MATCHWATCH : Burton Albion (h)

[Clyde1998]

Last time at this level, we had a really "meh" first season, followed by a dreadful start to the second which resulted in Pardew replacing Burns and an improvement. Then we were strong 3rd season and just missed out, but didn't sell anyone and strengthened again so we were formidable in the final season (except that bizarre run of draws at the end).

We're in our third season now and it doesn't bare much resemblance to last time being honest. There has been too much chaos. This feels most like the rebuild season akin to Pardew's first, but we're not as deep in the mire as we were then. I can see a route to us sneaking into the play-offs this year, but I can also see us being a very good team at this level next season if we stay in this league which would be enjoyable too.

Key thing is being perceived by potential players and current players that they can realise their ambitions with you. Clearly Knibbs and Mbengue didn't think that; what will Savage think in the summer? Once players view you as a middling L1 team, it's hard to recruit and retain the talent. And obviously that risk increases the longer you stay in this league.

While I love Savage, and he's a big player we want to go up with, we can survive selling him in the summer with Rino and Fraser on the books. Comfortably.

I conquer, Wing had his best game of the season against Burton and i wonder if that's down to having Fraser by his side who is a natural DCM? I like Savage but i think the balance is better with either Fraser or Rhino alongside Wing. Maybe Savage could do the CAM position as lets face it Doyle is only here on loan whereas Savage is ours. Savage is a machine and has a wicked shot so there is potential for him to cause havoc in an elevated position.
The Downside with letting Savage go is a huge sell-on for Man.U which is 50% i believe? Maybe one of the ITK's can clarify this?

Correct - Savage has a 50% sell-on clause; Elliott has a 40% sell-on clause to Chelsea.

Savage in the CAM role may well be a good move if he gets some opportunities there, but we shouldn't be too hasty on the impact Fraser had. It was a single match against probably the worst side we've played this season.

[Snowflake Royal]

To be honest, I didn’t see any difference between how Wing played with Fraser and how he plays normally with Savage.

[Hound]

To be honest, I didn’t see any difference between how Wing played with Fraser and how he plays normally with Savage.

Few less hollywoods maybe but no, not really

[WestYorksRoyal]

Savage has the highest ceiling for me, even if he's not currently a key team member.

[The Royal Forester]

While I love Savage, and he's a big player we want to go up with, we can survive selling him in the summer with Rino and Fraser on the books. Comfortably.

I conquer, Wing had his best game of the season against Burton and i wonder if that's down to having Fraser by his side who is a natural DCM? I like Savage but i think the balance is better with either Fraser or Rhino alongside Wing. Maybe Savage could do the CAM position as lets face it Doyle is only here on loan whereas Savage is ours. Savage is a machine and has a wicked shot so there is potential for him to cause havoc in an elevated position.
The Downside with letting Savage go is a huge sell-on for Man.U which is 50% i believe? Maybe one of the ITK's can clarify this?

Correct - Savage has a 50% sell-on clause; Elliott has a 40% sell-on clause to Chelsea.

Savage in the CAM role may well be a good move if he gets some opportunities there, but we shouldn't be too hasty on the impact Fraser had. It was a single match against probably the worst side we've played this season.

If I remember correctly Man U have to be given first choice before Savage is transferred. Is this correct? If so, what happens about any fee, do United pay us 50% of any fee agreed with the third party or what they value him at?