As we are being linked with a new player each day, I thought we could just collate all rumours in to one thread. Just seen on SSN that us and Millwall have been linked to Gary O'Connor. Now, this could be pure speculation, or it could be the rumours of Hayes and Scunny have a foundation? I hope this isn't the case as I'm a big Hayes fan, and I thought a big reason for Hayes moving to us was to be nearer his family in Essex. Also, isn't O'Connor an abuser of the ol' marching powder? Secondly, there is a story from Fridays SLP about Ephraim saying that he would have no problem signing for us permanently. I know he divided opinions, but if the money is right then I'm all for it. Was a good player in a promotion winning QPR team so there is something there. With the way he spoke in the interview also seemed to suggest it is something the clubs have discussed.
Good idea Super The problem with Hayes is that Yann Kermorgant does his job, and does it better (not to say that Hayes was playing badly, I like him too). Kermo is undroppable at the moment so Hayes is reliant on the odd sub appearance or injury. Although his family is down here I could understand the lure of going back to Scunny where he scored lots of goals in a previous spell. O'Connor is a bit of an odd one, I've never really noticed him so far in his career. I'm not sure we should be looking to sign someone accused of drug abuse, even if he is perfectly innocent. For Ephraim to figure he would have to displace Jackson, which given he's the captain looks unlikely, unless we move him into the centre. I haven't actually seen him play yet, so won't yet pass judgement on him.
I do like a good rumour, SC - IMO, in pure footballing terms, O'Connor would be a good signing but wages would be a problem and you can't help thinking that in personal terms, the bloke's an accident waiting to happen. I'd be sorry to see Hayes go. His rapport with BWP was tremendous, it's just that Kermorgant's arrival was so overwhelming, that he got swept aside and pretty nearly forgotten. Great shame. I'm in the camp that says we don't need Ephraim - one goal against Huddersfield and one killer cross against Walsall don't really make up for the fact that he looked way unfit and at times, woefully short of ideas. But I'm also in the camp that said we didn't need Russell, and look what happened...
I too thought about JJ being moved in to the middle. It seems to be a ''problem position'' at the moment, with CP not sure who should be teaming with Hollands. We've had Stephens, Hughes, Russell and now Pritchard.
Garry O'Connor doesn't sound like a typical Powell signing. And where would that leave Clarke? I don't believe we have any other Scots at the club?
Hayes isnât going anywhere lads, I can guarantee thatâ¦!! Heâs tried for years to get a move back this way so he can be closer to his family in Essex. Heâs on a decent contract for three years so, the only way heâd move on is if he can negotiate similar terms at a club not a million miles from us. He and Kermo are similar in terms of what they bring to the party. However, Kermo for me carries a far greater physical presence and goal threat. This is why he is in the teamâ¦
From SLP: In today's paper we reveal that #cafc were closing in on loan deal for Jeffrey Schlupp - only for him to pick up injury on Saturday. Leicester were prepared to let him go if they concluded deal for Billy Sharp - but Schlupp out for 2 months with a knee injury. My #cafc sources tell me it is an emphatic no to talk of a move for Brentford defender Karleigh Osborne. #cafc did enquire about Osborne in summer but relationship between the two clubs is not good.
I guess they didn't appreciate us trying to take both central defenders last summer. Also, Rosler has come across very bitter in their two defeats to us.
If as seems likely Clarke leapfrogs Hayes in the pecking order will Hayes still be happy as 4th or even 5th choice striker? He's also different from Kermit in that he drops deeper to get the ball, and IMO he's being a bit under-used.
could be hayes. when he was dropped two matches ago (from the subs bench too) he tweeted "So pissed off!!!!!" at 2pm matchday
Twitter seems to be the way private comments, made in the heat of the comment, get transmitted to the world, only to be regretted an hour or two later! You can understand Hayes not being happy at not making the bench though.
We've got a big squad, had one for years, and now we're only allowed 5 subs, who are only used sparingly. There are bound to be frustrated players. In our best years Curbs had a small squad, many players could play more than one position, and they all knew they would be needed.
