Ollie Watkins

[danno]

Can we all just disagree without becoming Julian Clary in a tizzy?

I can't remember who it was Clampy was having handbags with last year but it was as boring to read as anything I've ever posted. And I am one dull bstrd.

[FatSam]

I'm pleased with this signing, but Brentford certainly know how to do business - Watkins has just paid for two sides of their new ground!

I can remember him being touted as a hot prospect when he was with Exeter, so in future it would be good to be in a position (i.e. more established in the EPL) to pick-up similar players one step earlier and take the risk on their potential being fulfilled.

Anyway, score 15 goals this season and he will have justified the fee straight away. Welcome Ollie, and good luck!

[OCD]

I can remember him being touted as a hot prospect when he was with Exeter, so in future it would be good to be in a position (i.e. more established in the EPL) to pick-up similar players one step earlier and take the risk on their potential being fulfilled.

Yes, it would be good to be in a position where we could hoover up some of the best young players and send them out on loan straight away for first team experience.

[paul_e]

In fact, you really shouldn't be buying one without the other and I fully expect us to bring in a couple before the end of the window."

If we sign older players it will be because they have an attitude that we want our young players to learn from, Heaton is a great example.

That's exactly the point I'm making.  In pretty much every end-of-season review I read over the summer, as well as on here, our lack of experience was mentioned as a reason we struggled.  All I'm saying is that I wouldn't want us to make the same mistake this year. 

Very different circumstances though. Last year the squad had about 100 premier league appearances between them other than Heaton. One season on and there's a much better understanding of the demands of the league within the squad. I don't have a problem with us signing a more experienced player or 2 but fitting in with the squad and adding to the team spirit we have is far more important.

[Drummond]

I can remember him being touted as a hot prospect when he was with Exeter, so in future it would be good to be in a position (i.e. more established in the EPL) to pick-up similar players one step earlier and take the risk on their potential being fulfilled.

Yes, it would be good to be in a position where we could hoover up some of the best young players and send them out on loan straight away for first team experience.

I think the signings of Chrisene and Barry indicate that's the sort of plan we're heading for... though I think doing a bit of development in house first to get them understanding the style of the club is a good idea...

[Risso]

Welcome Ollie, excited to see what you can do, so please don't be rubbish.

[Villafirst]

Welcome Ollie!

[paul_e]

I can remember him being touted as a hot prospect when he was with Exeter, so in future it would be good to be in a position (i.e. more established in the EPL) to pick-up similar players one step earlier and take the risk on their potential being fulfilled.

Yes, it would be good to be in a position where we could hoover up some of the best young players and send them out on loan straight away for first team experience.

I think the signings of Chrisene and Barry indicate that's the sort of plan we're heading for... though I think doing a bit of development in house first to get them understanding the style of the club is a good idea...

I suspect 12-18months with the academy/U23s and then we'll make a decision on whether to blood them with us or send them out for 6-12months.

[eamonn]

A classic H&V welcome to new signings : "Please don't be shit." But please don't be average either. Be good. Be cool.

[Risso]

Jut once can we have a signing come in and hit the ground running?  No moaning, no saying that he needs a full pre-season and 6 months to bed in, just some decent performances and a goal or two would be lovely.  Cheers in advance Ollie!

[eamonn]

When was the last time we had an Oliver in the team?

[Ian.]

I can remember him being touted as a hot prospect when he was with Exeter, so in future it would be good to be in a position (i.e. more established in the EPL) to pick-up similar players one step earlier and take the risk on their potential being fulfilled.

Yes, it would be good to be in a position where we could hoover up some of the best young players and send them out on loan straight away for first team experience.

I think the signings of Chrisene and Barry indicate that's the sort of plan we're heading for... though I think doing a bit of development in house first to get them understanding the style of the club is a good idea...

So when Chrisene sells for £100M we can retire his shirt.

[SamTheMouse]

Welcome Olllie, I have a feeling you're going to be a star for us!

[Ian.]

Do we know how much Exeter City gets from this deal? I would hope it's a fair chunk of money.

[sickbeggar]

Best of british luck ollie. In 5 years time may we find you with 100+ goals, sleeping in a pile of 50 pound notes  and with a ridiculous WAG in tow, rather than in the priory between dogging adventures and fights with weathergirls