It's an interesting one this, because Bates can play defensive midfield too, and he'd bring more of a physical presence than Joey or Leon. I see Caulker and Williams at CB most of the season, this is why I'm wondering whether he's midfield cover now that it looks like (incredibly sadly) Bodde might not make it back, this season at least.
It could be for bodde yes, it will be sad if it's announced he is to retire, more so that his place could be taken by someone who has had 4 cruciate ops himself.
Agreed... he'd be a handy player to have in the squad though (Bates, that is), providing cover for DM as well as centre back too. Depending on the fee, this is a good move for me. Just had a look at his wiki page and he hasn't played that much football to be fair! 67 games for Boro, and a couple of loan games. I wouldn't want to pay more than a million really, but I suspect we will be if this happens. Is anyone else wondering when we're going to stop spending money? I think I'd prefer Ayala to Bates, but I'm not averse to both!
I think we could be in for both, if so it would take our spending to about £10m for players coming in, which is about right I think , we are not trying to be world beaters just to be able to beat the bottom ten teams and to nick a few scalps of the top 10 I am looking forward to the start of the season now, let's surprise the mancs and nick at least a point lol
I really think this signing is to replace Serran. Can't see him being a bodde replacement. He can play defensive midfield, but he hasn't got anywhere near the technical abiltity to compete in our midfield. Brendan wants another centre back and that is what he is trying to buy him as. I'm with Scottswan. Would much prefer to see Ayala here. He is younger and less likely to demand first team football. Lots more potential and probably cheaper, so would be a better investment.
We need more cover on defense. Tate is starting LB on Monday, because Taylor is suspended. Monk is out. So our only bench cover on defense is Alfei or Jazz; or perhaps a midfielder with Kemy then switching to defense alongside Ash. We're thin at the back - very thin. At this point Jazz makes the bench for Monday. Ideally, I think, Ayala is our first choice - class, pedigree, age etc. Bates perhaps not the ideal candidate but still good as a standby.
