More Albion signings could be on the way (From The Argus)
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More Albion signings could be on the way
9:00am Monday 14th January 2013 in Albion By Andy Naylor
Gus Poyet could do more business in January
ALBION boss Gus Poyet is planning more January business to supplement the looming capture of Leonardo Ulloa.
He wants to make at least one further addition before the transfer window closes at the end of the month following Saturday's 2-1 home win against Derby County.
Ulloa, right, was at The Amex to agree personal terms, complete a medical and watch the game before flying back to Spain yesterday.
Almeria’s 26-year-old Argentinian target man is expected to receive the EU passport he requires to be eligible to play in England today or tomorrow, ready for a deal believed to be in the region of £2 million to be wrapped up on Wednesday.
Poyet revealed to The Argus: “We are trying to do other things. There are always options in different positions that I prefer not to say.
“He (Ulloa) is a player we have been looking for for a year-and-a-half really. The only problem was that he wasn’t available because of the European passport situation, so he was never an option.
“He was a player we liked a lot but couldn’t get. As soon as we knew that option was a possibility then we started to move as quick as possible. Let’s hope that by Tuesday or Wednesday we can close everything.
“He is my size, six-foot three nearly. He is very good in the air, a player who can hold the ball. He is going to be a real threat in the box when we are at home and attacking.
“We haven’t had that presence up front. The players we have got are very good technically and can give you plenty in terms of linking or going in the space like Macca (Craig Mackail-Smith), but we haven’t had that target man.”
Ulloa, if everything goes according to plan, could be involved in the squad at Birmingham on Saturday, probably as a substitute.
Poyet said: “We are not going to hurry. If he trains four or five days with us he will have a chance to play, if he trains only once or twice then he will start from the bench, but the idea really is to help him to start learning quick.
“I have given him so much information already but he needed to watch the game by himself.”
Mackail-Smith, ruled out of the Derby match by hamstring tightness, should be fit to face Birmingham.
Comments(56)
MHubbs
says...
9:15am Mon 14 Jan 13
My question would then move onto the obvious aspect of whether any such signing would be cost prohibitive, meaning we settle for a lesser player that will then be lacking if we did get promoted.
We appear to need cover at left back, if bridge goes and possibly centre back also. However the focus seems constantly upon strikers due to our goal scoring problems.
I hope that any further signings have a more mid-long term view to where we might be in six months.
brightonup
says...
9:25am Mon 14 Jan 13
I am sure the side will need strengthening if we are promoted, and I am sure Gus will be busy doing just that next Summer.......
pablobrowno
says...
9:31am Mon 14 Jan 13
brightonup wrote:Indeed brightonup. Like Saints last year we need players to get us promoted but the likelyhood is a few of them won't make the step up and will end up back in the champ helping someone else get promotion!
If we are 'going for it' then we need the players to take us up!
I am sure the side will need strengthening if we are promoted, and I am sure Gus will be busy doing just that next Summer.......
As for us "really going for it" I wouldn't say we are. I would describe Cardiff and Leicester as doing that as they must be spending a pretty penny signing up the most desirsble players I.e. Wood.
Alfie T
says...
9:35am Mon 14 Jan 13
brightonup
says...
9:41am Mon 14 Jan 13
However, I do believe the team is stronger than last year and we may just slip into the playoffs. Whether we do or not, it's all good, and I for one am enjoying the season!
dave from bexill
says...
9:44am Mon 14 Jan 13
Alfie T wrote:Me to Alfie. Very exciting prospect to help complement the forwards we already have.
Not going to speculate on who might also join the mighty Albion, but have to say am very excited with Ulloa joining us. Gus may have unearthed a real gem here, really looking forward to seeing him in the Blue and White stripes.
brightonup
says...
9:47am Mon 14 Jan 13
dave from bexill wrote:Absolutely agree!
Alfie T wrote: Not going to speculate on who might also join the mighty Albion, but have to say am very excited with Ulloa joining us. Gus may have unearthed a real gem here, really looking forward to seeing him in the Blue and White stripes.Me to Alfie. Very exciting prospect to help complement the forwards we already have.
