Dazza82 Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Seems like there is some competition to sign him http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3551398/Dale-aint-a-Saint-yet.html I havent seem him play, is he good enough or just a prospect? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 TBH from the games I've seen him play in, he didn't seem to offer us anything different. Decent player, but nothing stand out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manji Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 That really seems like an agent led story to push Saints along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OVER THE HILL Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Nothing special. Maybe it's his agent trying to drum up interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Everton and Bolton tracking him.... Seriously ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Everton and Bolton tracking him.... Seriously ? This. I can see why Saints wanted to take a look at him, I only saw him play 3 times but he got on my tits on all three occasions, making lots of mistakes and ending up way out of position as he tries to make up for it. No thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 The way Oldham fans were banging on about him I was expecting a bit more I must admit, he wasn't terrible by any means, but he didn't look like the next Steive Gerrard either. Not sure I'd be that fussed if we didn't get him. On the other hand if we do sign him permently I'll except that the manager must see something in him I don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 The way Oldham fans were banging on about him I was expecting a bit more I must admit, he wasn't terrible by any means, but he didn't look like the next Steive Gerrard either. Not sure I'd be that fussed if we didn't get him. On the other hand if we do sign him permently I'll except that the manager must see something in him I don't. If we do sign a quality midfield player he would be well down the pecking order as cover. Assuming a new boy would be paired with Morgan both Chaplow and Hammond would be ahead of him for selection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Did ok nothing more nothing less. Looked like a poor mans Morgan and now we are up I feel we need better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Fandango Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 No pace, totally one footed and tends to pass sideways. More like a poor man's Jim Magilton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southamptonfclegend Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 he seems pretty average, forgot how good Morgan is until yesterday, although Stephens is better than Gobern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L1Minus10 Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Would rather have Wotton and Idiakez from the All star Xi... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Haha. They should have picked some more convincing clubs. I'm still undecided about him. In most of the games I've seen him play he will misplace a few passes but then play a brilliant through ball. Bit up and down. Similar to Chaplow in that sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MINIBARCELONASAINT Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Had a cracking debut. Then nothing else spectacular. No better than Gobern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mowgli Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 To be fair it was a tough time to come in and we were desperate for cover. The time to judge him is after a full pre season. Think he is definately worth keeping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Given no involvement in either of these two games I imagine we have already told him, "thanks but you're not in our plans". Which is the correct decision IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 8 May, 2011 Share Posted 8 May, 2011 Given no involvement in either of these two games I imagine we have already told him, "thanks but you're not in our plans". Which is the correct decision IMO. I'm not so sure about that - he started against Plymouth in what was an extremely important game and with promotion virtually secured, the Walsall game was about the players who had been with us and contributed over the course of the season - that is why I think it was Chaplow, Chamberlain, and Harding that all came off the bench and not anyone else for a 'runout'. I don't think the door is closed on him at all and an Oldham supporter said they all think he will be signing permanently in the summer (would certainly be hard for him to go back after the way the club went public with his departure). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerceSaint28 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Definitely not of the desired quality to push us on. We need one real quality centre mid acquisition and it's not Stephens. With players like Danns and Pratley available on free's, who are far better players, there is no way we will be signing him. Great to see Schneiderlin back and i think he will have a good season. Hammond and Chaplow will be fighting for a place and i think Gobern probably deserves another contract and then sent on loan to get games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wild-saint Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I thought he was a far better player than Gobern. He is composed on the ball and has decent range of passing on him. I think he will get better as he develops and would be a decent player at championship level once he settles in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Definitely not of the desired quality to push us on. We need one real quality centre mid acquisition and it's not Stephens. With players like Danns and Pratley available on free's, who are far better players, there is no way we will be signing him. Great to see Schneiderlin back and i think he will have a good season. Hammond and Chaplow will be fighting for a place and i think Gobern probably deserves another contract and then sent on loan to get games Agree that either one or better still both of these players are of the quality required to enhance our squad and would love to see both of them here. I think we are going to have to trust NA on this one - I have only watched Stephens once and while there is clearly talent in the young man, whether he is mentally tough enough for the step up, I am yet to be convinced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 To be fair it was a tough time to come in and we were desperate for cover. The time to judge him is after a full pre season. Think he is definately worth keeping. