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Lucas Neil
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This is probably quite tenuous, but its plausible either way! - Lucas Neil it has been suggested will be having a medical at Finch Farm today...
What is the opinion of this guy? Given our resources, I think he could prove useful.
Obviously his wages (astronomical apparently at the Hammers) might be a problem. Is he injury-prone? And is he better than what we already have??
If it's true, the fact that he turned down the reds (for the money) sits high in my book of positives...
Mark Hill, Posted 16/09/2009 at 16:03:34
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Michael Ball is still an option as he’s a free agent... or was he snapped up recently?
Sol Campbell could have been our Richard Gough II.
Also, AVDM is without a club after leaving Ever... Oh.
Sol Campbell could have been our Richard Gough II.
Also, AVDM is without a club after leaving Ever... Oh.
All we can say that its not impossible.
In a small squad the RB position looked the easiest. Pip injured, we are now vulnerable.
Mind yo9u, Ive got no idea about cover at LB - Billy?
In a small squad the RB position looked the easiest. Pip injured, we are now vulnerable.
Mind yo9u, Ive got no idea about cover at LB - Billy?
Although your comment was rather facetious, Nick, Michael Ball would be a reasonable option for cover at both left-back & centre-back. But I don’t think he’s fit enough after his last operation. I’d certainly prefer him to Lucas Neill.
Not at all sure about this one. Strong, can tackle, but prone to giving away needless penalties. I’d rather try Gosling at RB again, I reckon
Angry Aussie here. Lucas is a very solid player and can slot in anywhere along the backline. He’s hard as nails and has the work ethic to suit Moyes. He would be a great addition to our tiny squad just ask Timmy.
I’m an Australian toffee and have two points on Lucas. One I doubt this will come off as he is well known for wanting big wages. He was on a shit load at West Ham and left them because he wanted more.
Two he may not be a spring chicken but he is a very very good defender. He has been solid in the premier league for many years but while our Cahill performs up to his standards for the National team is as if Lucas grows a third leg. He is amazing in the green and gold. His performance at the last world cup showed he is top notch. Plus he can play anywhere at the back.
All in all if we can somehow get his wages down he would be a good addition.
Two he may not be a spring chicken but he is a very very good defender. He has been solid in the premier league for many years but while our Cahill performs up to his standards for the National team is as if Lucas grows a third leg. He is amazing in the green and gold. His performance at the last world cup showed he is top notch. Plus he can play anywhere at the back.
All in all if we can somehow get his wages down he would be a good addition.
I know he can play both full back and centre half but i just don’t think we need him, despite this perceived weakness. As has been pointed out by a fellow Aussie, Neill is awesome for Australia playing at centre half. However i don’t think he resembles any sort of those qualities whilst on club duty. We have also just bought a right back who can fill in at centre back if needed in Heitinga. Hibbert is only out of tommorow’s game, whilst heitinga can’t play in Europe which leaves us with:
Gosling
Coleman(when Fit)
Hibbert (after tomorrow)
Heitinga (not in Europe)
So after tomorrow’s game we will have two fit right backs available for Europe and 3 for club games, which is more than adequate. Also with Neill’s wages he like Heitinga won’t want to be playing from the bench.
Despite being an Aussie, i just don’t think we need him.
Gosling
Coleman(when Fit)
Hibbert (after tomorrow)
Heitinga (not in Europe)
So after tomorrow’s game we will have two fit right backs available for Europe and 3 for club games, which is more than adequate. Also with Neill’s wages he like Heitinga won’t want to be playing from the bench.
Despite being an Aussie, i just don’t think we need him.
We cant/wont afford his wages so cant see this coming off. Do we really need another right back anyway we are playing AEK athens 2moro not Barca if we cant get by with Gosling at right back we are in serious trouble and will be out soon enough if thats the case.
It’s Dufour all over again. Wikipedia is saying he’s joined us on a free.
I note with his "attacking" style and DM’s emphasis on defence, perhaps, when everyone’s fit, our leader will play him on the right side of midfield!
I note with his "attacking" style and DM’s emphasis on defence, perhaps, when everyone’s fit, our leader will play him on the right side of midfield!
The more I think about this there may be better uses of our resources but if we can get him to play up to the level he regularly displays for Australia it would be worth it.
