Is Brannagan starting for Oxford a bad thing

Murciaseasider said:
Been said repeatedly on here that release clause value must be met for there to be any deal. Blackpool are either unable or unwilling to offer that amount, so let's move on.
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It's all speculation but what if we have made an offer + Thorniley which we believe equals the release clause amount? There's still plenty of time left in the window for a deal to be struck.
 
He's becoming too old now to make the step up and doesn't sound personally driven enough to want to play at a higher level given the comments he's previously made. Sounds too happy to stay with Oxford and leave his own career's fate to that of his club.
 
Isn’t he simply saying what we would want to hear from one of our players if the position was reversed?

To equate his loyalty to Oxford with a lack of ambition seems very unfair and I don’t accept he would struggle at this level.

He is just what we are looking for and so if a deal can be struck with Thorniley as makeweight we should pursue it.
 
Wilburrabbit said:
Isn’t he simply saying what we would want to hear from one of our players if the position was reversed?

To equate his loyalty to Oxford with a lack of ambition seems very unfair and I don’t accept he would struggle at this level.

He is just what we are looking for and so if a deal can be struck with Thorniley as makeweight we should pursue it.
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Agree with that. No news is good news. I can see us getting him. It seems pretty quiet in other midfield targets, which is a good sign.
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
He's becoming too old now to make the step up and doesn't sound personally driven enough to want to play at a higher level given the comments he's previously made. Sounds too happy to stay with Oxford and leave his own career's fate to that of his club.
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His agent appears to be pushing for a move which suggests Brannagan wants to come.

michellebutterflyhotel said:
If they dont let Brannigan move on then I’d bring back Jordan tho Riley and fuck em. Even if we don’t want Jordan I’d loan him to another club
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That's messing with tho Riley's 🤠 career and I think we are better than that now. If you fuck about with people it can come back to haunt you. You get a reputation as a bad employer. In any case, if Brannagan was our player we would want to keep him. Plus, we haven't offered the release clause fee. Obviously. So we can't expect to get what we want.
 
Yeap agree about jordan.. we are much better than that these days also he ain't done nothing wrong, feel for the lad so recalling him when he is enjoying his football (and we don't need him) ain't right.

Is this brannigan the bees knees then? Have to say when we played them he never stood out for me..
 
TangerineArmy said:
Yeap agree about jordan.. we are much better than that these days also he ain't done nothing wrong, feel for the lad so recalling him when he is enjoying his football (and we don't need him) ain't right.

Is this brannigan the bees knees then? Have to say when we played them he never stood out for me..
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He's a bloody good player but not many L1 midfielders got close to us when Stewart and Dougall played together. He'd be an asset to us regardless of our injury list.
 
I'm starting to think he's too expensive and a solution to a short/mid term injury problem, we'd be better off getting a loan in or recalling Robson if possible.

If they were willing to treat Thorniley as a significant part of the deal then maybe it'd make sense, but as it is they seem to want to pay pennies for him whilst expecting us to pay top dollar for Brannagan.
 
Lost Seasider said:
I'm starting to think he's too expensive and a solution to a short/mid term injury problem, we'd be better off getting a loan in or recalling Robson if possible.

If they were willing to treat Thorniley as a significant part of the deal then maybe it'd make sense, but as it is they seem to want to pay pennies for him whilst expecting us to pay top dollar for Brannagan.
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In fairness it is us going to them asking for their player. Had it been the other way around we'd have a much stronger hand to bargain with. I suspect, as the rumour mill is linking us with other midfielders, we may have already moved on.
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
He's becoming too old now to make the step up and doesn't sound personally driven enough to want to play at a higher level given the comments he's previously made. Sounds too happy to stay with Oxford and leave his own career's fate to that of his club.
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He’s 25 for gods sake. Too old ??? As for his desire. Let’s see if we if we meet the release clause because if we do, he’ll be here in a flash.
 
CalderwoodCritchleyWon’t said:
He’s 25 for gods sake. Too old ??? As for his desire. Let’s see if we if we meet the release clause because if we do, he’ll be here in a flash.
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He'll be 26 in just over 3 months time having only ever played lower league football. The Championship is quicker and he'll be having to adjust to that at an age where you start to pick up more injuries and don't have that many more years left before you're slowing back down.

