According to Argus today...
Slade targets top six on similar budget
8:10am Wednesday 20th May 2009
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By Andy Naylor »
Boss Russell Slade believes he can turn Albion from relegation candidates into promotion challengers – with a similar budget to last season.
Most of the estimated £80million new chairman Tony Bloom has pumped into the club is for the Falmer Stadium.
There should, however, be scope for some significant signings after last week’s mass clearout of players out of contract.
The playing budget for Slade’s first full campaign with the Seagulls in League One will be finalised once Bloom returns later this week from a business trip in the West Country.
Slade said: “It is probably going to be similar to last season. We have not nailed down the exact figure.
“It still gives us the flexibility, in my opinion, to be pushing into the top six.
“The signings we make will be absolutely vital and we are working very hard behind the scenes to make sure we bring the right type of player to the club.
“In some areas of the team there is major surgery needed, particularly in midfield.
“We are spinning plates – that’s all you can do at this stage. It is not easy with players and managers away.
“You are negotiating and talking to agents and third parties but that is part of the job.
“That is what it is like during the close season and I am going to enjoy putting a squad together.”
Of the 16 players whose contracts expire next month, only Andrew Whing and Gary Hart have been offered new deals.
Several others still under contract are likely to leave too and, with Bloom’s interest-free and unsecured loans securing the £93 million stadium project, Slade is targeting some quality signings.
He said: “I could only dream about bringing certain players into Yeovil and Grimsby. Here it could be a reality – that’s the difference.
“We can be more competitive in terms of bringing quality players to the club and players will be thrilled to know that in two years they will be playing in a spanking new stadium.”
Two possible signings already identified are Arsenal duo Kyle Bartley, a centre-back, and striker Rhys Murphy, who comes from Lancing, on long-term loan deals.
Albion will be up against relegated trio Southampton, Charlton and Norwich – who were all playing in the Premier League only four years ago – as well as Leeds and MK Dons after they both missed out on promotion in the play-offs.
Slade said: “It is going to be a tough league and I think it’s getting stronger. “However, I just feel that we have to use the momentum from the end of last season and carry that forward with one or two key signings, then I am sure we can be a force.
"It's going to take a lot of hard work. It's not going to be easy but it's achievable."
Slade targets top six on similar budget
8:10am Wednesday 20th May 2009
comment Comments (0) Have your say »
By Andy Naylor »
Boss Russell Slade believes he can turn Albion from relegation candidates into promotion challengers – with a similar budget to last season.
Most of the estimated £80million new chairman Tony Bloom has pumped into the club is for the Falmer Stadium.
There should, however, be scope for some significant signings after last week’s mass clearout of players out of contract.
The playing budget for Slade’s first full campaign with the Seagulls in League One will be finalised once Bloom returns later this week from a business trip in the West Country.
Slade said: “It is probably going to be similar to last season. We have not nailed down the exact figure.
“It still gives us the flexibility, in my opinion, to be pushing into the top six.
“The signings we make will be absolutely vital and we are working very hard behind the scenes to make sure we bring the right type of player to the club.
“In some areas of the team there is major surgery needed, particularly in midfield.
“We are spinning plates – that’s all you can do at this stage. It is not easy with players and managers away.
“You are negotiating and talking to agents and third parties but that is part of the job.
“That is what it is like during the close season and I am going to enjoy putting a squad together.”
Of the 16 players whose contracts expire next month, only Andrew Whing and Gary Hart have been offered new deals.
Several others still under contract are likely to leave too and, with Bloom’s interest-free and unsecured loans securing the £93 million stadium project, Slade is targeting some quality signings.
He said: “I could only dream about bringing certain players into Yeovil and Grimsby. Here it could be a reality – that’s the difference.
“We can be more competitive in terms of bringing quality players to the club and players will be thrilled to know that in two years they will be playing in a spanking new stadium.”
Two possible signings already identified are Arsenal duo Kyle Bartley, a centre-back, and striker Rhys Murphy, who comes from Lancing, on long-term loan deals.
Albion will be up against relegated trio Southampton, Charlton and Norwich – who were all playing in the Premier League only four years ago – as well as Leeds and MK Dons after they both missed out on promotion in the play-offs.
Slade said: “It is going to be a tough league and I think it’s getting stronger. “However, I just feel that we have to use the momentum from the end of last season and carry that forward with one or two key signings, then I am sure we can be a force.
"It's going to take a lot of hard work. It's not going to be easy but it's achievable."
