Wednesday 3 July 2013

3 more in at St Andrews

In the last 24 hours, Blues have confirmed the loans of defenders Kyle Bartley and Dan Burn, and the signing of Mansfield striker Matt Green on a 2-year contract. In addition, we are giving a trial to wingers Liam Davies and Paddy McCourt, and right-back Mark Little. Our third transfer today is our tenth this summer, as Clark's transfer activity seems to be nearing completion. Personally, I'm relatively pleased with all the signings.

Bargain Bartley
Kyle Bartley looks like a bargain. He was snapped up by Arsenal - notorious for spotting potential in youth - at the age of 16. He gained a lot of first experience at Championship level playing for Sheffield United, and for Rangers in the SPL. Now 22, I think he'll have developed physically to the standard needed for a centre back.

We've also brought in Dan Burn on loan from Fulham, who spent last season at Yeovil Town. Burn was signed by Fulham from Darlington a couple of years ago, and although he's yet to make an appearance for the Cottagers, the 6'7 man was part of the Yeovil team which earned promotion last season.

Burn signs
Neither of these defenders have a particularly strong track record, in terms of the 'goals against' tally in the teams they've played for. However, I will remain optimistic about their chances at Blues. We might have attempted to bring in a more experienced player to replace Davies, but as well as older players commanding the bigger wages we can't afford, they also lack pace. We already have an experienced head at the back in Paul Robinson, and if he was coupled with another player that lacks pace, we would make ourselves quite vulnerable to through balls.

If Bartley and Burn are competing for a place at the back, we can develop a stopper/cover partnership at the back. Bartley or Burn can use their athleticism to dominate the box and throw themselves at aerial balls, whilst Robinson can use his excellent reading of the game to sit deep, sweep up loose balls and organize the defence. It could be the perfect partnership.

Green - replacement for King?
We've also signed Matt Green on a free transfer, after what must have been a successful trial. He has scored a respectable 54 goals in 87 games at non-league level, although at 26, he's not necessarily ahead of his development peak. If he is to become a success at Championship level, this is his best chance. 



McCourt to sign?
The good thing about this signing is that it may point towards the confirmed departure of Marlon King. Reportedly on around £15k a week, equivalent to almost £800k a year, it's essential we get him off the wage bill. If he can have his cartilage cleaned this summer, perhaps one of the richer League 1 clubs in need of a goalscorer will come in for him. Green on the other hand, coming from non-league, will consider £1k a week as big money.

We're also looking at wingers Paddy McCourt and Liam Davies, and right-back Mark Little, who are all on a trial. From what I've heard, McCourt has fitness issues, but he was apparently a fans favourite at Celtic. Now a free agent, he is also considering a contract offer from American side San Jose Earthquakes, who finished lower midtable in the overall MLS 2013 (MLS is similar quality league to the SPL).

Liam Davis was taken on by Fulham as a kid, and according to reports, is an energetic player who can also play at left-back. However, his stats since he joined Oxford United leave much to be desired. In 62 games, he's only had 3 goals and 5 assists, and only 1 of each in 21 games last season. This record is actually very poor, and he's at the age of 26, which should be the peak for a winger. I'm surprised Clark has decided to trial Davis - even if he impressed at the trial, he hasn't shown enough consistency over 2 years to merit a move here. 

Little point having him
Once Nathan Redmond's imminent transfer is confirmed, I would be more inclined to give Kobe Arthur a run in the team. That is, unless McCourt is prepared to take a wage of about £3k a week, and improve his condition. I can't help but feel that parting with some ground in our wage structure for a more phyiscally developed and experienced winger, would actually be standing in the way of the progress of Kobe Arthur. Arthur is a rare player with the potential to become an asset at the club, and I'd like to see Clark devote him a run in the team.

Mark Little is on trial, yet apparently Clark isn't looking to sign him, just keeping him fit until he finds a club. Personally I feel minorly annoyed with Clark for doing so, if this is the case. Whilst Little training with the club won't cost us anything, it's still our coaches' time that can be used working with the players we actually have at our disposal. And even if in the case that Clark was looking to buy, I'd say it would be poor prioritizing. With Neal Eardley in the squad, and Spector, Packwood and Higgins all capable of playing right-back, signing another would be unnecessary.

However, I would praise Clark's judgement in bringing in the likes of Kyle Bartley and Dan Burn on loan. I'm prepared to reserve judgement on Green, and would be content to see McCourt sign on a free if he was on a low wage, but I believe the trialing of Liam Davis and Mark Little will ultimately be a waste of time.

By Gabriel Sutton

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