January Transfer Window Rumours

[123EasyasBFC]

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.

What are you suggesting then, Mellon has gone to leave 2 and delap when to championship, one clearly had more ability than the other.

Mellon might sprint forward and if he does in league 2 then he might get a chance but at least he will of experienced league football. Send that 4 cms that Matt is suggesting to league 2 and if they show signs then give them a chance but to give them a chance in a crucial part of the season chasing promotion would be crazy

[Mattster]

Remind me how we got on in that game.

Ah right, every player in that game should be binned off then because we lost it. Egan-Riley got hooked at half time after having a pretty torrid time - clearly he's not good enough

[Greenmile]

Ah right, every player in that game should be binned off then because we lost it. Egan-Riley got hooked at half time after having a pretty torrid time - clearly he's not good enough

No more ridiculous than suggesting anyone who’s ever played against PL opposition is up to standard.

[claretspice]

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.

I've no idea whether Shelvey is signing, and if he is whether he's still the player he was at his peak. But one observation I would make is that at anything like his best, Shelvey has a very good range of longer passing. It's been apparent this season that we've lacked someone who can switch play side to side (or indeed find runs in behind) quickly. It's not something that Cullen does naturally, and it's even less a part of Brownhill, Laurent and Hannibal's game. I think at times we've missed that ability to stretch play early (two seasons ago, we at times had a similar issue but Gudmundsson compensated for it in part, and Maatsen also stepped into midfield to offer that option at times.). If we can move the ball quicker, we'll be more of a threat.

Flemming has shown flashes of offering that sort of quality (see his pass out to Humphreys for Brownhill's goal at Sheffield United) but it looks as though he's going to be used primarily further forwards.

[summitclaret]

If he can keep his well know temper in check, JJS could be just what we need for a few months. His range of passing is light year's better than any of our existing cm players and what we need against the low block we are going to see continue on the Turf.

He replaces Laurent in the starting 11 for me Concerned though that we could sell Brownhill.

[Hedontplayforyou]

So are we saying Shelvey has signed?

[KlyBfc]

Shelvey might not be the worst signing. He’s experienced and provides competition in a crucial area of the pitch. As long as its short term and hes coming to fight for a place.

At the end of the day whatever your thoughts are on Massengo teonsuccessive managers haven’t deemed him good enough now. And the young lads are a long way off what we need in a promotion push, 45 mins v Wolves for Mcdermott where he kept it neat and tidy (no more no less) isn’t enough to convince me he should be given a shot in a crucial period for the club.

[123EasyasBFC]

Ah right, every player in that game should be binned off then because we lost it. Egan-Riley got hooked at half time after having a pretty torrid time - clearly he's not good enough

Playing right back which he clearly isn’t, I would say if Egan Riley was to play right back every week he wouldn’t be up to standard

[Mattster]

No more ridiculous than suggesting anyone who’s ever played against PL opposition is up to standard.

I mean, it is, isn't it.

Not that I said that in the first place. But it is more ridiculous, quite obviously so.

[Mattster]

Playing right back which he clearly isn’t, I would say if Egan Riley was to play right back every week he wouldn’t be up to standard

Cool. Let's bin off every player that played in their preferred position in that game against Wolves because we lost, yeah?

Bye bye Humphreys, Hannibal, Jay Rod, Worrall, Hladky, Foster and Roberts!

[summitclaret]

Agree with Spice re Cullen's range passing. I really like him, but he's always seeing the long option to switch it, but chickening out because he's not confident enough in his long passing. Hence we don't do it, unless it CJER.

[Goliath]

I'm still confused as to why, when we clearly wanted a lot more experience in the squad, we allowed Cork to leave and then retire. It made no sense to me then and makes no sense now, especially when he's still playing under 23 football.