I know he cops some stick from other fans in England and while being very solid hasn’t been a star of the EPL. That said when he really wants it and believes in the cause this man can be immense. When he is switched on he is as good as Jags.
I know he cops some stick from other fans in England and while being very solid hasn’t been a star of the EPL. That said when he really wants it and believes in the cause this man can be immense. When he is switched on he is as good as Jags.
mmm Tony Hibbert or the captain of a national team that has been playing regularly in the Premier League for the last 8 years or so? Tony Hibbert isn’t fit to clean Lucas Neill boots. The only thing that Hibbert has on Neill is he is 3 years younger. If he fits into the wage structure then I think he would be a valuable addition to the team.
Moritz Volz please Moyes!
I wonder if moyes is unsure about how steady Yobo is at the back- he has lookes a little shakey?
He might be thinking a back line of
Heitenga Neill Distin Baines
Billy fellaini Rodwell Peinaar
Cahill Saha
That would be a lot more balanced and steady line up IMO
He might be thinking a back line of
Heitenga Neill Distin Baines
Billy fellaini Rodwell Peinaar
Cahill Saha
That would be a lot more balanced and steady line up IMO
Can someone please tell me how you sign players outside the transfer window, or is the "transfer window" simply that.. free agents do not fall within this category..
If indeed we get Luca Neill....then it just confirms to me that Moyes considers Heitinga - the ’Banega’ he didn’t get....
That’s worrying.
That’s worrying.
If he does sign then I imagine Lucas Neil will be the new Anthony Gardner.
There to make up the numbers but unlikely to see alot of action.
There to make up the numbers but unlikely to see alot of action.
Scott.
Can take him on loan.
On Neill himself.
He’s a money mad mercenary. Didn’t he turn down a move to reds( spits on floor) because WHU offered him more cash ?
Can take him on loan.
On Neill himself.
He’s a money mad mercenary. Didn’t he turn down a move to reds( spits on floor) because WHU offered him more cash ?
as an aussie, lucas would be a great inclusion, especially for free! lets just hope this isn’t a rumor.
What worries me about this is not signing Lucas Neill as such because I think he’d be a good addition to the squad, but it now looks to me that Davey boy is looking to play Heitinga in Neville’s central midfield position and going to leave Neill and Hibbert to battle it out for RB. Hope I’m wrong
Its a bit like deja vu this. I remember when Moyes first started here claiming that he would be signing ’young, hungry players’ well Niel is more in the ’old and greedy’ mold . Along with Distin the current transfer policy seems to be taking a step back in the direction of old Walter Smith.
Niel is a decent player but his sell on value is going to be next to none whilst his wages will be extremely high if his demands at West Ham are anything to go by. Does anyone know how much money Moyes has generated or lost with his transfer dealings at Everton over the years?
Niel is a decent player but his sell on value is going to be next to none whilst his wages will be extremely high if his demands at West Ham are anything to go by. Does anyone know how much money Moyes has generated or lost with his transfer dealings at Everton over the years?
’it now looks to me that Davey boy is looking to play Heitinga in Neville’s central midfield position and going to leave Neill and Hibbert to battle it out for RB. Hope I’m wrong ’
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See my post. Unfortunately I think you may be right...
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See my post. Unfortunately I think you may be right...
Neill can play RB, CB and has also played LB.
Distin can play CB or LB.
Heitinga can play RB, CB or CM.
Hibbert can’t play RB but starts anyway.
Neville has been played at CB, LB, RB, CM.
All these players may be versatile (except hibbo) but can only play in one position at a time. Most of them have missed games due to injury in recent years as well as suspensions.
Everybody moans the squad is tiny, yet we are linked with a good defender who is big, strong, experienced and you’re whingeing! What do you want for nothing? Forget the wages we have a structure if he fits in fine if not we won’t sign him. Everybody slates hibbo, along comes a player who could banish him to the bench and there’s complaints??
We’re in 4 competitions. Players will get injured, suspended etc. Ask yourself this who would you rather on the bench Shane Duffy or Lucas Neill?
Distin can play CB or LB.
Heitinga can play RB, CB or CM.
Hibbert can’t play RB but starts anyway.
Neville has been played at CB, LB, RB, CM.
All these players may be versatile (except hibbo) but can only play in one position at a time. Most of them have missed games due to injury in recent years as well as suspensions.
