Gary Hooper

[Pwoite]

There is something about this Hooper story that makes me believe it will happen. I have no inside line, but Adkins has a clear idea of what he is going for, we have the cash available, and it is out in the open and we appear to be pursuing the deal. This backing out is purely 'the next stage'.

 

If we had been given a clear '@***' off from either Celtic or the player, I doubt we'd have made the second offer. Someone in Scotland wants this to happen - the club, the player or the agent, so it will! My only concern would be another club going in, but at this asking price there aren't too match, even in the Prem, who could match this offer.

 

I'd guess Celtic want the cash, and that the player wants the pay rise, but Celtic don't want to have to match the salary increase. As for the agent....

 

I'm sure this one will happen.

[S-Clarke]

There is something about this Hooper story that makes me believe it will happen. I have no inside line, but Adkins has a clear idea of what he is going for, we have the cash available, and it is out in the open and we appear to be pursuing the deal. This backing out is purely 'the next stage'.

 

If we had been given a clear '@***' off from either Celtic or the player, I doubt we'd have made the second offer. Someone in Scotland wants this to happen - the club, the player or the agent, so it will! My only concern would be another club going in, but at this asking price there aren't too match, even in the Prem, who could match this offer.

 

I'd guess Celtic want the cash, and that the player wants the pay rise, but Celtic don't want to have to match the salary increase. As for the agent....

 

I'm sure this one will happen.

 

Have you seen Adkins comments to BBC today? He's given it up as he confirms we tried but Celtic will not sell, and that's the end of it he said.

[beavis17]

Have you seen Adkins comments to BBC today? He's given it up as he confirms we tried but Celtic will not sell, and that's the end of it he said.

 

Alan Pardew told journalists that they had no interest in signing a striker this window...

 

Not saying I disagree with you but don't think we can put it completely to bed just yet.

[Chin Strain]

Have you seen Adkins comments to BBC today? He's given it up as he confirms we tried but Celtic will not sell, and that's the end of it he said.

 

That's not the end of it, not by a long way (only my opinion mind). It's never as cut and dried as that it football. NA clearly knows GH and there is no way we'd have pursued this far if there wasn't any encouragement to do so (i.e. if the player wasn't interested in a move). Lennon has clearly been either a) trying to push the price up by making it public, or b) concerned that the board will accept a bid, so is trying to pressurise them in pub lic to keep him / cover his own arse at the same time.

 

I think trousers post above is close to the money

[Matthew Le God]

A guy who has played upfront pretty much all season and 2nd top goalscorer. I'd like to see your argument.

 

He is 30 years old and spent most of his career in Italy as an attacking midfielder. Even whilst at Saints he has played a large number of games in midfield over the last 18 months. He started this season playing wide right when Connolly was upfront, he also played out wide for Saints in League One for a large number of games.

 

I'd say his best position is as a central attacking midfielder, but he is clearly capable of doing a very good job upfront, as he has shown this season. He is very different to Hooper, who is an out and out goal poacher playing on the shoulder of the last defender.

[revolution saint]

That's not the end of it, not by a long way (only my opinion mind). It's never as cut and dried as that it football. NA clearly knows GH and there is no way we'd have pursued this far if there wasn't any encouragement to do so (i.e. if the player wasn't interested in a move). Lennon has clearly been either a) trying to push the price up by making it public, or b) concerned that the board will accept a bid, so is trying to pressurise them in pub lic to keep him / cover his own arse at the same time.

 

I think trousers post above is close to the money

 

Just out of interest what would convince you that the deal was dead? Celtic coming out and saying they weren't interested? Player coming out and saying he was happy and didn't want a move? Adkins coming out and saying the pursuit is over? Honestly what more evidence do you need? I'm not sure anything could convince you and it's also worth bearing in mind we did exactly the same thing in the summer with Rodriguez and we didn't sign him either.

 

I think we do need another striker and I think NA does too; we wouldn't have gone for Sharp, Rodriguez or Hooper if that wasn't the case. The problem is we've wasted time on ambitious signings that we can't pull off. Tadanari Lee could be a good player, who knows? But if you look at it objectively then the odds are that he'll take time to settle and we probably won't see the best of him till next season. It's a big gamble whichever way you look at it and not one you'd want to count on.