[NewClaret]

I've no idea whether Shelvey is signing, and if he is whether he's still the player he was at his peak. But one observation I would make is that at anything like his best, Shelvey has a very good range of longer passing. It's been apparent this season that we've lacked someone who can switch play side to side (or indeed find runs in behind) quickly. It's not something that Cullen does naturally, and it's even less a part of Brownhill, Laurent and Hannibal's game. I think at times we've missed that ability to stretch play early (two seasons ago, we at times had a similar issue but Gudmundsson compensated for it in part, and Maatsen also stepped into midfield to offer that option at times.). If we can move the ball quicker, we'll be more of a threat.

Flemming has shown flashes of offering that sort of quality (see his pass out to Humphreys for Brownhill's goal at Sheffield United) but it looks as though he's going to be used primarily further forwards.

Great post.

To support that, I’ve noticed at times when we’ve attacked well this season, we’ve tried to create overloads on one side. This seems to be our main attacking tactic over counters, balls in behind, crosses, etc.

Anyway, I’m not sure if the purpose of camping so many of our team in one side is just to create a scoring opportunity from the overload, or draw the opposition over and then shift play to the other side, but I’ve noticed we switch a lot. I never know if the switch was because the overload failed or the intent of the overload.

But I think you’re spot on that when we do try this it usually involves Cullen receiving the ball to switch and often the pass is lacking quality. Out of play worst case, it to feet/behind the player instead of in to space in the best case.

As you say, I think we miss JBG so much in terms of having a player that can play that inch-perfect defence-splitting pass.

Like you, I have no idea on how Shelvey is shaping up but anyone who may offer ability will be welcomed with open arms by me!

[claretspice]

Agree with Spice re Cullen's range passing. I really like him, but he's always seeing the long option to switch it, but chickening out because he's not confident enough in his long passing. Hence we don't do it, unless it CJER.

I wouldn't say Cullen chickens out. I just don't think it's his game. Cullen is a lovely pass-and-move footballer but he excels in keeping the ball moving in tight spaces rather than expansive passing. If there's lots of space he might drop the ball over the top into that space for a runner but he doesn't ping passes that stretch the game aggressively. Shelvey does.

Cullen is in that respect quite like Jack Cork, who of course played alongside Shelvey at Swansea.

The issue with Shelvey has never been his ability as a footballer, it's been question marks over his attitude.

[ClaretTony]

I'm still confused as to why, when we clearly wanted a lot more experience in the squad, we allowed Cork to leave and then retire. It made no sense to me then and makes no sense now, especially when he's still playing under 23 football.

Cork was released under the previous manager. He’d hardly played and it was expected. He’s been on the bench twice for the under-21s but he’s not been on the pitch at all so he’s not playing any football.

[123EasyasBFC]

Cool. Let's bin off every player that played in their preferred position in that game against Wolves because we lost, yeah?

Bye bye Humphreys, Hannibal, Jay Rod, Worrall, Hladky, Foster and Roberts!

What an earth are you on about, you referred to Egan Riley having a torrid time and that’s because he played in the wrong position, when he’s played in his correct position he’s been excellent, Worrall and Humphreys played well in that game, Hannibal had been at the club 24 hours and had a good 45 minutes, Jay Rod was Jay Rod, looked slow up front but we aren’t asking him to be a starter.

Nothing you have just said has any factor in proving why Shelvey wouldn’t be a better option than the 4 young lads you suggested

[warksclaret]

If Shelvey is joining it says to me we have had the opportunity to sell Brownhill whilst we can get a fee

[randomclaret2]

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

I agree with you on the need for a Cullen back up. I mentioned on another thread that he is the only one in the squad who plays the role he does.

[GetIntoEm]

Please not Shelvey

[quoonbeatz]

Welcome, Alice the Goon.

[123EasyasBFC]

If Shelvey is joining it says to me we have had the opportunity to sell Brownhill whilst we can get a fee

Keeping brownhill getting promoted and him walking for free would be worth more than any fee we could get from him this window

[Mattster]

What an earth are you on about

Read the post I was responding to.

