Kuszczak: Albion's pre-seaon preparations are up there with the best (From The Argus)

Oh well you heard it from Gus--No closer to any signings and the longer it goes on the less likely he is to get the players he wants. So the striker we desparately need may come from within--in other words one of our existing players may turn up trumps and have a good goalscoring season?? Pity M-Smith is missing keys pre-season games---and the 'rumours' about him?? i hope they are unfounded.

No progress on signings which is a little disappointing. It seems a pity that whoever we end up acquiring (presuming we do sign somebody) will have missed out potentially on a really top class pre-season judging from Kuszczak's remarks.
Slightly concerned at Hoskins continued absence through injury, I hope he recovers quickly and we don't see last season repeating itself in his case. Shame because he had been looking good.
CMS not being fit for this evening might add fuel to the rumours......
Perhaps Bergkamp (the forgotten man) might get a run out tonight.
Like you mikeygit I hope the club doesn't miss out on the players Poyet is hoping to sign.
Fortunately transfer activity generally has been relatively quiet so far. That in itself doesn't help if the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea haven't completed their recruiting since it delays potential loan deals etc.
Being 'positive' perhaps we will hear some real info about new signings by the weekend or at least before the Reading friendly.

Agree with the above but suppose I should be the first to spot the typo in the title......

Rahgull wrote:
Agree with the above but suppose I should be the first to spot the typo in the title......

Well 'spotted' Rahgull !

I think it's similar to buying a house in a chain - once the big clubs have got their big signings, then the back up players will be sold on or loaned out - It's a waiting game.

Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

"Sending out an S (N)O S......."

Somen Tchoyi was released by WBA. At 29, 6'3, would he not fit the bill for the midfield muscle?

jonwaller8508 wrote:
Somen Tchoyi was released by WBA. At 29, 6'3, would he not fit the bill for the midfield muscle?

No. He's crap.

Albion In Staffs wrote:
Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

Or is it that the really good players are being snapped up now, and by the end of August, many of those who are left will be the 'also-rans'?

Also, the longer it takes to make another signing, the less time the new player(s) will have to gel with the rest of the team.

My head says 'Be patient; these things can take time- no point signing someone for the sake of it'.
But my heart says: 'Come on, this is getting really frustrating; I check every day, only to be disappointed again.'

Peteinblack wrote:

Albion In Staffs wrote:
Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

Or is it that the really good players are being snapped up now, and by the end of August, many of those who are left will be the 'also-rans'?

Also, the longer it takes to make another signing, the less time the new player(s) will have to gel with the rest of the team.

My head says 'Be patient; these things can take time- no point signing someone for the sake of it'.
But my heart says: 'Come on, this is getting really frustrating; I check every day, only to be disappointed again.'

They're doing it for the benefit of the team, not us. You really think Gus would sign rubbish because its all that's left? Not a chance.
He could easily make you smile with a signing today and then in November you -or me- would be saying it was a waste of money.. When you sign a player he must be better than what you have. If he isn't, Gus won't do it. Simple as that. When he moves, sit comfortable in the knowledge that he firmly believes the new man is better than we have. So keep calm and carry on.....

Peteinblack wrote:

Albion In Staffs wrote:
Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

Or is it that the really good players are being snapped up now, and by the end of August, many of those who are left will be the 'also-rans'?

Also, the longer it takes to make another signing, the less time the new player(s) will have to gel with the rest of the team.

My head says 'Be patient; these things can take time- no point signing someone for the sake of it'.
But my heart says: 'Come on, this is getting really frustrating; I check every day, only to be disappointed again.'

They're doing it for the benefit of the team, not us. You really think Gus would sign rubbish because its all that's left? Not a chance.
He could easily make you smile with a signing today and then in November you -or me- would be saying it was a waste of money.. When you sign a player he must be better than what you have. If he isn't, Gus won't do it. Simple as that. When he moves, sit comfortable in the knowledge that he firmly believes the new man is better than we have. So keep calm and carry on.....

Albion In Staffs wrote:

Peteinblack wrote:

Albion In Staffs wrote:
Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

Or is it that the really good players are being snapped up now, and by the end of August, many of those who are left will be the 'also-rans'?

Also, the longer it takes to make another signing, the less time the new player(s) will have to gel with the rest of the team.

My head says 'Be patient; these things can take time- no point signing someone for the sake of it'.
But my heart says: 'Come on, this is getting really frustrating; I check every day, only to be disappointed again.'

They're doing it for the benefit of the team, not us. You really think Gus would sign rubbish because its all that's left? Not a chance.
He could easily make you smile with a signing today and then in November you -or me- would be saying it was a waste of money.. When you sign a player he must be better than what you have. If he isn't, Gus won't do it. Simple as that. When he moves, sit comfortable in the knowledge that he firmly believes the new man is better than we have. So keep calm and carry on.....

Sorry Albion In Staffs,but if if we buy a player,idont want him to "just" be better than we already got .I want him better than they got,and by a mile,or,why bother?

tug509 wrote:

Albion In Staffs wrote:

Peteinblack wrote:

Albion In Staffs wrote:
Signings, signings, signings... Faith and patience required.
Despite what has been said above, look at it this way, the longer it goes on, the more likely we actually are to sign a stand out.. Class players worth their salt are holding out at this time because they good enough to do so. Those with few options are on the move. (Vokes?) So the longer it goes on, the better placed we are because the landmark players clearly haven't said no.. As someone who's now at Port Vale once said: "Keep the faith."

