I wasn't predicting if he'd come here or not, just replying to someone who said he wouldn't guarantee goals as he was 39 years old - considering his goals to games ratio at rangers, I'd happily bet he'd score at this level. - I wouldn't expect any club would guarantee him 90 minutes per game and start every game. (imo). So I don't it's for that reason he isn't joining. - he stated he wants to finish his career playing in front of fans. In league 1 he wouldn't play in front of more fans at any other club than us. But, if he any opportunity to play at championship level, at a club with decent crowds, then that's a different story - if the pull is to be close to London, then obviously we can't offer him that.
It is my opinion, all he talks about is how he would be good for the younger players and that, nothing about what he could do on the pitch
Right I think we can all put the Defoe thing to bed. What the **** is happening with Roberts? We could have done with him being up to speed for a bench spot at least
Don’t be quoting me alongside Prehab! I have absolutely no ITK credentials! Always a chance whilst he’s a free agent though in my opinion.
If Defoe isn't coming here then we need to make sure there is another target. I get that we're probably a strange option for a player because we have the leagues top scorer and the chances are you're going to be coming in to play second fiddle to him.
People know my opinion on LJ and he does have a big ego. Anyone close to the club or any players will tell you that. I don't think he was 100% fixed on him but did want him and the deal was out together and offered in writing. That ends any discussion really.
Wouldn't be surprised to see Defoe end up at Championship club you know. I reckon a lot of clubs / agents may have been surprised when he was linked to just 4 league one clubs. Either that or our nostalgia is over-estimating the impact he could have.
Having said that my Oxford mate has just text me to say he's been told to "expect an exciting signing announcement today"
Can’t say I’ve seen him play enough to know how good he is but I mm sure his contract is up at the end of the season. Sure Johnson thinks highly of him. Surely we’d extend his contract before sending him out.
We probably need to see him playing before we decide whether to renew or not. Its risky if he's brilliant, but they see him in training every day and if he was the next Maldini we'd be rushing him in. The only way he's going to get properly fit and back to where we need him to be is by playing - otherwise he will have have 2 full years out. And its way too risky throwing him in now, especially when we have Batth. So loaning him out is a risk but seems like the best option to me.
I said to one of the lads of Defoe was to come here for this season and we go up, he may fancy a crack in the Championship, but probably more coaching at that point.
Imagine that, never had a real chance here, gets injured pretty much straight away playing an international. Nursed back to fitness here just in time to go out on loan a few months before his contract is up.
I think at any point up until this summer i'd think we werent doing that. Since the new recruitment team has come in i think they will potentially be looking at a lot of options "just in case" - have 2 or 3 that you really want but have backups in each case.