Hitchin (Away) The Match Thread Hitchin a Lift With Letchbee94

[Jimbokav1971]

180k for mason clark so seems reasonable I guess. I’m shocked we’d let him go though, thought with what we did last season with Collinge and Kanu and letting them run their deal down, we’d show similar ambition and risk losing him on a free in the summer.

It wasn't £180k for EMC though.

It was £180k + £1M (20% of his next transfer which was approx £5M).

And Posh get at least £1M if he gets promoted to the Premier League with Cov, (and we get 20% of that too, so another £200k).

So rather than £180k for EMC, it's already been £1.18M, with potentially another £200k to come.

If we do a deal like this then £180k is fine. If we don't then it's not. The add-ons can be worth much more than the initial fees.

Yeah that’s true. Id be surprised if we don’t have sell on clauses, but I think the potential of receiving substantial sums of money from them is far lower than it was for Ephron. Reading will push for the championship and to establish themselves back there, that’s probably steady’s ceiling.

I completely agree that Steady's ceiling is lower than that of EMC, but it could be argued that because they are now in League 1, (rather than the Championship), the potential for promotion, (or Steady being successful) is that much easier. I don't think for a minute that someone is going to pay £5M for Steady in 18 months, but I can absolutely see someone paying £500k+ for him in 18 months if things go well. The problem with all this is that as well as Steady has done with us, (he's been astonishingly good), the jump from National League to L1 is huge. (Saying that, there were some who suggested that he might struggle with the move to FT football and he took to it like a duck to water).

Whether Reading is a good fit for Stead remains to be seen, but the 433 they play isn't a proper 433 and the left winger they used a fair bit last season, (big young Nigerian lad with the long name), isn't a proper winger, but in any case I think he's left on a free.

The kid that played on the right last season is a winger, but he was only on loan and has joined Chavenage. Steady could actually be just what they need at the moment because he can play in multiple position and puts a shift in, on top of his numbers.

Really depends on what the new owners are doing though I suppose.

They lost £20M in 22/23 and £12M more in 23/24. We might not be able to play hardball on the cash portion of the fee, but I expect we possibly can on the add-ons.

If Steady is going to leave then good luck to him I say. In the past this would have been a disaster, (and I think he is possibly our 3rd most important player after Harts and Evans), but the difference now with Deano is that I have faith that he is capable of recruiting someone else to come in and fill that gap. Maybe not the same as Steady and maybe not as good as Steady, but someone who doesn't make it appear like there is a huge Steady sized gap in the team.

I just don’t think we’ll get anyone in even near Stead’s level to be honest. Would love to be proved wrong but Stead benefited loads from that 6 months he had bedding into the team. We can’t really afford that luxury with a new signing, they’ll need to hit the ground running. On top of that anyone we do sign is not going to have even close to the same goal record as him, so will be a big gamble. Seems like financially we’re not capable of going out and signing the finished article

Yeah, it's hard to argue with that, but this is just an opportunity for someone else to come in now. Honestly, in the past we would have been screwed I think. At least now I think there is half a chance of DB signing someone who can at least grow into the position.

You're right it is a big gamble though and £180k doesn't seem like a lot of money, (unless you're TK and it's your £180k), but after being out of the EFL for 7 years, and the the absolute carnage that caused, not least to the Academy that it's since been proved was working miracles, maybe you tell Steady he can go at the end of the season, or even offer him a new contract right now and agree to sell him if we get a bid of £x?

I mean God forbid someone comes in for Harts.......

[BeeArmy22]

It wasn't £180k for EMC though.

It was £180k + £1M (20% of his next transfer which was approx £5M).

And Posh get at least £1M if he gets promoted to the Premier League with Cov, (and we get 20% of that too, so another £200k).

So rather than £180k for EMC, it's already been £1.18M, with potentially another £200k to come.

If we do a deal like this then £180k is fine. If we don't then it's not. The add-ons can be worth much more than the initial fees.

Yeah that’s true. Id be surprised if we don’t have sell on clauses, but I think the potential of receiving substantial sums of money from them is far lower than it was for Ephron. Reading will push for the championship and to establish themselves back there, that’s probably steady’s ceiling.

