Good to read all the opinions drifting in with regards to the possible arrival of yet another Ferdinand at Headquarters. But some of the comments have sparked a thought in my head.......let me share with you..... The main question, or even concern, that is associated with this deal is "Isn't he too old?" or "not another mercenary looking for a final payday". Valid points perhaps, but I think it is worth scratching below the surface and look beyond our recent failings with older players when last in the Premier League. Yes, we made some nightmare signings.....Bosingwa possibly the worst, alongside Park. But I personally think that Rio is a different kettle of fish. Here's why: 1) Excellent Pro throughout his career (bar the little "missing a drug test episode") 2) Excellent leader 3) One of England's all-time greatest defenders (80+ caps) I know that last season wasn't his greatest, mostly due to injury. But Richard Dunne missed the entire previous season, but proved that at his similar age (and far less skill set) he could come back and do an excellent job. We have had a number of very good older signings: Derry, Hill, Green, Nelsen, etc who have all contributed. So getting back to the title of my post. I am also 35. I was fitter when I was 21 for sure......more spring in my legs, and probably a little leaner. But I am certainly a more savvy sportsman now, and have learned how to conserve energy and try and be more efficient. And this is all with Broscience, personal knowledge, average genetics and lots of trial and error. Now multiply all of that with a professional footballer of today, and a pro footballer with a multitude of services at his disposal. Sports therapists, dieticians, physios, doctors, psychologists, etc etc. Many of these positions have grown dramatically in the past 10 years, and some within the past 5 years. In addition, if you add a great work ethic (see Clint Hill) and sensible living, a recovery programme and all of the other frills I don't see a problem with a 35 year old lacing his boots up in the Hoops shirt. Bottom line for me, is that a 35 year old 10 years ago would probably passed it. A 35 year-old pro today, with Rio's pedigree has to be worth a punt. The same goes for Lampard if a a deal ever came this way.
As a centre-back the age is less significant than say for a left-back, Hill being a good example of this. I think Rio's experience and his ability to pass out from the back would be a welcome addition to the team, I get the jitters every time Dunne has the ball at the back so that would be a significant improvement...
There's not a problem with a 35 yo as other players can carry them, there's a problem when 3 of your back four could be 35, we will get murdered.
A 'regular' person being fitter in their 30s than 20s is one thing. The demands placed on the body at the very very highest level of sport is a different kettle of fish altogether though. Rio's been crocked since 2012, as evidenced by his diminishing performance-level in the PL, and frequent omission from the Utd squad: http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/oct/14/rio-ferdinand-manchester-united I see what you're saying, but the 3 positives you've given could all be said about John Terry or Sol Campbell, neither of whom would be appropriate. In my opinion there should be 3 requisites for a signing: 1) They're a good player (currently) 2) They have the 'right sort' of character 3) They're the 'right sort' of player for the club (fit the club's signing ethos, right age, right career history, are better than the majority of other options, will fill a necessary role etc.) Rio only fully satisfies 2), and 1) is very debatable. We can do a lot better; this is the kind of move clubs push through in the final hour of the transfer window when desperate.
We have a short pitch, not oodles of running. He would be able to control the back line nicely I reckon. Centre halfs don't need loads of pace .....cool under pressure, strong and good spacial awareness. Ticks those boxes for me......let's see what happens!!
Our pitch, is 112 yards, longer than spurs, everton, Liverpool. The longest are only 2-4 yards bigger which is of course 1-2 yards in one half. It makes no difference at all, I think the PL may have even standardised them even further recently
That really surprises me. Went to Goodison last season and the pitch felt a lot bigger. Maybe it's cos of the closeness of our stands.
The biggest and smallest pitch in the PL on have a 3 yard difference in each half. I think they want all pitches the same size now. Its all in the players heads when they say we have a small pitch.
