The Mail Bag
Another one bites the dust...
Comments (32)
Just came upon this article on Skysports website -
"Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has signed a new five-year deal at White Hart Lane. The 21-year-old, who joined Spurs from Derby in 2005, has pledged his future to the North London club until 2013."
I guess that puts to bed another bout of lanky midfielder speculation. I wasn't all that fussed about him in the first place, but roll on the next name!
Adam McCulloch, Posted 30/06/2008 at 16:45:51
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Dave Wilson
2 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:19:10
2 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:19:10
Hmmm
dont be so sure, he has his obvious shortcomings, fitness, weight, but he’s an exceptional passer of the ball, better than anything we have, and he’s more than happy to take responsibility from his defenders, again something we are crying out for
The guys only 21, he will develop into a regular international, I would have liked him here
dont be so sure, he has his obvious shortcomings, fitness, weight, but he’s an exceptional passer of the ball, better than anything we have, and he’s more than happy to take responsibility from his defenders, again something we are crying out for
The guys only 21, he will develop into a regular international, I would have liked him here
Connor Rohrer
3 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:31:37
3 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:31:37
I like Huddlestone and I would have taken him but it?s not the end of the world. He?s a good player with alot of potential but his arrival would have probably finished Fernandes? chances of joining. They play in the same position and they had similar styles so really I think it was either one or the other.
For me I?d rather have Fernandes. He has more to his game currently and has more potential in my opinion. I?d certainly rather spend 6-8 million on him that Huddlestone. Hopefully Moyes goes for Manny now.
For me I?d rather have Fernandes. He has more to his game currently and has more potential in my opinion. I?d certainly rather spend 6-8 million on him that Huddlestone. Hopefully Moyes goes for Manny now.
Tony Part
4 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:39:43
4 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:39:43
Well its another example of the Echo being shit for reliable football news..
Three weeks ago the big bold headlines ?BLUES CLOSE IN ON HUDDLESTONE?.. There seems to be no logic or accuracy to the stories anymore that get printed, either that or Moyes did have him as one of his top targets but the board had refused to back him just as they did with Arshavin in my opinion..
Three weeks ago the big bold headlines ?BLUES CLOSE IN ON HUDDLESTONE?.. There seems to be no logic or accuracy to the stories anymore that get printed, either that or Moyes did have him as one of his top targets but the board had refused to back him just as they did with Arshavin in my opinion..
I think Moyes wanted Arshavin before the Euro 2008 began at a smaller price but the board have messed him about completely this summer and Moyes's statement about not knowing if he will be shopping at Harrods or bargain basement appears accurate also ? at this time, it looks like bargain basement...
Joe McMahon
5 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:54:28
5 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:54:28
errrrr.....squad no’s are down from a sqaud we needed to add to in January. I can well & truely say we will be shopping at Poundstretcher. All that good work is going to go to waste. City & Spurs will be too much for us next season. I wouldn’t blame Moyes if he just resigns. How can he possibly keep trying to compete.
Joe McMahon
6 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:05:32
6 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:05:32
Christ - even Bolton have just spent 10 million on a player!!
Marc Williams
7 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:09:11
7 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:09:11
Don?t worry we?re apparently in for yet another cheap defender & as we?re a bit skint Wigan may let us have Koumas. Apparently he fits in well at mid level / retail pak stadiums, that?s if we can afford to pay their higher wages of course.
Mike Hayes
8 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:27:31
8 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:27:31
Forget poundstretcher we’ll be lucky to get owt from NETTO!
Mike Whittaker
9 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:48:02
9 Posted 30/06/2008 at 21:48:02
Apparently only Phil Neville, Andy Johnson, Leon Osman, Phil Jageilka and David Moyes will be at training on Thursday. This from a team pushing for a top 4 finish next season. Absolute joke.
Nicholas Marsh
10 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:01:04
10 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:01:04
Well then Mike Whittaker, let's hope Osman and Moyes do a passing and controll training session eh!
