Bit of a mixed bag on this one. I think his experience would benefit us, I don’t care about his Norwich links, and he actually had a fairly decent career at Norwich. But his goalscoring form last season left a lot to be desired, two goals in 19 Championship games for Norwich and Leeds. If we get the Jerome from the season before though, 16 goals in 40 games, that would certainly alleviate some of the goalscoring problems we’ve been having. Personally, I’d prefer to bring in either Jon Walters or Connor Wickham on loan, to lift spirits and bring back a recognisable face. I also think Walters would be a better option than Jerome. If this goes ahead, I wouldn’t be necessarily disappointed, but I would feel that the club and the board have not been the most ambitious in identifying and bringing in that extra quality up front we arguably need.
Norwich sold him because he didn't score enough in a system that isn't too dissimilar to ours. Knock the ball around but always at arms length and in front of the opposition defence. He didn't have enough guile and speed to work for them, so would be amazed if it would work for us. Add to that, he was one of the biggest earners and Norwich and will be again at Derby so his wage demands would probably be 5x what we would be willing to pay. Plus he's 34
According to Ipswich Star he was approached but wasn't keen because it would have soured his good relationship with the Budgie fans(ie we didn't offer him enough dosh!)
He had two very very good seasons at this level, didn't make an impact in the Premier League and last season it wasn't easy to score goals in the Norwich side - let's make no bones about it they were terrible for much of the season so I don't think we can read that much into it. I think his experience would bring confidence to the rest of the forwards. Yes he's ageing but if he has the ball at his feet in the penalty area there's only one place the ball is ending up.
Row Z? I jest of course. I am actually a fan of his (or at least appreciate his ability) He has/had a lot of attributes that should make him a top top player: Big, Strong, Quick, Can play with his back to goal, Could drive past defenders with the ball, Will chase down absolutely everything (Incredible work ethic) But he isn't that player anymore (Certainly not in terms of pace), hasn't been for a year or two and always needed a handful of chances to score... That's been what held him back from being more than a top Championship striker. Good player, but not for us at this moment in time.. Edit: he's come out in the press to say he isn't interested in joining us anyway.
I think Walters' best days are well behind him but Wickham would be an interesting one perhaps with a view to a permanent move. We know he has got it in him, there seems to be this aggression and bulking up at Palace that I don't think is helping his game. It might do him good to come home to Suffolk. With Benteke in such poor form though perhaps he is in Hodgson's plans still.
You never know in football. But if this turns out to be the case it just shows you one of the reasons he has done so well.
Can't all know what we're on about like yourself unfortunately.......... After all, as you said, the forum is full of complete halfwits........... Factually, he has started 4 games in 2 seasons. He's on a premier league wage. Could we afford his wages? Would be high. Attitude wise, I've heard off tonnes of people supporting various clubs, including someone I trust whose a Sunderland fan with a bucket tonne of stories about the lad. I like Wickham personally, but with his wages / injury record the past two years I'd be reluctant to go near him
A young lad in his late teens and early 20s misbehaving? Whatever next. He's been injured but he's still a prospect. He would tear up the Championship. I doubt Palace would let him go permanently without a hefty fee but if we could make it work we'd be lucky to have him at the club.
It may have been a possibility because Palace are looking to loan him out but I read Villa are in for him. However with Walters talks advanced and an announcement imminent it sounds incredibly unlikely.
Walters said to be of interest to at least a couple of clubs - we'll have to see. As for Wickham, surely needs a loan to help him and palace. Be interesting if he does go out on loan or stays.
Imagine the atmosphere at Portman Road if both Wickham and Walters are announced in time for the Norwich game? I like the idea of Wickham, but as Westy says, he has had well-documented attitude problems and is arguably more injury-prone than most of the players we have here, which is some feat! I think the Walters move would be good, for the reasons listed above and hopefully we can get him confirmed by tomorrow. On a wider basis, I hope the influx of loans doesn't invoke the dark days of Jewell where players lost an edge and the squad's dedication and motivation suffered as a result. I know it's been a strange transfer window with the truncated deadline for permanent transfers, but bringing in Jordan Graham and Jon Walters was not exactly what I was anticipating when Hurst was announced earlier this summer.
