Or spend £16m we can't waste on someone like Luke Chambers just because he might turn out to be good. We have limited resources and back-up RB isn't a priority. This is how we have to operate for the time being.
That's how we got into the top 4 twice under Redknapp. We can't do it by trying to match the tactics of those who have more financial clout.
I didnt look at it that way PNP so ok. Gossip is we would prefer to sell Bobby Sol but I SINCERELY hope he stays.
Telegraph claim athletico madrid want soldado....on loan! Like we'd loan out a £27m striker who is 29 yrs old...how the **** do journalists get paid for dreaming up this ****?
We did it twice before when the same five clubs had more money than us. The season hasn't even started and we are being forced to lower our expectations already.
We've climbed the ladder signing young players, benefitting from them while they're here and profiting when they leave. We've tried shelling out big money last year on Soldado, Paulinho and Lamela (even though he was also a young player.) There's no doubt in my mind the first strategy is the one for us, probably at least until we get the stadium paid for (along with picking up the right big club castoffs, like VDV and Ade). Meanwhile, based on nothing but what passes for my own reasoning, I think we may see a medium to big exodus of players in the next three weeks, along with a couple of big signings. We might keep what we have, which amounts to two teams of similar ability. But it probably makes sense to sell the players who won't figure majorly in Poch's plans and aren't likely to increase in value down the road (very young players who can be loaned, etc.) We could just be waiting for Poch to decide who will get a lot of game time. My own guesses of who might go: Very likely: Chiriches (though I don't know why) Sandro (plenty of rumors already) Chadli Dawson Somewhat likely: Dembele Paulinho Vertonghen (if Barca wanted Vermaelen for 15 million, you'd think they'd pay 25, or at least 20, for Vertonghen) Lloris (I know) Kaboul (his and/or Vertonghen's fate may rest on what happens to Mussachio) Rose Some chance: Bentaleb (though he makes sense to keep for his youth, versatility and future sell-on value) Holtby (see above, plus he seems to figure in Poch's plans, and should) Soldado (if anyone will buy him for 20 million) Townsend (if he doesn't figure in Poch's plans) Lennon (if someone wants to pay a good enough price) I'm thinking the team may be LLoris (if he stays) with Vorm as backup. Walker (with Naughton and eventually Yedlin as backup) Musachio if he comes, Vertonghen if he doesn't. Kaboul (if he stays); Dier/Velkjovic/Dawson Davies (Rose as backup, if he stays) Capoue (Bentaleb backup, and maybe Dier) Bentaleb/Holtby (or Schneiderlin if he comes) Eriksen Lamela Kane/Holtby Attacking backups will be who we have left of Holtby, Soldado, Lennon and Townsend Ade (Soldado and Kane backups). Wouldn't be surprised if we get another striker, hopefully Bony. Just a thought.
Expect various dubious rumours about anyone who's not involved in today's game in tomorrow's papers. Usual join the dots journalism.
Yeah, you're right. We're (Hull) already getting "nudge, nudge Dawson not in Spurs squad tonight". They may be right, they may be wrong, but the reality is they make most of it up and crow about it if by fluke one of their guesses turns out to be right.
The Summer and Winter transfer windows would not be the same without the ITKs. Most of it's complete and utter bollocks, which is why we love it!
Ossie Ardiles states that Pocket is the right man for Spurs but Ferguson thought his fellow Countryman right for Utd didn't he? I look at Pocket alongside the Spurs players and for me a coach must stand out but he doesn't.
Twitter is starting to harp on about Depay again - claiming it 'could be official in a matter of hours' This window, more than any other, has made me laugh quite a lot - you read one tweet that says 'Depay to THFC, confirmed - bid accepted, 10m + Chadli - announcement imminent' - then, you scroll down and see 'PSV state no contact from Spurs re. Depay' I've seen one today that is claiming Man Utd officials are to meet with Vertonghen's agent - this despite several ITKs claiming Verts has either already signed a new contract or is on the verge of signing it.