Badger

We’ve had this exchange before, Hypo. You previously posted a link to their forum. I pointed out it was from 2019. Personal choice as to whether that’s recent enough to sway opinion. Fair enough that shows he had some potential and performed well at an earlier stage of his career. Hope that after we give him the platform he takes the chance to fulfill that, four years on.

YouTube link he looked useful ( subject to the usual Steve De Ridder clause of course). Scored a couple of decent headers as well. An area we’ve been weak in for some time.

Experienced, of being crap and surplus to requirements at a poor Everton, but having had a good spell for WBA 4 years ago ? Remains to be seen. You might be right but I’ve not read anything apart from his age to see him in the role. Like our other CB’s he strikes me as another who might be fine in the Championship but would be improved with a ‘Fonte type’ alongside him organising things.

Woid seems a prospect. I’d be happier with a more experienced player to provide some leadership from that position IF Stephens is to be out for any length. (Bednarek doesn’t seem to cut the leader role for me despite his experience).

I thought he mentioned his versatility and both positions. Although based on what I’ve read rather than seen/heard.

Sums it up for me about him leaving. But although SAA and Edozie may have greater potential longer term for this season, neither ( or both combined) look to offer the same goal threat as Tella might have.

I presume Burnley will be cancelling their Wembley Stadium protest concert now as well.

Germans aren’t known for a sense of humour, otherwise Leverkusen should have an official video with Queen’s ‘I want to break free’ as the soundtrack.

Just hope it’s not another over ambitious Gakpo ( or Ramos?), that they’re ultimately unable to deliver.

Yes, thought he came across well in that. but as you say, it’s only an interview, so he has to carry that onto the pitch, but gives glimmer of optimism at least.

Good move for him, and an ambitious one. Think he'll be back in England within a couple of years. Hope we've got the sell on %.

Did you cut and paste that from a AMN thread from last season ?

It was certainly a refusal to play, which I think could be construed as ‘downing tools’. Accept the point about his contract, fair comment, except it doesn’t show much of a commitment to the club.

Exactly. Fraser’s downing tools at Bournemouth stands out in his career for me. Think he’s able, but clearly has to be motivated. Holgate, not sure he’s better than what we have, and not really the standard I’d hope we’d look for even in the Championship. I know some will point to him having done okay at WBA on loan, but I think that was 2019. Been shit since as far as I’ve read.

Keep Downes away from uncooked meat from now on though.

Good for you. Hope it goes well. If you called at 8am this morning you probably got the slot they’d pencilled in for Piroe.

I often thought Russell Osman got away with some poor performances based on name and previous reputation, although Wood didn’t have that luxury. (Although when on form Osman was the better of the two).

It wouldn’t be a transfer window without Saints seeming to go up a blind alley on a deal that doesn’t materialise. How many times have we heard ‘we tried … but couldn’t get it over the line in time’ ?

Yes, had played for him at Reading. I always thought he was just average for the team we had at the time which was crap.

I think the main issue that has brought criticism is losing his balance twice. Doubt fans would have been so critical without. Being able to stay on your feet shouldn’t need time to acclimatise to those around him.

Interesting stats.

Leeds also linked with Paintsil from Genk.. https://www.leedsunited.news/news/journalist-says-leeds-close-to-another-signing-alongside-attackers-joel-piroe-and-nadiem-amiri/

Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch. (Spurs and skates aside perhaps)

MIght depend who his agent was, shall we say. He signed some crap for skates and West Ham (Dutch bloke who fucked off after about 10 games springs to mind, Boogars was it ?)

I thought he looked useful too, seemed to offer a bit more physical presence than the shortarses we tend to sign. Looked decent going forward as well. But hey, that was youtube, the prism that made De Ridder look a world beater.