PLAY TIME.

[Nicholson 61]

Sould you wish to take part and play..............

Select only 6 players (in CAPITALS) from our current squad that would be a must for you in your starting 11.

Then, flesh the rest of the positions out with a realistic 5 new additions and how you would go about acquiring them. Money offers, part ex's swap deals etc.

Then complete you 25 man squad from whats left! For me................
LLORIS: WALKER, caulker, VERTONGHEN,(if he sorts his head out) cole.
LAMALA, BENTALEB, ERIKSEN, lalana (pull out all the stops for this boy)
lukaku/benteke. henandez.
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Invest the money from selling Livermore to Hull 8-9mill. Buy Caulker back with it. Ashley Cole I agree, slightly controversial, but still a top class LB. And for me 2 decent seasons left in him.
Would I be right in saying, also a free agent. 80k a week and a million£ signing on fee!
Lukaku/Benteke if fully recoverd. 22mill bid +Ade. Henandez. A straight 11mill offer.
Lalana. Dembele + either Chadli/Townsend + 10mill. Flog Lennon 9mill in an attempt to balance the books. Maybe use him to acquire Delph? Sandro can go to his desired Seria A for 13mill.
Kaboul, 3-4mill. To help balance the books.
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Squad players: for a potential 60 season game in 14/15. Soldado. Paulie. Chriches. Dawson. Rose. Naughton. Fridel.+1. Fryers. Kane, Carroll, Pritchard. Capoue

One common denominator. All have EPL experince.
I know its all fantasy bollocks, up to a point. But if this was really wanted, then I can not see why
it realistically be done!

 

[cahspur]

One common denominator. All have EPL experince.
I know its all fantasy bollocks, up to a point. But if this was really wanted, then I can not see why
it realistically be done!

Click to shrink...

If we could remove all realistic player intentions and inter-club hostilities, it's certainly possible. But given the real world and how many needs we have where no EPL experience can contribute, I just don't see it

 

[Nicholson 61]

If we could remove all realistic player intentions and inter-club hostilities, it's certainly possible. But given the real world and how many needs we have where no EPL experience can contribute, I just don't see it

Click to shrink...

I,m ot sure Cahspur if I understand your quote! Are you saying that at present there is not enough talent in the EPL, British and foreign alike that can not improve us? And we again should look abroad at untried and tested players?

 

[cahspur]

I,m ot sure Cahspur if I understand your quote! Are you saying that at present there is not enough talent in the EPL, British and foreign alike that can not improve us? And we again should look abroad at untried and tested players?

Click to shrink...

There are certainly players in the Prem who could improve us, and there are some realistic ones, but not realistic ones for every position. My thoughts for instance on positions of obvious need starting from the back:

backup GK: Want to go youngish and English here, namely Karl Darlow or Jack Butland.

CB: Micah Richards could improve us at the RCB position. Not particular difficult to do given what we have at the moment, but I rate a healthy Richards quite highly. Unsure if we'd have a chance though considering City's new FFP ruling and that City released a few Englishmen with at least a couple more likely to ask out. Lovren from Saints is possible though, especially if we bring in Poch. But after those two, the only realistic options there are to improve us are abroad.

LB: I'm not particularly keen on bringing Cole to Spurs. I'm genuinely sick of having ex-Woolwich players deemed too past-it for top four clubs. If we're to shake being the status of being their underlings, it's high time we act like it. I think the better option is to sell Rose (or keep him if he's willing to accept second fiddle and fight for his place by honing some elements of his game - namely passing and crossing) and bring in a youngish, but immediate option from abroad (ideally from one of the better leagues, as smaller Prem clubs seem to be able to find solid fullbacks in Spain and France namely for rather cheap). Santon is worth a look if Newcastle will sell at a decent price, but I'm not as high on him as others are. Don't like how often he likes to cut back inside on his right foot while deep. I do like his strength, aerial presence, ability to drop the ball to a midfielder, and ability to read the game though.

