January Transfer Window - Rumours, Links, B*llsh*t and Made-Up Nonsense

[PeterWithe]

Can he play the NRC role because I cant see Makcoun doing it?

[citizenDJ]

Any opinions out there on why he is being allowed to go?  BM are not one of the major teams with twenty internationals in the squad are they?

No, they're not, but Bradley and the manager have had some pretty serious falling outs over the last year, which has resulted in Bradley being dropped from the first team (to the displeasure of their fans, who rate him pretty highly I think). The manager claimed he was doing this as "wanted to try everything" to improve the teams fortunes.....

I've seen him play in Germany a few times (plus at the World Cup etc) and he really was impressive - and for what it's worth, I think he'll suit the Premier League very well. I really do think he'll be a very good signing.

[Shrek]

From wiki
"Early in the 2009–10 season, Bradley was briefly suspended after a small argument with manager Michael Frontzeck over playing time. However, the two later reconciled and Bradley has re-established himself as a starter with the club, assisting a goal against Bayern Munich with a one-touch volley pass, and scoring the winning goal on a low free kick against Hannover 96."

He looks a good player to be fair.

[Monty]

Can he play the NRC role because I cant see Makcoun doing it?

Even though I think GH is trying to change to a system with no out-and-out holding player (more that, in a midfield three, two tend to go and one sits without it having to be the same player every time), Makoun can definitely play that holding role, he's an absolute natural at it. Apparently his strain injury happened very early in the game against Wigan so he wasn't quite as explosive as I've always remembered him, so when he recovers from that I think we'll see the real Makoun.

After all, people think that holding players have to be these big bionic freaks, but the man who gave the position a name, Claude Makelele, is only 5'7''. The size thing is irrelevant.

[DrGonzo]

  Watched Bradley intently in the WC...

 Harumph...so does he piss right or left handed?  Which trap does he prefer and, most importantly, does he wash his hands when finished?
 
 This is an excellent bit of news, we are looking at the final moments of NRC at VP, with the rest of the season to have a look at a 1st choice replacement without wasting a huge amount of money.  Fair play Monsieur 'Oullier, fair play old chap.  Can't believe that Bradley has 50 international caps at the age of 23!  You can tell his old man's the manager, can't you? 

 Let's hope Clark manages a game or two without getting booked and suspended, that's the only area of worry left for me.  If Baker can step up this season we will have had a real result, out of adversity (Warnock being a fuckwit) comes great hope. If Warnock had been half decent this season Baker would still be biding his time in the reserves.  However he has started two games on the bounce and looked pretty decent, a couple of very tasty crosses yesterday, and hopefully he has learnt a lesson about staying on his feet, at least we were 3-1 up at the time.

  Onwards and UTV.

[eastie]

 sky reporting Ireland on tynside having medical today!

[SashasGrandad]

sky reporting Ireland on tynside having medical today!

Trying to find a doctor to give him another sick note?

[richard moore]

Great window so far, 3 (soon to be 4) potentially great signings
 
Start made on getting rid of under-performing players we don't want around the place such as Carew, Sidwell and Ireland. Hopefully, we can get shot of Warnock before the end of tomorrow

[pav]

In a pub yesterday ,some stoke fans singing john carew songs, felt wierd to be honest

[PeterWithe]

I was at Wigan and he impressed me but he seemed too slight to play as a sole DM, Makalele was a much heavier build.

[eastie]

Houllier says makoun is comfortable in a holding role or as box to box midfielder- seems to have more than one string to his bow.

[Villafirst]

Still think we need an experienced specialist left back - the option of Baker won't be available for 3 matches now. It just concerns me that the numbers out outweigh the numbers in this window - I hope that the squad is 'bigger' by 11pm on the 31st but fear it'll be lighter - then the 'small' squad quotes will be rolled out again!

[Small Rodent]

The crowd reaction seems to have galvanised him and Randy

I'm sure all their plans were in place already. Fans aren't that influential. I think a good few players may have looked at the league table properly, though and thought "oh shit".

[Monty]

I was at Wigan and he impressed me but he seemed too slight to play as a sole DM, Makalele was a much heavier build.

Deceptively strong. Like I say, he was (quite literally) hamstrung in that match. When he's at full fitness, he'll be able to go on those driving runs which show how strong he actually is. I know he doesn't look it, but I've watched him for years and that's always been an aspect of his game which has impressed me, for what it's worth.

[Small Rodent]

Bradley has the record for most goals for a USA player in a European League - 16, okay it was the Dutch League, but not bad from midfield.