Gray to Watford story

ashtonlongsider · Post by **ashtonlongsider** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:49 am

Would make good business sense. I'll certainly not lose any sleep over it if it happens.

Steve-Harpers-perm · Post by **Steve-Harpers-perm** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:50 am

agreenwood wrote:I asked this on the other thread, but why do we often find ourselves selling without replacements lined up and yet when buying we're often forced to wait until the selling club has a replacement?

We don't need to sell Gray. We don't have another player in his mould who can step in. Why not make Watford wait?

Exactly. We even had to wait for Norwich to sign a left back before we got Brady.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:51 am

Agree with that, agreenwood.

Cubanclaret · Post by **Cubanclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:51 am

Very disappointed - particularly strengthening the hand of a rival at this stage.
Some might point to Austin leaving on the eve of our first promotion season but we're playing with fire here. Don't see why we couldn't have waited till the January window. Let's hope we have someone up our sleeve.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:52 am

agreenwood wrote:I asked this on the other thread, but why do we often find ourselves selling without replacements lined up and yet when buying we're often forced to wait until the selling club has a replacement?

We don't need to sell Gray. We don't have another player in his mould who can step in. Why not make Watford wait?

We don't know what the situation is though. I'm not suggesting anything like it but what if he's done a Shackell, once a player has done that then he needs to be got rid of unless you can afford to let him rot for a year and walk. As said, I'm not suggesting that but I don't think for one minute we'll happily sell one of our strikers and leave ourselves short.

vinrogue · Post by **vinrogue** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:52 am

If the money is right then sell him, he does not want to be a Burnley player after this season hence why he has turned down contract offers, that situation is not going to change, so factually he leaves now, January or at the end of the season. Take the cash now BUT for the love of Mary Joseph and the little baby buy/loan/steal someone better than Gray as his replacement..UTC in SD we must trust

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:53 am

As of last thing last night, Mike Walters who broke the story was still saying when asked he didn't know whether Gray particularly wanted to move, nor whether Burnley wanted to sell or would be willing to at the sort of figures being quoted.

That being the case, for now, I'm working on the basis that Burnley would not sell a key player to a relegation rival at all, let alone without having actually signed a replacement for a player who is likely to leave at some point in the next 12 months one way or another. That would just be common sense.

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:54 am

Not happy about this.

I had Watford down as one of those to drop, I think Gray will really suit their style of play and do a good job for them.

We now need 3 big players to walk into our 11, each would be looking at costing 15m plus. Is anybody confident of us doing that?

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:54 am

ClaretTony wrote:We don't know what the situation is though. I'm not suggesting anything like it but what if he's done a Shackell, once a player has done that then he needs to be got rid of unless you can afford to let him rot for a year and walk. As said, I'm not suggesting that but I don't think for one minute we'll happily sell one of our strikers and leave ourselves short.

If he does a Shackell, let him rot in the reserves for a while. Costa went on strike at Chelsea last season at one point when he was refused a move to China, and he was back in the team within the month.

agreenwood · Post by **agreenwood** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:55 am

We're not in the Charlie Austin days though. Financially we're now in a position of control.

Let's hope the club are well down the line with a replacement.

If not, the whole industry will soon know we're desperate for a pacey striker and the asking prices will be going up.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:55 am

It's not a football move if Gray goes to Watford, it would be purely for financial reasons and wanting to live in London.

With the high transfer and wage market, I can see their being a flood of players coming available at the end of the month. There will be plenty of clubs out their wanting to release players to balance there books

ten bellies · Post by **ten bellies** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:55 am

I'm not concerned about Gray going. £18.5m quoted on the BBC is good business for a player who is in the last year of his contract and doesn't want to sign another with us. Defensively he contributes little, and going forward whilst powerful in the turn and shooting , he's not particularly quick, his first time control is not great, and his overall reading of the game is poor.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:56 am

claretspice wrote:If he does a Shackell, let him rot in the reserves for a while. Costa went on strike at Chelsea last season at one point when he was refused a move to China, and he was back in the team within the month.

