Completely disagree about selling Stones. Couple of bad performances shouldn't detract from the talent that he has. Yes, experience is very important for a CB but him getting that experience next to Jagielka and Baines can only make him a better player. Why would Everton want to let that go looking at the rest of the quality in the squad. I know if he was here I'd not want to accept any amount of money for him and would prefer for him to grow into that experienced CB.
My only concern with Stones as he does not seem the natural defender. Its all very well being a good footballing centre half but first and foremost you need to sense danger and snuff it out. The likes of Terry, Adams, Campbell, Ferdinand etc etc all had this ability. Stones doesn't seem to do it. I certainly would not be picking him for Euros just yet. The worry I have is that is not really something coached, but rather inherent in good defenders.
Not usual i put a post up here, but in all honesty i wish Willo all the best at Wolves. I was at his Debut in the Championship, which in all honest was his level...but lets remember we finished 5th when he was in the team for the best part of that season...so he must have done something right. I just feel that once he got into his thirties he lost what little pace he had and he became a scape goat for what was the **** seasons we were having. I mean at some points (ie last season under carver) we had no-one else to turn too, and yes he was as bad as everyone else, but did we expect miracles from him. He always reminded me of Andy O'Brien in his style of play, done his job and went home...and for the best part he done that to great extent. He will do well in his twilight years at Wolves and i'll be keeping an eye on him We have had far far far worse players pull the shirt on. In my opinion he always played with HEART. And as a toon fan thats all i want.
I don't mind Willo. He has been well past PL standard for a couple of seasons but he always tried his best which is more than you can say for some of the more talented players in his time here.
According to Chronicle he went for 250K. Sounds like we just wanted to get him off the books. Either that or Mike Ashley has a warm heart and let him go at a rock-bottom price so he could play some football. I suspect the former.
That is exactly the price I thought he'd go for. He's got 5 months left on his contract so he was never going to fetch very much.
Oh ok, I thought he had another year. Well yeah..good for him to move on. As for Stones, I'm sure he's destined to be a very good player and defender or midfielder, but as with say Rodwell...injuries can take their toll. So as a general policy for a club...if you have a promising young defender and are offered stupid money, I would take it every time. Simply because you can go out and buy experience who will in the meanwhile can do the same job.
