I just felt the need to say im very happy with our transfer business so far this Pre-season, I don't expect every player Brendan signs to be magic, but his record so far is great IN MY OPINION.
We seem to have bought in two more forwards, and surely that is now going to require us to move one or two of our current forwards on, I am presuming that it will be Assaidi, who never really figured for us, and downing who, if he does leave, i'm going to miss, he always puts in a solid shift, always going 100% and has an engine on him like our Dirk, its great having flair players but you need to mix some workhorses in there to keep performances up for the full 90
We still have a bit of work to be done however, i'm glad kolo has been bought in, he can cover at RB as well as CB should kelly be injured and unable to deputise for Johnson, I do wonder however if we will be bringing in another CB yet, I see we all want Pap whom we are heavily linked too, but we also need a new LB to put Enrique under some pressure for his starting berth And i cannot decide if that's more important than another CB right now.
I think if we can get in another solid CB (Pap) and then a quality left back (???) its time to start feeling excited about the upcoming season.
Defence is what let us down last year and three solid additions would make a world of difference.
I was sceptical when Carra came in last season, but to a degree he proved me wrong, even if the team game suffered slightly, he was also Definatley not of his level in the 05-09 seasons. An international class defender who can help us play a higher line to help press the midfield and win the ball back high up, but also help to defend set peices will probably bag us another 10 or so points this coming year easily.
All in all im excited for the season to get going again!!
Getting the buisness done this year
posted on 2/6/13
We balked at £8m for ronaldo.
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Yep, he might be the next Ronaldo. Although he will be 21 by next season and has played 7 games in the top division. At the same age Ronaldo had been at Utd a couple of years, was playing in the first team and was a full international.
Comparing him to one of the all time greats is unfair anyway but 8m for someone who is hardly setting the second division alight seems stupid money to me.
Ince is only 6 months older but has excelled within the Championship and, more importantly, as a graduate of our academy we know his character. He seems a far better bet on paper.
posted on 2/6/13
Good point greatteams......at £8M we could probably take a punt.
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But we can't take punts on everybody. On paper Ince seems a more sensible gamble.
posted on 2/6/13
who said we are paying £8mil itll be less than that in euros barca had the option of €5 so it will be slightly more than that
posted on 2/6/13
Nickalopodis you do know we only lost 1 game when carra started??
posted on 2/6/13
Carra was awesome for us this year, the main reason we had top 4 form along with the additions of coutinho and sturridge.
posted on 2/6/13
who said we are paying £8mil itll be less than that in euros barca had the option of €5 so it will be slightly more than that
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Even at a lower fee the point about the respective performances of him and Ince at the second tier still stands. Plus we know what we're getting with Ince, we know his mentality to training, playing and his relationships with other players. All unknowns for this Alberto lad. I know where I'd put my money.
posted on 2/6/13
11 goals and 17 assists not bad, his menatality in training but he could of been cráp in training for all you know, if the scouts and br thinks hes worth it im not worried
posted on 2/6/13
Nope, it's a decent return but its the sort of return I would fully expect of people like Suso, Sterling and even Shelvey in the championship.
Not saying the stats are bad but they don't wow me. Ince's look more impressive to me.
posted on 2/6/13
Your name is Sterling Work... But Sterling doesn't impress you
posted on 2/6/13
Your name is Sterling Work... But Sterling doesn't impress you
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Of course he does, he's a player of exceptional potential. He is however 18 years old, so I don't expect too much of him too soon.
At 21 I would expect Sterling to be smashing the championship and hope he'll be a very accomplished EPL player.