Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[ROBBO]

We are in a win win with Downing, i don't think Randy would sanction the sale for less than 25 mil, if we get that i would be happy if not and he stays i will still be happy. Interesting to read the problems Man City are having getting rid of their so called deadwood, a lot of clubs are interested but the wages these players are on only City can afford, and 4 million for Bellamy tell em they're dreaming.

[Toronto Villa]

We are in a win win with Downing, i don't think Randy would sanction the sale for less than 25 mil, if we get that i would be happy if not and he stays i will still be happy. Interesting to read the problems Man City are having getting rid of their so called deadwood, a lot of clubs are interested but the wages these players are on only City can afford, and 4 million for Bellamy tell em they're dreaming.

all of their own making Robbo. They have to shift some of those players over the coming 2 seasons to conform to the UEFA FFP rules, and they will have a major issue in doing so for the very reason you cited. Even if they discount some of those players' transfer fees, clubs simply won't want to pay the six figure salaries that almost all of them are on. What they might end up doing is subsidizing some of those salaries to get the players of the books, but I think it would still need to be accounted for against their revenues. It would be ironic if after all of this effort to get to the CL, they were unable to sustain that position because of the path they took getting there.

[ozzjim]

However he ended up, Lee Hendrie at the same age was twice the player Henderson is. I think he's bloody ordinary to be honest.

When Hendrie was the same age as Henderson, he'd made 24 league appearances. Henderson has made 71.

And that means Sunderland are a poorer side than we were at the same time, but Hendrie was the focal point of a very good England U21 team, and on England debut came on, hit a post and looked like the world was in front of him. Trust me on the Henderson comparison, Hendrie would have gone for more right now.


Re Downing Louzie - the puff comment had nothing at all to do with his sexuality, and everything to do with the age old stereotype of weak and feebleness. Could have chosen the word better, but at the time of writing it I did not give a passing thought to the sexuality side of the word. Apologies if it caused offence though.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Jesus!

Aston Villa are also interested in signing Stoke winger Matthew Etherington as a replacement for Ashley Young. Full story: Daily Mail

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Spurs must sell to buy (selling club!  )

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/930481/spurs-boss-harry-redknapp:-i-must-sell-before-i-buy?cc=5901

If you believe that you'll believe anything.
How many times have I heard him say
'I love so-and-so player, but we ain't got the funds.'
One week later they've signed him.

Redknapp is adept at throwing curve balls at the media.

[Mazrim]

Its probably no more than McLeish is trying to do. Plead poverty to get a better price. He even said as much last week to the guys that went to that face to face didn't he?

I actually believe it at Spurs though. They have so many fringe players that are floating about they need to get rid before buying more. They dont play reserves either.
I hope they see Walker as one of those and that we're interested (yes, I know, no chance, he's first choice etc...)

[LeeB]

However he ended up, Lee Hendrie at the same age was twice the player Henderson is. I think he's bloody ordinary to be honest.

When Hendrie was the same age as Henderson, he'd made 24 league appearances. Henderson has made 71.

Well he was playing for Aston Villa, not shitty Sunderland.

[LeeB]

Jesus!

Aston Villa are also interested in signing Stoke winger Matthew Etherington as a replacement for Ashley Young. Full story: Daily Mail

I tell you what, him and N'Zogbia in place of Young and Downing, with money in the bank, and we've got the better end of the deal all round.

Which would make a nice change.

[Concrete John]

Personally, I think Modric will be sold eventually as he'll play his face until he is, and that will solve Spurs funds issue.

As for us, I want a signing this week to get us rolling.  I read that 'cooling off period' bit, but think we should move for Foster now.  I can see an inflated fee being paid (£10m) and that will in part be a settlement for any issues over McLeish.  "Here you go, Peter Pan, £10m for an £8m player and we'll say no more, plus Horatio will drop the constructive dismissal case?" 

[Mazrim]

However he ended up, Lee Hendrie at the same age was twice the player Henderson is. I think he's bloody ordinary to be honest.

When Hendrie was the same age as Henderson, he'd made 24 league appearances. Henderson has made 71.

So? We had a better team then than Sunderland have had for the past 2 years and his opportunities were more limited.
Hendrie was still a better player in my opinion.

Point being that if he was twice the player, he hadn't yet had a chance to prove it. 24 league appearances is nowt. 71 isn't even a lot to be making a sound judgment.

Well, I also watched him come up through the ranks so it wasn't based on just the league games.
But we're not going to agree. You'll defend the signing of Henderson for such a ridiculous fee as a calculated risk and who can blame you. Taking such a massive punt on a young player is commendable.
But I see it as an unbelievable waste of money on what I consider a tidy but otherwise unremarkable player who has done absolutely nothing to justify that figure.

He has nothing like the talent Hendrie had, but unlike Hendrie perhaps he will make the most of what he does have.
Time will tell.

[ROBBO]

How are Liverpool financed, i take it their new owner or owners are not multi billionaires, if that is the case are they treading on dangerous territory splashing out all this dough? and they still won't make the top four.

[Matt Collins]

Rumours are downing is going - 17 to 19. It has to be someone of the calibre of n'zogbia or someone else of I international class. Etherington or Jarvis don't fit the bill for me, to say the least.

[Concrete John]

I think a better comparison for Henderson would be Gardner.  9 goals for a poor SHA side and relatively similar levels of ability and effort, IMO.

And he's not a £20m player either.

[Mazrim]

I think a better comparison for Henderson would be Gardner.  9 goals for a poor SHA side and relatively similar levels of ability and effort, IMO.

And he's not a £20m player either.

No but he's closer to it.

[LeeB]

I think a better comparison for Henderson would be Gardner.  9 goals for a poor SHA side and relatively similar levels of ability and effort, IMO.

And he's not a £20m player either.

I think a better comparison for Henserson is Hogg, and Hogg is harder.