Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
So Jelavic has decided...
49 Comments: As the title says, and recent articles such as this one, Jelavic has told Davey Moyes that he would relish the opportunity of playing alongside his old strike partner.
Now I don't really know much about the quality of Jelly's former strike partners, and we all know that the SPL is a different animal to the EPL, however what are peoples thoughts on this possible move?
I have a personal reason for sanctioning the idea of a move like this, it was due to the fact that when I played at youth level there was one lad who I was thrilled to play alongside because we complimented each others game so much. We were separated by our team coach, him progressing through to the Cheshire squad whilst I ended up in the B-Team due to 'attitude reasons'.
Darren begged our coach to play me alongside him, we'd already formed a very fruitful partnership and had that understanding. Anyway injuries forced our coaches hand and we got our chance together. Six nil up against Northwich Vic's youth team inside 35 mins, Darren had Four, I had set them all up. I had scored the other two and cracked the bar and the post, him setting me up.
I guess my point being.....is it worth listening to a player when he says "Boss, you've got to let me loose alongside this fella, we're unplayable together"?
As I said, I have personal reasons for this post. What are everyone else's thoughts?
Luke Berry, Posted 17/05/2012 at 15:18:03
Comments
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Ian Bennett
795 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:27:38
795 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:27:38
David weir should have a view on whether it's a good deal or not you'd think. I have no idea, never really seen him other than champions league at old Trafford.
James Stewart
796 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:30:45
796 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:30:45
No see any downside to it if thats what he wants. Cahill is finished and won't be a starter next season. I can't see Moyes dropping Fellaini from the support role though.
Paul David
799 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:29:24
799 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:29:24
There is less of a gamble if you already know players work well together.The same way Cisse was able to hit the ground running at Newcastle had a lot to do with his national strike partner was already there.
Joe McParland
809 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:46:08
809 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:46:08
Naismith is a good player, who for the money quoted as per the release clause, would be well worth the gamble.. Only downside maybe that he has had a couple of serious injuries. He came back from the first one a better player, wouldn't bet against him doing the same again.
Trevor Lynes
817 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:52:31
817 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:52:31
Naismith will be sought by other clubs and as everyone knows by now...we have been dropping out of the running for a player as soon as another club shows interest.
We had no competition for Bily, Heitinga, Jelavic and Gibson.
I cannot see us bringing back Pienaar because he has shown ability and commitment on the field he will be bought by another club.
We always go for free bees or loans and continue to cry poverty so long as the fans swallow it.
I would say that virtually every club in the division plus a few in the championship have outspent us over the past few seasons.
I have asked the question many times...WHY are we skint //
We finish in the top ten and have far better gates than many other clubs so why are we skint /
Why do we sell players for low fees or release them and then bring them back ??
Why did we sign McFadden and Hahnemann and give jobs to Ferguson and Weir....?????
Ironically the lad we let go John Ruddy is now in the England set up.
Don't bank on Peanuts or Naismith heading for Goodison...(hope Im wrong)...unless one of our assets is allowed to leave....maybe Felli ??
We had no competition for Bily, Heitinga, Jelavic and Gibson.
I cannot see us bringing back Pienaar because he has shown ability and commitment on the field he will be bought by another club.
We always go for free bees or loans and continue to cry poverty so long as the fans swallow it.
I would say that virtually every club in the division plus a few in the championship have outspent us over the past few seasons.
I have asked the question many times...WHY are we skint //
We finish in the top ten and have far better gates than many other clubs so why are we skint /
Why do we sell players for low fees or release them and then bring them back ??
Why did we sign McFadden and Hahnemann and give jobs to Ferguson and Weir....?????
Ironically the lad we let go John Ruddy is now in the England set up.
Don't bank on Peanuts or Naismith heading for Goodison...(hope Im wrong)...unless one of our assets is allowed to leave....maybe Felli ??
Shane Corcoran
820 Posted 17/05/2012 at 20:07:00
820 Posted 17/05/2012 at 20:07:00
Isn't this the second thread on this player today?