Zamora Ace
says...
10:06am Mon 14 Jan 13
WestStander17
says...
10:07am Mon 14 Jan 13
Zamora Ace
says...
10:16am Mon 14 Jan 13
WestStander17 wrote:I agree Bridcutt is absolutely vital to us getting into the playoffs, he has been immense all season and on Saturday his tackling and reading of the game was a class above anyone else as you say. If we do get an offer I hope it would be like the supposed deal for Zaha with Manchester Utd that we could have a loan back for the rest of the season. I do think it is inevitable sadly we will at least get offers. Fingers crossed we do keep him!:)
This is great news as long as it isn't bringing in players to replace any we are about to lose! I'm thinking, mainly, about Bridcutt. Without Bridcutt constantly winning back possession, whoever plays in attack will struggle to see enough of the ball to score any goals. He would be extremely difficult to replace so adding more players is good but we must keep our most important player if we want to make the play-offs.
mark by the sea
says...
10:24am Mon 14 Jan 13
Club are now on the radar with good players happy to sign here, exciting days ahead, hard game sat, but three points would step things up nicely .
graham w
says...
10:35am Mon 14 Jan 13
Bob!
says...
10:50am Mon 14 Jan 13
'Ulloa, right, was at The Amex to agree personal terms, complete a medical and watch the game before flying back to Spain yesterday.'
Did he agree personal terms then?
the taffster
says...
10:50am Mon 14 Jan 13
dave from bexill
says...
10:53am Mon 14 Jan 13
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
mark by the sea
says...
11:04am Mon 14 Jan 13
dave from bexill wrote:No if we get chance to go up .. Take it, don't think any side is ready, some do really well, others sink .. Some like Wigan are always on the brink of dropping, lets get not the top two, no reason why we can't.
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
11:06am Mon 14 Jan 13
dave from bexill wrote:Quite. West Brom weren't ready when they first went up and so they came back down again pretty soon but spent their parachute payments wisely. Then they did it again. Finally they had a team good enough to stay there without mortgaging their very existence. What's good enough for one Albion is good enough for the other.
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
fratsomrover
says...
11:13am Mon 14 Jan 13
Seagull68
says...
11:20am Mon 14 Jan 13
dave from bexill wrote:I completely agree dave, the riches on offer in the Premier league because of the new TV deal, is much bigger than any time in the past. I do think we can make it this year, but I believe it will be through the play offs. Gus rates the Argentinian highly and that's good enough for me. He could be the difference. I think we need to sign a central defender for cover if Dunk does go. But we seriously need a reliable back up for Bridders in case of injury or we heaven forbid lose him to another club. I thought Crofts would fill in as a replacement, or indeed Hammond. Neither have the skill or vision to fill Liams shoes imo,
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
Alfie T
says...
11:22am Mon 14 Jan 13
mark by the sea wrote:I agree, the Premiership prize is massive, couple that with our stadium,training academy and general infrastructure, a truly mouthwatering prospect. So what if we struggle at first, there are not many more club fans used to the roller coaster that is our fantastic football club, bring it on.
dave from bexill wrote:No if we get chance to go up .. Take it, don't think any side is ready, some do really well, others sink .. Some like Wigan are always on the brink of dropping, lets get not the top two, no reason why we can't.
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
mark by the sea
says...
11:25am Mon 14 Jan 13
Seagull68 wrote:Agree about bridcutt, but if they were good enough, neither would have left saints or norwich, so we will struggle to replace him.
dave from bexill wrote:I completely agree dave, the riches on offer in the Premier league because of the new TV deal, is much bigger than any time in the past. I do think we can make it this year, but I believe it will be through the play offs. Gus rates the Argentinian highly and that's good enough for me. He could be the difference. I think we need to sign a central defender for cover if Dunk does go. But we seriously need a reliable back up for Bridders in case of injury or we heaven forbid lose him to another club. I thought Crofts would fill in as a replacement, or indeed Hammond. Neither have the skill or vision to fill Liams shoes imo,
graham w wrote:Although I can appreciate this sentiment, in a sense it can never be 'to early'. Not quite making it this year is no guarantee that next year will be better.
ts all looking quite good lets hope it all works out , i think like like our budding prof "mark by the sea", this season may be to early. what we want is a really top season next year... but if its there lets take it.. uta ... seagulls ..
