by Snowflake Royal »
16 Jun 2022 18:10
AthleticoSpizz Gambles (no Joe) have to be taken occasionally.
Doyle, Long, Hahnemann, Shorey, Sonks, Hunty, Kits etc etc etc were all signed from lower leagues weren’t they (Marcus, notwithstanding, who was Fulhams 4th choice keeper)
Lower leagues isn't the same as taking a gamble, beyond every signing ever being a gamble.
If you scout properly, know the individual and look at their track record a signing from L2 doesn’t have to be any more of a gamble than someone from the PL. Because you've done your homework.
Take Doyle for example. We had extensive knowledge of him from Dolan's family. And we could afford for him to not make a big impact as we had one of the best strikers in the league already, and a record signing for the same position.
Long wasn't much of a gamble, because he was basically a long term punt as a makeweight for Doyle to give him some company. There was no requirement for him to contribute at all. And he contributed relatively little for four or 5 seasons.
Very different scenarios to bringing in a L1 striker we may not have scouted a huge amount, given the decline in the club's transfer strategy, to make an important and immediate impact if Joao and Puscas do leave.