CanadaSaint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I still can't understand how it can be a smokescreen to let the world know that you're willing to spend six million or more on a striker. There aren't many positives to this if we fail to land Hooper. Now everyone knows how much we're willing to spend on a striker (and it could be even more) and our current strikers have watched us sign one positional competitor and fail in an attempt to sign another one. Yes, it could gee them up, but it could also unsettle them - especially Rickie (unless he's already somewhat unsettled, God forbid). And the other thing that confuses me is why we'd look to bring in not one but two high-profile strikers 1) if Rickie is staying here, and 2) when other positions arguably need strengthening as well. Hopefully there's more legs in the Hooper thing (because I don't think we'd try that kind of cheeky raid unless we had good reason to believe that we could pull it off), and (even more hopefully) our willingness to spend six million or more on a striker suggests that there's a much bigger budget back there and a willingness to spend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorpie the sinner Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Have to say, I reckon this is all part of the posturing that goes on in transfer window!! Celtic have shown their hand and we will respond!! Nothing certain either way until we make a statement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonb Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Thank goodness for that... like it or not.. we were starting to look a little stupid IMO... having a pop at Celtic is one of the more ridiculous threads I have read on here in recent memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iansums Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Thank goodness for that... like it or not.. we were starting to look a little stupid IMO... having a pop at Celtic is one of the more ridiculous threads I have read on here in recent memory. Only one or two were having a pop, probably the same number that were slagging us off on their site for having the 'nerve' to bid for Hooper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CityRanger Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 So, Hooper himself is not pushing for a move. Doesn't mean that Celtic won't at some point accept an offer from us does it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
del boy Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Lets be scientific and base it on potential songs for new strikers. On this basis we must surely be looking at Gazza if only for the potential of an abbaresque "super hooper" ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Spurs got Rafael Van der Vaart for £8 million, to put that fee into perspective. How about Rickie Lambert 800,000 plus add ons or Grant Holt for 400K at Norwich to put that fee into perspective? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 So, Hooper himself is not pushing for a move. Doesn't mean that Celtic won't at some point accept an offer from us does it? Well if Hoopers not that bothered about it why would we want him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BARCELONASAINT Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 why do people make such assumptions. What did you think he was going to say? I want out and want to play for Saints? How many times have our fans listened to one of our own players interviews and said "well he would say that, the club still pay his wages!" I personally don't read anything into this statement at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CityRanger Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Well if Hoopers not that bothered about it why would we want him? He'd be silly to upset the Celtic faithful? This statement puts the ball in the boards hands and stops him from being portrayed as the bad guy. imo of course! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I still can't understand how it can be a smokescreen to let the world know that you're willing to spend six million or more on a striker. Have we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Nelson Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I still can't understand how it can be a smokescreen to let the world know that you're willing to spend six million or more on a striker. There aren't many positives to this if we fail to land Hooper. Now everyone knows how much we're willing to spend on a striker (and it could be even more) and our current strikers have watched us sign one positional competitor and fail in an attempt to sign another one. Yes, it could gee them up, but it could also unsettle them - especially Rickie (unless he's already somewhat unsettled, God forbid). And the other thing that confuses me is why we'd look to bring in not one but two high-profile strikers 1) if Rickie is staying here, and 2) when other positions arguably need strengthening as well. Hopefully there's more legs in the Hooper thing (because I don't think we'd try that kind of cheeky raid unless we had good reason to believe that we could pull it off), and (even more hopefully) our willingness to spend six million or more on a striker suggests that there's a much bigger budget back there and a willingness to spend it. The smoke screen thing is of course total nonsense. It was Celtic who told the world about our bids, not NA or NC. Why would we want the world to know how highly we rate Hooper if we are to turn our eyes elsewhere. The need for two more strikers makes good sense from the point of view that Barnard won't play this season, and if we're going up he is very unproven, and in my mind not good enough, if we go up. Connelly is struggling with one injury after another, so another contract doesn't look likely. That leaves us with Lambert and Guly and precious little else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viking Warrior Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 What is MLT's latest comment re transfers in. How about the rangers striker Jelavic. now rangers are desperate for cash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Have we? Well, no smokescreen without fire! No, we haven't told anyone but leaks from the Celtic end - including comments from Lennon - very much suggest that we have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 What is MLT's latest comment re transfers in. How about the rangers striker Jelavic. now rangers are desperate for cash They rejected Leicester's £6m bid back in the summer, so we would have to go even higher. Whilst he's a good player, he's not what we need up front, IMO. We need someone with a bit of pace about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ART Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 A