Waiting in Vain?

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With pre-season training three weeks or so away,will Bobby start it with the squad as is? One addition and one out? Hardly what we all thought in May

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000

Answers

I have to say, because I keep my ears shut during the off season, I`ve lost track of who`s gone, and who`s arrived. Would someone be kind enough to indulge me with a summary of the off season activity. I have a feeling there has been very little.(:o)

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000

We were coming 6/7 once YBR took over. That isn't a squad that needs to purchase to survive. Nor are we so good that a couple of key signings will make us contenders. We are firmly in the chasing pack for European places but nothing like able to win the league. That means we should cpntinue to do what Bobby has done and keep checking out the younger players who will take us forward over the next 4 seasons. Let Villa buy Nilis and other old warhorses. Let S**derland buy this season's Boulds and Helmers. We have to wait until the right players come along and not continue this stupid cycle of buying batches of players to unsettle the existing playing staff and then throw our hands up in horror when it all turns to clarts again.

We obviously need another striker or two and a left sided midfielder, but I'm delighted that we aren't out there bidding over the odds for the likes of Bart Goor on the strength of one goal and that we aren't continuing to bid silly wages for Pinto. Just take a deep breath and wait for YBR to pull an unknown out of the bag who goes on to be the next Ronaldo or Van Niestelrooy (and no, I don't mean in the injured superstar way either).

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000


I almost agree completely with you Softie......almost!

Major signings are not really needed, and I reckon Bassedas(sp) is a good move, but I still reckon that #4m + 25 grand a week for Pinto would be a steal, and he still wouldn't be the top earner in the club would he.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000


Apparently, we're interested in resigning Pavel Srnicek on a free as 3rd keeper, possibly with coaching responsiibilities, but can't afford to unless/until Lionel Perez finally bogs off.
Acording to The Journal, several French clubs have expressed an interest in signing our hairdresser's asst. but yet again they have all been put off by his wage demands - so, it seems probable now that the tosser will simply 'sit out' the final year of his contract. Thanks Kenny.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000

Sounds reasonable to me Softie, if you hack the team about too much, it takes too long for them to settle down, and it isn`t always possible to make up lost ground from the beginning of the season. I would like to feel confident that we had some options up front alongside Big Al though, or in a worst case scenario, someone to cover for him in the event of injury etc. I can`t see that that on- going problem has been addressed, but then we can speculate as much as we like, but we aren`t actually privy to wor Bobby`s plans. I shall just put my faith in our esteemed leader - no-one will do a better job than him. I still think we may be required to show some patience this season too - but you never know!(:o)

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000


Another thought on the Srnicek/Perez situation.
IMO this situation has reached the point of not return, and MUST be sorted. There can be no possible chance that Perez will ever play in the first team, and he is now blocking real progress that the Club wishes to make - appointing a 3rd keeper who certainly could serve in the PL if required, and one who would have coaching responsibilities.
If necessary, we should buyout his contract, or subsidise his transfer, whatever is required to get him off the books - but it needs to be done NOW to allow the club to move forward.
Get it bloody sorted Fred - I can smell a letter coming on!

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000

We should never have sold Pav in the first place.......

What are the French tw@ts wage demands and would it not be cheaper and easier to pay off the remaining year of his contract and tell him to p*ss off. I had heard that Calais were interested in him after their Cup Final defeat, did nothing come of it?

We should do the same with most of the others as well if we can't get rid normally........pay them off and tell them to p*ss off

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000


I agree with you both, Clarky and ITK. The Perez situation must be resolved - as must the likes of Hammilton and the rest of the Dirty Dozen (or however many). Sadly, if you do it for one, then you open the floodgates for the rest.

Let's suppose Perez is on #10K a week. Hell, I hope he's nowhere near that. One year to run on his contract equals #520,000. Now, let's just suppose further that on average, there are another 9 or so in the same boat (Maric is probably on a lot more but others will be on less). Could we afford #5-6M to just say p1$$ off? It's a fair chunk of the xfer pot but would it be worth it to clear the decks and (potentially) lighten the dressing room atmosphere? I know I'd be a tad p1$$ed off if I had to$$ers like them in my office.

