Rodwell could return this summer

Rodwell for me only showed glimpses of being a good footballer at Everton. At Man City he has showed nothing. I just hope we are not stupid enough to bring him back.

I know the lad has so far failed to live up to the hype, just like lots of others, but he's shown glimpses of real potential. I was really impressed by the job he did shutting Silva out of the game when we played Man City at Goodison a few years back.

Although clauses would have to be in his contract about injuries, he might be just the sort of player who would thrive under Martinez's positive, confidence-building guidance. So it's a tentative "yes" from me.

I know it was a long time ago, but that goal against Man Utd absolutely screamed talent. Roberto obviously still believes in that talent. If the lad's confidence and his leg can be brought back to full strength, I say he's worth the gamble.

They always say, "Never re-heat a soufflé."

In this case, the soufflé didn't rise properly... even the first time! Free transfer and pay-as-you-play contract for me.

I appreciate he's a nice lad and a Blue etc, but that's not the point here.

Well when you have our bank balance this is the sort of player you have to look seriously at. Even if we got him back for £2 million, we can at least say we made a net £10 million on him :)

Ahhh.... Just what we need — yet another perma crocked player.

This is a bit like those rumours a few years back that we were going to re-sign Michael Ball. Sure we'd all like to see the kid fulfill his potential but it seems as if English Jack's of this generation all have brittle bone diseases so I'd say, "Thanks... but no thanks."

Even if he did stay fit, would he really get a game ahead of McCarthy, Barry and (if fit !) Gibson? If not then why would he swap City's bench for ours?

In my eyes, although he was regularly injured whilst at Everton, he has more ability than McCarthy and Barry, who are both technically limited players who can't seem to play the ball forward and never seem to have a crack at goal.

I for one can't wait for Gibson to get fit again; at least he knows how to pass the ball forward and has a fierce shot on him, Something our current central midfielder pairing lacks.

I would not sign up Barry and I would definitely not have paid £13M for a average player such as McCarthy.

I’m 8 hours ahead in the land of Auss and have just read that we are looking at taking Jack Rodwell back on loan. I’m sure this will stir up a debate. I wait and see to read your views.

Everyone saying that he isn't worth bringing back due to his time at Man City, when he never gets game time and when he was with us where he was another example of good players suffering under Moyes poor formation and being played out of position.

Think of Naismith, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill (when he was played on the right) and Lescott at left back and Oviedo on the wing... I think it is well justified that Moyes's judgement was shocking

Another sicknote but given the choice between him or Barry. Rodwell everytime

The last thing we need is another 'sick note' liability player. We got good money for him lets not piss it away buying him back, look what that did with Pieenar.

Rodwell to come back?

Didn’t know he had ever been here...

Did nothing the first time round...

With his injury record, I thought it was a good bit of business when we sold him.

On the plus side
Age
Size
Good shot

On the negative side
Injuries

With couple of seasons with limited playing time, maybe he's over the injury bug. If the price is right, it might be worth a look.....If the price is right.

I'd rather we were looking at Lescott as replacement for Distin.

Either way both would have to take a pay cut to come back here.

Hmmm. if there's any substance to this rumour, I think those assuming that after 2 negative net spend transfer windows that RM has a "war chest" of any description for the summer should perhaps re-evaluate their position.

This sort of transfer screams "Top 4 Ambition" doesn't it?

Well Matt, if we can get him for half what we sold him for that would use up the left over money from the Summer and Winter windows, and we could even offer to take the previoulsy oft-linked Micah Richards off their hands as part of the deal as he's on a free this Summer.

Eric #240, there was a lot more than that left-over from the summer and winter windows, but of course it doesn't work like that.

Forget what RM says. He's working to a budget like Moyes before him was. He's being paid £2m a year to toe the line. If surplus money is being used to pay down debt, then it's only to extract a higher price once the club is sold - money that will go to the principal shareholders.

