Fulham fan in peace. I lived in Bristol for a couple of years in the 90s, and went along to Ashton Gate on a semi-regular basis, so I've always looked out for you since then. There are rumours that we're interested in Nicky Maynard in the transfer window, as a replacement for Bobby Zamora. Do you think he's Premier League standard? If the move happened (which I can see wouldn't be good news for you), do you think it would be good news for us? Martin Jol seems to be looking for a striker who can stretch defences in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ruiz, Dembele and Dempsey interlinking and swapping positions behind him. Zamora tends to play with his back to goal and hold the ball up rather than making runs. That was perfect for Roy Hodgson's system, but with the new regime it denies space to the trio behind. Apparently Bobby is reluctant to change his style for Jol. Could you see Maynard flourishing in that set-up? Whether Maynard stays or goes, I hope you pull away from the relegation zone in the New Year.
First Off yes he can make it into the premier league and i think he would be at home in a team like fulham, no offence intended with the next part im going to say but i a smaller club in the prem like yourselves would be a perfect move for him, you say it wouldn't be good for us, granted we would lose a very good striker but its come to the point now where we want him to go NOT IN A BAD WAY, just he has stalled this contract offer for to long, and ive seen in the sun Jol's offering 4 million HE'S YOURS! If he would sign a contract then i would be over the moon but cant see it so a move is the most likeliest thing i wish him all the luck in the future i just no its not with us
Its a real shame, because he could have had continuity by staying with us instead of whoring around the Premiership basement clubs. No offence to Fulham - your achievements are an inspiration to us all. But lets face it. If you as a player are going to join the Premier League, then the top 6 or 7 is the only place to be
The style of play you describe would suit Maynard perfectly, we are playing him in a 4-5-1. but the quality of the 3 you mention in behind him would mean he could make the runs he is very good at, He is not the best 'back to goal striker' but would be very effective in the system you describe. He needs a new challenge, so he will leave with my very best wishes. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. Shiny and Bright Red, no offense taken (although I disagree, Bright Red, I think most players would be happy to be in the Premier League, even if it isn't with a top 6 or 7 club). Banksy, that sounds very promising indeed. Is he fast, or just good at judging when and where to make runs (I'm hoping you'll say both!). Wikipedia has him at just under 6ft. What's he like in the air?
In answer to your question Captain...........Nicky Maynards heading is very average, certainly not one of his strong pionts, his movement off the ball & the striking of the ball is top class, he does not get the service he deserves down here at Ashton Gate & I for one will be sorry when he goes, but wish him the best of luck when ever that happens & Fulham would be just right for him. Thanks too CM for your hopes that we get out of relegation trouble & all the best to good old Fulham.
he is a fast striker and he does get into the spaces which create problems for defenders, but as stated he dosent get great service here, if you have a fabergas or a xavi in your team i think he could get you 15+ a season in the prem easily, good thing with maynard is you could be watching a boring 0-0 game, he will get the ball 30-40 yards out make a run and strike the ball so perfectly and powerful it leaves you amazed but other days he can miss some sitters.
I actually disagree that he is a fast striker, he's no slouch but there are many out there way faster, but he is quick minded and hits the ball early when in form. He has quick feet and a great first touch which will often buy him shooting space. Heading, as I say not so great 'back to goal' but better attacking crosses. He will be a better player at a higher level due to the quality around him, if I were him or advising him I would be looking for a move.
Please make the offer,he is yours I'm sure. We have a guy called Brett pitman who in my opinion will more than fill his boots.
I know all about Brett Pitman, Red Robin. I live in Bournemouth and saw him play for them many times. Until he moved, he was my son's favourite Bournemouth player. I liked him for Bournemouth, but I could never make up my mind whether or not he was capable of stepping up from being a good lower division player to making it at Championship level or higher. I'm glad that it's working out for him with you (and you with him).
I still don't think that Maynard is the finished article or Premiership class by quite a long way and I'm also of the opinion that he would struggle to make a name for himself there. However, the wages that Fulham or anyone else in the Prem could offer him would I'm sure tempt anyone. It's a business after all and Nicky will want to secure his financial future and ensure a very easy and comfortable old age. Good luck to him if he leaves, but we must move on and quickly. In Stead and Pitman we have decent replacements, and I'd even suggest playing Clarkson just behind them
There is a lot to agree and disagree with all the postings so far.. to sum it up his dilly dallying cant be having a good effect on the team...SO BEST HE LEAVES, OF THE £4M WE ONLY GET A PART SO WHAT THE HECK. As a striker he isnt the fastest, most deadly accurate article in the league, probably would be in the top 12 though... the mind is a funny thing not having signed, everytime something goes wrong with his play or players servicing him, must have him thinking..... ....... " Am I a good striker? Get me out of here"
