COLUMNIST JOE JENNINGS
Creative Conundrum
By Joe Jennings : 30/08/2007 : 
Comments (50) :
Comments (50) : As deadline day looms, we are left with a midfield conundrum. Losing Fernandes is a bitter pill to swallow, and one I still can't digest. What the hell happened, springs to mind. A part of me doesn't blame Manuel for going to Valencia, perhaps he had become frustrated at the lack of progress in the deal. Whereas another part of me thinks, well if you don't want to be here then so long. If you can have your head turned so easily after you have spent 6 months at a club that finished in Europe, have an excellent team spirit and where the fans idolise you then maybe he's done the right thing.
I am in no doubt we need midfield reinforcements, urgently. Our lack of creativity against Blackburn was beyond embarassing, it was pathetic. Arteta only started to play in the last 15 minutes and that is when we scored. Some may say, give Pienaar a chance. Fair shout. Others will say we cannot have a midfield of Carsley and Neville. Another valid point. I do believe Neville is better equipped at right back and Jagielka should be given a chance in the middle. His power, tackling, pace and desire could be invalubale to the cause. However, we still need a creative midfielder who can assist Arteta, and provide the goals for Yakubu and AJ. I propose a few realistic targets.
* Stephen Appiah ? I actually mentioned him in the mailbag the night before Fernandes officially left for Valencia. I had a chuckle when I saw Sky Sports reporting we were interested. He's strong, quick, good passer and he has an engine. A typical box to box player. Apparently interested in trying luck in the Premier League. A bid of around £5-6M would secure his services
* Matthew Taylor ? Seems to be out of favour at Pompey and they are looking to raise money to sign a quality striker. He works extremely hard, has a great left foot, scores goals and is an evident threat. A bid in the region again of £5-6M I believe would secure his services.
* Thomas Gravesen ? Although some will say, that era has gone, he's too unreliable, slow etc etc. We all know what he's capable of and he has got a point to prove. He won't want to fade away into the distance and be seen as a failure in a somewhat weaker SPL league. He has an affinity towards the club and he could be captured for around £1.5M methinks.
Those are just three players who I believe would strengthen our squad and add the extra bit of flair and creativity to our midfield that we clearly crave. Without another midfielder we are going to be relying heavily on Arteta and the likes of Osman, Pienaar etc. Other names have been mooted: the likes of Murphy, Diop, O'Neil.
As for Yakubu, I'm delighted we have him on board. He's strong, quick, agile and he will get you 15 goals minimum. Proven quality. Those who are worrying about the price tag need to realise that in today's market £11M for a striker who has scored the most in the Premier League behind Thierry Henry in the past four seasons is a snip in my opinion. Let's hope he can strike up a decent partnership with AJ, who is so low on confidence, just needs that scrappy goal...
So, as ever, most of us will browse the websites tomorrow, hoping, preying we have signed a superstar. Many will stay up 'til the deadline slams shut. Many of us will wake up at 8am and flick 405 on (Sky Sports News) hoping that the paperwork didn't come through 'til 2am so it hadn't been announced. Even if we just sign Vogel, let's not get too disappointed. We've had such disappointments in the past and I for one have become accustomed to it.
Keep the faith, without us they'd be nothing.
Reader Comments
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I have it on good authority that Gravesen is on his way back, you heard it here first!
Dont think our midfield needs are so desperate that we need to call on mad dog. He’s been rubbish since he left us and even when he played for us he was only actually good for us for about a season and a half at the very most.
I think gary o’neil would be the better portsmouth player to buy as he is more creative than taylor and now we have baines as our attacking left back dont think we would need another one.
As for appiah, I think that would be a great signing but bear in mind in jan/feb we are losing enough players to the african nations- yakubu, yobo, pienaar, anichebe possibly.
IMHO Nolan at £5million would be a decent purchase
I think gary o’neil would be the better portsmouth player to buy as he is more creative than taylor and now we have baines as our attacking left back dont think we would need another one.
