January Transfer Speculation (or lack of) Thread

[Ryu]

Bent is a top goal poacher who should be in the team when fit and I definitely don't think we should even consider selling him.

However I do see where people who might think it's a good idea are coming from. He hasn't been very good for most of this season, like most of the team. I understand he needs service but I don't think he should be above criticism to such a point the fans start blaming the other players and manager for his poor form. I accept we haven't created enough chances as a team this season but IMO Bent should have more than 5 goals and if he was playing like he was last season for us he would have. 

[Ian.]

Are people really convinced selling Bent is our way forward? Shouldn't we be trying to play to our strengths and making proper use of the players we have.
I could imagine the outrage now if God forbid AM suggests we would be better off selling Bent.

[Chris Smith]

We do miss Ashley, because he was a big part of why Bent scored so many last season.

Exactly, his supply lines disappeared when we sold Young and Downing. Until very recently their replacements have struggled for form so we haven't been creating chances for him.

If Albrighton and N'Zogbia carry on as in recent games he'll soon be back amongst the goals.

[Risso]

We do miss Ashley, because he was a big part of why Bent scored so many last season.

Exactly, his supply lines disappeared when we sold Young and Downing. Until very recently their replacements have struggled for form sobwe haven't been creating chances for him.

If Albrighton and N'Zogbia carry on as in recent genes he'll soon be back amongst the goals.

What chances has N'Zogbia created in recent games?  All he really seems to have done is go past a couple of players before blasting it into row Z.

[Ryu]

Zog created albrighton's goal against Bolton didn't he?

[Rigadon]

WHere is all this Bent to Liverpool stuff really coming from anyway?  Said before that I wouldn't shed a tear if Bent went, he's not a player you can really warm to, but as AM has said recently, it would send the wrong message. 

[Concrete John]

We do miss Ashley, because he was a big part of why Bent scored so many last season.

Exactly, his supply lines disappeared when we sold Young and Downing. Until very recently their replacements have struggled for form so we haven't been creating chances for him.

If Albrighton and N'Zogbia carry on as in recent games he'll soon be back amongst the goals.

Totally agree.

I've just read through the last few pages and it seems that "Bent is rubbish apart from scoring" seems to be the new myth on here to replace "Petrov tires", "NRC can't pass" and "We lost because Carlos was at right back."  His all round game is competent for PL level, but for some unless he's like Henry they'll exagerate any weakness until they convince themselves, and others, it's a major flaw.

And for those who are claiming we only played well against Arsenal as Gabby was upfront, and Bent wouldn't have give us what he did, I'd point you to Bolton away.  The difference has not been Gabby, but the wingers finding form.  Our issue all season has been one of creativity and what we have now is the wide players doing well combined with Clark in midfield, who sits a bit deeper and takes the ball of the CBs, thereby giving a passing option and limiting the punts upfield.  Put Darren Bent back into that side and he'll be back to the player that scored 9 in 14 last season for us.

[pauliewalnuts]

Those who wouldnt be too bothered if we sold Bent - where do they think our goals are going to come from?

[Rigadon]

Paulie, we'd have to replace him with somebody.  Carrol maybe?  Bent is about as good an out and out goal scorer we're likely to get so we'd miss him in the squad.  I suppose I'm just saying I would be all that bothered.  Maybe I'm just used to it? 

[PaulWinch again]

I don't get the antipathy towards Bent, he is a proven quality Premier league striker who will score goals if you give him chances. There are no teams who don't need that and very few have it, we are very lucky.

[Shrek]

My problem with Bent is, he contributes nothing apart from tap ins, if he would occasionally drop in deep, pick up the ball and at least try to create a goal for himself I would relate to him alot more personally.

He literally just does tap ins which creates a lot of pressure on the rest of the team.
It's no coincidence we've played better without him, because when he is playing we are effectively playing with 10 men until he hopefully puts a chance away.

I mentioned Defoe earlier, they are similar but Dedoe scores goals from everywhere, outside the box, inside the box and where he's picked up the ball, run past a player a scored. Has Bent ever created a goal for himself ever?

[JUAN PABLO]

Sell Bent ?. FFS        only score scores       FFS

[Shrek]

Sell Bent ?. FFS        only score scores       FFS

He's not scoring, he isn't contributing anything. Without Gabby this season we would be bottom.

For such a good goal scorer, there is a reason he has never made it at a top 6 club.

Yes we should keep him. But only if Alex Mcleish is going to change the way he plays, otherwise we may aswell cash in and get a hoof ball specialist.

[Concrete John]

Yes we should keep him. But only if Alex Mcleish is going to change the way he plays

Liverpool aside, have you not seen a change in our play over the last few games?

[PaulTheVillan]

I don't think we should sell Bent. I think we should try & attack more (Bolton, Arsenal) & maybe get the best out of him.