I would be over the moon if Adam Johnson signed for us. let's hope the 50-60k is true. if it is, you just never know...
I have a feeling if this story does carry any truth is that we are trying to offload some deadwood onto West Ham rather than an outright purchase. Jenas would be first out the door for me, quickly followed by Bentley. It may also involve Krancjar but this all depends if these players accept going down a division. Them plus a few quid and that would appear to be a good deal for all involved. West Ham get three quality players who will improve their squad for the Championship hunt. We lesson our wage bill significantly and get a quality central midfielder who based on current squad injuries and his performances last season, would be a welcome addition in my view. Disputes over the OL or not, the West Ham board would be mugs to walk away from adding three players for one considering their predicament.
would west ham be able to pay the wages though flaspur? this is the problem will all of our "dead wood". I think we've got interest in some of these players, but it won't really be apparent until deadline day when other clubs will use it against us, knowing we're desperate to shift.
I fear the same, I can't see them dropping down a division to earn less money, in some cases much less even though it may benefit them. A new challenge & if they gain promotion they could prove themselves, earn a little more / possibly earn another move. I'd hope they're not that content sitting on our bench all the time.
that's the trouble though darren, players like Bentley couldn't give 2sh*ts. he knows he's got going to get the same money on his next move, so from his point of view, why doesn't he sit back and enjoy it here? he seems like the sort who is 100% about the lifestyle now. I think it'll be an MLS club that'll end up saving him.
I don't get why Bentley always gets so much stick. Ok, he might not have set the world on fire when he's played for us, but I've never doubted his desire when he's been picked. The Arsenal Carling Cup loss last season was a prime example. Played out on the left in an unbalanced, weakened side, yet he was always asking for the ball, always trying to do his job and didn't hide for a second. He had a poor game, but I'd suggest that it was more about where he was played, rather than an attitude problem. I know that I'll be in a massive minority here, but when he goes I'll wish him well.
Saving him?! What about our club Just have to be more cautious in future, as much as I grow frustrated at lack of signings, better to have that than be forced to carry this kind of player in future. I'd prefer we have a smaller squad with committed players that can have an impact (despite injury concerns) than carry half a squad of players we don't have faith in to deliver.
hahaha save him? what was i thinking. i meant us!! i was too busy still laughing over PNP's post in another thread. Darren, go to the thread titled "the pundits View". - i've put a long post in that one about signings and not breaking the bank, based on comments from Strachan and Southgate last night. it's a few posts into the thread, but you won't miss it. it's a fair old essay. it it very similar to your post here, but about getting the quality we need, how its possible and how we've done it before. you might like it, you might not.
I thinl you're right about being in a minority, PNP. I don't think Levy has a massive queque at his door of prospective buyers. Sorry mate, but that says it all really. He just really annoys me, because the guy has talent; but he's wasted it on having a good time.
Cole and Parker what decade are we living in... These are the type of players that are going to convince the rest of the squad and league we are serious???
Yeah I've seen and expressed similar views myself, reduce the wage bill some, invest wisely with money we have. However our scouting is in need of some serious work + Harry seems more averse to buying young players right now because he wants characters in the team. Experience + ability costs a lot unfortunately.
I can recall two moments in DB's spurs career that require credit. that stunning free kick against wigan when we scored 9, and the wonder goal against the goons. for a purchase price of 15mill or so, that's what has so many fans against him. there's no doubt he's got a great right foot though. but as NSIS says, he's wasted because of his lifestyle attitude.
Bentley hasn't justified his price tag, but he's often done a respectable job as back-up, he forced Lennon to up his game merely by being there and some of the partnerships that he's had have been woeful. Corluka and Bentley are fine on their own, but together the utter lack of pace is glaring. I think that he burned his bridges with Redknapp by soaking him, which is a bit poor from the manager. He mentioned that those that did it weren't involved in the match too, which is wrong. Bentley was on the pitch when Crouch scored the goal that effectively put is into the Champions League. He had nothing to do with it, admittedly!
From the way Harry is speaking you can see there is somewhat of a tension between him and the board in terms of the financial side of a deal. Not sure if this will be a loan deal or not but I imagine Harry will want him in permanently. http://www.skysports.com/video/inline/0,,13987_7126715,00.html
the scouting is a very good point darren, and something i don't think many of would have picked up on, including myself - how ever i do think this has got better, which is encouraging. you're spot on about the "characters in the team" and "experience + ability costs alot". Generally yes it does. if we're saying we can't get these players who are experienced, but not past it, unfortunately we're stuck with aiming for the "ability" players, that don't have the "experience"! it's a catch 22!
those are fair points PNP. it'd be interesting to see how walker and bentley would get on, but that's never going to happen. i'm sure harry's seen enough in training and would have already thought about that combo anyway. it's a bit ridiculous if he kicked off about the soaking. - every reason to celebrate. then again, we've all seen the famous harry "No wonder he's in the f****** reserves" interview on you tube, so it's not surprising really.