As for appiah, I think that would be a great signing but bear in mind in jan/feb we are losing enough players to the african nations- yakubu, yobo, pienaar, anichebe possibly.
IMHO Nolan at £5million would be a decent purchase
Taylor will be bought to play on the left Paul - and you obviously don’t know a lot about Appiah - he’s a world-class box to box player better than fernandes IMO. He is not like we have already he’s all action box to box, something we desperately need!
I think Appiah is a class above Neville and Carsley.
He?d be less of a "silky skilled" player than Fernandes, possibly more in the mould of a Gravesen (who we do NOT want back please). He?s got 15 goals in 58 games for Fenerbache, so much more than a holding player.
He?d be less of a "silky skilled" player than Fernandes, possibly more in the mould of a Gravesen (who we do NOT want back please). He?s got 15 goals in 58 games for Fenerbache, so much more than a holding player.
I agree, Appiah is definitely the way to go. Fenerbahce are reluctant to let him go but hopefully 5 or 6 million will prise him away from them.
Diop is also an option maybe? 3 million or so would prob do that and Sanchez is apparently willing to let him go.
Hopefully Jags will be straight into the midfield - all due respect to Carsley but Jags had a definite positive impact when he came on against Blackburn. He will defo add some pace in there, and an Appiah or Diop would mean we’d have a very strong, quick and more creative midfield we so badly need!
Diop is also an option maybe? 3 million or so would prob do that and Sanchez is apparently willing to let him go.
Hopefully Jags will be straight into the midfield - all due respect to Carsley but Jags had a definite positive impact when he came on against Blackburn. He will defo add some pace in there, and an Appiah or Diop would mean we’d have a very strong, quick and more creative midfield we so badly need!
hi all...yea very dissapointed with manny, but when it takes our club nearly 3 weeks to wrangle over the tranfer{no doubt trying to get a cheaper deal} then valencia complete the deal in less then 1 DAY!! GOOD LUCK MANNY. however we really our crying out for that playmaker..nev and cars are both workhorses not a creative bone in there bodys. osman has been poor at best the last 2 games and pienaar deserves a long run out..please please buy appiah strong quick vision worth 10 mill at this stage...come on everton less than 48 hours,,fingers crossed
Yea I have heard it on good authority that Gravesen is on his way back too. He's going to sign a contract tomorrow he's having his medical today.
If we can get Mad Dog for 1.5m and not too a high wage bill, that has to be a good buy. I?m sure if he came back to Goodison he?d soon find that spirit again and start looking like the player that joined with Becham and ZIdane etc. Even if he?s not in the first 11 he?d make a damn good sub and still a bargain at 1.5m.
I agree with Taylor, very impressive. But I think we can buy better for 6m.
I used to like Nolan, but he?s not impressed me of late. Although, if we could get him for 3-4m I may be swayed.
If I was going to buy anyone, it would be HUNT from reading. He?s pure class, and he?s always snappin at your heels. Stick him on the left and Arteta on the right, screw through the middle when you've got those two.
I agree with Taylor, very impressive. But I think we can buy better for 6m.
I used to like Nolan, but he?s not impressed me of late. Although, if we could get him for 3-4m I may be swayed.
If I was going to buy anyone, it would be HUNT from reading. He?s pure class, and he?s always snappin at your heels. Stick him on the left and Arteta on the right, screw through the middle when you've got those two.
I don’t see why everyone is so against Gravesen coming back. For the short time we have to sign someone, aniother African is goingt o take days to sort out. Therefore Grav fits the bill. He didn’t play too badly at Madrid, it’s just at Celtic where it hasn’t really worked. He’s always capable of the sublime and I think he would improve our options hugely if he came back.
why all the concerns about "grav" coming back both partys cannot lose i agree if only as a squad player - we are running out of time with the transfer window guys !
I’d welcome Appiah but I think if anyone gets him it’ll be Arsenal. I think DM has to get the midfield right to get the most out of Yak. AJ is a proven goal scorer WHEN he has a creative midfield behind him. How many goals has AJ scored this season?
