Heard it three times now.

[SimplyRed&White]

Lallana on the bench is my bet as no announcement on the OS of any signing.

[SuperMikey]

Heard from a reliable source that the surprise is....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.....the announcement of the signing of Skacel.

[The9]

Am I the only person (except Stevo) who isn't bothered whether we sign Antonio or not ? He had about 4 decent matches in 6 months last season, mostly v MK Dons, a spell v Bristol Rovers, and the JPT Final. Other than that, wasn't he taken off after about 25 minutes at Wycombe away, and on the bench for most of the season ?

 

We have the resources to sign better, though I won't have a problem if we do sign him either. It's just that he was only about 5th on my list of Reading players I'd like us to sign after last weekend.

 

It's also hardly a shock that after the "sign him up" chants from the Northam on Saturday there are a load of "we're signing him" rumours being put about, probably by n0bbers who are so desperate for their mates to think they're clever they'll pretty much do anything for attention.

Edited 6 August, 2010 by The9

[SaintNeil90]

Heard from a reliable source that the surprise is....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.....the announcement of the signing of Skacel.

 

Original

[saint_stevo]

He is generally crap, but fast, who every now and then actually manages to get the ball into the box in a decent area. Otherwise he kept the ball boys busy.

 

I too was at Wycombe...........oh dear.

 

If we pay anything 6 figure we have been robbed. £500k and we should nail our proverbial ****s to a burning building

[SuperMikey]

He is generally crap, but fast, who every now and then actually manages to get the ball into the box in a decent area. Otherwise he kept the ball boys busy.

 

I too was at Wycombe...........oh dear.

 

If we pay anything 6 figure we have been robbed. £500k and we should nail our proverbial ****s to a burning building

 

He was playing for Tooting & Mitcham two seasons ago, forgive him for being a bit rough around the edges. He may have had some crap games, but what player doesn't? He was excellent in the JPT final and was a key part of our resurgence in the league by coming off the bench and nicking a few important goals and assists. His performance against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup was top notch too, he ran absolutely everything in that game.

[SaintNeil90]

He is generally crap, but fast, who every now and then actually manages to get the ball into the box in a decent area. Otherwise he kept the ball boys busy.

 

I too was at Wycombe...........oh dear.

 

If we pay anything 6 figure we have been robbed. £500k and we should nail our proverbial ****s to a burning building

 

And Rooney was cr*p for 4 games at the WC.

What players dont have bad games? Antonio is still young and you would be blind to not see he has raw talent. He was a very useful asset in the games I can remember; Bristol Rovers, JPT Final, MK Dons, Carlisle.

[The9]

And Rooney was cr*p for 4 games at the WC.

What players dont have bad games? Antonio is still young and you would be blind to not see he has raw talent. He was a very useful asset in the games I can remember; Bristol Rovers, JPT Final, MK Dons, Carlisle.

 

Ok, but he made 33 appearances (14 league starts, 14 subs and 3 (2) in the FA Cup), and was very useful in 4.

 

I readily accept that he's finding his way a bit and he's got something about him, but HALF A MILLION QUID for a bloke who started under 1/3 of our league games last season ? After joining in early October he was eligible for exactly 46 games inc Cups... and started 17 of them.

[saint_stevo]

Overall he was awful with splattering's of decent.

 

For a winger his distribution was embarrassing

[niceandfriendly]

Am I the only person (except Stevo) who isn't bothered whether we sign Antonio or not ?

 

Well, you and stevo. That's about it.

 

You'd have to be a little silly to think Antonio wouldn't be a good signing at this level. He showed so much promise in way more than the mysterious figure of "4 games" you keep bringing up. Some really impressive finishing for a young player too, his goals against Carlisle, Charlton and Bristol Rovers for example.

 

Fingers crossed we sign him.

[B Rabbit]

Remember he was still a teen when playing last year..only turned 20 at the JPT final so will still make youthful errors. I can't see him getting worse as he gets older put it that way!

[SaintNeil90]

Ok, but he made 33 appearances (14 league starts, 14 subs and 3 (2) in the FA Cup), and was very useful in 4.

 

I readily accept that he's finding his way a bit and he's got something about him, but HALF A MILLION QUID for a bloke who started under 1/3 of our league games last season ? After joining in early October he was eligible for exactly 46 games inc Cups... and started 17 of them.

 

The modern transfer market + we would be paying for potential. Name someone who we could get for 500K that is the same age with the same potential and experience he has now had?

[saint_stevo]

if he learns how to cross then happy enough.

