It's a major positive for us actually. It cements Philogene's value at the same level. Any talk of £15m is nonsense now. It doesn't scream 'we've learnt from our mistakes in the market'. It looks like another example of Acun wanting to be proved right.
I wasn't there, but I know all about it - I was 2x10 weekend so let my son use my pass for the Reading game; Jay Tabb saw a sliding tackle coming to get him so before the (expected) impact he jumped in the air and screamed in an effort to con the ref for a free kick; his problem was he jumped a fraction too soon and our man pulled his foot back leaving Tabb screaming in agony with no-one near him. Right in front of the East Stand! Thereafter, when the ball went anywhere the near him, the East Stand screamed in unison, they did it so much his own players were pissing themselves and the referee struggled to keep from laughing too. My son still reckons its the funniest thing he's ever seen at a football match. PS Must have been really ****ing funny cos I saw Elmo's dive against Arsenal
I think Giles is a good signing, TW will play him similar to how Carrick played him at Boro. Liam had clearly told him to be more defensive minded than attacking, I'm pretty sure we will see the best of him this coming season.
So in summary of the past couple of days....... The owners are money laundering con men, the world is the ****test place to be in as we haven't signed anybody and sold the whole squad, whereas everyone else has kept everyone on their books and bought players to strengthen them. We sign someone for and undisclosed fee!! Well he's the ****test signing we could make, too much money (undisclosed), can't defend etc, etc. no better than we already have!
Comparing Ryan Giles to Matty Jacob, it’s clear that the latter did a better job in the left back role. However, not only will the style will be different this season (allowing him to do what he does best and get forward more), but people need to remember that it was probably just form. Giles has been at decent clubs for long enough and made a name for himself at this level. I think he’ll come good. As for the loan thing, I agree that it was an obligation rather than our option. But I’m sure Giles will want to prove himself to the doubters and play for this wonderful club. I know I keep saying it, but exciting times are coming. UTT.
I’ve watched a bit of Swiss football. There are quite a few gems in that league that could definitely make the step up to the Championship or even higher like mid-table Ligue 1 teams or one of the better Dutch and Belgian teams. It was announced in April that Ardon Jashari would join Club Brugge from Luzern for €6 million this summer. He’s a good, young talent and I can see him going to a top 5 European league in a few years after Club Brugge if he impresses. Another player who I’ve raved about before on here is Cheick Condé who currently plays for FC Zürich. He’s been linked with Trabzonspor, Metz, some other French teams and Norwich in the last 12 months. Very good, athletic defensive midfielder. Defensively he’s brilliant and his work rate is exceptional. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time to make a tackle or interception. He’s also really good at bringing the ball forward after winning back possession and is quite technically-gifted on the ball and has good vision and passing range. Surprisingly good dribbler for a defensive mid. If there’s one weakness to his game I can think of, it’s discipline. He’s picked up a couple red cards this season and quite a few yellows. Has a tendency to be a bit too aggressive and reckless in challenges and lose his rag and lash out. Regarding Celar, he’s a good striker. Decent presser, really composed finisher, good in the air, strong, not rapid but not slow either and can link up well. Other young talents in the Swiss league are Renato Veiga and Thierno Barry at Basel, Alvyn Sanches at Lausanne, Albian Hajdari (would be a decent long-term replacement for Greaves) at Lugano and some others I’m probably forgetting. It’s definitely a market City and other Championship clubs should explore.
When I saw the happy birthday video I thought it was an odd choice to begin with an Ohio goal so wondered if that might mean he's coming back, he also shared the video himself. Probably just reading into it too much.
Crap rumour time, Boro still keen to sign Giles on loan from us with option to buy if they get promoted!
I thought he played very well when he first signed on loan. He got injured and took a long time to recover when he was brought back in the team. When fully fit I’m sure his form will improve in the coming season. Billy B
I know, but it still wouldn’t be a bad signing. Other than Johansson, he was their best player last season and the season before that.