If DM doesn’t lose Neville or Carsley from CM nothing will change, and we’ll have a frustrated Yak on our hands (not a good idea after seeing him sulk at boro). I like the idea of Neville going to right-back, as Hibbo always looks poor (good spirit is not enough if we are to progress). Tommy G would be good cover for CM but he’d have to really get fit again, which will be difficult at his age. I reckon we should give Pienaar a go on the left wing.
If DM doesn’t lose Neville or Carsley from CM nothing will change, and we’ll have a frustrated Yak on our hands (not a good idea after seeing him sulk at boro). I like the idea of Neville going to right-back, as Hibbo always looks poor (good spirit is not enough if we are to progress). Tommy G would be good cover for CM but he’d have to really get fit again, which will be difficult at his age. I reckon we should give Pienaar a go on the left wing.
Appiah would be class, is you remember world cup 2006, Him and Essien were one of the best centre mids in the competition, with exellent range of passing. He is different to Fernandes, Fernandes has so much potential, he’ll be worth 20mil+ in a year, Appiah is more defensive. However, would be a more suited partner to Cahill when he returns.
I would however like someone a bit more attacking, if we still have 5 mil left from the 12 that would have been spent on Manny.
Tommy G is not the man, past it and never had much when he had it.
Taylor, over-rated, scores some good goals but other contributions are not great, not a creative player.
Diop, no way.
Danny Murphy for nothing-1mil would add depth, experience and short-term solution if no-one else available.
Luka Modrik supposed to be good but don’t know him myself, also meant to be over-priced.
Riquelme, already gone, however his ego and I’m more important than the rest of the team philosphy wouldn’t blend well with our squad. He also regulary decides he doesnt want to train for a couple of days and takes a holiday. Hell of a talent though.
Giles Barnes would be a good shout for 4-5 mil, talented, young, british.
Guti from real madrid for 4-5 is also available, adds class, great passing and euro experience. Wages?
Motta of barca, 3-5 mil. more of a defensive mid but passing far greater than both cars and nev.
van der Vaart, would be a bit optimistic but a hell of a player 10-12mil and can play wide and in middle.
Diego 5-7 mil, a great talent, however work-rate beyond questionable, but if moyes could change that then signing of season.
I’d go for van der vaart, if fails then Appiah and one of Guti/Motta/Barnes/Diego/Murphy.
Options are available.
I would however like someone a bit more attacking, if we still have 5 mil left from the 12 that would have been spent on Manny.
Tommy G is not the man, past it and never had much when he had it.
Taylor, over-rated, scores some good goals but other contributions are not great, not a creative player.
Diop, no way.
Danny Murphy for nothing-1mil would add depth, experience and short-term solution if no-one else available.
Luka Modrik supposed to be good but don’t know him myself, also meant to be over-priced.
Riquelme, already gone, however his ego and I’m more important than the rest of the team philosphy wouldn’t blend well with our squad. He also regulary decides he doesnt want to train for a couple of days and takes a holiday. Hell of a talent though.
Giles Barnes would be a good shout for 4-5 mil, talented, young, british.
Guti from real madrid for 4-5 is also available, adds class, great passing and euro experience. Wages?
Motta of barca, 3-5 mil. more of a defensive mid but passing far greater than both cars and nev.
van der Vaart, would be a bit optimistic but a hell of a player 10-12mil and can play wide and in middle.
Diego 5-7 mil, a great talent, however work-rate beyond questionable, but if moyes could change that then signing of season.
I’d go for van der vaart, if fails then Appiah and one of Guti/Motta/Barnes/Diego/Murphy.
Options are available.
