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

[Steve67]

Clark and Gardner will both make it.  Bannan needs to play next to a ball winner, because he's just too small and wants to play hollywood passes all the time, therefore, he needs a freer role to play. None of the other kids will make it.  Hogg, Herd, Lichaj etc are not up to it, unless we are in the Championship.  We need at least two more signings. At least.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Wise words ozzjim!
Incredibly shrewd assessment that shows how intelligent and insightful you are. Is it merely coincidence that it reflects almost everything I think too? (and many of us on here).
You should be working with AM and his team! ;-)
I don't think people are writing off Marc rather than just being a bit disappointed because he did so well and exceeded our expectations of him last season but tailed off towards the end. He hasn't had a great start in pre-season after a good break, and so we wonder if there's a problem with a player who we came to rely on far too much, for someone of his experience, to do great things for us. But it's early days and I'm sure he'll be back in the groove given a game or two and some guidance from AM and his team mates.

[eastie]

Wise words ozzjim!
Incredibly shrewd assessment that shows how intelligent and insightful you are. Is it merely coincidence that it reflects almost everything I think too? (and many of us on here).
You should be working with AM and his team! ;-)
I don't think people are writing off Marc rather than just being a bit disappointed because he did so well and exceeded our expectations of him last season but tailed off towards the end. He hasn't had a great start in pre-season after a good break, and so we wonder if there's a problem with a player who we came to rely on far too much, for someone of his experience, to do great things for us. But it's early days and I'm sure he'll be back in the groove given a game or two and some guidance from AM and his team mates.

im sure a couple of goals and assists will see marcs confidence return.

[midnite]

You're right OzzJim, bannan's set role I think is behind bent. Releasing that quick pass through to bent or out wide for a cross in. He is too slight to play too deep, I think he'd get over run. Not saying that without a bit more experience and a little bulking up he couldn't do it but I think Delph is probably the better player for the deeper role. My worry sometimes is whether bannan can be too clever and team mates just are not on his wave length. He seems to see the pass way before everyone else and can then lose the ball. I certainly don't think he's over rated like some have said on here. Completely the opposite in fact.

I still wouldn't be surprised if we make a late loan bid for Parker. Season long loan, take the wages on and that gives us 12 months to find a replacement, but without buying Parker for a fee and having to pay his wages for the next 5 years. We can hand him back to west ham when either Delph has had that extra year to develop and play along side someone like Parker or we find a younger version. AM has shown he can take good players on loan for a club that makes them stronger and gets them out of the hole until the right player comes along

[kipeye]

I am reminded by Bannan of a young Cowans which is why I have a feeling he is top grade. Gordon played exactly the same kind of passes that in his early games his team mates just didn't get.
After a full season both he and the team adjusted the way they played and we ended up with a top class midfield.

[The Laughing Policeman]

Heard one of the porn merchants (D. Gold) on 5live this morning saying that he was surprised that Scott Parker was still at the club and that they had had no offers for him. He said that he hoped Parker would stay, but seemed to intimate that if a reasonable offer came in then the board wouldn't stand in his way.
So come on Mr. Lerner get your wallet out one last time PLEASE.

[PaulWinch again]

Bannan if playing should play centrally behind Bent for me, would be the most effective role for him and not mean that we need to worry about his side. Played there he can be anything he wants I reckon, but he needs games there, and needs confidence.

Albrighton is a class act potentially. His crossing is first rate. Form is temporary and one of the most worrying things in these parts is people writing off young Marc. All young players hit a wall and have to come again, he is there at the moment. The trouble with the frankly insane current stance on transfers is that Albrighton got plenty of game time last season without us being reliant on him. Now we have lost our 2 best players, and only replaced one, thus meaning it is all on his shoulders, which is the biggest threat to him maturing as he could. Problem is young players burst through with no fear, then seem to get more reluctant to do the things they did at first. We need to give him the chance to recapture that.

Lichaz - I would have him as first reserve for Young, and if Warnock falters at left back I would have him in. Potentially he is a premiership right back, did well at Leeds and could end up being first choice. Big season for him.

Clark - no doubt he will both make it, and be a top player. I would be sorely tempted to play him in front of the back 4. He is quality, and pretty decent going forward too. Pigeon holing him as a centre half is short sighted, think he is probably the best of the ones we have seen so far.

Delfouneso - Losing faith a bit. Fingers crossed, and like him as a player, but actually thin getting some game time wide of a 3 could do him good. Needs to take the chances he is given with both hands.

Last but not least - Gardner - most exciting of the lot for me. Physical presence, eye for a pass and scores goals. Without buying anyone in midfield, I hope he is thrown in this season early doors and given his chance.

Herd, Hogg - not good enough.

Not included Delph, he is already a first team player for me after Reo Coker went. Delph, Makoun, Ireland would be the starting 3. But I would expect Bannan to quickly oust Ireland if he is not performing, and ditto Gardner for Delph or Makoun.

Pretty much bang on for me, great post. I would add that what I've seen of Weimann leads me to believe he could be a really good player, he has great talent and just needs to stay injury free. I'd look to send him out on loan this season.

[midnite]

Pretty much bang on for me, great post. I would add that what I've seen of Weimann leads me to believe he could be a really good player, he has great talent and just needs to stay injury free. I'd look to send him out on loan this season.

Or I'd like to see players like Weimann used more in the cups this year. Let some of the younger players gain the experience that way like what arsenal do.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Carew having medical at West Ham ..........

[Clampy]

Carew having medical at West Ham ..........
[/quote

He likes playing in claret and blue by the sound of it.

[eastie]

Pretty much bang on for me, great post. I would add that what I've seen of Weimann leads me to believe he could be a really good player, he has great talent and just needs to stay injury free. I'd look to send him out on loan this season.

Or I'd like to see players like Weimann used more in the cups this year. Let some of the younger players gain the experience that way like what arsenal do.

no we need to take the cups seriously -its the longest period in the last 60 years that we have gone without a trophy and we our only chance of silverware is the cups.

[fredm]

Very good Ozzjim, I must say I have to agree with all of that.
I can't wait to see Gardner  get a decent run at some stage. He is being hyped up a bit on here but he looked very comfortable when he came on v Chelsea. An exciting prospect indeed.

And was pretty poor when he came on at Derby and would probably have received a red card in a proper match.  Personally think the best move would be a season long loan to Burnley/Doncaster where he would hopefully be playing regularly in a footballing team in the Championship.

[spangley1812]

Gazetto dello Sport say Wesley Sneijder has been sold to Man City for £31m.

[cdbearsfan]

Good. That would annoy Man U.

[mrfuse]

Good. That would annoy Man U.

To be honest city annoy me more than United, I dont like either but at least United had a youth Policy at one time