Personally, if we did have that situation, and again I must stress I know nothing to suggest we do, then I'd get rid.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:57 am

I fear for Ablue's leeks, lettuce and beets when he reads this.

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:57 am

ClaretTony wrote:Personally, if we did have that situation, and again I must stress I know nothing to suggest we do, then I'd get rid.

I might get rid at the right price to the right club. I definitely wouldn't sell him to one of the 4 or 5 teams we're absolutely desperate to finish ahead of this season for a good but in this market not exceptional price.

Top Claret · Post by **Top Claret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:59 am

agreenwood wrote:We're not in the Charlie Austin days though. Financially we're now in a position of control.

Let's hope the club are well down the line with a replacement.

If not, the whole industry will soon know we're desperate for a pacey striker and the asking prices will be going up.

How can we be in a position of control, when we have the smallest budget in this league.

We will end up picking up the scraps and hope these will pull us through for another season

kentonclaret · Post by **kentonclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:00 am

It may all make good business sense but what about from a footballing perspective?

Fans turn up on a Saturday to look at the team sheet not the balance sheet and want to see some real progress being made out on the pitch.

We will not have long to wait if the deal goes through to find out who is in the pipeline, if anybody, to replace him.

Burnley have plenty of money still to spend so that shouldn't be an issue. The problem is the availability of proven goal scorers at PL level and attracting them to the club for the wages being offered.

BigChaCha · Post by **BigChaCha** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:00 am

Don't see why we couldn't have waited till the January window

In theory I think your correct but history shows certain players can get affected in the last year of the contract especially with all the speculation. I think Gray is the type of player to be affected by it all and if his heart is not in it then it's best to sell him now. He's went off the boil with the whole Twitter gate thing and I'm not sure he's a strong enough character to play at his best if he's just biding his time to move.

LDNBFC87 · Post by **LDNBFC87** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:02 am

I suppose the big question is; Tony, do you have any articles lined up for such an eventuality...?

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:04 am

Why would a player in the last year of his contract sulk and not play to their best when their whole career hinges on the next transfer? They need to secure that move, so surely that player would play their heart out to put themselves in the shop window.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:04 am

Sky focussing on the possibility of an Arsenal player missing the opener because of a slight abdominal strain.

kentonclaret · Post by **kentonclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:05 am

CT will have an article written for the outgoing but not for any incoming I suspect,

Gray now 1/3 with Bet Victor to move to Watford.

Sky focusing on Arsenal and not Burnley whatever next?

ashtonlongsider · Post by **ashtonlongsider** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:07 am

The omens haven't been good all summer for me. It's a pity it's come down to the week before the season starts but it could have been worse ie. 31st August 10.59pm. We still have plenty of time to get a replacement in. For what it's worth I would have expected SD to start with Voksey at Chelsea irregardless of this situation.

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:11 am

Forget his age - I would get Shane Long in to replace Gray's pace right away for around 8-10m. Get it done, we need to act fast.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:13 am

jedi_master wrote:Forget his age - I would get Shane Long in to replace Gray's pace right away for around 8-10m. Get it done, we need to act fast.

We were linked with him earlier in the summer - he'd certainly understand half the dressing room that's for sure.

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:14 am

ClaretTony wrote: I really don't get it. Our club is in its best position in years yet some posters just can't wait to criticise at every turn.

Not often I disagree with you Tony but if Gray goes to Watford then the club deserve a certain amount of criticism.

We play our first match on Saturday with 3 of our best players gone and no better replacements for any of them. All we've done so far is bulk out the squad without improving it.

With the money available from last season, outgoing transfers and Sky we should be able to entice a couple of quality players. There isn't even any decent rumours at present.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:15 am

Its only a good business decision if it i proves our chances of better results.

