Sorry, negative-ish thread, but does anybody else not see the point in paying money for Hobbs? He certainly wouldn't be in my first choice central defence partnership (providing Gerrard signs), if he costs any more than say ã500k I'd recommend to ol' Nige he look elsewhere. Thoughts?
I don't see Gerrard signing, although I hope I'm wrong. I'd perhaps push to ã800k for Hobbs but considering we were willing to pay ã1.3m for McLean we can hardly complain. I suppose it all depends on how much the Allams' allocate for transfer funds, ie if we're given ã3m but spend ã800k on Hobbs and ã1.5m-ã2m on Ayala then we've already run out of money. If they're spending ã100-odd million on a sports village they're hardly going to be a bottomless pit when it comes to transfer funds. I wonder how many people say you're wrong, just because it's you
I'd rather have Ayala and Chester at centre back next season, but for some reason Nigel seems to want to play Chester out of position. I think Hobbs did okay, but if he's a lot of money, I'd look elsewhere, I definitely wouldn't want a Hobbs/Gerrard pairing, neither of them are good enough with the ball at their feet and need and Ayala/Chester alongside them. I think a deal for Ayala is fairly likely and I don't think he'll cost millions.
i reckon a team for next season could be: Mannone Rosenior---Ayala---Chester---Dudgeon Danns---Norris---Evans---Stewart Fryatt---Graham/Morison Subs:Eilhoff, Hobbs, Simpson, Barmby, Harper, Dawson, Devitt Others are backup, but I think Koren will leave
i like hobbs, and i think he will become a prem cb in time. but agreed with the general consensus; not a ball playing defender and would need to be backed up by chester/ayala. very much doubt we'll see Gerrard back here, he hasnt been interested in the last few games (despite his long range effort) and i suspect he is one of those who NP is saying that he "learnt a little more about"
To be fair (and this is based solely on Twitter) Gerrard was good friends with Bullard and Ashbee and probably made his mind up that he wasn't going to stay in January.
Regards Mouyokolo, he'll be on premiership wages with a three years left on his contract. Wolves also probably paid a couple of million for him. He's hardly played this season for them as well. I thought he was great for us, however there are more realistic options at the min. Ayala, Hobbs, the lad from Barnsley, or probably some unknown we havent heard about yet (I have a feeling Gerrard won't join).
I would have said he'd do a job in the PL but it hasn't gone great for him this season. Depends on his wages or if there's any PL interest (although I doubt it) and of course, price.
i agree with the TWF here, hes not a bad defender but id rather have ayala over him, even if it meant paying an extra million, at the start of the season ayala made gerrard look average.
I've been very impressed with Hobbs, a good proper no nonsense centre back who defends very well. Think he is probably worth about ã1.5million and if we bought him would think its a great signing. Hopefully Ayala will sign also, so along with Chester giving us 3 quality CB's to chose from.
I'm of the opinion that Gerrard is not mobile enough and would prefer a more accomplished central defender who can set the ball rolling for the midfield ,(when we get a settled playmaker)
Decent thread, i'm indifferent with Hobbs, think he would do a good job for us, yet wouldn't be too disappointed if he didn't sign. All depends on the cost and what our other options are, if we're keeping to a tightish transfer budget then there's no point paying over the odds for someone.
I would also prefer Ayala and Chester at CB but with Hobbs for cover. If Gerrard did come he would be in the starting 11 (no chance he would come to sit on the bench) which would leave either Chester or Ayala on the bench. Best outcome for me would be signing Ayala and Hobbs.
I'm fairly certain Gerrard won't be back, I can't see Ayala coming permanently, Hobbs is a very good Centre-Half but struggles with the ball at his feet (especially his distribution) and Mouyokolo is a player I'd love to have back, but signing him is nigh on impossible. For a start, if Wolves come down, who could say if they'll play him next year or not? Wages? Transfer fee?
i think general opinion is out of the three loan centre backs Hobbs will be third choice to Gerrard and Ayala. However Pearson sounds as if he really wants to sign him, for me i would make Ayala top priority and either partner him with Chester or a new player as i don't expect Gerrard to sign. Not sure who though. Wonder if this guy may be worth a go since sheff u have gone down http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10418~50942,00.html Matthew Lowton 21 year old centre back scored 4 goals in his debut season for sheff u
I'd take Ayala and Gerrard over Hobbs. Probably Gerrard first choice, reminded me very much of Turner this season with all his last ditch, goal stopping, maybe even point winning tackles and even goal line blocks. Ayala very tight behind 2nd choice (and if there is a big price difference in fee and/or wages with Gerrard being higher, Ayala would definitely be first) and Hobbs 3rd. All decent players, but Hobbs and Gerrard are fairly similar in style, bulky no nonsense slow centerbacks, so I probvably wouldn't sign the pair.