I wouldn't be averse to either player for the right price, but I'd want to be confident both are fit to play a role. Trouble is even if Rodwell takes a pay cut, we'll still be paying him best part of £50k a week to be a squad player, albeit with more gametime than he's getting at City. He's more likely to end up at a WBA or Norwich in that sense.

That's why I think whoever our manager is, beefing up the squad is a challenge - we can't afford the wages to have these guys in bit-part roles, I think that's partly why RM has talked up the academy and the talent coming through. Ticks our boxes, lower cost and if they're any good, sell-on value.

I wouldn't bet on it Matt.

There's that note in our accounts that says the nett from summer transfer dealings is £4.3 mil, plus the Jelavic money from the winter window, less Traore's costs.

I think a lot of fans are going to be disappointed if they think we'll have a £30 ~ 40 mill surplus come the next window.

Rodwell flatters to deceive, likes to pass it sideways, can't commit a man, and hesitant in the final third.

Sounds perfect for us at the moment. Fits like a glove...

Yeah right, dive in and snap him up, we really need another Injury prone nice guy of whom nobody even knows his correct / best position... I'd rather have Joey Barton...and he's an arsehole

Give me strength.

Ruined me day

WHY do we always seem to get linked with players we used to have? Why not put some money on the table for a proven player who is worth a first team place?

I am sick and tired of us being linked with mediocre players who are not wanted elsewhere, eg, Heitinga, Fellaini, Gueye, Drenthe, Vellios and Bilyaletdinov. We need to STOP shopping at charity shops and start acting like a club with ambition.

I am really dismayed to see us linked with very average players.

Rodwell and Stones could be the best English ball-playing centre-back pairing if both fulfill their potential. Rodwell is not a midfielder. He came through the academy as a centre-back and then got put in midfield because he's fast and strong. I always thought he could be the next Ferdinand if given a run at CB.

This is the kind of signing you would expect a newly promoted club to make.

Are we really that desperate or that stupid? I really hope not.

In football terms, a good move — a young, talented, international standard player in a position where we require cover. However, will he just be another contributor to the hamstringitis epidemic?

How about Rodwell on loan for a season with an option to buy for a pre-agreed fee? I don't see a great deal to lose that way.

I we signed Richards and Rodwell for peanuts I would be very pleased. Whatever, I don't really care as I trust In the manager

The lack of playing time at City isn't really the issue, it's been a graveyard for a number of talented players and I think Rodwell certainly has talent and potential.

The real issue is the injury record, with a limited budget and a small squad that's already carrying crocks like Gibson and Alcaraz plus big injuries such as Kone and Oviedo we can't afford to be taking risks on more players that are likely to be out half the time.

I like Rodwell and I think there's a major talent somewhere in him. My only problem is his fitness. Can he stay fit? And, do we need another injury prone player? I honestly can't see the benefits of bringing him back.

Has Rodwell got talent,and ability? Well, for me, definitely yes!

Is he hungry, with something to prove? Well, he fookin’ well should be!

Do we have the chance to bring back a top player for a bargain price? He was the best English midfielder on the pitch at Wembley, against Spain a couple of seasons ago.

Is he young enough to improve, but with experience to know where it’s gone wrong for him? Well, yes again!

For me, this is a no-brainer. And this time with a Manager who can coax (and coach) much more out of him.

If he could stay fit I would definitely have him back. I think the only way Barry will stay is if no one else comes in for him so he will need replacing. Rodwell has shown in the past he has the potential to be a very good player. Under Moyes his role was a bit limited but look how well he played for England when he was basically given a free role behind the forward. He could've scored a couple. He had the better of the Shite's midfield until the sewer conned the ref, and as has been mentioned he had Silva in his back pocket.

Another positive is he loves the club and we need people with that passion for us in the big games. You only have to look at the Arsenal cup game. How many really busted a gut and tried to grab the game by the scruff, especially after the penalty. Certainly not Barry, Del boy or Lukaku who's loyalties lie elsewhere. Probably Distin was the only senior player to show heart, though a couple of the younger ones did try.

