Squad trimming

I still to this day believe Robinho would have shined with us. His type of magic was the one attribute our great team of that era didn't have (could argue it cost us the title once if not twice during United's hattrick as we often struggled Vs teams that set in a deep block, especially under Big Phil).

comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 7 minutes ago
Given Reece James injury, I'd have thought it would have made sense to have a bit more of a look at Sterling.
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I think Sterling's the most frustrated I've been with a youth player for a while, possible ever.

His potential as an attacking RB/RWB is insane, but Wednesday and the games I saw him for Coventry he was far too passive in his impacts. I personally believe he needs to be sent out to a team with an attacking mindset which will require his skillset at its strengths which will hopefully lead to him building some much needed confidence.

Absolutely. Might not have saved Scolari, was a ton of other issues there, but I do believe he'd have been a beast for us. As you say, it was that injection of flair and unpredictability which was the one and only trait that great Chelsea team didn't have (after losing Robben). Would've been an odd fit but a perfect fit IMO. His entire career might've panned out differently if the events of Sept 1st 2008 never happened.

But c'est la vie, we wound up eventually getting Hazard so all's well that ends well

comment by DL11 (U21614)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by BrummieBlue! (U3487)
posted 7 minutes ago
Given Reece James injury, I'd have thought it would have made sense to have a bit more of a look at Sterling.
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I think Sterling's the most frustrated I've been with a youth player for a while, possible ever.

His potential as an attacking RB/RWB is insane, but Wednesday and the games I saw him for Coventry he was far too passive in his impacts. I personally believe he needs to be sent out to a team with an attacking mindset which will require his skillset at its strengths which will hopefully lead to him building some much needed confidence.
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Which is why I think we should have more of a look at him pre-season because if anyone knows what makes him tick it's JM.

Anyone know what the Bobby Moore is over James BTW?

The last time I heard anything about him, he'd had an operation we thought he wasn't going to have!

"Anyone know what the Bobby Moore is over James BTW?"

From what I've heard he returned to training then had a minor setback which required the surgery.

comment by Devil D.A. (U6522)
posted 25 minutes ago
Absolutely. Might not have saved Scolari, was a ton of other issues there, but I do believe he'd have been a beast for us. As you say, it was that injection of flair and unpredictability which was the one and only trait that great Chelsea team didn't have (after losing Robben). Would've been an odd fit but a perfect fit IMO. His entire career might've panned out differently if the events of Sept 1st 2008 never happened.

But c'est la vie, we wound up eventually getting Hazard so all's well that ends well
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In a fecked up way you could argue all the CL heartbreaks led to us singing Hazard.

He made it clear he was only going to a CL club and in reality had we already lifted big ears prior no way would the players have put in the inhuman effort they did in 2012 which would have likely lead to an meet exit early on with that squad. So in a way Moscow, Iniesta and The Ghost goal eventually worked in our favour

Although that said maybe we would have thought more long term with our signings with a CL in the bag earlier as it was well documented we were desperate for that first one.

comment by DL11 (U21614)
posted 26 minutes ago
"Anyone know what the Bobby Moore is over James BTW?"

From what I've heard he returned to training then had a minor setback which required the surgery.
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That's pretty much what I've heard but what I haven't heard is the impact it's had on his recovery or by how much it'll delay his return.

All reports prior to that said it wasn't as bad as 1st feared and he could be back by September.

That's why I think it would have been a good move to give Sterling more of an eyeball during pre-season, given the uncertainty of James.

Hopefully the club know more and are expecting James back at some point not too deep into the season.

Yeah kind of expected for them all to go back. Slightly disappointed we couldn’t get to see more of Chalobah, Sterling and Castillo with the first team but it is in their best interests to stay in England and join up with a loan team sooner rather than later, if they know they will be going on loan this season.

Especially not seeing Castillo, to me that's an indicator that neither Alonso or Emerson are going anywhere in the transfer window!

Castillo and Gilmour didnt travel becuase of visa issues,