OK - I'll get my hat. Anybody fancy making a contribution is welcome to fill it.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2000


O.K. Softie I'm up for a debate.

Firstly, I place us as possibly 6th in the EPL behind last seasons top five. It will be a battle between us, Tottenham and possibly West Ham and Villa for the last possible place in Europe. Discounting the Mackems purely on the grounds for who they are.

I think Tottenham and West Ham have an edge on us, top young ENGLISH players coming through the ranks. And we do not.

WHam whith the potential to add Suker will have a very good attack and midfield next seaon and an experienced defence. Again they'll have to rely on few injuries to see real success next season as they have little depth. But this has really allowed their youngsters to come through and develop. This was what I realy like about the Sugar article I posted, the discussion on local youngsters developing. Apart from their heralded top 5 youngsters, they have a couple of others in the senior squad. And you try droping anyone of those five youngsters out of future England squads. (O.K. Carrick has still to really prove himself, but a lot of WHam supporters rate him as high as Joe Cole). Tottenham went out and bought all the best 18 year olds that were not attached to major clubs last year. They added these players to their own crop of 18 year olds. All 8 are in Tottenhams senior squad and got runs last season and a couple are expected to figure prominantly this season. Add to this they have a solid core of experienced, class players and have the finances to add a couple more impact signings this offseason, to join Rebrov.

Villa will depend who they are able to add and who they lose and how the players react to Gregory. Some are clearly losing it with him.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


Alternatively we have been linked with the 3 best 21 year old english players outside of the EPL, Morrison and Mullins at Crystal Palace, and Powell at Oxford, plus Lua Lua (who now appears to have gained French nationality). Mainly on the basis that all four players have links with Bobby's head coach, Mick Wadsworth.

If you want some top young local talent that will help carry the club over the next four years, you would have to seriously think of adding Hayden Mullins. At 21 he is the captain of Crystal Palace. Has been in the England U.21 squad, and was left out simply on the basis that in his age group the england squad has a hell of a lot of depth. Has a hell of a lot more experience over Jamie McClen, is physically bigger and more developed, and is a defensive midfielder who does score, alot.

Crystal Palce have recieved many offers for him, but have refused to sell anymore of their squad to survive. However I don't think he'll last untill the end of this upcoming season before he is sold, simply for the fact that like Dyer a year ago, he needs to step know if he is to further his career.

But it appears Bobby doesn't want to add to much young, DEVELOPING, talent to the squad as he doesn't have the money to add impact players, plus bairns to develop for the future.

Last season Bobby brought in Gavilan as Solano's understudy. What does this tell Brian Kerr (a bairn you right highly) who is about the same age, plays in the same position and has come through the youth set up. Is Kerr going to get any chance out side of possibly the Worthington Cup when there are three players (add in Dyer) ahead of him for his position.

And what about Jamie McClen, is he likely to get a chance in central midfield. You, yourself have been highly critical of his previous performances when he got a couple of sub appearances under Gullit.

And what about what about Stuart Green, where and when will he get a run.

O.K. Griffin and Hughes should make some contributions next season, probably as subs, unless Barton or Domi are injured. However who thinks Hughes's best position is Left Fullback? Or that in a lot of games last season when he played, many of the other players were reluctant to play the ball out to him on the left?

Hughes will probably end up as a central defender, or at least I hope so as I don't see him as a fullback.

The rest of our young defenders, Beharall, and the Caldwell brothers will be luck to get a look in. While our two young strikers are both on the transfer list.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000



We don't have the depth of quality youngsters coming through the ranks that Newton Heath were able to build on, and that Leeds, West Ham, Tottenham, and Liverpool are presently building upon.

We have Hughes, Dyer, Griffen, Domi and Gavilan as the quality youngsters who are to see us through the next four years. Who will stay that length of time.

I still maintain that you have to build a team around english players, hopefully 3 or 4 are in the national squad and another 3 or 4 are top EPL players. And this out of a squad of 22.

Either we take a flyer on youngsters and hope for a hit, or we buy them when they are established and cost the earth. How much for Frank Lampard, or Lee Hendrie today? Or we continue adding mid level foriegn talent at mid level transfer fees.

Either way Softy when do you see us challenging for a Europe, let alone the EPL championship?

