Saint Charlie Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 We'll have to see, but I would say this is very unlikely now. Aguero, Tevez and Silva v Fonte and Hooiveld. That's proper nightmare territory. They are a nightmare for Rio and Vidic too...those arent the games we need points from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Kyle Naughton Michu Patrick Van Aanholt Maiga Kightley Geoff Cameron Guthrie Diame N'Zonzi Cuellar Vlaar Yobo Weiss Kuszsack Forster Snodgrass MacGregor Whittaker Gordon Rosenberg Ramis Thank god we're taking our time if this is the best you can come up with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish fingers Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 This has to be bull**** doesn't it? If that happens then I would worry - unless we have some mega signing about to be announced (after NC's hols)! I doubt very much it would happen, but i'm not surprised at all Forest are after him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) Wouldn't say many of those are any better than the players we have brought in. On the CBs and wingers wait and see what business we do. of the RBs selected here Clyne is better than all of them IMO. So who isn't better then? Guthrie may not be better than Davis, I would go with that. I would say Naughton is better than Clyne currently, but not potential wise. Don't forget, Clyne has never played a Premier League game. Edit: sorry, didn't see you'd listed your reasons above, that's the issue of doing this on a phone. Edited 8 August, 2012 by Dibden Purlieu Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Thank god we're taking our time if this is the best you can come up with. That's not a helpful comment, please expand on who is not: A) Better than who we've signed B) Would not improve the team/squad I've made the effort to produce the list, so the least you can do is make a concerted effort to reply with something that at least offers some value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Diamond Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 That's not a helpful comment, please expand on who is not: A) Better than who we've signed B) Would not improve the team/squad I've made the effort to produce the list, so the least you can do is make a concerted effort to reply with something that at least offers some value. Why oh why do you have that picture of Syd as your avatar? I read Nick Mason's 'Inside Out' the other day. Interesting book, kind of glosses over the albums though, doesn't talk about them in great detail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Why oh why do you have that picture of Syd as your avatar? I read Nick Mason's 'Inside Out' the other day. Interesting book, kind of glosses over the albums though, doesn't talk about them in great detail. I just read about the fabled Abbey Road incident, and I find it strange that this is the last photo most people have ever seen of him. The workings of the human mind is a weird ans wonderful thing. I will be changing it soon though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 That's not a helpful comment, please expand on who is not: A) Better than who we've signed B) Would not improve the team/squad I've made the effort to produce the list, so the least you can do is make a concerted effort to reply with something that at least offers some value. Would prefer to wait and see who comes in and then judge. I'm sure they'll compare favourably with the names you've mentioned. If not, I'll put my hands up. Am pleased with the signings to date - Jrod is a risk but has huge upside and Clyne will be class - I rate him higher than Naughton. Admittedly, Davis was an opportunistic buy but is no more of a mug than Guthrie say. Fact is we can't and won't get trigger happy with signings -and that's before considering the 25-man squad rule. If we buy a player and it doesn't work out, its an albatross around our necks. A degree of caution is sensible. Likewise, if we're going after quality - those players will more likely be wanted by their existing clubs or chased by many suitors, complicating and protracting negotiations. Surely, for someone who's decrying the lack of quality, you can appreciate that. The other interpretation is that you want to have your cake and eat it. Finally, its easy to overstate the risks of not having a preseason with the club. To some extent, all preseasons -insofar they are about building up match fitness- are the same regardless of the club. And no doubt we are targeting players who can fit into our system/style of play and/or have the intelligence to adapt (as you would expect with better players). Cannot think of many examples of players who've joined us later on (at least not a few weeks) nd its demonstrably hurt their performance - except, perhaps, players who were fringe squad members at their previous clubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Would prefer to wait and see who comes in and then judge. I'm sure they'll compare favourably with the names you've mentioned. If not, I'll put my hands up. Am pleased with the signings to date - Jrod is a risk but has huge upside and Clyne will be class - I rate him higher than Naughton. Admittedly, Davis was an opportunistic buy but is no more of a mug than Guthrie say. Fact is we can't and won't get trigger happy with signings -and that's before considering the 25-man squad rule. If we buy a player and it doesn't work out, its an albatross around our necks. A degree of caution is sensible. Likewise, if we're going after quality - those players will more likely be wanted by their existing clubs or chased by many suitors, complicating and protracting negotiations. Surely, for someone who's decrying the lack of quality, you can appreciate that. The other interpretation is that you want to have your cake and eat it. Finally, its easy to overstate the risks of not having a preseason with the club. To some extent, all preseasons -insofar they are about building up match fitness- are the same regardless of the club. And no doubt we are targeting players who can fit into our system/style of play and/or have the intelligence to adapt (as you would expect with better players). Cannot think of many examples of players who've joined us later on (at least not a few weeks) nd its demonstrably hurt their performance - except, perhaps, players