I'm not really worried by lack of signings at the moment. Moyes to sign first then Round and then I think a central defensive midfielder, I think Bradely saying that he wants to join us gives Moyes longer to find an even better player, coz Bradley is an improvement on Carsley but Moyes can find better than Bradley. Try not to worry about what other teams are doing because they need to do lots... we don't by comparison.
I'm not really worried by lack of signings at the moment. Moyes to sign first then Round and then I think a central defensive midfielder, I think Bradely saying that he wants to join us gives Moyes longer to find an even better player, coz Bradley is an improvement on Carsley but Moyes can find better than Bradley. Try not to worry about what other teams are doing because they need to do lots... we don't by comparison.
Karl Jones
11 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:21:06
11 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:21:06
Blues who are starting to panic over the lack of transfer activity only need to think back to this time last season on this site. People were crying out for Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson, Jason Koumas and Barton just before that. Thank god we didnt sign any of that lot. Yakubu was a big success. Baines is obviously class. Jagielka turned into a success and an England player. The moral is trust the manager and dont believe what is written in the joke British press.
Dave U
12 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:59:12
12 Posted 30/06/2008 at 22:59:12
Transfer window opens tomorrow. 1st of July. Strangely enough probably the reason we ain’t signed anyone. Probably not a good idea to go shouting your targets from the rooftops as then Newcastle gazump you by bidding 5mil more for anyone we’re interested in.
STOP THE PANIC FFS
STOP THE PANIC FFS
Steve Pugh
13 Posted 30/06/2008 at 23:14:57
13 Posted 30/06/2008 at 23:14:57
If you had the reputation for being very astute when it comes to spotting talent, whilst being short of cash, would you tell anyone who you wanted to sign.
If you look at the previous transfer windows every time DM is supposedly interested in someone the lesser aqbled, but richer, managers are instantly sniffing around to leach off DM’s talent.
The less I hear the happier I am.
Would Spurs have changed their mind about Huddlestone if DM hadn’t said he had a lot of potential?
Of course I could be talking out of my backside, but it sounds good.
If you look at the previous transfer windows every time DM is supposedly interested in someone the lesser aqbled, but richer, managers are instantly sniffing around to leach off DM’s talent.
The less I hear the happier I am.
Would Spurs have changed their mind about Huddlestone if DM hadn’t said he had a lot of potential?
Of course I could be talking out of my backside, but it sounds good.
David Gerrard
14 Posted 30/06/2008 at 23:31:10
14 Posted 30/06/2008 at 23:31:10
Bit gutted about Huddlestone to be honest, I really think he could have added something to our midfield. I wonder if Moyes looks at this Suchy fella as a replacement for Cars? He can play in defence and in midfield apparently.
I know I am going to get all the "My wifes nans dog..." comments for saying this but my cousin is mates with Joe Mattock from Lecester. Apparently we have bid £2m for him but have been told it will take £3m to seal the deal. If Moyes does decide he is worth the extra dough, maybe he will push him or Baines into midfield as I cant see LB as a priority position to be honest (especially with all the cover there we have already). This Mattock lad is supposed to be really good, though I cant say I have ever seen him play.
I know I am going to get all the "My wifes nans dog..." comments for saying this but my cousin is mates with Joe Mattock from Lecester. Apparently we have bid £2m for him but have been told it will take £3m to seal the deal. If Moyes does decide he is worth the extra dough, maybe he will push him or Baines into midfield as I cant see LB as a priority position to be honest (especially with all the cover there we have already). This Mattock lad is supposed to be really good, though I cant say I have ever seen him play.
Michael Brien
15 Posted 01/07/2008 at 07:08:38
15 Posted 01/07/2008 at 07:08:38
A year ago had anyone of us heard of Pienaar? There?s no need to hit the panic button - how many transfers have there been? Arsenal fans don?t know if Adebayor will be leaving, will Lampard still be at Chelsea at the start of the season? That?s just two examples - so the uncertainty is not just confined to Goodison - as some of you would have us believe.
