Albion could enter race to sign two-goal striker (From The Argus)

Sparrow - Out.
Vincelot - Out.
Bergkamp - Out.
Kasim - Out.
Dicker - Out.

Striker - In??

Paragraphs Mr Naylor, paragraphs!

Dicker - In

Harley - Out

Dicker can still do a job for us in the Championship and can spot a good pass to release others !

I would like to see Forster-Caskey back could be an ideal chance for him to play in the second half of the season and see how he gets on.

I suspect the players we supporters feel Albion could lose are not necessarily the ones other clubs want to take. Therefore, market forces could dictate that the departing player or players are higher up the Seagulls food chain. Ultimately, more could be lost than gained, especially given Gus's record with strikers!

If we sign Wood he will be half the solution and not all of it.
I could easily see him as the hold/target man striker we have been looking for but we would still need a clinical finisher.

Millwall's offer of one million won't get it done, they will be out bid by others. 1.5 to 2 million would be my guess.

I think we will sell come january, and I think we will lose a gem of two but what we get in return will be the deciding factor.

I have to believe that the agents of one or two of our players are already talking to people and that might explain why one or two seem to have lost their edge.

What ever we are going to do let's get it done as soon as possible, remove the doubt from players minds and let's get back to our winning ways.

I have been reading the posts on this site for a number of years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the banter (apart from the needless slagging off). It is quite clear to me that just about all the posts these past two seasons have been motivated by a great underlying frustration. We know that the team is a good one and has come so far in a relatively short time but feel that it could be a great team with the addition of a couple of players and, on occasions (like last night) different tactics being employed. In so many games we could have gained a win by better finishing or defending. The number of chances that have been missed this season is extraordinary and unparalleled in any other season that I can recall. The frustration is increased many times when former players of ours have scored for fun against us.

We have to remember that Gus is relatively new at the management game and is learning all the time. I am confident that he will get things right although it is agonising waiting for it to happen.

Personally I would like to see Hoskins get a good run as I saw his goals against us at the Memorial Ground and both were top class and very different in nature; the first a great shot from distance and the second a mazy dribble. He just needs a bit of confidence and I am sure that he has the ability to reproduce the scoring feats that he demonstrated with the Rovers (where are they now?). Hopefully Kaz can give us another cutting edge and the transfer window may bring some welcome good news too. We must all hang in there as I am confident that our good team will became a great one in the Championship in the near future, and cheer up, remember - we could have lost our team altogether if events had taken a different turn a few years ago.

Albion average attendance: 25,493

Millwall average attendance: 11,293

Will this have an influence on matters if CW really is our saviour up front?

Revenues relative to wages, future potential and, frankly, atmosphere in which to play (players ego and all that!)

Just a thought!

Bushell wrote:
Dicker - In

Harley - Out

Dicker can still do a job for us in the Championship and can spot a good pass to release others !

I would like to see Forster-Caskey back could be an ideal chance for him to play in the second half of the season and see how he gets on.

He is back in January when the loan ends.

Seagulls Over Surrey, also the capacity at the New Den is only 20,000 so they are still limited financially even if full.

Chris Wood has to decide a club to commit to over the next 2 or 3 years.

I think Milwall will struggle to keep him whether we are interested or not.

If they had a "Like" button here, I'd have clicked it Hoveit. I suppose the real qustion is, is he really what we need?

Hang on....yesterday the Argus reported that Poyet was interested in Wood, today they are reporting that Poyet is saying that up until yesterday he wasn't interested but '' that doesn't mean to say he isn't coming ''.

Poyet was also reported as saying the club needs to '' spend big '' on a striker- today he's saying he '' doesn't have plenty to spend and may have to sell first ''

Has GP really got a handle on the situation, or is he struggling with the language ?

it would be a bit pointless having to sell cms to norwich to bring in wood.which seems a likely course of events.keep your best forwards and sell midfielders/defender
s if they have a value.

Hovite wrote:
Seagulls Over Surrey, also the capacity at the New Den is only 20,000 so they are still limited financially even if full.

Chris Wood has to decide a club to commit to over the next 2 or 3 years.

I think Milwall will struggle to keep him whether we are interested or not.

I think we could do a hell of a lot worse.

He is a young, strong, tall, hard working honest pro and can score goals.

I would get him in tomorrow in preference to an out of favour Prem old timer.

I quite liked the idea of Kenwyn Jones but this sort of move is only a temporary fix and he is probably no better than Wood is anyway.

Wood would be a long term solution.

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
If they had a "Like" button here, I'd have clicked it Hoveit. I suppose the real qustion is, is he really what we need?

Whoops wrong quote it should be a reply from this one.

Agreed - of the two front men on display last night, CMS was the most mobile on the pitch but Wood was most definitely the more clinical and, indeed, the more impressive of the two. What is it they say, though, about one swallow (seagull, maybe?) not making a summer? Reading elsewhere on the web, CW appears to be gaining in confidence and there are more suitors than Millwall and BHA knocking on WBA's door for his signature. Kenwyn Jones is a little too inconsistent in my view and we have that in abundance at the Amex without adding to it. At least it will make the January period interesting!

