Carroll could be on his bike though, as Watford are supposedly interested in a loan deal. Suddenly, we're not looking so overstocked... Ahh well, we'll have to sign my pal Christian
I would argue that not spending for Moutinho last year was a bad business decision (if you forget that it was simply a mistake), and that the net spend, if there is one this year, is at least not making the same bad business decision twice. I'm asking myself if I'm in the BBB, and the answer is not necessarily. If the money isn't dirtier than most, and the cash splashed pays for itself in the long run (if it's sustainable, in other words), then I'm not. So I don't want a Russian oligarch or a petrokingdom's money, but if some other billionaire, say, Joe Lewis for example, decides it's time to spend a little more to make a little more, I'm fine with that. My view has been this year is one where only two strategies make sense: sell Bale and count the short term profits, or keep him, back the bet, and hope for greater profits in the medium term. You can do funny things with numbers. You can for example say that we've been profiting lately on buying and selling players--so we should buy more, so we can sell them eventually and make more money. Also: glad to hear Gylfi and Defoe are staying. Gylfi certainly does seem to be central to AVB's plans, having started at CM the last two preseason games. I'd like us to either keep Hudd and Carroll or get a playmaker. Finally, I would think the success with Bale would justify another punt on a similarly positioned Croatian youngster.
Thanks mate best of luck to you too. While you're raiding our squad players, you might want to have a look at one of our defenders, South African chap, has a big future ahead of him
Who do you think we'll displace, Arsenal or United? Personally, I think both look susceptible to a shocking season.
Hypothetically then, Parker, Livermore, Hudd, Carroll out in some regard. Dempsey and caulker already gone; there's space for eriksen there... Who else could be off, given the rumours of a massive clear out? Or do people think we're mostly done with sales? Bae, ade? No one say bale.
I don't think either will have a shocking season, but I feel United are Vulnerable. They need to replace scholes and make 1 or 2 marquee signings. It's not that they have suddenly gone downhill because SAF is no longer in the dugout, it's a combination of little things. - Other clubs are strengthening, they could lose Rooney, they haven't signed anyone yet and there's the possibility that things might not work out straight away with Moyes. On the other hand, they could just win the league again. But for the first time in years, I feel that this is an opportunity where other clubs stand a chance.
In addition to those you've said, I would have thought just Ade and Benny. Any more, and it's going to be too disruptive.
I'll be honest, I'm concerned that we've already done a bit much with regard to the first xi. Not in an overly negative way, the business done has been excellent. Just that the squad gelled well before and now we're going to see the first 2 months or so being another learning curve, while arsenal and Man U (despite a lack of business) will have roughly the same level of flow and understanding as the year before! We can't afford a slow start is all I'm saying and I really believe this could be the year of something special IF we fire on all engines immediately. Good cover, quality first xi, no major holes (again dependant on business).
Ade's a player with a history of assists and key passes. Whether he remains here and how much he plays remain TBD. But I'd like to see him played with Soldado.
To clarify, I'm super optimistic and just see this as being the obstacle this year instead of the fade of previous years! And hopefully, as we don't have an awful start!
"I like Watford as a location. It's less of a risk for tommy than a prem club and Zola could get the best out of him. If even half of these midfielder rumours are true he will struggle for game time with us this year." Forgot about the Zola factor. If Carroll helped drive Watford to promotion, then he'd certainly be good for next season. My gut feeling is perhaps having a good Europa/League Cup run out, then loan out in the Jan window (depending on injuries) , would be the better option.
I really don't think it's a good idea to sell Benny. For years we had issues down the left hand side then came B&B (Benny and Bale). To get rid of both of them in one transfer window (assuming that we sell Bale) is unwise.
I gather from what Spurcat said, there is an issue between AVB and benny but once Avb sees how useless Rose is, they may become friends again
Messi sign's for Farnborough,also Pele and a host of others!.all the squad have changed their name by deed poll to a football legend,except one who has become John Terry ,it has some thing to do with their sponsorship deal with Paddy Power,their ground also becomes the Paddy Power stadium,the deal also lift's the out of administration
That why I hope we don't sell him. I've nothing against Danny Rose, he's great going forward but I don't think he is a natural full back. Having said that he improved by getting playing time at Sunderland and perhaps we should he loaned him again.
I have very strong views on this as I feel this brings the game into disrepute. Farnborough are a joke. This is at least the 3rd occasion within the past 6 years they have entered into administration and to bail them out this time, a chavvy betting company is allowed to jump into bed with them and pull a cheap stunt like this. I cannot believe the FA and the Conference are allowing this.
Farnborough fans are not happy either,they think it makes the club a laughing stock,and frankly it does!
