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Petrov... Worth a Punt?
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Now that Martin Petrov has officially been deemed surplus to requirement at Eastlands, I was wondering what people thought of the prospect of signing him up.
Maybe not the mega-star winger we're crying out for, but surely good cover at the very least and at a price which suits our budget. Whether we manage to hang on to Pienaar or not, it is widely acknowledged that we need more quality options out wide.
One minus point is his age, but at 31 he could still have a couple of good seasons ahead of him.
With an international scoring record better than one in four, and a decent scoring record throughout his career, may I suggest that Moyes acts quickly on this one and snaps him up sharpish (assuming he's fit and well).
Jamie Sweet, Posted 09/06/2010 at 02:46:44
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Apart from a few odd goals a few seasons back, Petrov has rarely done anything of note in a City shirt. Granted his role has been limited since the arrival of the band of mercenaries at the Badlands. But one poignant memory I have of this 'talented' winger, is from a match I attended back in Feb '08 when we were 2-0 up at City and he got red carded for a petulant kick out at Pienaar (and also got away with a similarly wreckless challenge on the Yak earlier in the same game). He strikes me as the type of player who has only got his interests at heart — and so won't fit the bill with our team work ethic.
Too old now and susceptible to injury; no thanks.
Worth a punt, I would say... just like Saha was.
Connor, it was actually Osman he kicked at, it was that daft that Osman thought the ref had blown against him and was looking around all perplexed and the ref then sent off Petrov... it was comical.
Left winger that was always in Hibbert's pocket so not really one to get excited about but if Pienaar does one, why not on a free for a couple of seasons whilst we are looking for Pienaar's replacement?
Left winger that was always in Hibbert's pocket so not really one to get excited about but if Pienaar does one, why not on a free for a couple of seasons whilst we are looking for Pienaar's replacement?
I think he's worth a punt! Especially if Peanuts moves on. He'd give us something different; very direct, quick, great shot. Wages would be a problem, I'd guess he's on ridiculous money at City.
A few seasons ago, maybe... but now, I would think only if he goes on a pay-as-you-play deal, like Saha.
Which is unlikely as someone else more desperate and with more money will probably offer him what he wants. Maybe Newcastle, or some turkish club... they all seem to be minted.
Which is unlikely as someone else more desperate and with more money will probably offer him what he wants. Maybe Newcastle, or some turkish club... they all seem to be minted.
If he was on mega wages at City then he's gonna have to take a pay cut no matter who he goes to. None of the really big clubs are gonna go for him because of his age so we're gonna be looking at a team in the chasing pack signing him up. Plus he was bought during Shinawatra's time, was he not... meaning his wages may not be as high as originally thought.
To me, it's a no-brainer. A free agent to be signed up on probably a 2 or 3 year deal. He can play left or right and adds pace that we clearly lack. Plus Hibbo won't be able to mark him out of it.
To me, it's a no-brainer. A free agent to be signed up on probably a 2 or 3 year deal. He can play left or right and adds pace that we clearly lack. Plus Hibbo won't be able to mark him out of it.
Injury prone and not great. If he'll sign on for a small wage, then he could be cover but, if we replace Pienaar with him, we'll be weaker for it.
Superb player... Would fit in rightly on our left. The problem is that he appears to have developed a tendency towards getting injured... and his age.
But beggars can't be choosers.
But beggars can't be choosers.
Bring him in on a free, sell Pienaar, bring in Donovan and have some cash left over. Will be sad to see Steven go, but that's football and at least if we could do the above the team wouldn't suffer too much.
No, he's too old, has got no stamina and doesn't track back.
No more than a squad player to make up the numbers. A year's deal perhaps but his wages could again be the stumbling block.
Ciaran (#10) summed it up for me. Beggars cant be choosers. Circa £20k a week, free transfer, 2-year contract. Can't be a bad thing! I have a feeling Peanuts will be staying.
I think he'd be a great signing! He would provide width and pace which we are lacking and he is also a great crosser. Hibbert may have been able to mark him out of the game but I’ve seen him skin plenty of other good defenders.
I'm not 100% sure but I don't think he is one of City's massive earners and, despite his injury problems over the last season, I think on a free transfer he is definitely worth a punt.
On a free and for reasonable wages, definitely. He's been world class, had a brilliant spell even last season and we expect Moyes to get more out of a player than other managers. He's also a pacy left winger, something we don't have, so he provides a different option, as well as being a goalscorer.
The negatives are his age, his injury record, and frustrating inconsistency. He's also known not to fancy the tracking back much.
Despite that, if we're serious about having a squad, being 'deep' and being able to change the game with substitutions, then signing Petrov is an absolute 'no-brainer'. Since when do we turn down quality players on free transfers? We'll be lucky to get him anyway.
The negatives are his age, his injury record, and frustrating inconsistency. He's also known not to fancy the tracking back much.