Selling one of your best assets at this stage of the season, with no replacement alreafy in the group and selling to an immediate rival is not a good business decision.

Hopefully weve got a replacement all but confirmed but even thats not good enough. It takes weeks to get used to the team, the style, the fitness etc

Hopefully if he goes Darren Bentley has his twitter log in details and accidentally tweets something about Elton John after hes signed.

agreenwood · Post by **agreenwood** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:15 am

Is there a sell-on we'd owe to Brentford? If there is and it's substantial the deal would make even less sense.

kentonclaret · Post by **kentonclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:15 am

None of us like it when the pundits tip Burnley for relegation but selling your key central central defender and main striker without bringing in adequate replacements hardly inspires confidence does it?

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:17 am

Firthy wrote:Not often I disagree with you Tony but if Gray goes to Watford then the club deserve a certain amount of criticism.

We play our first match on Saturday with 3 of our best players gone and no better replacements for any of them. All we've done so far is bulk out the squad without improving it.

With the money available from last season, outgoing transfers and Sky we should be able to entice a couple of quality players. There isn't even any decent rumours at present.

I would say Cork is an improvement on Marney and Barton. I also think Walters will be a great signing for us.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:17 am

kentonclaret wrote:None of us like it when the pundits tip Burnley for relegation but selling your key central central defender and main striker without bringing in adequate replacements hardly inspires confidence does it?

is that what we've done?

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:18 am

ClaretTony wrote:is that what we've done?

Id say so

NickBFC · Post by **NickBFC** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:18 am

Very disappointing if true for me. We still haven't replaced Keane, and make no bones about it, we would be weaker as a whole without Gray. You can argue about his touch etc, but he's the only real outlet of pace we have going forward. If it's going to happen then it needs to happen asap and you would seriously hope the club are at an advanced stage to bring a replacement in. History tells me we're not quick to react though. Worrying.

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:20 am

ClaretTony wrote:is that what we've done?

100%.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:20 am

Firthy wrote:Not often I disagree with you Tony but if Gray goes to Watford then the club deserve a certain amount of criticism.

We play our first match on Saturday with 3 of our best players gone and no better replacements for any of them. All we've done so far is bulk out the squad without improving it.

With the money available from last season, outgoing transfers and Sky we should be able to entice a couple of quality players. There isn't even any decent rumours at present.

Can't agree with that.

Bardsley & Taylor give us far better full back options than last season when the alternatives were Darikwa & Flanagan
Cork is a much better option now than Joey given Joey's age
Walters for Boyd - yes please
Legzdins for Robinson - not as good as Robinson was but we all saw Robbo at Swansea

We've done no bulking out whatsoever and every signing has replaced someone who has left. Yes, we still need a replacement for Keane but not sure where you get the bulking out from.

kentonclaret · Post by **kentonclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:20 am

CT

I see no adequate replacement for Keane or Gray thus far so you tell us since you are obviously in the loop.

Tall Paul · Post by **Tall Paul** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:21 am

I can't pretend I'd be happy if he went, but some of our better performances and results were when Gray was out of the team last season so I wouldn't be too worried in the short term. Obviously we'd have to get a good replacement in before the end of August.

Braindead · Post by **Braindead** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:21 am

I am under no illusions that Gray is unlikely to be a Burnley player by 1st September, I think this was always on the cards, but it irks me that whereas we have to wait for other clubs to get their replacements in before they sell to us, we are quite happy to sell off the family silver as soon as a 'decent' offer comes in.
As it happens I think SD will play one up front on Saturday and that one will be Vokes anyway, given his five goals in five games end to the season, but I would want a new striker in place by the time we play WBA.

mikeS · Post by **mikeS** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:21 am

Would be a good move business wise, but leaves the squad less a main goal scorer.
If he goes at this stage we've big Sam, Barnsey and Walters. So who is on the market for around £20 million?

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:21 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Id say so

UpTheBeehole wrote:100%.

