I agree, Flitney was generally a reliable keeper but he was also all we had, especially in comparison to the previous Julian. Initially if I remember correctly Flitney struggled with his kicking in the same way that Julian did and at the time I just thought here we go again. However, he generally became good, despite me clearly stating on the arrival of Paulo Gazzaniga that I wanted to see him in goal. Do not ask me why but you just get a feeling for a player, probably because he was young, full of energy, held himself tall, the Argentine had come a very long way much more than most to ply his trade, appeared respectful, hence right mentality, it just felt right with this keeper before seeing his actual ability, to which he was to go on and actually prove to have something special. Flitney though appeared to grow on people, including me but I never held him in the same esteem. In truth comparing the two, I am struggling to remember Flitney's good points. Gazza was not to disappoint when he got his chance through Flitney’s injury, his kicking was absolutely immense and accurate. I hate the long ball game, I would prefer to see it played on the turf but against all my beliefs, I felt Gazza and Tomlin had a connection. People have talked about what if with Birchall all season, while all I was doing was rueing Tomlin’s injury. Oh what could have been? Some of the one handed saves Gazza has made this season have been world class, ok, a bit of an exaggeration maybe but those that travelled to Oxford will know his one right handed save to turn the ball around the post was the sort of save you only dreamed of Banks making against Pele. Sorry back down to earth, maybe I am too much of a traditionalist and I have been left behind in the modern game. So let us look at what people have also said about our squad, that there is nothing wrong with our team, it is Hessy at fault with his tactics which came right against Swindon. So why do we need to sell Gazza to the highest bidder only to waste it on a transfer fee and wages for someone else, although I am hearing the loan back deal. Ok, maybe you might be able to bring several players in with the fee. So what, will they actually be the players that the fans might feel we need, will they prove to be of the quality that can only be assumed at this stage. All unknowns. Again more opposites to my view, because we should be clearing our debt, not continually rebuilding a team that was meant to be already one of the strongest sides we had built or whatever those words were. How much money did we spend this season to put this squad together and for a currently unknown achievement? Why do people assume a cheque book of League Two size will buy success? I can think of many a player I would free in wages before even contemplating letting Gazza go. Yes, he could go the end of next season but it is down to us as a club to show we have the ambition, how does it look to our young talent when we constantly sell players to the highest bidder, great for the individuals but another season in League Two (possibly) for us. Ambition for a league two club is not at the end of a cheque book but the ambition you in still in to your players to believe that Gillingham Football Club can succeed and it is not about Hessy standing in a player's way but convincing them that Gillingham have the same dreams and to do so by not getting involved in this crazy money goes round. Does anyone know what Rooney’s transfer fee was exactly spent on and what financial gain was precisely made from it, in expenditure such as transfers in, wages, debt reduction etc, surely all unknown factors to a mere supporter. If we sell Gazza it will not affect my support for the club I love but it will once again prove we have no serious ambition and why we also have stay away fans, while remaining forever a lower league club, who's prime aim in life is to supply the gravy train. We might as well just put our whole youth team up to the highest bidder because obviously money talks. You have to keep hold of your Paulo Gazzaniga, Connor Essam and Jack Payne’s of this game otherwise the Championship remains nothing but a distant dream due to too many one season wonders and no real structure. ps. Sorry - but just in case you have not worked out by now or have failed to read between the lines, I have an hatred for the Premier league as it is with a passion. No disrespect to our Sunderland visitor intended and thanks for the kind words.
I hope that we can keep Gazzaniga, but as others have said we have to be realistic, I doubt we will be able to fight off any big club if an offer is made.
Agree Roy...Back in the day even the likes of Cascarino,Bruce.....and erm ...would stay three or so seasons before moving on
We can all see that certain positions on the pitch are filled with quality individuals that could make part of a promotion winning squad. Given the need for the purchasing of a good left back, right back and possibly central defender, would you be happy to see Gazza leave IF the money was invested wisely in these positions?
