Leicfox Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/news/days-sha...il/article.html This could be the most crucial five days of the season for Leicester City's play-off challenge. Three consecutive defeats, one of which was in the FA Cup, certainly do not constitute a crisis but there is no doubt City's promotion credentials are being tested.The results at Swansea, Cardiff and at Barnsley on Tuesday night could have gone either way. City had their opportunities but didn't take them, and I think it is fair to say they didn't have much luck with appeals for penalties at both the new Cardiff City Stadium and Oakwell. However, that cannot detract from the fact that City look like a side in need of a lift. Manager Nigel Pearson has admitted his side are struggling at the moment and I recall they went through a similar spell at the same time last season. Every side will have their poor runs, and that includes Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. A Pearson statement that caused more concern was when he said: "We are certainly not going to be spending money; it isn't that sort of scenario." City need to boost their squad with at least two new players. Nolberto Solano's arrival until the end of the season could certainly help improve the team's quality in the vital final third of the pitch but City can't pin their hopes of making the play-offs on a 35-year-old alone. It will take more than one addition before the transfer window closes to kick start City's promotion hopes. Pearson would like to bring in a defender and he was close to getting Martin Taylor to come from Birmingham City. However, Blues wanted a transfer fee, as manager Alex McLeish has stated, and it appears by Pearson's statement that City don't have money to spend. I understand other targets have been missed because of the lack of funds. The sale of Max Gradel to Leeds United has reportedly raised around £250,000 and naturally fans will expect that money to be reinvested. DJ Campbell could also be on his way out before the close of the window at 5pm on Monday, either on a permanent deal, which City would prefer, or loan until the end of the season. He is among the club's highest earners and his departure will again free up funds. The future of Paul Dickov also needs to be resolved for the both parties' sake. It looks as if any business Pearson does do for the close of play on Monday may depend on how well he can wheel and deal, and any arrivals may come at the last minute. Chairman Milan Mandaric has stated on several occasions that there is no money available within the club to give to Pearson, and that he would be willing to use his own personal wealth to assist his manager. He has also said he wants promotion this season. Now I can't criticise Mandaric for his own personal commitment to the club. Any owner who is putting his hand in his own pocket every year to the tune of £5-£6 million to plug his club's shortfalls is a man that is fully committed to the cause. City also have one of the biggest wage bills in the Championship, although much of that is a hangover from previous managerial regimes, and money has been invested in terms of the summer arrivals of Richie Wellens and Paul Gallagher. Mandaric has also backed his previous managers, although he may have wished he hadn't at times. Pearson has managed his squad well this season and has got City into a decent position, but he now needs the chairman's help. He needs to be backed now to give City the impetus to make a final push for the play-offs. This next five days is a season-defining period in many respects. Quite a good article that picks up on most points.
Uncle Monty Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 One of the biggest wage bills in the championship. I didn't know this!
leicesterseddon Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 One of the biggest wage bills in the championship. I didn't know this! Neither do the Mockery. It's the sort of shit unsubstantiated guesswork that passes for journalism in that rag.
Daggers Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 Neither do the Mockery. It's the sort of shit unsubstantiated guesswork that passes for journalism in that rag. Or more club spin
jonthefox Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 Yeah DJ & Dickov take up about £24,000 per week. fookin how much.
CKB Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 Leicester City you are my desssstiny!! you are my one and only!!! you give that joy to me!
lou Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 Yeah DJ & Dickov take up about £24,000 per week. and the rest! Unless Dickov is on about a grand a week
DanTheFox07 Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 does anyone know when campbell`s contract end`s? is it end of this season?
Porky Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 does anyone know when campbell`s contract end`s? is it end of this season? June 2011!!
willchafer Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 dunno how much stand sponsoring brings in, but surely we must get a little bit of money from the new sponsorship of the east stand?
z-layrex Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 Yeah DJ & Dickov take up about £24,000 per week. My annual salary for them kicking a ball around a field. Disgusting.
Daggers Posted 28 January 2010 Posted 28 January 2010 My annual salary for them kicking a ball around a field. Disgusting. Start practising your ball kicking?
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