Richard Parker
16 Posted 01/07/2008 at 07:54:19
16 Posted 01/07/2008 at 07:54:19
Huddlestone wouldn’t have been a bad signing, but I’d much rather sign Fernandes. For me they are relatively similar players, as Huddlestone doesn’t really seem to use his size to his advantage. Plus Manny has quicker feet and more skills.
Tony Williams
17 Posted 01/07/2008 at 09:00:46
17 Posted 01/07/2008 at 09:00:46
Can’t say that I am too bothered about Huddlesone signing a 5 year deal for the Spuds. Good passer of the ball but not a patch on Cars for closing down and beingthere at the right moment to break up an attack.
Good point above about Bradley, he has made noise of the "Come and sign me" variety so Moyes has now a, dare I say it?, A plan B should the initial target fall through
Good point above about Bradley, he has made noise of the "Come and sign me" variety so Moyes has now a, dare I say it?, A plan B should the initial target fall through
Paul OHanlon
18 Posted 01/07/2008 at 08:59:34
18 Posted 01/07/2008 at 08:59:34
Annoys the hell out of me when people respond to transfer rumours with crap like "stopping panicking FFS", "we left it late last season and did ok didn’t we?" and my favourite "we’re not allowed to sign anyone til 1st July"!
Starting with the 1st July comment, have you never heard of deals being made between transfer windows? Spurs, Chelsea, RS, Bolton, etc have all done deals so far this summer, do they have a special pass that we don’t which allows them to sign players?
Keith Wyness was quoted on the official site last month as saying we’d like to do our business early this summer, is it so hard to believe that we thought we’d have a couple of players in place by the start of pre-season training?
Last summer we got lucky with the last minute signing of the Yak. If it wasn’t for Moyes threatening to leave that wouldn’t of happened. That’s NOT how we should be handling our transfer dealings every summer. Plus we failed to sign Manny at the last minute, thus leaving us very short (in more ways than one) in the centre of midfield for pretty much the whole season. Imagine how well we could’ve done if we’d of been in a top 6 place last season BEFORE Cahill came back from injury in October?
I don’t believe Moyes is biding his time at all. It’s not some fiendishly cunning plan to fool his opponents. He’s not been given any real transfer funds yet and won’t be until the stadium move is sorted out, even then he still might not get much depending on the outcome.
What really makes me worry is the thought that the longer the transfer in-activity at Goodison continues the more likely it is that Carsley’s replacement in midfield next season will be Phil Neville! Now that really would be time to panic!
Starting with the 1st July comment, have you never heard of deals being made between transfer windows? Spurs, Chelsea, RS, Bolton, etc have all done deals so far this summer, do they have a special pass that we don’t which allows them to sign players?
Keith Wyness was quoted on the official site last month as saying we’d like to do our business early this summer, is it so hard to believe that we thought we’d have a couple of players in place by the start of pre-season training?
Last summer we got lucky with the last minute signing of the Yak. If it wasn’t for Moyes threatening to leave that wouldn’t of happened. That’s NOT how we should be handling our transfer dealings every summer. Plus we failed to sign Manny at the last minute, thus leaving us very short (in more ways than one) in the centre of midfield for pretty much the whole season. Imagine how well we could’ve done if we’d of been in a top 6 place last season BEFORE Cahill came back from injury in October?
I don’t believe Moyes is biding his time at all. It’s not some fiendishly cunning plan to fool his opponents. He’s not been given any real transfer funds yet and won’t be until the stadium move is sorted out, even then he still might not get much depending on the outcome.
What really makes me worry is the thought that the longer the transfer in-activity at Goodison continues the more likely it is that Carsley’s replacement in midfield next season will be Phil Neville! Now that really would be time to panic!
Tony Williams
19 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:02:12
19 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:02:12
Paul, you may not like the "the window opens on the 1st of July" comment but it is true.
The only signing of note at the moment is the farcical Deco one with Chavski.
Wait and see what happens, instead of getting all worked up because our club is not telegraphing everyone with our targets.
The only signing of note at the moment is the farcical Deco one with Chavski.
Wait and see what happens, instead of getting all worked up because our club is not telegraphing everyone with our targets.