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


I'd love to add Gareth Barry, Carl Cort, Richard Wright, and Hayden Mullins to Dyer and Griffin as the nucleus to future NUFC teams.

Would these players unsettle our squad as it is now?

Could we get ready made foriegners at the same price or cheaper than these players? Probably only in the case of Barry who we couldn't afford now, and Villa wouldn't sell.

Would these players make NUFC better now? Probably yes for Cort and Barry, but they'd all add quality depth where we're lacking and would firmly establish us amongst the top six. As it is there is a considerable gap between the top five and the next lot of teams. of whom we are part of.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


Tre, my point was that we were good enough to come 6 or 7 under YBR last season. That would have got us to the fringe of European qualification. With the lack of transfer funds at the club - or more importantly, slack on the wages bill - we couldn't buy more than 3 players of any standing. I doubt very much whether this would be anything like enough to make us contenders as we have weakness or lack of depth in too many positions.

Since splashing money at the sharp end would therefore be a case of reinforcing defeat, I am much happier to see us spend it all on some decent prospects rather than go for the finished articles like Pinto. We need a decent base for the future.

You were asking about what buying Gavilan says to Kerr and Green: Gavilan is already an international and has extraordinary ability on corners while Green and Kerr are years away from the first team. McClen was brought in way too early. I couldn't stand him trying for step-overs and backheels while we had standing water all over the park and the bloody mackems beating us. Since then he has stopped showboating in the reserves and has clearly had a kick up the arse about playing the game and not showing off.

I certainly don't have any time whatsoever for Lee Hendrie who is precisely the sort of cocky little b*stard who will sow dischord in the squad. Carl Cort is a much better idea. A definite prospect who would fill a glaring gap in our squad and is young enough to keep providing for us when Gallacher steps down, Shearer picks up more knocks and Ferguson disappears. I just think we should enjoy Euro2000 for the football and not consider it as the shopping channel.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


Softie.....I wish you wouldn't do that kind of thing.......I have now got this vision of football managers watching the coverage with a phone next to them and a little green flash down the side of the screen with a running telephone number and prices for each player that appears.

Reminds me of a sketch I wrote for a TV programme some years back when sponsors names first appeared on players shirts and I put For Sale on the front of Gazza!....

Tune in to E2KVC, the new format of QVC......

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


It's madness, isn't it? All these stories that spring up around everyone who's any good in any game at all. Still, it's better than having your manager declare an interest in a player before the championships start and watch that player fail spectacularly in the team than go on to win the World Cup for instance, and still not reconsider the purchase...;-)

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


Hey Softie, working to that principle, does that mean that none of the England players will be getting transfered anywhere in the next few weeks.

I love your final cryptic comment, and am still trying to work out how you have in mind '

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


That should of course have said who, not how.

Just heard that they reckon that Gomes' value has gone from #2.5m to #8.5m in little over a week......as you say....madness!

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000


Prseumably it's a contract in which the word 'haircut' is likely to feature quite prominently ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000

While not in total agreement with Softie, I know where he's coming from. Anyone who happens to slip his marker gets overhyped in these big tournaments, are transfered for vastly inflated fees, and of course wages, and then never perform again - remember Karel Porborsky?
I feel Joa Pinto probably falls into this category, plus any player from the Balkans.
I'm not as comfortable with our present squad as Softie seems to be. I feel the squad outperformed for BR to keep us up last season, and am really concerned they could be found wanting in the coming season.
I still vividly recall their problems maintaining a decent level of performance from game to game, and how they lost far too many games they should have won. In addition, our really key players are all a year older, and we have far too much dross in the squad which necessitates a small pool of players playing far too many games.
Like everyone, I'd like the dross cleared out. I'd then like to see 3 or 4 good young prospects brought in to replace some of the dross, plus two high quality signings, including a striker.
I really do feel it could be highly dangerous to go into the new season with basically last seasons squad which IMO wasn't good enough by some way - despite what BR was able to get out of them - it may not work so well again.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2000

Softie I don't want Lee Hendrie at NUFC either. I was asking in a rhetorical sense how much Lee Hendrie or Frank Lampard jr. would cost today. Niether are the finished article, but have a fair amount of potential and would cost the earth.

