Comments for Ramblings from an Einnek Mind

Comment on The Thinking Behind Deals by Spen

Spen — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:38:10 +0000

Where I come from (old paper turn, early 90s), an average* sk5 was worth three average* sk4s, and this rationale was generally applied to sk5s, who was in turn worth three average* sk4s (* there is always a grey area when attempting to determine what ‘average’ is, with a multitude of variable ‘extras’ being added either way as compensation for better players).
What happened in the start of the NGEs debut season was that everyone wanted sk5s, but noone had enough sk4s to offer one of those good old 3 sk4 deals without scuppering the old ‘two sk4s on the bench’ thinking. So 2 sk4s ‘plus something on top’ became the norm, which as the season grew was applied to deals for sk6s. I think the EFA were lenient to begin with as they were bearing the sk5 shortage in mind but this trend soon became the benchmark.
As an aside I think it’s a bit harsh when manager pressure leads to the reversal of a deal several days after its confirmation as other deals may have been made on the back of it. However it will be good to see deals clamped down on in the new season as a skillpoint gain is still not to be scoffed at regardless of the player’s various attributes at that time.

Comment on The Thinking Behind Deals by Matt D

Matt D — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:27:24 +0000

I think season 1 is a pretty unique situation when it comes to valuing skill 6s. Firstly a lot of teams are still playing skill 4s in their starting line-up so the purchase of a 6 won’t necessarily gain them any skill points and may even see them drop skill points from their starting XI. Also all players end the season on a maximum of 12 IPs and none are guaranteed to get to 20 before they drop down to a 5. Thirdly and crucially, there are no higher skill players around to retire onto the 6s to stop them dropping to a 5.

I think all of these factors have come into managers’ thinking when weighing up what to offer for skill 6s and I’m sure I’m not alone in pretty much steering clear of any major offers in season 1 and trying to concentrate (in my case unsuccessfully) on bringing in skill 5s with a few IPs who play for decent international sides as in theory if they get their caps they’re worth pretty much the same as the equivalent 6 in the long-term.

Comment on The Thinking Behind Deals by Kennie

Kennie — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:26:05 +0000

I agree with everything that you have said above Rich, although I do think that there is a difference between a skill 6 on 9 caps and one on 18 and managers should be aware of the difference. One other thing that I’ve noticed is that some managers are not aware of the potential of some of their players and let them go for players with no futures in the game at all. Everyone is entitled to do with their players as they wish, but don’t just think of your next game, start to think in the medium to long term when calculating a players worth.
For example, a player that was first choice midfielder for Italy last year as a six, may struggle to even make the bench as a skill 5 this year. He may even struggle to get B international caps. A player like this is a gamble and needs good management to do well, so make sure you price him as a player that may pick up 2 to 4 caps this season, rather than an 11 capped pler that has a good chance of going up this season.

Comment on A New Day! by Steve Burge

Steve Burge — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:56:16 +0000

Oh well, leaves a vacancy in the top 4 for mighty Spurs to pinch a spot from the Gooners.

Looking forward to the start, echo Matts comments above.

Comment on A New Day! by Matt Davenport

Matt Davenport — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:34:18 +0000

One door closes on Henry and another one opens for the Intertoto Cup the season after next

The new site’s looking good Rich, I especially like the new features on the stats page.