Looks like Gutierrez is on his way

He has got a beard so that'll endear him to Bradders, Hoolahoops, Snoddy, Redmond, etc. Can't see our next sponsors being Gillette somehow !

 

Good point. Sign him up before we get someone even worse!

 

A good signing for you boys.
Yes he has hustle and bustle but the ball sticks to him like glue which helps bring others into the game.
He was the making of Santon as he provided solid defensive cover too.
If you need an experienced player alongside you in the trenches for a battle.. he's the type of guy you need.
I'd also not discount Joey Barton either. For all his faults still an excellent footballer.

 

Judging by the Pink Un board, I think a lot of the negativity about Gutierrez is not related to the player per se, but to the fact that this means Hughton seems definitely to be staying until the end of the season and that he is going to get another transfer window in which he may get rid of the few creative players we have left. I know they are a motley bunch, but the sheer strength of feeling against Hughton on there now is overwhelming. A few brave happy clappers left but they are in a definite minority.

 

I think he will be a good signing and we need the cover. The only thing that concerns me is how long he's been side-lined for, just wondering if it will take a while for him to get back up to speed. I agree with others calling for a CAM, the need has been there since last summer, if CH doesn't sign a CAM it's going to be a real struggle for us to stay up. The service issue has been there for sometime though, last season was no different, makes you wonder how long it will be before CH actually does something about it.

 

Whenever has the Pink Un messageboard EVER had anything to do with reasoned, unbiased, debating?

 

I posted on the transfer thread that Ruiz to PSV is to free up Toivonen to move. I really think he'll be coming to us now...and then be useless!

 

I assume your referring to the chance of Pilkington going to Swansea, I wouldn't be surprised if he's free to leave due to the fact that his contract is running out and he'll want a higher salary but he's seemingly incapable of playing a full season.

I wonder if the delay in signing a very available player is that he's our second choice and were looking at other options knowing that Gutierrez will probably wait as he doesn't seem to be in demand.

 

If as it´s being reported it´s a loan with a view to buying in the summer, it seems like a win-win situation, he´s experienced, been in this predicament before, prepared to put his back in and lead by example, hungry for football again after being frozen out, certainly worth a punt I´d say.

 

That I'd defiantly go for, its cover we need now but we might not want permanently. Good deal if we can get it.

 

You're really defiant about this one, aren't you Bath.

 

I really think we need a new left winger, we look really unbalanced without it

 

i think the problem is that its reportedly a £3 million fee for a 30 year old that cant get in the Newcastle team... i'd prefer to see any of our current options making the team over Gutierrez...

I do feel for Hughton a little bit. He/we needs a bit of positivity, something for the fans to, dare i say it, get excited about and to lift spirits...and he pulls this out the bag... oh fella.

I can't remember enjoying a season less than this one, not for a fair old while...

 

I think if these both pan out it will be excellent but it's really down to CH to get the best out of them. RVW for instance is a top class player, but he has been a bit dire for us.

 

Epic fail!

 

That's what I meant Rob. My "More consternation" was ironic.

 

If Gutierrez is loan with an option to buy, and we do land Toivonen I'll be pretty happy. Whilst I'm not sold on Gutierrez yet, the cover will be needed for the rest of the season, and if Pilkington doesn't sign a new contract then we'll at least have one natural left winger in the side still.

I still think it's too early to judge RvW. He took a few games to find his feet, and then played injured for several games. Since coming back he's only started vs Fulham and Everton. It took a top-class save to keep him out against Fulham, and he looked better than Hooper against Everton. If we can sort the service out to him, and Toivonen might be the man to help provide that, I'm convinced he'll come good.

 

I think a loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy would be the way to go. That would also suit him as well, having the option to leave if the worst happens and showcasing his play in the PL meanwhile. He's a good, hard-working player who keeps the ball and is versatile. Here's CH's view:

“He has a great worth ethic and can play in predominantly two positions although he has been used right across midfield. He is a good individual, very much a team player, a hard worker. He is a flexible player that can operate in a few positions.”

As for the ACM, I'd be concerned about Toivonen upsetting the rest of the team and I'd prefer a genuine play-maker who also scores goals. I also agree with DH's comments about RvW coming good over the rest of the season.