress the club has been making, the fans have had little to cheer about in recent weeks, other than the fact they aren't in a relegation battle.
"After such a good start, this place was buzzing. We were turning up, expecting to win, but working so hard to get the points. The atmosphere was great, and we were putting in so much work, so that if we did go up, we wouldn't get caught with out pants down in Division 4; that seems like a cruel joke now"
Just one win in eight league games has left the Wonderboys 7 points behind Shipley Juniors, and outside the top 3 for the first time since Round 6.
"Perhaps the most distressing thing is the fact we were turning up, and beating teams by 3 or 4 goals, we evend scored 6 against Dockys, yet we play the return leg, and get beat, or we're holding on to a draw. That much swing in a result just isn't right, yet its been happening consistently over the last few weeks. We've won once, and even then, we weren't great, the opposition just somehow managed to be worse than us. It's like we're a completely different side, and the confidence has been completely knocked out of us"
Whizz confirmed that he would pick youth players in the club's remaining games, though only in fixtures not involving teams not directly involved in the relegation or promotion battles - "I want to be fair" he said - giving fans to have a glimpse at some of the fans possible future stars, although the loss of fans in itself is another clear sign of the Wonderboys faded promotion challenge. A cruel joke indeed.
If you had told Billy Whizz his team would be sitting 4th in 5.10 with 7 games to go, he would have shaked his head in disbelief, perhaps offering that yours should be checked out. Following 2 relegation battles, the Whizzers headed into Season 23 with some optimism, more hope than expectation, but buoyed by 6 wins in their last six games of the previous seasons. The feelings around Shitters Palace were rather different today however, despite the Wonderboys' position in the table, and this was encapsulated by Whizz's not too unpredictable statement that promotion was a step too far for his side this year.
A press room that was filled with smiles and laughter earlier in the season was as quiet as Shitters Palace on matchday, as a rather tired and fed up looking Whizz called time on the Wonderboys push for Division 4 football:
"The last couple of weeks have been really rough" he said. "For me, it's been the worst times since I've been here, which is unbelievable given the position we're in"
The irony in his statement was obvious to see, from a man who had seen his side bottom after one win in 10, and in the relegation zone with 4 games to go just a couple of seasons ago. Yet then, the Whizzers were the underdogs, and any points gained where just that - gained, rather than now, where every draw seems to be 2 points lost. While optimists would, correctly, claim that is a positive indicment of the progress the club has been making, the fans have had little to cheer about in recent weeks, other than the fact they aren't in a relegation battle.
"After such a good start, this place was buzzing. We were turning up, expecting to win, but working so hard to get the points. The atmosphere was great, and we were putting in so much work, so that if we did go up, we wouldn't get caught with out pants down in Division 4; that seems like a cruel joke now"
Just one win in eight league games has left the Wonderboys 7 points behind Shipley Juniors, and outside the top 3 for the first time since Round 6.
"Perhaps the most distressing thing is the fact we were turning up, and beating teams by 3 or 4 goals, we evend scored 6 against Dockys, yet we play the return leg, and get beat, or we're holding on to a draw. That much swing in a result just isn't right, yet its been happening consistently over the last few weeks. We've won once, and even then, we weren't great, the opposition just somehow managed to be worse than us. It's like we're a completely different side, and the confidence has been completely knocked out of us"
Whizz confirmed that he would pick youth players in the club's remaining games, though only in fixtures not involving teams not directly involved in the relegation or promotion battles - "I want to be fair" he said - giving fans to have a glimpse at some of the fans possible future stars, although the loss of fans in itself is another clear sign of the Wonderboys faded promotion challenge. A cruel joke indeed.
Whizzers set for Stantastic test
Wonderboys aiming to maintain momentum in 'huge' week
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys will face 17th placed stantastic albion b team tonight, in their 4th match in as many days.
Following Sunday's last gasp victory against hills of chazza, Monday's comfortable cup win against game 20, and yesterdays big 3-0 win against kituaski, manager Billy Whizz is hoping momentum will trump fatigue for the next 3 days.
"No game is easy, thats for certain, and in a 6 game week, that's truer than ever. Suspensions and injuries are usually flying all over the place, and it's a real strange one of all of us. Switching between league, cup and friendly can be quite challenging mentally, but hopefully we've got into a winning mentally, no matter what competition it is."
"No doubt it's a huge week. 5 competitive games in one week is a hell of a lot. We value the Cup very highly - we could simply put out a weak team to be done with it, but we genuinely want to get as far as we can. That makes things a bit more difficult, but thats what we pay these players for, they need to turn up every game, and so far they have done that."
"As far as the league is concerned, we just need to pick up wins as often as we can. We're in the top 2 at the minute, I'd love to say we'll stay there for the rest of the season, but I don't think it's going to be that simple. It's been a truly bizarre league this year, with strange results happening on a weekly basis, so it's a case of turning up to each game at your best - any less than that and you will get punished"
"Division 4 is something we are preparing for, there's no point going up and not knowing what to do, so we're doing some research, and identfying targets for the season end. It's not an ideal position of a club, but we will definitely be going for promotion if we can get it - that is 100% certain"
Billy Whizz's Wonderboys will face 17th placed stantastic albion b team tonight, in their 4th match in as many days.
Following Sunday's last gasp victory against hills of chazza, Monday's comfortable cup win against game 20, and yesterdays big 3-0 win against kituaski, manager Billy Whizz is hoping momentum will trump fatigue for the next 3 days.
"No game is easy, thats for certain, and in a 6 game week, that's truer than ever. Suspensions and injuries are usually flying all over the place, and it's a real strange one of all of us. Switching between league, cup and friendly can be quite challenging mentally, but hopefully we've got into a winning mentally, no matter what competition it is."
"No doubt it's a huge week. 5 competitive games in one week is a hell of a lot. We value the Cup very highly - we could simply put out a weak team to be done with it, but we genuinely want to get as far as we can. That makes things a bit more difficult, but thats what we pay these players for, they need to turn up every game, and so far they have done that."
"As far as the league is concerned, we just need to pick up wins as often as we can. We're in the top 2 at the minute, I'd love to say we'll stay there for the rest of the season, but I don't think it's going to be that simple. It's been a truly bizarre league this year, with strange results happening on a weekly basis, so it's a case of turning up to each game at your best - any less than that and you will get punished"
"Division 4 is something we are preparing for, there's no point going up and not knowing what to do, so we're doing some research, and identfying targets for the season end. It's not an ideal position of a club, but we will definitely be going for promotion if we can get it - that is 100% certain"
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