Do you suppose Gus reads any of this stuff?

Neillo wrote:
Hang on....yesterday the Argus reported that Poyet was interested in Wood, today they are reporting that Poyet is saying that up until yesterday he wasn't interested but '' that doesn't mean to say he isn't coming ''. Poyet was also reported as saying the club needs to '' spend big '' on a striker- today he's saying he '' doesn't have plenty to spend and may have to sell first '' Has GP really got a handle on the situation, or is he struggling with the language ?

...or was The Argus mis-reporting?
Listen to the original pre-match interview on Seagulls Player for the answer.

That's it, we are now officially half way through this campaign. We will all have our own opinions on who is up to the task ahead and who isn't. We will all have passed judgement on the 8 new arrivals even if its only the fact that we haven't quite made our mind up yet. The way I see is that we are where we are and what we do from here matters. Do I believe our plays warrants a top 6 berth? Yes I do. Has our finishing been up there with the best of them? Definitely not. So 8th right now with the current squad available would appear to be about right. So how do we push on from here? Well we all know that we desperately need a decent striker. For me we also need a bit of power, we have some very decent technical players at our disposal but I think it's fair to say that we don't score many from set pieces and that this squad is never going to win a battle of strength. Don't get me wrong, a team with talent is what I love to see, I just wouldn't mind a couple of bullies in there too. I think we could certainly use a bit of muscle and pace at centre half and equally I'd like to see someone of the same build driving our midfield.
So on to 2013 and how things may look. As many will have seen, Cms and Bridcutt are being linked with Norwich and other potential suitors. Do I think they will move on? I do yes.. Will it be the end of the road this year? I think not. I believe Gus will be a very busy man this January. We will lose and bring players in and come the closing day of the window, I believe that as a squad we will be stronger than we are now. For me Hammond is growing by the game and I see him filling Bridcutts shoes. As for Cms and a possible replacement, who knows? I like some of the names being branded around though.
So with 2013 nearly upon us and trying to be realistic. Who would I like to see pulling on the blue and white stripes for the best part of the second half of the season?
Kuz, absolutely, a class act and already proved his worth
Bruno, another must, he adds skill and attacking intent to the team along with good vision and link play.
Bridge, see Bruno.
Greer, certainly for the remainder of this season and possibly next, a great leader and fantastic positional play, legs just starting to go a bit perhaps.
Elabd, this guy is a 100% re every game. If he was a few inches taller, he would be magnificent.
So on to the midfield and a few changes due to a potential loss of Bridcutt.
Buckley, a shining light and on his day a match winner. Off form the last couple of games but a player that is a must for me.
Hammond, got better each game and last night had a real go, lots of effort, good vision and someone that really cares about winning
Trotter, my 1st new guy, a powerhouse of a man with loads of energy and a real threat both in the air and on the floor, remarkable given his size.
Orlandi, been a revelation since he joined, bags of skill and ability and was starting to run the show before breaking a rib. A real good acquisition in my eyes.
Probably the most questions from us the supporters is formation so I will finish with what I'd like to see but can appreciate that it will never be my choice. 2 new additions here and both get the nod to start.
Kenwyne Jones, a giant of a man with both good aerial ability and a touch and link up play that will connect the team. Not playing at Stoke and low in confidence but on his day a match winner. GP will reignite this guy and the push up the table will be on.
Charlie Austin, this man is again showing his worth in a very average team. Imagine the devastation he would cause with the support he would be given by the team mentioned.
The big question of course is where and how will we fund the new guys? The way I see it is that the sale of Cms and Bridcutt would fund Austin and that Jones would come in on loan with a view to buy subject to promotion. For Trotter I think Tony will have to dig deep deep a little but with salaries potentially leaving the wage bill in the form of players out like Sparrow, Vincelot to name a few, hopefully the damage wouldn't be too severe for TB to bare.
Finally my subs bench, I will make assumptions here that everyone is fit and able.
Vicente, a magician on his day and a player to grace ant team in the land.
Lua Lua, what a game last night, a game changer, on his day, unplayable.
Hoskins, this guy is showing signs that he's coming good, I'm looking forward to seeing what he has to offer in the next 23 games
Dobbie, this guy has been a great wherever he has been, I don't believe that we have seen the best of him yet.
Dunk, the guy is clearly not what he was last season but in my eyes will come good and very good again. His eye is off the game at the moment,
Calderon, becoming Mr dependable and would be an asset to any team, always gives 100%
Dicker, it was either this fella or David but I'm giving him the shout as I feel he has just a bit more steel than our Spanish friend.
There will of course always be a difference in opinion with players. Where is Crofts? and what about Barnes? This is just the way I see things my fellow fans, each to their own eh.
Whatever happens we are in the best of hand in a Mr Tony Bloom. He will always do his best and what is right for our club, of this I am sure.
UTA

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Agreed - of the two front men on display last night, CMS was the most mobile on the pitch but Wood was most definitely the more clinical and, indeed, the more impressive of the two. What is it they say, though, about one swallow (seagull, maybe?) not making a summer? Reading elsewhere on the web, CW appears to be gaining in confidence and there are more suitors than Millwall and BHA knocking on WBA's door for his signature. Kenwyn Jones is a little too inconsistent in my view and we have that in abundance at the Amex without adding to it. At least it will make the January period interesting!

