Been following the board for a while and thought it's time I finally posted something. First of all I'd like to say that I think the Hemsy ban is a bit silly. He does say the daft thing now and again but he his rarely abusive to other members and I think many members do go out of their way to try and wind him up. With regards to Steele I'm a little torn. I think he's been a brilliant servant and one of the best shot stoppers since Watson. However, I don't think anyone can deny he is a bit of a liability from corners and we may be able to get a keeper who is more suited to the rough and tumble of league one on a significantly lower wage, which would free up funds for Danny to recruit in other areas. He also seems like a lovely bloke so I'd hate to deny him the chance to play european football at a top club like Panathinaikos. He definitely deserves the opportunity. With regards to all the negativity regarding the upcoming season, I do understand many of the concerns, but lets wait until after our first couple of games before we get the hump! Think about all the positivity surrounding the club last pre-season and contrast that with expectation held by fans in 1996. Kind of suggests none of us know bugger all! Oh and i'm pretty gutted if COG is leaving but I'm happier it's happening now rather than later. Good luck to the fella.
i think my view on this is people don't have an issue with players leaving. it's the lack of recruitment that's the problem. so far, i've seen very little evidence that we're anything like as 'competitive' as mr. mansford has previously suggested. as it stands, the squad we have is anorexic. and we're still trying to systematically offload our senior pros
For the first time in a long time i believe we finally have a chance to implement a long term strategy with the academy being key to that strategy. I personaly am willing to give danny and the club plenty of time to see how we go, unfortunately time isn't a commodity that is afforded in football by many and if we start poorly then it wont be long until the knives are out
see where you're coming from tomfun, but it's not unrealistic to think we could recruit another 5-6 players in the next 3 weeks and the funds from the Steele and the potential COG sale may play a big role in that. Or maybe i'm just too bloody optimistic for my own good. And only1kp, i totally agree with your remarks regarding the academy boys but as you say fans can be awfully fickle, take last season for example! And that includes me by the way. P.s. thanks Whitey, I'm not making any promises.
Welcome to the madhouse, THERE IS NO ESCAPE! You've set yourself a high standard with your first posts, mate. But don't worry, we'll soon have you down to our level!
Mateo Corbo's debut was hilarious. It was exactly like my junior school debut at left back. Came off the bench, first time the ball went forward he sprinted up front and never came back. Difference was I was 8. Welcome.
I can remember he was once through on goal (probably the only time) and instead of simply placing it past the keeper he decided to curl it off the outside of his boot into the top corner. He hit bar. What a guy.
