Is it significant that despite all Lennon's denials about Hooper being sold and claims that Hooper is happy at Celtic I haven't seen any words from the player himself. If he wasn't moving wouldn't he come out and say so?
His not speaking out does suggest that the Celtic board are interested in negotiating, even if not just with us and even if the money they want turns out to be ridiculous. They must have muzzled him or he himself is interested in a move. It would show lack of intent by Celtic to sell him at this time though, but then apart from Rangers (in serious financial problems) they have little competition.
Hooper didn't do any badge kissing or jumping into the crowd after he scored yesterday to ingratiate himself with the Celtic fans more. Although in football, normally the opposite of what we think is happening... is happening. My gut feeling is that he's happy enough at Celtic, but open to offers that would see him in or able to get into the Prem quickly.
As was mentioned in another thread, on the radio coming home yesterday there was a Saints fan who after talking about the game went on to say that Hooper was going to put in a transfer request on Monday. I don't know where he got that from and he may have been making it all up but if true, tomorrow could be interesting.
Seems a sound assumption. Happy but not superglued to the Celtic shirt. Maybe his silence is more a mark of professionalism? The last few days have shown Lennon clearly can't handle transfer gossip like a professional but maybe Hooper knows better.
By upping the price to stupid levels, Lennon also can make himself look a victim in the eyes of celtic fans if the board accept Saints offer and Hooper leaves. I think Saints will need to offer £7m to land him though
7! I feel uncomfortable with that fee. He's a good player, but that is a very big risk. No time to bed in either, not at that price.
well that is where us fans play a big part. ALL players must have time to bed in. The fee doesn't change his ability. If he's £10m, it doesn't mean he comes with a cloak and wears his pants outside his trousers. The fee is determined by the market forces. if we pay £7m for a striker, so be it, but he must be allowed to settle in and fans must not get on his back if he doesn't score a hat-trick on his debut. I said on another thread, that if we paid £7m for a striker in the summer as an already promoted team, people would not think twice. It is only because we are still in the championship. It is just speculation and in business terms very good if it comes off and proves successful. Any recrutimetn is 50:50 - nothing is guaranteed
I promise not to scream if he fails in the first half. I will think about it though if not successful in the second.
Personally, I don't think we stand a chance in hell of signing Hooper. 5-6 mil is probably a fair price, but Celtic will never let him go for that, and we won't pay over the odds. Time for a new rumour I think chaps.
It's hardly a rumour when both Celtic and Adkins himself confirm we have put in a bid! It's a question of how badly Nigel wants him and if he thinks he can help drive the bus!
I think it's very sensible that the player keeps a dignified silence. If he stays, he has to play in front of the home crowd again who will not be happy if he has been saying he wants out. If players are interviewed, then a smart answer to the question, " will you be leaving?" is "I don't know, I am happy here, but I leave those decisions to the chairman." I think the Southampton way is the best by far. Look at how NA fended off the questions about transfers in and in particular Puncheon. As far as the worth of Hooper is concerned, NC will be looking a good buy. He may want the player, but will have a number of targets and it will be a case of who can be obtained for the right price, not that player at any price. Top bloke, Nicola.
Have to say Lennon is talking out of his backside. £35 million........For a non international.......There is no one in the Scottish leagues that is even close that kind of evaluation. He really is an idiot..........How can he realistically be a manager making stupid remarks like that.........