 

 

needs to kick on though.

 

Never ever ever worth £500k

[saint_stevo]

The modern transfer market + we would be paying for potential. Name someone who we could get for 500K that is the same age with the same potential and experience he has now had?

 

Matt Phillips from Wycombe?

[SaintNeil90]

Matt Phillips from Wycombe?

 

And you would be willing to spend £500k on him? Having seen him play for one game at Wycombe.

[Chez]

Overall he was awful with splattering's of decent.

 

For a winger his distribution was embarrassing

 

in your opinion.

[Suhari]

Ok, but he made 33 appearances (14 league starts, 14 subs and 3 (2) in the FA Cup), and was very useful in 4.

 

I readily accept that he's finding his way a bit and he's got something about him, but HALF A MILLION QUID for a bloke who started under 1/3 of our league games last season ? After joining in early October he was eligible for exactly 46 games inc Cups... and started 17 of them.

 

That about sums it up for me.

 

In this league, that money gets us someone who is the finished article (for this league anyway). I'd love him to join: he might become a decent player, but not for silly cash.

[doddisalegend]

if he learns how to cross then happy enough.

 

 

needs to kick on though.

 

Never ever ever worth £500k

 

According to you. I saw enough of him last season to believe he'd be great for us. Certainly better than Puncheon who just runs around in circles a lot flattering to decieve. The difference between Antonio at the begining of his loan spell and the end were there for all to see, under AP he came on in leaps and bounds a little rough at times but always a threat. 500k more than worth it IMO.

[doddisalegend]

Ok, but he made 33 appearances (14 league starts, 14 subs and 3 (2) in the FA Cup), and was very useful in 4.

 

I readily accept that he's finding his way a bit and he's got something about him, but HALF A MILLION QUID for a bloke who started under 1/3 of our league games last season ? After joining in early October he was eligible for exactly 46 games inc Cups... and started 17 of them.

 

You do know he was injuried for some of last season meaning he couldn't play all those games don't you?

[The9]

The modern transfer market + we would be paying for potential. Name someone who we could get for 500K that is the same age with the same potential and experience he has now had?

 

I don't have to, when we can sign someone for nothing with all the experience he doesn't have and more ability.

[Chez]

wasn't he taken off after about 25 minutes at Wycombe away

he was, but only because Puncheon was so bloody woeful in the middle that Pardew had no choice but to bring on Wotton. Pardew should have taken Puncheon off full stop, but he obviously prefers Puncheon to Antonio so he remained on the pitch. Antonio wasn't great that night, but he was about 65 minutes greater than the rest who went on to put on the worst display of the season barring perhaps Huddersfield and Swindon.

[The9]

You do know he was injuried for some of last season meaning he couldn't play all those games don't you?

 

Of course, and who's to say he won't suffer a career ending injury and become a huge waste of money for £500k. Or become Saganowskified in his effort once a contract is secure. All I've provided there are his stats, and all you've done is indicate he might get injured.

[The9]

he was, but only because Puncheon was so bloody woeful in the middle that Pardew had no choice but to bring on Wotton. Pardew should have taken Puncheon off full stop, but he obviously prefers Puncheon to Antonio so he remained on the pitch. Antonio wasn't great that night, but he was about 65 minutes greater than the rest who went on to put on the worst display of the season barring perhaps Huddersfield and Swindon.

 

Well, I missed the first 15 minutes so I couldn't tell you what I think the reasons for that were. If I'd have missed the other 75 I'd have probably been grateful.

[Chez]

You do know he was injuried for some of last season meaning he couldn't play all those games don't you?

 

and there were several games when he should have been brought on. Oldham at home being a prime example. £500,000 is a shed load of money, but I'm not sure I saw too many right wingers last season that left as lasting impression. He was unplayable at Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient.

[saint_stevo]

I also missed the first 15 at wycombe and also wish i had missed the rest........but it seems people are seduced by his pace over his (lack of) technique

[saint_stevo]

and there were several games when he should have been brought on. Oldham at home being a prime example. £500,000 is a shed load of money, but I'm not sure I saw too many right wingers last season that left as lasting impression. He was unplayable at Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient.

Gimme Gary Roberts from huddersfield all day long

[The9]

According to you. I saw enough of him last season to believe he'd be great for us. Certainly better than Puncheon who just runs around in circles a lot flattering to decieve. The difference between Antonio at the begining of his loan spell and the end were there for all to see, under AP he came on in leaps and bounds a little rough at times but always a threat. 500k more than worth it IMO.