 

Adkins is quoted as saying that, "we will do everything possible to ensure this club has the best chance of going up as champions" but Jos signing aside there hasn't really been much evidence of that promise delivered.

 

Obviously there's still time in the window for something to happen and we'll need it to - we haven't really played that well for a couple of months now (or sporadically at best). Yes, we beat Coventry and Notts Forest away but they are two of the poorest teams I've seen in the Championship and really doesn't prove much if you have aspirations of winning this league. The real test will be the tough games, home and away, and I'm not sure we have the squad for it.

[sotonist]

A guy who has played upfront pretty much all season and 2nd top goalscorer. I'd like to see your argument.

Except when Connolly and Lambert have both been available and When Barnard was available in league one. When they were he was in Chaplow's position.

 

He's done well scoring this season, but he's not a clinical finisher. He's a versatile attacking midfielder in my book, he's done a job when called upon, but I don't want to rely on him to maintain that goal scoring form all season.

[Block 5]

Golden thread.

[Chin Strain]

Just out of interest what would convince you that the deal was dead? Celtic coming out and saying they weren't interested? Player coming out and saying he was happy and didn't want a move? Adkins coming out and saying the pursuit is over? Honestly what more evidence do you need? I'm not sure anything could convince you and it's also worth bearing in mind we did exactly the same thing in the summer with Rodriguez and we didn't sign him either.

 

I think we do need another striker and I think NA does too; we wouldn't have gone for Sharp, Rodriguez or Hooper if that wasn't the case. The problem is we've wasted time on ambitious signings that we can't pull off. Tadanari Lee could be a good player, who knows? But if you look at it objectively then the odds are that he'll take time to settle and we probably won't see the best of him till next season. It's a big gamble whichever way you look at it and not one you'd want to count on.

 

Adkins is quoted as saying that, "we will do everything possible to ensure this club has the best chance of going up as champions" but Jos signing aside and being top of the league there hasn't really been much evidence of that promise delivered.

 

Obviously there's still time in the window for something to happen and we'll need it to - we haven't really played that well for a couple of months now (or sporadically at best). Yes, we beat Coventry and Notts Forest away but they are two of the poorest teams I've seen in the Championship and really doesn't prove much if you have aspirations of winning this league. The real test will be the tough games, home and away, and I'm not sure we have the squad for it.

 

Did I say it will definitely happen? I just don't think that's the end of the bidding. Why do you think that Celtic made it public? Where's the benefit for them? Hooper says he's happy at Celtic on the clubs OS - no great surprise - he probably is. Would he come out and say 'I want to leave' in an OS interview? Probably wouldn't be clever if the deal didn't go through, but it doesn't mean to say he wouldn't consider a move. Football is never that black and white...that's all I'm saying.

 

As for there not being much evidence that he'll deliver on his promise of ensuring we get promoted...really? So, Jos signed in August and you can't see anything else that's happened since? I've corrected your post for you if that helps.

 

In the summer we were an unknown quantity. Nobody was sure how we'd perform, so players maybe were a little more unsure whether to sign - cue everyone jumping on the Leicester bandwagon as their policy surely guaranteed they'd run away with the league...oh... Judge the club on who they actually bring in at the end of January, not when there are 11 days left, or where we actually finish at the end of the season. I would be disappointed if we didn't bolster further, but only time will tell if that was the wrong decision.

 

It's also unrealistic that we'll win every game, or go the whole season without a blip. We've had injuries and suspensions, and won our last 2 games. I would rather we signed a proven striker as an insurance policy, and if Hooper delivered the goals that we needed to get promoted, then he'd be worth a massive outlay. I think if the last 16 months have taught us anything it's that Nigel has earned our trust.

Edited 20 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[Wildgoose]

Latest quotes here it seems http://www.celtic.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=269929

[trousers]

Have you seen Adkins comments to BBC today? He's given it up as he confirms we tried but Celtic will not sell, and that's the end of it he said.

 

And how does that differ to what Adkins would say in public if he was secretly planning a last minute improved offer on transfer deadline day...?

[trousers]

Just out of interest what would convince you that the deal was dead?

 

The clock striking midnight on transfer deadline day. Nothing else.

