January Transfer Window Rumours/Suggestions/Hearsay/Heresy/Horseplay

[JJ-AV]

Bruce got it right when he said we've spent too long looking to increase the size of the squad rather than looking to bring in players better than what we already have. Spearing would just increase the squad size.

When did Bruce say this mate? Exactly the approach we need atm and good to hear.

[PeterWithesShin]

Bruce added: “I will only bring in people now who will improve the squad dramatically. In the past, if I am going to be critical, I don’t think that has been the case here.

“We have just brought in numbers and I think that is a mistake. If you only bring in numbers to fill up the squad then you don’t become better. We have to have a squad which is highly competitive and making sure we do become better.

“The players who have been here this last eight weeks have done well, in general. I don’t have to make wholesale changes because for the last eight weeks we are on course.”

[ChicagoLion]

Bruce added: “I will only bring in people now who will improve the squad dramatically. In the past, if I am going to be critical, I don’t think that has been the case here.

“We have just brought in numbers and I think that is a mistake. If you only bring in numbers to fill up the squad then you don’t become better. We have to have a squad which is highly competitive and making sure we do become better.

“The players who have been here this last eight weeks have done well, in general. I don’t have to make wholesale changes because for the last eight weeks we are on course.”

i think I have heard pretty much every manager say the same thing.

[brontebilly]

Did McCarthy play for Bruce at Wigan?

No, he was signed by Martinez, twice

Wildly overrated player since about the age of 16, clearly Koeman doesn't rate him

Would suit us obviously, not a player with sufficient courage to receive the ball facing his back four either but a fine athlete and an obvious upgrade on Westwood and Gardner

If Rodgers is still at Parkhead next summer, I expect he will head back to his home town.

[Marton]

Not seen us linked to him, but rumor has it  Torino is letting Pontus Jansson go this January.
Leeds got an option on him after 19? games and fans like him but not sure they got the financial muscle to sign him.
Maybe we could steal him, cripple their campaign and stengthen our DCs in the process.
Just wishful thinking maybe but he is probably one of the highest rated DCs in this division...

[footyskillz]

Bruce got it right when he said we've spent too long looking to increase the size of the squad rather than looking to bring in players better than what we already have. Spearing would just increase the squad size.

When did Bruce say this mate? Exactly the approach we need atm and good to hear.

That's your opinion not Bruce's .  My opinion is Spearing would fit in that midfield and would have got going today harryhurrying and probing.  Needed that in these championship game and spearing would have made a difference in our midfield if he played I think

[LukeJames]

With all due respect, what on earth are you babbling on about?

[footyskillz]

Essentially we need some tigers on the midfield and spearing dismissed by some would have  been at it and in Norwich face.  Didn't have enough of thay today and felt jedinak did work of 2 midfielders.  Need less luxury players and more hungry ones.  That's my point

[LukeJames]

Spearing? Jay Spearing?

He is monumentally shite.

I genuinly don't know who he plays for.

[footyskillz]

Well  i find hes not and I talking of players of that ilk anyway I'm annoyed when i see  him nd other players perform  and give it a go and villa don't.  I at a loss to why so poor tonight really was nt expecting thag style of performance.  I said on post match would like 2 up top  2 wide and 2 in middle simple . Or art least hace one off the front man.  And can put players take some shots ! That's it find players abd transfer in those who shoot. Too many back or side ways passing when not misplace passing . Despair ! Arghh

[pbavfckuwait]

How Bruce is perceived to be ugly in his approach, I would like to see him buy the components that allow us go for a solid 4-3-3, but those 3 in the middle have to be pretty solid and just as important able to shift the ball with accuracy and speed and have the option of going 4-4-2 when required. Who he buys to fit that system is the important part, instead of as we are at the moment, trying to put although not very good square pegs into round holes. Who they are that's Bruceys job to find, that's why he gets the big bucks.

[Clampy]

Essentially we need some tigers on the midfield and spearing dismissed by some would have  been at it and in Norwich face.  Didn't have enough of thay today and felt jedinak did work of 2 midfielders.  Need less luxury players and more hungry ones.  That's my point

Mentioning Spearing is almost as idiotic as saying we should bring in Eddie Howe on the Bruce forum. Neither are going to happen.

[footyskillz]

Did McCarthy play for Bruce at Wigan?

No, he was signed by Martinez, twice

Wildly overrated player since about the age of 16, clearly Koeman doesn't rate him

Would suit us obviously, not a player with sufficient courage to receive the ball facing his back four either but a fine athlete and an obvious upgrade on Westwood and Gardner

If Rodgers is still at Parkhead next summer, I expect he will head back to his home town.

McCarthy played last night but that was due to Barry not being available

[footyskillz]

Essentially we need some tigers on the midfield and spearing dismissed by some would have  been at it and in Norwich face.  Didn't have enough of thay today and felt jedinak did work of 2 midfielders.  Need less luxury players and more hungry ones.  That's my point

Mentioning Spearing is almost as idiotic as saying we should bring in Eddie Howe on the Bruce forum. Neither are going to happen.

They both make sense to me and I'm allowed my opinion and view without being lambasted clampy play fair and no need to be personal it's upsetting.  It's about opinions! 

[Gareth]

Still think Barton would add something to this midfield - obviously not a likeable character but 1) we have 7/8 players I can't stand already so one more will make no difference and 2) a player who hates to lose wouldn't go amiss.  Midfield 3 of Jedinak / Barton & Tshibola would hopefully help us be defensively secure and let whichever 3 we deploy up top to create.