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

[KRS]

You can't teach or train a player to be clever and within that there are different levels. We're not talking Xavi here. However, Ireland is clever and if you put the right pieces around him he can do things other players can't. You could see that last year with some of his movement and touhes that didn't always come off because others couldn't see it. You put willing players around him then he becomes that much better.

Dont forget we've just appointed a new manager who is bringing in what appears to be clever and technically gifted players...hopefully they will fit together as a more natural intelligent football team that includes Ireland.

[paul_e]

Happy to see Brad coming back if it's confirmed.  American goalkeepers in particular seem to improve later in their careers, Big Brad for example was only really considered a top keeper when he was well into his 30s, young enough to be worth a shout, and with siegrist and barrett both very good for their ages (we'll see siegrist at the olympics hopefully) we've got good cover.

I'd be very cautious about dismissing Given completely though, he is still a very good keeper, had a poor tournament but probably wouldn't have played (had 2-3 niggles and barely trained in the build up) if he wasn't as old as he is and knowing he's unlikely to go to another one.

At times I blamed him for some really poor displays last year but he was also very good at times, and probably should've been player of the season.

[supertom]

I've no problems with Given. Frankly he saved us enough points which managed to keep us up just about. Please Guzan is back though because he's potentially brilliant. I'd like to see him given the starting spot if he's proved enough during pre-season. Everyone should be playing for their place. No one should be garaunteed a place for West Ham, not Given, not anyone.

[andyh]

My daughter has just informed me that someone has twitterered that we have bid for Luuk de Jong.....whoever that is.

[Mazrim]

I hope so.

[KRS]

Apparently Newcastle were after him but have been priced out and wont bid higher than £10m:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/9375696/Newcastle-United-have-been-priced-out-of-a-move-for-Luuk-de-Jong-fears-manager-Alan-Pardew.html

[Mazrim]

And apparently we've been put off by the price tag too.

[Matt C]

If we have then it would be a big fee based on this:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/9375696/Newcastle-United-have-been-priced-out-of-a-move-for-Luuk-de-Jong-fears-manager-Alan-Pardew.html 

[Summers]

Cracking striker. Would be a superb signing.

[Dante Lavelli]

You can't teach or train a player to be clever and within that there are different levels. We're not talking Xavi here. However, Ireland is clever and if you put the right pieces around him he can do things other players can't. You could see that last year with some of his movement and touhes that didn't always come off because others couldn't see it. You put willing players around him then he becomes that much better.

Goes back to the question though - is he influential and more importantly, reliable enough to build a team around?  We would have to play a formation that would accommodate him in the "hole" and I don't think it is wise to build a team entirely around a player who was only able to manage a few games here and there last season.  His talent on the ball is undoubted, but on the evidence of last season I don't know if he is going to contribute enough goals and assists to be considered truly effective in that position.  On top of that, there is then there is the issue of his wages. 

Don't want to appear too negative here, as I really hope that Ireland can become the player that we all want him to be over the next few seasons.  I just have my doubts that he will. 

I would not suggest that we base an entire formation around one player.  However we have to decide whether we go down the route of having specialist attacking and defensive midfielders in the central areas.  If Ireland failed then arguably Bannan could fill the role, or even Holman (I understand he can play there).

There’s a good article on the BBC about teams doing better once they have a consistent tactical identity.  This is something I think Villa have lacked recently and is something we should look to build under Lambert.

Sorry slightly off topic but (I think) interesting nonetheless:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2012/07/what_best_sides_share_is_a_sen.html

[SoccerHQ]

I want Guzan back so happy with this.

You have to think Lambert has promised he'll at least start the season as number one otherwise why come back?

Given was decent for what he does best last season but as we've seen at the euros he could easily decline pretty quickly if he isn't 100%.

[spangley1812]

I want Guzan back so happy with this.

You have to think Lambert has promised he'll at least start the season as number one otherwise why come back?

Given was decent for what he does best last season but as we've seen at the euros he could easily decline pretty quickly if he isn't 100%.

I would suggest he hasnt had a lot of offers and as for being told he will be 1st choice I would be very suprised...........

[Dante Lavelli]

Is the Guzan thing fact or just twitter twitterings?

[ADVILLAFAN]

Is the Guzan thing fact or just twitter twitterings?

Saying on Sky that he close to agreeing a new deal with us

[spangley1812]

Is the Guzan thing fact or just twitter twitterings?

Nothing on official site so twitterings.............