McLeish to Delph 'Show why we paid a decent sum for you.'

[DrGonzo]

Fair enough from the manager I would say.  £6m was probably twice what we should have paid for a player of his experience. He was unlucky to pick up such a bad injury so soon after arriving.  If he can stay fit this season I think we really will start to see the form he's only shown in flashes so far.

[martin]

A season free of injury will give a better idea of what we've got. On the evidence of what we've seen, it looks like we've got a player of massive potential who's likely to pick up a lot of yellow cards and a lot of injuries unless that potential is harnessed. Hopefully we've got the coaching staff up to the task.

How many clubs did we beat for his signature? He's good all right.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

He can defend and attack, energetic and hard working both with the ball and off it, highly skilful, intelligence and quality in his passing and looks to want to dictate play.

The only worries are whether he can improve his tackling (I think he will) and will he be able to avoid further serious injury.

I was very pleased that we awarded him a new 4 year contract a few months ago.

Well let's hope he doesn't pull up too many trees next season or he'll be next through the exit.

[levico]

Is this shorthand for 'don't expect many signings - we'll use what we've got' ?

[oldtimernow]

Henderson 25 million........Delph 6million.....mmmm...bargain for me (hopefully)

[Eigentor]

Is this shorthand for 'don't expect many signings - we'll use what we've got' ?

I just hope it isn't shorthand for 'we'll expect Delph to replace NRC'.

[Concrete John]

Is this shorthand for 'don't expect many signings - we'll use what we've got' ?

I don't think a manager should come in and just expect to wield the cheque book and buy all his own players.  He also has to be able to take what he inherits and get the most out of them, be that existing superstars or fringe players who get a 2nd chance.

Barry has heading for the Portsmouth for around £5m when MON arrived and look what a new manager did for him.  I'd hope McLeish can do similar with one or two. 

[PaulTheVillan]

It's time for Delph to get into the team and make that position his own before fucking off to Liverpool or Man City/United.

[oldtimernow]

well that must be worth an extra 20 million on current dealings

[cdward]

It's time for Delph to get into the team and make that position his own before fucking off to Liverpool or Man City/United.

you beat me to it. He'll be gone in January then.

[Chris Smith]

They need to assess if he's ready for top level football? After paying £6m for him 2 seasons ago? Dear me.

Yes, we paid it based on potential. I reckon he's got what it takes but you can't know for certain until he's had an extended run.

[Rigadon]

Looks like a bit of a show me what you've got approach from AM.  Didn't know he'd signed a renewed deal, a good indicator that he does have the game to succeed in the league.

[citizenDJ]

Delph looks like a good player to me and I wouldn't be surprised if he is a regular feature in our midfield next season, if he can stay free of injuries of course. That said, i'd rather see him as part of a midfield three than a pair, so I suppose it depends how we set up. With the players we currently have, and seemingly linked to, i'd guess at 4-3-3, though.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

It's time for Delph to get into the team and make that position his own before fucking off to Liverpool or Man City/United.

you beat me to it. He'll be gone in January then.

After saying in December how much he loves it here.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

He certainly is ready for the Premier League. The only reason he hasn't figured more is because of a very serious injury.
Don't be a prick now Alex.

Well it's obvious what your thoughts on the manager are. He's said what he thought needed to be said to get the best out of Delph. He's laid the challenge down to Delph to step up and he obviously thinks Delph can do this this, hence the comments. No idea what your "don't be a prick now" nonsense is for.

McLeish is not the sort of manager to alienate players. It seems to be one of his biggest assests is that players hold him in high regard, enjoy working with him, respect him and will put in 100% for him (unlike Houllier).

It's OK, you're forgiven for your little strop with Alex. Just don't do it again otherwise you will be sent to your room with no tea.