[Pwoite]

Celtic can't say 'we want' or 'we need' to sell.

 

Hooper can't say 'I want to go'.

 

Lennon needs to make it look as though they are fighting it, and that the price is rising.

 

Hooper's agent wants to get the best deal possible - for himself!

 

That's why trousers is spot on. It's like a mating ritual. We're still in the courtship.

[CB Fry]

And how does that differ to what Adkins would say in public if he was secretly planning a last minute improved offer on transfer deadline say...?

 

Jeez. The only thing that will see Hooper sign at Saints is if Gary Hooper hands in a transfer request.

 

It's jolly exciting this little delusion that we are just going to bid and bid and bid and bid and bid but it is not happening. We've had a go, we are not going to break the bank, and Celtic are not negotiating over a price, they don't need to sell and they are not going to sell to us, as our manager has said. It's over.

 

What if this was the other way round - say QPR had come in with three bids for Lallana and then Mark Hughes was quoted as saying he'd given up would you be saying "they're just waiting for deadline day and then we'll sell". Bet you wouldn't. You'd be praising Cortese to the rooftops for seeing them off.

[trousers]

It's over.

 

Yep, that's a valid opinion too. We'll see who's right on 1st Feb. Simple.

[Dig Dig]

Jeez. The only thing that will see Hooper sign at Saints is if Gary Hooper hands in a transfer request.

 

It's jolly exciting this little delusion that we are just going to bid and bid and bid and bid and bid but it is not happening. We've had a go, we are not going to break the bank, and Celtic are not negotiating over a price, they don't need to sell and they are not going to sell to us, as our manager has said. It's over.

 

What if this was the other way round - say QPR had come in with three bids for Lallana and then Mark Hughes was quoted as saying he'd given up would you be saying "they're just waiting for deadline day and then we'll sell". Bet you wouldn't. You'd be praising Cortese to the rooftops for seeing them off.

 

Not too long ago there was a constant feeling of dred about the prospect of our best players leaving. No matter what was said by anyone, they mostly always left. So I wouldn't believe any statement from either side if the shoe was on the other foot.

 

If Saints cool off and Hooper doesn't get a new deal by end of January I can see this happening late.

[david in sweden]

If you are a conspiracy theorist then you'll say we are just taking a breather in the Hooper deal..and will come back later.

 

and Nicola Cortese is going to offer them a deal they CAN'T refuse ...OR .... it's the end of the line on this one ... so who's next ?

[revolution saint]

Did I say it will definitely happen? I just don't think that's the end of the bidding. Why do you think that Celtic made it public? Where's the benefit for them? Hooper says he's happy at Celtic on the clubs OS - no great surprise - he probably is. Would he come out and say 'I want to leave' in an OS interview? Probably wouldn't be clever if the deal didn't go through, but it doesn't mean to say he wouldn't consider a move. Football is never that black and white...that's all I'm saying.

 

As for there not being much evidence that he'll deliver on his promise of ensuring we get promoted...really? So, Jos signed in August and you can't see anything else that's happened since? I've corrected your post for you if that helps.

 

In the summer we were an unknown quantity. Nobody was sure how we'd perform, so players maybe were a little more unsure whether to sign - cue everyone jumping on the Leicester bandwagon as their policy surely guaranteed they'd run away with the league...oh... Judge the club on who they actually bring in at the end of January, not when there are 11 days left, or where we actually finish at the end of the season. I would be disappointed if we didn't bolster further, but only time will tell if that was the wrong decision.

 

It's also unrealistic that we'll win every game, or go the whole season without a blip. We've had injuries and suspensions, and won our last 2 games. I would rather we signed a proven striker as an insurance policy, and if Hooper delivered the goals that we needed to get promoted, then he'd be worth a massive outlay. I think if the last 16 months have taught us anything it's that Nigel has earned our trust.

 

Right, first of all do not correct my post to what you think I might mean - I meant what I said so don't be a presumptious little twerp.

 

Secondly stop looking for signs that are simply not there. I'll repeat again - is there anything that would convince you that this signing will not happen? It's not going to so stop dreaming.

