Strikers like goalkeepers need confidence and are more exposed to individual criticism than midfielders or defenders. Excluding the last 2 seasons Jerome has done very well for us, unfortunately the fans got on his back and he lost his confidence, this coupled with DF training routine and tactics effected his performance. Unfortunately a lot of the reasons for his lack of goals was outside his control (i.e. formation, midfield support etc). Ruddy was very similar fans got on his back, he was constantly exposed by a chaotic defense lead by the chief clown, Martin. Interestingly both Jerome & Ruddy seem to have got their mojo back having moved away, whereas Martin seems to have used his defensive and leadership skills to bugger up Rangers defense. Strangely enough some posters still think Martin has a role to play at the club.
Ameobi is the standout on that list and his wages can't be that prohibitive if he comes on a free with a reasonable signing on fee. Not a regular goal scorer, but he'd suit the way we play and would be a good replacement for Watkins if he went to Bristol City for £1m. Yiadom looks a useful option at RB as well, but that will depend on what happens with Pinto and/ or Reed. That was one of the rumours going around last January but again that will depend on what happens with Pinto and/or Reed.
Agree with what you are saying Canario and I'll be ok with Oliveira staying if we get another striker in as well. We need more goals to compete next season. I was sad to see CJ leave, but I can understand the reasoning. He didn't want to go and was very positive about DF, though he found the double training sessions difficult at 32 (one of the reasons we're unlikely to sign older players). As for Martin, I only said that IMO it makes more sense to keep him as cover at RB than loaning him out for a fraction of his wages, but again that would depend on what happens with Pinto and/or Reed.
Cracking post canario. I was at the Wolves game at CR and JR came for every cross - something he rarely did when he played for NCFC. I believe CJ is playing in a two man strike force!!
You're right, I just went back and had a look at the January thread, there were quite a lot of rumours that Ebuehi had signed a pre-contract with us (admittedly denied by more reputable journos). He's currently out of contract with Den Haag this summer, so perhaps he's the "confirmed unknown signing"? He's under the age at which you can officially sign pre-contract deals, so that would tie in with being unable to announce him. Ebuehi has made Nigeria's provisional squad for the world cup.
You could be right about Ebuehi being the mystery signing, DH. Probably more likely than Leistner now.
Leistner doesn't really make sense, unless we can be certain of offloading 2-3 of our existing CB's. Bah!
Thanks for putting this up JM Fan, I tried last night to put the video up but could only put a link up last night on my post (post 186) looking forward to seeing him play for City, hope he does for us next season what he has done for Aberdeen this season just gone. Reminds me partly of Howson
Even slower news: one of Paddy's possibles, Yiadom, has signed for Reading on a free transfer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44160787
Various dubious sources linking us with Sean Clare, 21 year old DM/CM/RB who is out of contract at Sheffield Wednesday this summer. Sheffield Wednesday are also apparently interested in Harrison Reed. Reading interested in Oliveira? Hopefully.
I reckon Villas interest will be dependant on promotion or not. They might fancy a fast buck on him as a freebie, but will they be able to persuade him he will actually play football there if they go up? I guess though even if they do go up, they can and will pay more even if he is sent out on loan. Bah!
If this is a real rumour, then it would mean Man City and Gunn could be open to another Championship season. If so, why would he go anywhere else but back here? I'm not convinced there is much truth to it, but if this is an option, then we must have a massive chance of a second season. https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/footba...eds-to-move-for-city-stopper-gunn_326482.html
I think that's the gutter press seeing Leeds need a new GK, and that Gunn is likely available this summer. For Gunn and Man City, there's absolutely no benefit in swapping one mid-table Championship side for another. They'd learn next to nothing new from the experience. The goalkeeper market in the Prem could be quite interesting this summer. Neither Butland or Fabianski will want to play in the Championship, and you've got to question whether Burnley can make a deal that keeps Pope and Heaton happy for a season (European football helps admittedly). Palace, Watford, West Ham could all do with better 'keepers. Liverpool might want an upgrade too. Gunn should deservedly be in the conversation for one of those spots.
Gunn is an interesting case. Like FML, I can't see why he'd choose to go to Leeds to 'compete for a start' when he knows he'd be first choice at CR. The same applies at PL teams, where he'd be unlikely to start 46 games. Surely match experience is crucial at his age and he has that with us. Sitting on the bench elsewhere isn't going to give him that.
