Further Signings

[Vespula Vulgaris]

I'm going to make a prediction.

I think the world cup has caused all sorts of issues for the normal transfer process. I think that after what happened to Charles Piutau after he announced he was leaving and was then promptly dropped that things will go quiet for a while.

Then I think after the squads have been announced we may see a few more signings be announced.

I'd guess we probably have a couple more coming to us. And I think at least one will be from abroad and well know who they are.

Remind me of this post after the world cup and well see how far off I am!

[Neils]

Dai being quoted by Bobby Bridge that there are no funds for players or coaches!

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Dai being quoted by Bobby Bridge that there are no funds for players or coaches!

Could already be agreed.

[Neils]

True.

[Neils]

BT commentator said that Tom Willis will be part of first team next year.

[JonnyD]

Can imagine James (who just posted a pic on Instagram playing for wasps with ‘not gone yet’) Porter, Umaga, Oghre and Willis all being promoted from the academy.

Imagine we’re still looking for a 4th choice SH, Odogwu and the lock from Scottish coming in and I have everything crossed that Leyds arrives and Minozzi bounces back from injury.

Dai did say he was looking for a centre too but I’m not sure that’s so important with:

12: jimmy, Fekitoa, jdj, Booj, spink
13: Fekitoa, Jdj, Neal, Anderson

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Dai being quoted by Bobby Bridge that there are no funds for players or coaches!

No funds for players might be saying that he has spent to the cap. When he has done that, he can't buy any more. It might not be that there couldn't be money available, it is that he is not allowed to. But one interpretation is that we are broke and had room left in the cap, the other that we had the money to spend to the cap.

[Green Wasp]

In the nicest possible way I have always taken what Dai (and any other DOR) says with a pinch of salt when it comes to transfer business. Will just have to wait and see- saw again remark this week on Twitter that Leyds is leaving SA.

[RBB]

I read the Dai comments as the money is committed in terms of where it is being spent, so anything outside of the plan is not available. Leyds won't be cheap but probably not that expensive either, assumes he is coming of course. From Odogwu's post on Instagram he is on his way, can't see why he would mislead, again not expensive, and Theo Vukasinovic from London Scottish will also be cheap compared to others. If we look at Dai's illustrated gaps then they are pretty much covered as Leys can cover a few back line roles, Odogwu on the wing and Vukasinovic in the second row. I do sense there will be a couple more signings but nothing spectacular.

[Chunky24]

It's possible he is trying to moderate the expectations of us supporters but also of any potential targets who think they can ask for big sums because it is Wasps.

[RBB]

Agree but Leys is a 'name' so that deal will have been 'inked' months ago, the danger is some of the less well known players and their agents escalate the players worth. I too think Dai is pretty canny, we demonstrated yesterday that we can play and a few new signings bringing some fresh thought then we will undoubtedly be better next season. We shouldn't lose sight that YY, Jack Willis, Dobbie, Searle and Jimmy will be back and hopefully firing.

One of the new signings, Vellacott, scored a couple yesterday in the crazy game between Gloucester and Sharks https://www.premiershiprugby.com/report/sale-sharks-46-41-gloucester-rugby/

[Dgwasp]

I've not read the direct comment from Dai saying that there are no more incoming announcements, however I have seen a comment to say that this season has been impacted by the financial and training ground situation.  I guess that the training ground investment needs to come from somewhere and it is a must in order to build the infrastructure of the club which will hopefully deliver longer term benefits to improve the culture and attractiveness to players and coaches going forward.

And on a plus side I don't think we have quite as many players coming to the end of contracts next year.  So if we can get the training ground sorted, blood some of our younger talent and consolidate the finances a little next year I'd be fairly happy.

[Rory87]

I think you’re right VV, once RWC squads are announced players will have the freedom to announce their moves without fearing the possibility of missing out on selection.

It’s hard to interpret Dai’s comments, I need to go back and re-read the exact quote but I don’t think he categorically ruled out more players, just hinted at it.

When it comes to recruitment clubs need to play it clever and not show their cards. Both to compete with other clubs when chasing players but also to ensure agents don’t drive salaries up.

I’m not convinced our business is done. Whether we have already secured players but are yet to announce or whether we waiting for the RWC fall out. Odogwu is a clear example (if the Instagram post is to be believed) of a player coming in after Dai hints there aren’t any more to come!

[Westy68]

Really hope we get a couple more players or I do think it will be another long season.

We must get a good winger and a 2nd rower as a minimum.

Also hopefully a few academy players will really step up.

[mike909]

Really hope we get a couple more players or I do think it will be another long season.

We must get a good winger and a 2nd rower as a minimum.

Also hopefully a few academy players will really step up.

Whilst I agree with this, key will be keeping more Prem squad players fit too. I think at one point last season we only had 23 fit players (or very close to that) and we struggled with front rowers for months. My only question is this - was the fitness problem self inflicted in any way? (via conditioning) or was it one of those things - we did seem hit more than other teams (I fully admit that's "feel")

I think if we can introduce our very fast academy winger in a phased and measured way and Tom W makes the transition, we'll be better placed to compete.

Regardless - unless we ask Mr Game Management to come to play  - it will be a long season....I've watched every broadcast game live and every game on Prem Rugby when it wasn't and too often we made silly errors which just compounded the injury issues.

Still looking forwards to being able to pick McIntrye, Talyor, Brookes, Launch +1, Shield, Youngs +1 and Lima, Jimmy Fekitoa, Watson, +3 and seeing what we can do with a little ball.....