[trousers]

Saintsweb Forum members in not accepting different opinions shocker... ;-)

[revolution saint]

Saintsweb Forum members in not accepting different opinions shocker... ;-)

 

Saintsweb Forum members being deluded shocker, you'll still be vainly clinging on to the hope of signing Hooper on the last day of the window just as you were with Rodriguez. I'm happy to accept different opinions just as I'm happy to explain why they are wrong. In this case you really can't find any more indicators as to why this deal won't happen.

[trousers]

Saintsweb Forum members being deluded shocker, you'll still be vainly clinging on to the hope of signing Hooper on the last day of the window just as you were with Rodriguez. I'm happy to accept different opinions just as I'm happy to explain why they are wrong. In this case you really can't find any more indicators as to why this deal won't happen.

 

Ok.

[Pat from Poole]

Jeez. The only thing that will see Hooper sign at Saints is if Gary Hooper hands in a transfer request.

 

It's jolly exciting this little delusion that we are just going to bid and bid and bid and bid and bid but it is not happening. We've had a go, we are not going to break the bank, and Celtic are not negotiating over a price, they don't need to sell and they are not going to sell to us, as our manager has said. It's over.

 

What if this was the other way round - say QPR had come in with three bids for Lallana and then Mark Hughes was quoted as saying he'd given up would you be saying "they're just waiting for deadline day and then we'll sell". Bet you wouldn't. You'd be praising Cortese to the rooftops for seeing them off.

 

 

Yup. Agreed. I would expect it would be worth the best part of £1 million saved for Celtic if they don't have to pay Hooper loyalty bonuses due to him handing in a transfer request. Which he isn't going to do.

[Dalek2003]

I said at the start of this saga that I would self destruct if we bought Hooper. I am still sitting comfortably and feeling very relaxed.

[Dalek2003]

I have never implied he is a **** manager,just that i do believe he has failings.

 

When you look back at this season the only thing that will be recorded will be who got promoted,not the side that stayed top for 4 months(i strongly suspect that we will not be top after Saturday unfortunately).

Our home form has been fantastic,thankfully,because our away form has been pretty poor until very recently.

We have been very fortunate that many of the sides tipped for promotion and to give us a run for our money have seriously underperformed.

 

This transfer window is crucial to where could come at the end of the season,we have looked on occasions to be lacking when it come to injuries and suspensions are effecting the squad.

 

If we blow promotion from here who would you blame?....i for one would look towards Adkins and Cortese.

We must get the right people in,only Adkins can make that decision of who he targets....lets hope they are more in line with a improvement to what we have and not a Forte,Bignall,N'gussan and i would even add De ridder to that list.

In the summer it was reported we were after all and sundry when it came to attacking options,none materialised....lets hope Tadanari does not fall into the catagory of player i have already mentioned.

You cant force a player to sign or a club to sell......but you can influence that in the way you operate with the people you are trying to deal with.

There are suggestions in certain quarters that we don't necessarily go about it in the correct manner.

 

Top post. I have been saying the same thing since July.

[Dalek2003]

If you are a conspiracy theorist then you'll say we are just taking a breather in the Hooper deal..and will come back later.

 

and Nicola Cortese is going to offer them a deal they CAN'T refuse ...OR .... it's the end of the line on this one ... so who's next ?

 

End of the line ? It must have been a very short journey as we never got going !

[thorpie the sinner]

The clock striking midnight on transfer deadline day. Nothing else.

 

Yep, this is the only time, my belief dimisinishes!!

[Chin Strain]

Right, first of all do not correct my post to what you think I might mean - I meant what I said so don't be a presumptious little twerp.

 

Secondly stop looking for signs that are simply not there. I'll repeat again - is there anything that would convince you that this signing will not happen? It's not going to so stop dreaming.

 

You really are a jumped up little drama queen aren't you. An internet warrior of the highest order - well done, you're so hard. I have no issue if you have a different opinion - feel free to try and keep a civil tongue in your head though.

 

Show me where I said that this deal would definitely happen, or that I was 'convinced' (please don't put words into my mouth) that it would happen? Oh, I didn't? In the post that you quoted, I actually made it very clear, but I guess you're not too bright and struggled with some of the bigger words.

 

I said that I have a feeling that there's more mileage in this yet. That's all. I think we'll bid again. Tell me, why would Lennon make this public? What's the benefit for him / Celtic? IMO it could be to pressure the board not to sell, or it could be to talk the price up and try to start a bidding war. This may come as a surprise to you, but sometimes people have different motives for doing or saying things, especially in football.