Who remembers 2-3 years ago? Momo Sissoko. After weeks of wrangling, haggling, questioning the price, his fitness etc, etc, we eventually reached the verge of signing him only for the Red Shite to come in at the last minute with a no-nonsense, no strings cash on the table bid, and we know the rest. Sissoko was off to Anfield like a scolded cat. Sound familiar?? I know that we are all pissed off about Manny’s u-turn but I have to ask...when will this club learn? From the end of last season, we have had every opportunity to buy Fernandes but in "the Everton way" we let it drag on and on and on, eventually giving Valencia the opportunity to gazump us at the last minute. As for a replacement, I can not understand why anyone would regard Appiah simply as a holding player. He would be an excellent acquisition for this club. He is a better player than Manny, whether we will be able to still say that in two years remains to be seen, is approximately half the price and will energise our midfield in a way that Carsley and Neville simply can not. I also agree with others, Everton looked an entirely different team against Blackburn once Jags came on for Carsley. He should now be given the opportunity to start in that position. I don’t really understand the logic of wrapping Pienaar in cotton wool. He is a product of the Ajax academy, is a regular international for South Africa, he ran rings round Scotland last week, and he should be playing for us. If you check out the video clips on U-Tube, you will see that he is very much a creative midfielder who can also score.
Glad to see the art of dreaming has not been lost!
What o what, midfielder midfielders, we have plenty of midfieders, Cahill, neville, osman, arteta, pienaar, carsley,jags, o yeh The Vanishing Van, our only natural winger. Just give me another winger. Me thinks that yak might like crosses from both wings, thats a thing how about Downing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nor the art of nightmares if Mad Grav comes back. Aren’t we supposed to be going FORWARDS?
totally agree joe,appiah would be a fantastic,certanly not a holding player,those who have witnessed his performances for juve and ghana will realise that he is a creative midfielder a cross between okocha and essien.however just heard weve signed graveson,good short term option,still hope apphia is being looked at.better than fernandes
joe i think you are bang on the money with your whole article.
im probably gonna get criticised but i actually beleive that the re-signing of gravesen , in time , would prove to be a master stroke.
we lack a playmaker but just as importantly we lack an engine in the middle. mad dog is a good player to call upon for this role.he knows and loves the club , has experience and also has a lot to prove to himself , everton fc and the footballing world.
one last swan song for mad dog would be glorious.....atleast until we get diego in january (a boy ca dream cant he ? lol)
as for appiah , although a very good player ive just been reading that he may be a kick away from being a long term sick note.
as for matt taylor , i really like him but im not sure if i would gamble 5 million on him as he is another who is very injury prone.
im probably gonna get criticised but i actually beleive that the re-signing of gravesen , in time , would prove to be a master stroke.
we lack a playmaker but just as importantly we lack an engine in the middle. mad dog is a good player to call upon for this role.he knows and loves the club , has experience and also has a lot to prove to himself , everton fc and the footballing world.
one last swan song for mad dog would be glorious.....atleast until we get diego in january (a boy ca dream cant he ? lol)
as for appiah , although a very good player ive just been reading that he may be a kick away from being a long term sick note.
as for matt taylor , i really like him but im not sure if i would gamble 5 million on him as he is another who is very injury prone.
official: gravesen on season loan!!
yeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa !
mad dog is back and im happy as larry !
seriously im over the moon at him coming back.
mad dog is back and im happy as larry !
seriously im over the moon at him coming back.
nothin to lose..everythin to gain.. great bit of business.
and who can honestly say that they dont love him?!?! ;o)
and who can honestly say that they dont love him?!?! ;o)
I’m one of Gravesen’s biggest critics...he has SOOOOOOO many weaknesses to his game....he gives away possession too often, he’s slow, he can’t tackle and he gives away too many free-kicks with his challenges etc etc
...but, I must admit, his through balls are exactly what our current squad is missing.
Welcome back, Tommy.
...but, I must admit, his through balls are exactly what our current squad is missing.
Welcome back, Tommy.
great bit of business in gettin gravesen back, he knows wat wer about, he knows most of the squad n it gives moyes an extra year to go out and spend big on a midfielder after the fernandes deal. i didnt want him spending 10 million on a player who he didnt really want jst 2 say he bought some one, least the scouts now can knuckle down n look for another fernandes if not a better one, there r better players out ther than him such as van der vaart
he has his weaknesses like most players.. but what he has that not every player has is a winning mentality that he potrays beautifully!!haha... he creates an atmosphere all by himself, not to mention the fact he is great for the dressing room and i’m sure he will even further enhance the great team spirit we have at our club...