who were fringe squad members at their previous clubs. I don't disagree with Clyne being better in the long term, I just think in the here and now Naughton has a season of Prem football. The rest I don't disagree with, however I am just very disappointed that we haven't brought players in time for the beginning of the season, as it can't hurt, and there have been a number of good defenders, right wingers that we could have tried to sign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Oh how I'd love to hear of a player rumour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Oh how I'd love to hear of a player rumour... Isaac Vorsah from Hoffenheim for £4.2m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Billy Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Oh how I'd love to hear of a player rumour... Ryan Shawcross from Stoke but that is from Football Rumours which has linked us with everyone including Margaret Beckett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rshephard3 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 When people keep going on about Hoiletts wages at QPR, can someone please explain what the problem would be with Southampton paying 50k a week to a few players in the modern day prem which has changed so much since we were there last. Surely there is a rather fine line between a policy of youthful potential and a policy of over cautious conservatism which will get you relegated. I really hope we end up on the right side of that line. Time will tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 When people keep going on about Hoiletts wages at QPR, can someone please explain what the problem would be with Southampton paying 50k a week to a few players in the modern day prem which has changed so much since we were there last. Surely there is a rather fine line between a policy of youthful potential and a policy of over cautious conservatism which will get you relegated. I really hope we end up on the right side of that line. Time will tell. Uh-oh, they won't like that. Asking reasonable questions is frowned upon on this forum, so expect responses calling you a WUM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rshephard3 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Uh-oh, they won't like that. Asking reasonable questions is frowned upon on this forum, so expect responses calling you a WUM. Heads up well and truly accepted, I thank you sir. Hard hat in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 can someone please explain what the problem would be with Southampton paying 50k a week to a few players in the modern day prem I don't think that (providing it's sustainable) paying those sort of wages on the right players is a problem. Do you really put Hoillett in that bracket though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ryan Shawcross from Stoke but that is from Football Rumours which has linked us with everyone including Margaret Beckett No chance surely, would cost a lot and he's too good. Will cost £12m+ when he does move and it's quite clear we're not prepared to spend that kind of money. Isn't he their captain as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 I don't think that (providing it's sustainable) paying those sort of wages on the right players is a problem. Do you really put Hoillett in that bracket though? I would think so, the guy is pretty good. Think it was quite a coup for QPR to get him actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rshephard3 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) I don't think that (providing it's sustainable) paying those sort of wages on the right players is a problem. Do you really put Hoillett in that bracket though? I was using him as an example but yes I really rate him. Likewise Park. With those 2 players alone and a squad that's quickly evolving I would argue barring a horror show QPR are pretty much safe this coming season. Despite being one of the richest clubs in the land with a proud history of top flight football, I believe our transfer policy is questionable. Rodallega is another one. There were good players around who you would feel would greatly help our chances of survival who I'm surprised we weren't linked with. Davis hasn't played in the prem for a few years and Clyne has never played there. I'm probably making a fuss over nothing but I predict an uphill battle this season. Edited 8 August, 2012 by rshephard3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 we have been penny pinching massively IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 I would think so, the guy is pretty good. Think it was quite a coup for QPR to get him actually. "Pretty good" with not a great deal of actual PL experience doesn't say £50k to me unless things have really gone mad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) When people keep going on about Hoiletts wages at QPR, can someone please explain what the problem would be with Southampton paying 50k a week to a few players in the modern day prem which has changed so much since we were there last. Surely there is a rather fine line between a policy of youthful potential and a policy of over cautious conservatism which will get you relegated. I really hope we end up on the right side of that line. Time will tell. You Sir, are a WUM. Seriously - no reason at all apart from thats not the way we have gone so far, of course we could have signed Hoilett on 50k - then Lambert and Lallana want that, Fonte and Hooiveld want up to 30 and all of a sudden your wage bill has doubled. Saints have talked about being sustainable, and of course you need to always look to improve and that costs money, but there are plenty of good players that will be cheaper than that. Look at what happened down the road...first its 20k a week, then 30, then 50, then 80....its right in our faces what happens when you overspend. Could we afford a 50k a week player currently? Im not sure. Edited 8 August, 2012 by Saint Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 When people keep going on about Hoiletts wages at QPR, can someone please explain what the problem would be with Southampton paying 50k a week to a few players in the modern day prem which has changed so much since we were there last. Surely there is a rather fine line between a policy of youthful potential and a policy of