LW: The single only available player who I think would improve us would be Lallana, and I think even with Poch we have a very, very small chance of that happening. Would love for it to happen, but I just don't see it. I also think there are actually more conducive options abroad (Konoplyanka), and for likely far cheaper than what Saints will want for him.

ST: Since I think it's highly likely Ade will find the exit door, and possibly Soldado as well, I think we'll end up in the market for a striker. Would love for us to have a punt at Ings from Burnley, but I think he seems rather loyal to them and genuinely excited for a season in the Prem with them. Would like to think he'd jump at the chance to play for a big club though. I also think if we don't pounce this summer and he has a good season, it'll be too late for us. Obviously the fallback here is while he's English, he's not Prem-experienced as of yet. Would love for us to go after Remy as a first-choice striker. I love his versatility in his ability to interact with his attacking mids on the ground as well as in the air from crosses. Really, really thought we should've gotten him two winters ago. We would undoubtedly have just played a season in the CL if we had, but that's what happens when you send a guy with Ian Broomfield's eye for talent away. As for Lukaku, I just don't see Chelsea selling to us, and honestly I feel Remy would be a perfectly suitable option and for much less dosh. Regardless, I'd like for the replacement here to certainly have Prem experience.

CM: This is certainly the most controversial position. I saw our midfield play of the last two years recently described as "crab football," and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. There is not a more efficient description of our play. We are so static, horizontal, and slow in our midfield possession that it's painful to watch. I honestly cannot believe that the majority believes a new coach is going to come in and somehow just fix our problems there with a masterstroke of tactics and individual coaching. We may see the effects in the 2015/16 season, but not likely next year if we're to press for honors. Unfortunately, I can't think of a single player within the Prem that would improve us and also be a realistic option. Not one. I hate to say it, but I think we'll have to go abroad for this one as well. I would be very, very surprised if the new manager doesn't make one acquisition at CM, and most notably to play the No 8 slot while seeing one of Paulinho or Dembele go.

Oy vey. Long study break, back to it then. Hope this clarified though and I like that you brought up the topic.

 

[Nicholson 61]

There are certainly players in the Prem who could improve us, and there are some realistic ones, but not realistic ones for every position. My thoughts for instance on positions of obvious need starting from the back:

backup GK: Want to go youngish and English here, namely Karl Darlow or Jack Butland.

CB: Micah Richards could improve us at the RCB position. Not particular difficult to do given what we have at the moment, but I rate a healthy Richards quite highly. Unsure if we'd have a chance though considering City's new FFP ruling and that City released a few Englishmen with at least a couple more likely to ask out. Lovren from Saints is possible though, especially if we bring in Poch. But after those two, the only realistic options there are to improve us are abroad.

LB: I'm not particularly keen on bringing Cole to Spurs. I'm genuinely sick of having ex-Woolwich players deemed too past-it for top four clubs. If we're to shake being the status of being their underlings, it's high time we act like it. I think the better option is to sell Rose (or keep him if he's willing to accept second fiddle and fight for his place by honing some elements of his game - namely passing and crossing) and bring in a youngish, but immediate option from abroad (ideally from one of the better leagues, as smaller Prem clubs seem to be able to find solid fullbacks in Spain and France namely for rather cheap). Santon is worth a look if Newcastle will sell at a decent price, but I'm not as high on him as others are. Don't like how often he likes to cut back inside on his right foot while deep. I do like his strength, aerial presence, ability to drop the ball to a midfielder, and ability to read the game though.

LW: The single only available player who I think would improve us would be Lallana, and I think even with Poch we have a very, very small chance of that happening. Would love for it to happen, but I just don't see it. I also think there are actually more conducive options abroad (Konoplyanka), and for likely far cheaper than what Saints will want for him.