James Martin
831 Posted 17/05/2012 at 20:48:27
831 Posted 17/05/2012 at 20:48:27
Trevor I thought Sunderland were in for Gibson as well. Leicester and West Brom were also in for Jelavic after Man U and Liverpool dallied on him. I can't believe that no one would have been in for Heitinga as well. Maybe its just because we're a bigger club who players actually want to join rather than we only pick up players who no one else goes for. Do you really think that Jelavic at £5 million was not attracting interest?
Ryan Holroyd
865 Posted 17/05/2012 at 22:32:43
865 Posted 17/05/2012 at 22:32:43
West Brom wanted Jelavic, but could not afford him and that's a fact so I've no idea what Trevor is on about. Naismith will sign before end of June.
Roman Sidey
866 Posted 17/05/2012 at 22:40:37
866 Posted 17/05/2012 at 22:40:37
I agree that players know who they can play well with, but if we bought Naismith on Jelavic's suggestion, and it didn't work out, the fans would turn on Jelavic very quickly.
Robbie Muldoon
870 Posted 17/05/2012 at 23:12:46
870 Posted 17/05/2012 at 23:12:46
"I agree that players know who they can play well with, but if we bought Naismith on Jelavic's suggestion, and it didn't work out, the fans would turn on Jelavic very quickly. "
Are you serious?
Are you serious?
James Flynn
884 Posted 18/05/2012 at 01:47:12
884 Posted 18/05/2012 at 01:47:12
If he comes cheap? Get him. Jela is bullshitting?
Eric Myles
888 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:32:27
888 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:32:27
You still got your boots Luke????
Eric Myles
889 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:34:32
889 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:34:32
Trevor #817 "We finish in the top ten and have far better gates than many other clubs so why are we skint
Because 30% of our income goes on 'other operating expenses' and nobody at the Club seems to know what they are.
Because 30% of our income goes on 'other operating expenses' and nobody at the Club seems to know what they are.
Roman Sidey
890 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:41:54
890 Posted 18/05/2012 at 02:41:54
What's the issue Robbie?
Richard Dodd
903 Posted 18/05/2012 at 08:29:05
903 Posted 18/05/2012 at 08:29:05
......he doesn`t track back!
Kieran Fitzgerald
905 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:02:38
905 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:02:38
Given what's going on at Rangers this is a piece of business that can be completed very quickly. The availability of players that we can afford and would suit us may just be the incentive that Moyes needs get the transfer business completed early this summer.
Jason Lam
906 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:14:45
906 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:14:45
That Ba bloke recommended Cisse to his employers so maybe the players do have sensible input at times. I suppose its Jelavic on the wing with our 4-5-1 then.
Andrew Ellams
907 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:13:31
907 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:13:31
I just think it's criminal we are reduced to this guy. I'm sure he's a decent player and I've seen Skysports reports that show as a really nice guy outside the game. But he is just coming back from a very bad injury and we have seen what that can do to players too often recently with Yak, Jags and Arteta.
When we could possibly get Hoilett, Moses, Pienaar, Rodellaga and Diame for somewhere between £10-12 million and we can't compete with that then it's a very dark day as far as I am concerned. Especially when we could possibly sell Rodwell for that sort of money and not miss him.
When we could possibly get Hoilett, Moses, Pienaar, Rodellaga and Diame for somewhere between £10-12 million and we can't compete with that then it's a very dark day as far as I am concerned. Especially when we could possibly sell Rodwell for that sort of money and not miss him.
Matt Traynor
908 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:19:50
908 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:19:50
Jason #906, that's what I was thinking - how does he fit into a 4-5-1? I suppose they could always play together when we're chasing the game with 20 mins to go!
Anthony Fox
910 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:30:24
910 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:30:24
Isn't he out injured following a 2nd cruciate knee injury? That would be the big concvern for me. The prem is the quickest league in the world so for me we would need to see how those injuries have taken its toll before we buy.
Jimmy Sørheim
912 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:30:58
912 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:30:58
Correct, Moyes will never play 2 strikers again.
If Naismith is backup then I say no thank you.
Get Pienaar first, then a right winger, and then a back up striker.
If Naismith is backup then I say no thank you.