Edited 21 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[thorpie the sinner]

I thought this site was about opinions!! Fair enough, we may not sign Hoops or J rod etc but until Feb 1st, we will not know for sure. So all these posters saying this won't happen, that wont happen and that the dreamers of better things to come are deluded, rain it in!!!!! until FEB 1st, these are just your opinions, just like ours are!!

[(not THE) Kevin Moore]

Sigh, we really don't need to sign a player as expensive as it appears hooper is, we're top scorers and have added a new international striker to the squad as well as an attacking midfielder. In Guly and Lambert we have two of the top scorers in the division.

 

People are just being greedy and acting like spoilt kids. Yes its exciting to be linked with strikers but we need a new cb more urgently.

 

It's my belief that (if we do sign a striker) it'll be either a bit of brinksmanship late in the window or we might get a loan, like trotta for instance.

[Window Cleaner]

Sigh, we really don't need to sign a player as expensive as it appears hooper is, we're top scorers and have added a new international striker to the squad as well as an attacking midfielder. In Guly and Lambert we have two of the top scorers in the division.

 

People are just being greedy and acting like spoilt kids. Yes its exciting to be linked with strikers but we need a new cb more urgently.

 

It's my belief that (if we do sign a striker) it'll be either a bit of brinksmanship late in the window or we might get a loan, like trotta for instance.

 

I'd wager that some who seem desperate to blow 8 million on Hooper complain about parking fees and the ticket tax.

[Dalek2003]

You really are a jumped up little drama queen aren't you. An internet warrior of the highest order - well done, you're so hard. I have no issue if you have a different opinion - feel free to try and keep a civil tongue in your head though.

 

Show me where I said that this deal would definitely happen, or that I was 'convinced' (please don't put words into my mouth) that it would happen? Oh, I didn't? In the post that you quoted, I actually made it very clear, but I guess you're not too bright and struggled with some of the bigger words.

 

I said that I have a feeling that there's more mileage in this yet. That's all. I think we'll bid again. Tell me, why would Lennon make this public? What's the benefit for him / Celtic? IMO it could be to pressure the board not to sell, or it could be to talk the price up and try to start a bidding war. This may come as a surprise to you, but sometimes people have different motives for doing or saying things, especially in football.

 

From the tome of your posts I would say that you were convinced something was going to happen. Therefore Revolution saint was right to pin you down. I would also suggests your insulting reply to him indicates that you don't like being proven wrong !

[Jez]

strapline on Sky Sports news this morning has a quote from Adkins saying something along the lines of "Celtic don't want to sell him, so that's it. End of story". So he seems to have given up for now.

 

Next!

[Chin Strain]

From the tome of your posts I would say that you were convinced something was going to happen. Therefore Revolution saint was right to pin you down. I would also suggests your insulting reply to him indicates that you don't like being proven wrong !

 

OK, where does it say in either of my posts that I'm convinced that he will sign? I said that I don't think that was the end of the story - i.e. we'll bid again. That's it. I made it clear that didn't mean that we would sign him.

 

Regarding my 'insulting' reply....if someone calls you 'a presumptuous little twerp', it tends to illicit a reaction, don't you think?

 

Have I been proven wrong that we'll bid again? I must have missed the last 10 days if today is 1 Feb. I'm entitled to my opinion that I believe we'll bid again. He's entitled to his opinion that nothing has happened since Jos signed to show we want to get promoted. My particular view on that is that we've spent the 4 and a half months since he signed sat at the top of the table - that's irrefutable, surely? He's entitled to say that the odds are that Lee will take time to settle and is a huge gamble. I don't think there's any evidence to say that this is definitely the case either - it may be, it may not be. It's the same thing...an opinion...and we're all entitled to one of those in a democracy....but not with some posters on this forum apparently.

Edited 21 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[Dalek2003]

OK, where does it say in either of my posts that I'm convinced that he will sign? I said that I don't think that was the end of the story - i.e. we'll bid again. That's it. I made it clear that didn't mean that we would sign him.

