Hmm...I don't really want to sit here and criticise De Ridder. What is clear is that he has the ability and pace to be a top player. But he hasn't developed into the player that Nigel was hoping yet. All I will say is that in his present state there's no way he will be playing in the Premiership. As for Hooper, well I'd put my house on him joining. Adkins knows what he is capable of and doesn't make a secret of it. Celtic wanted too much in January, they'll sell him in the Summer.
Presumably the Transfer Window opens after the Play-off final, hopefully we will see some action then, but we must only get players better than those already here, no prima donnas, no journeymen, we want players that want to be part of the adventure, not just here to pick up a wage. I am sure the cogs are already turning and we know that NA and NC tend to get what they want, sooner or later. Hooper was probably the exception.
Cortese won't bring in any player until we've whipped ourselves into a state of frenzy. He seems to sign later rather than earlier.
Hey Guys, i'm new to the thread, but dont pin me as one who has jumped on the band wagon as i was on the original 606 as Saint Kelvin01... Personally i think the ins and outs could be: In: Foster (Unlikely but i think he is quality), Olsson (qpr lb), Clyne, Surman,Arshavin (for sale and could do a job), Hooper, Nenad Milias, Nathan Dyer, Karl Henry, Out: Forecast, Richardson, Harding, Doble, Seaborne, Martin (Loan), Barnard, Jaidi (Retires), Connolly, Puncheon. However, as always iterated, Cortese likes to keep a tight net on rumours and transfers, and always pops out unexpected players ala Hooiveld and De Ridder, who imho i reckon could play a part in the future. Never really had an extended run in the team, and not sure if he is completely settled in! One negative of the saints going up though... got to buy a new shirt now!!! COYR!!!
July 1st I believe. Obviously there will be lots of activity before then though, just not actual transfers.
I'd like to see what De Ridder can do in pre-season. He has plenty of pace and not bad ability. If he acclimatises to the way we play and improves his decision making, I still think he could be good. Personally I think we need to tweak the way we play to adapt to the PL. I don't think we should play with 2 out and out strikers, but rather have Lambert a little deeper making the play, holding the ball up, floating around, charging from deeper and taking shots when the ball drops around the D. Not that he doesn't do that already, but I think he could do it better if he didn't have to worry about being Johnny on the spot. I can't see PL defenders allowing him between and around too often.
July 1st is when its official and contracts start/finish. I think business can start as soon as all the playoffs are done.
Strewth this thread is a bit on the early side..I have a feeling that there are going to be quite a few of these between now and the start of next season. I certainly agree that experience is needed in several places all over the field. As for players like Guly....he will not have the luxury of going from one side to the other so a right midfield roll will not suite him in the premier. Coventry tried to expose our weakness yesterday especially in the early part of the game. With better quality of players they would have scored too on a couple of occasions. They exposed the fact that Lallana does not defend very well and the fact we do not appear to have someone on the right of midfield.Those area's in particular we will have to strengthen if we are to survive in the premier.
