Wasn't 'Arry in charge at Pompey when they thought they could be a 'force to be recognised' by buying 'big name players'??????
This could actually work in our favour (maybe). Whilst QPR will be stronger, they are still bottom so it will still take a monumental effort to get out of the bottom 3. Newcastle on the other hand are sliding down that way, and without more firepower, and especially if Coloccini leaves, look increasingly likely to slide into the mix. So hopefully it's weakened the team with the best chance of survival, and only slightly strengthened a team that have been repeatedly written off as dead and buried. It's beginning to look like we might see a bit of a 'shock' relegation though. Before when it looked like Reading, Southampton and QPR, whilst QPR may have surprised pundits, I don't think any of us were too surprised. There's now a very real chance Wigan, Villa or Newcastle could go down though, who are much more 'established' PL sides.
I have to be completely honest, I expect us to be in the fight come the end.... especially if CH doesn't improve the team this month!
Not sure about 'monumental effort' it's only 5 points currently, not impossible at all. 'Arrys form since we booted Hughes out has actually been pretty decent. Not sure we need yet more world class talent but the board are backing the manager whereas Newcastle & Vanilla look increasingly disjointed
Am I right in thinking it's been about 5 points for a while though? You're getting closer, don't get me wrong, but from my (limited) memory, you still require near 26 points from 16 games to hit the 'magic 40 points' (whether that's an accurate target we could argue over until the cows come home). That's 7 wins, 5 draws, 4 defeats, or some variation (if my maths is correct). I still stand by that being a 'monumental effort', although if any squad in the bottom 5 had the potential for that kind of form, I'd agree it's yours.
I hear you DH but I think it's a poor quality prem this year lots if v average sides. Could be a record low points haul to stay up. Forget 40 point target, just finish above 3 other sides. Long way to go yet and of course it's a big ask but signing these players might be the key to staying up Whether its sensible spunking another £200k a week on Remy & M'villa however is a good question Word I'd diakite goes as part of the deal and panathanikos want cisse back. Shift bosingwa to galatasary and they'll cover these two wages It's madness of course but football has eaten itself long ago and no longer reflects the game I wish it once was Anyroadup it's set the Geordies off big time
Nope, its just eaten you and will spit you out alongside Pompey, Leeds, Blackburn, Bolton and Coventry. If you go down, it will take a club with your attendances and trading deficit years, I'd guess your more likely be in League one than the Premiership in 2 years time
Carrabuh, I think it's a little odd that on this thread you're pillorying QPR for spending large amounts, then in your other thread you're asking why Norwich fans aren't pushing for an expensive overhaul to our playing style. I know you don't think it's expensive, but if you can name me the 5 or so realistic targets you think we need to change our style, that won't cost more than say £15-20m for the lot, then I'll accept you have a point.
I never asked for expensive overhaul, thats a misconception. I don't know who the players are, but there are hundreds out who don't over rely on physical traits. If these players are so expensive then why does Spain, Portugal et al have an abundance of them when they have less money than us. Its a myth that players who can pass don't exist, how much would David Fox cost someone? Hoolahan? Are we really saying they are the only affordable players of that ilk in this country? In Spain, they all play like that, all got that mindset, pass, pass, pass. Not all of them are good at it granted, but I'd bet 100% of top tier Spanish sides can retain the ball better than us. And I'd bet some will have a lower wage structure than us. The only reason we think these players don't exist is because they don't play over here because nobody wants that style of football because its risky. We don't have to have the best at it, we just need some who can make the difference.
A very bitter comment but you prove my point by listing more clubs that have gone mad If Norwich stay up you'll be spending 15-20 million as your fellow fan points out. It's all changed and not necessarily for the better
Marcus Berg todays link from Hamburg QPR = HMV you can buy all the big names you like but if they dont believe in the cause they aint gonna perform, when will they learn?
Something about Scandinavians and Hamburg not working out, 8 in 25 a couple of seasons ago on loan at psv and before joining Hamburg a decent scoring record a Groningen. But hasn't seem to have worked well for him at the german club. He cost Hamburg €10.5mil so there must be something in him.
Marcus Berg is a name I haven't heard for a while! He was popular at PSV (although I don't know his exact record I used to follow them a bit) and he led the line at a time when Jeremain Lens and Ibrahim Afellay were coming through. Would be interested in seeing him here, he is the slightly more technical player that some have been calling for but may cost too much.
Berg seems to have the attributes City are looking for in a striker, and his record in the Eredivisie looks good, but I assume a considerable amount of scouting has gone on if that sort of money (6-7m) is going to be spent. Hamburg are keen to sell 5 players, so the price could come down. Here's his Wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Berg
Transfermarkt value Berg at £3.5m, so £7m would be about right if Hamburg didn't want to sell. If they do, then we might be able to get him for less than that. Interesting.