After reading comments yesterday that seemed to point to Martinez not having money in January after all, and the fact he has mentioned we will mainly be looking at loans again in the summer ("to top up the core of what we already have at the club"), I think Jack, though not ideal, will fit perfectly within our budget.

Now this IS a possible loan signing; interesting fact with this lad is that he grew in height around 1.5 inches over the past 18 months. Maybe that has something to do with his ongoing fitness!

Dodgy hamstrings, perfect!

Funnily enough a bit of a Moyes signing if this goes through. Good talent gone off the boil, needs something new in his career, will be cheap, no massive loss if it doesn't work out. See Arteta, Pienaar, Saha... and on the plus side he's not Dutch.

This manager seems strangely addicted to players who spend most of their time in the treatment room.

Whether that is because of a belief he is some kind of faith healer or because of the constraints placed on him by his chairman that means he can only afford damaged goods, I know not, but permanently having a quarter of your squad unavailable is hardly likely to bring success, is it ?

Phil:

Moyes, Martinez, what's the common denominator?

Phil - While Rodgers, Wenger, Moyes, Mourinho et al have a list of players who they would like to buy and who have the money to buy them, the Everton manager, any Everton manager has to hope that he can use his limited funds wisely and who would be wasting his time making lists of players who are out of his price range.

A bit like an impoverished person trawling through the un-labelled battered tins in a top retailers hoping that after they have made the purchase that when they get home the tin contains caviar and not baked beans.

I had a look through some old posts from the last six years and the subjects and the gripes were depressingly similar to today's concerns.

As Geoff says what is the common denominator?

Phil - I know you don't like Mr Martinez and you're entitled to your view, but can you try to see the bigger picture and realise that even if your dream comes true and RM is replaced the problems with our club will not be resolved.

Another nice player. Just what we need.

The lad never let Everton down. Has a lot of talent but injuries have stunted his progress and getting a regular start at Man City is a problem if your not a foreigner. Just ask Lescott and Milner. On the right terms I would have him back.

Everton's current midfield options are not great to say the least. Who knows what next season will bring for the likes of Barry, Osman, Pienaar and Gibson?

Do you really think I don’t realise that? No, I’ve never bought into all the hype surrounding ’this new breed of manager’ anymore than I did with Moyes’s Peoples Club bullshit.

But own goals like signing lots of crocks and playing a dodgy keeper in a key Cup match could and should have been avoided.

Yes, we are stuck with Bill and I suppose he will endure just so long as these ’fantastic managers’ of his can maintain our Premier League status whilst dancing to his tune.

Having read all of the comments on here, I have to agree with most fellow TW'ers that it would not be a good idea to see him back at Goodison!

The word 'potential' is still getting mentioned, ffs, how many years does potential apply, in a footballer's case?

It is very rare that any player, or manager, for that matter goes back to a club and turns out to exceed his former performances!

I would rather see us strengthen up front first, and then recruit some able replacements for our ageing and very thin ( in numbers ) squad !

I like Andy Crooks's ( 258 ) suggestion that if an injury-prone player is to come on loan, to get him for a season,and should he prove worthy of a permanent move,then go ahead at a pre-set fee ! Maybe that's Utopian, and I know it's not always that simple, but it's food for thought nevertheless !

Wigan proved against Man. City that it's not always about big money signings either. It was good of Uwe Rosler to deflect the credit in Roberto's direction too, in that he used RM's blueprint to defeat City once again!

To me it's more the injury record than anything else that puts me off. I don't think he's hugely creative but if fit, he's a good player. However, the hamstrings count against him.

Derek 280

Pity we drew Arse and not City.

Could be an alternative to Barry if fit and at the right price but not really what we need. McCarthy is too similar a player and rather than a workmanlike midfield engine who mainly passes forward we need to try and find some creative players who can help us translate possession into goal-scoring opportunities. Hopefully Martinez is looking for the next Arteta/Cabaye to pull the strings from the middle.

On another note if QPR don't get promoted then they will probably be forced to sell Remy for around 10m. I think he would be an excellent and more realistic alternative to Lukaku.