My thoughts on those areas have been well documented during the season. So I will start with each area in turn to answer a fair enough question. My choices, highlighted in blue. Right back: Matt Fish who Hessy has shown considerable faith in, well against my better judgement. However, I have never pretended to be a manager or tactician and I accept some of Hessy's arguments. To be fair at Oxford and against Swindon he repaid some of Hessy's faith and well done him. For the reasons already discussed on this thread about young talent, I keep an open mind. Maybe not for me. Barry Fuller, what can you do against injury? How will he be when he comes back from injury? Only time will tell, still a reliable option, although before injury I was fast becoming a critic. To long ago (at my age) to remember the reasons why. Jack Evans, I accept there was a few mistakes that probably led to him losing his place but I was praising him for his ability to move forward with the ball. My style of player, just needs some serious creases ironing out but gets my full support for the future. Charlie Lee, do not want to see him at right back but ok for cover, I like Lee's mentality, despite his costly bookings. Central defender: Connor Essam we need to get him to sign at least a 2-3 year deal and tie him to the club. Simon King, good for another season, cannot understand reports a few weeks back why he should be allowed to go any where? Andy Frampton what has he done wrong? You need an experienced warrior with the young lads at the back in the same role as Simon King, both good cover for one another. Matt Lawrence sadly time to move on and probably already has, not his fault Hessy's tactics - all only my opinion obviously. Left back: Ah! now the problem. A role covered very well by Danny Jackman but then the players ability is wasted. All I can say is I really do not know what is going on in Joe Martin's mind. If there was ever to be strong vocal opinion or assumptions about a player, it would be him but I have no intention of getting myself in trouble. A player who should have great ability as a player and one that should have great presence of mind. Kentish Man you may remember my comments when Barcham was around? I think you indicated that we might now see a better Joe Martin. Not a quote but just trying to think back. I actually accept he has something but the trouble is I don't know what! We should not be worrying about the left back role with Joe Martin on board but I continually do. Danny Jackman great job done and my player of the season. Not forgetting Joe Carter...who? injury! Summary: So my only area of real concern is at left back but not at the expense of Gazza. If I had to look around for savings from the current first team fielded players, there is one player I would let go, if we can get Tomlin fit for the new season along with Birchall... Sorry Jo Kuffour just is not doing it for me at the moment, unless Tomlin was his carrier, again only my opinion. Although if Birchall comes back, I would try Tomlin on the left wing. My other concerns are more around the tactics and the wasted space on the wings. Obviously if any money is spent on players, I will give it my normal support and at the right times any appropriate praise or criticism. The mentality for next season needs to start in the dressing room now. We are not selling anyone who is part of our future a bit open ended but in my mind the price is not always right.
Sure, I remember saying something along those lines blue. Although what in particular eludes me! Since the season opener Joe just doesn't look up for it; he may play well when the team is playing well but is not someone you can count on when the chips are down. Maybe that is being a bit harsh on the lad though. I would certainly keep him this summer but at the same time make it a priority to sign a strong left back. I would also agree with you that the side would benefit enormously by signing a good left side winger and not simply fitting Tomlin in there because he can! I suppose the question can be poised a little differently now to you blue: Option 1) Gazza leaves and we vastly improve the left side of the pitch with two quality signings Option 2) Gazza is kept as a priority position and other areas of the pitch receive less investment over the summer (all within our ideal, over-simplified reality)
Kentish Man a very thought provoking question considering my stance. Obviously our problems are on the left side (imo). Gazza OR (replaced by) a left winger and left back...wow, you certainly know my areas of thought or mental weakness! I will go for option two and stick with Gazza and only replace positions particularly on the left with funds released through other players.
I do look at things quite simplistically and agree with BRB. A message to everyone who bitches about not getting promoted.......how can you if you keep selling your best players? Tie them into a longer contract but still sell if necessary...that would ensure maximum return.
There is one reasonable counter to your argument: It is not for us to stand in the way of an opportunity for young Gazza, that could well never come again (if of course all of this hype is true). If Sunderland are prepared to pay reasonable compensation for the loss then I cannot see us standing in the way. I would hold a completely different perspective on the matter if this was a League One or less competitive Championship team that was eying the lad up.