Do you suppose Gus reads any of this stuff?

Yeah Gus reads this every evening for the latest tips and advice and he puts them into practice on the training ground the next morning.

He then has a coffee with Tony Bloom to update him on the players we want.

Obviously we haven't fully decided who we want as a majority yet, which must be frustrating for him and TB, but we will let them know after a lot of serious consideration and debate.

Gus is this site's biggest fan and it is invaluable to him.

Wood has always been an obvious signing and each window i have been scratching my head wondering why we have never taken him back. Shown form at the three championship teams he has been at and would offer an aerial threat up front. I think we need to play more cheap and basic football sometimes, put crosses in lots more and pile men into the box. it isn't neccessarily pretty but look at all the crap goals people like murray have scored this season. We give too much respect to the opposition and treat them like top class teams when really if you watch the highlights defenders are frequently all over the place from apparently simple chances. Look at murray's goals of late, the worst and easiest types of goals, i think his furthest goals are from the penalty spot! We need to be tougher perhaps at the sacrifice of skill some nights.

To keep it all in perspective:

After 23 games last season Reading were on 36 points and +8 GD, just two points better than where we currently sit.

They ended up winning the league by 3 points clear of the play off places.

UTA !

I'm sure I just read that SMF20.

I think that's a fair assessment I like the El Abd being a couple of inches short of magnificent.

Well written but you have to make more use of paragraphs it can really hurt the eyes, but all in all a 9/10 performance my friend. The point deduction is only for lack of paragraphs ;o)

Hovite wrote:
I'm sure I just read that SMF20.

I think that's a fair assessment I like the El Abd being a couple of inches short of magnificent.

Well written but you have to make more use of paragraphs it can really hurt the eyes, but all in all a 9/10 performance my friend. The point deduction is only for lack of paragraphs ;o)

You're all heart Hovite :)

Hovite wrote:

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Agreed - of the two front men on display last night, CMS was the most mobile on the pitch but Wood was most definitely the more clinical and, indeed, the more impressive of the two. What is it they say, though, about one swallow (seagull, maybe?) not making a summer? Reading elsewhere on the web, CW appears to be gaining in confidence and there are more suitors than Millwall and BHA knocking on WBA's door for his signature. Kenwyn Jones is a little too inconsistent in my view and we have that in abundance at the Amex without adding to it. At least it will make the January period interesting!

Do you suppose Gus reads any of this stuff?

Yeah Gus reads this every evening for the latest tips and advice and he puts them into practice on the training ground the next morning.

He then has a coffee with Tony Bloom to update him on the players we want.

Obviously we haven't fully decided who we want as a majority yet, which must be frustrating for him and TB, but we will let them know after a lot of serious consideration and debate.

Gus is this site's biggest fan and it is invaluable to him.

Before you get upset I also luvs ya.Trying to score wum of the year points.But then if Gus had listened we would be 5 points clear right.

SMF20 - Good post, agree with you 99% although not sure about Trotter ? I was speaking to a couple of Millwall supporters last night in the bus queue and they are not impressed. They say that ' he goes missing ' too often in games. When he in the mood he is good but its getting him ' in the mood ' ! I would prefer someone from a premiership side with experience to help get us there even if not long term signing.

If we were to borrow two players form the premier division for twenty matches, at a total cost of 60,000 each match that would cost us 1.2 million, Wood, to buy, would probably cost more, think about it.

We could do the loan deals above and buy Wood for about 2.7 million.

Ready to spend big, that's good, let's spend the bulk on wages and not signing fees.

If we offered 30k toward each players wages I feel sure that we could get a couple of quality strikers. Add Wood for his height and strength and we could make the top six.

We might have to sell one gem to cover the cost.,

We must be prudent. I would like us to find another Michu?

smegbuster wrote:

Neillo wrote:
Hang on....yesterday the Argus reported that Poyet was interested in Wood, today they are reporting that Poyet is saying that up until yesterday he wasn't interested but '' that doesn't mean to say he isn't coming ''. Poyet was also reported as saying the club needs to '' spend big '' on a striker- today he's saying he '' doesn't have plenty to spend and may have to sell first '' Has GP really got a handle on the situation, or is he struggling with the language ?

...or was The Argus mis-reporting?
Listen to the original pre-match interview on Seagulls Player for the answer.

The Argus are making him look daft - he should carefully consider what he says to them in future.

Michu, 6'1, very experienced La Liga Striker, top Scorer in the Premier League, just been given the nod for Spain and cost Swansea a modest £2m. That's the type of player we need to find. Anyone watched "Moneyball", I’m convinced the same theories could be applied to football!

