Haha, clicked the thread with "are you taking the pith, Jamaal Lascelles all day long" as my prepared response.
Everyone seems to be saying, would make sense, cares more than the likes of Coloccini, Sissoko and Tiote combined.
Of those likely to stay I'd pick Lascelles. De Jong may remain and actually start games I suppose and he has the experience so is an option. If it's still Colo I will go ballistic.
As I said in the thread I started a few weeks ago, Lascelles all day long for me. Not just based on a few decent performances, but based on the fact that he is young, hungry and he seems to actually give a ****. Everything Lascelles is................... Colo is not!!
Hells to the yeah. If Colback had had a decent season he'd be the first shout, but he's been dreadful and doesn't deserve a look in as captain. The sheep haired Argie gave up years ago and will hopefully be gone next season. Saylor can naff off. De Jong's always injured. Sissoko ain't gonna stick around next season, nor is Gini or Townsend. Anita doesn't make himself noticed enough, nor Dummett. Mbemba is a possibility, but Laecelles gotta be the one.
Anyone else actually starting to hate the sight of Colo? For me he is a walking example of the ills at our club.
Lascelles is a very good shout, and is one of only a very small handful that has shown the credentials in the run in. He is also performing well and is likely to be a first team pick which is an essential factor. As someone said above, if we keep De Jong he may not be a bad shout either. A lot would depend on his ability to stay fit though. In my opinion, one of the failings of McClaren was not to give him a run in the team when he was fit. He shows intelligence and didn't become a bad player overnight. I have a feeling thbat if he stays he could really shine for us next year. When Rafa arrived it was too late to try and get him integrated into the team. Earlier on though, I thought he would have been a good player to bring in as he showed signs of linking up the midfield with our attack - which all season has been far too isolated.
I see SDJ as a bit of a 'Nolan' and Anita being a bit of a 'Raylor'. I think young Calum Roberts could shine too.
Back on topic with JL... He's is a foooking huuuuuuugggee fella. Cannot remember a defender as big as him in years.* *Titus Bramble doesn't count as he was a fat ****.
Depending on the Keeper situation, I think Elliott has to be in with a shout of captain. He appears to be very easy with media and was probably our best player this season.
He could be the one player that is in demand and could struggle to keep hold of. Looked a player and just amazing he hasn't played more for you earlier in the season given his performances back end of the season. Young, English, strong athletic CB, might have a few in the Prem looking at him for cut price fee
Unless he has a relegation clause (and I doubt it with him coming from a championship club to us) then we shouldn't need to sell with him being tied down to a long contract.
Shouldn't need to, but we all know doesn't always work like that. Big enough offer comes in, MA might think a nice tidy profit on him Plus if he kicks up a bit of a fuss about wanting to leave who knows.. he was at Forest and moved to you guys to play Prem football,
I guess it all depends on our financial position. Forest were desperate for money because of a transfer embargo (I think). Our finances will take a big hit when we go down, just not sure how much.
Big parachute payments (don't get me started on them though) and you'll still get 50k turn up week in week out next year so it's only the difference in the TV money which you'll lose, some of which will be compensated for by smaller wages. Don't know what he's like and if he's likely to kick up a fuss, but sometimes best to get rid and take the cash available. Say you got £15m for him, that £15m can go a long way in the Championship for a couple of new CB's and full back
I'll be gutted if he goes. He's one of the very few who has shown a real desire to fight for the cause.
Two key points: 1- he's inly a recent signing so has a long contract 2- fat mike doesn't sell you English talent on the cheap... As you boys know....
