Gibson training at Middlesbrough

[Targetman]

Ive noticed its always the same people on here who like to have a pop at the club at the first opportunity.

[MACCA]

Who would you play him instead of?

I don't think a run of games when it's fair to say Mee had a dip in form shouldn't be too much to expect.
After all, he was brought in for exactly that, and for a record fee.

Mr Dyche regularly states grabbing the shirt when the opportunity arises, sadly Ben Gibson has never even had the chance regardless of Ben Mee's form.

If he wasnt going to get a decent run last season after our appalling start, he never ever was.

Ben Mee a long with at least 1 other is undroppable regardless of form.

Said it before and I'll say it again, Mr Dyches major strength is his loyalty, but also 1 of his biggest weaknesses

[BOYSIE31]

Really? We needed a central defender. We thought we’d got Alfie Mawson until Fulham showed him the money and we went for Gibson who looked at the time to be a very good signing even if things haven’t worked out.

So you really think we should be spending that kind of money on a third choice ?

We all know Dyche will never rotate or change a team even if we get a heavy beating - the only ones he has changed and only this season has been both the full backs

[MACCA]

Why? He hasn't broken into the first team due to form of Mee and Tarky, would you have dropped the captain to keep Gibson happy?

Unprofessional, better off without players who are not prepared to buy in.

See post 52.

[houseboy]

A few people on here saying they don't feel sorry for him because of what he's getting paid. It's a fair point and must ease the situation for him but young lads don't go into football with money in mind, that comes after they have made it, they go into for the love of the game and the pride of playing professionally. Even after they have made it and command huge wages they are still at heart that young boy who wants to play (presumably) and if you get a move for big money unless you are going to a massive club (say, Leeds ) you would think that you would play. Now he has been unfortunate in that Tarks and Mee have been pretty much the immovable object but that still wouldn't make it any easier for any player who actually wants to play.

So we can feel for him, not financially but as a player who has dreamed of playing football at the highest level. Inside the man is the young boy who just wanted to get in the team.

[BOYSIE31]

Ive noticed its always the same people on here who like to have a pop at the club at the first opportunity.

No we have to keep repeating until one day your claret glasses may slip.

[BOYSIE31]

Here we go again. I bet you are loving this so you can have yet another go at the club.

Not at all - just worked out that even if he left in the summer we would still be paying him 1 million pounds up until then and training with another club - you could not make this **** up.

Yet we plead poverty again

So what is your take on it then ??

[BOYSIE31]

And people wonder why the board have stopped Dyche in his tracks regarding incomings - a lot of deadwood still to be got shut off

[ClaretTony]

So you really think we should be spending that kind of money on a third choice ?

We all know Dyche will never rotate or change a team even if we get a heavy beating - the only ones he has changed and only this season has been both the full backs

I thought it was outstanding business at the time. He wasn’t signed to be third choice but to be part of the squad and who knows what might have happened had he not needed two bouts of surgery.

Why would you rotate central defenders? Recipe for disaster that.

But don’t let logic and common sense get in the way of your latest opportunity to have a go at the club.

[Tall Paul]

We don't plead poverty though.

[TVC15]

I knew this thread would unfortunately bring out all the crystal ball fans.
The vast majority of fans and people on this board agreed we needed a quality third centre back - not just because of the risk of injuries and loss of form for Mee and Tarks but mainly because Mee had not signed his contract and Tarks was already being linked with other clubs.
At the time we were being quoted £20m for the Forest lad and £15m for the lad from Sheff Wednesday - neither of which had the pedigree and quality of Gibson who had already been picked for England.
It looked like a good deal at the time and I cannot remember many supporters or people on this board complaining about it in terms of who we had signed or the cost.

Of course its not worked out and its been very expensive but that has got nothing to do with the reasons why we bought Gibson in the first place.

[BOYSIE31]

We don't plead poverty though.

Were you asleep all the way through january and last August

[jrgbfc]

We may as well have cut our losses in January and got him off the wage bill at least. Ideally we need an experienced lad to come in as cover who is good enough to play but happy to be a squad man.

[BOYSIE31]

I thought it was outstanding business at the time. He wasn’t signed to be third choice but to be part of the squad and who knows what might have happened had he not needed two bouts of surgery.