I suppose considering the situation we found ourselves in, a loan for Gravesen is not too bad. I just hope we get the Autumn 2004 vintage model and not the raving, wide-eyed, extravagent loon that he was prior to that period.
Oh and can someone explain to me why so many people hark back to his "engine", commitment and his "steel"? Is it because he is bald?
He’s got more natural footballing ability than most of our midfield, that’s for sure, but does he still have enough speed and desire to compete in the Premiership.
I’m assuming that we will now go for at least two out and out forwards (Yak & AJ) in most matches. Does this mean 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3.
5 midfielders would be easy as we now have enough bodies to populate that. With regards to a 4 man midfield, what will be our best offering? Would it be Arteta, Gravesen, Jags/Carsley, Pienaar/Cahill?
Thoughts???
Oh and can someone explain to me why so many people hark back to his "engine", commitment and his "steel"? Is it because he is bald?
He’s got more natural footballing ability than most of our midfield, that’s for sure, but does he still have enough speed and desire to compete in the Premiership.
I’m assuming that we will now go for at least two out and out forwards (Yak & AJ) in most matches. Does this mean 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3.
5 midfielders would be easy as we now have enough bodies to populate that. With regards to a 4 man midfield, what will be our best offering? Would it be Arteta, Gravesen, Jags/Carsley, Pienaar/Cahill?
Thoughts???
oh and by the way... i still think moyes has someone else up his sleeve???? a left winger or maybe even appiah is still on the cards?!
DM is at it again with a desparate last minute bid to appease the fans.
The Grav is a BIG mistake.
Appiah would bring quality but would add to the Xmas exits of the Yak, Pienaar, Yobo, and possibly Victor who will all wander off to the 2008 African Cup of Nations just when we need them to kick start our overdue attack on the FA Cup.
It’s been too long since 1995
The Grav is a BIG mistake.
Appiah would bring quality but would add to the Xmas exits of the Yak, Pienaar, Yobo, and possibly Victor who will all wander off to the 2008 African Cup of Nations just when we need them to kick start our overdue attack on the FA Cup.
It’s been too long since 1995
it has got to be 442..
neville
lescott yobo/stubbs
baines
arteta
gravesen jags
osman/mcfadden
yak
johnson
problem is whe everyone is fit... but i suppose we shouldnt complain a not being able to choose a startin 11 very easily.. cahill must start when fit and i haven’t seen enough of pienarr to decide whether to put him in or not...
but i like jags and i think he h shud be first choice for the holding role...
neville
lescott yobo/stubbs
baines
arteta
gravesen jags
osman/mcfadden
yak
johnson
problem is whe everyone is fit... but i suppose we shouldnt complain a not being able to choose a startin 11 very easily.. cahill must start when fit and i haven’t seen enough of pienarr to decide whether to put him in or not...
but i like jags and i think he h shud be first choice for the holding role...
Has anyone actually thought that AJ and the Yak can?t play in the same team. Surely AJ needs a partner who can hold it up. Yak ceratinly can?t do it, they are very similar. Probably means it will work a treat as its not suppose too!
Appiah is different class, exactly what we need. Strong and great on the ball. Just prayin that moyes snaps him up last minute.
Great piece of business to have my hair stylist back at Goodison. As Alan has touched on we will have a couple of players away on African nations duty(Pienaar & Yobo. Is the Yak still not playing for his national team?)We need strengh in depth and Gravs your man.Also where has the Appiah link come from?
Naming Gravesen in the article was wishufl thinking, never thought it would be true!!
Mystic Joe!
Oh Tommy Tommy....
Mystic Joe!
Oh Tommy Tommy....
I think we’ve got who we’ve got now and I don’t think Tommy’s too bad a signing short term. Think there’s too much dwelling over Fernandes. And someone mentioning Sisoko! Get over it! All this talk of no midfield is rubbish!We’ve only played 4 games and really only had one below-par midfield performance which we drew. I can’t wait for the window to be closed, just so fans stop latching on to teniously-linked players mentioned on crappy rumour sites!
