January Transfer Window Rumours

[Mattster]

If we're serious about being promoted we need proper backup in an essential area of the field

We've got 4. We play 2 and a 10 in front. We've plenty of options there - Massengo has played 122 minutes all season in the league.

And why would Shelvey be considered proper backup when he's not been considered good enough to play more than 202 minutes at Eyupspor this season in a league which for the most part is below Championship level?

[123EasyasBFC]

Because we have four senior central midfielders already. Rather use one of the U21s as depth there than waste a wage on snail paced Shelvey to probably play about about 180 minutes all season and block progression routes for younger players. Bauress, Veevers, McDermott or Hugill are all perfectly capable of being emergency backup and picking up 5 minutes here or there.

Better still look to bring in a long term replacement for Bronwhill who we can phase in over the next month before he walks away on a free.

How can you say any other those 4 players are capable of being backup in a championship team chasing promotion, even by your standards it’s a crazy thing to say,

Why waste money on a long term replacement for brownhill till we know what league we are in.

Name some players who would happily be backup this season that can replace brownhill next season

[123EasyasBFC]

Because we have four senior central midfielders already. Rather use one of the U21s as depth there than waste a wage on snail paced Shelvey to probably play about about 180 minutes all season and block progression routes for younger players. Bauress, Veevers, McDermott or Hugill are all perfectly capable of being emergency backup and picking up 5 minutes here or there.

Better still look to bring in a long term replacement for Bronwhill who we can phase in over the next month before he walks away on a free.

Hugill on loan at Chester, what makes you so confident he’s capable of being a backup for a top championship team

[dandeclaret]

We've got 4. We play 2 and a 10 in front. We've plenty of options there - Massengo has played 122 minutes all season in the league.

And why would Shelvey be considered proper backup when he's not been considered good enough to play more than 202 minutes at Eyupspor this season in a league which for the most part is below Championship level?

Because moves don't always work out for a variety of reasons? He played 32 games last season didn't he? In a team that finished 9th in the Super Lig?

[Mattster]

How can you say any other those 4 players are capable of being backup in a championship team chasing promotion, even by your standards it’s a crazy thing to say,

Why waste money on a long term replacement for brownhill till we know what league we are in.

Name some players who would happily be backup this season that can replace brownhill next season

They'd be just as capable as an ageing midfielder who couldn't get regular minutes in the Turkish league. As said, Massengo played 122 minutes in the league this season, I reckon any one of those 4 could do 5 minutes here or there if needed. And with Sonne who has played centre midfield internationally I think we've enough cover there without spunking money away on a past it to warm the bench (if that) for 6 months and no return.

If we're buying in a proper long term replacement they can challenge for the starting 11 while they learn the system/club/league (depending where they're signed from) and be eased in ahead of next season.

[Vegas Claret]

you'd take Shelvey if Brownhill is about to go

[dandeclaret]

They'd be just as capable as an ageing midfielder who couldn't get regular minutes in the Turkish league. As said, Massengo played 122 minutes in the league this season, I reckon any one of those 4 could do 5 minutes here or there if needed. And with Sonne who has played centre midfield internationally I think we've enough cover there without spunking money away on a past it to warm the bench (if that) for 6 months and no return.

If we're buying in a proper long term replacement they can challenge for the starting 11 while they learn the system/club/league (depending where they're signed from) and be eased in ahead of next season.

Maybe Massengo wasn't quite good enough to be in genuine contention, and played his minutes when we were short....... maybe Jonjo Shelvey will provide genuine competition, and be better than Josh Laurent in certain games, or better than Brownhill in certain games..... maybe he's a genuine starter who has had a move that's not worked out.

[burnleycclaret]

Hugill on loan at Chester, what makes you so confident he’s capable of being a backup for a top championship team

Seems to quite a common theory on here, that we can simply bring in someone from the U21s. It's down to Football Manager in most cases with the belief there's little to no difference in quality.

[Stonehouse]

Is this mighty Mike ?

IMG_0535.jpeg (159.81 KiB) Viewed 2565 times

[dandeclaret]

Is this mighty Mike ?IMG_0535.jpeg

No.... nathan Redmond

[123EasyasBFC]

Seems to quite a common theory on here, that we can simply bring in someone from the U21s. It's down to Football Manager in most cases with the belief there's little to no difference in quality.

Honestly it’s crazy for someone to suggest hugil on loan at Chester or another who has had an ACL to come on and see games out over an experienced player like Shelvey.