The time is now.Lets just enjoy and see where we are in May. In Gus and Tony we trust.
Lets get right behind the club..
IRISHGULL
says...
11:54am Mon 14 Jan 13
brightonup
says...
12:27pm Mon 14 Jan 13
IRISHGULL wrote:http://en.wikipedia.
according to a number of sources we are after fernandez at malaga.However he favors a move to the prem. Anybody no anything about this guy?.The respect that gus commands within the game, now attracts this sort of player to our club. We are only heading in one direction, with our fantastic manager
org/wiki/Sebasti%C3%
A1n_Fern%C3%A1ndez
Aussiegulls
says...
12:58pm Mon 14 Jan 13
org/wiki/Leonardo_Ul
loa
VegasSeagull
says...
1:00pm Mon 14 Jan 13
The comment kinda suggests that Ulloa plus one could be Ulloa plus two.
One more might well be a center back, Poyet has said that he would like to bolster our defensive pack.
With Vicente returning we regain his play making abilities from midfield so if two more do come, could the second be yet another striker?
arc12
says...
1:13pm Mon 14 Jan 13
IRISHGULL wrote:I just saw this mentioned on the lunch Sky Sports news - apparently the three clubs linked with 'interest' with Fernandez were Southampton, Norwich, and ourselves. Think it's probably unlikely but if he came (being another striker) surely that would hasten the departure of Dobbie/Hoskins?
according to a number of sources we are after fernandez at malaga.However he favors a move to the prem. Anybody no anything about this guy?.The respect that gus commands within the game, now attracts this sort of player to our club. We are only heading in one direction, with our fantastic manager
VegasSeagull
says...
1:28pm Mon 14 Jan 13
The effect his arrival might have regarding other players is something for Gus to concern himself about, for me I just want to see us get promoted.
Now to contradict myself. I do wonder what role Dobbie has within the squad, even with just the players we have now.
Hoskins, well I like him and I think the lad should be patient. He could make a sideways move, go somewhere like Derby or Ipswich but would he be any better off with a team such as either of those.
It is my hope that Gus has sat the lad down and had a good long chat with him, explained to him how the club view his future as IMHO, I am sure he has one with us.
jockithenoo
says...
1:32pm Mon 14 Jan 13
arc12 wrote:I thought Fernandez was a development player at Malaga?
IRISHGULL wrote:I just saw this mentioned on the lunch Sky Sports news - apparently the three clubs linked with 'interest' with Fernandez were Southampton, Norwich, and ourselves. Think it's probably unlikely but if he came (being another striker) surely that would hasten the departure of Dobbie/Hoskins?
according to a number of sources we are after fernandez at malaga.However he favors a move to the prem. Anybody no anything about this guy?.The respect that gus commands within the game, now attracts this sort of player to our club. We are only heading in one direction, with our fantastic manager
ballantrrae
says...
1:32pm Mon 14 Jan 13
In terms of other signings a Powerful Midfielder or another CB I imagine are top of the list. It would't surprise if a left back (cover for Bridge next year) or a young winger were signed. Indeed the People also reported that Brighton, amongst other clubs, are interested in Orient's Winger Odubajo.
An interesting couple of weeks ahead in prospect.
Turning to the Derby game it was good to see the Albion winning at Home in the league for a change. My only slight disappointment was that Hoskins didn't get an outing from the bench. I feel he deserves more opportunities based on his recent contributions.
lonegull
says...
2:17pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
Claude Back
says...