Why would you rotate central defenders? Recipe for disaster that.

But don’t let logic and common sense get in the way of your latest opportunity to have a go at the club.

So did I as i felt he was a very good player.

Why cant you rotate central defenders ?

Plenty of other clubs do and it has certainly not affected Liverpool

But i was not on about just rotation - more than having a run of games when the other 2 have been poor - and they have both had poor games this season and certainly before xmas last season.

[Colburn_Claret]

I struggle to see what the plan was buying him in the first place.

Record signing and all.

He was a great signing at the time, hindsight can't change that. Who could have predicted that Tarks and Mee would be so consistent, injury free or even remain at the club after all these years.
If he does go, and its looking likely, we will need an excellent replacement as back up, and that player is likely to cost more than we paid for Gibson.
Personally I'd wish him nothing but good luck, it isn't his fault that it didn't work out. He needs to be playing at his age, whatever the level.

[ClaretTony]

So did I as i felt he was a very good player.

Why cant you rotate central defenders ?

Plenty of other clubs do and it has certainly not affected Liverpool

But i was not on about just rotation - more than having a run of games when the other 2 have been poor - and they have both had poor games this season and certainly before xmas last season.

Where was Gibson before Christmas last season? Recovering from his second operation. Came in for the Boxing Day game and was poor. At what point this season do you honestly think Gibson should have come in.

Liverpool rotating - and how often is it Virgil van Dijk's turn to miss a Premier League game on rotation?


Sorry, you are either not a Burnley fan or a complete clown. Our club is currently going through a period that will be looked back on as one of the best in our history and all you can ever do is whinge and complain.

[ClaretTony]

I knew this thread would unfortunately bring out all the crystal ball fans.

They can't wait can they?

[Tall Paul]

Sorry, you are either not a Burnley fan or a complete clown.

Why not both?

[Spijed]

And people wonder why the board have stopped Dyche in his tracks regarding incomings - a lot of deadwood still to be got shut off

So who is Josh Brownhill then if no incomings are allowed?

[MACCA]

I'm just glad we didnt sell him/loan to Watford or another because only having 1 fit CB as cover, and that man being Kevin Long would have been a crazy gamble, rardless of money made or wages saved.

Least by banishing up to Middlesbrough means we can still still pay him his wages, any potential fee will vastly reduce, will no doubt lose form and we still have the luxury of that 1 and only CB as cover...

Seems a strange one, but I'm sure whatever the facts are it'll still be purely Ben Gibsons fault, obviously.

[ClaretAndJew]

Josh Brownhill training with Bristol (Summer 2021)

[MACCA]

They can't wait can they?

Nope, and you'd think they would use such powers for the Euro millions or something similar.

[Spike]

Basically he should be more professional.

We all go through rough times at work and he should man up and get training at Gawthorpe.

We were never going to loan him to watford until we are completely safe and not with us paying some of his wages.

[ClaretAndJew]

He's been my favourite signing of recent times to be fair.

[Bordeauxclaret]

I think the signing was very much like Tarkowski. The assumption was one of the existing pair would be off and he’d be next in line.

[NL Claret]

Excellent opportunity for the Captain Hindsighters on here to let us now how badly Dyche got this wrong.

Should Dyche have applied to the FA so we could play 12?

If we needed cover for an injury and hadn't signed Gibson the 20/20 Hindsighters would be able to criticise Dyche for not signing back up.

If Tarky had left the club and we had no instant replacement the Hindsighters would be able to criticise Dyche for not signing that adequate replacement.

This winter break has been a bit dull so this breaking news has given us the opportunity to read a right load of ******** on here and also some belters on Twitter under a Chris Boden tweet.

[ClaretTony]

I think the signing was very much like Tarkowski. The assumption was one of the existing pair would be off and he’d be next in line.

And it must be frustrating when you come in and can't get a look in because of those in the team. Besides Tarky, Nick Pope was another as was Charlie Taylor, and rightly so given the form of Tom Heaton and Stephen Ward at the times they came in.

[SGr]

Don't get me wrong over the last two seasons there have been periods where I've thought Ben Mee has done enough to be dropped, but ultimately I don't see a problem. Kevin Long has spent virtually his entire career on the bench here and this sort of thing hasn't happened. I can understand Gibson's frustrations but to be honest, I don't think he ever truly left Middlesbrough.