SMF20 wrote:

Hovite wrote:
I'm sure I just read that SMF20.

I think that's a fair assessment I like the El Abd being a couple of inches short of magnificent.

Well written but you have to make more use of paragraphs it can really hurt the eyes, but all in all a 9/10 performance my friend. The point deduction is only for lack of paragraphs ;o)

You're all heart Hovite :)

Have to say that Andy Naylors report needs to make better use of paragraphs.

At least I can see where yours would have been and nearly are.

I'd give Andy 0/10 because he should know better. Looks a right blooming mess.

Amazing, the Albion talking in Millions,who`d a thunk it a few years ago. UTA

I don't want to sound the pessimist but I am still not sure if this is our year.
We could borrow one or two players, we could buy another or maybe buy a bunch, but top teams don't struggle to score goals.

Whilst I do like our squad, and I like the the fact that we try to play atractive football, it has been evident for most of the season that we are lacking. Now you might think that when I say, 'we are lacking,' I mean lacking goals but that's not what I am thinking of.
Brighton don't have that spark, that air of confidence bordering on arrogance. It has shown it's self in glimpses, and on the rare occasions it does, the Sheffield Wednesday match was one, we are amazing and nothing new is needed.

When the players, 'know,' they are good and are not spending so much time trying to, 'prove,' they are, well that's when the swagger comes, that's when you take the field, 'knowing,' you are going to win. A team capable and deserving to rise to prem status developes that swagger early in the season and carry it through right to the end.

Reading earned their place in the Prem, some good signings, but at the halfway point they didn't look good for promotion. It looks very likely that they will come back down this year, the confidence and swagger they had at the end of last season has gone, the belief has gone, the reality of premiership football has hit them hard. I would hate that to happen to us.

Can we buy or loan our way into the prem, possibly, can we then buy survival, of that I am not so sure. We need more from the get go and maybe we need to buy for next year's run at promotion come the january window and beyond.

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:
Albion average attendance: 25,493

Millwall average attendance: 11,293

Will this have an influence on matters if CW really is our saviour up front?

Revenues relative to wages, future potential and, frankly, atmosphere in which to play (players ego and all that!)

Just a thought!

Good thought SOS, I hope CW's agent thinks along the same lines.
As other postings have mentioned someone may need to leave before we can bring one or more strikers in. Since Poyet has hinted that the club has been targetting another player it wouldn't surprise me if we signed to strikers with CW being one of them.

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Sparrow - Out.
Vincelot - Out.
Bergkamp - Out.
Kasim - Out.
Dicker - Out.

Striker - In??

imo...
Vicente out
Mckail Smith out
Dunk out
Harley out
Angreken out
Barnes out
Kasim out
Bergkamp out
Painter out
Brezovan out

Lets build now for next season! we are not there yet but if we let Bridcutt go which is looking likely in January we will not finish in top 6 this season, so give new players a good half a season now and kick on 2013/2014.

I am with you Vegas .I want us to be ready to go up with out spending on transfer fees in jan. wages big on loans yes. But alan skinner on it we need to unearth a michu in summer costing 2 million for example not spend 2-3 now.
I want the Albion to go up but not at any cost . We saw west ham last season and Sam had them really set up with power and they are going to stay up. Saints I hope do but touch and go on them.
We need to sacrifice now a few games if nessasary as better to win ,one ,lose one than keep drawing.
Funny chap I happened to walk out with said in days of 2 points for a win results of late would have us sitting pretty perhaps Vegas you could work out the table on that basis ,guess that's why the league is so open!

Far Gull I could but my days of spouting numbers are over, far too much negative rebound from others

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Michu, 6'1, very experienced La Liga Striker, top Scorer in the Premier League, just been given the nod for Spain and cost Swansea a modest £2m. That's the type of player we need to find. Anyone watched "Moneyball", I’m convinced the same theories could be applied to football!

Interesting post.
I have watched 'Moneyball' a couple of times and have really enjoyed it. I think you have a good point Alan G Skinner re looking for value for money and I believe that the Albion think there is better value in Europe than here. So the 'Moneyball' approach could work.
In the light of Lopez/David's performance last night and Orlandi's (before his rib injury) and Hammond's one thing that Poyet keeps saying has been underlined. It does take quite some time - 3 months plus - for players to become familiar with our playing style. It is for this reason that I hope Poyet recruits several players in January so that they are really integrated for next season not least because a whole host of players (13 I think) will be out of contract in the suimmer.
With all the talk about recruiting strikers I trust that Poyet doesn't forget to strenghten the defence. We were so short of defenders yesterday that (a) we had no cover on the bench (b) we couldn't select a recognised right back and (c) as a result Poyet by his own admission selected the wrong type of defensive formation. Credit however is due to Gus for recognising and admitting his mistake and rectifying it.
Thoughts anyone like Hovite, Farside, MBTS, VegasSeagull, SMF20, Dr Baldhead and Captain Haddock ?