Will Rodwell take us from a 5th,6th place team to the next level?? No... free transfer maybe as back up?? I really think we have enough of these holding type midfielders especially when Gibson etc returns.

It's been painfully apparent all season we need a little midfield maestro in the Arteta, Modric mould... moreso since Osman and Pienaar can no longer complete 90 minutes.

One of the things I looked forward to from Martinez becoming boss was some shrewd signings from the Spanish league? Using his knowledge to find Young and technical players for not massive fees. These kind of signings would move the team forward rather than going over old ground with Rodwell.

How has his injury record been since he went there? If he has managed to keep himself trim during his city stint he may have been able to put those old injuries to bed. He may also be a good bet as a centreback?

Unless the plan is to play him in defence then I don't see the point as he is no different from McCarthy but I always thought Rodwell would make a good centre half.

Sean 290

Always thought CH was his best position. Big question mark over fitness. Can we afford the gamble?

The Guardian are reporting that Martinez is looking to bring Rodwell back to Goodison. While I'd love to see Rodwell succeed somewhere I can't get excited by this – partly as I don't see him providing the creative spark we need, but particularly as he is so injury-prone.

bit late to the party there, that was copied over from 'talking points'

Sometimes younger players just need a run in the team to show their mettle. Rodders was doing that before Everton sold him, hence the big fee. Look what Barkley has done when given the chance by RM.

Sadly the injuries have given him little chance of doing that and with people like Yaya, Fernandinho etc. playing so consistently well for City

it’s understandable why Rodders cannot have much of a chance to stake a claim.

I believe he would be a shoe in at most other clubs.

I’d love to see Roberto play 4-3-1-2 with Barkley behind 2 strikers. That would mean a 3rd player to play alongside Barry and McCarthy and Rodwell could be that man. I would prefer somebody with a bit more box to box impetous, but I believe RM would be happier with somebody who excels at sideways passing.

We have got to be looking at better than this. Rodwell went to a big club and didn't make it. Now Man City want to off load him to a mid table team.
Forget these players we need a much higher calibre of footballer.
I feels almost as bad as when Walter Smith was appointed as our new manager.
What happened to Everton! Harry Catterick would be turning in his grave!

The article in the Guardian reads as though Roberto is saving Rodwell from a horrible time at Man City. I really like Roberto but he needs to remember he is not Santa Claus, existing to make people happy.

Rodwell is a good player but his injury record both at Everton and Man City is awful. Players with a history of injuries very rarely go thorugh seasons clear of new injuries.

With Gibson we already have that player and Gibson stands way above Rodwell in terms of ability.

Some posters have suggested a year long loan but we would still be paying his wages as we are with all the other loanees.
I think the idea of bringing back Lescott is better, O.K. he is around 30 now but he scores goals-remember them-and he would play his socks off to get back into England contention.

If our finances are as bad as people think this makes no sense at all. Although I still expect a pot of around £20 million due to the increased Sky and BT money

Always thought Rodwell had everything except real desire and I’m not sure that you can put this into a player as it has got to come from within. If I’m wrong then I think he would deffo enjoy and be suited to our present style much more than the our previous one.

Still wince now when I think about the time I turned the telly on when on holiday to see Rodwell playing right wing at Villa in another game where he got a bad injury that left him out for months. If the kid could get over his injury problems and wanted to prove people wrong then I’m sure with his undoubted ability he would be a regular for England for years to come.

Tough one.

When I think about that goal he scored against United, it reminds me just how much we need that type of player in the centre that can drive forward with the ball and make something happen. Whilst we certainly still have a strong need for that type of player, I think the boat has passed on Rodwell's Everton career and it would end in tears if we brought him back.

Definitely adds more in the centre than McCarthy or Barry, but his injury record is unfortunately the deciding factor on this one.

Not inspired by most of this blokes signings.The loanees are not half bad - whilst no world beaters - but impossible to get excited about the likes of McGeady, Kone and Alcarez (if ever we see them in action!) or now, bloody Rodwell.