 

Regarding my 'insulting' reply....if someone calls you 'a presumptuous little twerp', it tends to illicit a reaction, don't you think?

 

Have I been proven wrong that we'll bid again? I must have missed the last 10 days if today is 1 Feb. I'm entitled to my opinion that I believe we'll bid again. He's entitled to his opinion that nothing has happened since Jos signed to show we want to get promoted. My particular view on that is that we've spent the 4 and a half months since he signed sat at the top of the table - that's irrefutable, surely? He's entitled to say that the odds are that Lee will take time to settle and is a huge gamble. I don't think there's any evidence to say that this is definitely the case either - it may be, it may not be. It's the same thing...an opinion...and we're all entitled to one of those in a democracy....but not with some posters on this forum apparently.

 

Yes you are entitled to your opinion and so is revolution. But once again the tone of your post suggests you are angry and defensive. Also, because a poster makes an insulting reply doesn't justify getting back at the same level. Learn to rise above it and you will find that your point of view has more force.

[whiteleySaint30]

He must have loved playing in front of 6,129 today, what a great atmosphere that must have been. Can't think for a minute why he would want to move.

[buctootim]

Maybe we're going for the wrong Celtic player. James Forrest has been named one of the worlds top upcoming football talents by FIFA.....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16665918.stm

[revolution saint]

OK, where does it say in either of my posts that I'm convinced that he will sign? I said that I don't think that was the end of the story - i.e. we'll bid again. That's it. I made it clear that didn't mean that we would sign him.

 

Regarding my 'insulting' reply....if someone calls you 'a presumptuous little twerp', it tends to illicit a reaction, don't you think?

 

Have I been proven wrong that we'll bid again? I must have missed the last 10 days if today is 1 Feb. I'm entitled to my opinion that I believe we'll bid again. He's entitled to his opinion that nothing has happened since Jos signed to show we want to get promoted. My particular view on that is that we've spent the 4 and a half months since he signed sat at the top of the table - that's irrefutable, surely? He's entitled to say that the odds are that Lee will take time to settle and is a huge gamble. I don't think there's any evidence to say that this is definitely the case either - it may be, it may not be. It's the same thing...an opinion...and we're all entitled to one of those in a democracy....but not with some posters on this forum apparently.

 

To be honest I have no problem with you getting upset that I called you a presumptious little twerp, I would as well. However the only reason I said that was because you quoted me, and then in the quote "corrected me" (your words). That's presumptious of you and so justified. If you don't like the reaction it provokes then don't do it. For the record I have no idea if you are a little twerp or not - that was just guesswork. Secondly you seem to placing a lot of store in the fact that Celtic made the bids public. Too much in my opinion. They have a huge fanbase and things like this are bound to get out, Hooper also has an agent pushing for an improved contract so did it ever cross your mind that Celtic and Lennon would be reacting to reports rather than starting them? Of course you are entitled to an opinion, and it's also my right to pull you up if I think it's wrong - so far we've had numerous denials of wanting to sell by Lennon, a statement by the player saying he's happy and not looking for a move, and a statement from Nigel saying any deal is now off. I'd say that the weight of evidence is on my side compared to your gut feeling that we will bid again based upon your own (flawed) guesswork. Of course I can't stop you living in dreamworld but you need to recognise that your opinion doesn't really stack up against the facts and therefore carries less weight.

 

Yes you are entitled to your opinion and so is revolution. But once again the tone of your post suggests you are angry and defensive. Also, because a poster makes an insulting reply doesn't justify getting back at the same level. Learn to rise above it and you will find that your point of view has more force.

 

Cheers

[fromthedell]

what i dont understand is lennon keeps saying hooper is not for sale

but we keep bidding why ? cos it seems like a waste of time if lennon is right

also havent heard nigel say he has giving up on this transfer

 

thoughts

[Chin Strain]

