Christ I didn't realise they spent that much. Ideally those are the kind of players we'd look to sign but we can't spend that kind of money.
Slightly ironic that having rubbished Quinn and Meyler you then carry as a signature a picture of Ashbee, who was almost universally written off as a Premiership no hoper before he'd played there. What was your own personal take on his chances at that time? Did you change your mind after a few games? Or did you always have faith in him? Just wondered.
Before this season I thought Ramirez was someone who the likes of Arsenal/Spurs should be looking at. He's not exactly been crap for Southampton, but he's really disappointed me this season. As you say we can't be spending that sort of money, so we'll just have to hope Bruce can pull another Valencia out of a hat.
Getting hold of decent players costs a **** load. This is why I'm happy with most of the talented players we've already got.
Remember also, that this crop of players will be desperate to prove they have Premier league class. So nobody will work harder than them. This is why last time we went up we set the league on fire in the first few months and gradually slipped back as effort could not make up for class. Hence 2nd Season syndrome, as players get "found out". What we need to do is harness the determination and gradually introduce better quality players as the season wears on. Bruce will be well aware of this and will be looking at improvements through the season as it becomes obvious who is, and who isn't, making the grade. The problem we had last time was that Phil Brown stayed too loyal (to his old troopers) until it was too late and then discovered how hard it was to persuade good players to come to Hull. As a consequence we ended up with geriatrics and cripples. Bruce has certain advantages:- More money. His own reputation. A better squad to start with A better knowledge of premiership clubs and players. More experience More Brain.
I expect us to bring in at least 8 players. 2 keepers, Elmo, a new centre mid, a new left back, Gedo, an attacking midfielder and another striker. Then we'd play something like: ---------New Keeper Rosenior/Chester/Hobbs/New LB -------------Meyler -------Elmo/New CM/Brady New forward/New forward or Fryatt Bench: New Keeper Macca Quinn Dudgeon New Forward New attacking midfielder Gedo On top of that there'll be some unexpected loans depending on who's available. The likes of Quinn, Cairney and McShane are going to be useful players, probably even very good players but we can't take the risk that they'll be good enough without bringing in players who are available. Play it right and we'll have a good premier league squad that will be competitive but should the worst happen we'll still have players who will stay for a championship promotion push the season after.
he deserves one!! he was class last time and hes still i belive the best passer of a ball we have. his ball retention abilitys and techincal abilitys are a delight to watch (insert "but but he always makes sideways passes") his play style is what is needed for the prem, not the rough and tumble championship. he has improved in the tackling and work rate department too!! (not much mind) that said i would not risk it haha
I hope Quinn gets a good shot at the Prem. Just look at Joe Allen and Leon Britton for how the little player can still prove his worth in the Prem. Meyler has a point to prove. Brady will be the new Geo, I can see that now.
just to point out i might belive 90% of our squad are not good enough, but i do hope if given the chance (i hope they dont get it) they prove me wrong. i dont see that happening tho.... if they turn out to do ok i will gladly eat some humble pie, not going to happen though. take your blinkers off there not as good as you are making out.
Burnley seem to think they'll have to sell Austin this summer....one year left on his contract, if we can pick him up for £2-£3m I'd be well chuffed. http://boards.footymad.net/forum.php?tno=104&fid=297&sty=2&act=1&mid=2112870770&page=1
AS you saw again yesterday Quinn is a brilliant crosser of the ball. He'll do great in the premiership, slightest touch and he'll be over. Deserves everything he gets for all his hard work. If Brady gets a lot of the unnecessary fancy bollocks drilled out of him he can be a huge star.