And he paid well over the odds for McCarthy.

I always liked rodwell, good control, two good feet, good shot, plays a few positions. I hope he's over his injuries which might just be down to a growing body. City and Chelsea are graveyards unless you are world class. We can't afford world class but rodders would fit back in nicely here. I'd also welcome joleon back, a class act at centre half, with a good scoring record.

It is all just paper talk though and we wont have a pot to piss in come summer without a few shipped out.

James Martin makes a good point, he came through as a central defender and that's what he should be used as. The question is how have two years doing very little at City affected his confidence. He could still be a work in progress.

Apart from a poor injury record, I just don't think he made that extra step up in class everyone was expecting.

Quite weak in the tackle, not as skillful as the likes of Barkley, and doesn't really go past players with pace. A decent passer, but there must be better options to spend our extremely limited resources on.

No thanks.

Wouldn't be the end of the world, but I hope this is not true. Even setting aside the injury issues, he's not creative or aggressive enough and they are the qualities we are crying out for. When I have occasionally watched him play for City, he's competent enough but still mostly doing those sideways passes he used to do for us.

He's a talented player and maybe if he's older and stronger he won't be as injury-prone, but for me he's not the right character type. All our players are too quiet and friendly and nice. The best teams have 11 captains in the the side - even our captain doesn't dish out enough bollockings. We need someone to boss the midfield and get some spark going. Someone like Carsley. Keane, or Barton, though not him, obviously. As for playing CH, we already have Stones who is a very similar type of player.

I wouldn't mind this signing as long as he came back cheap, both transfer fee and wages. He can not play as a centre half though, poor in the air, can't tackle and he isn't brave.

Always had high hopes with Jack and thought he could become a Steven Gerrard type of midfielder after that Man Utd goal but I think eventually someone summed up his lack of desire and aggression quite well as "too much Birkdale and not enough Kirkdale." Nevertheless if the price is right with some safeguards Jack may be better option than others. He has the raw talent to be a big player for someone and if the cards had been dealt differently he could have been one of the first names on the plane to Brazil this summer.

Phil- are you joking or do you really mean what you post?
If the price is right and linked to appearances then he is worth a punt and I would see him as the successor to Distin- two footballing CBs in Jack and Stones. If significant money is required and not appearance linked then no. Don't forget Howard K bought Reid and Gray who were both wrecked by injury and they gave us great service,especially Reid who to my mind has never got the credit he deserves for our success in the eighties.

Never go back!

We should never have re-signed Pienaar.... same goes for Rodwell.

Good signing at the right price. Injuries are only a small part of him not main gat city. Mostly it's because he up against world class players at to young age. Wonder why Delafou is on loan to us instead of playing for the Barcelona 1st team.

I've been looking for a second-hand car on a limited budget recently. In one salesroom there was a gold Roll Royce for £4,500, I thought to myself "That would be brilliant to drive 3-4 times year, the rest of the time it would be an expensive liability in the garage". We've got too many of them at the club, most of them having been brought in over the past 12 months.

Hmmmm... On paper the choice from 4 central midfielders (McCarthy, Gibson, Barry, Rodwell) looks pretty healthy. I'd just worry that they're all the same – we need Barkley playing well and replacement for Pienaar. Plus we need a two forwards to supplement Koné.

Hear, hear, Peter (#337).

Maybe Gareth Barry has told RM he wont be staying after his loan deal finishes at the end of the season.

"I really think we have enough of these holding type midfielders especially when Gibson etc returns."

"Gibson etc"? Who exactly is the et cetera? Considering Martinez has been playing a system that utilises two holding mids then I would say he's definitely short of cover in that area if he's going to persist with it beyond this season.

Since the two were teamed up, both Barry and McCarthy have been required to start every game (when available) and their effectiveness has gradually diminished as a result. Barry in particular has looked desperate for a breather for about six weeks now but is instead left shuffling his creaking carcass around the pitch like a blue shirted 'Bub' from Dawn of the Dead.