To be honest I have no problem with you getting upset that I called you a presumptious little twerp, I would as well. However the only reason I said that was because you quoted me, and then in the quote "corrected me" (your words). That's presumptious of you and so justified. If you don't like the reaction it provokes then don't do it. For the record I have no idea if you are a little twerp or not - that was just guesswork. Secondly you seem to placing a lot of store in the fact that Celtic made the bids public. Too much in my opinion. They have a huge fanbase and things like this are bound to get out, Hooper also has an agent pushing for an improved contract so did it ever cross your mind that Celtic and Lennon would be reacting to reports rather than starting them? Of course you are entitled to an opinion, and it's also my right to pull you up if I think it's wrong - so far we've had numerous denials of wanting to sell by Lennon, a statement by the player saying he's happy and not looking for a move, and a statement from Nigel saying any deal is now off. I'd say that the weight of evidence is on my side compared to your gut feeling that we will bid again based upon your own (flawed) guesswork. Of course I can't stop you living in dreamworld but you need to recognise that your opinion doesn't really stack up against the facts and therefore carries less weight.

 

 

 

Cheers

 

My view is that you were a little precious with the 'correction' of your post - your reaction was an interesting one, based on the fact you know nothing about me. I could assume that you were an arrogant little twerp for refusing to accept that not everyone else has the same opinion as you, and that it would be reasonable to allow other Saints fans the courtesy of sharing a different opinion, without a load of vitriol coming back.

 

I'd be surprised if I was alone in thinking that we've made quite a lot of progress towards promotion since Jos signed in August. That seems to be fact. The rest of the discussion around Hooper is opinion - I'm entitled to mine, and you're entitled to yours. Again, for the record, and for the upteenth time, as you still think I'm convinced we'll sign Hooper...I'm not. I merely think we'll have another go to sign him.....which may, or may not, be successful. I don't think everything in football is black and white, and I do think that people operate with ulterior motives. That's all I have said all the way through this. Some will share that opinion (trousers), some won't (Dalek - who apparently thought we'd finish 17th because we didn't invest in the right calibre of players in the summer, and Hoddle is, was, and will be again, the messiah. Certainly the first part seems flawed at this stage).

 

You have an opinion that the Lee signing is a high risk gamble as he's moving half way across the world and will take time to settle. You have no evidence of this. You've almost certainly never sat down and seen him play, or studied whether he has the personality type to fit into the club, or ability to play in the NPC. If I'm honest, I have no idea if he will settle or not but, for what it's worth I'd give more credence to the homework that the club and manager have done on the player over several months, than to someone who knows about him from Youtube or what he's read. Of course, like you have said, you're entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to pull you up on it if I think it's wrong. I think you're making a sweeping generalisation with regards to the player. Just an opinion mind, and only time will tell.

 

I do think this transfer window is critically important, and would like to see some quality signings that fit in. I wouldn't want to chance blowing up, but I wouldn't advocate blowing a pile of cash on the wrong player, who may upset the balance on the pitch or in the dressing room (Asprilla at Newcastle in the 90's for example - cost them the title). We may get to the end of the window with NA disappointed with not adding in certain areas. But, overall, I think he and Cortese have delivered on their promises so far, and have earned a little bit of trust from us.

 

Out of interest (and I genuinely am curious, and not trying to score points), but do you get to many games?

Edited 21 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[Chin Strain]

Yes you are entitled to your opinion and so is revolution. But once again the tone of your post suggests you are angry and defensive. Also, because a poster makes an insulting reply doesn't justify getting back at the same level. Learn to rise above it and you will find that your point of view has more force.

OK Dalek, I'm guilty of rising to being called a little twerp. Go on, exterminate me for it. Your opinion would be valid if you had pointed out the same issue with Revolution when he was insulting in his post....or is it just because you happen to share the same opinion? Are you still banging on about us finishing 17th, and messing up the summer window so badly, that we've only got NC and NA to blame for us currently being 2nd (with a game in hand)?

[revolution saint]

My view is that you were a little precious with the 'correction' of your post - your reaction was an interesting one, based on the fact you know nothing about me. I could assume that you were an arrogant little twerp for refusing to accept that not everyone else has the same opinion as you, and that it would be reasonable to allow other Saints fans the courtesy of sharing a different opinion, without a load of vitriol coming back.