Is it just me or do others think CMS would make one hell of an attacking midfielder.Enough energy for box to box and an eye for a few goals.Up front Marko Pantelic please from Olympiacos.Top quality,Top experience,affordabl
e(not sure about wages) He may be 34 but look up his stats to know this guy is the real deal.

Major Bloodboil wrote:
I have been reading the posts on this site for a number of years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the banter (apart from the needless slagging off). It is quite clear to me that just about all the posts these past two seasons have been motivated by a great underlying frustration. We know that the team is a good one and has come so far in a relatively short time but feel that it could be a great team with the addition of a couple of players and, on occasions (like last night) different tactics being employed. In so many games we could have gained a win by better finishing or defending. The number of chances that have been missed this season is extraordinary and unparalleled in any other season that I can recall. The frustration is increased many times when former players of ours have scored for fun against us.

We have to remember that Gus is relatively new at the management game and is learning all the time. I am confident that he will get things right although it is agonising waiting for it to happen.

Personally I would like to see Hoskins get a good run as I saw his goals against us at the Memorial Ground and both were top class and very different in nature; the first a great shot from distance and the second a mazy dribble. He just needs a bit of confidence and I am sure that he has the ability to reproduce the scoring feats that he demonstrated with the Rovers (where are they now?). Hopefully Kaz can give us another cutting edge and the transfer window may bring some welcome good news too. We must all hang in there as I am confident that our good team will became a great one in the Championship in the near future, and cheer up, remember - we could have lost our team altogether if events had taken a different turn a few years ago.

Another excellent Post. Thank you Major B.
In particular like you I would like to see Hoskins given an extended run.

DESLYNHAMSMOUSTACHE wrote:
Is it just me or do others think CMS would make one hell of an attacking midfielder.Enough energy for box to box and an eye for a few goals.Up front Marko Pantelic please from Olympiacos.Top quality,Top experience,affordabl e(not sure about wages) He may be 34 but look up his stats to know this guy is the real deal.

I have thought that and said the same on here a few times. In fact I think I repeated it yesterday on one of the threads.

He gets back well, he has the speed for both directions, and he has stamina.

ballantrrae wrote:

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Michu, 6'1, very experienced La Liga Striker, top Scorer in the Premier League, just been given the nod for Spain and cost Swansea a modest £2m. That's the type of player we need to find. Anyone watched "Moneyball", I’m convinced the same theories could be applied to football!

Interesting post.
I have watched 'Moneyball' a couple of times and have really enjoyed it. I think you have a good point Alan G Skinner re looking for value for money and I believe that the Albion think there is better value in Europe than here. So the 'Moneyball' approach could work.
In the light of Lopez/David's performance last night and Orlandi's (before his rib injury) and Hammond's one thing that Poyet keeps saying has been underlined. It does take quite some time - 3 months plus - for players to become familiar with our playing style. It is for this reason that I hope Poyet recruits several players in January so that they are really integrated for next season not least because a whole host of players (13 I think) will be out of contract in the suimmer.
With all the talk about recruiting strikers I trust that Poyet doesn't forget to strenghten the defence. We were so short of defenders yesterday that (a) we had no cover on the bench (b) we couldn't select a recognised right back and (c) as a result Poyet by his own admission selected the wrong type of defensive formation. Credit however is due to Gus for recognising and admitting his mistake and rectifying it.
Thoughts anyone like Hovite, Farside, MBTS, VegasSeagull, SMF20, Dr Baldhead and Captain Haddock ?

I'd have to agree that Europe is the place to get value for money if you're looking to purchase on the cheap. On the other side of the coin I think the Uk market is certainly the place to look for high quality loans. Our very own Wayne Bridge is testament to this.

VegasSeagull wrote:

DESLYNHAMSMOUSTACHE wrote:
Is it just me or do others think CMS would make one hell of an attacking midfielder.Enough energy for box to box and an eye for a few goals.Up front Marko Pantelic please from Olympiacos.Top quality,Top experience,affordabl e(not sure about wages) He may be 34 but look up his stats to know this guy is the real deal.

I have thought that and said the same on here a few times. In fact I think I repeated it yesterday on one of the threads.

He gets back well, he has the speed for both directions, and he has stamina.

A sort of budget stevey G.

Fargull - you ask about league placings if still 2 pts for a win. Since Vegas is reluctant I've done it. In fact it makes little difference. Top of table (team & pts) would be:

Cardiff 30
CP 30
M'boro 28
Hull 28
Leicester 26
Millwall 27
Watford 24
ALBION 26
Forest 25
Derby 24

So only difference would be Millwall & Leicester swap places. ALBION and Forest both up one place, Watford down two.

However, it would mean we'd be only two wins away from top spot, which is a narrower gap than under the current 3pts system.

Good job fansince57, but we would still be 8th and wouldn't move up a place.

And if we doing it in the spirit of the old days, it's the top 3 that is promoted.

Either way, 3 wins on the bounce would be welcome.

Sorry Hovite, don't want an argument, but I think with 26 pts we'd be above Watford with 24, so up one place to 7th.

