It looks highly likely that Ruiz will be off very soon and I have seen people talking about getting a replacement for him in the transfer thread. I was just reading the u21 thread and noticed Eisfeld scored again, everytime I read an u21 report he seems to score or assist??? Although there is some talk about playoffs still realistically they are out of reach and relegation looks unlikely, I have mentioned before using the second half of the season to give the young guys as many games as possible ready for next season, well how's about giving Eisfeld a good run of 15 odd games in the side and see how he gets on. best scenario he does well and we save millions worse case he doesn't do it and we look in the transfer market in the summer!
I agree, Cookie. If Ruiz moves on, his replacement may well already be at the club. Eisfeld is one of several who will be hoping for the chance to show what they can do, along with Kacaniklic, Roberts and David. Personally, I'd be happier to see Kaca and/or Roberts given a run, but the little I saw of Eisfeld earlier in the season suggests that he could be decent. Replacing Ruiz shouldn't be about like for like. We'll clear a big chunk off the wage bill by selling him, and the priority in midfield should be someone dependable and relatively experienced who can pass and tackle and play as a deeper midfielder, rather than another behind-the-strikers playmaker. In short, we need someone to be Scott Parker when Scott Parker is injured or in need of a rest.
I agree Cookie. I think Eisfeld has got talent. My view on Ruiz is that he is a player that has a system working round him. It's just not something that Fulham have had the luxury to do. I actually think we play as a team with more solidity without him. There's no doubt he is a class act. We do have some very good younger midfielders that we can build with. With Bryan gone it leaves space to bring them through, all the time he's in the squad you feel you have to play him because he is good. Maybe to justify the wages etc. Either way, thanks Bryan if you do go and I'll look forward to seeing Hyndman, Roberts, Eisfeld, LVC et gang playing mre regularly. Now that would be worth the money to see.
The Bryan to Boca Juniors thing is apparently still up in the air. According to the rumours we’ve accepted their offer of £3.5m but while they’ve offered him a 3 year deal, they want him to take a 50% pay cut. If /when he does go however, you are absolutely correct Captain. As you say we, arguably, already have the ‘new’ Kaca and young Roberts who can fill the No. 10 role and what’s needed is an experienced holding midfielder. Blimey, how long have we all been saying that? Since 2000 and whenever it was that Danny Murphy left!? My image of perfection is someone who supports Hyndman (with his passing ability) and LVC (with his ability to run at the opposition) in our midfield. That someone however shouldn’t be cover for Parker. He should be his replacement - Scotty’s not going to last another year playing week in, week out. Not so sure about Thomas Eisfeld as our future No. 10. He’s obviously got a cracking left foot as evidenced by his two free kick goals for the U21s recently and seems to be a decent passer of the ball. It didn’t work out for him when Felix played him against Ipswich and Millwall at the beginning of the season - but what did at that time? And Magath stuck him out on the left wing before subbing him early on. Under Kit he’s only had a few cameo appearances; five (I think) and the last being 15 minutes away to Brentford back in November. So it’s difficult to tell - and I’m therefore being completely unfair - but I just don’t get the feeling that he’s aggressive enough, in an attacking sense.
Thinking about that midfielder. One I’ll throw into the ring is Charlie Mulgrew of Celtic. please log in to view this image A Scottish International, the 26yr old would add to our growing clan of ‘Jocks’. He’s on contract with Celtic until summer 2016 but they’ve hit a bit of a bump and are desperate for cash. We could probably get him for £3m (and a wee bit of change).
Being Scottish myself I can maybe add a bit more information on Mulgrew. Celtic aren't my team though, I support the other half of Glasgow, less said about that the better at the moment. Anywayyyyyy, Mulgrew does play as a midfielder now but to me he'll always be more of a defender, he started off as a left back then played a bit at centre back and now seems to be converted into a midfielder. He's more or less a regular Scotland international now but when watching him in midfield he doesn't fill me with confidence. I think playing in midfield for Celtic in a pretty average league, it's easier for him to slot in there and look comfortable but when playing at a higher level he doesn't look comfortable to me. One thing I will say for him is that he's got a very good left foot, good for set pieces. Also, I don't know that Celtic are desperate for cash right now? They've always been a pretty well run club. Been raking in regular big money transfers in the last few transfer windows as well, they don't sell their best players at bargain prices that's for sure.
To be honest Fab, I was basing this on seeing him in only one Scottish friendly at the Cottage, where Charlie played holding central defender and looked very assured. I factored in his age and European/International experience. Also the potential fee; 'cos I don't see our owner providing much new cash for transfers and we'd struggle to find somebody comparable in the English leagues. If he can hold his ground in the middle and make the occasional telling pass like Danny, that would do for me.
Which goes back to my original point, the way the season has panned out with promotion and relegation we have the perfect situation.... Don't spend give our young guys 15 odd consecutive games at championship level and we will learn who will be good enough for next season! Don't spend!!!
Did say "new" transfer money. And so far on the stand? Zilch, except professional fees. [Posted elsewhere that no date has been set yet for letting the development contracts and the planning permission deadline is fast approaching.] For the record, I've sternly supported Khan's "past" spending. For example, paying off the £17m loan advanced on TV money and which people seemed to forget. That loan was of course taken out in MAF's time and seems to have vanished into thin air!
Still think we need experience in that midfield, Cookie - to stabalise our defence and help the youngsters realise their potential. As said, Parker isn't going to last for ever.
Noted Cottager but I it is more to do with bringing on our young players and therefore not needing many new guys. I think we will get one or two but they will be those that will be right to join the others, not your Fothrington squad fillers. Having listened to today's match we have some good talent who are improving as time has passed by. A good away result against a EPL side, seems a long leap from those cheesy times.
