CH confirmed after the match he is after BOTH and not one and basically said we will return with improved offer for Hooper. We have some serious cash stashed away if thats the case.
Hey guys, I come in peace Just thought I'd share some info on Gary Hooper. He's not the tallest but of a stocky build and is extremely strong, Outmuscles his fair share of defenders and can hold up the ball really well and can pass fairly good as well.He doesn't score many goals with his head or outside of the penalty box, can only remember a few from outside the box and only 2-3 headers. Definitely not his strong points. Loves to play on the shoulders of defenders, Also drops deep quite a lot to support his midfield with breaking up attacks and building our own. His first touch is superb and has the composure to go with it, He always seems to be in the right place at the right time, Some say luck, others would say his anticipation is spot on. If you give Hooper supply he will score, and score a lot at that. Finishing: 9 Scores a hell of a lot everywhere he's played. Heading: 6 doesn't attempt many headers as the balls usually at his feet and at corners he usually stands in front of the keeper. First touch: 8 More often than not the ball sticks or goes where he wants it to. Technique: 7 Won't score amazing 30 yard goals, passing is strong though. Pace: 7 quick over the first 10 yards. No theo Walcott though Teamwork: 10 Fights for the shirt every single game. I've yet to see him be lazy in 2 and a half seasons. Transfer Value: £8-9M This is the general figure most Celtic fans believe he I worth with what's left on his contract. He scores vital goals and in the unlikely chance we overcome Juventus, His name will undoubtedly be on the score sheet. 30 games this season and 20 goals speaks for itself, Regardless of how poor you guys see our leagues, Cups. It's still pretty damn impressive. If this move does go through, I wish him and Norwich all the best. You'll have a future England international on your hands, Even as a Scot I can't wait to see him pull on that shirt, Would be even better if he did it whilst still at the Hoops though.
The one problem i have is that while yes, celtic is a big club the leage could be compared to a swedish or danish top league. Now would one of the top strikers from them leagues from teams who play in the champions league be worth that much, i don't think so! I expect us to go up to £7mil, no more... But to be honest we wont be signing Hooper, or Graham for that fact
Sounds like my type of player, I'm personally glad he can't header a balll and isn't quick, because he's scoring goals through skillfull or intelligent means. He sounds exactly the same as Holt to be honest, except a bit quicker and a better finisher. I'm dubious that 9 within the spectrum of footballers is really an apt score however.
We've had bigger transfer fees in for lesser players to be fair buddy. It's a hard one to call at the moment with his contract situation. Apparently he's getting rid of his agent when his contract expires at the end of the month. So he might just sign a new deal. He'll no doubt get more recognition for scoring EPL goals rather than a handful in Europe. Norwich may well be another great stepping stone for him. If he thinks he'll be better off down at Carrow Road. There's pros and cons to every move, Hopefully not enough to see him leave us at this time though. Carrabuh: You should check out some of his goals. He really knows how to find the net, from inside the box. He'd be a great foil for Holt, nothing like him though.
I think on recent form, we could really do with another DM to provide competition for Tettey and Johnson. Fox clearly isn't in Hughton's plans, so when Tettey and Johnson are off-form like the previous couple of games, they've no competition. Ideally, I'd like to see Bridcutt and Kayal in, and Graham and Hooper too would be ideal. Yes that's more than we can afford, and a hell of a lot of business for 11 days of January, but I can dream. If Fox isn't going to get played no matter what happens, then him (sadly), Martin, Lappin, etc, and Morison and maybe Jackson can all make way to clear funds up. Most of that is probably going to wait until the summer though.
Biglia If we can afford both hooper and graham the surely we could afford him, and get our selves mulenga!
I think with Biglia the interest from other clubs will probably stop us signing him, as much as I'd dearly love him here. If we were to have a bid of say £8m accepted, which is probably slightly beyond the upper limits of what we could afford, then as soon as Arsenal, AC, etc, know he's definitely available, we're going to miss out. Not to say we shouldn't try though, every option should be explored.
No way we will spend £8m on biglia I know we have just been battered and it's easy to over react, but didn't he board say we must stay up this season? Now is the time to show some ambition and be "not nice little Norwich" for once (caveat, within reason!)
If they are so small minded as to judge on one day then they can stay put, but doubt they are they will look at the season and our position in the division
Come on Cromer, it's time for McNally to show some balls in the transfer market and show some ambition I am getting worried now
Our position in the Prem cannot be particularly encouraging to either Hooper or Graham. We are clearly going through a poor phase in our season which could get worse. Admittedly other teams below us (other than QPR) will find it more difficult to attract players that will strengthen their squads - let's hope for our sake they do not succeed. Many of us are getting concerned about our change in fortunes and we may have to rely on home wins against Southampton, Reading, Aston Villa and Fulham? Draws against Wigan and QPR (both away) are very possible which would give us 40 points. I am with Canary Max - our recent form, albeit against some tough opposition, should give McNally the message that we need some serious investment now or we could face a long uphill fight for Prem survival.