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Wayman Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Seems like there is some competition to sign him http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3551398/Dale-aint-a-Saint-yet.html I havent seem him play, is he good enough or just a prospect? He hasn't impressed or done enough yet to justify a permanent signing that's for sure so a further loan is the best e could hope for. I wouldn't bother as the games that he's played so far have passed him by simply because the other players don't yet have any confidence in him to give him the ball. The stuff about Everton *& Bolton is usual SunCrap spun by his agent no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Was a bit disappointed to hear that he didnt stop to sign any autographs when he arrived at the stadium despite everyone being lined up and other players doing so. Equally unimpressed by his actions on the pitch too so far but early days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trader Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 (edited) Takes a good corner kick but apart from that seems off the pace and I generally have been unimpressed. I thought Jack Stephens looked good yesterday though. Edited 9 May, 2011 by Trader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McGrath's Jockstrap Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Average minus. Doesn't keep hold of the ball and when he passes almost always sideways. He doesn't put his foot in like Spiderman either. Spiderman will shine next season.We could buy better then Stephens and we will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 I'm not so sure about that - he started against Plymouth in what was an extremely important game and with promotion virtually secured, the Walsall game was about the players who had been with us and contributed over the course of the season - that is why I think it was Chaplow, Chamberlain, and Harding that all came off the bench and not anyone else for a 'runout'. I don't think the door is closed on him at all and an Oldham supporter said they all think he will be signing permanently in the summer (would certainly be hard for him to go back after the way the club went public with his departure). Not even on the bench against Walsall though? It's worth noting that Guly was injured against Plymouth and Schneiderlin was unavailable. Given we decided to play Chaplow on the right wing then CM alongside Hammond was really a toss-up between Gobern and Stephens. Stephens has been ok but I really don't think he's what we need. We need a mobile, forward running CM who has a bit more finesse on the ball than Chaplow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Definitely not of the desired quality to push us on. We need one real quality centre mid acquisition and it's not Stephens. With players like Danns and Pratley available on free's, who are far better players, there is no way we will be signing him. Great to see Schneiderlin back and i think he will have a good season. Hammond and Chaplow will be fighting for a place and i think Gobern probably deserves another contract and then sent on loan to get games This! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 While I won't argue that he has had nothing more than a 'steady' time with us and that it might be nice to think we could attract some better players due to promotion, I think assuming he won't be signing permanently is a little short-sighted at the moment. Very rarely do you sign one of the better players on loan from another team without following it through with the permanent signing in the summer. And don't forget the way he left Oldham - the way the club portrayed the move on their official website. I wouldn't be surprised if he was signed, nor would I be surprised if he went back to Oldham. However, if he goes back to Oldham, he'll be joining a club of Saints size in the summer I've no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Charlie Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 If he doesn't cost a whole lot then I think we could develop him into a good player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Interesting that no-one has mentioned that he didn't play during the All-Stars match, when basically everyone with a squad number who isn't already being released, on loan to someone else or injured got a game, right down to the kids. I don't think you can read anything into him not playing against Walsall, we've been rotating players in and out over the last 4 matches and Schneiderlin coming back was always going to get a start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 9 May, 2011 Share Posted 9 May, 2011 Can't help but think he's unhappy at saints, what with being reluctant to sign autographs and his lacklustre performances. Maybe it was known sometime ago that he wouldn't be staying and so his hearts not in it. Didn't he turn us down initially and then change his mind? But then went on to say in his welcome interview that it was an easy decision... Not sure what to make of everything I've seen of him... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivan Katalinic's 'tache Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Met him after the MK Dons game, when he had his photo taken with my lad, and he seemed really positive and pleased to be here. I wonder if anything has changed since then, hence not signing autographs on Saturday? Maybe NA has said he won't be trying to take him on permanently? Or maybe he is joining and Nicola told him not to sign for anyone else!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simondo Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 don't forget he got injured - he seemed not bad for the first couple of games, then got whacked and i suppose he is now getting back in to it.... still prefer we don't sign him and replace him with the best quality we can afford, as i think the CMF needs improving - some time the ball passes them by... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Monkey Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Interesting that no-one has mentioned that he didn't play during the All-Stars match, when basically everyone with a squad number who isn't already being released, on loan to someone else or injured got a game, right down to the kids. Dont loan deals expire as soon as the last competetive game of the season has finished? I half expected to see Punch and/or Fish make an appearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Dont loan deals expire as soon as the last competetive game of the season has finished? I half expected to see Punch and/or Fish make an appearance. Puncheon hasn't finished his season though.Don't know where Fish is with Doncaster, is he getting a game ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 (edited) Premature to rule out Stephens - expected to see more of him going forward as he was pitched as a box-to-box player and has got quite a few goals/assists for Oldham (bearing in mind he's their pen taker); but it requires time to settle. We all saw how