 

I don't think Antonio improved much, none of the matches where people have said he played well were at the end of the season other than the JPT Final. Not sure which Charlton game was being referred to, as he was substituted in both home games against them.

 

Puncheon is a difficult one, certainly has a touch of the Fabrice about him and some loose passes, but his delivery and workrate are much higher, he's more positionally flexible, and in the matches he played against Saints before we signed him he was outstanding and you could see why we'd pick him up.

[Chez]

All I've provided there are his stats

actually you have provided some stats and some opinion. Saying he was useful in 4 games is not a stat, it is opinion.

[SaintNeil90]

I don't have to, when we can sign someone for nothing with all the experience he doesn't have and more ability.

 

who?

[Chez]

Gimme Gary Roberts from huddersfield all day long

was that the fella that was subbed at SMS?

[saint_stevo]

Puncheon is twice the player Antonio is. He will be our top assister this season no doubt

[The9]

Well, you and stevo. That's about it.

 

You'd have to be a little silly to think Antonio wouldn't be a good signing at this level. He showed so much promise in way more than the mysterious figure of "4 games" you keep bringing up. Some really impressive finishing for a young player too, his goals against Carlisle, Charlton and Bristol Rovers for example.

 

Fingers crossed we sign him.

 

And some terrible finishing at MK when he got into the box... and... just... didn't... DOH.

and on various other occasions.

 

I think he did ok for us last season, very well in some games and terribly in others. The interest is only there because he's familiar.

 

If he was a free, fine, might even be worth a punt at up to maybe £250k, but paying above that there is a vast wealth of non top-level players who are more reliable and have a proven track record for that kind of money (or the equivalent in wages).

[The9]

Puncheon is twice the player Antonio is. He will be our top assister this season no doubt

 

Ouchy, sticky mods.

[Chez]

I also missed the first 15 at wycombe and also wish i had missed the rest........but it seems people are seduced by his pace over his (lack of) technique

 

his pace and pwer makes things happen. Holmes has the technique you describe but he lacks the pace. Which would you prefer if you had the choice? I might point out that not everyone that rates him thinks £500,000 is a `snip'.

[saint_stevo]

was that the fella that was subbed at SMS?

 

Dunno don't care. Quality player. Losing 5-1 to us was obviously an aborration on there part

[The9]

who?

 

I don't have to worry about it personally, but there are at least 23 other wide midfielders in the same division as his parent club for us to have a look at for starters.

[The9]

Dunno don't care. Quality player. Losing 5-1 to us was obviously an aborration on there part

 

5-0, it was Walsall that had the cheek to go 1-0 up that week.

 

Anyway, I'm going to bed, I've just realised I'm on the same side as you in a Michail Antonio argument .

[saint_stevo]

Ouchy, sticky mods.

 

Feel free to hold me to it mate......u have 2 times a week to personally remind me of it!

[Chez]

If he was a free, fine, might even be worth a punt at up to maybe £250k, but paying above that there is a vast wealth of non top-level players who are more reliable and have a proven track record for that kind of money (or the equivalent in wages).

 

you might have a point there. Personally I like the idea of having the craft of Puncheon with the change to raw power and pace. Antonio offers something very different, and when we are struggling to break teaks down he is a great option. We don't need another twinkle toes, we do need some pace.

[Chez]

Dunno don't care. Quality player. Losing 5-1 to us was obviously an aborration on there part

 

It was. He was utter **** that night. Ignoring that `aborration' will £500k be enough to prize him away?

[Smirking_Saint]

500k is too much IMO.

 

Good player ? He could be, but at this level 500k is a league star IMO, Lambert was a superstar at 1Mill.

 

He could be a very good player, but his technique needs to be worked on for him to take the step up, there is better out there i feel, for the money.

[NickG]

According to you. I saw enough of him last season to believe he'd be great for us. Certainly better than Puncheon who just runs around in circles a lot flattering to decieve. The difference between Antonio at the begining of his loan spell and the end were there for all to see, under AP he came on in leaps and bounds a little rough at times but always a threat. 500k more than worth it IMO.

 

if he is better than Puncheon why do you think Pardew started Puncheon every game after signing him and pretty much consigned Antonio to bench - and couple of games not the squad (from memory not sure about that bit)?

[for_heaven's_Saint]

According to you. I saw enough of him last season to believe he'd be great for us. Certainly better than Puncheon who just runs around in circles a lot flattering to decieve. The difference between Antonio at the begining of his loan spell and the end were there for all to see, under AP he came on in leaps and bounds a little rough at times but always a threat. 500k more than worth it IMO.

