apparently it's the same for Sig in terms of management/agents too. - So keep an eye out! He could be on his bike too.
Carroll wouldn't be replacing Bale as we still haven't replaced modric, in terms of his vision and ability to create chances and start attacking moves and the only player at the club who can offer any similarities to modric is Carroll and he simply impresses each game he plays. if Bale goes we would have to replace his attacking threat and drive but much would depend on what system we used as I doubt we could find someone to play the same role as Bale as avb would need to adjust the team.
I'm going to assume Levy and others at the club are as good as their word (about Bale) until they tell me otherwise. I wouldn't necessarily be against selling Bale if it I didn't think it broke promises already made. But IMO it does, so it shouldn't happen. Also, if we reward Real (and Bale) for this kind of behavior, we deserve to see more of it, and will. I'm disappointed if Caulker goes, but I understand we need income from somewhere.
There's enough games for squad rotation. Dembele was injured loads anyway, it'll be good to give him a rest. he's another we relied on far too much. Eriksen will also help us use different formations and give us versatility. I agree, too many changes and signings this late on, could well have an impact on the start of the season. a serious statement of intent has got to be shown with the Bale money, and i have no idea who/how that's going to happen bearing in mind we're not in the CL and can't pay high wages. Bale is currently our joker card and a huge attraction.
Last season we were short on strikers and it cost us,now we are short on C/Bs and strikers,What is going on?
Not replacing him per-se, but attempting to replace the loss of Bale's creativity with that of Carroll. I'm aware they don't play the same way or the same position.
if we was to judge players by under 21 matches then you only need to look at all the stars of under 21 matches to see how many have never stepped up. Also on the flip side many players who are great 1st team players never produced much at under 21 level. You judge players how they perform in the 1st team and each game Carroll plays, he impresses and this season he Will prove anyone wrong if he's given the chance.
Gunna avoid commenting on this thread for a while as the whole "This is the end of everything ever" comments are pissing me off, but leave it at this - I hope, if he truly wants to, Bale goes and we get a good fee and reinvest it wisely. Something I trust AVB / Levy / Baldini with entirely; and I full believe we can challenge for the top 4 with or without Bale and that our squad would even be marginally stronger without him.
Carroll couldn't run a PL game for us yet imo, not saying Holtby can either, but has more chance. If it were the plan I'm sure he'd be being used so in these pre-season games. Big season for the lad really, he needs to show in any chances he gets. He was bright a few times last season when used, so like I said, needs to push on with that this year.
^^This. so that's attributes of Modric and an attacking drive we need to replace. We needed a modric replacement last season, and now we're going to need him and Bale at this rate. Baldini, Levy and AVB have their work cut out.
Carroll being given a chance has nothing to do with Bale going or leaving, like I said it's about the lack of creativity from the central midfield and Bale isn't a central midfielder, so even if Bale stays we need more vision from the centre and it's a point I was pushing all last season
See my post 3631. This rumour is just plain false according to two Southampton board members from that time. Apparently there never was a sell-on fee.
It wont be because Bale is our trump card for attracting top player's as i said if he goes top players won't join,i don't know how you can't see that
Unless there are deals in the pipeline, that players have willingly indicated that they would sign for Spurs with or without Bale, then the sale of both Caulker and Bale are just complete madness. Football isn't all about money. Just tell Madrid to **** off and remind Bale he has 3 years left on his contract. If he throws a paddy then stick him in the reserves and tell him to impress Real *spits* Madrid from there! C U Next Tuesdays the lot of 'em.
Jeez I'm on my own here with Carroll ( don't worry tom I've got you're back mate lol).. I think it's easy to dismiss Carroll based on age, frame, lack of experience but unless he's given a chance it's just easy to pick at any possible problems. Yet players like dembele go missing for huge chunks of the game, even with his experience or bigger frame, none of what Carroll is attacked for is really that fair as he shows more vision and ability then any of our current midfielders through the centre and I'll back him until he proves me wrong.
https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial We have reached agreement with Cardiff City for the transfer of Steven Caulker. #THFC