By comparison, Wayne Rooney was scoring goals in the Premier League at 16 and for England at 17. Careers go quick and Branagan might have already used up his best years whilst playing at a lower level than he maybe should have done.

Branagan signed a contract extension in 2020 to tie him to Oxford until 2023. By then he will be 27. That sounds like someone who is content to remain at League One level especially if he agreed to a high buy clause tying him even more to his current club.

There must be a reason why other far wealthier clubs than us haven't snapped him up before now and I think it's because the player is happy enough with his lot at the level he's currently at.
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
He'll be 26 in just over 3 months time having only ever played lower league football. The Championship is quicker and he'll be having to adjust to that at an age where you start to pick up more injuries and don't have that many more years left before you're slowing back down.

By comparison, Wayne Rooney was scoring goals in the Premier League at 16 and for England at 17. Careers go quick and Branagan might have already used up his best years whilst playing at a lower level than he maybe should have done.

Branagan signed a contract extension in 2020 to tie him to Oxford until 2023. By then he will be 27. That sounds like someone who is content to remain at League One level especially if he agreed to a high buy clause tying him even more to his current club.

There must be a reason why other far wealthier clubs than us haven't snapped him up before now and I think it's because the player is happy enough with his lot at the level he's currently at.
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But we're not comparing him with Wayne Rooney. We don't compare any of our existing squad to him, so why incomers?
 
An Oxford perspective:

Firstly, Brannagan: very good player. Release clause is around £1.5mil, would be a fair price. Combative, “number 8” role - might not get as many goals/assists as others, but always influences a game. Very energetic + leads the press.

Other than ability wise, great character + tenacity (which our team lacks). Loyal - had a very bad eye infection and is grateful to the club for saving his sight. I’m not being naïve and saying he’ll turn down a move, but won’t kick up a fuss + push for one (unlike his agent it appears).

As we’ve shown with your early bids, we really don’t want to sell mid season. I’d be very surprised if anything other than his release clause will be accepted.

That said, with 18months left on his deal, very likely he’ll be sold in summer if we’re not promoted.

A note on Thorniley - think his value is overestimated by some of your fans. He has been ok and we *may* look to sign him permanently, but not good enough to be involved in a January deal for Brannagan.
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
He'll be 26 in just over 3 months time having only ever played lower league football. The Championship is quicker and he'll be having to adjust to that at an age where you start to pick up more injuries and don't have that many more years left before you're slowing back down.

By comparison, Wayne Rooney was scoring goals in the Premier League at 16 and for England at 17. Careers go quick and Branagan might have already used up his best years whilst playing at a lower level than he maybe should have done.

Branagan signed a contract extension in 2020 to tie him to Oxford until 2023. By then he will be 27. That sounds like someone who is content to remain at League One level especially if he agreed to a high buy clause tying him even more to his current club.

There must be a reason why other far wealthier clubs than us haven't snapped him up before now and I think it's because the player is happy enough with his lot at the level he's currently at.
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I’m not having this age thing. Ridiculous
 
Ox T'Up North said:
An Oxford perspective:

Firstly, Brannagan: very good player. Release clause is around £1.5mil, would be a fair price. Combative, “number 8” role - might not get as many goals/assists as others, but always influences a game. Very energetic + leads the press.

Other than ability wise, great character + tenacity (which our team lacks). Loyal - had a very bad eye infection and is grateful to the club for saving his sight. I’m not being naïve and saying he’ll turn down a move, but won’t kick up a fuss + push for one (unlike his agent it appears).

As we’ve shown with your early bids, we really don’t want to sell mid season. I’d be very surprised if anything other than his release clause will be accepted.

That said, with 18months left on his deal, very likely he’ll be sold in summer if we’re not promoted.

A note on Thorniley - think his value is overestimated by some of your fans. He has been ok and we *may* look to sign him permanently, but not good enough to be involved in a January deal for Brannagan.
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Why not good enough yet started 20 out of 26 of your games?
 
Ox T'Up North said:
An Oxford perspective:

Firstly, Brannagan: very good player. Release clause is around £1.5mil, would be a fair price. Combative, “number 8” role - might not get as many goals/assists as others, but always influences a game. Very energetic + leads the press.