Everybody moans the squad is tiny, yet we are linked with a good defender who is big, strong, experienced and you’re whingeing! What do you want for nothing? Forget the wages we have a structure if he fits in fine if not we won’t sign him. Everybody slates hibbo, along comes a player who could banish him to the bench and there’s complaints??
We’re in 4 competitions. Players will get injured, suspended etc. Ask yourself this who would you rather on the bench Shane Duffy or Lucas Neill?
Being the world cup year the captain of Australia NEEDS game time in a good league to ensure he’s off to SAF in June.
I think Everton can play this hand well and get him on the cheap...even if it’s just a contract for this season.
I’m not convinced that Neill would hold out for $$ and risk his spot for the soceroos path to glory next year!!
Sign him up!
I think Everton can play this hand well and get him on the cheap...even if it’s just a contract for this season.
I’m not convinced that Neill would hold out for $$ and risk his spot for the soceroos path to glory next year!!
Sign him up!
Going back to what the original poster mentioned about it being a positive thing that Neill has turned his back on interest from Liverpool...
The only reason I imagine this to be is that Jamie Carragher has previous with him. It goes back to a horror tackle by Neill ( then of Blackburn ) on Carragher about 6 years ago now which put Jamie out for 6 months. Basically, Neill was nearly battered by Carragher’s mates when he was spotted at the Trafford Centre. The only thing that saved him was that he was out with David Dunn, one of Carra’s mates.
Neill is a coward and gives another meaning to the word mercenary. Mark my words he will be very happy warming the bench for the rest of the season.
Watch sparks fly if Carragher and Neill both play in the next Derby match....
The only reason I imagine this to be is that Jamie Carragher has previous with him. It goes back to a horror tackle by Neill ( then of Blackburn ) on Carragher about 6 years ago now which put Jamie out for 6 months. Basically, Neill was nearly battered by Carragher’s mates when he was spotted at the Trafford Centre. The only thing that saved him was that he was out with David Dunn, one of Carra’s mates.
Neill is a coward and gives another meaning to the word mercenary. Mark my words he will be very happy warming the bench for the rest of the season.
Watch sparks fly if Carragher and Neill both play in the next Derby match....
I meant David Thompson, not David Dunn as mentioned in the above post ^ ^ ...
Also, I would put my house on him slotting into a central pozzi and not RB.
But who knows, maybe a utility CF?!
But who knows, maybe a utility CF?!
Steven- What exactly has that got to do with us signing him? Players get stuck in and sometimes people get hurt. Carragher has put some tackles in himself that were over the ball but a lot of players have. Are you reading Gerrards book after you have finished Carraghers?
Peter - what’s your problem? I never said it has got anything to do with us signing him. I was just dampening down the optimism that the OP had for him apparently turning down any interest from Liverpool. He did it once before when he joined West Ham.
Don’t try and be funny by assuming that I have read Carragher’s book. Have you never seen it when extracts are taken from autobiographies? Perhaps that’s where I learnt about it.
Don’t try and be funny by assuming that I have read Carragher’s book. Have you never seen it when extracts are taken from autobiographies? Perhaps that’s where I learnt about it.
It’s just been on 5 live, they are reporting that he’s at Finch Farm having a medical
The last comment was tongue in cheek steven.
Don’t take it personally.
Don’t take it personally.
The lead story on SSN is that he’s currently undergoing a medical..... and that he’s turned down moves to Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Galatasary in favour of us. Hmmmmm....
It appears that Ciaran and Andrew will be spot on in their assessment of our midfield personel with Heitinga coming in for Neville.
DM may well go for a back 4 of Hibbo/Neil, Yobo, Distin, Baines
Midfield
Osman, Rodwell, Heitinga, Pienaar
Cahill in behind
Yak/Saha/Jo up top
Billy and Fellaini probably on the bench for another while.
DM may well go for a back 4 of Hibbo/Neil, Yobo, Distin, Baines
Midfield
Osman, Rodwell, Heitinga, Pienaar
Cahill in behind
Yak/Saha/Jo up top
Billy and Fellaini probably on the bench for another while.
He turned down Liverpool because West Ham offered him mega bucks. He is motivated mostly by money, as out 99.9% of footballers. He is undoubtedly a class act and a nig improvement to both our first 11 and squad
Ciaran, why would Moyes consider Heitinga is the Banega he didn’t get? They’re totally different players.