[Bordeauxclaret]

And it must be frustrating when you come in and can't get a look in because of those in the team. Besides Tarky, Nick Pope was another as was Charlie Taylor, and rightly so given the form of Tom Heaton and Stephen Ward at the times they came in.

Absolutely. The opportunity just hadn’t opened up in the way I’d guess both anticipated.

[ClaretTony]

I can understand Gibson's frustrations but to be honest, I don't think he ever truly left Middlesbrough.

The first part of that sentence I totally agree with. The second part I suspect is true. OK, he's a Boro fan but at times it is as if he's never left.

[JohnDearyMe]

Absolutely. The opportunity just hadn’t opened up in the way I’d guess both anticipated.

Lucky for us that Tarkowski has been more professional than Gibson and was prepared to bide his time

[GandalfsBeard]

My heart bleeds.

I’d hate to be paid £40k pw to play football.

Ah yes, when you reach a certain income threshold you lose the right to have feelings

[TVC15]

Thing is some people always feel the need to find blame for the way something just turns out because of a set of circumstances nobody could have predicted.
Then there are others who want to blame the club at every opportunity completely ignoring the fact that most footballers and agents are pretty mercenary these days.

Let’s just be thankful that this signing that hasn’t worked out for us has not had a massive impact on the club either on or off the field.
Because firstly the last time I looked we were still in the Premier League and secondly the way we have ran our finances we haven’t got it any debt or posted the huge losses that many of the clubs sat below us in the table are posting.

[bobinho]

Signing Gibson was an absolute no brainer.

Neither of our two centre halves have been sold to other clubs, neither have had serious injuries, and despite what some say, neither have suffered a COLOSSAL loss of form. A small but not insignificant loss of form yes, but not colossal. At another club, maybe the change would have been made. Surely EVERYONE knows what the criteria is for getting into our first eleven?
For what it’s worth, I believe everyone waits their opportunity, but there is an argument that suggests there was one but the change wasn’t made.

Having said that, no way on this planet will I EVER believe that the Gibson signing was because we needed back up.... he was a replacement.

We (Burnley) are going to have to be very careful how we deal with our new players in the future. It COULD be construed that signing for Burnley is a mistake if you want to actually play. There will be players that leave us that can’t actually say anything good about their time here. That’s a shame.

[SGr]

Signing Gibson was an absolute no brainer.

This is true. I was happy with the deal at the time, it made complete sense. Just hasn't worked out - these thing happen.

[BOYSIE31]

Where was Gibson before Christmas last season? Recovering from his second operation. Came in for the Boxing Day game and was poor. At what point this season do you honestly think Gibson should have come in.

Liverpool rotating - and how often is it Virgil van Dijk's turn to miss a Premier League game on rotation?


Sorry, you are either not a Burnley fan or a complete clown. Our club is currently going through a period that will be looked back on as one of the best in our history and all you can ever do is whinge and complain.

The very same game that i believe he also scored in - so he was the scapegoat as the other centre half never got dropped did he - or were all 5 goals Gibsons fault ?

What i cant believe is that you and other people in the click on here can never never ever critisise the club so it maybe you lot who sometimes look like clowns

To my knowledge i have never known a footballer go and train with another professional club while contracted to another who will continue to pay his 50 k a week wage but its ok when Dyche allows this.

God forbid if Howe had ever allowed something like this to happen on his watch - it all stinks

[BOYSIE31]

So who is Josh Brownhill then if no incomings are allowed?

Lets see how much game time between now and the end of this season before we spout on here.

Wells deal only made that happen by the way.

[BOYSIE31]

I'm just glad we didnt sell him/loan to Watford or another because only having 1 fit CB as cover, and that man being Kevin Long would have been a crazy gamble, rardless of money made or wages saved.

Least by banishing up to Middlesbrough means we can still still pay him his wages, any potential fee will vastly reduce, will no doubt lose form and we still have the luxury of that 1 and only CB as cover...

Seems a strange one, but I'm sure whatever the facts are it'll still be purely Ben Gibsons fault, obviously.

And least you agree with me that this is unbelievable news.