I get you want to have a go at everything I post, but maybe a second or 2 reading them first would be a good idea.

[Darnhill Claret]

JJS is also likely to ping one in from 25 yards occasionally and is a good dead ball player around the area, either for a shot or a floated pass.
What he brings to the team is positive play and occasionally, aggressive, positive play. His passing on a good day is exceptional.

[Mattster]

Bad enough signing Shelvey for squad depth but genuinely seeing suggestions for him to come in as a starter and sell Brownhill off the back of it... I give up.

[GetIntoEm]

We are not going to replace the best midfielder in the championship with someone who couldn't find a team in the English leagues

[boatshed bill]

Bad enough signing Shelvey for squad depth but genuinely seeing suggestions for him to come in as a starter and sell Brownhill off the back of it... I give up.

Absolutely.
A high energy 29 year old vs a 32 year old who has been described as lazy.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

jjs.jpg (73.65 KiB) Viewed 2734 times

[KRBFC]

JJS is also likely to ping one in from 25 yards occasionally and is a good dead ball player around the area, either for a shot or a floated pass.
What he brings to the team is positive play and occasionally, aggressive, positive play. His passing on a good day is exceptional.

When was the last time you seen him play well? Must have been 4 years ago. He can’t even get a game in Turkey atm

[claretspice]

Bad enough signing Shelvey for squad depth but genuinely seeing suggestions for him to come in as a starter and sell Brownhill off the back of it... I give up.

I've only seen one person make that suggestion in fairness. I'd be pretty surprised if we sold Brownhill this month and no, Shelvey would not be a replacement. They're completely different players.

[RVclaret]

Not particularly enthused by Shelvey, but provides back up to Cullen operating as a 6, and should be fine as a squad player till the end of the season.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Sounds a fantastic signing to me.

We have 52 points. This is now about who can get us over the line, that will need nous and experience, and a bit of leadership.

As also pointed out, the range of passing has been a weakness, this could change that.

The only downside to this is if we sell Brownhill. Obviously one big thing here is what intentions are if we go up. If Brownhill is off anyway, I can see why they may cash in now.

[Goliath]

Cork was released under the previous manager. He’d hardly played and it was expected. He’s been on the bench twice for the under-21s but he’s not been on the pitch at all so he’s not playing any football.

I remember him stating he felt he'd been one of the best players in training last season and deserved more game time, so he obviously felt he was still capable. JBG also went under the previous manager but was then brought back. I felt it was a no brainer in Summer, he isn't that old for the position he plays, we know the job Alexander did in a similar role.

I don't think that's right that he hasn't played any football, I heard him talking about how he missed a sitter for the u21s only a week or 2 ago.

[Greenmile]

I mean, it is, isn't it.

Not that I said that in the first place. But it is more ridiculous, quite obviously so.

No. It isn’t.

Perhaps you can clarify for me what point you were trying to make when you said “ Parker already gave minutes to Hugill and McDermott against a Premier League side this season….”.

[KlyBfc]

Dyche used to nake these type of signjngs to bolster his squad.
The ones where they know they aren’t likely to start but come in for little fee and provide experience and a bit of quality to compete and should they be relied on. Taylor, Reid, Dyer, Crouch spring to mind. There were more

[Elizabeth]

Bad enough signing Shelvey for squad depth but genuinely seeing suggestions for him to come in as a starter and sell Brownhill off the back of it... I give up.

Suggestions from who ? Social media posts? If so ,enough said.
He's never been a player I've had any respect for because of his poor on field behaviour , poor attitude and injury record.
Yet he does offer creativity we don't currently possess and at 32 should still have 2-3 good years in front of him so I can see why some might be tempted to take a risk with him.