There's also a distinct possibility that he won't even be playing here next season so I'm baffled by your assertion that we're adequately stocked in the defensive midfield department.

I am sick and tired of fans who are always making excuses why we cannot buy a decent, proven player. We spent money on Fellaini and McCarthy plus we pocketed good money on the first window Roberto was involved in. Our board are being out spent by almost every other team in the league!!

I want to see us going for exciting players who can really fill the fans with optimism. Not to waste our money on the likes of Rodwell who is very average.
My God, it will be Gosling next FFS! Move on and improve, stop dwelling on past players who did nothing and hope that they will somehow blossom into world class players.

When Mr Moyes sold Rodwell, there was no haggling over the fee, why? Well, a player that is injured time after time, thinks he is better than he is, and strolls around the pitch believing Everton need him more than he needs us. Arrives at Man City doubled his salary, never plays due to injuries and better players around him,

Welcome back!

Man City offer £30 million and Rodwell for Barkley?

"Gibson stands way above Rodwell in terms of ability."

I don't agree with that statement at all but it's a moot point if neither of them are ever fit enough to stand in the first place.

I now have this image of Martinez naming his team next season and announcing that the final starting berth will go to either 'Jack or Darren' depending on who can prove their fitness first. Cut to Gibson and Rodwell spread-eagled on the dressing room floor, sweating buckets, struggling and straining (in slow motion) for what seems like aaaaaaaaaaagggges just to see who can actually haul themselves to their fucking feet for once, like a real life version of the Rocky v Apollo Creed rematch.

John, I can see your point of view but would counter it with the notion that we should not be playing two 'holding' mids in the first place. McCarthy in particular but Barry as well have been more of a hindrance this season than a success and I'd rather not see either of them in the team much next year.

I don't mind them both playing against Chelsea or City away but why are they both needed against Norwich at home? They don't contribute to our ability to score goals, and are hardly protecting our back 4 much so what exactly do they bring that helps us to win games?

We only want one 'holding mid', if we have to play any (since when did this idea that you need a defensive mid take hold of everyone?) and I'd rather it was Gibson.

In this light two players to cover in McCarthy and Barry are enough and there are far more pressing positions that need cover. We don't have anyone to replace Lukaku and no one to replace Osman and Pienaar in what they bring to the side – creation of space if you're not aware – and so all 3 of those positions need filling before finding a 4th defensive mid.

Incidentally I'd be happy bringing Rodwell back to play as a centre half, as long as that is where he'd be playing, and not just as a 3rd crab to boost our possession stats.

Underwhelming.

Alex (#351), you don't need to convince me. I didn't say I myself believe we should be playing two defensive midfielders every game, but the manager clearly does.

Bearing in mind he only has three players who can play that position, one of whom is on loan and another whose legs are more susceptible to snapping than a subbuteo player stranded on a pissed up sumo wrestlers settee, then you can see why the manager might be searching for reinforcements in that position.

That said, barring some sort of medical miracle or Million Dollar Man style robotic implants, Rodwell's shocking injury record should surely rule him out of the running.

To those saying Rodwell is a centre half, is that why when playing for Everton, Man City and England hes never played there?

He played in an attacking role in his full England debut, when hes played for City hes played more advanced and hes described himself as a box to box mid. Ive seen him run midfields for the under 21's.

He isn't strictly a holding player but he can play in there. But he cant express himself in that position. Its not a showy position and is all about recycling and continuity of possession and covering. And yes, you will knock a lot of square balls playing there.

In my opinion he was done no favours by Moyes constantly being played so deep. Hes got a lot more than that. But then thats just my opinion, theres others who think hes a centerhalf and that Gibbo head and shoulders above him in talent!

Lets just say that if Rodwell played centre half hed make Agger look like Vidic at his peak.

Anyway, based on his injury record......no way, please. Its a shame as I think he has a lot of ability, but he is never fit.

Why did we let Rodwell go in the first place, it would be a backwards step to get him back, even for free. He would just help keep the bench warm together with most of the other Martinez signings. Alcaraz, Kone, Robles (should have been left on the bench on Saturday), Traore. The little Barca boy never gets played.