But you're right, in past days with no play-offs it was only the top positions that mattered.

Nathan L wrote:
Wood has always been an obvious signing and each window i have been scratching my head wondering why we have never taken him back. Shown form at the three championship teams he has been at and would offer an aerial threat up front. I think we need to play more cheap and basic football sometimes, put crosses in lots more and pile men into the box. it isn't neccessarily pretty but look at all the crap goals people like murray have scored this season. We give too much respect to the opposition and treat them like top class teams when really if you watch the highlights defenders are frequently all over the place from apparently simple chances. Look at murray's goals of late, the worst and easiest types of goals, i think his furthest goals are from the penalty spot! We need to be tougher perhaps at the sacrifice of skill some nights.

Some good points Nathan L. I think a few teams have got out of the 2nd tier playing power / long ball / ugly football - West ham the most recent example. I remember Leeds did it in the old 2nd div with the likes of Vinny Jones. Once they were in the premiership they started playing tippy tappy football and I believe they actually won it a year or two after promotion! Imagine that being possible now!

I think Gus is trying to play the right way (current squad limitations allowing of course) but it probably isn't necessary for this league. Once we get in the premiership, and I think we will in the next couple of years, then yes, by all means try and play the Barcelona/Arsenal way as I think that has more chance of success (and is more necessary) in the premiership. Swansea have shown that.

I'm wondering if January is the right time. It's a tricky window and fees are always too high. Might be worth waiting till the end of the season and focussing on next season. Whatever happens now, promotion this season looks a long way off. I'm worried GP and TB will panic buy in January, get the wrong men and we end up in a weak financial position without the reward of promotion to show for it.

Oh I see now, you didn't do it in table order, I just counted down your table literally. Yeah this would be the table in that case;

Cardiff 30
CP 30
M'boro 28
Hull 28
Millwall 27
Leicester 26
ALBION 26
Watford 24
Derby 24
Forest 25

Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

Eddy B wrote:
Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

Amen to that,to lose either would be self destructive. UTA

fansince57 wrote:
Sorry Hovite, don't want an argument, but I think with 26 pts we'd be above Watford with 24, so up one place to 7th.

But you're right, in past days with no play-offs it was only the top positions that mattered.

thanks interesting! Only as another fan mentioned. Three straight wins would cheer us up :-)

Eddy B wrote:
Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

We must not sell our important players, particuarly the likes of Bridcutt and Buckley. Unless someone comes in and offers us obscene amounts, selling these players can only be a step in the wrong direction. Deals like 1.5m for Elliott Bennett, 1m for Nooney, may be seen as "good business", but these are not spectacular amounts, not game changing amounts. Bridcutt must not be sold for less than £10m, Buckley must not be sold for less than £10m, CMS must not be sold for less than £5m, Bruno must not be sold for less than £2m. Selling our important players in not the way to go, if it meant keeping all the aforementioned I would be happy waiting until the summer to spend big on a striker. I still believe with everyone available, Orlandi, Vicente etc etc we have enough to make the playoffs. With these guys in the team the goals will come.

ballantrrae wrote:

Major Bloodboil wrote:
I have been reading the posts on this site for a number of years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the banter (apart from the needless slagging off). It is quite clear to me that just about all the posts these past two seasons have been motivated by a great underlying frustration. We know that the team is a good one and has come so far in a relatively short time but feel that it could be a great team with the addition of a couple of players and, on occasions (like last night) different tactics being employed. In so many games we could have gained a win by better finishing or defending. The number of chances that have been missed this season is extraordinary and unparalleled in any other season that I can recall. The frustration is increased many times when former players of ours have scored for fun against us.

We have to remember that Gus is relatively new at the management game and is learning all the time. I am confident that he will get things right although it is agonising waiting for it to happen.

Personally I would like to see Hoskins get a good run as I saw his goals against us at the Memorial Ground and both were top class and very different in nature; the first a great shot from distance and the second a mazy dribble. He just needs a bit of confidence and I am sure that he has the ability to reproduce the scoring feats that he demonstrated with the Rovers (where are they now?). Hopefully Kaz can give us another cutting edge and the transfer window may bring some welcome good news too. We must all hang in there as I am confident that our good team will became a great one in the Championship in the near future, and cheer up, remember - we could have lost our team altogether if events had taken a different turn a few years ago.

Another excellent Post. Thank you Major B.
In particular like you I would like to see Hoskins given an extended run.

I quite agree with you. I think Hoskins is worthy of a run and I was shocked that he was left out last night. I'm also a bit surprised about Dobbie's continued omission. He probably has more experience than anyone at playing at a higher level yet he seems to be behind CMS, Barnes and Hoskins now. Both CMS and Barnes had "air" shots in the final minutes and CMS totally miscued Lua Lua's cross when well placed. I have a feeling that Dobbie would have been much calmer and dealt with both situations far better than CMS and Barnes. It is situations like this when experience is invaluable and if he is not going to be played now, I dont see how he is ever going to get a game. A bit of a mystery I think.

