Outstanding piece of work. Worth a subscription on its own. So I’ve done one right now.
I’m unable to listen to Wilder’s vacuous cliches and mangled syntax any more. But… maybe there’s something in his pressers that’s more than just reflexive regurgitation of well-grooved excuses. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he does see something of this bigger picture, does he also have the skill set to address the issues that you’ve so eloquently described? I’m not so sure. Modern football needs more than just “feel”, allied to a bit of badge-kissing.
What I’d be interested to see, post-rebuild, is a similar analysis that looks to discover whether some of the issues described here have been addressed by the recruitment.
I think CW's communication style is maybe the most 'old school' thing about him. Not everything is an argument, and he finds ways of arguing with himself.
I will definitely track some of this stuff over the season - keep an eye out.
It was incredibly long, but also incredibly researched and detailed; a marvellous piece to cover the “season of flux” and “on-field meh-ness”.
The bits that had me nodding the most were: “oppositions spotted our approach”, “blocking … is one of the poorest parts of our game”, and the fact that we lack “that knack for taking the ball fro A to B and doing something with it at the end”.
However, there were some very positive points, too, and, indeed, “there were far more dominant performances than dreadful performances”, so although we were left feeling a little sad by the last few games, let us all hope the incomings and outgoings work out for 2026/27.
Thanks again for a remarkably thoughtful and well detailed summary.
I commend you for this. It is a labour of love ( or perhaps madness!) and as thorough an overview of a season in stats as I have seen anywhere ever. If I were Wilder and the management team I would be getting in touch. I know you want to avoid the unchecked opinions of club forums but there are a few pointers from the stats. Ie losing brooks and hamer would be disastrous in terms of attacking input. Need a passing centre half alongside Tanganga ( we need more from him I feel). The Harrison Burrows conundrum puzzles me. Can we improve him as a defender? He is unique as you say , and limited too. But he has a wand of a left foot and an eye for goal. Could we play him further forward? Absolutely brilliant work here Sam. Well done.
Deffo agree on a new CB. IMO, and I don't like going back, but Classic Souttar gives us the passing AND the height. Risky signing that, though, given the injury.
Re Burrows, I think him and McCallum are fine if both are fit all season. I want Burrows in games against poor wingers and McCallum for the others. They match up well as options over a season I think. But also, a better CB next to him masks some of those weaknesses.
Gotta hope at least one of Hamer/Brooks plays near enough a full season next term. Not replaceable players at our level.
Holy crap, Sam! That was clearly an awful lot of work. I can't say I understood all of it, but I appreciate the sheer effort involved in compiling it. Chapeau, Monsieur. ✌️😎⚔️
Outstanding piece of work. Worth a subscription on its own. So I’ve done one right now.
I’m unable to listen to Wilder’s vacuous cliches and mangled syntax any more. But… maybe there’s something in his pressers that’s more than just reflexive regurgitation of well-grooved excuses. Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he does see something of this bigger picture, does he also have the skill set to address the issues that you’ve so eloquently described? I’m not so sure. Modern football needs more than just “feel”, allied to a bit of badge-kissing.
What I’d be interested to see, post-rebuild, is a similar analysis that looks to discover whether some of the issues described here have been addressed by the recruitment.
Anyway, really terrific piece. Thanks so much.
Allen
Thanks Allen, really appreciate that.
I think CW's communication style is maybe the most 'old school' thing about him. Not everything is an argument, and he finds ways of arguing with himself.
I will definitely track some of this stuff over the season - keep an eye out.
Thank you, Sam.
It was incredibly long, but also incredibly researched and detailed; a marvellous piece to cover the “season of flux” and “on-field meh-ness”.
The bits that had me nodding the most were: “oppositions spotted our approach”, “blocking … is one of the poorest parts of our game”, and the fact that we lack “that knack for taking the ball fro A to B and doing something with it at the end”.
However, there were some very positive points, too, and, indeed, “there were far more dominant performances than dreadful performances”, so although we were left feeling a little sad by the last few games, let us all hope the incomings and outgoings work out for 2026/27.
Thanks again for a remarkably thoughtful and well detailed summary.
Sue.
Cheers Sue - appreciate it! I need some time away from spreadsheets now
You won't be able to resist them for long, Sam, I guarantee haha!
I commend you for this. It is a labour of love ( or perhaps madness!) and as thorough an overview of a season in stats as I have seen anywhere ever. If I were Wilder and the management team I would be getting in touch. I know you want to avoid the unchecked opinions of club forums but there are a few pointers from the stats. Ie losing brooks and hamer would be disastrous in terms of attacking input. Need a passing centre half alongside Tanganga ( we need more from him I feel). The Harrison Burrows conundrum puzzles me. Can we improve him as a defender? He is unique as you say , and limited too. But he has a wand of a left foot and an eye for goal. Could we play him further forward? Absolutely brilliant work here Sam. Well done.
Thanks Mike - really appreciate that!
Deffo agree on a new CB. IMO, and I don't like going back, but Classic Souttar gives us the passing AND the height. Risky signing that, though, given the injury.
Re Burrows, I think him and McCallum are fine if both are fit all season. I want Burrows in games against poor wingers and McCallum for the others. They match up well as options over a season I think. But also, a better CB next to him masks some of those weaknesses.
Gotta hope at least one of Hamer/Brooks plays near enough a full season next term. Not replaceable players at our level.
BTW. Sam McCallum lives on our estate and he told me he's fit again now. That's good news, right?
For sure. I am Burrows supporter too though
Holy crap, Sam! That was clearly an awful lot of work. I can't say I understood all of it, but I appreciate the sheer effort involved in compiling it. Chapeau, Monsieur. ✌️😎⚔️
Thanks Phil!
Reflecting on it, some of the graphs were overkill. But hopefully most of it was clear enough!
Great read this. I've only just managed to get the time to read it but thoroughly enjoyed it
Totally amazing summary - THANK YOU!
Outstanding insight. Superb stuff. Thank you!