I seem to recall that there was an outcry on here when we paid something like £1.5m for Maddison. 'Why are we wasting money on kids etc.'.
I thought everyone was actually pretty stoked at getting Maddison as it appeared to be something of a transfer coupe at the time. Some of the others less well known whilst we continued to fail to add players who were actually going to improve the starting XI were met with a degree of frustration, because as with Maddison they have not played and thus have not either saved us from relegation or as yet pushed us to promotion. All of us recognise the value in developing and promoting youth, especially for a club of our limited means. But at the end of the day, we are neither the biggest payers or most glamourous option for the best youth, so it is hardly surprising that they are not all playing and taking the Champ by storm. A prime example for me is people calling for Toffalo to not be loaned out and given his chance. Given our lack of options there I can see why, but and I may be selling the lad short having not seen a lot of his play at Scunny this season, but when I have seen him, he has looked a defensive liability. I definitely wouldn't want him any nearer the team than Whittaker, Yes even at LB I think Whittaker may be the better/less risky option! Youth has to be ready, I think AN has been a bit risk averse thus far with the younguns, but our season ain't over yet, so I can understand his retiscence to overload with youth. I don't agree with it, but I don't see them training. One of the chief critisisms our team has had leveled at it is, that it is light weight and that may well be made worse with loading it with younguns? Bah!
Excellent post General and thanks for the update on Toffolo. I'm fortunate in being able to attend the youff games and some of those who are in their early 20s have an excellent physique and I'm sure wouldn't be brushed off the ball too easily - they'd also scare the living daylights out of some teams with their speed and agility against aging/sluggish defenders and so I'd love to see them at least as an option off the bench. Perhaps as the games come thick and fast over the next few weeks - who knows what AN might try, but I HOPE he doesn't try and start Hoolahan 3 times in 8 days!!!!
The problem is JM that the ageing/sluggish defenders would probably maim them for life with late tackles!
Norwich City received over £800,000 from EUEFA for releasing players for the Euros last year, the third highest amount in the Championship! http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/762311/Uefa-cash-boost-Championship-side-sportgalleries
Speaking for myself General, I was excited about the Maddison purchase because it appeared as if he was ready for 1st team action. He was obviously young but already playing an exciting, direct yet mature game and therefore a key role for his team. I'm sure Aberdeen saw plenty of that. I sometimes wish we did too, even if off the bench for a tiring Hoolahan.
Excellent post HQMC and my thoughts exactly - I wonder what would have happened had he signed for one of the top 4 teams??? As the General says, AN is far too risk averse in playing the youff and I know most fans I've spoken to would cut him 'more slack' if he did, as opposed to always persisting with some of his ageing squad; most of whom have suffered 2 relegations I was lucky enough to see JM in action just a few weeks ago and he was instrumental in our victory against Villa under 23s. He scored a sublime first goal, his link play to teammates nearly always found it's intended target and his corner kicks ALWAYS cleared the first defender. IF he stays, I feel he could go on to become our next Darren Huckerby!!!!
What's going on at Newcastle, Rafa quitting or not? hope so, could do with one or 2 of the top teams to go on a bad run.
No chance. He's just flexing his control. He knows he is unsackable. He wants more say, and more of his targets to be bought in.
Chelsea...3 Arsenal...1 Chelsea looked amazing from what I saw. Hazards goal was amazing. I think he ran it past the whole team!!
Gabbiadini Already scored. 10 minutes into his debut for Saints. I said that was a fantastic signing. That goal was a stunner!
Villa beaten in injury time by struggling Forest. Villa. On the same points as................ Ipswich!!!
