Well with tatey out until what looks like the new year , are we about to renew our interests in Bates ? He is the only centre back we have been officially chasing from what I can remember , we have until Wednesday to sign him if we do.
Still don't fancy the thought of signing somebody who's had four cruciate ops but i think we need two or three more signings by wednesday if possible.
got to be carefull here,look where the last few panic last minuite signings got us(beattie etc)',unless we have someone well in the pipiline...forget it
Pembs he has been in the pipeline for at least a month mate, that is why I am thinking we could now go in for him with tatey out, I understand the knee problems he has had, and really uncertain with it, but he is boro's captain for a reason.
How about bringing Painter back from Brighton?? Just a thought, good defender played for Ireland, and the Prem, we never treated him good after his injury either, he be good cover.................................. please log in to view this image
He's highly rated, still Phil. He'd be quality as he's a LB but can play CB too, problem is he's one of Brighton's stand out performers and I doubt they'd let him go without a fight... even then do you reckon Painter would fancy a move back to us? As you say, he didn't seem to get much of a look in after his injury.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...make-2m-bid-Middlesbroughs-Matthew-Bates.html Swans to make improved 2 million bid apparently...
As I've said elsewhere I actually think we'll be OK anyway, but Bates does look the business to be fair and if the Manager wants him that has to be good enough for me.
I am sure our Brendan has people lined up. i am hoping and i believe there wont be any panic buying by him. Just my opinion but reckon Bates is nailed on to join us. Will wait for the pelters if he doesnt. Also 2 others will be needed just cant wait to see who these might be..
Looks like Bates, as we are upping our offer! Agree Scott, shame, we should never have let Painter go, I liked the boy, good honest player, with his feet on the ground, and he wanted desperately to get back into the team............ please log in to view this image
Think this would be a very good buy but would he go from first team boro captain to possibly on our bench as Caulker and Williams been doing a fine job and given that Boro have thrown a lot of money at their players im assuming we wont offer THAT much more than what he is on now. Saying that if we do buy him would that push Caulker to bench??
Always thought it was a poor decision in letting Painter go. Should also of only let Harley go out on loan, bit of Championship level experience was all that was needed, so he could come back in January to push for a place. Might even have needed him.