over cautious conservatism which will get you relegated. I really hope we end up on the right side of that line. Time will tell. do the books balance if we pay a few players £50k a week? If they do fine, if they don't then I'd prefer to gamble on survival using players that are within our budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 do the books balance if we pay a few players £50k a week? If they do fine, if they don't then I'd prefer to gamble on survival using players that are within our budget. You'd have to imagine JRod is on at least £25K a week with us, wouldn't you? Therefore, getting Hoilett for free on a 4 year contract paying him £50K a week is pretty much the same as paying £5M for him and paying him £25K a week. Large wages aren't necessarily out of the question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 "Pretty good" with not a great deal of actual PL experience doesn't say £50k to me unless things have really gone mad! Sorry, guess the way I wanted to say it didn't come through. Hoillett is going to be proper amazing, he's very good as it is and will only get better. Only problem I have with him is perhaps his attitude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibizasaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Wasnt NA supposed to be out scouting the Ukraine during Euro 2012? http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7973430/Hughes-chasing-Khacheridi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrimd Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Amazes me that there are so many people on here that seem to think that 'Premiership experience' is so vital! Carl Henry has premiership experience, so has Emily Heskey, and JJ Shelvey, and any number of other players who I would not have cleaning the windows at Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rshephard3 Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 There is a huge difference between the books not balancing by a couple of quid and what happened at Fratton Park. A fair few excellent players who'd command big wages end up being available on free's and would be less of a risk than Rodriguez at 6.5 million when he's never kicked a ball in the top flight before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Wasnt NA supposed to be out scouting the Ukraine during Euro 2012? http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7973430/Hughes-chasing-Khacheridi Khacheridi is a big lad but is hardly the kind of cultured centre half I'd want along side Jos. He also has a bit of a temperament and a nack of picking up cards. I'd probably stillbe happy if we did go for him though. If we're going for anyone from Kiev I'd rather Husyev or Yarmolenko. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Khacheridi is a big lad but is hardly the kind of cultured centre half I'd want along side Jos. He also has a bit of a temperament and a nack of picking up cards. I'd probably stillbe happy if we did go for him though. If we're going for anyone from Kiev I'd rather Husyev or Yarmolenko. Is it possible to have a bit of a temperament? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SB Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 He said we would have at least one or two in by the Man City game. Ah, when he said City I thought he was referring to Bristol City. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Amazes me that there are so many people on here that seem to think that 'Premiership experience' is so vital! Carl Henry has premiership experience, so has Emily Heskey, and JJ Shelvey, and any number of other players who I would not have cleaning the windows at Saints. First 2 names I agree, but you wouldn't take Shelvey? He was decent for Liverpool at the end of last season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 There is a huge difference between the books not balancing by a couple of quid and what happened at Fratton Park. A fair few excellent players who'd command big wages end up being available on free's and would be less of a risk than Rodriguez at 6.5 million when he's never kicked a ball in the top flight before. I like this guy, he talks sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 I like this guy, he talks sense. Its true, apart from the fact that when you bring a player in on big money that has an impact on the other players - who either want parity, or it could cause issues within the squad. For example if I was Lallana I would go to Cortese and say "Hey I could have left at any point in L1, stayed loyal, socred goals to get us promoted - if this guy is on 50k I want that too." And then what if a really class player becomes available for 70k a week...its only an extra 20...go on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Its true, apart from the fact that when you bring a player in on big money that has an impact on the other players - who either want parity, or it could cause issues within the squad. For example if I was Lallana I would go to Cortese and say "Hey I could have left at any point in L1, stayed loyal, socred goals to get us promoted - if this guy is on 50k I want that too." And then what if a really class player becomes available for 70k a week...its only an extra 20...go on... I don't disagree with that either. However, you could always give a higher.sigming om fee and reduce the wages to say 40k, which I would suspect both Lallana and Lambert are on close to now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itchen_dan Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Seems we made a last ditch attempt to get Geoff Cameron from under Stoke's noses. The article doesn't mention Saints but is on the Saints and Stoke Sky page. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11700/7973611/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter "Ironically, two other important factors are the difficulty in getting the deal done, because the MLS didn't want to lose one of their best players, and the move by another Premier League club to come in for him and make it difficult right at the end of the negotiations. However today he has been granted a work permit to complete the deal with Stoke so it looks like we've missed out. http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/geoff-cameron-permit-299776.