Get Pienaar first, then a right winger, and then a back up striker.
Shane Corcoran
913 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:40:55
913 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:40:55
Those querying where he'd fit in, I know we're not Rangers (thank every deity going) but Naismith played on the right for them with Jelavic down the middle. He'll have his work cut out ousting Anichibe.
Shane Corcoran
914 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:46:50
914 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:46:50
Jimmy, as I said, he would fit your wished perfectly as he could play right side and up top which Moyes loves in a player. Not sure how he is on defensive corners but I'm guessing he could at least mind one of the posts.
Ryan Rosenberg
918 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:58:05
918 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:58:05
Matt & Jason, he could play behind, we are playing more of a 4-2-3-1 lately anyway.
James Morgan
932 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:29:50
932 Posted 18/05/2012 at 09:29:50
Surely can't be any worse than Cahill has been! Definitely must be better than Vic. We need another striker but would Moyes revert to a 4 4 2 after all these years, particularly after seeing how good Felli can be behind the Jelly man?
David Chait
934 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:09:39
934 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:09:39
Jimmy.. that priority list is the same as mine.. I would love to see Donovan come in on the RW .. for less that $4m...
then turn attention to the ACM. We have cover in that position now with Fella doing a job and Rodwell hopefully back..
Maybe.. just maybe Gibson can do for Rodwell what he did for Fella.
But if we go for an ACM... I would only go for Dempsey to shore up the American support.. he has had a great season... but not a great career. Think maybe look abroad again...
then turn attention to the ACM. We have cover in that position now with Fella doing a job and Rodwell hopefully back..
Maybe.. just maybe Gibson can do for Rodwell what he did for Fella.
But if we go for an ACM... I would only go for Dempsey to shore up the American support.. he has had a great season... but not a great career. Think maybe look abroad again...
Trevor Lynes
937 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:12:27
937 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:12:27
We should not be in the position of BUYING Pienaar back...we gave him away rather than give him wage parity with Arteta who has since left !!
Our business acumen when it comes to the playing staff is inept.
We let Ruddy go and brought in Hahnemann and McFadden plus Weir for WHAT ??
If Pienaar comes back at a fee its money wasted when he could have been kept for less than what we are paying fringe players.
We must be the laughing stock of the division....we let both Jags and baines go when we already had them as academy players...they were developed elsewhere then BOUGHT back.
Does that mean that our academy is failing to develop players ?
I
just sit and watch us bitching about having no money whilst we are squandering what little money that DM should have as a transfer fund.......I still say that many times we have been linked with decent players but as soon as another club publicly shows interest we drop out of the bidding.
We are mainly using the loan system to offload lots of players and bring in very few.
Thus consistently lowering the wage bill but still giving the manager virtually no support.
Our business acumen when it comes to the playing staff is inept.
We let Ruddy go and brought in Hahnemann and McFadden plus Weir for WHAT ??
If Pienaar comes back at a fee its money wasted when he could have been kept for less than what we are paying fringe players.
We must be the laughing stock of the division....we let both Jags and baines go when we already had them as academy players...they were developed elsewhere then BOUGHT back.
Does that mean that our academy is failing to develop players ?
I
just sit and watch us bitching about having no money whilst we are squandering what little money that DM should have as a transfer fund.......I still say that many times we have been linked with decent players but as soon as another club publicly shows interest we drop out of the bidding.
We are mainly using the loan system to offload lots of players and bring in very few.
Thus consistently lowering the wage bill but still giving the manager virtually no support.
Jim Knightley
939 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:59:24
939 Posted 18/05/2012 at 11:59:24
Yes, I dont think a 442 makes sense. An outdated formation these days, especially with the advent of CAM's who score more than many strikers and offer a different threat/extra defensive solidarity. Only Newcastle of the top six placed a fixed 442 (United often use 2 strikers, but Rooney frequently played in the hole instead of out and out, especially as the season went on)
Tony J Williams
941 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:12:16
941 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:12:16
More rumours from my unofficial contact... Dempsey has been contacting Moyes to buy him but he has been told we can't afford him but will look to see what we can do in the January window.