new twist in another deal. Leicester just announced that the SHARP deal looks dead and they won't be offering any more. Seems SHARP himself doesn't want to play for Leicester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Nelson Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Whether Hooper is happy at Celtic or not plays little or no role in this spectacle. Footballers are commodities who are bought and sold for the prices clubs agree. Players will have to agree personal terms, but that is seldom an obstacle. Probably because they play for money and not for any romantic sentiments. Don't confuse our own love for the club with the reason the players play here. Summary: If Saints and Celtic agree a price Hooper will change hoops for stripes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 The smoke screen thing is of course total nonsense. It was Celtic who told the world about our bids, not NA or NC. Why would we want the world to know how highly we rate Hooper if we are to turn our eyes elsewhere. The need for two more strikers makes good sense from the point of view that Barnard won't play this season, and if we're going up he is very unproven, and in my mind not good enough, if we go up. Connelly is struggling with one injury after another, so another contract doesn't look likely. That leaves us with Lambert and Guly and precious little else. I don't disagree at all with what you're saying - we'd be much, much stronger for signing both Lee and Hooper. However, I don't understand why we'd spend that much on our strike force if we have other positions that need strengthening unless A) something is amiss with Rickie and/or B) we're willing to spend a lot more than many of us thought and the Hooper thing is just the start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Well either we bid the six million or we didn't and we look stupid for making joke offers for targets. So I reckon we did bid that amount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 why do people make such assumptions. What did you think he was going to say? I want out and want to play for Saints? How many times have our fans listened to one of our own players interviews and said "well he would say that, the club still pay his wages!" I personally don't read anything into this statement at all. So the Barcelonasaint translation is:- "I like being paid my wages. I still live in Scotland, and the locals are already going mental because they think I might want to leave. Until I say the complete opposite in two days time, I love playing for Celtic". I like your thinking, mate (Cue two more pages of bile over on the Celtic site) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I don't disagree at all with what you're saying - we'd be much, much stronger for signing both Lee and Hooper. However, I don't understand why we'd spend that much on our strike force if we have other positions that need strengthening unless A) something is amiss with Rickie and/or B) we're willing to spend a lot more than many of us thought and the Hooper thing is just the start. Our strike-force is the main thing that needed strengthening this window, it was the main thing back in the summer but we failed to sort it then and have just been lucky that Lambert has been injury free so far and Guly has contributed with a fair few goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I don't disagree at all with what you're saying - we'd be much, much stronger for signing both Lee and Hooper. However, I don't understand why we'd spend that much on our strike force if we have other positions that need strengthening unless A) something is amiss with Rickie and/or B) we're willing to spend a lot more than many of us thought and the Hooper thing is just the start. I imagine we were looking at Hooper with the view to a bit of forward planning for the premiership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 so 18 pages and it equates to the square root of f all.... good good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 so 18 pages and it equates to the square root of f all.... good good To be fair, we've spent a lot longer arriving at no concrete conclusion. This thread is a mere whelp in comparison. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 The fun of the transfer window. Might not be the end of it with Hooper though. As others have said and been ignored, what would you expect him to say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 To be fair, we've spent a lot longer arriving at no concrete conclusion. This thread is a mere whelp in comparison. It's not as if this thread was ever going to have any bearing on the outcome of the deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Nelson Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 I don't disagree at all with what you're saying - we'd be much, much stronger for signing both Lee and Hooper. However, I don't understand why we'd spend that much on our strike force if we have other positions that need strengthening unless A) something is amiss with Rickie and/or B) we're willing to spend a lot more than many of us thought and the Hooper thing is just the start. If the better informed rumour mongers are anything to go by the one about to sign sounds like a bigger fish than Hooper...Maybe we are actually prepared to pay considerable money right now for a push for the PL. My gut feeling is that Rickie is fine with us, and I can't see anybody in the PL offering the kind of money we surely would like for somebody with half a season in the CC behind him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Diamond Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Zzzz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Our strike-force is the main thing that needed strengthening this window, it was the main thing back in the summer but we failed to sort it then and have just been lucky that Lambert has been injury free so far and Guly has contributed with a fair few goals. Guly and Rickie are now at equality on non-penalty league goals, 10 each, strange that considering how crap Guly is supposed to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanadaSaint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Our strike-force is the main thing that needed strengthening this window, it was the main thing back in the summer but we failed to sort it then and have just been lucky that Lambert has been injury free so far and Guly has contributed with a fair few goals. Agreed. I'm not saying we shouldn't be doing it - I'm wondering why we're willing to spend so much on doing it when there are other areas in which we need to strengthen as well. The only rationales that I can think of are 1) All is not as well with Rickie as we'd all hope, or B) We have a lot more money to spend that many of us thought. I imagine we were looking at Hooper with the view to a bit of forward planning for the premiership. I think you're right and I'm delighted to see that. I'd hate to see us blowing our budget on players who can help us to get out of this division but are out of their depth as soon as we do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 It's not as if this thread was ever going to have any bearing on the outcome of the deal. Maybe not this thread, but this forum could have been a factor. Imagine if he'd googled us and looked at a historical Match Day thread in which Saints conceded a goal. Might have took one look and ran away screaming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Lungs Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Sounds like posturing... Besides, hooper isn't going to waive a loyalty bonus if he still can get the move without losing face and handing in a transfer request. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