ST: Since I think it's highly likely Ade will find the exit door, and possibly Soldado as well, I think we'll end up in the market for a striker. Would love for us to have a punt at Ings from Burnley, but I think he seems rather loyal to them and genuinely excited for a season in the Prem with them. Would like to think he'd jump at the chance to play for a big club though. I also think if we don't pounce this summer and he has a good season, it'll be too late for us. Obviously the fallback here is while he's English, he's not Prem-experienced as of yet. Would love for us to go after Remy as a first-choice striker. I love his versatility in his ability to interact with his attacking mids on the ground as well as in the air from crosses. Really, really thought we should've gotten him two winters ago. We would undoubtedly have just played a season in the CL if we had, but that's what happens when you send a guy with Ian Broomfield's eye for talent away. As for Lukaku, I just don't see Chelsea selling to us, and honestly I feel Remy would be a perfectly suitable option and for much less dosh. Regardless, I'd like for the replacement here to certainly have Prem experience.

CM: This is certainly the most controversial position. I saw our midfield play of the last two years recently described as "crab football," and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. There is not a more efficient description of our play. We are so static, horizontal, and slow in our midfield possession that it's painful to watch. I honestly cannot believe that the majority believes a new coach is going to come in and somehow just fix our problems there with a masterstroke of tactics and individual coaching. We may see the effects in the 2015/16 season, but not likely next year if we're to press for honors. Unfortunately, I can't think of a single player within the Prem that would improve us and also be a realistic option. Not one. I hate to say it, but I think we'll have to go abroad for this one as well. I would be very, very surprised if the new manager doesn't make one acquisition at CM, and most notably to play the No 8 slot while seeing one of Paulinho or Dembele go.

Oy vey. Long study break, back to it then. Hope this clarified though and I like that you brought up the topic.

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Was'nt expecting such a detailed reply, but liked and appreciated it. Very much like and agree with the Lovren, Richards shout. I understand the "resistance" to Cole but as he would be coming via Chelski and left Woolwich
under a cloud, I could live with that. Again your probably right about Lukaku being allowed to head to N17. Remy I like but would prefer a 100% fit Benteke for his prowess and hold up play. Unfortunately, I now don't believe Pochettino will be coming, because he for me would have immediately had us moving north at pace with the ball because I think we have the Mfd already at The Lane who are capable (Eriksen, Paulie, Bentaneb, Lamala + Lallana etc) who can play that way, if instructed to do so! And not at a tepid tempo, east-west. Plus he just may have been able to persuade Lallana to come with him. You politely did'nt mention Henandez. So nuff said!

 

[Millbanks]

Here's my 'dream team' -
[formation=4231, LLORIS, WALKER, Alderweireld, Dedé (Cruzeiro), Shaw, SANDRO, PAULINHO, LAMELA, ERIKSEN, Depay, Benteke][/formation]
Alderweireld is definitely buyable as he hasn't had much of a look in at an excellent Atletico this season. Good, young Belgian lad brought through at Ajax.
I would also look to bring in Denswil as cover/competition in defence. Verts is most likely off, and Dawson not capable of playing more than 30 games a season. Denswil is a tall, strong, promising young centre back already with European experience and league winners medal.
Dedé - I think we were linked with him a couple years ago, but he is an exceptional player, and I'm surprised he hasn't moved to Europe yet. Coming into his prime, a good ball-playing defender - the type we like at Spurs.
Shaw - some might think we won't be able to get him, but if we act quickly and decisively, he isn't out of our price range.
Sandro, if he stays fit, is a brilliant asset to the team, and I believe Pauli needed a season to get into the swing of things. Totally different world from the Brazilian League. I think he'll come good.
Lamela - can't sell the bloke, we need to get something from him. Under the right manager, I think he could be exceptional.
Memphis Depay - a real talent at PSV. Young, energetic, always has a goal in him. Would like to see some decisive energy down our left flank for once.
Benteke - Didn't repeat the heights of his first season, but if fit, he is a quality striker, and most importantly proven in the Premiership. I don't want to take any risks with buying a striker - we need a 15/20 goal a season forward to really push on.

 

[cahspur]

Was'nt expecting such a detailed reply, but liked and appreciated it. Very much like and agree with the Lovren, Richards shout. I understand the "resistance" to Cole but as he would be coming via Chelski and left Woolwich
under a cloud, I could live with that. Again your probably right about Lukaku being allowed to head to N17. Remy I like but would prefer a 100% fit Benteke for his prowess and hold up play. Unfortunately, I now don't believe Pochettino will be coming, because he for me would have immediately had us moving north at pace with the ball because I think we have the Mfd already at The Lane who are capable (Eriksen, Paulie, Bentaneb, Lamala + Lallana etc) who can play that way, if instructed to do so! And not at a tepid tempo, east-west. Plus he just may have been able to persuade Lallana to come with him. You politely did'nt mention Henandez. So nuff said!