What ever you may think of Moyes, he isn’t that stupid to think this, surely.
What ever you may think of Moyes, he isn’t that stupid to think this, surely.
Ryan,
They are different players - that doesn’t mean Moyes won’t try it.
Maybe something to do with all the noises Moyes is making about Heitinga’s midfield future..and the fact that he played him there on Sunday...
They are different players - that doesn’t mean Moyes won’t try it.
Maybe something to do with all the noises Moyes is making about Heitinga’s midfield future..and the fact that he played him there on Sunday...
He’s not a mercenary, he was just trying to get the best deal possible which is something all players do surely. If he was motivated by money he’d have stayed at West Ham, joined Sunderland, Bayern Muich or Athletico.
I think it’s a great free signing. Don’t forget we’re losing Yobo in January.
I think it’s a great free signing. Don’t forget we’re losing Yobo in January.
Why should we as fans worry about the money? We are desperate and this leads to desperate moves. Yes we shouldn’t be in this position so early in the season but injuries happen. I think it is like for like regarding Neil and Neville. Age experience,versatility and tackling prowess(what there is).I think under the circumstances it’s a good move.
If it’s assessed independently...it’s a superb signing...
However my only worry is Heitinga, and what position Moyes sees him playing as a consequence...
But, Lucas Neil...yes, thank you.
However my only worry is Heitinga, and what position Moyes sees him playing as a consequence...
But, Lucas Neil...yes, thank you.
Hmm Ciaran, I’m thinkin what you meant about buying Heitinga the "Banega" he didn’t get?
Banega, yes plays centre midfield, but he would battle for Arteta’s spot, not Neville/Heitinga’s. I can’t see Banega having the tackling ability or the strength to hold the midfield in the EPL.
But I do have the same concerns as you, I’d rather have seen Heitinga play right back, but this Neill move might see him play holding midfield.
Saying that though, he didn’t look too bad against Fulham there. His passing is a lot better than Neville, but tactical sense and tackling I’m not too sure. I think I’ll wait to judge him on that one.
On this transfer though, he is good and is certainally better than Tony Hibbert, which can only be a good thing. Versatile too, and an ex captain.
Banega, yes plays centre midfield, but he would battle for Arteta’s spot, not Neville/Heitinga’s. I can’t see Banega having the tackling ability or the strength to hold the midfield in the EPL.
But I do have the same concerns as you, I’d rather have seen Heitinga play right back, but this Neill move might see him play holding midfield.
Saying that though, he didn’t look too bad against Fulham there. His passing is a lot better than Neville, but tactical sense and tackling I’m not too sure. I think I’ll wait to judge him on that one.
On this transfer though, he is good and is certainally better than Tony Hibbert, which can only be a good thing. Versatile too, and an ex captain.
It seems we are all split down the middle on this one.
IMO he WAS a very effective RB but has slowed down considerably the last 2 seasons.
He now relies on brute force and experience.
Given the paucity of money at the club I would have waited until January and saved the money for a better class of player.
Kinda flies in the face of "I will only bring in players who are better quality than what we have here".
IMO he WAS a very effective RB but has slowed down considerably the last 2 seasons.
He now relies on brute force and experience.
Given the paucity of money at the club I would have waited until January and saved the money for a better class of player.
Kinda flies in the face of "I will only bring in players who are better quality than what we have here".
He doesn’t seem to cop much criticism but Yobo scares the life out of me in every game. I’d be happy to have Neill as cover (particularly for ACN) and competition.
Yes this certainly split the faithfull, so I propose another question -
Lucas Neill OR Tony Hibbert?
I know who I would rather have a right back! And on a free transfer and 40k a week seems like some good business considering the Neville injury. Slot Heitinga into defensive midfield.
Should we have a run in Europe we will need Neill.
Lucas Neill OR Tony Hibbert?
I know who I would rather have a right back! And on a free transfer and 40k a week seems like some good business considering the Neville injury. Slot Heitinga into defensive midfield.
Should we have a run in Europe we will need Neill.
Heitinga defensive midfielder. your having a laugh. No stick him at fullback.
Solid addition to the squad, but not for the reported £50k he would be picking up with us.
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1 Posted 16/09/2009 at 21:28:25
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