Marc Williams
20 Posted 01/07/2008 at 09:58:18
20 Posted 01/07/2008 at 09:58:18
Paul OHanlon : I think your spot on here. I’m sick of being told ’It’ll be all right on the night’ when its pretty obvious that we’ve got little or no tranfer kitty at present.
Just look how threadbare the squad is now especially in midfield (It was the second smallest in the EPL before the exodus ). Please note how many players are carrying injuries & the dates quoted for their returns; let alone full match fitness.
Take into account that we’ve all seen & indeed Moyes is on record saying : that in recent seasons we’ve done well when getting people in early.
I and other people are NOT panicking BUT if our board don’t sanction Moyes’s 1st choice targets in the next 7 - 10 days then at best we will take a BIG step back next season. A few more injuries early on & you tell me what sort of team we’ll be putting out. Do any of you really see Moyes signing up for more years rummaging around in the ’ bargain basement ’ .
Like I say I don’t think this is panic but reasoned concern.
Just look how threadbare the squad is now especially in midfield (It was the second smallest in the EPL before the exodus ). Please note how many players are carrying injuries & the dates quoted for their returns; let alone full match fitness.
Take into account that we’ve all seen & indeed Moyes is on record saying : that in recent seasons we’ve done well when getting people in early.
I and other people are NOT panicking BUT if our board don’t sanction Moyes’s 1st choice targets in the next 7 - 10 days then at best we will take a BIG step back next season. A few more injuries early on & you tell me what sort of team we’ll be putting out. Do any of you really see Moyes signing up for more years rummaging around in the ’ bargain basement ’ .
Like I say I don’t think this is panic but reasoned concern.
Ciarán McGlone
21 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:34:40
21 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:34:40
The window may open on the 1st of july, but the only significance of that is it is the date on which registrations can be accepted...
A worrying state of affairs is evolving at goodison....all centred around this Kirkby fiasco. And now we have the fantastically daft Ian Ross stating that Kirby will not affect our transfer funds at any stage....
OH REALLY MR ROSS!
Perhaps you could explain to all us lobotomized fans where the 100mill (including interest) that will be eventually go into Kirkby...would have went if it didnt go into this white elephant!
A worrying state of affairs is evolving at goodison....all centred around this Kirkby fiasco. And now we have the fantastically daft Ian Ross stating that Kirby will not affect our transfer funds at any stage....
OH REALLY MR ROSS!
Perhaps you could explain to all us lobotomized fans where the 100mill (including interest) that will be eventually go into Kirkby...would have went if it didnt go into this white elephant!
Tony Williams
22 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:42:13
22 Posted 01/07/2008 at 10:42:13
Marc, I don’t think the "It’ll be alright on the night" scenario is widespread but it is pointless getting worked up when the window has just opened today and no one else have made any signings.
Moyes knows his targets and more than likely now knows how much he has to play with, probably not much, but to get into a tizz about it is going to do your blood pressure no good and you cannot change the way things are by ranting about it.
Relax and hope for the best, that’s what I’m doing
Moyes knows his targets and more than likely now knows how much he has to play with, probably not much, but to get into a tizz about it is going to do your blood pressure no good and you cannot change the way things are by ranting about it.
Relax and hope for the best, that’s what I’m doing
Michael Brien
23 Posted 01/07/2008 at 11:53:15
23 Posted 01/07/2008 at 11:53:15
Tony & Mark - it’s not necessarily when during the transfer window the signings are made - but the quality of the players brought in. We need to show some faith in Moyes - he has a pretty decent record in the transfer market. I don’t see the need to panic - yes there are some qustions that we would all like to see answered. But isn’t that true of fans at most of the PL clubs.
For instance our" nearest challengers" Aston Villa look likely to lose their captain Gareth Barry. There is a possibility that Adebayor could be on his way from Arsenal. Who knows what’s going to go on at Man City, which players will be brought in and who will stay from last season’s squad.
Yes we would all like to see things happening, but we have been in this position before and Moyes has come good. Some of his best signings have been players who when they signed hardly dominated the sports news e.g. Cahill, Jagielka, Pienaar to name but 3.Would you rather DM did like they have been doing at Newcastle these last few seasons ? Buying big and then regretting it. Be patient.
