Ozza wrote:It's not Declan you need to worry about, it's Sully's eyes growing and his hands sweating if City come calling
Since he's been here, our track record of holding on to our best, most valued players is generally very good. And he didn't even want to get rid of Payet or Arnautovic now, that's a decision that's been ultimately taken by the managers.
When we had Brown on the other hand, he couldn't wait to sell our best by comparison.
not sure I agree with that.... certainly the Payet stuff stank, they were touting him around plenty before it all kicked off, then all the stuff was released via the usual mouth pieces to force it.
Everyone else we've had, has been to old, to injured or to ****
Ozza wrote:not sure I agree with that.... certainly the Payet stuff stank, they were touting him around plenty before it all kicked off, then all the stuff was released via the usual mouth pieces to force it.
Everyone else we've had, has been to old, to injured or to ****
if they had really wanted to sell Payet they could have got about 50m after the Euros. All they would have needed to do was make it clear to the big Euro clubs he was up for grabs and the bids would have come in.
They ended up selling him for half that.
I would also argue it is in their best interests financially to hang on for Rice for at least 18 months. Yes, of course, there is the small risk he gets injured but 100 odd games and England caps under his belt and he will go for more.
However, if Man City suddenly offered £70m or something like that, I imagine must owners would be interested in selling at that price
bubbles1966 wrote:The new Scott Parker - striding alone in midfield like King Canute trying to stem the ****ing tide and win the game, all on his own.
Poor ****er.
Rice is great for 19, but he's no Parker at this point. He has flaws in his game (pace, passing under pressure being the 2 big ones) that need protecting, which the league is starting to figure out. Sadly we don't have the midfield personnel to protect him.
Must confess I find the long wait to decide which country to represent is starting to look a bit odd. Is there something specific he's waiting on? It's not that important. Just which colour shirt you're going to be wearing when you feel a brief disappointment every 2 years.
Astonishing level of progress which is perhaps best understood when it's remembered that he was always the first to get hooked if it was going badly under Slav and even at the start of this season under Pellegrini.
It doesn't happen now. his level of performance doesn't allow for it.
bubbles1966 wrote:Another stand out performance yesterday.
Astonishing level of progress which is perhaps best understood when it's remembered that he was always the first to get hooked if it was going badly under Slav and even at the start of this season under Pellegrini.
It doesn't happen now. his level of performance doesn't allow for it.
So Bilic protected him when he wasn't good enough, and now he's reaping the benefits you say? :arry:
if hes still here in 2 years time i will be very surprised and very happy
was talking to an academy coach last night and only 2 out of 12 coaches thought he was worth offering a scholarship too when he was young - luckily the 2 got their way !
Chicken Run Supreme wrote:
Maybe I'm wearing my claret and blue tinted specs but I see him as an absolute shoe-in. He is very special.
Cuenca is right that Sane is still young enough to qualify, so I'd say it would be a surprise were he not to win it. If they win the title he'll probably deserve it too. That said, 23 is probably a touch too high a cut-off point for a youth award.
If you're feeling bored, here's a pop quiz – name the 5 players who have appeared for West Ham who have previously won PFA Young Player of the Year. (Hints: Only two of them won it while they were playing for us. And one player who is currently at the club has won it).