[dermotdermot]

For this to have happened indicates some sort of breach of training ground rules. If this were the case, wouldn’t there be a case for withholding his wages. It’s a lot of money to pay out for nothing.

[ClaretTony]

What i cant believe is that you and other people in the click on here can never never ever critisise the club so it maybe you lot who sometimes look like clowns

No, we support the club and we do criticise when we consider it appropriate. You just slag the club off at every opportunity. Click? Isn't that something you do with your fingers?

[ClaretTony]

Wells deal only made that happen by the way.

Sorry to have to tell you but this latest attempt at having a go you have got completely wrong. But don't let that get in the way of you looking for things to criticise the club for will you?

[BOYSIE31]

Lucky for us that Tarkowski has been more professional than Gibson and was prepared to bide his time

Sorry you dont go out and spend that kind of money for a return in 2 years - that statement is just plain stupid.

Its an instant return as he was 25 and had a decent season already in the premier league and was tipped for England honours.

You get a younger decent version for the future.

[TVC15]

Lets see how much game time between now and the end of this season before we spout on here.

Wells deal only made that happen by the way.

And you know that how ?....it`s not like you have a great track record in understanding our finances is it ?

Are you now saying that a deal where we got good money for a player who was never going to play for us again and brought in a good player for the future in a position we need players was not a good deal ?....or do you just feel the need to criticise or have a dig at every single thing the club does even if its a positive thing that you have been wanting ?

As for you or other post have you no shame as to how embarrassing you sound ?

[PremierLeagueClass]

It will be very interesting if Tarkowski or Mee gets injured now.

Is this now a case of we wouldn’t sell in Jan without a replacement, yet we’re now in a situation where Gibson’s position is untenable. So we’re down to 3 centre backs Regardless?

Shame if this is true. Everyone spoke very highly of his character at Boro. I suppose some players handle the pressure that comes with having to wait for their chance better than others. Plenty of examples of players in both camps during Dyche’s tenure.

[ClaretTony]

or do you just feel the need to criticise or have a dig at every single thing the club does even if its a positive thing that you have been wanting ?

As for you or other post have you no shame as to how embarrassing you sound ?

Nail on head

[BOYSIE31]

No, we support the club and we do criticise when we consider it appropriate. You just slag the club off at every opportunity. Click? Isn't that something you do with your fingers?

Please show me where you have ever critised anything post Howe ???

[BOYSIE31]

And you know that how ?....it`s not like you have a great track record in understanding our finances is it ?

Are you now saying that a deal where we got good money for a player who was never going to play for us again and brought in a good player for the future in a position we need players was not a good deal ?....or do you just feel the need to criticise or have a dig at every single thing the club does even if its a positive thing that you have been wanting ?

As for you or other post have you no shame as to how embarrassing you sound ?

Look back on the transfer window thread and i praised the club for getting 4 million for Wells as i thought it was great buisness

[Eyres_11]

I'm just glad we didnt sell him/loan to Watford or another because only having 1 fit CB as cover, and that man being Kevin Long would have been a crazy gamble, rardless of money made or wages saved.

Least by banishing up to Middlesbrough means we can still still pay him his wages, any potential fee will vastly reduce, will no doubt lose form and we still have the luxury of that 1 and only CB as cover...

Seems a strange one, but I'm sure whatever the facts are it'll still be purely Ben Gibsons fault, obviously.

Is IS his fault.

He is paid to be a member of our squad and if the manager chooses not to play him then he doesn't play. Doesn't mean he can act like a big kid and f*ck off back home to cry.

He is under contract and for me I would have him with the kids. He's a disgrace.

[Reckoner]

What a surprise the usual suspects whining like cats on heat again. The same people who are now questioning why we signed him would be whining if we hadn't signed him (or other established CB) if Mee or Tarks had got an injury or suffered a prolonged loss of form. The same people whining that we should have sold him to Watford in January would be whining about strengthening a relegation rival if we had.

As others have said a very encouraging and totally appropriate signing at the time that hasn't worked out. Luckily the due diligence we do go through as a club before transfers does give us a very strong record with successes but there's always going to be ones that don't work.

[BOYSIE31]

Nail on head

Ha so you think it is quite normal to send a player who was the club joint record signing on 50 k a week to train with a fellow club - because it is far from normal - but does not surprise me on here from the people who i knew would reply.