Summer 2015 - Transfer Rumours, Speculation & Suggestions

[cdbearsfan]

Richards isn't going to play right-back. He's said so himself.

[RussellC]

Richards isn't going to play right-back. He's said so himself.

I'm not sure that it'll be his choice! TS has his versatility was one of the reasons he's signed him, citing that he can play at CB, RB or on the right hand-side of a back 3.

Richards is decent in the air for his size, but there'll be games when we''ll need more height back there. That was obvious to me from the 45 minutes against Fulham the other day.He looked comfortable when carrying the ball out form the back, but won nowhere near as many headers as you need a Centre-Back to do.

[Clampy]

I reckon Sherwood might prefer Bacuna at right back in the long term.

[UK Redsox]

Yankee Stadium is not too shabby either - not quite Villa Park tho 

A really good day that I would recommend to anyone visiting NYC.

As much as I try to hate the place, the new Yankee Stadium is a nice ballpark. However, I've managed to never spend a cent in there. I always eat before/after and carry in water to drink.

Pretty good bars across the street, under the rail tracks

[RussellC]

I reckon Sherwood might prefer Bacuna at right back in the long term.

I think he needs a lot of work there still. Defensively he's very poor. There was one attack against Fulham where their left-winger was in absolutely acres of space and Bacuna took an absolute age to get out to close him down. I know that these games are all about getting minutes under the belt, but you still expect them to go through the basic motions of defending. The fact that TS went for Hutton in the cup-final also suggests that he's not 100% sold on Bacuna too.

[Clampy]

I reckon Sherwood might prefer Bacuna at right back in the long term.

I think he needs a lot of work there still. Defensively he's very poor. There was one attack against Fulham where their left-winger was in absolutely acres of space and Bacuna took an absolute age to get out to close him down. I know that these games are all about getting minutes under the belt, but you still expect them to go through the basic motions of defending. The fact that TS went for Hutton in the cup-final also suggests that he's not 100% sold on Bacuna too.

Defensively, you've probably got a point but he offers more going forward than Hutton does. He did set up a few goals for Benteke last season which I don't think would have gone un-noticed. Hutton would be the safe option I suppose but given time I think Bacuna could turn into a decent right back.

[RussellC]

Hopefully, as like you say, offensively he's a key part of the team. He's definitely capable there too. He has all the tools - pace, strength, etc and everything that he lacks - positioning, concentration, etc - are things that should be able to be coached into him.

[Dante Lavelli]

I recall Richards being awful at CB so I am worried by this. 

Not sure how old he is but it seems a bit late to move position.  I know he thinks he is a CB but he must've played 90% of his competitive matches as a full-back.

[exigo]

Yankee Stadium is not too shabby either - not quite Villa Park tho 

A really good day that I would recommend to anyone visiting NYC.

As much as I try to hate the place, the new Yankee Stadium is a nice ballpark. However, I've managed to never spend a cent in there. I always eat before/after and carry in water to drink.

Pretty good bars across the street, under the rail tracks

Took the missus to a game while we were in New York. £200 per ticket, and the Yankees hit the ball four times all night.
It made 0-0 home draws under McCleish look like amazing value for money.

[Jimsta]

I recall Richards being awful at CB so I am worried by this. 

Not sure how old he is but it seems a bit late to move position.  I know he thinks he is a CB but he must've played 90% of his competitive matches as a full-back.

I remember on MOTD  the panel was saying about Richards playing centre half that his positioning and concertration was terrible  and it was his pace that got him out of trouble.  Maybe Richards has learned through experience but with playing right back nearly all his career I think not.
So I think and prefer he played right back as he is better suited there.

[Ron Manager]

I recall Richards being awful at CB so I am worried by this. 

Not sure how old he is but it seems a bit late to move position.  I know he thinks he is a CB but he must've played 90% of his competitive matches as a full-back.

He falls a bit short at centre half through his lack of height. He is 5'11 which is not big enough to cope with the modern breed of huge centre forwards. Yes he is fast on the ground and has a powerful jump but so does Jores Okore. He has said he doesn't want to play right back but as far as I am concerned he will play where Tim Sherwood selects him and hopefully play well. Apart from that he has less chance of getting injured at right back and with his fitness problems in the past that will be a blessing. When Ron Vlaar regains full fitness I wouldn't be surprised if Sherwood offers him a three month contract or pay as you play unless he thinks Nathan Baker has improved enough to warrant a regular start.

[brontebilly]

I recall Richards being awful at CB so I am worried by this. 

Not sure how old he is but it seems a bit late to move position.  I know he thinks he is a CB but he must've played 90% of his competitive matches as a full-back.

He falls a bit short at centre half through his lack of height. He is 5'11 which is not big enough to cope with the modern breed of huge centre forwards. Yes he is fast on the ground and has a powerful jump but so does Jores Okore. He has said he doesn't want to play right back but as far as I am concerned he will play where Tim Sherwood selects him and hopefully play well. Apart from that he has less chance of getting injured at right back and with his fitness problems in the past that will be a blessing. When Ron Vlaar regains full fitness I wouldn't be surprised if Sherwood offers him a three month contract or pay as you play unless he thinks Nathan Baker has improved enough to warrant a regular start.

Fabio Cannavaro was about 5ft 9, didnt do him any harm.

I'm hoping its a choice of Okore or Richards to play right side of a three man defence. Neither are good enough to be first choice to partner Clark if we go with two centre halves.

[ozzjim]

If we end up paying 3 then Richards will be fine. In a flat back 4 I think he will be right back before he can blink

[RussellC]

I recall Richards being awful at CB so I am worried by this. 

Not sure how old he is but it seems a bit late to move position.  I know he thinks he is a CB but he must've played 90% of his competitive matches as a full-back.

He falls a bit short at centre half through his lack of height. He is 5'11 which is not big enough to cope with the modern breed of huge centre forwards. Yes he is fast on the ground and has a powerful jump but so does Jores Okore. He has said he doesn't want to play right back but as far as I am concerned he will play where Tim Sherwood selects him and hopefully play well. Apart from that he has less chance of getting injured at right back and with his fitness problems in the past that will be a blessing. When Ron Vlaar regains full fitness I wouldn't be surprised if Sherwood offers him a three month contract or pay as you play unless he thinks Nathan Baker has improved enough to warrant a regular start.

Fabio Cannavaro was about 5ft 9, didnt do him any harm.

I'm hoping its a choice of Okore or Richards to play right side of a three man defence. Neither are good enough to be first choice to partner Clark if we go with two centre halves.

To be fair, Cannavaro spent his career in Italy and Spain and often struggled when up against a  big, physical striker. I remember Carew giving him a torrid time at the Bernabeau whilst he was at Lyon.

[RussellC]

Some reports in Spain are linking us to Sergi Darder from Malaga, a player I think we were linked to under Lambert...?