Apparently, Preston have made an approach for Ash and as we're upset with his antics with Jimmy, we're considering it. It would be risky to let him go, but it seems all the old guard may be on borrowed time.
Would it be possible for captain fantastic to play his way to another contract, just as Andy Dawson has done with his oustanding displays? or will he be joining Tanfastic Phil.? Thoughts tigernation.
He's a City legend, even if he leaves he will be back in some capacity in the future if he stays in the game. I have a feeling Harper is the preferred choice if Pearson goes back to one defensive midfielder which could mean curtains for Ashbee.
I would have no problem with him leaving. Yes he is a living city legend but it would stop Pearson playing 2 boring midfielders. 20K a week off the wage bill as well. Might allow us to bring in Stewart or Evans in on a permanent basis.
Strange - I saw dazedandconfused on another forum post quite confidently that Ash and Bullard could be on there way last night. I just put it down to speculation... but when I saw Ipswich were in for Bullard earlier... I have to admit, I wondered. Would be pretty shocked if true. Can't imagine Ash lining up for another side.
Nigels brought in younger players for a reason. 1) build a younger team which is his. 2)reduce the wage bill if Ash,Bullard goes he's doing what is needed.
It's hard to imagine City without Ash. A young team needs some old heads to provide the footballing savvy and not get bogged down by the occasion. Ash has seen it all, Captained through all divisions, won at Wembley, played against the best in the world in the Premier league and done us proud. Like a stick of rock, I think he is City to the core. I certainly think his return this season had a lot to do with our return to form, regardless of any new signings. If he goes, I think it would have a negative effect on the team Get rid of Bullard, ban him from the grounds if necessary, and hopefully his influence on Ash will decline.
I'm a big fan of the captain being in the middle of the park where he can orchestrate matters. If Ash went who would be captain? Dawson? Gerrard? With the recent introduction of the rule where the ref only speaks to the captains to diffuse a situation, are there less keepers who are captains these days? I can't imagine a keeper being called 60 yards up the pitch just to be told to calm his players down.
I think it is time for Ash to move on. I'm surprised at his weight this season. We can't play Harper and Ashbee (I'd choose Ash instead of Harper though) and NP seems to favour Harper. Get Evans in to start the game, we looked so much better when he came on at Reading. I'd like to see Koren in the middle and move Stewart up front. Any chance of a new left back (or force Dawson to attack? He looks so much better when running forward) Guzan Rosenior Chester Gerrard Dawson Evans Harper Koren Barmby Fryatt Stewart I see Bullard could be moving. Great! He fishes down near here with some people we know. If what they say is to believed he (allegedly) doesn't really care about his football, just his (allegedly) wad!
If what they say is to believed he (allegedly) doesn't really care about his football, just his (allegedly) wad! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And it shows when he is selected.Would love to interveiw them all after a truth drug had been administrated to them all as they reasoning to how badly they played.
I can't imagine city without ash pulling up his captains armband in frustration every time somebody else makes an error. I laugh every time. Was just about to get him on the back of my shirt too
It is certainly risky, as i am sure now that Nigel sees Evans as a more defensive minded midfielder as to cover for Harper or start instead of Ash. Even though he has not being at his best in recent weeks for me Ash, he still offers something and it will be a sad day when he departs. Who will all those moaners moan about now? Either way whatever happens, Ash is a City legend, but in Nigel we trust.
I really hope not. 1 more year and he gets a testimonial right? We have seen time and time again how we collapse when he isn't in the team, I don't know what we would do if he goes.
Ash Not Keen but Np is. NP may think he has been disruptive. Don,t want to go into next 2 games without Ash.
Surely we must trust NP. He is fully aware of the situation with the players and the club. As good a servant as Ash has been all good things must come to an end. NP may well have other irons in the fire re new players
Ash has made it public that when his time comes to retire (either through injury or loss of contract) he wishes to remain living in the area - he is that black and amber. I, for one, would not like to see him leave and play elsewhere.
I think watching Ash play for another team, would be like your mrs leaving you then seeing her with another bloke.