C’mon credit where its due -having got f*cked by Fernandes so close to the deadline Moyes has done a good bit of business with TG on loan.
Gravesen certainly can’t hurt. Adds depth to the squad and at 31, I’m sure he’s still got something to offer and indeed something to prove. He certainly enjoyed his time with us and the fans loved him, which makes a big difference. I don’t blame him for going to Madrid - anyone would have found it hard to refuse.
But I really want to see Moyesy take a strong run at Appiah. He sounds like a player in the Patrick Viera mould - gets up and down the field, with good passing and goalscoring abilities. I think that’s just what we need. Dare I say he might actually be better than Fernandes? And we have 12-odd mill to spend, don’t we?
But I really want to see Moyesy take a strong run at Appiah. He sounds like a player in the Patrick Viera mould - gets up and down the field, with good passing and goalscoring abilities. I think that’s just what we need. Dare I say he might actually be better than Fernandes? And we have 12-odd mill to spend, don’t we?
TOMMY GRAV BACK .IT DIDNT TAKE STRACAN LONG TO SEE HOW SLOW HE IS ,AND HE WENT OFF WHEN WE NEEDED HIM MOST,HOPE WE GET ANOTHER SIGNING IN BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
We need bodies in and a loan deal for a character like Tommy can no way be a bad deal. Again, I’m sure Davie will sign someone else tomorrow! Gravesen loves it at Goodison and will be up for the challenge. He has said himself that we have better players than when he left and I’m sure he will give everything to prove that he can compete! He certainly won’t walk into the side! Let’s see what the next 24 hours have and let’s have a bit more positivity and confidence!! Come on you Blues!!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHH TOMMY, TOMMY! TOMMY, TOMMY, TOMMY, TOMMY GRAVESEN!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice addition to the squad and will certainly add to the atmosphere as he had a great rapport with the fans.
Appiah is a class player but i doubt the board can get a player in 24 hours when the jagielka, baines, yakubu and fernandez deals took so long to complete (or not!)
PROVE ME WRONG! COYB!!!!!
Nice addition to the squad and will certainly add to the atmosphere as he had a great rapport with the fans.
Appiah is a class player but i doubt the board can get a player in 24 hours when the jagielka, baines, yakubu and fernandez deals took so long to complete (or not!)
PROVE ME WRONG! COYB!!!!!
I think Gravesen will be a good acquisition he’s a solid player. And he’s only on wages which is good at least we didn’t have to spend on him.
I think he could also be in with a shout to get a good solid striker, Kris Boyd springs to mind. 6 goals in 10 games for Scotland not to mention all the goals he’s gotten at Rangers. A cheeky 3 million pound bid could be a good bit of business.
I think he could also be in with a shout to get a good solid striker, Kris Boyd springs to mind. 6 goals in 10 games for Scotland not to mention all the goals he’s gotten at Rangers. A cheeky 3 million pound bid could be a good bit of business.
Paul Cook.. how dare you call for positivity and confidence on Toffeeweb!! Don’t you know thats sacrilege on this site!!
great buisness.. moyseee does love his loans and clauses in contracts but anyhow this is a gem a player that will settle staight a way in the city, club, with the players and more important the systems we play... and has a tiny bit of european experience as well... good to have you back tommy lad
hear rummors of a certain ajax box to box midfielder Maduro very highly regarded and only a year left on his contract... could it be true...
basturk a very creative attackin midfeilder please let it be true
We have 12 million in our pocket, a worldwide scouting network, and all they can come up with is Gravesen! Tommy has said himself that Everton have improved alot since he was last here, well that is too much of a coincidence! Rejected by Celtic for a much weaker league and we take him back. There is no way he should start a game before any of out present midfielders. Welcome back to the Headless Dane.
So much whining!
Grow up. Stop blaming the club for the likes of Manny and Sissoko.
Players will go where the money is - we don’t have money - it’s as simple as that.
