25 Feb 2017 11:11:23
For what its worth i hope we give samba a contract, i don't care if he's as slow as an iceberg, the quality i think he will bring is putting himself about, which our defenders don't really have in them. his aerial prowess, the reassurance that our players will feel, knowing any balls from corners or crosses will be dealt with pure and simple, not trying to be clever, just clear the danger and let everyone else worry about any second phase play.
Also he's a leader in an old fashioned sense, he'll shout and cajole them all so their all singing from the same hymn sheet, and above all, he'll intimidate the opposition and make them think twice, i just pray we give him a deal. he may just be the rough diamond every team should have.
25 Feb 2017 13:36:35
When was the last time you saw him play?
I'm not being deliberately antagonistic. It's' just that you seem to be talking about the memory of a player from 7-8 years ago. Unless of course he was truly outstanding during his 2 games before being released by Panathinaikos this year.
If he's 85% of the player he was at Balckburn he's a real find; if not, he's a risk.
I hope he's the former (obviously)
25 Feb 2017 15:04:38
From what I hear samba last couple of outings were dog rough. agree a good player in the past, past is the past though. it smacks of being a little desperate especially if he is unfit. Would love him to prove me wrong but have my doubts. Hope mark Bunn gets another chance between the sticks can only do better certainly CA, my do worse.
25 Feb 2017 20:11:36
Yea a huge risk if he was decent you'd think he would already have a club, however if Bruce has got him training then he'll see him first hand and know if his worth it.
26 Feb 2017 08:26:00
Fellas, your probably right about his prowess; but i think put him in the middle of defence to lead, let those around him do the donkey work and let him organise and cajole them, i'd say most of the time he'd win any headers and him staying back would allow the likes of chester to chip forward, what i'm saying is his experience may help to overcome a lose on athleticism, and he's a natural leader too, after all that bruce will probably release him now! -i think he could be our robert huth type player that all.
26 Feb 2017 09:53:12
Could we not be talking about Bruce playing himself to do the same thing?
26 Feb 2017 10:24:10
Why would anyone want a Robert Huth type player?
I think he will sign, and think it will be a good move, but I can't see how he replaced anyone, unless you suggest returning to the fantastic 3 at the back which was a great success!?
Our major problem, and has been for a long time, is a lack of confidence in the guy in goal.
Rather than allow them to defend, and control their own game and line, the lack o belief in him means every one sits deep, and feel they need to deal with all balls in box as the goal keeper won't.
Fir example, 3 times yesterday, the ball was played down our channels, a long ball firbthere wingers to run on to, and our player, (baker 2x Hutton once I think) got there first. no one in our box. and rather than trust the keeper to take control and launch up field, we kicked out for a throw bear corner flag.
This keeps their pressure on, and we have to stay deep.
When he punches everything, rather than catch, the ball will just come back, when he doesn't command his 6 yard box to claim everything, our defence has to. So we remain disjointed, to deep and constantly under pressure.
I don't know the stats, but I would bet that we get given the fewest offsides in the division, as we sit so deep, they never are!
Rather than an aging out field player, just because he has no contract we look at, why not a keeper, someone mentioned swchartzer, perfect. Yes getting on, but game management, and experience are priceless.
Even if to help Johnstone, play every other match.
I think Johnstone will be a great keeper, his shot stopping is amazing, and his distribution is awesome.
But this is to big a job to soon. Rather than totally ruin him, we should help him.
26 Feb 2017 12:03:33
Good point, well made!
27 Feb 2017 01:33:20
Good point-but will bruce be willing to drop johnson and incur the wrath of mourinho, over the years he's bought and loaned quite a few from them, i'm guessing he'll persevere with him, though schwartzer would be just the ticket.