Obviously Chris Hughton explained that he expected Toivonen to play DM with a ball and chain on his legs, just to make sure he couldn't get into the opposition penalty box ........
I hope CH and co have done there homework cos it seems were going to miss out on a lot of our top target's!
It's being widely reported by the Dutch press that he'll report for the first day of pre-season with PSV. Maybe he spent his holiday watching some of our games from last season and decided two banks of four defending was not what he wanted - the irony being, he's the type of player that could be a catalyst to a new, more attack-minded City team of the future. As the Allman Brothers band once said, 'You can't lose what you never had'
He maybe just doesn't like being pushed around by PSV. They've sort of given him an ultimatum about making a decision within days. The transfer window is open until September, what's the rush as far as he is concerned? He's said earlier that there is no need for him to accept "the first offer that comes". Doesn't mean he won't accept it when he feels ready to do so. If the guy has actually said "No, it's not for me", that's a different matter.
This is a Twitter comment from the PSV side who might naturally want to see Toivenon stay at PSV. If he does decide to stay there then that's his right to do so. Though there's no harm in leaving the offer open, but if he does report back to PSV I'd guess that City will be looking at other players after that.
Of course he's turning up for training at PSV, he's still a PSV player. Who's to say where' he'll be training in a fortnight when he's made up his mind.
Not sure if it has been mentioned, but Holt was on talksport yesterday. Did not sound like he was off anywhere, and inferred he would be surprised if Ruddy went, but that obviously it is flattering to be linked with big clubs.
I hope Holt doesn't leave, but if there's any truth in the reported £4m on offer from Wigan, I wouldn't like to say DM would turn it down.?
If someone else is coming in to replace him I would bite their hand of for £4m, that's a good sum for his age and considering what he cost the club. Obviously I am thinking more long term than just next season, not because I want to see the back of GH.
If it's a true offer, I think it would be pretty good for all concerned. Holty gets closer to his family and probably gets to score more goals and get his swagger back. For NCFC, that money is too good for us to turn down, but only if CH knows he will have dropped out of contention to start and down to 3rd choice striker. I'm thinking predominantly 1 up top with RvW 1st, Hooper 2nd then would Holt play much and on the occasions when he might of, could Bechio or another signing do the job? Let's not forget b4 RvW's arrival he GH, was probably top earner too, so another plus in our evolution. I love GH but it would be great to see him bang in another hatrick at portaloo rd next season! (not as good as for us at anfield but....!) Bah!
"richard askam ‏@richaskam 46m @ollie_plastow Hi sorry no. Norwich rumoured to be in pole position to sign Redmond now but no info on that myself" ICHB, I'd say that falls some way short of "believes"? But whatever, it is ALL just rumour being recirculated.
A bit off topic but still transfer related. If true, this is a great example of the injustice of 3 years of parachute payments, which effectively reward failure. .
[video=youtube;1qSZNVR_w0s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qSZNVR_w0s[/video] John Ruddy will stay, after all he is very keen on his garden...although the comment at 1:07 could be interpreted differently! So refreshing to see a football player, who is well grounded and excited by the small little things like shubbery
Ruddy seems like the nicest guy! And strikes me as incredibly humble. Chelsea would probably be a bad for fit him anyway!