Other than ability wise, great character + tenacity (which our team lacks). Loyal - had a very bad eye infection and is grateful to the club for saving his sight. I’m not being naïve and saying he’ll turn down a move, but won’t kick up a fuss + push for one (unlike his agent it appears).

As we’ve shown with your early bids, we really don’t want to sell mid season. I’d be very surprised if anything other than his release clause will be accepted.

That said, with 18months left on his deal, very likely he’ll be sold in summer if we’re not promoted.

A note on Thorniley - think his value is overestimated by some of your fans. He has been ok and we *may* look to sign him permanently, but not good enough to be involved in a January deal for Brannagan.
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To be fair I don’t think our fans are overestimating Thornily, I’ve only seen figures of around 100k mentioned which is probably about right. Would 1.4m plus Thornily be better than 1.5M?
 
Ox T'Up North said:
Not good enough to be involved in a deal is all.

He’s an ok L1 centre back, Brannagan is a very good L1 centre mid. I’d like Thorniley to stay, but not if it meant losing CB.
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Got you. Players come and go. I'd imagine it's very much down to you getting promoted and currently we've got a better chance of being in the Championship next season.

I'd imagine we'll start to look the top side of the Champ next year if we stay up.

Either way, it needs to get sorted sooner or later.
 
I got the impression from comments made by Karl Robinson that there is a deal to be done with Brannagan. I suspect we’ll see movement on this towards the deadline for his break clause.
 
King Billy said:
To be fair I don’t think our fans are overestimating Thornily, I’ve only seen figures of around 100k mentioned which is probably about right. Would 1.4m plus Thornily be better than 1.5M?
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The impression I had was a ‘fair’ fee was ~1mil + Thorniley, which would probably be rejected.

I’d be surprised if you would offer close to 1.5mil with him, surely better from your perspective to cough up an extra 100k + sell JT separately?

SeasideKurt said:
Got you. Players come and go. I'd imagine it's very much down to you getting promoted and currently we've got a better chance of being in the Championship next season.

I'd imagine we'll start to look the top side of the Champ next year if we stay up.

Either way, it needs to get sorted sooner or later.
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Yep, unfortunately looking unlikely we’ll go up but having CB definitely improves our chances, worth the risk even if it means selling for less in summer.

Think you’d be a good move for him, mid table Championship is probably his level. Critchley connection obviously helps too.
 
Wizaard said:
But we're not comparing him with Wayne Rooney. We don't compare any of our existing squad to him, so why incomers?
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OK, compare him to any other player under 26 who has played most of their career in the Championship or above. We are safe in mid-table so don't need such a player that badly in this January transfer window.
 
NewburyOne said:
He's a bloody good player but not many L1 midfielders got close to us when Stewart and Dougall played together. He'd be an asset to us regardless of our injury list.
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Unfortunately it was only a few matches L1 midfields couldn't get close to Dougall and Stewart as Stewart only gets to play one in 8 matches🤦‍♂️
At least you're going to get 30 odd matches a season out of Brannigan.

Personally I can't see the £1.5 mill sell on clause. No way is he worth that.
This could go right to the wire unless Critch and SS say forget it and move on.

Itll be a pity for Brannigan 'cause if he's so good then surely he should be playing at a higher level. Karl Robinson showing again what a classy person he is.
He and Risdale would get on like a house on fire😁👍🏻
 
Ox T'Up North said:
Not good enough to be involved in a deal is all.

He’s an ok L1 centre back, Brannagan is a very good L1 centre mid. I’d like Thorniley to stay, but not if it meant losing CB.
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Thorniley has Championship experience and we might be releasing our other left sided central defender Gretarrson so may need to recall him anyway.
 
BigHandsOliverKahn said:
We are safe in mid-table so don't need such a player that badly in this January transfer window.
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I think that's the important point, all we really need is someone to see us through until the end of the season and then see where we are in the summer.

Possibly there'll be a few out of contract players looking to make the step up available for free.
 
The release clause shows how derogatory the bids from Forest are for Josh Bowler. If we got 1.25 million for Josh and had to pay 1.5 million for Brannagan that just doesn't make sense. I would rather keep Bowler as a player like him, although massively frustrating at times, is someone who really can change a game and his skills only come along once in a while.

