IMO, we need a reasonable start to the season by picking up several points from the first few games and at the same time, not conceding... a hatful of goals, but the biggest challenge facing SW/DF is finding a means of converting the ''shots on goal' to 'shots on target' and fewer 'blocked shots'. I HOPE that most of our transfer business is done early in the transfer window and not in August!!!
Jesus wept.. I didn't say anything about a "spend big" striker. I am saying I am worried about the loss of goals for next season. Take a breath before jumping on this as usual. We all know the owners and board has p*ssed our money away. I'm still allowed to be worried about next season.
What?! We all accept the mess they have dragged us into. Everyone bangs on about the mess we are in and how we shouldn't expect anything of this football club. All I said is it's a worrying state that we are losing all those goals going into next season.
...So we can find the money for a crocked midfielder...34 by the end of his contract, and he already has no knees.
There's an offer on the table for Tettey according to the EDP, it's "take it or leave" for Tettey I think. They expect him to decide this week. Presumably the club are playing hardball to a certain extent with his wages. I can't imagine Webber is being ripped off.
But we have Godfrey, Thompson and Trybull. No doubt they will bring in more Germans in the summer. I don't think we need him. If we are being ruthless with the other older long serving players, then let him leave and put his wages elsewhere. I was sure he was just going to be released this summer. I can't see him being fit/being picked much next season.
Thought today when listening to a football podcast, when they were talking about Lambert and Stoke. Wes destination? Especially if they go down.
I think you have to look at this season and every time Tettey played we were considerably harder to beat. His involvement in the team between the Millwall debacle and his burn out from being overplayed by the time we beat the binners was stark. Pre-Tettey = crap and easy to beat, during Tettey, obdurate, tough to beat and best series of results of the season. Post Tettey, abject slump. Tettey still has a major part to play in the transition to a more youthful set up. Trybull played his best stuff in tandem with Tettey and whilst we all hope that Thompson can pick up where he left off and Godfrey can excel at this level, we don't yet know, Tettey instead of or along side them for me whilst still cutting it in the Championship makes total sense, as long as the money is right, which of course it will be because I just don't see Weber getting mugged off for any veteran. Trybull too, for all his talent needs to prove he can perform without Tettey and stay fit long enough to help the two youngsters along. Bah!
I also think Jayesemi is another possible youth player stepping up to the first team next season playing out wide or in the middle. Stiepermann is more an AM or ACM than a winger (or a LB) and he should play a bigger role next season. I also wonder whether Jarvis will add another option now that he's fit again. IMO, Madders, much as I like him, is one reason we have a slower build up play. If he does leave, I'd like to see us play a 4-3-3 with Josh and Hernandez flanking the striker and using their pace to get behind defences as they have been doing recently. With Tettey, Thompson or Godfrey as DM, Trybull, McLean (or Leitner if he stays) and Vrancic or Steipermann could play as deep play makers and get into the box themselves, as they have been doing in recent matches. With a new striker as well, that could make all the difference next season. Also, Srbeny has had time to adjust now and should be ready to push on in pre-season and the league.
' Spend the money ' and ' no more cheapies ' - what the hell were you saying then? The money was spent supporting the Manager in trying to stay in the Premiership and then trying to get back there resulting in transfer fees and a wage bill we, ultimately, couldn't afford. Are you saying that they shouldn't have supported the Manager when he made those requests?
As the General says, I think we've looked markedly better with Tettey in the side than without him this season. Trybull doesn't offer the "bite" Tettey adds to the midfield, Thompson and Godfrey are as yet unproven at this level. Whilst we're clearly building a more youthful side, there's no point throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Tettey is a proven operator at this level, and clearly Farke rates his dressing room influence. The contract offer is for reduced wages, and I would imagine Webber has done the sums and reckons we couldn't sign an equivalent player (fees + wages) for less than a 2-year deal for Tettey. In what's probably going to be another summer of upheaval, the more continuity the better too. It's an odd argument, but Tettey's knees could almost be seen as an advantage. We're not looking at a player who will demand to play every game. His time will be managed, giving frequent opportunities to Thompson and Godfrey. Tettey won't be standing in their way. That's good for squad harmony too, and Tettey can hopefully teach both of them a lot. DM is a role where experience is valuable. In 12 months time when Tettey's knees have gone completely, or we're talking about Godfrey making a £20m move to the Prem, perhaps this deal will look stupid with hindsight. For now I can see the logic.
Fully agree. I have only seen City live about 6 times this season but they have always seemed a lot better and solid with Tettey than without him. If he is prepared to take a wage cut to bring him within the current wage structure then this would represent good business. Age doesn't catch up with as much when you play in his position.
Same age as Vincent Kompany. Don't see Man City in a hurry to get shot of him, despite HIS injury record (and his £10 million per year!)
What!? Cant you just calm down and read things and have a think before replying. I never said that. I've even had to scroll back because you made be double myself, that maybe I said something that could be twisted to your usual crap. But no. I didn't say anything like that. I dunno why you are being pissy with me again. But if you want to continue. Just do something else.
I'm also in the keep Tettey camp. His DM skills allow other players more freedom to express themselves. Trybull and Vrancic have shown considerable bite in their play, but nothing like Tettey's ability to break up attacks. Much as I like the potential of Godfrey and Thompson, neither is yet proven at this level. Far better to introduce them gradually, learning from Tettey's skills and experience. Spending money on replacing him would take away from the money we have to sign a striker, which is where we should be focusing.
Absolutely keep Tettey if we can. DH and Rick make the arguments for doing so very well in their above posts.
Letting Tetty go and buying a replacement would result in Thompson and Godfrey being sidelined. At least with Tetty it is unlikely that he would play much more than half the games, giving a chance to the other two. Tetty wanted to return to Norway I believe, but his salary there would be much lower than we are offering him I would guess