Almost like those saying Mellon should have been given a chance and is now at Bradford in league 2

[123EasyasBFC]

They'd be just as capable as an ageing midfielder who couldn't get regular minutes in the Turkish league. As said, Massengo played 122 minutes in the league this season, I reckon any one of those 4 could do 5 minutes here or there if needed. And with Sonne who has played centre midfield internationally I think we've enough cover there without spunking money away on a past it to warm the bench (if that) for 6 months and no return.

If we're buying in a proper long term replacement they can challenge for the starting 11 while they learn the system/club/league (depending where they're signed from) and be eased in ahead of next season.

What stats have you got to back up how 4 players from the u21s would be better than Shelvey, please share

[dandeclaret]

Honestly it’s crazy for someone to suggest hugil on loan at Chester or another who has had an ACL to come on and see games out over an experienced player like Shelvey.

Almost like those saying Mellon should have been given a chance and is now at Bradford in league 2

Players can spring forward though - Delap at Ipswich hasn't really shown any major form in the championship (was a stand out youth talent) but now is being talked about as a top 8 player in the prem.

[Mattster]

Seems to quite a common theory on here, that we can simply bring in someone from the U21s. It's down to Football Manager in most cases with the belief there's little to no difference in quality.

I go and watch a decent amount of U21s games. Anyone of those 4 I mentioned could do 5 minutes here or there. Neither Hugill nor McDermott looked out of place versus a Premier League side. I'm not saying they should be regular starters or in every match day squad but much rather they pick up 5 minutes here or there and maybe step up their development a level rather than block that potential pathway with an ageing midfielder on 10x their wage who'll be out the door in summer.

[Mattster]

What stats have you got to back up how 4 players from the u21s would be better than Shelvey, please share

I don't have stats for them, they aren't readily available for that level of football. What I do have is plenty of time actually watching them play - which is the be all and end all as far you're concerned, right?

[Stonehouse]

you'd take Shelvey if Brownhill is about to go

Would we finish up with 11 on the pitch with Shelvey ,Barnes and Hannibal in the team?

[Rileybobs]

Not that I want us to sign Shelvey, and not that I think we are looking to, but he has a different string to his bow than our other midfielders in that he is (or certainly was) an incredibly incisive passer.

[Vegas Claret]

Would we finish up with 11 on the pitch with Shelvey ,Barnes and Hannibal in the team?

[123EasyasBFC]

I don't have stats for them, they aren't readily available for that level of football. What I do have is plenty of time actually watching them play - which is the be all and end all as far you're concerned, right?

Yep and I’ve watched them play and went to the games at turf and under no way can you compare performances in the u21s to be capable in the championship.

Jack cork would be a better backup option than those 4 for this season

[boyyanno]

I can't believe I'm now reading that we've got a plethora of talent in the U21's capable of playing Championship football.

[daveisaclaret]

Current talking point that must be used against Mattster because he's negative: all our under 21 players are crap. Funny messageboard this at times.

[123EasyasBFC]

Players can spring forward though - Delap at Ipswich hasn't really shown any major form in the championship (was a stand out youth talent) but now is being talked about as a top 8 player in the prem.

Poor comparison to Mellon, delap had been playing consistently at championship, might not of been performing at a higher standard but was still playing at the level.

To suggest 4 cms from u21s none of them with any experience of league football to be better than a player with shelveys experience is crazy

[123EasyasBFC]

Current talking point that must be used against Mattster because he's negative: all our under 21 players are crap. Funny messageboard this at times.

Who’s suggesting they are rubbish? Suggesting they aren’t ready to be involved in championship football isn’t calling them crap it’s just being realistic that Shelvey would be a better option

Do you not agree?

[boyyanno]

Current talking point that must be used against Mattster because he's negative: all our under 21 players are crap. Funny messageboard this at times.

Who said they were crap?

How many times have we had 3 or 4 u21 players in our squad all be good enough for the first team?

[CoolClaret]

Not that I want us to sign Shelvey, and not that I think we are looking to, but he has a different string to his bow than our other midfielders in that he is (or certainly was) an incredibly incisive passer.

It's a skill set that we're definitely missing when compared with the team in the 22-23 promotion season.

Traff is getting better, but I still don't think his long-range passing has the same pace and trajectory as Muric's did, and there's no one in the side with Ian Maatsen's passing ability.

CJ is the best long-range passer of the ball on our side and, in my opinion, a better passer than THB. For all the good that Esteve brings to the table defensively, he doesn't have the same distribution skills as Beyer or Ekdal.

[ecc]

I wouldn't like Shelvey near our club.

[fatboy47]

I think the main reason most clubs are reticent in blooding youngsters is that the manager is liable to be slaughtered if it doesnt work out well.