This Charming Man Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Guly and Rickie are now at equality on non-penalty league goals, 10 each, strange that considering how crap Guly is supposed to be. Indeed. Think I might start shouting abuse and booing Lambert every time he gives the ball away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 A new twist in another deal. Leicester just announced that the SHARP deal looks dead and they won't be offering any more. Seems SHARP himself doesn't want to play for Leicester. He didn't want to play saints either TBF maybe he just likes being a big fish in a small pond (or has totally over the top contract demands) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Guly and Rickie are now at equality on non-penalty league goals, 10 each, strange that considering how crap Guly is supposed to be. Are penalties not goals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Our strike-force is the main thing that needed strengthening this window, it was the main thing back in the summer but we failed to sort it then and have just been lucky that Lambert has been injury free so far and Guly has contributed with a fair few goals. Which is why we are the top scorers in the league and have two players in the top three of top scorers in the league......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 (edited) Are penalties not goals? Yes of course but if Guly took the penalties with equal prowess then he'd be on 15 and Rickie would be on 10. My point is that too many people are writing off Guly as a striker,if we sign Hooper or Sharp or whatever Guly wouldn't be in the side any more most of the time and that might well be to our detriment. Spending 6 or 7 million to replace Guly right now doesn't make much sense to me,especially as we have Tadanari to integrate. Connolly has 6 or 7 goals as well, think we'd be just throwing good money away on a 6 million £ striker, 2 million for a bench back up maybe. Edited 16 January, 2012 by Window Cleaner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Indeed. Think I might start shouting abuse and booing Lambert every time he gives the ball away. God knows how much abuse Hooper will get if he comes here for 7.5 million and fails to score at least a hattrick ever game.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Guly and Rickie are now at equality on non-penalty league goals, 10 each, strange that considering how crap Guly is supposed to be. Indeed. Think I might start shouting abuse and booing Lambert every time he gives the ball away. Guly is probably ahead on open play goals - Lambert gets to take most free kicks as well as penalties. Maybe we should boo them both just in case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitzhugh Fella Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Seems the deal is dead for now. Still, Adkins clearly wants him and is willing to pay big. But I think it's naive to think offering big money for Hooper means we'll be spending a similar sum on someone else. I don't think we're that carefree with money, and far more likely to wait to bid for Hooper in the summer. Yes, it makes promotion tougher perhaps, but money isn't infinite. Might try a loan option instead? We will have plenty of striker options anyway so not a disaster. Sorry don't agree with your last sentence. Barnard we can forget this season what with one thing and another, Connolly is good but brittle, Doble simply not good enough and Do Prado blows hot and cold. Look how we all panicked when Rickie picked up a 3 match ban - too much rests on his availability for us to expect/hope for automatic promotion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooper88 Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. tbh, dropping in and out of the premiership is far better than playing clubs like Inverness Caledonian and Aberdeen four times a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. You got two posts left today, kid. Make 'em count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 16 January, 2012 Author Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. Gary? Is that really you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crowds Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Scot McDonald saints reject.... McCann saints reject...... To name but two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Appy Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. David Weir still plays in your league and is one of the best players. Enough said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 Gary? Is that really you? if it is ,could you lend me a tenner until I get me divvy from the Kirklees and Lothian building society. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. And you play in the SPL. Lol at you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooper88 Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 champions league or championship lol,by the way good luck messing up promotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Verbal Kint Posted 16 January, 2012 Share Posted 16 January, 2012 u lot have no chance of getting hooper.He is at a world renowned club and you are nothing more than a team that drops in and out of the premiership at best.As for celtic being slated ,i would just urge you to remember that our reject defender is a star player for you. It has nothing to do with the stature of the two clubs involved. If Hooper has aspirations of playing for England he HAS to play in the premier league. History tells you that. He has a great chance of being in the prem in 6 months if he signs for us. He will never have that chance playing for Celtic. It's that simple. If we agree a fee i would expect him to join, but i think the asking price will be too much for us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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