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) Seems we made a last ditch attempt to get Geoff Cameron from under Stoke's noses. The article doesn't mention Saints but is on the Saints and Stoke Sky page. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11700/7973611/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter However today he has been granted a work permit to complete the deal with Stoke so it looks like we've missed out. http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/geoff-cameron-permit-299776.aspx Sky had linked us with him a while back as well so likely we were interested. If it was us that went back in for him then it shows we are still working but wonder how far down our list of choices we are? Edited 8 August, 2012 by Saint Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Sky had linked us with him a while back as well so likely we were interested. If it was us that went back in for him then it shows we are still working but wonder how far down our list of choices we are? I wouldn't say far as he is a really good player, is cheap and on low wages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulletsaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Not sure how much Hughes had to do with the youth team at Blackburn but surely there's a chance they know each other from there. That sort of things can sway a transfer as we know. Some valid points being made but what makes me annoyed is how people on here take it for granted we've not been interested in players just because they went elsewhere. Most transfers aren't simple and we aren't going to be everyone's number one choice. If any of you seriously think that things aren't being attempted in the background just because it's quiet you're an idiot. As others have said, it's bloody quiet everywhere on the rumours/signing front. Check out this from last weeks Rumour Mill if you don't believe me http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/01/football-transfer-rumours-higuain-manchester-city Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Not sure how much Hughes had to do with the youth team at Blackburn but surely there's a chance they know each other from there. That sort of things can sway a transfer as we know. Some valid points being made but what makes me annoyed is how people on here take it for granted we've not been interested in players just because they went elsewhere. Most transfers aren't simple and we aren't going to be everyone's number one choice. If any of you seriously think that things aren't being attempted in the background just because it's quiet you're an idiot. As others have said, it's bloody quiet everywhere on the rumours/signing front. Check out this from last weeks Rumour Mill if you don't believe me http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/01/football-transfer-rumours-higuain-manchester-city Every player we have signed this Summer was rumoured quite a bit before. As have been most players. There haven't been many 'where did that come from?' transfers. The press have reported it pretty well this year. Which is why it being very quiet for the past 2 weeks is very worrying. At least we were linked to players 3 or 4 weeks ago. No longer though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InvictaSaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Every player we have signed this Summer was rumoured quite a bit before. As have been most players. There haven't been many 'where did that come from?' transfers. The press have reported it pretty well this year. Which is why it being very quiet for the past 2 weeks is very worrying. At least we were linked to players 3 or 4 weeks ago. No longer though. But Mulletsaint's point, which you quote, is that it is quiet everywhere at the moment. That might be for a number of reasons, but it means we are not alone in waiting for things to happen. Besides which, as many others have stated, still waters run deep; bound to be loads going on behind the scenes. Patience required by all, methinks.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 But Mulletsaint's point, which you quote, is that it is quiet everywhere at the moment. That might be for a number of reasons, but it means we are not alone in waiting for things to happen. Besides which, as many others have stated, still waters run deep; bound to be loads going on behind the scenes. Patience required by all, methinks.... But as has already been said on this thread, we are a newly promoted side who needs to strengthen unlike a team like Newcastle whose main objective is to keep their existing side together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InvictaSaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 But as has already been said on this thread, we are a newly promoted side who needs to strengthen unlike a team like Newcastle whose main objective is to keep their existing side together. Yes, a fair point. However, if things are quiet across the board, inevitably we too will be affected by the lack of activity. I suppose it's rather like being in a chain when buying a house; if the selling club hasn't found a replacement, or wants to push it to the deadline day wire, things will necessarily be going more slowly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Yes, a fair point. However, if things are quiet across the board, inevitably we too will be affected by the lack of activity. I suppose it's rather like being in a chain when buying a house; if the selling club hasn't found a replacement, or wants to push it to the deadline day wire, things will necessarily be going more slowly. They're not quiet across the board though, that's the point. West Ham and Reading who came up with us have made more signings than us, Reading have done the bulk of their spending in a pre-planned mission to get it all wrapped up as soon as possible. The other clubs who were in the relegation mix (QPR, Villa) have already made more signings than us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InvictaSaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 They're not quiet across the board though, that's the point. West Ham and Reading who came up with us have made more signings than us, Reading have done the bulk of their spending in a pre-planned mission to get it all wrapped up as soon as possible. The other clubs who were in the relegation mix (QPR, Villa) have already made more signings than us. Ok - so are you saying you would rather have WHU's 4 or so signings, or Reading's signings, rather than our 4 so far? Or would you rather we wait a reasonable amount of time for the right people? I am sure we are working on deals every minute of every day - you would have to be a fool to think otherwise - and NA has stated the areas which need attention. Deals take time in the real world; what more can we reasonably ask of the club right now?