Alan G Skinner wrote:

Eddy B wrote:
Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

We must not sell our important players, particuarly the likes of Bridcutt and Buckley. Unless someone comes in and offers us obscene amounts, selling these players can only be a step in the wrong direction. Deals like 1.5m for Elliott Bennett, 1m for Nooney, may be seen as "good business", but these are not spectacular amounts, not game changing amounts. Bridcutt must not be sold for less than £10m, Buckley must not be sold for less than £10m, CMS must not be sold for less than £5m, Bruno must not be sold for less than £2m. Selling our important players in not the way to go, if it meant keeping all the aforementioned I would be happy waiting until the summer to spend big on a striker. I still believe with everyone available, Orlandi, Vicente etc etc we have enough to make the playoffs. With these guys in the team the goals will come.

Ten million for Bridcutt? You're joking, surely? He is nowhere near that good. He is overrated in my opinion. He is a competent midfielder but there are plenty as good and better than him. He lacks the 'killer' pass, mostly passing sideways or backwards and does not score any goals. We can manage without him if someone is foolish enough to bid over 500,000 for him. Many players can do a tidying up job in front of the back four like he does.

We are half way through season now and an average gate of 25,000. 8th in a very tough league and not least, praised very highly by nearly every manager whose team we play. Not bad considering where we were two seasons ago!!! Be patient people, just a few more pieces of the puzzle to fit!

Claude Back wrote:

Alan G Skinner wrote:

Eddy B wrote:
Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

We must not sell our important players, particuarly the likes of Bridcutt and Buckley. Unless someone comes in and offers us obscene amounts, selling these players can only be a step in the wrong direction. Deals like 1.5m for Elliott Bennett, 1m for Nooney, may be seen as "good business", but these are not spectacular amounts, not game changing amounts. Bridcutt must not be sold for less than £10m, Buckley must not be sold for less than £10m, CMS must not be sold for less than £5m, Bruno must not be sold for less than £2m. Selling our important players in not the way to go, if it meant keeping all the aforementioned I would be happy waiting until the summer to spend big on a striker. I still believe with everyone available, Orlandi, Vicente etc etc we have enough to make the playoffs. With these guys in the team the goals will come.

Ten million for Bridcutt? You're joking, surely? He is nowhere near that good. He is overrated in my opinion. He is a competent midfielder but there are plenty as good and better than him. He lacks the 'killer' pass, mostly passing sideways or backwards and does not score any goals. We can manage without him if someone is foolish enough to bid over 500,000 for him. Many players can do a tidying up job in front of the back four like he does.

"His technique is average, he lacks the speed and skill to take the ball past opponents, and ninety percent of his distribution either goes backwards or sideways. He wasn't a header of the ball and he rarely passed the ball more than three metres"
That is what the President of Real Madrid said when they sold another Claude to Chelsea, he was talking out of his arris too.
Many can make a tackle where the ball goes loose but Bridcutt makes an incredible amount of tackles in which he comes away with possession.
He makes the type of passes Gus asks him to make, short ones, he has commented that he found complying with the short pass rule took a lot of discipline at first, and if he is allowed to get forward he does have a decent shot on him, he scored two great goals near the end of season 2010-11, both winners as I recall.
I believe we would have to spend in the millions to find a better man for the role.

Claude Makelele didn't score many goals either.

Baldseagull wrote:

Claude Back wrote:

Alan G Skinner wrote:

Eddy B wrote:
Hope Gus doesn't make some panic buys which entail throwing the baby out with the bath water. Very concerned of talk of selling Bridcutt. I think if we are seriously going for promotion this season or next we need to hang on to the few players who are premiership standard and trim those that aren't even if it means increasing debts and/or reducing the overall squad size. Therefore decide if the likes of fringe players like Agdestein, Hoskins, Barnes, Dobbie and David are good enough and part of the long term plan, and move on those that aren't in preference for one new one that we hope will be. But don't sell Bridcutt or Buckley.

We must not sell our important players, particuarly the likes of Bridcutt and Buckley. Unless someone comes in and offers us obscene amounts, selling these players can only be a step in the wrong direction. Deals like 1.5m for Elliott Bennett, 1m for Nooney, may be seen as "good business", but these are not spectacular amounts, not game changing amounts. Bridcutt must not be sold for less than £10m, Buckley must not be sold for less than £10m, CMS must not be sold for less than £5m, Bruno must not be sold for less than £2m. Selling our important players in not the way to go, if it meant keeping all the aforementioned I would be happy waiting until the summer to spend big on a striker. I still believe with everyone available, Orlandi, Vicente etc etc we have enough to make the playoffs. With these guys in the team the goals will come.

Ten million for Bridcutt? You're joking, surely? He is nowhere near that good. He is overrated in my opinion. He is a competent midfielder but there are plenty as good and better than him. He lacks the 'killer' pass, mostly passing sideways or backwards and does not score any goals. We can manage without him if someone is foolish enough to bid over 500,000 for him. Many players can do a tidying up job in front of the back four like he does.