For instance our" nearest challengers" Aston Villa look likely to lose their captain Gareth Barry. There is a possibility that Adebayor could be on his way from Arsenal. Who knows what’s going to go on at Man City, which players will be brought in and who will stay from last season’s squad.
Yes we would all like to see things happening, but we have been in this position before and Moyes has come good. Some of his best signings have been players who when they signed hardly dominated the sports news e.g. Cahill, Jagielka, Pienaar to name but 3.Would you rather DM did like they have been doing at Newcastle these last few seasons ? Buying big and then regretting it. Be patient.
James Marshall
24 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:08:29
24 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:08:29
Why is it ’obvious we have no transfer kitty’?
Its not good business to go shouting your mouth off about how much you have to spend, and anyone who does is a halfwit.
This same conversation happens ever year yet we still keep progressing (top 5 is good going whether you like it or not). Not many clubs have made any signings and the transfer window only opened a few hours ago ffs!!
Its not good business to go shouting your mouth off about how much you have to spend, and anyone who does is a halfwit.
This same conversation happens ever year yet we still keep progressing (top 5 is good going whether you like it or not). Not many clubs have made any signings and the transfer window only opened a few hours ago ffs!!
Paul OHanlon
25 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:02:32
25 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:02:32
Tony I know the 1st July is the official opening of the summer transer window, but many deals are done before this date.
Chelsea signed a Portugese right back in May the day after the season ended! I’m not using Chelsea as a comparison to ourselves, merely pointing out that deals can and are regularly done between transfer windows. 1st July is then the date when that players registraion officially crosses over to his new team.
I wish I could be as relaxed as you but I can’t. I remember (as you probably do too) the opportunity we wasted when we qualified for the Champs League by not spending big that summer and bringing in quality players. Whilst we haven’t qualified for the Champs League this season I feel the opportunity for us is just as great, because we now have a better squad of players with a genuine chance of winning something or finishing 4th (look at the players currently jumping ship at the Emirates) but without quality additions this chance will pass us by.
Chelsea signed a Portugese right back in May the day after the season ended! I’m not using Chelsea as a comparison to ourselves, merely pointing out that deals can and are regularly done between transfer windows. 1st July is then the date when that players registraion officially crosses over to his new team.
I wish I could be as relaxed as you but I can’t. I remember (as you probably do too) the opportunity we wasted when we qualified for the Champs League by not spending big that summer and bringing in quality players. Whilst we haven’t qualified for the Champs League this season I feel the opportunity for us is just as great, because we now have a better squad of players with a genuine chance of winning something or finishing 4th (look at the players currently jumping ship at the Emirates) but without quality additions this chance will pass us by.
Giles Bentley
26 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:12:08
26 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:12:08
Well, we?ve atleast got more that £5m to play with, as that was officially staked on Ramsey.
Given that Ramsey is a tadpole, I would like to think that £5m on another ?one for the future? that doesn?t seemingly solve the current problem areas implies there?s quite a lot more in the coffers. An optimistic assumption, admittedly.
But the lone fact remains that this summer we bid £5m for an as yet unproven teenager.
Given that Ramsey is a tadpole, I would like to think that £5m on another ?one for the future? that doesn?t seemingly solve the current problem areas implies there?s quite a lot more in the coffers. An optimistic assumption, admittedly.
But the lone fact remains that this summer we bid £5m for an as yet unproven teenager.
Tony Williams
27 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:32:11
27 Posted 01/07/2008 at 12:32:11
I think we didn;t spend big prior to teh CL qualifiers because we were skint.
Our forward cost less than half a million at the time.
Yes I would love our signings done now so they could gel with the squad but it never happens that way. Chelsea are freaks and will splash the cash on who they consider are big time players, they seem to be the English Real Madrid with the Galacticos.
I am relaxed, only in the sense I know I cannot affect anything with regards to the transfers. I will bitch and moan at the end of the window if it all goes to shit but not until then.
Our forward cost less than half a million at the time.