2:47pm Mon 14 Jan 13
lonegull wrote:It's the 'nice touches' that discerning fans have noticed and sets him apart from Barnes. Hoskins has skill. He just doesn't get a real chance to show it. If he had started as many times as Barnes I am sure Hoskins would have scored more goals than Barnsie and provided more assists.
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
fratsomrover
says...
2:54pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:Well put Claude, I was just about to state the same, but you beat me to it. I too believe that had Hoskins had the same amount of playing time as Barnes, we would have scored more goals and be higher up the table. He does show touches of class and needs a consistent run of games instead of these few minutes here and there.
lonegull wrote:It's the 'nice touches' that discerning fans have noticed and sets him apart from Barnes. Hoskins has skill. He just doesn't get a real chance to show it. If he had started as many times as Barnes I am sure Hoskins would have scored more goals than Barnsie and provided more assists.
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
Perseus
says...
3:00pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Hovite
says...
3:13pm Mon 14 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:Whatever club you go to it doesn't automatically guarantee that you will play week in week out. The modern game is about the team and being ready to step up when you have to. There will always be injuries, there will always be players that need a rest and not forgetting the game changing substitutions.
Arc12, 'if,' he came to us it might mean that he hastens our way up the table and into the top six maybe even the top two.
The effect his arrival might have regarding other players is something for Gus to concern himself about, for me I just want to see us get promoted.
Now to contradict myself. I do wonder what role Dobbie has within the squad, even with just the players we have now.
Hoskins, well I like him and I think the lad should be patient. He could make a sideways move, go somewhere like Derby or Ipswich but would he be any better off with a team such as either of those.
It is my hope that Gus has sat the lad down and had a good long chat with him, explained to him how the club view his future as IMHO, I am sure he has one with us.
The players know this and their job is to turn up for training and make sure they are fit and ready to play when needed. I'm sure Hoskins knows he is a valuable member of the team and has a good future with us.
Bob!
says...
3:25pm Mon 14 Jan 13
ballantrrae wrote:Why would we need to replace Dobbie?
In one of the Sunday Papers (the People I think) was a report that Holloway is interested in acquiring Dobbie for Palace. If that were to happen then he would need replacing. In terms of other signings a Powerful Midfielder or another CB I imagine are top of the list. It would't surprise if a left back (cover for Bridge next year) or a young winger were signed. Indeed the People also reported that Brighton, amongst other clubs, are interested in Orient's Winger Odubajo. An interesting couple of weeks ahead in prospect. Turning to the Derby game it was good to see the Albion winning at Home in the league for a change. My only slight disappointment was that Hoskins didn't get an outing from the bench. I feel he deserves more opportunities based on his recent contributions.
He's hardly played!
We've got Vicente, Orlandi, Lopez, Hoskins, Barnes, JFC that can all play that position.
lonegull
says...
3:36pm Mon 14 Jan 13
It's funny how we all see the same thing but draw different conclusions.
I think Hoskins is easier on the eye than Barnes.
I think if you look at Chelsea the players with least technical ability, remembering it's all relative given the strength of their team, are Terry and Lampard. For Brighton I would substitute those two with El Ab and Barnes. IMO both teams are better with them than without them.
VegasSeagull
says...
3:45pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Hoskins is showing promise and Dobbie is showing very little.
I would like to see Dobbie go out on loan, if only to see if he can deliver when given regular matches.
wiseman of hove
says...
3:59pm Mon 14 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:I think that's a fair assesment of the Dobbie situation, Vegas. Not making the eighteen on Saturday was a bit telling I think. His going out on loan would seem sensible.
Bob it might be that Gus has come to realise that he got it wrong with Dobbie. I would guess that his playing time in the last 10 matches adds up to less that the time Hoskins has had.
Hoskins is showing promise and Dobbie is showing very little.
I would like to see Dobbie go out on loan, if only to see if he can deliver when given regular matches.
As for Hoskins, I agree with Claude Backe and fratsomrover. I think Hoskins is a class act and have thought so from day one. I can't help feeling that a bit of an opportunity has been lost over the last six or so league games but I think a run is now imminent. Apart from undoubted technical ability, he moves very swiftly and if the manager did not play him up front, I'm sure he could play the attacking midfield role that Hammond has yet to fully deliver.
ballantrrae
says...