The permanent signing of Lukaku would be a mistake.... and why on earth did we spend £13/15 million for McCarthy??? — He is a good Championship player at best.

Martinez is saying we need to buy if we get into Europe; if we had BOUGHT IN JANUARY, we would have had every chance of getting there instead of being humiliated by the Ladies in RED!

Maybe Uncle Ken may have the answers?

I don't think Rodders is no more the big gentle sort of bloke we used to know. In January he married a lovely Aussie Sheilla and if that don't toughen him up nothin will.

Bobby, during his time with us the coaches said Rodwell was one of the best centre backs they'd ever seen.

Cast-offs such as Rodwell are probably the only thing we can afford with our board's brilliant financial nouse.

As to why we play two defensive midfielders every game, probably because there is no-one else to fill a different position.

Martinez by all accounts looks set to bring Rodders back and it looks like Citeh only signed him to fill up their 'home grown' quota so presumably are not bothered if he goes. Personally not sure how to feel as he didn't really get near to fullfilling his potential but then again was ofter played out of position and was injured half the time.

If we can get him on the 'cheap' and his wages are relatively low, maybe a pay as you play kind of deal, then I guess its one more body in the squad, age is certainly on his side. Maybe Martinez can get more out of him than Moyes.

I'd like to know what his best position actually is. When he first came on the scene everyone was saying he was the next Rio Ferdinand but I cannot ever remember him playing CB - not sure if he's nasty/hard enough to make a good CB tbh.

Maybe we can loan him from city for a season with an option to buy?

Well Rodwell may get the playing time he obviously needs.

On loan.

At Wigan, apparently - who have made an emergency loan request. Not quite sure how that works as I thought only goalkeepers could come in on emergency loans and then only in the case of severe injuries.

It's going to be an interesting summer, I hope Martinez has his targets lined up and Uncle Bill has the chequebook handy. We could finish 5th with a bit of luck.

Rather than get Rodwell on the cheap and then get 5-6 games a season out of him, I'd sooner send Mr Barry home and spend the money on Holtby. Out of favour at Spurs. Centre midfield, good vision, just what we need.

Surely we only need one defensive midfielder

The Holtby who played in Germany, or the one currently pretending to be him a Fulham?

I think Lewis Holtby is a must buy. He is clearly not wanted at Spurs, played a handful of times for Germany (You don't get in their team if you're a duck egg), plays in a position we are lacking, wouldn't cost a lot. Most importantly, he is an Everton fan. He would relish playing for us. Young as well, to replace these ever growing heads we have.

I think Holtby and Remy would be two relatively affordable and realistic options this summer. Together they would provide creativity and a goal threat in the final third which is what we have missed.

I mentioned in another thread Ray that I thought Remy and Hernandez – out of favour and contract with you know who – would be well worth looking at. The little shit definitely has an eye for goal something none of our present lot have.

Talk of him going to Italy, I would guess is from his agent, but with the state of footy at Club level there, staying in England is probably a better bet.

Remy might just be out of our price range. Holtby, who Spurs got for almost nothing, could well be well in it.

Holtby more exciting prospect than Rodwell. Remy and Hernandez, I'd be surprised.

I have been hugely underwhelmed by what I have seen of Holtby since he came to England. Remy would fit our style of play but there have been stories of QPR wanting up £16M for him. Hernandez? Not for me.

Let's be honest. English midfielders are a bit one-dimensional. I've got hopes for Barkley as much as the next person, but what games has he changed on his own with something more than a bit special? But he needs something more than the sideways passing of the deep two we have now.

Rodwell would be a similar pick to McCarthy and Barry. If we need something a bit more purposeful and progressive from deep then its time to look abroad. Could we get Andrea Pirlo on a free?

I read something the other day where Remy said he wants to play in one if the top 5 clubs in Europe.