"His technique is average, he lacks the speed and skill to take the ball past opponents, and ninety percent of his distribution either goes backwards or sideways. He wasn't a header of the ball and he rarely passed the ball more than three metres"
That is what the President of Real Madrid said when they sold another Claude to Chelsea, he was talking out of his arris too.
Many can make a tackle where the ball goes loose but Bridcutt makes an incredible amount of tackles in which he comes away with possession.
He makes the type of passes Gus asks him to make, short ones, he has commented that he found complying with the short pass rule took a lot of discipline at first, and if he is allowed to get forward he does have a decent shot on him, he scored two great goals near the end of season 2010-11, both winners as I recall.
I believe we would have to spend in the millions to find a better man for the role.

Claude Makelele didn't score many goals either.

Fab post Dr.B, and don't forget his amazing ability in the air for such a little chap. My favourite player this season and last, absolute nailed on Premiership player.

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Sparrow - Out.
Vincelot - Out.
Bergkamp - Out.
Kasim - Out.
Dicker - Out.

Striker - In??

Who is going to pay reasonable money for that group? More likely £5-6 million from Norwich for CMS and maybe Bridcutt and perhaps Bennet coming back as part of the deal.

CMS was always going to struggle playing this system and personally I feel for the man. He works his socks off with little return unlike when he was at Posh where he was sensational getting on the end of all those early balls down the channels and over the top to run onto.

I think he looks dejected after two years of little of the service he thrives on. I certainly wish him well if he does leave.

It's a bit like Torres at Chelsea with the way Liverpool played and Chelsea played when they bought him - or should I say when Abramovich bought him!!!

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Michu, 6'1, very experienced La Liga Striker, top Scorer in the Premier League, just been given the nod for Spain and cost Swansea a modest £2m. That's the type of player we need to find. Anyone watched "Moneyball", I’m convinced the same theories could be applied to football!

Great movie - wasn't that team owned by the Fenway boys who bought LFC?

fratsomrover wrote:

ballantrrae wrote:

Major Bloodboil wrote:
I have been reading the posts on this site for a number of years now and have thoroughly enjoyed the banter (apart from the needless slagging off). It is quite clear to me that just about all the posts these past two seasons have been motivated by a great underlying frustration. We know that the team is a good one and has come so far in a relatively short time but feel that it could be a great team with the addition of a couple of players and, on occasions (like last night) different tactics being employed. In so many games we could have gained a win by better finishing or defending. The number of chances that have been missed this season is extraordinary and unparalleled in any other season that I can recall. The frustration is increased many times when former players of ours have scored for fun against us.

We have to remember that Gus is relatively new at the management game and is learning all the time. I am confident that he will get things right although it is agonising waiting for it to happen.

Personally I would like to see Hoskins get a good run as I saw his goals against us at the Memorial Ground and both were top class and very different in nature; the first a great shot from distance and the second a mazy dribble. He just needs a bit of confidence and I am sure that he has the ability to reproduce the scoring feats that he demonstrated with the Rovers (where are they now?). Hopefully Kaz can give us another cutting edge and the transfer window may bring some welcome good news too. We must all hang in there as I am confident that our good team will became a great one in the Championship in the near future, and cheer up, remember - we could have lost our team altogether if events had taken a different turn a few years ago.

Another excellent Post. Thank you Major B.
In particular like you I would like to see Hoskins given an extended run.

I quite agree with you. I think Hoskins is worthy of a run and I was shocked that he was left out last night. I'm also a bit surprised about Dobbie's continued omission. He probably has more experience than anyone at playing at a higher level yet he seems to be behind CMS, Barnes and Hoskins now. Both CMS and Barnes had "air" shots in the final minutes and CMS totally miscued Lua Lua's cross when well placed. I have a feeling that Dobbie would have been much calmer and dealt with both situations far better than CMS and Barnes. It is situations like this when experience is invaluable and if he is not going to be played now, I dont see how he is ever going to get a game. A bit of a mystery I think.

I agree completely and I think both have strong characters and opinions - not Gus' favourite traits in his players as the Murray saga proved.

Alan G Skinner wrote:
Sparrow - Out. Vincelot - Out. Bergkamp - Out. Kasim - Out. Dicker - Out. Striker - In??

Rather keep Vincelot and off load Barnes and Harley...

Claude Back : Have to totally disagree with you about Bridcutt, that would be a major loss if he went. Good in the air for his size and breaks play up incredibly well. Does not need to make spectacular 50 yard passes he wins in and passes it, possibly player of the season so far.

DESLYNHAMSMOUSTACHE wrote:
Is it just me or do others think CMS would make one hell of an attacking midfielder.Enough energy for box to box and an eye for a few goals.Up front Marko Pantelic please from Olympiacos.Top quality,Top experience,affordabl e(not sure about wages) He may be 34 but look up his stats to know this guy is the real deal.

I don't agree sorry. One must for a midfielder is a good touch, something that macca clearly lacks in my opinion. Trotter for me all day long. Big strong mobile, good in the air, great link up man and scores goals.

sebastian ribas