As it stands I would rather loan a central midfielder and maybe purchase Ebou or Fulton and wait to the end of the season to make major purchases and see how the injury situation is. Once Carey is back he will be one of the first names on the team sheet and who knows how Stewart, Ward and Virtue are going to recover. If, and it's a big if, Stewart can come back now and play injury free for the rest of the season then he is a better player than Brannagan. I am not a fan of the January window. I would be much happier if we got Bowler to sign a new long contract and get a couple of loans in and buy a one of the two mentioned above.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
I got the impression from comments made by Karl Robinson that there is a deal to be done with Brannagan. I suspect we’ll see movement on this towards the deadline for his break clause.
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I suspect the deadline is either tomorrow, or passed on last Friday, they'll usually want at least two weeks notice if it's going to be activated.

It might be a similar situation with the loan recalls.
 
hertfordseasider said:
The release clause shows how derogatory the bids from Forest are for Josh Bowler. If we got 1.25 million for Josh and had to pay 1.5 million for Brannagan that just doesn't make sense. I would rather keep Bowler as a player like him, although massively frustrating at times, is someone who really can change a game and his skills only come along once in a while.

As it stands I would rather loan a central midfielder and maybe purchase Ebou or Fulton and wait to the end of the season to make major purchases and see how the injury situation is. Once Carey is back he will be one of the first names on the team sheet and who knows how Stewart, Ward and Virtue are going to recover. If, and it's a big if, Stewart can come back now and play injury free for the rest of the season then he is a better player than Brannagan. I am not a fan of the January window. I would be much happier if we got Bowler to sign a new long contract and get a couple of loans in and buy a one of the two mentioned above.
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Spot on. I'd be very disappointed if we sold Bowler for less than we bought Brannagan for, if both happened. One is proving himself a good championship player, and the other has never played at this level.
 
Ox T'Up North said:
Not good enough to be involved in a deal is all.

He’s an ok L1 centre back, Brannagan is a very good L1 centre mid. I’d like Thorniley to stay, but not if it meant losing CB.
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I think you're underestimating Thorniley's quality tbh. You've been spoilt by Rob Dickie. Thorniley has championship experience, and played nearly half of our games last season in a team who ended the season with the best defensive record in the league. He's now played the majority of games for a club that's chasing promotion again. He's a good player and comfortably worth £250k if not more.
 
BFC_53 said:
I think you're underestimating Thorniley's quality tbh. You've been spoilt by Rob Dickie. Thorniley has championship experience, and played nearly half of our games last season in a team who ended the season with the best defensive record in the league. He's now played the majority of games for a club that's chasing promotion again. He's a good player and comfortably worth £250k if not more.
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Each to their own, just my opinion I’ll admit. I suspect playing in a better defensive unit made Thorniley look better for youse, but I’d stress again he’s been alright for us + I wouldn’t mind him staying.
 
BFC_53 said:
I think you're underestimating Thorniley's quality tbh. You've been spoilt by Rob Dickie. Thorniley has championship experience, and played nearly half of our games last season in a team who ended the season with the best defensive record in the league. He's now played the majority of games for a club that's chasing promotion again. He's a good player and comfortably worth £250k if not more.
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But if Oxford decide they don't want to include him in the deal there's little we can do other than recall him, if there is a recall option. And that would be messy. We can also try to sell him to someone else. We won't get much with 6 months left on his contract.
 
voyeur said:
But if Oxford decide they don't want to include him in the deal there's little we can do other than recall him, if there is a recall option. And that would be messy. We can also try to sell him to someone else. We won't get much with 6 months left on his contract.
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We've got an option for another year.
 
voyeur said:
But if Oxford decide they don't want to include him in the deal there's little we can do other than recall him, if there is a recall option. And that would be messy. We can also try to sell him to someone else. We won't get much with 6 months left on his contract.
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Agree that if Oxford don't want him then his value is irrelevant, I'm just saying that imo he's better than 'just an ok league 1 defender'. Also, he has an option for an extra year so he has 18 months left potentially - exactly the same as Brannagan.
 
JT is a decent enough defender at league 1 level but that’s it. Oxford will pick him up on a free at the end of the season and it will be good business on there part but if we are deluding ourselves trying to get a couple of 100k knocked off the Brannagan price then we are deluding ourselves.
 
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