I completely agree that Steady's ceiling is lower than that of EMC, but it could be argued that because they are now in League 1, (rather than the Championship), the potential for promotion, (or Steady being successful) is that much easier. I don't think for a minute that someone is going to pay £5M for Steady in 18 months, but I can absolutely see someone paying £500k+ for him in 18 months if things go well. The problem with all this is that as well as Steady has done with us, (he's been astonishingly good), the jump from National League to L1 is huge. (Saying that, there were some who suggested that he might struggle with the move to FT football and he took to it like a duck to water).

Whether Reading is a good fit for Stead remains to be seen, but the 433 they play isn't a proper 433 and the left winger they used a fair bit last season, (big young Nigerian lad with the long name), isn't a proper winger, but in any case I think he's left on a free.

The kid that played on the right last season is a winger, but he was only on loan and has joined Chavenage. Steady could actually be just what they need at the moment because he can play in multiple position and puts a shift in, on top of his numbers.

Really depends on what the new owners are doing though I suppose.

They lost £20M in 22/23 and £12M more in 23/24. We might not be able to play hardball on the cash portion of the fee, but I expect we possibly can on the add-ons.

If Steady is going to leave then good luck to him I say. In the past this would have been a disaster, (and I think he is possibly our 3rd most important player after Harts and Evans), but the difference now with Deano is that I have faith that he is capable of recruiting someone else to come in and fill that gap. Maybe not the same as Steady and maybe not as good as Steady, but someone who doesn't make it appear like there is a huge Steady sized gap in the team.

I just don’t think we’ll get anyone in even near Stead’s level to be honest. Would love to be proved wrong but Stead benefited loads from that 6 months he had bedding into the team. We can’t really afford that luxury with a new signing, they’ll need to hit the ground running. On top of that anyone we do sign is not going to have even close to the same goal record as him, so will be a big gamble. Seems like financially we’re not capable of going out and signing the finished article

Yeah, it's hard to argue with that, but this is just an opportunity for someone else to come in now. Honestly, in the past we would have been screwed I think. At least now I think there is half a chance of DB signing someone who can at least grow into the position.

You're right it is a big gamble though and £180k doesn't seem like a lot of money, (unless you're TK and it's your £180k), but after being out of the EFL for 7 years, and the the absolute carnage that caused, not least to the Academy that it's since been proved was working miracles, maybe you tell Steady he can go at the end of the season, or even offer him a new contract right now and agree to sell him if we get a bid of £x?

I mean God forbid someone comes in for Harts.......

I’d assume steady had made it clear he wants to leave and will kick up a fuss if we don’t let him or agreed a fee with TK that if we receive this we won’t stand in your way, otherwise I don’t see why tk would sanction the move. He’s showed so much ambition so far with the new contracts for players and management, I don’t see why he’d sell arguably our best player unless we’ve been forced into it.

[Bee Reasonable]

I’d assume steady had made it clear he wants to leave and will kick up a fuss if we don’t let him or agreed a fee with TK that if we receive this we won’t stand in your way, otherwise I don’t see why tk would sanction the move. He’s showed so much ambition so far with the new contracts for players and management, I don’t see why he’d sell arguably our best player unless we’ve been forced into it.

I'm not sure what gives you that opinion. I've seen nothing is Stead's play or attitude that makes me think he'd throw a strop if he stays.

I'm just hoping that it is one of those occasions where the club recognises the player's ambition - if heels are always dug in, players won't sign contracts for as long, or choose to come here at all - and the Management team believe there is a viable alternative available. After the anguish from many about Kambaba leaving / Ndlovu arriving, it all turned out well. It may, or may not this time - the glorious uncertainty of football - but no point in stressing about what none of us can control. Let's just trust Management and Club to make the best (or least worst) decision available.

[BeeArmy22]

I’d assume steady had made it clear he wants to leave and will kick up a fuss if we don’t let him or agreed a fee with TK that if we receive this we won’t stand in your way, otherwise I don’t see why tk would sanction the move. He’s showed so much ambition so far with the new contracts for players and management, I don’t see why he’d sell arguably our best player unless we’ve been forced into it.