Despite that, if we're serious about having a squad, being 'deep' and being able to change the game with substitutions, then signing Petrov is an absolute 'no-brainer'. Since when do we turn down quality players on free transfers? We'll be lucky to get him anyway.
Another moody player who always wants his own way, better left alone.
Remember the name. David Ginola. Period.
Oh God, Ginola played for Everton... I had almost completely erased that from my memory!
Petrov would be a great free transfer. Considering we don't have a pot to piss in, we cannot afford to let good frees slip away. 31 is not too old at all, there was an interesting interview with Mourinho recently in which he states his preferences for players in the twilight of their careers. We need numbers and have no money so Petrov is a no-brainer.
Managed properly he is superb. I would definitely have a punt... subject to a stringent medical.
I had almost forgotten about Ginola too, but it's a bit unfair to compare to him. Petrov is a much better player and at 31 he easily has a couple of seasons left in him. David Ginola was 35 when he joined us(!).
Definitely. A proper winger, would be a great player to have come off the bench or play in home matches. Pace, good passer.
Ok, he won't run around and work his socks off like Pienaar but not every player has to do this. He has class, if it wasn't for injuries, he'd have played Champions League football all his career.
Worth a punt, as this season is a big one, and we'll need everything we can get. I trust Moyes to get the best out of him, and possibly be the signing of season if we did get him.
Ok, he won't run around and work his socks off like Pienaar but not every player has to do this. He has class, if it wasn't for injuries, he'd have played Champions League football all his career.
Worth a punt, as this season is a big one, and we'll need everything we can get. I trust Moyes to get the best out of him, and possibly be the signing of season if we did get him.
Jamie, I totally agree with you. He's on a free, always looked a decent player, plus he's got Premier League experience. I think we would be stupid not to at least offer him a contract. It adds cover and a natural wide man with pace.
Well my point was also to highlight that we have moved away from that, IMHO, sad and almost weary period of getting old has-beans for free. Ginola, Mark Hughes (I loved him to bits though before the Lescott debacle), Gazza etc.
Knowing Moyes, I don't see him snapping him up.
I would be surprised and absolutely delighted if Joe Cole does join us though, but that's like winning the lottery.
Knowing Moyes, I don't see him snapping him up.
I would be surprised and absolutely delighted if Joe Cole does join us though, but that's like winning the lottery.
Gazza was fat and well past it at 33/34.
Ginola was 35 and an act of desperation by a manager facing the sack.
Hughes was 36, and again was a man to make up the numbers.
Petrov is 31, that's is a big difference. Has his injury problems but is quality, and Moyes could gert the best out of him; if he did, that would be a very good player.
Saha proved a great signing, even if only 25 games and 70 minutes per game.
We have one natural wide midfielder, and he's likely to leave. So we need to sign more, not just one, but at least two. If Petrov is one of them then we're half way there.
Example: Everton vs Balcburn next season, choice of Osman out wide or Petrov, who would you prefer?
Ginola was 35 and an act of desperation by a manager facing the sack.
Hughes was 36, and again was a man to make up the numbers.
Petrov is 31, that's is a big difference. Has his injury problems but is quality, and Moyes could gert the best out of him; if he did, that would be a very good player.
Saha proved a great signing, even if only 25 games and 70 minutes per game.
We have one natural wide midfielder, and he's likely to leave. So we need to sign more, not just one, but at least two. If Petrov is one of them then we're half way there.
Example: Everton vs Balcburn next season, choice of Osman out wide or Petrov, who would you prefer?
James (15) and Fran (25) cover it well. Let's get him. By the way. The EPL off-season rumor mill is more fun than in American pro sports.
Some guy knows a girl (allegedly) who was in a hotel in the Middle East. And she told him about two soccer people, who she hasn't seen and doesn't know to begin with, being in the hotel; Moyes and Petrov. This is then put in print to support what was speculation to begin with; Petrov to EFC.
Much more fun than what passes for the rumor-mill over here.
Some guy knows a girl (allegedly) who was in a hotel in the Middle East. And she told him about two soccer people, who she hasn't seen and doesn't know to begin with, being in the hotel; Moyes and Petrov. This is then put in print to support what was speculation to begin with; Petrov to EFC.
Much more fun than what passes for the rumor-mill over here.
Two words: Joe Cole?
We have as much chance of signing Joe Cole as we do Drogba. Cole wont leave London and has his pick of the other top 4 clubs.
He's better than Pienaar as Pienaar can't beat players. A year ago he was loved by City fans and was featured all the time on TV about how good he was. Well worth a punt... what's to lose he's on a free?
By the way, after reading a few comments about Misimovic with people saying we don't need him, I often wonder whether certain fans watch the same game as everyone else. Pienaar cannot attack on his own and relies on the fact he has Baines behind him. He can't cross and can't pass either. I'm happy selling him to a foreign club or Chelsea, just not one of our rivals. Just remember when he cost us the game against Arsenal.
I've disliked Pienaar for similar reasons as other fans do. He is cocky on and off the field. The amount of times he tries to be clever on the ball and wastes it is unbelievable. Granted, his goal against Villa was brillaint but he hasn't shown that he's amazing.
