Anyone else notice the comment from Pard's when discussing the evergreen Ryan Giggs, that "...we don't sign older players, which is the problem..."..? A slip of the tongue their from Pard's, or even a quiet dig, at our club's cast in stone policy of not signing any kind of footballer, no matter how good, over the age of 26. I'm sure Pardew would love to have a bit more seniority and experience in the dressing room. Makes we also wonder that our leader's are not going to give Colo a new contract and look for a replacement from now until the summer, when we probably sell him. In other news, just seen Mahammodou Diarra has signed for Fulham on a free transfer, not a bad signing....oh wait he's 30, we aren't interested then...even though its a free. P.S. Also, was anyone else waiting for Pardew to accidentally say the word 'rape'?....., but it never happened. (cant believe MOTD had him back after that.) P.P.S I dont know how Redknapp thinking of the England job has anything to do with Chess, but there we are.
Yeah he looked a bit uncomfortable after saying it. Not to say Im against this policy of signing youth with potential skill/sell on value, but we cant discount all players based purely on age. Wonder if Pards wanted us in for anyone like
I reckon Pards will have had a few experienced centre back options knocked back. Managers often like older players as stop gap signings. Maybe someone like Nelsen was considered an option by Pards?
I just cant understand why our leaders have to be so 100%, all or nothing on things? Why? Who are they doing it for? If the team is in need of defensive solidity due to unfortunate injuries, then bring in a Nelsen or anybody good enough to steady the ship. What kind of a mad-man would create a rule of their own backs, that harms what they want to achieve? Insanity. Willo is awful. Truly awful. To have no other option, or even back up, is suicide. There is no chance we are going to finish 4th with Willo in defence. Simple as. So basically you miss out on £40million - for the sake of not bringing in a free transfer (Nelson), a loan (Bassong) or cheap centre back (Ridgewell). Like I say, madness.
What kind of a mad-man would create a rule of their own backs, that harms what they want to achieve? A chubby one
I think Pardew was a bit nervous and talked quite a bit of **** - the chess comment etc. I wouldn't consider him an adopted Geordie just yet mind...
TBH he talks a load of crap in his press conferences and interviews as well. He must not be a good public speaker. I'd love to know what he is like away from the cameras. If he talks the same kind of sh*te, I'd be worried.
Ridgewell is wretched - we don't need his rancidness here. Yes Williamson has been slightly unsteady in recent games but Simpson is worse. Far, far worse. He has been god awful this season.
Overall I'd say Simpson has had a very good season. He'll throw in a shocker no doubt and make the odd mitake but overall he has been really solid. There is a reason why he has been ever present in what is widely recognised as our most organised defence up until Saylor's injury. I think the loss of Saylor has seen all the other defenders suffer a dip. Colo has not been as good since Saylor went, Simpson hasn't. The left side side is slightly because we've used both Santon and Raylor at various stages. I think the much maligned Raylor has had a good season too. Santon has been very up and down but its early days for him.
I was surprised we didn't just push for our summer target at centre back in January, just like we did with Cisse. I think Saylor's absence has shown just how good he is and how we have missed him! We no longer have a dominant aerial presence at the back and we miss his recovery pace - both Colo and Willo are intelligent footballing centre backs but aren't fast or aerially dominant.
Simmo has been pretty solid for a few months. However Willo is so poor with his decision making it must tear Pardew's hair out....but what else can he do? Play Perch. The hierarchy have let us down on the defence, big time. It could seriously cost us European football. Which is a joke.
What do you mean, come on now? Have you not seen the table? (or at least before the Wolves game), have you not seen our fixtures for the remaining of the season? Have you not noticed how Chelsea and Arsenal were in crisis? My view on 4th has dampened quite a lot since the weekend, but it was their for the taking. Not so much now, which angers me.
Even if we had brought a defender in, who obviously may or may not have settled in quickly, we still dont have the experience or strength in depth to maintain top 4. Yeah chelsea and arsenal were having a tough time but chelsea have a superior squad and arse have just gone and tonked their rivals 5 - 2, which they always had the potential to do. and you know, even though im gutted we never brought anyone in, tbh at least we didnt rush anyone in or get held to ransom. Cant be denied though, we need at least two defenders, maybe three if simmo goes. Considering the recent history of great purchases though, im really dissapointed we didnt identify at least one defender, but willing to be patient.
As far as I'm concerned if a team is a point of 4th after 26 games, then they have a chance at finishing their, no matter who they are.
Aye but the run in is generally when squad depth and such really counts, and we have been ill prepared for it from the start of the season, regardless of if we had brought people in in January,
