As NUTS says, (proportionately) so have older players and the facilities to redeem them. To be fair, we didn't fall short last season because our thirtysomethings couldn't cut it on fitness did we? In fact the only evidence of that was backstage with HH failing to recover for so long. Even if you were right about the fitness factor, basic economics haven't changed. What's the pull for quality younger players with proven prem experience to join a club that have little chance of tangible success? And what's it saying about the quality and outlook of those young guns who buck the trend?
Weve got older players. 17 out of the 25 were 30 or over this season. We need to drop that amount to about 5. Not get more of them.
Hi Flyer I have to be honest and say that when i was writing this piece a small smile came across my face at what i knew would be your reaction. Look at the sentence i have put in bold above. This tells me that you did not get the meaning of my article. Let's get one thing right Flyer, every footballer is after a big payday regardless of their age or ability. It's the main reason why so many footballers do not stay the full length of a contract at their clubs anymore. Always looking for the next big signing on fee and payday. You do not have to be over 30 to be looking for a big contract. I suppose it's now normal in football. I was not talking about final paydays when i wrote this, i was talking about the ability of a 30+ year old to play in the Prem and as I mentioned there are several examples in most sports of players who can still perform consistently high will into their thirties. I agree with you that there must be a blend of youth and experience. That's a given. I would also like to see some younger players brought in and I am confident that will happen not just in this transfer window but also the next 2 or 3. I will bet that both Nelson and Johnson will only play supporting roles as mainly squad players and that IMHO makes them good solid acquisitions. These two have huge experience and that will help the whole squad. Nelson only got a one year contract (perfect) and Johnson who has not even signed yet, will only get a contract linked to MHs decision of how long he can be effective for us.( a 2-3 year contract is fine). Our owners are businessmen. they will not throw away money like in the past. Players brought in will have to give value for money. These two and Green will undoubtedly do that.
age doesnt matter, we need players in the squad with prem experience and thats what hughes is trying to do ,so just let him get on with the job and stop moaning
The difference is young players wages usually reflect their ability. Old players wages are based on how good they were years ago so you usually end up massively overpaying them. Johnson will be on near double the wages of Taarabt or Faurlin and hes a lot worse than they are. They are throwing money away with every player over 30 they sign. Players over 30 are worth very little but you can sell younger players on, eg lots of clubs will jump at the 2 above but not SWP, Barton or Bothroyd.
Reserve judgement until 1 end of the window - with the exception of Nelsen ( who i think is just about there) none of these 'oldies' with us yet 2 naming of the 25 - who knows what the mix of geriatrics and nappy wearers will be 3 10-15 games played - lets see how it works I personally want to see a few young, HOMEGROWN, players in the squad, but I don't expect it this year. This will be the benchmark of our success in building a dynasty. Meanwhile I'll trust Sparky, he's got a good record in the market, we are evolving and there will be some temporary measures. The transfer speculation thread is now up to 81 names, it's hysterical reading.
How do you know this? In all the years I've been interested in football, I've yet to see any documentary evidence definitively showing t&cs and/or details of rewards etc.. Those journalists, e.g. David Mac, who are close enough to the club to have got access to such things, invariably suggest that media / public speculation is massively exaggerated.
Fulham signed him for £10m, hes not going to be on peanuts. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-told-cough-4m-sign-Fulhams-Andy-Johnson.html sorry for using the fail but hes on 40k. You really think Taarabt or Faurlin are on that? More like 20-25k at most. Older players will only move for more money so they are always on more than if they were 23 even though they are worse than they were at that age. clubs should be forced to declare all fees and wages for every players. Maybe then public pressure will drive down wages.
Old? How much is Paul Scholes ? Still by far the best player in the league I would sign him until he died Best player apart from Zindane I have seen
Absolutely agree with you FFS. Common sense, ( Having said that pure common sense on here would be dull wouldn't it?)
