That’s one thing pep does well. But he has a squad of absolute beasts. And doesn’t have 76 injuries. We are fine under Howe. We just need a bit of luck. And FFP to do one.
Was literally just coming online to say “is there anything more ****ing mind numbingly boring than Man City in the final third”. I’m not even jealous it’s just ****ing dreadful. I’d hate us to become that.
Did anyone see that assault by the Man City goalkeeper on the Brentford player. But apparently because it was outside the box it was ok? WTF?
Newcastle United have compiled a detailed scouting report on Everton's French midfielder Amadou Onana, 22, before a planned attempt to sign him in the summer. (Football Insider) Hopefully this is more detailed than the research done on Harrison Ashby and Lewis Hall.
Be nice if we compiled a detailed scouting report on Lille's Amadou Onana when he cost £30m instead of now when he's £60m. Honestly, everyone on this forum could compile a scouting report on him now. What next? A comprehensive overview of emerging talent Phil Foden? A detailed summary of Erling Haaland?
Eh? £63m for Isak mate, we hardly unearthed a gem! £55m for Tonali as well, it’s not a model an FFP-wary club should be focused on. Botman is a bit more comparable, but we went on to throw more money at Gordon, Livramento and bloody Harvey Barnes! Why have we suddenly stopped that scouting?
Bruno was a bargain too mate. But your point still stands. Its not like we are unearthing cheap talents is it?
We’re 2 years in… the scouting networks and academy structure will take time to bear fruit. Be nice to pluck a few gems, but it’s never that easy and anyone we get linked with from SA Chelsea buy and subsequently ruin
I generally find that it's best to stick to small, simple words, otherwise the point you're trying to make seems to get misunderstood more times than not - especially with the BWC ...
'Cheap' and 'Talent' very rarely go together though. Like Fadge said, a high quality, global scouting system will take time to build. So gems like the ones Brighton have found won't come quickly. In the meatime, we have introduced established 'talent' - just not all on the cheap, including: Tripps Botman Bruno Isak Gordon Barnes Tonali Livramento But a lot of them are young enough to have quite a few years at the top. And we have brought through young talent such as Miley & Anderson Plud we have invested in cheaper (but younger, less proven) talent for the future, including: Garang Kuol Yankuba Minteh Travis Hernes Cathal Heffernan Alex Murphy Alfie Harrison Charlie Wiggett Amadou Diallo Charlie McArthur Plus various others. We've also had a lot of youngsters out on loan to gain experience. Some of those listed above, plus the likes of: Jay Turner-Cook Joe White Lucas De Bolle Kell Watts Matty Bondswell Obviously not all of these lads will 'make it' at the top. But the club is clearly investing in the future, rather than just spunking millions on over rated has-beens looking for their last big payday. Many clubs have fallen foul of that short-sighted approach in the past. I think the club's future will be very bright, even if there has been a bit of a wobble this season. I still see it as a long term plan. Any short term success is just a bonus.
