Im wondering if Sparky wants a look at Conners before making a decision. Didn't he go on loan to the Plastics before MH arrived.
One thing we have far to many of are old players, who whilst being experienced are more prone to injury, take longer to recover, generally have less hunger and are less likely to train well, show improvements and learn new things. We have the oldest average squad age in the premier league, of 29.8! Arsenal by comparison is 25.2. 18 clubs have an average of between 25-27 with only us and stoke exceeding this. Man U , City, Chelsea and Liverpool all have an average of 26 and have plenty of 'experienced' players in the squad. So basically we need to get rid of some of our old men Clint Hill, Luke Young, Shaun Derry, Kieron Dyer, Tommy Smith, Rob Hulse and Heidar Helguson are all 32 or above and some of these need to go. My point is somewhat weakened however with new signings such as Ryan Nelson - 34, but you get my point these boys can't carry on forever and no other Premiership team has a squad as old as ours, and there is a reason for this.
A TEARLESS FAREWELL TO: Hulse (not good enough for our Championship team) Connolly (ditto) Dyer (Will never be fit enough) Barton (please, God) THOSE WHO WON'T GET MUCH/ANY GAME TIME Helgusson (after our recent signings) Smith (didn't get much time last season, even less in the coming season) Ephraim (too lightweight for an aspiring team like the new QPR) Bothroyd (didn't play much last season and the competition has got tougher, plus he seems lazy) POPULAR NOMINATIONS FOR AN EXIT BUT WHO I'D KEEP Young (I liked him, plus we need cover) SWP (disappointing but works hard and, with confidence, could still come good imo) We need to reduce the wage bill.
I thought Hulgusson looked sharp from what I saw of him playing this pm. I'd keep. I'd also keep Barton. He knows he's on his last chance. It's in his contract. He's been taken down a peg or two, and it won't do him any harm. I never thought I'd say this, but he's a family man now, and may just calm down. If he focuses on his play and not his fugging tweeting, he's a Prem quality player. He may be just what we need after Xmas when we're hit by injuries.
Tommy is a trier but not sure he can get into our first 11. Would love to see him and Ephraim stay but can see the same thing happening to Hogan. I am looking forward to seeing wha MH can do with Betty - whether he can install "something" into a player who was called into the England squad not too long ago - this also applies to Connolly. Want to see Hulse go, he has no future. DJ - cannot realistically see him getting into first team. SWP - the move has not worked out. Maybe not playing in one position hasn't helped, change of managers etc but reckon a fresh start elsewhere would be best for both parties. Barton............can't we just get him an arrow suit????? Don't think MH wants Luke Young - but then who will take on his contract? Dyer - reckon this is last chance saloon for a boy with talent.......and a tendency for long term injuries!
If Dyer starts a game for us and gets injured in the first 10mins i'm not sure if I will feel sorry for him or just start laughing
The commentator yesterday said he was 'injured'! Quelle surprise! as a pretentious wannabe Frenchman might say
In order of preference, as in out the door first. Hulse - There must be a Sunday league team that's a bit short on numbers Barton - I never want him in a hooped shirt again - Could have got us relegated! Dyer - Complete waste of time DJ - Not going to get a sniff, so not fair to keep him Bothroyd - Out of his depth in the Prem Smith - Roller, I know what you mean, but needs to go, same reason as DJ In the needing a kick up the arse category - Connolly - Always thought he had the potential, now's the time to show it SWP - Not quite sure what to say. Has bags of ability, just hasn't used it! Definitely keep - Hill - Earned his right to stay with his performances towards the end of the season Helgusson - Always going to get a goal or two
We have signed some good players but as you say some are coming to the end of their career at the top level On the plus side we will need to sign more fresh faces next season to replace the old fogies I always look forward to new signings
I know, I know, but I still want him to stay. I find his presence reassuring. He has a great attitude, always gave his best.
