Jones has been a solid performer for us, but he fell out of favour under Selles and by the sounds of it Jackie isn't too keen on him either, he prefers McLoughlin. I think Jones has proven he can play at this level, but he's getting to the age where he needs to be consistently performing at this standard and for me he doesn't do that enough to warrant getting in ahead of Egan or Hughes (or Macca, for that matter). McLoughlin is the better player for me when putting both centre halves side by side.
I think that’s a massive exaggeration. They’ve not let us down countless times. They’re just not standout performers like Greavesy was for example. Maka would be my choice purely because he’s a miles better box defender plus it’s good to have a lefty available
Not against selling Jones, but let’s hope Jakirovic doesn’t have to resort to 3 CBs too often, as we will be a bit short.
I feel they make more mistakes than most hence why they aren’t standout performers. Macca more solid but far less mobile blokes stuck in the mud.
Before the fee restriction, I heard we were close to agreeing a £2.5 million deal with Rijeka for Stjepan Radeljić (the 6’7” left-footed centre-back). Like Frigan, Jakirović was really pushing for that signing. That would’ve made sense only if Jones and/or McLoughlin were allowed to leave. I still think selling Jones for £2M is good business but I’d keep hold of McLoughlin as we would only have four senior centre-backs if Jones goes.
Jakirović has been shafted every bit as much as Walter was. He’ll no doubt keep his council but he must be thinking ‘what have I agreed to here?’ I said a year ago (well as the friendlies started) that Walter would be gone in November. I think likewise about Jakirović - although for him it may be earlier.
Walter had one hand tied behind his back by Acun. Jakirović has both tied. It must be exhausting and frustrating working for a man like that.
One name I think would make sense on loan is Bartuğ Elmaz. He’s a young defensive midfielder at Fenerbahçe and spent the second half of last season on loan at Maribor and did really well, apparently. I know he’s no longer on the board at Fenerbahçe but we signed players from them before he was. That’s if Fenerbahçe is willing to do us a favour by loaning a young, talented player without a loan fee involved because previous history has suggested the relationship revolves around us funnelling money to them in the form of inflated transfer/loan fees and covering wages for their deadwood.
I wonder if NK Maribor also have any players they could loan to us? They don't have a transfer embargo in place.
Re the relationship with Fenerbache... wasn't it reported this week that the Chairman / owner. friend has offered financial support..? I think it was a thread re saffiport sponsorship...
I think that would have to wait until later in the month if at all... they have Europa Conference League qualifiers.
They have a big striker who scored 12 goals and got 6 assists last season, I think his name is Benjamin. I'll see if I can get his full name. Found it, He is called Benjamin Tetteh
Id snap your hand off for Big Ben’s comeback in these current conditions, might not kick on but he was a tidy player who didn’t play up top enough
I know we’re desperate but Tetteh had about 5 minutes of decent play, the rest he was either injured, coming back from injury or just ****! Let’s move on from past mistakes & not make any more!