Last night on my way home I was thinking about where Hayden Mullins possibly ranks in regards to the younger central midfield players who play a defensive or holding role in the EPL.

I came up with this list; Lee Bowyer, Frank Lampard, Stephen Gerrard, Lee Hendrie and then Hayden Mullins. I can't think of any other young English central midfielders in the 20 to 23 age group who compete.

Then I was trying to compere Mullins to Dyer in terms of playing in the Nation Wide first division and moving to the premiership. I think the lad is ready and could have an inpact upon the squad. We only have Lee and Speed who play in that position and I think Mullins could get some decent run outs if NUFC don't go for a Continental or South American player for this position.

And know he doesn't have the same profile that Dyer did, especially with his clubs financial concerns overshadowing anything and anyone that happened on the field. But I'll just provide this snippet from one Palace supporter:

Hayden Mullins (England) Date of Birth: 27/03/1979 Position: MF Representative Honours: England U21 caps & Youth Cups Previous Clubs: None By: Jonothan Walters Location: London

Comments: This England U21 international is tipped to play for England. Already captain of the Crystal Palace 1st team, he has been attracting top teams such as Chelsea and Newcastle.

Certainly Mullins would fall into your category of 'Decent Prospect,. I think he has certainly showed he is better than those other decent prospects that we can not now get off our books.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


N0! My worst fears (wel not really) have been realised.

Ipswich in Eagles raid

George Burley is reportedly preparing a bid for Crystal Palace youngster Hayden Mullins.

Burley has around #10million to spend on new players and Mullins is said to be top of his list.

The England under-21 international caught the eye in Palace's amazing survival campaign last season and reports suggest that Burley is prepared to offer #2.5million to capture his services.

Palace boss Steve Coppell will be reluctant to lose the versatile 21-year-old and one of the hottest properties in the Nationwide. However, Palace's financial troubles off the field may mean that Coppell is forced to sell his key players if the right offer is made.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


West Brom are targeting Paul Murray from QPR. Bobby tried to sign him on loan last year, so this is one player that we know he must be interested in. Another move!?

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000

From the Guardian's FIVER:

Ipswich will make a firm #2.5m bid for Hayden Mullins. The 21-year- old Crystal Palace midfielder is also being watched by Charlton, Newcastle, Leicester and West Brom.

West Brom are interested in QPR's Paul Murray and Stoke's James O'Connor. But Gary Megson faces serious competition for Murray - Newcastle are also after the 23-year-old.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


PARTICK youngster Liam McVey has caught the eye of Newcastle and Middlesbrough, with the 17-year-old set for a trial period with The Magpies next month. The left-sided player, who arrived at Firhill as a midfielder but has appeared mostly at full back last season, has impressed sufficiently to earn a crack at the big time during the close season.

Some reports have suggested he is heading for Boro on trial, but Thistle chairman Brown McMaster confirmed on ClubCall: "He is to train with Newcastle at the beginning of July."

Bobby Robson (pictured) is aware of promising talent north of the border, as is his namesake Bryan at Boro, and it seems as though McVey will, at the very least, have the opportunity to gain some invaluable experience before the new campaign gets underway.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


Arsenal have had a bid of 2million turned down for Kennet Anderrson....they're gonna have to up it to 2.7mill to land him!!!

Effing hell.....2.7mill!! I'd bite their bloody hands off!! why don't we get in there and try and gazump them as they did with us/luzhny last season.....2.7+wages isn't that much of a gamble!!

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


Fair call Gav, but I know there's a few on here who would have appoplexy if we signed a Swede called Andersson. Too much Deja Vu.

Joking asside, KA is an established and successful international. If Arse Wenger is interested, it says something.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


He's also 32 and wouldn't appear to fit in with Bobby's buy younger than that policy, Gallagher excluded.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000

Nothing wrong with 32....

And for 2.7 we'd struggle to buy an argentinian midfielder that none of us had heard of until recently!!

And as Screach points out....if Arsehole Wenger is interested then he must have something!!

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


A young family for instance...

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000

Or a family holding in a sweet factory ;)))

Very good Softie....I can usually rely on you to drag things back down to my level :))

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2000


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