Donovan will not be bought, as he has too many "owners", third party involvement means we can't buy him.
Donovan will not be bought, as he has too many "owners", third party involvement means we can't buy him.
Gavin Ramejkis
943 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:34:37
943 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:34:37
I asked a Rangers mate about Naismith and he said he was a great player alongside Jelavic but he's now had 2nd cruciate operation in four years on his knee, he also went on to say once Naismith got injured Jelavic's service dried up as did their goals. He finally added it was great to see Jelavic ram their snide comments about him only being good enough for the SPL down the commentators throats and that we got a bargain.
Jim Knightley
944 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:53:29
944 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:53:29
Dempsey has been contacting Moyes to buy him? Come off it Tony, Dempsey is not going to try and effect a move to a club who finished only two places above his own. He is a champions league player, and will be heading to a champions league placed club, or one with a realistic chance of fufilling that prospect. Aside from that, Dempsey, for his age and cost, is not a realistic transfer target for this club.
Liam Reilly
949 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:19:56
949 Posted 18/05/2012 at 12:19:56
Tony #941
Aren't Wealthy, London based, Champions League Arsenal rumoured to be looking at Dempsey, so what are the odds of him calling David Moyes?
Sentiment doesn't cut it in football.
Aren't Wealthy, London based, Champions League Arsenal rumoured to be looking at Dempsey, so what are the odds of him calling David Moyes?
Sentiment doesn't cut it in football.
Luke Berry
950 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:08:38
950 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:08:38
#Eric mate, no I haven't. Alas I hung mine up a couple of yours ago!
The point to the article was really to see whether people thought managers going off a players recommendation is a viable idea?
As one of the lads pointed out, Ba asked for Cisse. However Ba's form has been a bit indifferent goal-wise, with Cisse grabbing them. I suppose it cant harm to have two goal scoring forwards though can it?
The point to the article was really to see whether people thought managers going off a players recommendation is a viable idea?
As one of the lads pointed out, Ba asked for Cisse. However Ba's form has been a bit indifferent goal-wise, with Cisse grabbing them. I suppose it cant harm to have two goal scoring forwards though can it?
Tony J Williams
953 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:39:21
953 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:39:21
Jim, Liam, I am simply repeating what I have been told from someone who speaks to a person who works within EFC.
Probably all bollocks but don't shoot the messenger.
Oh and Dempsey is a long way from a Champions League player in my opinion.
Probably all bollocks but don't shoot the messenger.
Oh and Dempsey is a long way from a Champions League player in my opinion.
Brian Waring
955 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:49:27
955 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:49:27
Kieran (#905) "This is a piece of business that can be completed very quickly"
Well, thats us out of the running then!
Well, thats us out of the running then!
Ronald Low
957 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:52:24
957 Posted 18/05/2012 at 13:52:24
For what it's worth.... Everton is not known to act fast in the transfer market.... Always last minute...
Every season we are always linked to every player possible.... Not keeping my hopes to high....
Every season we are always linked to every player possible.... Not keeping my hopes to high....
David Chait
960 Posted 18/05/2012 at 14:30:28
960 Posted 18/05/2012 at 14:30:28
Whe did this Ba asked for Cisse nonsence begin? Documented fact that Pardew had tried to get Cisse in the previous 2 windows .. before Ba even came on board.
And I agree with Tony #953.. everyone is crowing over one very good season from Dempsey.. and at the age of 29... if he did this at 21 or 22 you could say he has potential.. but he was very average by premiership standards till last season, which showed some improvement.
Hoillet any day over Dempsey..
And I agree with Tony #953.. everyone is crowing over one very good season from Dempsey.. and at the age of 29... if he did this at 21 or 22 you could say he has potential.. but he was very average by premiership standards till last season, which showed some improvement.
Hoillet any day over Dempsey..
Jim Knightley
964 Posted 18/05/2012 at 14:17:53
964 Posted 18/05/2012 at 14:17:53
I think for 5million-8million, Dempsey could be a key player for a top four side. 17 Premier League goals from an attacking midfield position is incredible, and he will always score goals. Would love it if he came here, but we are millions miles away financially imo, and will face competition from some big clubs (I expect Liverpool will make an offer).
