Gradel back on loan to Bournemouth

[Thracian]

Looking at how Gradel appears to be getting on i can only assume him being at Bournmouth still is linked with a comment Holloway made concerning Hayes' loan move. he said somthing along the lines of " we cant expect the lad to be ready for the championship at the age of 20"

Gradel is of course younger than Hayes. Thats the only reason i can possibly think of. Not saying it is the right decision and a somewhat puzzling explanation because he is playing Mattock regularly at the age of 17...

I think it's an excuse of convenience. But we'll see. On balance I think Bori has a chance. He's not like the early season imports. But he won't half be a good winger to keep pace with Gradel when it comes to end product. As always, I wish him luck.

[Geo V]

Why rush things FFS??!

Let the lad complete his loan and he will be stronger both physically and mentally the the demands of first team football. He`ll get used to the slower lumps in the lower leagues trying to kick him about which will no doubt toughen him up and hopefully if he continues to progress and impress then Im sure Olliw will have use for him next season.

The fooked up things that go on in some peoples minds on here really does baffle me. You can read some peoples posts and think they suffer from some sort of paranoia or enjoy making up stories. How people have got to the point where they think Ollie doesn't rate the lad is beyond me!

[Ric Flair]

http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/l...1223214,00.html

Maxi in midweek. Goal and an assist. Wish we got extended highlights like that when we play.

[Thracian]

Why rush things FFS??!

Let the lad complete his loan and he will be stronger both physically and mentally the the demands of first team football. He`ll get used to the slower lumps in the lower leagues trying to kick him about which will no doubt toughen him up and hopefully if he continues to progress and impress then Im sure Olliw will have use for him next season.

The fooked up things that go on in some peoples minds on here really does baffle me. You can read some peoples posts and think they suffer from some sort of paranoia or enjoy making up stories. How people have got to the point where they think Ollie doesn't rate the lad is beyond me!

He's at Bournemouth til the end of the season, end of.

But rushing things? It's us that need the goals he's getting at a level about 20 teams below us.

And what's this "progress" he has to make? You can say everyone has "progress" to make but the stats suggest he's the best we've got right now in terms of making things happen and I've no idea what the "extra" comprises.

It has little to do with being "tough". Gradel's got kicked about ever since I've seen him by defenders who've got no alternative means of stopping him. He'll never be Tiatto tough but he's brave and resilient.

At Sunderland in the play-offs final he got hammered mercilessly and the only time he complained was when the referee didn't give him all the free kicks he wanted. He wins so many free kicks that Sheehan would have had a field day every week if he got to take em.

On that day Gradel was subbed off through accumulated stick and could hardly walk.

No-one talked about Newton needing to improve before we put him in the side. I often wonder if there'd ever be a right time for young players in your book. It would always be tomorrow.

Nothing is going to change with Gradel this season but if we do lose him I'll certainly put it down to our not having sufficient belief in him and preferring to go with inferior so-called seniors.

[Manwell Pablo]

He's at Bournemouth til the end of the season, end of.

But rushing things? It's us that need the goals he's getting at a level about 20 teams below us.

And what's this "progress" he has to make? You can say everyone has "progress" to make but the stats suggest he's the best we've got right now in terms of making things happen and I've no idea what the "extra" comprises.

It has little to do with being "tough". Gradel's got kicked about ever since I've seen him by defenders who've got no alternative means of stopping him. He'll never be Tiatto tough but he's brave and resilient.

At Sunderland in the play-offs final he got hammered mercilessly and the only time he complained was when the referee didn't give him all the free kicks he wanted. He wins so many free kicks that Sheehan would have had a field day every week if he got to take em.

On that day Gradel was subbed off through accumulated stick and could hardly walk.

No-one talked about Newton needing to improve before we put him in the side. I often wonder if there'd ever be a right time for young players in your book. It would always be tomorrow.

Nothing is going to change with Gradel this season but if we do lose him I'll certainly put it down to our not having sufficient belief in him and preferring to go with inferior so-called seniors.

I'll think you'll find alot of people didn't want Newton in the side full stop.

Your views on sending youngsters out on loan are laughable, it's to help them not cast them away. He wouldn't get football here Holloway wants to look at Gabor Bori, who may turn out to be a very good player for all you and your inaccurate Wikipedia stats know. If Max continues to impress I am more than sure he will feature next season but in the mean time it's better if he gets in a starting XI every week then playing second fiddle here. Especially at his age.

Drop it for chirsts sake this is getting boring.

[MPH]

2 things of note from the highlights:

1. He played left wing in that game.

2. Bournmouth have a better scoreboard than us!

[Thracian]

I'll think you'll find alot of people didn't want Newton in the side full stop.

