: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:40 am  

Enfield Exile wrote:

Hope so According to teh papers, he is refusing to leave. Can't blame him in a way. He has been through the mill with City, and now we are looking more competitive, we are trying to get shut. He's settled in the country nearby and has a young family. I can't blame him for standing his ground. I actually thik Dunne could have one last hurrah with us - although I would rather he is no longer first choice. I really do think that if we signed a couple of good defenders, he would raise his game, and may come off the bench for a couple of games and be a hero. I certainly wouldn't begrudge him that honour.

Generally agree – although let's not forget that City stuck by him and gave him a second chance when it looked as though he were about to throw away his career.

TBH, I think he's been beginning to slip off the pace for a couple of seasons. In 2007-08, it started to show up such questions as his poor pass conversion rate (his was over 20% lower than Hamman's, for instance, on a week-in, week-out basis). And last season he just got worse. I thought he'd really picked up again when Given arrived, but he slipped off the pace again before season's end. TBH, I think he'd benefit from going to another club – it might be just what he needs. I can't see that he'd really want to finish his career on the bench, having been club captain for so long.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:49 am  

Enfield Exile wrote:

TBH I'd prefer Alonson ahead of all of those.

Is Alonson leaving because...
...he is surplus to requirements
...he wants to leave
...Rafa hasn't forgiven him

What's Rafa got to forgive him for? From what I've read, their relationship has deteriorated and it's just a 'professional' relationship, whereas before they were good friends. I think Alonso wants a new challenge, he was willing to leave last year when he wasn't needed as much, but after having his best season in years, he's become irreplaceable. I don't think it's really possible to replace him at us, there are hardly any players who can control a game like Xabi, as well as having his defensive ability. Whoever we sign will feel like a step down, and will need time to adjust.

If we were willing to invest that time, I'd like to see us go for either Inler or Hernanes.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:09 pm  

I'd love to see a coach, like Rafa say, get Huddlestone's finger from out of his booty and get him using his undoubted talent. You'd have an English version of Alonso then.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:12 pm  

JWP wrote:

I'd love to see a coach, like Rafa say, get Huddlestone's finger from out of his booty and get him using his undoubted talent. You'd have an English version of Alonso then.

I'd love to see him go on and become the player we all know he could be. His passing and technique is superb, and he's huge, but he just doesn't use his big frame as he should. He's far too soft and lacks mobility at times, you want to see him getting on top of sides, bullying them and spraying the ball all over the field, but he just doesn't. Thought he was on his way to Everton?

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:18 pm  

Robbie Rotten wrote:

I'd love to see him go on and become the player we all know he could be. His passing and technique is superb, and he's huge, but he just doesn't use his big frame as he should. He's far too soft and lacks mobility at times, you want to see him getting on top of sides, bullying them and spraying the ball all over the field, but he just doesn't. Thought he was on his way to Everton?

That was a strong rumour last summer but he signed a new deal at Tottenham I believe. Not that they wanted him, they just don't want rivals buying decent players (cough Kyle Naughton)

Has anyone got the overall spends since the PL began? I'm pretty sure Tottenham are in the top 3.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:22 pm  

TBF too Dunne i dont think hes slip in from lat year was all hes fault. He was playing alongside a shocking Tel Ben Hiam which meant he was virtually marking both Strikers and doing the work of 2 Defenders, then we put Rixhards alongside of him and Ricahrds used to wander off up feild leaving Dunne exposed. When Onuha come into the team alongside Dunne i thought Dunne picked up cause he could rely on Onouha to be tight alongside and take the pressure of hes shoulders. I wouldnt sell him he would be very good cover this year and deserves it hes been our best player over the last 6 year and showed the most commitment by far

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:23 pm  

Why Carlos Why

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:41 pm  

Mintball wrote:

You guys were confusing me, so I had a quick check. According to official lists, Wayne Bridge, Richard Dunne, Pablo Zabaleta, Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Javier Garrido are all defenders – and that's without mentioning Shaleum Logan and Tal Ben-Haim, who spent much of last season on loan.

Plus, (when fit) Vincent Kompany can very easily slot back into central defence.

HTH

Well you can stay away from Lescott now then, clearly not needed

Fingerposts Finest wrote:

:shock:

He has clearly been on the ale all night and is stil pished!!

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:49 pm  

Wire_85 wrote:

Don't be silly you have world beater Owen in your ranks.

Biiterness pouring out of you.

: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:57 pm  

Mark wrote:

Biiterness pouring out of you.

Call that if you I was being honest.