Yes I would love our signings done now so they could gel with the squad but it never happens that way. Chelsea are freaks and will splash the cash on who they consider are big time players, they seem to be the English Real Madrid with the Galacticos.
I am relaxed, only in the sense I know I cannot affect anything with regards to the transfers. I will bitch and moan at the end of the window if it all goes to shit but not until then.
Marc Williams
28 Posted 01/07/2008 at 13:26:33
28 Posted 01/07/2008 at 13:26:33
Tony : I know moaning does will have about as much influence on events as ’ a chipmunk has on a forest fire ’ & you are right, really I should relax but I find this summer I just can’t. I think I’ve just reached a point of complete ’no confidence’ in Kenright and don’t have any faith that he won’t sell us short this Summer. Like you said we didn’t spend following CL qualification as we were skint, it was a massive lost opportunnity and I fear this summer will be another.
If Moyes would sign his contract I probably could relax & wait & see but I just keep thinking he won’t sign because he knows how short of cash we are.
Bentley : We’ll see, let’s hope you’re right eh
If Moyes would sign his contract I probably could relax & wait & see but I just keep thinking he won’t sign because he knows how short of cash we are.
Bentley : We’ll see, let’s hope you’re right eh
Graham Tansey
29 Posted 01/07/2008 at 14:01:10
29 Posted 01/07/2008 at 14:01:10
Stop moaning about what transfer kitty Moyes will have. Nobody actually knows apart from the board and Moyes.
As for people that say we will be shopping at poundstretcher AGAIN! have we forgotten about the fee paid for Yakubu!! last year and £8m for Johnson is not exactly bargain basement stuff. Just because we are not spending £20m a time on unknown, untried players.
As for people that say we will be shopping at poundstretcher AGAIN! have we forgotten about the fee paid for Yakubu!! last year and £8m for Johnson is not exactly bargain basement stuff. Just because we are not spending £20m a time on unknown, untried players.
patty beesley
30 Posted 01/07/2008 at 14:33:38
30 Posted 01/07/2008 at 14:33:38
It was reported on Sky Sports this morning that Chelsea were offering 85 million for Torres!!! Let’s hope the shite accept the offer!! I’d rather fall by the wayside to Chelsea than Torres playing for the Red Shite.
Gavin Harris
31 Posted 02/07/2008 at 07:30:56
31 Posted 02/07/2008 at 07:30:56
Giles: "But the lone fact remains that this summer we bid £5m for an as yet unproven teenager."
Well he has played for Wales against top opposition and did very well so I?d say he is proven teenager. Pitty we missed out.
Well he has played for Wales against top opposition and did very well so I?d say he is proven teenager. Pitty we missed out.
Bentley Gibson
32 Posted 02/07/2008 at 08:53:40
32 Posted 02/07/2008 at 08:53:40
My point was not that Ramsey was kak, it was more that if the board are happy to sanction a budding teenager that is not guaranteed to come in and do a job (which I?m sorry, despite what you say, he is very much a rookie and from a lower league) to the tune of £5m it suggests to me that there?s a significant amount besides to play with.
An assumption, but a pretty logical one.
How happy would Moyes, and the fans, be if we?d got Ramsey, and only Ramsey, and that was the extent of our summer spending, and he didn?t make the grade or contribute in the next season?
I was not suggesting we?re off the hook for missing out on him, I was really gutted too. But equally I?m happy that a) we have the kind of scouting that picked up the same grade of youth players as Man U and Arsenal b) we evidently have £5m to punt on qualified gambles.
An assumption, but a pretty logical one.
How happy would Moyes, and the fans, be if we?d got Ramsey, and only Ramsey, and that was the extent of our summer spending, and he didn?t make the grade or contribute in the next season?
I was not suggesting we?re off the hook for missing out on him, I was really gutted too. But equally I?m happy that a) we have the kind of scouting that picked up the same grade of youth players as Man U and Arsenal b) we evidently have £5m to punt on qualified gambles.
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1 Posted 30/06/2008 at 20:17:00
He has some ability but not worth signing.