[EarbyClaret]

Couple of points about Shelvey which I don't think have been mentioned

He is 6ft - we've seen already this season with Josh Laurent the benefit of adding physicality into the CM positions

He was promoted from the Championship with Newcastle

There would seem to be a definite nod towards that kind of experience in terms of getting the job done this season

As a bonus - if he signs in time Cullen could perhaps be rested on Saturday

[CoolClaret]

I recall SP adding Gary Cahill in January for the final part of Bournemouth's promotion push... Seems like a similar move, albeit this time filling in a gap which we do have in the squad (deepest midfielder), if Cullen is to get a knock or suspension.

We do need more creativity out wide as well though.

[summitclaret]

Bad enough signing Shelvey for squad depth but genuinely seeing suggestions for him to come in as a starter and sell Brownhill off the back of it... I give up.

Nobody has suggested it. Just saying what might happen because Josh is ooc in June.

[Colburn_Claret]

Couple of points about Shelvey which I don't think have been mentioned

He is 6ft - we've seen already this season with Josh Laurent the benefit of adding physicality into the CM positions

He was promoted from the Championship with Newcastle

There would seem to be a definite nod towards that kind of experience in terms of getting the job done this season

As a bonus - if he signs in time Cullen could perhaps be rested on Saturday

A serious question, as I genuinely don't know. Has he played any football recently, and for who?
He is the forgotten man, with good reason.

I've only just read this here so don't know if there is any truth in this, but it would be a massive step backwards imo. It would also concern me in the direction the board are taking the club. We don't need overhauling, just 1 or 2 quality signings. That isn't Shelvey

[Rowls]

I've never liked Shelley.

But if he signs that all changes. He gets my full backing and I'll be cheering him on and backing him to the hilt.

[dandeclaret]

I've no idea whether Shelvey is signing, and if he is whether he's still the player he was at his peak. But one observation I would make is that at anything like his best, Shelvey has a very good range of longer passing. It's been apparent this season that we've lacked someone who can switch play side to side (or indeed find runs in behind) quickly. It's not something that Cullen does naturally, and it's even less a part of Brownhill, Laurent and Hannibal's game. I think at times we've missed that ability to stretch play early (two seasons ago, we at times had a similar issue but Gudmundsson compensated for it in part, and Maatsen also stepped into midfield to offer that option at times.). If we can move the ball quicker, we'll be more of a threat.

Flemming has shown flashes of offering that sort of quality (see his pass out to Humphreys for Brownhill's goal at Sheffield United) but it looks as though he's going to be used primarily further forwards.

Isn't CJ Egan Riley that long range passing player from deep?

[Burnley1989]

I've never liked Shelley.

But if he signs that all changes. He gets my full backing and I'll be cheering him on and backing him to the hilt.

Ditto, he does have quality and offers something different

[Hedontplayforyou]

Still unsure wether the suggestion of him signing was in jest or not.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

I've never liked Shelley.

Harsh, I think Frankenstein is a great book

[claretspice]

Isn't CJ Egan Riley that long range passing player from deep?

He is but when he's the only option, he's easier to stop and it is more predictable, and by definition he's doing it from very deep on the pitch - rather than higher up as an attack develops. He's also inevitably on the right hand side of the pitch which means he's less open to the right hand side of the pitch. Quite regularly we've had oppportunities to spring players and stretch the game but the ball has been with the wrong player, in the wrong area of the pitch, and by the time we do shift it, we're a bit late. Having the option of someone who can offer that option from within the midfield area can't be a bad thing and might help us beat a low block.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

https://youtu.be/XSk-I5IT-C8

This video makes him look like the best footballer in the world

[jojomk1]

Barnes
Shelvey
Where's Liam Robinson playing now? - make a great No10

[Hedontplayforyou]

If this is genuine then I don’t mind it as long as we keep the rest of the midfielders in the squad. It could give us more room to manoeuvre to bring in some attacking players if Shelvey is fairly cheap.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

https://youtu.be/XSk-I5IT-C8

This video makes him look like the best footballer in the world

Love the clip at 1:05 where he hits it back to his own GK from the other end of the pitch, is that a highlight?

[BurnleyHeff]

Shelvey at the training ground today btw

Did you get a picture