Whilst there's plenty of speculation in regard to Loïc Rémy, nothing concrete is yet to be confirmed - be it Tony Fernandes' cryptic suggestion via Instagram or NewsNow links suggesting a deal with Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle, or Liverpool - ad infinitum. So the current state is that there's no definitive nailed on news suggesting a transfer of any of these players will take place. We had the same with Joey Barton last year - suggestions that Marseilles or West Ham would sign him up. Fair to say, we were all surprised to see him line up against Sheffield Wednesday - and remarkably he avoided a red card for a second bookable challenge. Still the speculation continued, many cynics suggesting Joey was putting in the hard yards and keeping the rest mist at bay to earn himself an EPL move before the transfer deadline in September. That came and went without as much a bid, the player himself going onto Twitter to set the record straight. And as with Newcastle a couple of season's prior, he can claim to have contributed towards an immediate return to the EPL at the first time of asking. What's to say that Saturday 16 August arrives and we're all belting out 'Taarabt's too good for you' as we watch Mr Happy Feet pull the strings behind Loïc Rémy? Wishful thinking perhaps, but not impossible. Here's hoping!
A motivated Taarabt playing behind Remy would be fantastic. However, to play Austin as well, we'd have to play 3-5-2. Then it's hard to get Phillips and Hoilett in the side imo. Nice problems to have if it happens. 4-2-3-1 : -----------------------------Green---------------------------- Simpson--------------Onuoha--------Ferdinand-------------Yun -------------------Barton-----------Faurlin-------------------- Hoilett----------------------Taarabt--------------------Phillips ------------------------Remy or Austin------------------------ 3-5-2 : ------------------------------Green-------------------------- ---------------Onuoha-------Ferdinand-----Hill---------------- Hoilett----------------------------------------------------Yun -------------------------Barton-----Faurlin------------------- -----------------------------Taarabt------------------------- ---------------------Remy-----------Austin------------------
It's a good post, Sku. But I'm now at the stage where it will be something of a relief when Remy leaves. Like John Cleese's headmaster in "Clockwise", it's the hope (that he stays) that's killing me, rather than the failure (to keep him). I think we've all written off Granero and I don't think we'll see him in an Rs shirt again. Not sure about Cesar, but can't really see it. The surprise package could be Taarabt, but there has to be a meeting of minds between him and Redknapp, plus evidence that his attitude will not be divisive in the dressing room. I could understand the resentment from the likes of Hill, Dunne and Barton, who have just slogged their way through a Championship season (and ultimately promotion at a first attempt) only to see the Spoilt One flounce back in as though nothing's happened. But they're professional, right, so should just get on with it, I s'pose?
Dare I say, Adel might have seen the bright lights and heard the music whilst he was at AC Milan, and realised that it's what he really wants - and then one of the players/staff said to him 'knuckle down, earn your way here, and it'll happen.' Coming from one of the greats of the game, or maybe Ballotelli, he might respect their opinion more than the coaches and players at QPR, and actually do it!
Two good lineup ideas there. Don't worry about the tough choices. They tend to make themselves because players occasionally need a rest or have a minor injury.
There's bound to be some new faces, we've just made a slow start. TF was tweeting last week that we were closing in on our first signing, it'll be interesting to see who it is...
Sku, it is a pleasant thought. I remain hopeful (possibly naive?) enough to believe they have a plan that will stand us in good stead this season.