I'm not sure what gives you that opinion. I've seen nothing is Stead's play or attitude that makes me think he'd throw a strop if he stays.

I'm just hoping that it is one of those occasions where the club recognises the player's ambition - if heels are always dug in, players won't sign contracts for as long, or choose to come here at all - and the Management team believe there is a viable alternative available. After the anguish from many about Kambaba leaving / Ndlovu arriving, it all turned out well. It may, or may not this time - the glorious uncertainty of football - but no point in stressing about what none of us can control. Let's just trust Management and Club to make the best (or least worst) decision available.

Kick up a fuss is a bit harsh you’re right. I’m purely basing it on us keeping hold of the players with one year left last season and making a calculated gamble with the risk of losing them for free. Presumably Collinge and Kanu accepted that outcome and fully committed to the cause, I’d assume stead (if he does leave) maybe pushed more the other way and towards an exit. Don’t begrudge him at all if he does, new owners at reading probably spending a fair bit of money, he’ll probably quadruple his current salary and he’s got a good chance of getting to the championship in a couple of years.

[becbee]

In a squad of likeable players, Steady has been perhaps my favourite. I was gutted last night when this news broke. However, it's always been said that we get these young prospects because should they be successful, we don't hold them back. Judging by Steady's progress over 2 seasons with us, he's already at least a good L2 player so understandable for him to fancy a move to L1. Hope he does.
Andy Yiadom has had a good career at Reading -215 appearances to date. Let's hope that if, as appears inevitable, Steady
joins him, that he too can have similar success ( or move upwards still further)
Hopefully Deano will have a Steady Mark 2 on his radar who can take over crisp packet chasing duties.

[wearebees]

Is this all based on a rumour on a Facebook forum, or is anyone on here actuallly in the know?!

[Beesting]

Back on topic.

Who out the new boys impressed? Did anyone find out who the trialists were?

[rudebwoyben]

Back on topic.

Who out the new boys impressed? Did anyone find out who the trialists were?

The ex-Halifax players all look handy and add something to our squad. I was quite impressed with Osadebe too.
Ollie Hawkins is huge and Kensdale is not far behind in height!

One of the trialists is Irish (well, Dean has to maintain the Irish connection)!

Finally, Top Field is a lovely ground and Hitchin is a nice club to visit.

[Beesting]

Did Senior play left or right of the three?

[rudebwoyben]

Did Senior play left or right of the three?

I wasn’t that observant!

[rudebwoyben]

Also, FYI the attendance was 590.

[jerroll]

Did Senior play left or right of the three?

I wasn’t that observant!

Collinge right, Tavares central & Senior Left
2nd half Rye right, Kensdale central & Critchlow left.

[FatherStairmaster]

Did Senior play left or right of the three?

First half
Evans
Collinge Tav Senior (senior LCB)
Kanu Hartigan High Galvin
Brunt Glover
Browne

Second Half
Trialist GK
Rye Kensdale Crichlow
Siaw Matyar Osadebe Shelton Trialist WB
Matjeko
Hawkins

[FatherStairmaster]

Of the new boys

Evans: looked as assured as he did last year, perhaps more vocal than I’ve seen him
Senior: looked assured although pretty clear he’d prefer to be on the right of the 3. Header was excellent
Galvin: Solid, gives us more width on the left. Not afraid of sticking the ball in the box with his first touch
High: slightly diminutive in stature but didn’t stop running all 45, gives us more energy in the middle of the park
Crichlow: wasn’t really tested all that much, would need another look Saturday
Kensdale: confident on the ball, definitely a good size, no concerns
Osadebe: rangy, able to drive us forward. Him and Shelton were comfortably above the Second Half opposition.
Hawkins: always a threat in the boxes although a bump to the head did make him a bit more laboured. Won a few in the air


As mentioned last night, I thought Bright Siaw was excellent. Full of pace and power

[jonbonbaby]

Was the trialist striker there again ?