"I've got hopes for Barkley as much as the next person, but what games has he changed on his own with something more than a bit special"

Off the top of my head: Got us back on level terms in the most recent match against Arsenal with a lung bursting solo run 3/4 the length of the pitch; won us the game against Swansea with a spectacular late free kick; changed the complexion of the derby game at Goodison when he moved back into a central midfield role; put in a superb performance in the league game at the Emirates; ran rings around a shell shocked Newcastle for 45 mins; scored a screamer first game of the season to earn us a point.

None of those were just products of an ordinary, run of the mill plodder.

Actually Nick, even Rodwell, for his faults, can't be described as 'one-dimensional'. He's demonstrated diverse attributes during his disrupted playing career. We've seen him go on a surging solo run to score against Man Utd, score some accurate screamers from long range, provide a calm crab-like central midfield presence, perform a more than capable man-marking role on occasion, and also shine as an attacking midfielder on his England debut.

It's not like he's a player lacking in technical ability or tactical acumen. It's just that the poor sod's youthful potential has been eroded by his own body turning against him. A bit like Seth Brundle being forced to keep his dead, dropped off, cock in a dirty pickle jar in the bathroom cabinet.

John, I'm not one to praise a player for running the length of the pitch. Would we say 'fair enough he didn't bother running there, it was the length of the pitch' no we wouldn't.

For all those examples though, how many resulted in wins? Not saying the guy isn't good of course, but its seen in flashes, as it would be for a guy his age, and isn't going to be the main man probably until after next season.

Rodwell is one of those talents where injury will get the better of his potential unfortunately. If he came back and into the deep two Martinez persists with, it would be more of the same.

Roberto is for all his pass pass pass is a fan of the rigid formation. Wingers stay wingers and the deep two remain put and everyone including the opposition know where everyone else belongs. When I see Chelsea, City and Arsenal, Spurs even, mixing it up on the edge of the box, something we do not do, Rodwell doesn't get me excited.

It goes without saying that any possible transfer deal would need to take into consideration appearances... although I remember that Steven Gerrard went through a time in his early 20s, being regularly injured, until they finally sorted him out.

Of more interest to me would be how RM could improve him and benefit the team in future – I suspect that he would respond much better to Roberto who could develop him into a really good multi-purpose player who could play in attack, midfield or defence as needed during a match until he eventually settles as a centre-half.

Also, he probably needs a bit more 'devil' at present – à la Tim Cahill.

Rodwell?!?!?

FFS Noooooooooooooooooo!!!!

This rumour just reminds me of where we are and our ambitions under Boys Pen Bill.

Erik 380

If he was THAT good at centre half he would have been playing there from the get go, in a Rio Ferdinand "your going to be playing for England" way. However, as far as I know he has never played there for any senior side.

The decision seems to have been taken a good few years ago that with his ability, hes massively two footed, physique, can join on, shoot, finish, create, good in the air, quick, that he was going to be top class mid.

Hes got too much to be playing centre half. But no one knows it as he was never allowed to show it here. He can play in a more attacking mid role, which is something Moyes just didnt let him do.

Hes a very talented footballer who never had the chance to show what he can do for us due to injuries, being played way too deep by Moyes and he now he seems to be branded as this bland crab because of it. I just wish we had let him off the leash and let him open up a bit.

He was straight into an attacking mid role for the full England side and looked very good, free of the straightjacket Moyes had him in. I don't think he could express himself or influence games from so deep and yes, games seemed to drift away from him in that role. Although if you are constantly getting over injuries you will never show what you have.

Martinez is so much more his kind of manager its untrue, much more flexible.

Even if he played him in a two in front of the back 4, Martinez would have him playing to his strengths and he could show what he had instead of being cocooned in front of the back 4 and playing virtually as a third centre half. Man marking Silva? Bet he loved that.

We would get him for about £4 mill. The only reason I don't want him back here is the injury record, its too risky.

Bobby, we already had a few good and experienced centre halfs at the time (still do) and Moyes wanted to develop Rodwell's attacking game which meant if he wanted on the pitch he played in midfield.