I really don't think we would have much chance of matching Joe Cole's wage demands if one of the richest clubs in the world are not willing to agree to his terms.
At least we've signed someone today:
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2010/06/09/blues-sign-silva
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2010/06/09/blues-sign-silva
Has anyone seen much of Jose Baxter? Could he be an option as cover for right midfield, or does he usually play more centrally?
I suggested signing Petrov as I feel it is a realistic target. Those suggesting that Joe Cole would come to Goodison are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land!
Another player I haven't heard mentioned recently is Joe Ledley... anyone know what's happening with him? He fits the "Moyes type" much better and I thought his contract was expiring about now. Maybe I missed something, but with Cardiff missing out on promotion, he's another player I would have expected to have been mentioned by now. Just not sure if he's Premier League standard though. Petrov, I know is.
Another player I haven't heard mentioned recently is Joe Ledley... anyone know what's happening with him? He fits the "Moyes type" much better and I thought his contract was expiring about now. Maybe I missed something, but with Cardiff missing out on promotion, he's another player I would have expected to have been mentioned by now. Just not sure if he's Premier League standard though. Petrov, I know is.
James (#28), that "some guy" is me. Heh heh, glad to be of service, lol.
"Pienaar can't beat players. He can't cross and can't pass either." #31.
Chris, your myopia knows no boundaries.
Chris, your myopia knows no boundaries.
Joe Ledley will command a compensation fee from other English clubs, which will probably be about £1-2 million. Celtic have confirmed their interest and would not be liable to pay compensation. He is a bit slow for what we need, but i'm sure Moyes has spoke to their agent.
We wont get much done at the moment. All of our signings so far were wrapped up months ago, any new movement won't be until July at the earliest.
We wont get much done at the moment. All of our signings so far were wrapped up months ago, any new movement won't be until July at the earliest.
Andrew (36) — Sorry for not crediting you AND leaving out yet another layer of what was said. Someone told your colleague, someone said! Terrific.
Afraid we don't get this sports-wise rumor mongering in the States any more. Not anything treated seriously. (Haven't read a denial of what you told the Mail.)
What I do find unforgiveable is the Daily Mail's intentional and unjustified mis-spelling of your last name. Those bastards! Not to mention the potential lawsuits by all the Andrew McLeams. Wouldn't blame them.
Afraid we don't get this sports-wise rumor mongering in the States any more. Not anything treated seriously. (Haven't read a denial of what you told the Mail.)
What I do find unforgiveable is the Daily Mail's intentional and unjustified mis-spelling of your last name. Those bastards! Not to mention the potential lawsuits by all the Andrew McLeams. Wouldn't blame them.
We should have gone for Hitzlsperger, German international and 28, would have been better option and he went to West Ham for god's sake.
Temperamental Bulgarian, just like another Bulgarian in Manchester.
Joe Ledly a better option and he is a Brit.
Joe Ledly a better option and he is a Brit.
Take a chance on him on a 2-year deal. He will probably be better in the home games but his pace is what we need and getting him for free is even better. Have faith...
Brendan, as my English is not to the standard of yours as English is not my first language, I'm sorry — explain what Myopia means. I mean, I think I've grasped most of the English Language bar that one, mate.
Myopia means short-sightedness, Chris. Not that your name sounds anything other than English.
This Petrov rumour is now gathering pace as Sky Sports "understands" that Everton have made an enquiry. Welcome news in my mind.
This Petrov rumour is now gathering pace as Sky Sports "understands" that Everton have made an enquiry. Welcome news in my mind.
Worth a punt on a free! If Pienaar stays he won't be a regular starter on the left. But, with injuries and suspensions over the course of a season, it's a common-sense short-term cheap (free) solution to the squad. We have Pienaar, Osman, Gosling, Arteta who have played left mid/wing but none are a left winger by trade. Petrov is. Sign him!!!
Gary, my name wasn't originally English, it was Serbian but after my biological father died, I changed my name to an English name due to my mum marrying an English person who helped me fall in love with Everton, as I haven't always lived in England or supported Everton. My original name was Niklar Lizigegic but as it's nightmare to pronounce it — probably better the way it is, wouldn't you agree?
I prefer Niklar, can I have your name? Mine is incredibly boring and I'm sick of being associated with an arsehole of a Tory MP.
Niklar, you would get a cracking score in Scrabble for your name.
An absolute no-brainer. Had a fantastic first season at City, and proved at times this season he could play well on the right. We need somebody as well as him though!
Silly to not say he is worth a punt, he is quick, decent cross on him and has an eye for goal, why not?
Reports are suggesting that as he is settled in the North West, we are front runners to get him. The other usual suspects are also reported to be after him... Sunderland, Newcastle, Villa, West Ham. I'd rather have him in our squad than in theirs that's for sure.
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1 Posted 09/06/2010 at 05:30:25
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