There may, or may not be genuine talent waiting in the wings, but there will also be too much at stake for the slightest of risk to be taken. So it's the devil we know that'll be the option taken from now till April.

CJ, for example, may well have been out on loan at some or other struggling League 1/2 outfit but for Worral's injury.

[NewClaret]

Not that I want us to sign Shelvey, and not that I think we are looking to, but he has a different string to his bow than our other midfielders in that he is (or certainly was) an incredibly incisive passer.

Which incidentally is the single most important skill I’d like to see us add to our squad this window. Hopefully in 2/3 players so we’re not relying on one to come good.

Quality final ball is the missing piece of the jigsaw.

[Mattster]

I can't believe I'm now reading that we've got a plethora of talent in the U21's capable of playing Championship football.

I'll repeat myself. Again.

Not saying they are capable of being regular starters or even in the matchday squad every game. Just that to play 5 minutes here or there or sit on the bench (as Parker has already chosen McDermott to do a few times already this season btw). I'd rather that than waste 10x their wage on a past it player, who will be unfit having barely played over the last 6 months and who will be out of the door this summer.

[Miguel]

Will Hugill's loan ended with Chester at the beginning of December. He immediately moved up a league and signed on loan with AFC Fylde for a month. The loan has recently been extended for a further month.

[Burnley1989]

I think those that don't want Shelvey may be disappointed very soon.......

[Mattster]

Yep and I’ve watched them play and went to the games at turf and under no way can you compare performances in the u21s to be capable in the championship.

Jack cork would be a better backup option than those 4 for this season

Parker already gave minutes to Hugill and McDermott against a Premier League side this season. We've seen them up against senior footballers as well as seen both are, McDermott especially, above playing U21 football now (if you have indeed watched them).

People were saying Hountondji wasn't a footballer, he's played more than 5 minutes off the bench without the side imploding. These 2 (and Bauress and Veevers) would be capable of making short appearances at this level, who knows they could step up and prove to be players at this level. Shelvey is a known quantity that is very obviously on the decline. For such a small role in the squad I'd rather take the cheap chance than the expensive safety first option.

McDermott has also been chosen by Parker to be on the bench more than once in the league this season.

[KRBFC]

Jonjo Shelvey? Christ, we must be skint.

[NewClaret]

Because we have four senior central midfielders already. Rather use one of the U21s as depth there than waste a wage on snail paced Shelvey to probably play about about 180 minutes all season and block progression routes for younger players. Bauress, Veevers, McDermott or Hugill are all perfectly capable of being emergency backup and picking up 5 minutes here or there.

Better still look to bring in a long term replacement for Bronwhill who we can phase in over the next month before he walks away on a free.

Not going to discuss Shelvey given the source is Turkish media, but we currently have 4 for 2 positions. In big games we’ve mainly played Laurent, Cullen and Brownhill, meaning we have 4 for 3 positions. That might be enough but an injury/illness or two and we are definitely looking short.

If I’m honest, as much as I like Laurent and think he adds something when playing alongside the aforementioned, I wouldn’t want to rely on him for any prolonged period if Cullen/Browny were out. He’s not as accomplished defensively or on the ball as Cullen or looked like replacing Browny’s goals.

More to the point though, Parker also seems to have taken to playing Hannibal LW too, meaning we have 4 players for 4 positions. This could be solved by signing a winger he really trusts I suppose.

On the U21s piece I’d love to see some lads promoted to the squad, but I think the fact we’re seeing them leave for clubs like Chester, Burton and Barnsley would suggest that’s a risk if it were for a sustained period.

Given this is going to be our best chance at getting promoted, I don’t think we should risk it at all. I think adding premier league experience in any form for the run in is a very good move.

[ClaretTony]

In for Jonjo Shelvey according to Turkish media. LOL

I think you might choose to remove the LOL

[NewClaret]

I think you might choose to remove the LOL

So it’s done then Tony?

[BigBadBarnes]

Shelvey would be a decent (and presumably cheap) back up to Cullen. Not going to be big signing but not a poor one either provided it allows us to spend elsewhere. We really need to add some quality to our wide positions.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

I think you might choose to remove the LOL

Nah, if we sign him it's even funnier!

[123EasyasBFC]

Parker already gave minutes to Hugill and McDermott against a Premier League side this season. We've seen them up against senior footballers as well as seen both are, McDermott especially, above playing U21 football now (if you have indeed watched them).