 

I really don't get people who slag off Puncheon. He'll be absolutely vital for us this season. The most underrated of our stars IMO.

[doddisalegend]

if he is better than Puncheon why do you think Pardew started Puncheon every game after signing him and pretty much consigned Antonio to bench - and couple of games not the squad (from memory not sure about that bit)?

 

Well imagine explaining to NC why you we're playing the loan player every match when you'd convinced NC to fork out cash for another player in january? I'm pretty sure politics plays apart in squad selection at most clubs.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Puncheon is twice the player Antonio is.

 

You are so wrong that you can't even see 'right' from where you are - you'd need Radar .

 

Michail Antonio is the type of player who can really change the ebb & flow of a football game with his pace and ability - this is a surprisingly rare quality . While I admire Jason Puncheon you can't really described him in the same way . Puncheon's transfer fee was 'undisclosed' but I'd be very surprised if it was much more than the £500k Reading are reportedly asking for Antonio - ergo the game (not me) already rates a youngster with hardly any starts under his belt as the equal (at least) of a player in his prime .

 

If we could get Antonio for £500k then we'd be getting a bargain .

[NickG]

Well imagine explaining to NC why you we're playing the loan player every match when you'd convinced NC to fork out cash for another player in january? I'm pretty sure politics plays apart in squad selection at most clubs.

 

no think he bought him as he is a better player

[Legod Third Coming]

You are so wrong that you can't even see 'right' from where you are - you'd need Radar .

 

Michail Antonio is the type of player who can really change the ebb & flow of a football game with his pace and ability - this is a surprisingly rare quality . While I admire Jason Puncheon you can't really described him in the same way . Puncheon's transfer fee was 'undisclosed' but I'd be very surprised if it was much more than the £500k Reading are reportedly asking for Antonio - ergo the game (not me) already rates a youngster with hardly any starts under his belt as the equal (at least) of a player in his prime .

 

If we could get Antonio for £500k then we'd be getting a bargain .

 

I don't know that £500k is a bargain anywhere any more, but I broadly agree. No one will change their formation if we bring Puncheon on. They will if we bring Antonio on and use him properly. If you were to leave Antonio up at corners, the opposition would almost certainly leave two defenders back, quite probably three - he is THAT quick. And that is worth a great deal. Pace can kill defences - even if he doesn't use the ball brilliantly. He doesn't need to even have the ball - that is the point. He can create space for Lambert, Lallana, anyone...

[scott_saints]

Overrated.

[revolution saint]

You are so wrong that you can't even see 'right' from where you are - you'd need Radar .

 

Michail Antonio is the type of player who can really change the ebb & flow of a football game with his pace and ability - this is a surprisingly rare quality . While I admire Jason Puncheon you can't really described him in the same way . Puncheon's transfer fee was 'undisclosed' but I'd be very surprised if it was much more than the £500k Reading are reportedly asking for Antonio - ergo the game (not me) already rates a youngster with hardly any starts under his belt as the equal (at least) of a player in his prime .

 

If we could get Antonio for £500k then we'd be getting a bargain .

 

I'll take issue with your argument just because you were a bit too aggressive. Firstly you can compare Puncheon and Antonio - they play in the same position so that's point one done and dusted. Secondly As you don't know what Puncheon's transfer fee was nor what Reading are asking for you can't then say "ergo the game (not me) already rates a youngster with hardly any starts under his belt as the equal (at least) of a player in his prime" You actually don't know so stop guessing and then presenting that as fact.

 

Thirdly Puncheon is what 23/24? Not quite the prime of his career then.

 

You're so myopic you couldn't see the other side of the fence if you were stood on it.

[ohwhenthesaints]

You are so wrong that you can't even see 'right' from where you are - you'd need Radar .

 

Michail Antonio is the type of player who can really change the ebb & flow of a football game with his pace and ability - this is a surprisingly rare quality . While I admire Jason Puncheon you can't really described him in the same way . Puncheon's transfer fee was 'undisclosed' but I'd be very surprised if it was much more than the £500k Reading are reportedly asking for Antonio - ergo the game (not me) already rates a youngster with hardly any starts under his belt as the equal (at least) of a player in his prime .

 

If we could get Antonio for £500k then we'd be getting a bargain .

 

The difference between the prices for Puncheon and Antonio is that Plymouth didn't want Puncheon. Given Antonio's contribution in pre season for Reading it would appear that they want to utilise him this season. For this reason, and because they know we have lots of money, they have inflated his price to way beyond his current value.