Sorry, you two obviously know more than I do but I hadn't realised Gray had actually been sold and had become a Watford player and that we'd sold our best player with no replacement lined up.

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:23 am

The only positive in this situation is that we can maybe spend big on a striker who can play up front on his own.

Dodobdobodobo · Post by **Dodobdobodobo** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:23 am

What the hell is 18million in the scheme of things. He is our only real pace threat up front.
I am sure we will see an improved Andre Gray this season after one years learning curve in the premiership. Very sad day for me if we lose him. We better have a replacement at the ready otherwise I can see us slip back down into the championship. 'Don't sell Burnley!'

dushanbe · Post by **dushanbe** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:26 am

Given our record over recent windows, the fact we haven't looked close to replacing Keane, knowing he was off for months, I'd have no confidence of us bringing in a suitable replacement at all.

Braindead · Post by **Braindead** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:26 am

ClaretTony wrote:Sorry, you two obviously know more than I do but I hadn't realised Gray had actually been sold and had become a Watford player and that we'd sold our best player with no replacement lined up.

We already have done, over a month ago Keane went to Everton.

kentonclaret · Post by **kentonclaret** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:27 am

CT

Post no 44 you comment

"Too many sources reporting this now for there to be nothing in it I would think" regarding the story on Gray being sold to Watford.

First you want to fan the flames and when the story catches fire you want to dampen it down.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:28 am

Braindead wrote:We already have done, over a month ago Keane went to Everton.

The reference included the selling of our striker and to my knowledge, right now, we haven't done that.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:29 am

kentonclaret wrote:CT

Post no 44 you comment

"Too many sources reporting this now for there to be nothing in it I would think" regarding the story on Gray being sold to Watford.

First you want to fan the flames and when the story catches fire you want to dampen it down.

No, I'm suggesting the speculation is beginning to strongly suggest there is something in it but we have not, as yet, sold Gray. Brilliant on here how some can't wait to twist words.

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:29 am

ClaretTony wrote:Sorry, you two obviously know more than I do but I hadn't realised Gray had actually been sold and had become a Watford player and that we'd sold our best player with no replacement lined up.

How many centre backs did we have before selling Keane?

How many do we have now?

He hasn't been replaced.

Gray is going. We've no one like him at the whole club, down to the youth team. We need to sign a replacement to avoid being the most one-dimensional team in world football.

As others have said, we've waited for Norwich to sign a replacement left back for them to sell their left winger for a record fee to us.

We've waited for other clubs to fill their holes before they open on numerous occasions, and this summer we're on course for selling our 2 big name players without having a replacement in. Keane went weeks ago, where's his replacement#?

If we wait the same amount of time for Gray's replacement the window will have closed!

The season starts in 70ish hours. We've sold Keane, and not replaced him. We're selling Gray to a relegation rival, without a replacement. What on earth is going on at Burnley Football Club?

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:33 am

ClaretTony wrote:Can't agree with that.

Bardsley & Taylor give us far better full back options than last season when the alternatives were Darikwa & Flanagan
Cork is a much better option now than Joey given Joey's age
Walters for Boyd - yes please
Legzdins for Robinson - not as good as Robinson was but we all saw Robbo at Swansea

We've done no bulking out whatsoever and every signing has replaced someone who has left. Yes, we still need a replacement for Keane but not sure where you get the bulking out from.

Hang on. On the Agyei thread you said Walterd was our 4th striker. Not replacement for Boyd. Which is it?

snapcrackleandpop · Post by **snapcrackleandpop** » Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:33 am

I like Andre but I don't think we play to his strengths, but I would like him to sign a new deal, I know, not gonna happen. But on previous threads regarding Andre lots of posters were saying Andre's not good enough can't trap a ball, his first touch is crap, always offside (I don't disagree with some of this) time to get rid,I'll drive him myself etc. Now when it looks like he could be off to a rival its suicide I mean judging by previous threads it's not like he gonna propel them into a European place is it.