Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[Concrete John]

People think we are going to get Hoilett ?  how come

I actually think if we got a proper manager in, we'd be a very sensible move for him. We are a potentially big club and look what we did for Ash. If he moves to Tottenham or someone like that it could hinder his development as he won't play lots of games. So I could see the sense in it, however it won't happen and he'll go to Tottenham I expect.

It would be a sensible move, but when have footballers ever been sensible?

[pedro25]

Although most of us just seem to accept that Bent and Gabby can't play together, I believe that in the hands of a progressive coach who would have us in the opposition half a bit more often, a front four of those two, CNZ and Ireland could be lethal. I know this is the transfer thread but a good manager is the first and most important signing we need to make.

Agree entirely, that was my main problem with McLeish in the first half of the season, not trying to get these 4 on the pitch together, instead he was playing Heskey, Hutton etc wide midfield which was pathetic.  With a front 4 like that, with Marc, Bannan and Heskey in reserve, we should have been top 8 this season imo.  Now Holman has replaced Heskey and Weimann and Carruthers are showing promise I think we look good on paper going forward, it just needs the right manager to work out the best blend and get the most out of them.  Likewise central midfield, Herd, Clark, Delph, Makoun, Gardner and Ireland look like good options to me and I'm not ready to give up on any of them yet.  In defence I'd love to replace Hutton, Dunne, Collins and Warnock, to freshen things up as none of them have performed well for 2 seasons now (albeit Hutton has only had one).  I think we'd struggle to get buyers for all of them though.  I'd like to see the likes of Bertrand and Clyne come in for the full backs, and centrally maybe look abroad, as I can't think of anyone off the top of my head, other than maybe Dann or Williams from Swansea.

[Mazrim]

I wasn't suggesting Keane as a wide player by the way, just a player linking midfield and attack. The fullbacks would overlap to provide width and somebody like Hoilett likes to drift wide too.

[James]

I'm sure Hoillet is off to Marseille, read that about a month ago somewhere!

[Risso]

Keane was OK as a short term emergency signing, but given our terrible financial state I don't think he should be an option on a permanent basis.  Too old and expensive.

[ozzjim]

Hoilet and Phillips would make us extremely dangerous with Bent, Ireland and Gabby too. A new manager with some foresight would be great, although with rumours of Comoli at the game on Sat, I could see him drawing up our next few transfers and redesigning our scouting system.

[Mazrim]

Well he was a good example of a player, potentially available and relatively cheap, who also brings experience to the young team I proposed.
We need players who want the ball and know how to use it. Plus he's already familiar with the club and popular.

[Mazrim]

although with rumours of Comoli at the game on Sat, I could see him drawing up our next few transfers and redesigning our scouting system.

Really? Where did those rumours come from? Maybe he's going back to spuds but I'd be delighted if we were looking at getting some footballing expertise onboard.

[Risso]

I'd imagine if Comolli was there, it would be to do with Spurs.

[Concrete John]

Well he was a good example of a player, potentially available and relatively cheap, who also brings experience to the young team I proposed.
We need players who want the ball and know how to use it. Plus he's already familiar with the club and popular.

I like Keane and thought he was a great short term signing - even arguing his merits on here before he signed.  But given wages and age I doubt he could be classed as even 'relatively' cheap.

Plus, he moved his family to America for a reason and doubt he's changed his mind on that. 

[PaulWinch again]

Keane was OK as a short term emergency signing, but given our terrible financial state I don't think he should be an option on a permanent basis.  Too old and expensive.

I agree he was more useful than expected in his spell at the club, but he's not a solution moving forward.

[Mazrim]

Well who would be a good example of an experienced player that we could or should get then?

[PaulWinch again]

Possibly slight ambitious, but Clint Dempsey. If we had the correct manager and a bit of ambition, he's in his peak years.

[Mazrim]

Yes, good choice. Far more expensive than Keane though, most likely.

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah I think he would be, but we need to show some ambition and he should be within our grasp(both on the assumption Mcleish is gone and Randy engages his brain). Also a couple of years younger than  Keane.