Players will usually choose the RS over us - it’s common sense - live with it.
Oh and one more thing.....
WE DO NOT HAVE 12M TO SPEND!
Idiots!
Grow up. Stop blaming the club for the likes of Manny and Sissoko.
Players will go where the money is - we don’t have money - it’s as simple as that.
Players will usually choose the RS over us - it’s common sense - live with it.
Oh and one more thing.....
WE DO NOT HAVE 12M TO SPEND!
Idiots!
Hi FatBoy
Just a query - it makes sense that if we bid £12M for Fernandez and we didn?t sig him that we still DO have £12M available to spend in some form
Why do you say we DON?T have £12M to spend?
Just a query - it makes sense that if we bid £12M for Fernandez and we didn?t sig him that we still DO have £12M available to spend in some form
Why do you say we DON?T have £12M to spend?
Where on earth do you get 12m from?We bid 6 with an option for the rest later.
Don’t believe everything you read in the Bun :)
Don’t believe everything you read in the Bun :)
Well yeah, I understood it was £6M to the club and then we were looking at buying out the 3rd party ownership (which admittedly may have been less than £6M - let?s say £4M)
I understand that Valencia were only playing the club and NOT buying out the 3rd party as Spainish rules indicate there?s no need to BUT that the fact that Valencia were allowing some 3rd party control made the deal much more attractive to them - hence he moved.
Of course I could be wrong but that does indicate we did have some £10+ earmarked for him
I understand that Valencia were only playing the club and NOT buying out the 3rd party as Spainish rules indicate there?s no need to BUT that the fact that Valencia were allowing some 3rd party control made the deal much more attractive to them - hence he moved.
Of course I could be wrong but that does indicate we did have some £10+ earmarked for him
I think getting Tommy back is ace!!
Besides his solid play, one of the best things is what he does to the atmospehere at the ground. He was always the one to turn round, raise his arms and get the gladys street behind the team. Looking forward to the next game!!
Besides his solid play, one of the best things is what he does to the atmospehere at the ground. He was always the one to turn round, raise his arms and get the gladys street behind the team. Looking forward to the next game!!
great shout on Graveson.i did that with nolan when we failed to get manny but hope that one dosent happen.appiah or riquelme or both please
another year another disapointed transfer window year after year we buy crap, dont get me wrong the yak is a quality goal scorer but cmon u gotta admire the lack ov development in the fernandez deal and as for appiah i mean yur talkin a world class box 2 box, goal scoring, tough tackling, team leading midfield no wonder fene?bache dnt wanna get rid.just seem its always everton draggin there heels i just hope wen i turn skysports news on 2mro mornin weve secretly signed a decent creative midfielder e.g. riquelme god 4 bid lol keep the faith cmon you blues!!!!!! prove us all wrong!
Mike Whylie, Yakubu and Johnson are two very different strikers. Yes they both go behind the back four with there pace but Yakubu is better inside the box whereas Johnson is better outside the box. Johnson runs the channels and chases lost causes whereas Yakubu is at his best when inside the box with his back to goal.
What you are right about is Yak does not hold up the ball. He can do it on occasion but it is not one of his main strengths. We seen Anichebe backing into defenders last season and that is a similar style to Yakubu. Yet whilst Vic is still learning Yak is very good at it and you will see that a lot of his goals come from turning the centre half with his upper body strength.
You dont really need to be different types of strikers to play together. Johnson and Vaughan are similar yet they played well up top last season.
What you are right about is Yak does not hold up the ball. He can do it on occasion but it is not one of his main strengths. We seen Anichebe backing into defenders last season and that is a similar style to Yakubu. Yet whilst Vic is still learning Yak is very good at it and you will see that a lot of his goals come from turning the centre half with his upper body strength.
You dont really need to be different types of strikers to play together. Johnson and Vaughan are similar yet they played well up top last season.
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1 Posted 30/08/2007 at 14:10:33
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I saw Riquelme moved to Athletico Madrid this week. Now he’s the one i would have liked.
2 days to go hey!