Barny had a mare for the first month he was here before establishing himself and arguably CM is the hardest position to come into and command. So lets see. If taking Stephens means we won't be looking at any other CMs during the summer window, am inclined to pass on Stephens and see how far we can leverage our championship status; but if its a choice between Stephens and Gobern and then bringing in someone else, Stephens for me narrowly edges it over Gobern. Edited 10 May, 2011 by shurlock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Too early to write him off. Looked neat and tidy player able to pass well in games i saw him . Like others have said it was not an easy time to come in when we desperatly needed midfield cover. Think given a pre season with Saints he might prove a decent player next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chez Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 I actually thought he wasn't neat and tidy and that is fundamental to centre midfield play. Only a fool writes off a new signing after only four or 5 appearances, but if I was a scout that had watched those games I wouldn't recommend him to Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 I was not impressed when i saw him - occasional good passes but didn't really get into the game and made too many unforced errors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibden Purlieu Saint Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 I love the fact that you all feel you can judge a player after a handful of games in a new team. From friends who are Oldham fans, he really is a very good player. I think it would be a shame to lose out on him, the same way we did with players like Adam Hammill etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever a red and white Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Reminded me, tentativley, of Frank Lampard, doesn't look blessed with natural abiltiy, but a lot of hard work could take him a long way. But then again, I haven't noticed him in a game yet. Would rather concentrate on giving Morgan a new and very lengthy contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david in sweden Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Everton and Bolton tracking him.... Seriously ? .....for their reserve squad you mean ..LOL He'd get lost in the crowd of Prem Reserves. anyway I thought the loan deal had a price tag on it , if we wanted him to stay ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 I love the fact that you all feel you can judge a player after a handful of games in a new team. From friends who are Oldham fans, he really is a very good player. I think it would be a shame to lose out on him, the same way we did with players like Adam Hammill etc. According to Tottenham Tommy Forecast was a very good player, look where that got us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 .....for their reserve squad you mean ..LOL He'd get lost in the crowd of Prem Reserves. anyway I thought the loan deal had a price tag on it , if we wanted him to stay ? It was never mentioned in any official context though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 It hasn't been mentioned unofficially either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
up and away Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Too early to write him off. Looked neat and tidy player able to pass well in games i saw him . Like others have said it was not an easy time to come in when we desperatly needed midfield cover. Think given a pre season with Saints he might prove a decent player next season. Maybe a bit hasty, but I would easily write this one off. That is not to say the lad is not that bad, but I am having difficulty seeing something special. This is one position where I believe it will be the easiest to add far batter than our current options to our squad, there are a lot of decent players available if you have the cash. From the lad who came down with Preston to someone like O'Hara who could come within our sights, I am sure we can do far better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 Maybe a bit hasty, but I would easily write this one off. That is not to say the lad is not that bad, but I am having difficulty seeing something special. This is one position where I believe it will be the easiest to add far batter than our current options to our squad, there are a lot of decent players available if you have the cash. From the lad who came down with Preston to someone like O'Hara who could come within our sights, I am sure we can do far better. You are right in that there will be plenty of options of other players but i think he needs to be given a chance with a proper pre season with Saints then a run of games hopefully not disrupted by injury. I'm glad the club is getting promising young players from other clubs who have something to prove etc. Maybe this should be made a sticky so we can judge the player next season. Plenty of players written off after a few games by posters over the years who have gone onto prove themselves decent players. BTW think O'Hara is good enough for Premier league so not much chance of him playing for us next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegrant Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 With players like Danns and Pratley available on free's, who are far better players, there is no way we will be signing him. There is not a cat in hell's chance we'll be signing Pratley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Window Cleaner Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 You are right in that there will be plenty of options of other players but i think he needs to be given a chance with a proper pre season with Saints then a run of games hopefully not disrupted by injury. I'm glad the club is getting promising young players from other clubs who have something to prove etc. Maybe this should be made a sticky so we can judge the player next season. Plenty of players written off after a few games by posters over the years who have gone onto prove themselves decent players. BTW think O'Hara is good enough for Premier league so not much chance of him playing for us next season. can't understand why we'd pay money for him on the off chance that he may turn up trumps for us. He is here on loan for the season...simple as that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyNorthernSaints Posted 10 May, 2011 Share Posted 10 May, 2011 can't understand why we'd pay money for him on the off chance that he may turn up trumps for us. He is here on loan for the season...simple as that. With a view to permanent signing as stated when he signed. Adkins must have seen something he liked to get him in. Anyway lets see who's right..... apologies for giving him a chance/expressing opinion...etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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