4:21pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Bob! wrote:Point taken Bob!
ballantrrae wrote:Why would we need to replace Dobbie?
In one of the Sunday Papers (the People I think) was a report that Holloway is interested in acquiring Dobbie for Palace. If that were to happen then he would need replacing. In terms of other signings a Powerful Midfielder or another CB I imagine are top of the list. It would't surprise if a left back (cover for Bridge next year) or a young winger were signed. Indeed the People also reported that Brighton, amongst other clubs, are interested in Orient's Winger Odubajo. An interesting couple of weeks ahead in prospect. Turning to the Derby game it was good to see the Albion winning at Home in the league for a change. My only slight disappointment was that Hoskins didn't get an outing from the bench. I feel he deserves more opportunities based on his recent contributions.
He's hardly played!
We've got Vicente, Orlandi, Lopez, Hoskins, Barnes, JFC that can all play that position.
I wasn't thinking of replacing with a player who is similar for the reason you point out. I thought perhaps with another out and out striker. Assuming Ulloa joins and CMS stays we only have one other striker, Hoskins, since Barnes is utilised mainly as a midfielder these days.
A number of other posters like VegasSeagull have suggested that we should get 2 strikers in now not just Ulloa.
I appreciate Dobbie probably won't leave, I was simply reacting to the Report in the People saying Palace were interested.
Jonathan Mouette
says...
4:23pm Mon 14 Jan 13
lonegull wrote:That should read 'Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Barnes to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker'... I still haven't got over the fact that Hoskins didn't even get off the bench on Saturday... He has more ball control in his little toe than the much heralded AB but I don' want to slate one of our own either...
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
Jonathan Mouette
says...
4:23pm Mon 14 Jan 13
lonegull wrote:That should read 'Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Barnes to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker'... I still haven't got over the fact that Hoskins didn't even get off the bench on Saturday... He has more ball control in his little toe than the much heralded AB but I don' want to slate one of our own either...
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
Jonathan Mouette
says...
4:26pm Mon 14 Jan 13
WisdomSpeaks
says...
5:18pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:Spot on my friend. You can't do much if you're never played consistently. If Gus showed the same faith in him as he shows in Barnes I believe he would be a really good player with us.
lonegull wrote:It's the 'nice touches' that discerning fans have noticed and sets him apart from Barnes. Hoskins has skill. He just doesn't get a real chance to show it. If he had started as many times as Barnes I am sure Hoskins would have scored more goals than Barnsie and provided more assists.
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
VegasSeagull
says...
5:35pm Mon 14 Jan 13
When David had to take over the right back duties he and Barnes, according to all reports, worked really well together, would you have gambled Hoskins for that role?
VegasSeagull
says...
5:36pm Mon 14 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:by, 'that role,' I of course mean the role Barnes adopted.
Wisdom who would you leave out so as to give the lad a run of games? When David had to take over the right back duties he and Barnes, according to all reports, worked really well together, would you have gambled Hoskins for that role?
Jonathan Mouette
says...
6:00pm Mon 14 Jan 13
I often wonder if there isn't a certain amount of frustration creeping in on - and possibly off - the field. TK often shows his annoyance with team performance (remember the nose to nose confrontation with AB?) and Bridge's booking, late in to the game on Saturday, was (imho) borne more out of frustation with his own teammates and the weird substitutions than anything else. It really was a squeaky bum victory at the end of the day.
ballantrrae
says...
6:24pm Mon 14 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:VegasSeagull you have hit the nail on the head.
VegasSeagull wrote:by, 'that role,' I of course mean the role Barnes adopted.
Wisdom who would you leave out so as to give the lad a run of games? When David had to take over the right back duties he and Barnes, according to all reports, worked really well together, would you have gambled Hoskins for that role?
Barnes now plays the wide support striker/midfield role quite well. He fully understands what Poyet wants from him in that position and works hard to execute it.
