Barclays Asia Trophy (27th-30th July 2011)

[citizenDJ]

I think you are looking at it too simplistically John. Whatever defensive midfielder we sign should be someone who is a good passer and not just someone who wins the ball and has little idea of what to do with it. Look at Scott Parker for an example of someone who is capable of both.

Two seasons ago Petrov was almost that man but now he struggles fitness wise.

Precisely - put much better than I have managed!

[avfcpg]

Makoun and Bannon showed exactly the the way we should play, both had the skill to retain the ball and lay it off to teamates in space. Ive always said Barry is too small but his skill level is excellant. Pity is midfielders have to tackle and defend and both are not that good at it. We have needed a top midfielder for three seasons now it should be top priority, if we don't get one we will struggle this season.

Agree and I think it's going to be massive for us this season. We just seem to get over-run in midfield so often and Chelsea just dominated that area (although it was just a friendly). Puts huge pressure on the defence for long periods and starves the strikers of the ball. A Parker type signing really could make a hell of a difference. Him, Makoun plus one would be a start. 

[Dante Lavelli]

The Parker option struck me as potentially being a bit of a Jimmy Bullard signing (wasn't he in the team of the season before he moved to Hull) but it's increasingly making sense.

It's not fair on the likes of Bannan/Delph to be expected to carry the midfield. Whereas add Parker and they could hopefully play a more natural game. We'd never get the Parker money back but the reward in league placings and the increase in potential value of our youngsters could mean it still makes economic sense.

The Parker situation generally is a bit weird, poker like. It's clear he will leave but no club wants to show their hand too early. You can just see Harry planning his swoop at 11:30pm on deadline day for a bargain £3m. West Ham must know they're going to get screwed over this or they need to start offering Parker to clubs like villa earlier (nowish) to get a decent opening offer.

[spangley1812]

The Parker option struck me as potentially being a bit of a Jimmy Bullard signing (wasn't he in the team of the season before he moved to Hull) but it's increasingly making sense.

It's not fair on the likes of Bannan/Delph to be expected to carry the midfield. Whereas add Parker and they could hopefully play a more natural game. We'd never get the Parker money back but the reward in league placings and the increase in potential value of our youngsters could mean it still makes economic sense.

The Parker situation generally is a bit weird, poker like. It's clear he will leave but no club wants to show their hand too early. You can just see Harry planning his swoop at 11:30pm on deadline day for a bargain £3m. West Ham must know they're going to get screwed over this or they need to start offering Parker to clubs like villa earlier (nowish) to get a decent opening offer.

I dont think the fee is the main issue. I think Parker will be looking for £70,000+pw and I dont think the club can afford to pay those wages to a 35 year old

[Dante Lavelli]

No doubt that's true but if the transfer fee is reduced then the wages are less of an issue. I don't know, a signing on fee of a few million (extra) and reduce parker's weekly wage.

One thing for sure is that west ham cannot afford the wages but they're obligated to pay them. Hence I think the transfer fee will reduce the closer we get to the window closing.

How about villa pay his wages and take him on loan for a season. They can have Gardner for a season on loan in lieu of a fee.

[PaulWinch again]

Bell gone now.

[olaftab]

Bell gone now.

That's lunch break over than!

[PaulWinch again]

oops!

[olaftab]

Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they  do these days.

[Dave Cooper please]

Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they  do these days.

That would be the 'crap' Warwickshire who are only 13 points behind the leaders with a game in hand in the Proper Cricket table.

[Clampy]

I fucking hate cricket.

[not3bad]

Probably better that Villa came up against a strong Chelsea side than an easier side that would give us a false sense of security.

[olaftab]

Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they  do these days.

That would be the 'crap' Warwickshire who are only 13 points behind the leaders with a game in hand in the Proper Cricket table.

OK guilty of paying too much attention to the short game.

[Mazrim]

I fucking hate cricket.

My sympathies.
Best.sport.ever.

[Gazza1982]

I fucking hate cricket.

I'm with you, what other sport can drag on for weeks on end to get a result from two teams playing a game and finish in a draw if it rains at the wrong time?