Or is it that the really good players are being snapped up now, and by the end of August, many of those who are left will be the 'also-rans'?

Also, the longer it takes to make another signing, the less time the new player(s) will have to gel with the rest of the team.

My head says 'Be patient; these things can take time- no point signing someone for the sake of it'.
But my heart says: 'Come on, this is getting really frustrating; I check every day, only to be disappointed again.'

They're doing it for the benefit of the team, not us. You really think Gus would sign rubbish because its all that's left? Not a chance.
He could easily make you smile with a signing today and then in November you -or me- would be saying it was a waste of money.. When you sign a player he must be better than what you have. If he isn't, Gus won't do it. Simple as that. When he moves, sit comfortable in the knowledge that he firmly believes the new man is better than we have. So keep calm and carry on.....

Sorry Albion In Staffs,but if if we buy a player,idont want him to "just" be better than we already got .I want him better than they got,and by a mile,or,why bother?

Pedantic point but I get your thinking although the level of that improvement isn't always in your hands. Sometimes in negotiation, you don't always get exactly what you want but if it ends up as a good deal for you, then that's fine. Gus and tony will make sure it is..My overall point is that the longer it goes on, the better I think it will be. Someone said just now that all the good players were signing elsewhere ... Like who? Lets be positive. It's not as if we're being run by muppets.....

I was speaking to a friend today who used to be a ref. and he has a view on this seasons 'non signings' generally. There are two main problems--agents--as has been said before, and their demands for very high 'their players' and therefore themselves.. The old available players are holding out for such rediculously high pay packets that is pricing them out of the market--Berbecov is a case in point---no one wants to pay his high wages and therefore Man U cannot off load him. Then managers are left with the delema of having to consider the younger more inexperienced players. Tough one.
On the question of foul language that was spoken about on here last week or so, refs rule book says that it is a red card offence to use foul or abusive language to either match officials or other players. IF this rule was upheld at matches, which many want, then the likes of Rooney & co may well be suspended for matches which could lose clubs money--also many matches would only have 6 or 7 players left on the pitch. AGAIN a difficult one---or a near impossibility.

mikeygit wrote:
I was speaking to a friend today who used to be a ref. and he has a view on this seasons 'non signings' generally. There are two main problems--agents--as has been said before, and their demands for very high 'their players' and therefore themselves.. The old available players are holding out for such rediculously high pay packets that is pricing them out of the market--Berbecov is a case in point---no one wants to pay his high wages and therefore Man U cannot off load him. Then managers are left with the delema of having to consider the younger more inexperienced players. Tough one.
On the question of foul language that was spoken about on here last week or so, refs rule book says that it is a red card offence to use foul or abusive language to either match officials or other players. IF this rule was upheld at matches, which many want, then the likes of Rooney & co may well be suspended for matches which could lose clubs money--also many matches would only have 6 or 7 players left on the pitch. AGAIN a difficult one---or a near impossibility.

Then they need to have discipline and shut up, like rugby players do... They can do it and show respect, so that's the standard. Surely?

Ive just seen the squad for tonights game and i have to say that i honestly believe that none of the starting 11 will start at Hull in a few weeks time. Still looks a good team but for me this indicates how far we have come under this current management team.

I have just read an article in the DM where Gus was interviewed about the Uruguay National Team who are now ranked 3rd in the World.Maybe He is going to spring a shock and bring in one or 2 from there after the Olympics.

Last poster took words from my mouth.. Not easy to sign someone who are tied up in a competition. Only speculation.. But could be a reason on why we are waiting for the elusive 2
(I have heard elsewhere - that one of them is someone we would never have believed would play for the albion.. A big name..)
So instead of fretting and double guessing.. Just be patient and wait. We have strengthened the squad, we are moving forward. So sit back - enjoy the Olympics and the rest of the pre season.. As this will be an epic season (save your moans, heartaches and tales of woe for when it matters!!!)

DC Hove wrote:
Last poster took words from my mouth.. Not easy to sign someone who are tied up in a competition. Only speculation.. But could be a reason on why we are waiting for the elusive 2
(I have heard elsewhere - that one of them is someone we would never have believed would play for the albion.. A big name..)
So instead of fretting and double guessing.. Just be patient and wait. We have strengthened the squad, we are moving forward. So sit back - enjoy the Olympics and the rest of the pre season.. As this will be an epic season (save your moans, heartaches and tales of woe for when it matters!!!)

good post DC Hove,you're really whetting my appetite, looking forward to the coming season more and more.

mikeygit wrote:
I was speaking to a friend today who used to be a ref. and he has a view on this seasons 'non signings' generally. There are two main problems--agents--as has been said before, and their demands for very high 'their players' and therefore themselves.. The old available players are holding out for such rediculously high pay packets that is pricing them out of the market--Berbecov is a case in point---no one wants to pay his high wages and therefore Man U cannot off load him. Then managers are left with the delema of having to consider the younger more inexperienced players. Tough one.
On the question of foul language that was spoken about on here last week or so, refs rule book says that it is a red card offence to use foul or abusive language to either match officials or other players. IF this rule was upheld at matches, which many want, then the likes of Rooney & co may well be suspended for matches which could lose clubs money--also many matches would only have 6 or 7 players left on the pitch. AGAIN a difficult one---or a near impossibility.

Question ?
Am I right in thinking that each side must have at least 8 players on the pitch and that if one side is reduced to 7 the match has to be abandoned ?
If so does the 'result' at the time stand or does the match have to be replayed or is the match awarded to the side that still has sufficient players ?