Actually I don't think it was such a surprise. They only dropped out of the PL in 2009-10, and they didn't implode in doing so. Indeed they managed to keep hold of several good players and finished safely mid-table (11th) in 2010-11. The following season, 2011-12, they rejigged their squad and improved to finish 8th. Also, a new owner took over, releasing money to improve the squad. So, when Steve Bruce was appointed they were already on an upward path and had been revitalised both on and off the field. I'd say it is not really that surprising, though I wouldn't have predicted automatic promotion for them this year, more a play-off place (which would have been the case had Watford not blown it at the end). Re. Dazz's post, I think the test to apply is: How would we have reacted to XXXX being appointed manager of NCFC last summer? My guess is we would have been horrified if any of those had been appointed. If we had had to appoint one of them, most would say Steve Bruce would have been the best of a poor lot. But would anyone have been pleased with the appointment?
Daily Fail say we've enquired about a loan move for Jonjo Shelvey. Not sure what to make of it, I think he'd be a decent signing on loan. Good competition in the midfield certainly wouldn't walk into the first team though, although he played quite a lot for Liverpool last season.
Now saying we have made enquiries to buy him ... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ch-City-enquiry-Liverpools-Jonjo-Shelvey.html
There's other liverpool youngsters I'd look at loaning above shelvey personally... Suso and if he's not going to get game time sterling. Think off the bench they could be game changers for a team like us. On Shelvey I think it may be a cheap story, because if we're going for young midfielders I wouldn't be surprised to see tom carroll come in from spurs as Hughton is so well connected there. I also used to watch Charlton regularly and Shelvey looked class in the championship. Does anyone also remember that worldy he scored against us in the cup when he was 16 I remember thinking he looked special... But his attitude in the real world is horrendous from personal experience.
I wouldnt mind Shelvey if the price is right but when the figurs £6-8m are being mention I just think thats way too much and indicative of the issues of buying English premier league players! Way over valued for me.
The sun is saying possibly loan or 7m purchase. If he can fullfill his potential then 7m after this latest PL money deal may be a good buy. Domestic prices are about to go crazy! Bah!
He's been played all over the place really, he played a fair few times just behind the striker in a sort of wes role. I've also seen him play wide left in a more defensive role and as a ball playing midfielder. My personal preference for him is for him to start deep as he has a good pass on him and have the license to break forward and get in the box rather than starting from an advanced position. A bit like Howson did in the last 2 games of the season, rather than playing in the wes role where he may be facing away from goal a bit. I think he gets a lot of stick from people but he's quite an intelligent player positionally especially considering his lack of settlement in the team, as I think he was signed as a long term replacement for Gerrard but there's no way he could oust him from the team currently.
I've not seen enough of him to make a judgement on his playing abilities but his attitude concerns me.
jonjo shelvey is one of the most overrated english footballers of the past 25 years. i will be livid if we buy him for anything like the crazy prices being mentioned in the the daily fail article. a loan or a fee of around £2m and we might get ourselves someone who can help the squad improve (i personally think he's similar to howson ability-wise) but come off it... £7m??? **** off!!
7M is ridiculous money. If people we're saying Hooper isn't worth 7M then Shelvey certainly isn't worth that kind of money. Bridcutt would be a better option for me at a much lower price.
but bridcutt plays in a completely different role. if we signed bridcutt we may as well sign mccann - similar players but mccann is £4m cheaper! if we are going to sign a player to play in one of the 'pivot' defensive roles then we need a top player (ie would be one of if not our best player) who can control a match, otherwise i can't really see the point spending big money in that position on just squad strengthening. bridcutt is a player i advocated bringing in last summer because i really like him, but i'm not sure he's the answer this summer – i think we've moved on. i'm not wholly against bringing shelvey in – i don't rate him as anything more than an average attacking midfielder, but he could do a job for us. its just the over pricing and general attitude (which stinks by the way) which worry me. and is he really that much of an improvement on howson/hoolahan? i don't believe so – he probably has more potential than those two, but can anyone get the best out of him?
The Premier League have just released the list of released players from the PL clubs. Anyone you fancy from these? I wouldn't take any of them.
poor john bostock. what could have been eh? as for the others, i wouldn't say no to phil neville actually. good experience and leadership, purely as a squad member, versatile, could end up coaching. always rated zoltan gera but i wouldn't want him now.