 

I'd be surprised if I was alone in thinking that we've made quite a lot of progress towards promotion since Jos signed in August. That seems to be fact. The rest of the discussion around Hooper is opinion - I'm entitled to mine, and you're entitled to yours. Again, for the record, and for the upteenth time, as you still think I'm convinced we'll sign Hooper...I'm not. I merely think we'll have another go to sign him.....which may, or may not, be successful. I don't think everything in football is black and white, and I do think that people operate with ulterior motives. That's all I have said all the way through this. Some will share that opinion (trousers), some won't (Dalek - who apparently thought we'd finish 17th because we didn't invest in the right calibre of players in the summer, and Hoddle is, was, and will be again, the messiah. Certainly the first part seems flawed at this stage).

 

You have an opinion that the Lee signing is a high risk gamble as he's moving half way across the world and will take time to settle. You have no evidence of this. You've almost certainly never sat down and seen him play, or studied whether he has the personality type to fit into the club, or ability to play in the NPC. If I'm honest, I have no idea if he will settle or not but, for what it's worth I'd give more credence to the homework that the club and manager have done on the player over several months, than to someone who knows about him from Youtube or what he's read. Of course, like you have said, you're entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to pull you up on it if I think it's wrong. I think you're making a sweeping generalisation with regards to the player. Just an opinion mind, and only time will tell.

 

I do think this transfer window is critically important, and would like to see some quality signings that fit in. I wouldn't want to chance blowing up, but I wouldn't advocate blowing a pile of cash on the wrong player, who may upset the balance on the pitch or in the dressing room (Asprilla at Newcastle in the 90's for example - cost them the title). We may get to the end of the window with NA disappointed with not adding in certain areas. But, overall, I think he and Cortese have delivered on their promises so far, and have earned a little bit of trust from us.

 

Out of interest (and I genuinely am curious, and not trying to score points), but do you get to many games?

 

Season ticket holder and go to some aways, chances are I go to more than you. Btw I still think you're deluded but frankly can't be arsed anymore. You're welcome to carry on in the mistaken belief we will bid for Hooper again (Note that's not signed but bid).

[Chin Strain]

Season ticket holder and go to some aways, chances are I go to more than you. Btw I still think you're deluded but frankly can't be arsed anymore. You're welcome to carry on in the mistaken belief we will bid for Hooper again (Note that's not signed but bid).

 

Unlikely, ST holder and go to quite a few aways.

 

BTW, I still think you are deluded if you believe that everything in this world is exactly as it says on the tin. But I can't be arsed with you, it's not worth the effort.

 

It's not a crime to have a different opinion you know.

Edited 21 January, 2012 by Chin Strain

[so22saint]

will you two cut the foreplay and get a room please?

[lumuah]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16643271.stm

 

Definitely given up on him. Thread closed

[trousers]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16643271.stm

 

Definitely given up on him. Thread closed

 

Why do journalists take a seemingly categoric quote such as "that's it, end of story" and paraphrase it with an element (no matter how small) of doubt: "Adkins has all but given up hope".

 

Why not just say: "Adkins has given up hope" instead of qualifying it with "all but"?

[Dalek2003]

OK Dalek, I'm guilty of rising to being called a little twerp. Go on, exterminate me for it. Your opinion would be valid if you had pointed out the same issue with Revolution when he was insulting in his post....or is it just because you happen to share the same opinion? Are you still banging on about us finishing 17th, and messing up the summer window so badly, that we've only got NC and NA to blame for us currently being 2nd (with a game in hand)?

 

Hmm, The last part of this post is simply a diversionary tactic on your part. Anyway, no hard feelings you are entitled to your opinion.

[david in sweden]

Hands up all those who think the Hooper saga - isn't over yet ?

[trousers]

Hands up all those who think the Hooper saga - isn't over yet ?

 

I'm undecided

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7445811/Saints-move-on-from-Hooper

 

Sky suggesting we've got other targets, including Rhodes.

[david in sweden]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7445811/Saints-move-on-from-Hooper

 

Sky suggesting we've got other targets, including Rhodes.

 

 

....also "we're trying to do everything privately and behind the scenes....it was Celtic who made public our interest.." Nigel Adkins

 

Interesting that it might sound like Cortese drew back ...and didn't made the Third Bid everyone was expecting ...?

He does like to keep his cards close to his chest, and not go public on deals..whilst Celtic try to drive up the eventual selling price.?

 

Punishment to Celtic sounds like...

." we're going to spend on someone anyway, but if you can't keep confidences on a deal.. then *ukc U. We'll go elsewhere.