I know I`ll get a lot of `flak` for this but I think I`d be prepared to let Ryan go,not for 10mill+ paulson but 18mill. It would certainly give us a huge pot to get some really top class players in in the positions where we really need them.Put Huth back in the centre ,Wilko @ rt.back,we`d have Upson ,Shotton & Higgy ( when he`s fit) in reserve. By the way does anybody know how far Higgy Fuller &Mama are from being fit. My only reservations are whether Woodgate will stay fit and the ages of him ,Higgy and Upson ( I know I slated him last week but he`s one of ours now so now he`s OK!!):
Higgy said a few days ago (think on Radio) that he's about 5-6 weeks away. Pulis/Coates won't accept under £20m going by past comments.
Unless we get stupid money like 25-30 mil, for me its a no! Shawx & Huth should be our partnership for the next 5 years which is why I dont like the Uppson and Woody sigings - not because they are not quality talent, but because 4 CB dont fir into 2 spots and either Pulis is worried that Shawx might go or that be will play them out of position!
Anything less than 18m is derisory and would be taking the p***. I would like to see Shawcross stay for a couple more years at least but one problem may be his England chances which, we know, are probably slim as a Stoke player. On the other point, Smithers, Pulis could have a problem if he continues to play Huth at right back. Likewise neither Woodgate or Upson would want to spend their time warming the bench. Agreed we need back-up but how does he keep them happy?
Thats allways been my concern, which is why I made my views clear when we signed them! Its not negativity, its just trying to understand the reasons why and how that may impact the total wage bill and the way we play etc!
Sir Ric,I wasn`t suggesting we sell himfor what Liverpool are supposedly going to offer(10m+paulson) but 18m. cash
Even if we sold Shawcross for £18m, when will we actually spend it? TP is out of the country till Friday, and we are flying back to Norwich, so nothing will happen transfer wise until Monday earliest. Then no doubt we will be busy preparing for the 2nd leg and Liverpoo (deliberate misspelling), so nothing will happen then either, and the window will be shutting leaving us 2 hours to make desperation signings, with players holding us over a barrel with hiked wage demands, or asking for long contracts (Tonge and Soares negotiated 4 year deals last time we left things so late).Sometimes leaving things late is asking for trouble. On a brighter note, are we likely to pick any forwards tonight?
Swervy I think it was Harry Redknapp said the same thing last night... we won't have time to re-place him, refering to Modric going/not going to another club. Too right, we have to keep our best player's and Ryan is one of those. As for forwards... we've only got Jones and Walters available. Unless we play Shotton up front. Might be our best/only option if Matty doesn't play tonight.
Frightening really! I know you cant hold TP responsible for injuries, but I think we have shown a complete lack of planning in the transfer market by not priortising in areas of need!
OkLads I agree with the points made,getting desperate for something to happen,and as has been said ,it`s almost getting too late in the day.I have said in a previous thread I just can`t see the point of leaving things so late.`A bird in the hand etc etc` Also as Swervy has said players sort of have you over a barrel when desperation sets in!!
