13 Jan 2020 21:58:00
I wonder how long the management think it is going to take to get Drinkwater up to speed.
This guy has been idle apart from training sessions for the past 2 seasons.
His match time is 14 games in 3 years.
Surely it would be more productive playing one of the under 23 lads.
13 Jan 2020 22:12:06
Villadave-an ex-pro was saying if he knocks his pipe out 4-5 games, if he ends up as a sub, probably 7-8 games, makes you wonder why we sign a player with no pace for a team that is supposed to try and move the ball quickly, time will tell I suppose.
14 Jan 2020 08:56:21
Another panic signing.
Our summer signings were needed but there did seem a hint of panic even then.
Where is our scouting system? Do they work 7 days a week or just when we are looking for players.
Surely we have scouts with knowledge about the local area. Apart from Jack we seem to have nothing from the area.
Look at Chelsea, they have an amazing amount of young talent from their own locality. they have been with them from school.
Liverpool, Man Utd, Spurs. They all find school leavers with talent.
Somewhere there are kids out there that we are missing.
14 Jan 2020 11:22:36
Brilliant post TOV, unfortunately as we all know it takes many years to get rewards, way too late for us now.
14 Jan 2020 22:19:47
I don’t see Drinkwater as a panic signing, he’s a vastly experienced Mid who can pass the all and do some defensive work. His fitness is a major issue but I see it as a safe signing who won’t damage us at all in the short or long term financially. Give it a few weeks an I reckon he’ll be a key player for us.
14 Jan 2020 23:12:33
Shane how long is a few weeks, we need him now mate.
15 Jan 2020 09:42:56
Villadave,
Unfortunately we haven’t been able to go get a ready made CM to replace McGinn because I’m sure it would have cost £30m-£40m to do that.
So we’ve done what makes sense financially even if I’d have preferred a Victor Wanyama type of midfielder personally.
I don’t actually see many options out there right now which is why I’m happy with Drinkwater. We should have a good enough team/ squad to compete over the next 3 games and then come mid feb when we play Spurs hopefully Drinkwater would have reached match fitness/ sharpness and we’ll see his best from them on.
15 Jan 2020 11:12:02
I know he has it in him, I just hope you are right Shane.