Click to shrink...

Haha I'll be the first to concede that it's possible do to my American blood that I'm predisposed against Hernandez, but I've just never been all that impressed with him. For instance, after all the times he's played against the US he has never once scored against us. Let's be honest, we're not all that great and along the back line in particular. Some of his whiffs have just been disgraceful to the entirety of the game. Unfortunately, it seems it's much of the same in his play for his club as well.

Benteke is an important point. I felt last summer the match between the Benteke and Spurs was a concoction of creatures here below made in heaven. You would watch his play and just drool at how we would match up with our attacking players. But unfortunately, an Achilles tendon rupture is an absolute no go. That is arguably the very worst injury a professional athlete can sustain, because the recovery is extremely long physically and psychologically. Unfortunately it seems that potential chapter has closed. Proper Spursy, as it just looked so destined in the stars.

 

[Millbanks]

Haha I'll be the first to concede that it's possible do to my American blood that I'm predisposed against Hernandez, but I've just never been all that impressed with him. For instance, after all the times he's played against the US he has never once scored against us. Let's be honest, we're not all that great and along the back line in particular. Some of his whiffs have just been disgraceful to the entirety of the game. Unfortunately, it seems it's much of the same in his play for his club as well.

Click to shrink...

I would say that is the Yank in you, because his Premier League record is far more important to Spurs than his record for Mexico against the US.

To sum up international football records in a nutshell, and for you in particular being American: Altidore.

 

[cahspur]

I would say that is the Yank in you, because his Premier League record is far more important to Spurs than his record for Mexico against the US.

To sum up international football records in a nutshell, and for you in particular being American: Altidore.

Click to shrink...

Oh I completely agree with you, as I've said multiple times in my case against keeping Paulinho that it's ridiculous to keep him on the premise of simply being Brazilian as cited by many. But as I said with Chich, the problem is there's a consistency between his performances for Mexico and with Man U. He's known as a "finishing" type, the kind that can find the space and get on the end of an overwhelming number of balls into the box. But in reality, while he does get to them, his finishing ability is average at best. The number of easy whiffs he's blown for club and country is just diabolical. What he lacks in clinical finishing ability he doesn't compensate for with enhancing build-up play. In fact, Soldado has shown to be far more instrumental in creating play for others than Hernandez ever has for club or country, and they're said to be similar players.

I'd say it's entirely fair for you to discredit my opinion on the basis I'm a Yank, but I like to think I've also based this opinion from watching him quite a bit between the Prem and CONCACAF competition. It's important to note that since we have such a massive Mexican population here, every single Mexican national team game is televised on ESPN. Between his run with Mexico and in the Prem, I have probably seen the wee Pea play more times than most of my own countrymen currently on the WC roster (and especially since Donovan was dropped from it). I don't think he'd be a valuable contributor to us, and that we could do far better for a comparable price (Remy).

 

[Millbanks]

Oh I completely agree with you, as I've said multiple times in my case against keeping Paulinho that it's ridiculous to keep him on the premise of simply being Brazilian as cited by many. But as I said with Chich, the problem is there's a consistency between his performances for Mexico and with Man U. He's known as a "finishing" type, the kind that can find the space and get on the end of an overwhelming number of balls into the box. But in reality, while he does get to them, his finishing ability is average at best. The number of easy whiffs he's blown for club and country is just diabolical. What he lacks in clinical finishing ability he doesn't compensate for with enhancing build-up play. In fact, Soldado has shown to be far more instrumental in creating play for others than Hernandez ever has for club or country, and they're said to be similar players.