People were saying Hountondji wasn't a footballer, he's played more than 5 minutes off the bench without the side imploding. These 2 (and Bauress and Veevers) would be capable of making short appearances at this level, who knows they could step up and prove to be players at this level. Shelvey is a known quantity that is very obviously on the decline. For such a small role in the squad I'd rather take the cheap chance than the expensive safety first option.

McDermott has also been chosen by Parker to be on the bench more than once in the league this season.

You can’t use the wolves game, we had players refusing to player and rovers at the weekend, bauress on the back of an ACL and veevers never played any league football, how can you say they can play the level, Parker said McDermott was on the bench because Massengo couldn’t be on the bench, the only other midfield option. How do you know Shelvey is an expensive option

I think it would be a sensible signing

[123EasyasBFC]

Shelvey at the training ground today btw

[NewClaret]

Will discuss Shelvey then given Tony’s post.

Overall, I’ll form a view when I’ve seen him in claret as it’s a long time since I’ve seen him play or paid any attention to him. If it’s as a Massengo replacement I think you have to say we’ve upgraded the squad strength overall in terms of experience.

I recall him having a good final pass, although I’d heard Bruendia was available and he’d have been my dream signing for that.

I’ll repeat what I said elsewhere in the thread: I think we need premier league experience/quality in the squad (be that from fringe players or ex players) so a good move from my perspective.

[KRBFC]

I think it would be a sensible signing

Based on what? His performances 5 years ago?

[Goliath]

I got a lot of stick for suggesting we need a Cullen backup more as a priority more than any other position. This suggests that Parker agrees

[Stonehouse]

I wouldn't like Shelvey near our club.

I said that about Kompany and Barton.

[dandeclaret]

Poor comparison to Mellon, delap had been playing consistently at championship, might not of been performing at a higher standard but was still playing at the level.

To suggest 4 cms from u21s none of them with any experience of league football to be better than a player with shelveys experience is crazy

I've not remotely suggested they are.

From Youth Age, Delap was being held up as a future England international, and Man City mainstay. Playing in the Championship is a good way below that early assessment. However, this season he has sprung forward, and is looking closer to his mark. Similarly, Mellon may sprint forward in this loan spell, and be closer to being a good championship / bottom half pemier league striker.

[Mattster]

You can’t use the wolves game, we had players refusing to player and rovers at the weekend, bauress on the back of an ACL and veevers never played any league football, how can you say they can play the level, Parker said McDermott was on the bench because Massengo couldn’t be on the bench, the only other midfield option. How do you know Shelvey is an expensive option

I think it would be a sensible signing

Why can't you use the Wolves game? What a bizarre statement. McDermott played a full half and Hugill 15 minutes against against Premier League footballers, did they look out of place on the day? The context of how they came to be in the squad is irrelevant to that question.

As far as you're concerned you can't judge them off U21s football or first team football for Burnley against Premier League opposition

Shelvey was on £70k a week with 18 months remaining on his deal at Forest just 18 months ago. Even taking a massive cut from that he will still be expensive for a benchwarmer.

[Mattster]

I’ll repeat what I said elsewhere in the thread: I think we need premier league experience/quality in the squad (be that from fringe players or ex players) so a good move from my perspective.

We've got plenty of Premier League experience in the squad. Shelvey isn't Premier League quality anymore, he's not even Turkish league quality anymore.

What do we need more Premier League experience for in the Championship anyway?

[123EasyasBFC]

Based on what? His performances 5 years ago?

Would you have signed Josh Laurent? And look how he has performed. Shelvey 33 games last season so as a backup option to help the squad is a no brainer for me.

We can then revisit the cm position in the summer

[Greenmile]

Parker already gave minutes to Hugill and McDermott against a Premier League side this season….

Remind me how we got on in that game.

[123EasyasBFC]

Why can't you use the Wolves game? What a bizarre statement. McDermott played a full half and Hugill 15 minutes against against Premier League footballers, did they look out of place on the day? The context of how they came to be in the squad is irrelevant to that question.

As far as you're concerned you can't judge them off U21s football or first team football for Burnley against Premier League opposition

Shelvey was on £70k a week with 18 months remaining on his deal at Forest just 18 months ago. Even taking a massive cut from that he will still be expensive for a benchwarmer.

I personally thought you could tell on the night both of them weren’t ready, and a cup game that really had no baring on the season held a lot less pressure than championship football.

The fact neither have been involved since, we had 5 defenders on the bench against either Norwich and Watford with no central midfielder options, Because they aren’t ready.

You have no idea he was on 70k a week you look at a website but you don’t know it’s factually true.

Still waiting for you to give examples of players we should be signing that we can bed in for 6 months ready for the prem