I don't regard myself as xenophobic,but I must admit that the lack of foreign players in our squads over the last 3 years seemed to instill a team spirit,sadly lacking in previous seasons. I know the top foreign players have been good for the game,but I believe that the average ones have had a detrimental effect on our game. Younger players have not been allowed to mature,quickly rejected for a quick fix of a perceived "better foreign" alternative. With the loan of Javier Garrido I hope we are not following this theme.
i'm of the opinion that any successful team needs a core throughout it of home based players. i think its one reason why arsenal have struggled over the last few years. we've perhaps gone to another extreme of only having home based players but thats because our philosophy of purchasing lower down the pyramid means that the vast majority of players in that mould are british or irish nationals. i like to see a bit of foreign influence in any team - i think its nice to see but only if they bring something that brits don't. i think by suggesting this after the signing of one foreign player is a little weird though... i mean, its only one guy! we've hardly turned into arsenal! we should buy whoever is the best player available, regardless of nationality, but within the structure i mentioned.
I think you have a good point Yarco and agree largely. That said, if we were to include a couple of 'foreigners' that would be fine as long as they add to the overall team and squad. Overseas players for the sake of it is of course totally wrong. In an ideal world, I would prefer the whole squad to come from Norfolk but that just ain't gonna happen.
I`m of the opinion where English players should be welcome Overseas players in their team, as they can learn (either new technique or how to counter it) the different styles (e.g Spanish, passing play). However, it is brilliant to be able to see say look at us and our British squad, aren`t we a good example of homegrown talent.
I think it helps to have an English core at an English club in the same way it helps to have a Spanish core at a Spanish club. I don't think it's a problem until big egos get involved, and tht can be any nationality. If your willing to get stuck in and get involved and gelled with the group then that's what I want to see. Watch the little training drills at half time, if they are laughing and joking, it's working It probably gets to be a problem at arsenal or Chelsea or whatever lol, god knows what language they do their Training sessions in!
To nit pick Ayala is Spanish and we welcomed his signing at the time. I did enjoy hearing a statistic last year that for at least one game we put out a side that was totally English (first time ever in Premeirship?) but generally I support getting the best player we can afford for any position, provided there is a British core to the team.
My point was not to ignore foreign players,but conversely don't just bring them in because they are perceived to be better than what we already have. Thomas Helveg in 2004-5 was a prime example. His CV was brilliant,but what did he do for us?? Not a lot IMO. Mattias Jonson was another, also in 2004-5. I hope Garrido is absolutely brilliant and proves a good acquisition Role on Saturday.OTBC
You are correct of course. It's heartening to know he's already played in te premier league (and elsewhere) so gelling with the lads we already have should not be an issue
For me its not about Nationality its about attitude. Our recruitment policy seems to value leadership (hence the number of ex-captains in our squad), hunger (that desire to continually improve and want to play every week - not just sit on the bench and rake in the wonga), and youth (because it makes sound for sound finances). I'm guessing its been easier and more cost effective to recruit from the local leagues given our cost structure. Now with a little more money in our budget we can scout further afield.
From the quotes from Garrido he seems down to earth and delighted to be back in the Prem, he doesn't strike me as someone who'll disrupt the dressing room, he'll probably want to take the King of Spain label off Lapps mind I think the most obvious examples of players who'll disrupt a dressing room are in fact English. Joey Barton, Jimmy Bullard, John Terry etc. I think it's just healthier, as you say yarco, to have players from the same nationality, it's obvious if that's the case they'll get on more because they probably have more things in common, but a few will do no harm at all. To be fair though I think Hughton will continue to sign British players as well as look abroad.
The worst thing about the Premiership....... All the damn English players, they should be banned from playing in this country.
pity ayala has gone on loan, his presence would have helped garido settle in faster as a fellow spaniard (does the king of spain speak spanish?).