I'd say it's entirely fair for you to discredit my opinion on the basis I'm a Yank, but I like to think I've also based this opinion from watching him quite a bit between the Prem and CONCACAF competition. It's important to note that since we have such a massive Mexican population here, every single Mexican national team game is televised on ESPN. Between his run with Mexico and in the Prem, I have probably seen the wee Pea play more times than most of my own countrymen currently on the WC roster (and especially since Donovan was dropped from it). I don't think he'd be a valuable contributor to us, and that we could do far better for a comparable price (Remy).

Click to shrink...

I'm not discrediting your opinion because you are a Yank - you seem very knowledgeable and for all I know could know more than me!! I discredited your judgement based on his international record, which I personally feel is irrelevant. Bale has an average record for Wales. David Healy has a very good record for Northern Ireland. It has no bearing on their ability to play in the Premier League, in my opinion.

I absolutely agree we could do better for the price. We're probably talking around...£12m-£14m. We could take a punt on quite a few European strikers for that money. I don't think Mandzukic would cost much more than that. Ibisevic (Stuttgart) is a very good striker, I'll be watching Bosnia at the WC to see how he gets on. Bony and (as you said) Remy would cost similar amounts too.

Don't get me wrong, he wouldn't be my first choice, but I'd rather have Hernandez's goals (and missed chances) than Soldado's build up play (and missed chances!)

 

[cahspur]

I'm not discrediting your opinion because you are a Yank - you seem very knowledgeable and for all I know could know more than me!! I discredited your judgement based on his international record, which I personally feel is irrelevant. Bale has an average record for Wales. David Healy has a very good record for Northern Ireland. It has no bearing on their ability to play in the Premier League, in my opinion.

I absolutely agree we could do better for the price. We're probably talking around...£12m-£14m. We could take a punt on quite a few European strikers for that money. I don't think Mandzukic would cost much more than that. Ibisevic (Stuttgart) is a very good striker, I'll be watching Bosnia at the WC to see how he gets on. Bony and (as you said) Remy would cost similar amounts too.

Don't get me wrong, he wouldn't be my first choice, but I'd rather have Hernandez's goals (and missed chances) than Soldado's build up play (and missed chances!)

Click to shrink...

My friend it's not even opinion, international play has no merit on how they perform in the Premier League. That is simply fact and you are absolutely correct. But when the trend is consistent, you have to take notice. His play for both is almost entirely the same.

I don't blame you for your comparison of Chich and Soldado, as I think that's entirely reasonable. But I do think we should look elsewhere with such an allotment of funds (I'll have to take note to keep an eye on Ibisevic in the tournament, haven't seen much of him).

 

[Raven_Spurs]

[formation="4231, LLORIS, Coentrao, VERTONGHEN, CHIRICHES, WALKER, PAULINHO, SANDRO, Lallana, ERIKSEN, LAMELA, SOLDADO"][/formation]

I know it may be suicidal but I'm not willing to give up on Soldado just yet. He did very well before he came to England and I just really want to see him succeed. He works very hard and I just think the right manager could get the best out of him. Plus, I feel like Lamela and Soldado could potentially link up quite nicely. I've seen some of his deliveries and they were brilliant, so hopefully those two can play together well. Concerning the LB situation, I wouldn't mind getting Shaw (in fact I think I'd actually prefer him) but he might be out of our price range. I don't know how much money the incoming manager will have to spend. We've been linked with Coentrao a few times in the past and I don't think he can be too happy at Madrid considering he doesn't really play all that much (10 appearances this season). I'm hoping we could get him relatively cheaply. Then I'd also like to get Lallana in. If Poch really does come in we might have a chance of geting him (wishful thinking again). I think he would fit right in but unfortunately I think he said something about wanting to play in the CL and I can't see us qualifyying for it next season.

Squad players: KANE, TOWNSEND (say what you want but I think he'll come good once he's sorted his head out), CAPOUE, ROSE, KABOUL, NAUGHTON, DEMBELE, CHADLI, BENTALEB, ADEBAYOR, New Goalie (not sure who at the moment)

 

[Raven_Spurs]

Okay, something obviously went wrong with that formation. The players on the left should have been on the right! :lamelashock: