Davide Astori Southampton target?

[egg]

OK then.

 

Those blessed with even a basic command of English should be able to tell the obvious difference between someone claiming they know something as a fact, and those putting forward an opinion. When I write "it seems to me questionable" this is meant to imply that I see some room for speculation (or doubt) in the proposition, IE that Nigel Adkins enjoys a real input into transfer decisions at this club.

 

I'm always happy to help, but I do hope that is quite clear now.

 

Semantics. The insinuation from your posts on the subject that you have a belief that NA has little say. Your first post on this thread for example.

[KelvinsRightGlove]

Here's an idea. Why don't we stop making up conspiracy theories and recognise saints are pursuing a player in a position we all know needs strengthening.. Sounds like a good target o me.

 

Maybe some of these mongs will just never in a million years be happy.

 

Even if we signed Lionel Messi I'm sure some on here would stamp their feet and throw the usual hissyfits.

 

It shows how clueless some are if they genuinely think managers at any club these days have 100% over transfers. It just doesn't happen, it makes no sense to. How on earth is a manager meant to train and coach and manage a team 7 days a week and still identify potential players?

 

What is the point of a scouting network otherwise? They would be an expensive waste of time if all transfer were sourced by the manager in his spare time.

 

Further more, the people at the club are football people. They work in the industry day in, day out. I imagine they know just a little bit more than us plebs. Just because some on here haven't heard of him, doesn't mean he isn't any good.

 

People have already mentioned people like Pahars, Golac, and there's still Michael Svensson. A lot of people probably didn't know too much about Michu in the summer, now probably half those same people are saying we should have signed him.

[Delboy Dave]

Woweeeeeee

[Leicestersaint]

I'm quite happy with our current CB partnership. He'd have to be really first class to make it worthwhile breaking up our current pairing.

 

They are still too shakey.

[Crazy Diamond]

Already doomed.

 

We've got a YouTube link for him.

 

Anyone learnt from the Steve de Ridder episode?

[david in sweden]

Well I'm glad you decided to raise the subjects of "bias" and Emmanuel Mayuka. We signed this player - who despite his 'high world ranking' Nigel Adkins seems utterly unconvinced by - from the Swiss Club BSC Youngboys. So there you go then, another example of our Italo/Swiss Chairman signing a player who just happens to come from the Italian, or Swiss game. List of recent SFC signings with significant Swiss/Italian connection:

Emmanuel Mayuka

Gaston Ramirez

Guly do Prado

Artur Boruc

 

Should we sign this Astori lad from Cagiari would make it five - half a team. I say the manager should have a big say in the composition of the squad he is supposed to be managing - other opinions are available of course ...

 

 

It's not half the team btw Ramirez is currently the only regular...and all players are part of our total squad, which currently has 16 English players...17 ...if you count Fox (born in England). Quite a few more than many other Prem. clubs. btw.... you failed to mention past " italian signings " like Papa Waigo..who was pretty useful during the time we had him....and what's wrong with having good contacts in other countries, anyway? The list of players we've got from different Euro countries has been fairly impressive over a couple of decades. I'm pleased that we have a good mix of talents.

 

Schneiderlin and Fonte have been regulars for several years, and last season Jos was everyone's hero, and Guly managed 10 goals....or was it 11? (no-one is good ALL of the time - not even AL and RL.

 

Does it matter WHICH country they are signed from ?.....as long as they CDAJFU ?

[Stu Man Do]

I'd hope that if this was going to happen its been pretty much done BEFORE the window opens. Don't want another Ramirez saga which stops us going after the other players we actually need e.g. A winger during this window. I really don't know much about this fella does anyone know if he's in or around the Italian squad?

[S-Clarke]

I'd hope that if this was going to happen its been pretty much done BEFORE the window opens. Don't want another Ramirez saga which stops us going after the other players we actually need e.g. A winger during this window. I really don't know much about this fella does anyone know if he's in or around the Italian squad?

 

He seems to be a regular member of the squad, although doesn't play a great deal for them. Although he's got some pretty decent CB's at that level to shift!

 

I think he's only got a couple of caps, last one came back in November.

[Matthew Le God]

Cagliari are in a mess, do your work Mr Cortese...

 

Cagliari have admitted that they could sell at least one of their star players during the January transfer window.

 

Speaking on Thursday, the club’s director general Francesco Marroccu has revealed that money is tight in Sardinia.

 

“For the first time we are finding it tough to pay players [they haven't been paid for two months], but nobody has asked us to leave,” he stated after he told reporters that the club had spent €18m on various stadium projects.

 

“We’ve already been contacted by clubs for our players and there is a temptation to sell one of our most wanted.

 

“We have to consider that President Massimo Cellino did not hesitate in ripping up a €15m deal that had been done with a Russian club for the sale of Davide Astori in the summer.

 

“He also persuaded Radja Nainggolan to stay.

 

“However, it won’t be easy to now keep the likes of Astori, Nainggolan and Mauricio Pinilla.”

 

http://www.football-italia.net/28839/cagliari-will-consider-star-sales

[Jonnyboy]

Hope we don't become the new (swiss-italian) pompey.

[Saint Garrett]

Sounds like a deal we'd be interested in, great talent at a knock down price.

[CityRanger]

Am I getting ahead of myself here?

 

Song suggestion

 

"When the ball hits the goal its not Shearer or Cole, it's Astori"

[suewhistle]

Chapel End, your comment about Italian football not being known for bargains is factually not true. The latest TV rights issues on top of falling gates due to corruption and Ultras revolting mean the state of finances in Serie A is at a worrying level. Plenty of bargains there as clubs look to cash in.

 

Although I live out there I don't follow local football, but the financial problems are well known. If you're ever in a bar and look up at the inevitable game on the TV you'll see that apart from the derby games the crowds aren't that big. The general economy, as I know to my cost, is also a bit in the merda. Cagliari are in pretty deep; but time to go off for some internet investigation. I'll try and provide better translations than Google!

[Turkish]

Although I live out there I don't follow local football, but the financial problems are well known. If you're ever in a bar and look up at the inevitable game on the TV you'll see that apart from the derby games the crowds aren't that big. The general economy, as I know to my cost, is also a bit in the merda. Cagliari are in pretty deep; but time to go off for some internet investigation. I'll try and provide better translations than Google!

 

Do you?!

[Saint Without a Halo]

Here's a idea.

 

If we really want the manager to manage the team and make it a big success, then why don't we ask him who he wants for a change, rather than getting yet another player in from the Italian game who our Chairman happens to have heard of/fancy?

 

And on what basis do you assume

 

a) the rumour is true?

b) it is driven by Cortese and not Adkins?

 

I personally would have thought if you want to tighten a defence the Italian league is not a bad place to look given the defensive nature of that league!

[scotty]

^^

[suewhistle]

Only stuff I can find seems to be repeating the tuttojuve source about Southampton having made the only firm offer: €10M, although Juve have been chasing him but made no offer.

 

He appears to be (or once was) on Twitter [DavideAstori], so over to you guys....

[MOSaint]

From Tancredi Palmeri, Italian football journalist who was first to confirm our Ramirez interest, looks like this one may have some real legs to it.

 

Tancredi Palmeri ‏@tancredipalmeri

Confirmation of the interest from Southampton for Cagliari defender Astori. No confirmation on the price reported, 10m €

 

As far as I know, if really the Southampton bid for Astori would be 10m €, Cagliari president Cellino would bring him to England on his lap

Edited 29 December, 2012 by MOSaint

[suewhistle]

Incidentally, I notice Turkish appears to be stalking me again: it's amazing how often he posts immediately after me. Just to let you all know again [to wind him up really] that I have the biggest p*****k and bully on this board on ignore. :-))

[suewhistle]

Thanks MOSaint: that offer did seem a little generous in the circumstances, although like Bologna I imagine they could do with as much up front as possible, and we may be in a better position to do that than the opposition.

[VectisSaint]

Yoshida plays both, NA said that was a key reason for signing him.

Well that's good to know, although he seems not to be able to kick the ball too well with his right foot.

[Saint Without a Halo]

Wonder how likely it is that our bid would be accepted?

 

One would hope if we wanted him we have already sounded them out prior to the window opening

[VectisSaint]

I don't nessasairly buy this left sided and right sided centre half thing. Its only been an issue since Adkins said he prefers left footed centre halves playing on the left side so that it is easier to play out from the back. Before them wed never discussed it. I'd rather have two good solid centre halves that can defend properly who are right footed than two average ones (like we have) playing on their favoured foot side. Rio Ferdinand and Vidic are both right footed, doesn't seem to have been a problem for them for the last few seasons.

Nothing to do with Adkins. There has nearly always been a preference for the side CBs play, Claus and Killer for instance. Still I gather than Yoshi is able to play on the right as well, although based on his right foot kicking I would be a bit concerned.

[Matthew Le God]

Incidentally, I notice Turkish appears to be stalking me again: it's amazing how often he posts immediately after me. Just to let you all know again [to wind him up really] that I have the biggest p*****k and bully on this board on ignore. :-))

 

I know how you feel!

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Semantics. The insinuation from your posts on the subject that you have a belief that NA has little say. Your first post on this thread for example.

 

Semantics is the study (or science) of meaning in language - not your strong point by the look of it. I make no secret of my suspicion that Nigel Adkins is not necessarily the prime mover behind some recent transfer deals. Furthermore it is also my belief that any football manager should have a real input into transfer dealings.

 

But if you disagree with that, then please explain why.

[JoeShmoe]

Here comes a 4 week chase with other clubs involved-would be amazing but he aint coming here if teams like Juve interested

 

Now its out there QPR, WHU etc will offer him 100k a week

 

Hope we go back for Biyik as well and Biglia would be nice

[S-Clarke]

Here comes a 4 week chase with other clubs involved-would be amazing but he aint coming here if teams like Juve interested

 

Now its out there QPR, WHU etc will offer him 100k a week

 

Hope we go back for Biyik as well and Biglia would be nice

 

Same was said about Ramirez, a lot of it is just talk though.January is a month of rumour, gossip, and very little truth.

[St_Tel49]

Here's a idea.

 

If we really want the manager to manage the team and make it a big success, then why don't we ask him who he wants for a change, rather than getting yet another player in from the Italian game who our Chairman happens to have heard of/fancy?

You're a journalist. Do you know for sure that that is what is going on?

[St_Tel49]

My reading of the situation - do you think Nigel Adkins was battering down the Don's door all last summer demanding we signed Gaston Ramirez? As for my contributions on here being too short and to the point ... well you may be right I suppose, but I know some on here who take a different view.

OK - you've admitted that you don't KNOW anything - you are speculating. I don't know either so here is my speculation re above. Southampton's scouting team have built up dossiers on a number of potential signings. Adkins has obviously been shown these dossiers and is part of the team who decide on the actual targets. In other words he may not be battering anybody's door down to sign Ramirez but he has had an input into the prioritisation of signings. There is some sense in transfer panels. It gets you away from the scenario of 1. SIgn manager 2. Manager signs players. 3 manager fired. 4 new manager appointed 5 new manager signs players ignoring old ones 5 manager fired etc etc etc.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

OK - you've admitted that you don't KNOW anything - you are speculating ...

 

Yes, when I take the trouble to pepper my posts with tell-tell phrases such as "I suppose" and/or "it is questionable" this is indeed a subtle indication that I'm engaging in speculation - well done for spotting that Sherlock.

[egg]

Yes, when I take the trouble to pepper my posts with tell-tell phrases such as "I suppose" and/or "it is questionable" this is indeed a subtle indication that I'm engaging in speculation - well done for spotting that Sherlock.

 

Your 1st comment on the subject included these words:

 

"If we really want the manager to manage the team and make it a big success, then why don't we ask him who he wants for a change, rather than getting yet another player in from the Italian game who our Chairman happens to have heard of/fancy?"

 

The only interpretation of that is that NA hasn't had a say in transfer targets.

 

If you post stuff like that you can't start having a pop at people when they question why you say it!

[Smirking_Saint]

Semantics is the study (or science) of meaning in language - not your strong point by the look of it. I make no secret of my suspicion that Nigel Adkins is not necessarily the prime mover behind some recent transfer deals. Furthermore it is also my belief that any football manager should have a real input into transfer dealings.

 

But if you disagree with that, then please explain why.

 

I dont think that there is any doubt that we employ the very fashionable transfer commitee these days, this I dont have any real issue with, well, that is unless Reed is one of the prime movers. I think that Adkins has a large input in signings, but not THE input, everyone at the club is singing from the same hymn sheet, and the Ramirez issue was an extra to the transfer budget.

 

Transfer Commitees are there to protect the clubs future, to ensure a rogue manager doesnt break the bank on dross ( see QPR ) so in that respect Im happy with that arrangement.

[Wade Garrett]

I dont think that there is any doubt that we employ the very fashionable transfer commitee these days, this I dont have any real issue with, well, that is unless Reed is one of the prime movers. I think that Adkins has a large input in signings, but not THE input, everyone at the club is singing from the same hymn sheet, and the Ramirez issue was an extra to the transfer budget.

 

Transfer Commitees are there to protect the clubs future, to ensure a rogue manager doesnt break the bank on dross ( see QPR ) so in that respect Im happy with that arrangement.

 

Agreed, it also allows continuity should the manager leave.

 

Each member of the committee has their own skills though. Cortese is in charge of the money, Adkins knows what the squad needs, and Reed keeps an eye out for youngsters. It's when these lines are blurred that the problems arise.

[Smirking_Saint]

Agreed, it also allows continuity should the manager leave.

 

Each member of the committee has their own skills though. Cortese is in charge of the money, Adkins knows what the squad needs, and Reed keeps an eye out for youngsters. It's when these lines are blurred that the problems arise.

 

I expect you can throw the chief scout into the mix aswell, but continuity is spot on.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Your 1st comment on the subject included these words:

 

"If we really want the manager to manage the team and make it a big success, then why don't we ask him who he wants for a change, rather than getting yet another player in from the Italian game who our Chairman happens to have heard of/fancy?"

 

"The only interpretation of that is that NA hasn't had a say in transfer targets".

 

 

 

If you post stuff like that you can't start having a pop at people when they question why you say it!

 

An enlightening (if rather underhanded) piece of selective quoting. But if you really want to pick my posts apart then it is better surely to look at the full picture. With that in mind, the following is another of my contributions to this thread (post 20) - one that you forgot to include for some reason: "It seems to me questionable that Nigel Adkins is in that happy position here".

 

This seems quite clear does it not? I am expressing a doubt I hold and not making any claim to have inside knowledge of the relationship between the Chairman and the Manager. But if you see some more sinister meaning then please explain. In Post 32 when I wrote that the views I have expressed were quote: "my reading of the situation" do you find that in any way an ambiguous statement? The intent (IE that I was 'reading between the lines' or expressing my interpretation of events) would also seem plain enough I would have thought.

 

Now if you need any further clarification of my view on this matter then please don't hesitate to ask, but if you are going to object every time someone on here dares to express what is their opinion, then I'm not so sure that any Forum (Noun, a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged) is quite the right place for you.

[Saint Charlie]

Bothered. Have your argument via PM and the rest of us can discuss the topic.

 

Seems Newcastle have sorted a deal for Debuchy from Lille. Would be nice if we did some early business. After the Arsenal game Im sure NA will be asked more about January plans, will be interesting if he says anything.

[jampot]

Cant seem him saying anything different to the other previous windows.....

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Would be nice if we could sign someone to unveil at the Arsenal game!

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Bothered. Have your argument via PM and the rest of us can discuss the topic.

 

Seems Newcastle have sorted a deal for Debuchy from Lille. Would be nice if we did some early business. After the Arsenal game Im sure NA will be asked more about January plans, will be interesting if he says anything.

 

Based of previous experience I doubt very much if he'll say anything all that noteworthy, and as you're so keen on staying on-topic, what the hell has a rumor of Newcastle signing a player got to do with Davide Astori anyway?

[kpturner]

Would be nice if we could sign someone to unveil at the Arsenal game!