Sam Hoare
966 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:09:25
966 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:09:25
Jim I think Dempsey would be great but we're not likely to have a spare 5m let alone 8m especially if signing Pienaar is the first bit of business. To be honest if we did 8m i think i'd rather spend it on 2 or 3 really promising younger players, the likes of Clyne and Jarvis rather than spunk the lot on 30yr old.
I expect that freebie and loans are the order of the day...unless of course we get a big offer for one of our lot.
I expect that freebie and loans are the order of the day...unless of course we get a big offer for one of our lot.
Tony J Williams
973 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:43:24
973 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:43:24
I was curious abouut Dempsey stats. This Champions League player games and goals go like
12-1, 40-6, 41-8, 44-9, 42-13, 46-23
Not too bad but not exactly going to set the world alight is it? I remember our very own James Meattie scoring 20 in a season once.
Certainly keeps himself fit for games but nudging 30 and he will be an expensive ask.
12-1, 40-6, 41-8, 44-9, 42-13, 46-23
Not too bad but not exactly going to set the world alight is it? I remember our very own James Meattie scoring 20 in a season once.
Certainly keeps himself fit for games but nudging 30 and he will be an expensive ask.
Paul David
974 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:54:59
974 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:54:59
Tony
You got to remember that Dempsey isnt just about goals he can create as well.I've liked him for a few years now but the fact he's nearly 30 and wouldnt be cheap means i'd rather we looked elsewhere even if I think he would be great for us.
You got to remember that Dempsey isnt just about goals he can create as well.I've liked him for a few years now but the fact he's nearly 30 and wouldnt be cheap means i'd rather we looked elsewhere even if I think he would be great for us.
Stephen Kenny
977 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:58:58
977 Posted 18/05/2012 at 15:58:58
Dempsey is a good player but I don't think what he's done this season is typical of him.
Also, Fulham have built the team around his game at the expense of Ruiz . We wouldn't do that with the players we have. He probably wouldn't even be on free kicks here.
He's obviously a good player but if by some strange miracle we had the money it would take to get him I'd sooner we spent it in the long standing area's we've needed to strengthen or on a younger player.
Also, Fulham have built the team around his game at the expense of Ruiz . We wouldn't do that with the players we have. He probably wouldn't even be on free kicks here.
He's obviously a good player but if by some strange miracle we had the money it would take to get him I'd sooner we spent it in the long standing area's we've needed to strengthen or on a younger player.
Dave Wilson
981 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:19:52
981 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:19:52
If Dempsey playes in the Champions league, I want a place on the uk olympic three day event team
Paul David
986 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:28:46
986 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:28:46
Traore won the CL with the shite so Dempsey is good enough to play in the CL.He might not be the main man but would certainly be involved for a CL side.
Lee Courtliff
992 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:43:51
992 Posted 18/05/2012 at 16:43:51
Jonathan Greening has a Champions League WINNERS medal so I'm sure Dempsey is good enough to play in that competition.
I would prefer to spend the money on Pienaar or some youngsters we could develop. I've always liked Stephen Fletcher but I'm not sure how old he is?
But we don't have any money anyway.
I would prefer to spend the money on Pienaar or some youngsters we could develop. I've always liked Stephen Fletcher but I'm not sure how old he is?
But we don't have any money anyway.
Brian Garside
063 Posted 18/05/2012 at 21:05:26
063 Posted 18/05/2012 at 21:05:26
He is neither a defender or central midfield player so forget it!!!
Roman Sidey
078 Posted 18/05/2012 at 22:35:21
078 Posted 18/05/2012 at 22:35:21
Brian - Nail. Head. Hit.
Mike Gaynes
092 Posted 19/05/2012 at 02:41:13
092 Posted 19/05/2012 at 02:41:13
Never mind all these rumors. Sounds like we need to lure this Luke Berry fellow out of retirement. Productive scorer. Very low transfer fee. Might work for beer.
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792 Posted 17/05/2012 at 19:25:56