With CMS injured for the Derby game there was the perfect opportunity for Hoskins to deputise for him and start with Barnes retained playing his familiar wide role. In fact for most of the second half on Saturday Poyet switched Barnes out wide to the right anyway.
Actually I thought Barnes did quite well as the main central striker in the first half although his touch did let him down on a couple of occasions and that is the issue. Hoskins touch is superior and might have helped the Albion to get that important third goal.
Back to the Dobbie question. It will be interesting to see, assuming Ulloa joins, whether Dobbie gets more game time playing in the 'hole' just behind Ulloa. If he doesn't then, as you Vegas have been trumpeting, perhaps we should get another striker in in his place. One way or the other Dobbie deserves a fair crack of the whip as indeed does Hoskins.
Any thoughts ?
VegasSeagull
says...
7:23pm Mon 14 Jan 13
Right now we don't know how Poyet will use Ulloa, will he be the lone striker or will he play behind CMS.
I am of the opinion that Gus doesn't want to gamble, I think he is only out to improve on what he knows works.
To take Barnes out and insert Hoskins for a run of games could be considered a gamble. In Barnes he knows what he has. I would place a decent bet that Hoskins will replace Barnes in the next cup match starting line up.
Every point from now on counts and whilst Hoskins is shaping up nicely he might have to prove his worth more on the training ground or Cup than in league matches.
Gus ain't stupid, if the lad does the business I am sure he won't waste him.
mr punch
says...
7:30pm Mon 14 Jan 13
tonytowner1
says...
8:30pm Mon 14 Jan 13
fratsomrover wrote:Remember to deduct all the Barnes penalties this and last (and the one before) season from his tally too for a fair stats comparison (maybe to "add" to this, deduct the few he's missed too :-)
Claude Back wrote:Well put Claude, I was just about to state the same, but you beat me to it. I too believe that had Hoskins had the same amount of playing time as Barnes, we would have scored more goals and be higher up the table. He does show touches of class and needs a consistent run of games instead of these few minutes here and there.
lonegull wrote:It's the 'nice touches' that discerning fans have noticed and sets him apart from Barnes. Hoskins has skill. He just doesn't get a real chance to show it. If he had started as many times as Barnes I am sure Hoskins would have scored more goals than Barnsie and provided more assists.
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
I see Lambert has scored the last 32 penalties he has taken - maybe a video compilation for our lads to watch would be good!!?? (though I know Lopez has taken the last two as "properly" hit penalties - he may not be on the pitch though of course for the next one!!
noddychops
says...
10:57pm Mon 14 Jan 13
down_under
says...
1:07pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Freeloaders
says...
2:54pm Tue 15 Jan 13
lonegull wrote:Very good post my friend.Since his days at Watford people knew the lad had some talent.That was never the problem with him.Its his life away from the club.The lad is big trouble off the field,and thats why know big clubs have ever been after him.They all luv the guy on here but never ask themselfs why we was the only club in for him.The fact some sad people on here find the lad good looking is even more sad.His a footballer not a pop star.Give me the knew ugly guy anyday.
Find it strange the way everyone seems to love Hoskins but very few have time for Barnes.
Apart from a couple of nice touches and one good goal I've seen nothing from Hoskins to suggest he's anymore than a reasonable league one striker.
Yes he scored 17 league goals in 43 games for struggling Bristol City but that's the best ratio he's ever managed and he he's hardly a youngster. Only 2 in 12, in league 1, for a very good Sheff United side last year.
I don't want to slate our own player and I'd love hime to prove me wrong I just struggle to see what a lot of you are seeing. UTA
tinker111
says...
6:44pm Tue 15 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:Well Said Barnes's work rate is way way above many of Albions other players
Wisdom who would you leave out so as to give the lad a run of games?
When David had to take over the right back duties he and Barnes, according to all reports, worked really well together, would you have gambled Hoskins for that role?
tinker111
says...
6:46pm Tue 15 Jan 13
saraman says...
9:14am Mon 14 Jan 13