 

Zero chance of that I reckon

[Saint Charlie]

Based of previous experience I doubt very much if he'll say anything all that noteworthy, and as you're so keen on staying on-topic, what the hell has a rumor of Newcastle signing a player got to do with Davide Astori anyway?

 

Just that other clubs are looking to do early business and it would seem if this report is true that maybe we are too. Shame to do it all on 31st Jan and let more games go by

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

Just that other clubs are looking to do early business and it would seem if this report is true that maybe we are too. Shame to do it all on 31st Jan and let more games go by

 

The trouble with 'early business' is that this often means 'paying the asking price' business - I'm not so sure that kind of generosity is really the Don's style.

[Wade Garrett]

Just that other clubs are looking to do early business and it would seem if this report is true that maybe we are too. Shame to do it all on 31st Jan and let more games go by

 

I totally agree. I'm not too bothered by the FA Cup, but I would expect the team to have been strengthened by the time we play Villa.

[SB]

The trouble with 'early business' is that this often means 'paying the asking price' business - I'm not so sure that kind of generosity is really the Don's style.

 

Might not be his style, but better to buy early and avoid relegation, than save a few million and in the long run come of worse.

[SFC Forever]

The later we buy the later they gel and that could be a heck of a risk.

[Turkish]

Again, while it'd be great to wrap up a signing for before the window opens, why is that in the selling clubs interest? We always get certain posters complaining signings aren't early enough, yet it doesn't take half a brain to see selling clubs can hang on to a player longer and get a bigger fee later in the window as clubs panic, miss out on other signings etc.

 

People talk like they're 'sign everyone early' line is some great insight and they know more than every club out there. The window is daft, clubs want to hold on to quality and most wait until late in the window, seeing who plays their hand first. That's why deadline day is always interesting. In business terms it's crazy to have multi-million pound decisions made on the final day of panic, but that's the reality.

 

They get the money at the start of the window to spend on their own targets?

[dubai_phil]

They get the money at the start of the window to spend on their own targets?

 

Or according to the article, they get the money early in the article to pay the wages of the rest of the team....

[for_heaven's_Saint]

They get the money at the start of the window to spend on their own targets?

 

Or, as in this case, pay off some of the debt looming over them or their players' overdue wages.

[egg]

An enlightening (if rather underhanded) piece of selective quoting. But if you really want to pick my posts apart then it is better surely to look at the full picture. With that in mind, the following is another of my contributions to this thread (post 20) - one that you forgot to include for some reason: "It seems to me questionable that Nigel Adkins is in that happy position here".

 

This seems quite clear does it not? I am expressing a doubt I hold and not making any claim to have inside knowledge of the relationship between the Chairman and the Manager. But if you see some more sinister meaning then please explain. In Post 32 when I wrote that the views I have expressed were quote: "my reading of the situation" do you find that in any way an ambiguous statement? The intent (IE that I was 'reading between the lines' or expressing my interpretation of events) would also seem plain enough I would have thought.

 

Now if you need any further clarification of my view on this matter then please don't hesitate to ask, but if you are going to object every time someone on here dares to express what is their opinion, then I'm not so sure that any Forum (Noun, a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged) is quite the right place for you.

 

Your first post was clear. You later changed your mind, which is fine, but don't have a pop at me and others when your initial view is questioned.

[Wade Garrett]

Again, while it'd be great to wrap up a signing for before the window opens, why is that in the selling clubs interest? We always get certain posters complaining signings aren't early enough, yet it doesn't take half a brain to see selling clubs can hang on to a player longer and get a bigger fee later in the window as clubs panic, miss out on other signings etc.

 

People talk like they're 'sign everyone early' line is some great insight and they know more than every club out there. The window is daft, clubs want to hold on to quality and most wait until late in the window, seeing who plays their hand first. That's why deadline day is always interesting. In business terms it's crazy to have multi-million pound decisions made on the final day of panic, but that's the reality.

 

It's a gamble for the selling club to hold out as well. Teams may turn their interests elsewhere, an auction from the start of the window could easily lead to a one horse race at the end of the window with the buying club holding the aces, the player could get injured. Teams like Brum and Cagliari, in the sh*tcart financially, may not want to gamble.