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ok - so are you saying you would rather have WHU's 4 or so signings, or Reading's signings, rather than our 4 so far? Or would you rather we wait a reasonable amount of time for the right people? I am sure we are working on deals every minute of every day - you would have to be a fool to think otherwise - and NA has stated the areas which need attention. Deals take time in the real world; what more can we reasonably ask of the club right now?? I don't know about anyone else, but IMO we need to get a defender in. It's really going to harm our start if we get no one else in sooner rather than later and give them time to get a partnership together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) Ok - so are you saying you would rather have WHU's 4 or so signings, or Reading's signings, rather than our 4 so far? Or would you rather we wait a reasonable amount of time for the right people? I am sure we are working on deals every minute of every day - you would have to be a fool to think otherwise - and NA has stated the areas which need attention. Deals take time in the real world; what more can we reasonably ask of the club right now?? I'm saying I'd like for us to achieve our target set by the manager of having a CB or two and an RM in before the Man City game. Nigel Adkins set that benchmark, not me. Of course we're working on deals, I have no doubt. But the manager has stated areas in which we need to strengthen, and stated he wanted to do that before the season starts. I'm only judging on what he said. In answer to your other question; I think we've done ok with our signings so far (Clyne & Davis good, jury out on JRod for that amount of money, hard to tell on Gazzaniga but seems he's reserve keeper for the short term in any case). Reading look better off than us IMO, like us they've signed a striker, a right back and a central midfielder, I'd say there's not much between all of theirs and ours. In addition they've signed 5 other players, so they're set for the big kick off. As for West Ham, they've signed players in areas we need to strengthen, and particularly at CB I'd be happy enough with their two CBs signed in Collins and McCartney (at least in the short term). Edited 8 August, 2012 by The Kraken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulletsaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 (edited) Every player we have signed this Summer was rumoured quite a bit before. As have been most players. There haven't been many 'where did that come from?' transfers. The press have reported it pretty well this year. Which is why it being very quiet for the past 2 weeks is very worrying. At least we were linked to players 3 or 4 weeks ago. No longer though. Quite a bit? Care to quantify that? To be quite frank the only ones I remember us being linked with reliably at an early stage were Clyne and Rodriguez. Both of these players we were rumoured to be interested in back in January. The early Gazzaniga rumours were purely someone on here hearing an interview with a manager about how great he was and asking if HCDAJFU. Let's face it, most of those we hear about early are generally those where the selling club or agent (or father) is trying to bump the price up. Many of these deals seem to end up dead in the water. My point is that irrespective of what deals have been done, rumours across the board have been quiet. This is probably due to having two major(ish) tournaments over the summer and journalists working on the Olympics. It doesn't mean we haven't enquired, made bids or are not in talks with anyone. If you believe everyone's putting a suntan over club interests you are a pillock (not specifically aimed at you). Much like last year, if we fail to make further signings it will not be because we haven't tried but because we cannot acquire our targets. Edited 8 August, 2012 by mulletsaint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 It doesn't mean we haven't enquired, made bids or are not in talks with anyone. If you believe everyone's putting a suntan over club interests you are a pillock (not specifically aimed at you). You're preaching to the choir about this. Most people surely know that the recruitment team are not sat around scratching their arses. Much like last year, if we fail to make further signings it will not be because we haven't tried but because we cannot acquire our targets. This is the point. We struggled to get our targets last year with various late aborted efforts for centre-backs. Nigel Adkins has set himself an objective to have players in by the Man City game, and its getting closer and closer with no player in sight and no new news. So therefore its a concern that we could go into the season with a team that the manager doesn't consider strong enough in certain areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulletsaint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 You're preaching to the choir about this. Most people surely know that the recruitment team are not sat around scratching their arses. This is the point. We struggled to get our targets last year with various late aborted efforts for centre-backs. Nigel Adkins has set himself an objective to have players in by the Man City game, and its getting closer and closer with no player in sight and no new news. So therefore its a concern that we could go into the season with a team that the manager doesn't consider strong enough in certain areas. Did I say it wasn't a concern? The implication by some is that we're doing diddly. Or that a lack of rumours indicates we're doing diddly. My point is that this may not be the case and is actually indicative of a wider lack of rumour. Simple really, obviously not simple enough for some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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