Does anyone think that trying not to repeat the mistakes of a few seasons ago, is putting an unnecessary amount of negative on a lot older players we are linked with. You only have to look at Nelson and Dunne too see older players can make an impact. Another thing already crazy money has been paid for players. As a club we might have to spend a bit of money attract players. Certain things Mark did might have work, had he pick different players to bring in
I agree. It's all too easy to sum up the debacle that Mark Hughes created by citing old players on huge salaries. The problems manifested themselves deeper than this; though this factor itself did little to assimilate the players into a cohesive team and when the rot set in, there were no leaders on the field to hold others accountable.
Agree. But how many "big name-on massive wages" players can a newly promoted side expect to field. Without creating tension in the dressing. If 1 or 2 players are on 50% more than all others, there would have to be an expectation that those players contribute 50% more ? And if they dont ? Its high risk strategy, that those players meet/exceed expectations
Mark? Call him Hughes or anything else but not Mark please. We are not on first name terms with the guy.
If we don't get some players in soon can we expect Harry to reel out the Hughes mantra of "they just need time to gel"................? Personally would have liked to see a few more in BEFORE the pre season tours began.....
Both players came on short term contracts and had to prove themselves to keep the wages coming. That is fundamentally different to the long term contracts handed out to the likes of SWP, Bosingwa and Samba who had zero incentive to give us their best other than professional pride (of which Bosingwa in particular clearly has none). The deal for Ferdinand shows that the lesson has been learned to some extent.
It wasn't just the 'old players on huge wages' that caused our trouble two years ago. it was the wrong old players on huge wages. People who really didn't care, wouldn't put in the effort, and treated the club and the fans like a joke, losing interest once the ink had dried on their contract. There's nothing intrinsically wrong about getting older, experienced players - if they are good enough and want to play. There's nothing intrinsically wrong in paying big wages - if they are deserved, and seen to be earned by the fans and their teammates. But when someone pulls on the shirt, crosses the white line and just gives a token effort, then gives off an air of "not bothered, I've got my £80k", then everything stinks and the team will fall apart. Cisse, Bosingwa, Samba, Cesar, the list is easy and has oft been recited. If even just one had been different, who knows. If Samba had the attitude and heart of Danny ****tu. If Boswinga had looked at Hill and adopted his desire. If Cisse had put in the shift that Mackie did every week. If Cesar learned anything from Green not settling for a reserve spot and fighting for his place. Who knows.....