Your views on sending youngsters out on loan are laughable, it's to help them not cast them away. He wouldn't get football here Holloway wants to look at Gabor Bori, who may turn out to be a very good player for all you and your inaccurate Wikipedia stats know. If Max continues to impress I am more than sure he will feature next season but in the mean time it's better if he gets in a starting XI every week then playing second fiddle here. Especially at his age.

Drop it for chirsts sake this is getting boring.

But Newton still got in the side.

As for his being "second fiddle" I think Bori's okIay. But bet now that Gradel gets more goals/assists than Bori in the second half of the season. Gradel's one up on both counts so far.

And that's on the Football League stats, not Wikipaedia, though I did invite you to find some alternatives. Loans are as often as not a convenience exercise for various reasons and I imagine you know it.

PS: I'm off to play golf.

[Manwell Pablo]

But Newton still got in the side.

As for his being "second fiddle" I think Bori's okIay. But bet now that Gradel gets more goals/assists than Bori in the second half of the season. Gradel's one up on both counts so far.

And that's on the Football League stats, not Wikipaedia, though I did invite you to find some alternatives. Loans are as often as not a convenience exercise for various reasons and I imagine you know it.

PS: I'm off to play golf.

We have alternative stats. Ric has already been on the MTK Website and found that Bori has scored 5 in 15 already this season.

as he said then, 1-3 for a winger isn't bad.

I'm dropping this anyway, all discussion of Gradel can commence when he comes back.

Unless its an arguement with Fez over how to pronounce his name.

[The People's Hero]

But rushing things? It's us that need the goals he's getting at a level about 20 teams below us.

But we're about 20 teams below some quality premiership teams!

Are you saying the level of football is the same?

[Ric Flair]

2 things of note from the highlights:

1. He played left wing in that game.

2. Bournmouth have a better scoreboard than us!

That's the good thing about Maxi, he is actually capable of playing on both wings. Considering we do need cover for both wings, it pains me to say it, but we have exactly that in Gradel.

[Jimmy]

The Cameraman wants sacking, the ball was virtually never in frame, zoom out man

[Thracian]

But we're about 20 teams below some quality premiership teams!

Are you saying the level of football is the same?

The way Leicester have played on occasions this season there's little argument. And if you'd been to Hull you would probably understand me saying that.

Had it not been for the Clive Clarke affair I believe we'd have been panned out of sight by Forest. We lost to last season's Division One side, Blackpool, we had enough trouble beating Accrington and we rarely seemed to do too well against Luton either.

I don't think Leicester can be blase about their status for one minute. They've still got a fight on to retain it. Truth is Gradel should be hear scoring the goals that might help keep us up and too many on here would rather have a new signing whatever.

None of you know how he's going to play. We're all hoping for the best. But meanwhile Gradel continues to do what he's always done and what we have so desperately needed for so long. Ric's right. At the very least he could have covered both flanks IF the new boys could outshine him.

I'll admit to having more hopes for Bori and Laczko. But Nielsen, Kishishev, Ferreira, Kaebi, Djiziri and Hellings have left me underwhelmed by imported main-chancers, thanks.

I prefer players I know, who have shown they can cope with English football and who are capable of rolling theior sleeves up home and away, in sunshine and in bitter cold or rain.

PS: The "ignore" doesn't seem to have lasted long!

[woznotwos]

Im presuming he can be recalled in an injury crisis and while hes getting regular first team football i think bournemouth is an excellent place for him to cut his teeth. Ive no doubt it wont be long before hes one of the first names on the team sheet here. If we can recall him then i dont see the point in this discussion, therefore i didnt write this!! you didnt see me...right??

[BLUEARMY8]

It is 2 totally different games championship and the league Bournemouth are in. If he outscores Bori by 2/1 does that make him a better player.

You bang on about Sheehans assists and goals and anyone who popped onto this site would think he is captain of his national team. Gradel might be half decent but if we are looking to get in top half of league we will not get there with them 2 playing. Sheehan is a good back up player but we will never get out of this league with him as left back or midfield.Hopefully Gradel will score a hatful and have loads of assists and then at least you will be a happy man and hopefully he will do it for us next year.

[Geo V]

LET THE LAD PROVE HIMSELF IN THE LOWER LEAGUES FIRST FFS!!! :doh: :doh:

[Thracian]

It is 2 totally different games championship and the league Bournemouth are in. If he outscores Bori by 2/1 does that make him a better player.

You bang on about Sheehans assists and goals and anyone who popped onto this site would think he is captain of his national team. Gradel might be half decent but if we are looking to get in top half of league we will not get there with them 2 playing. Sheehan is a good back up player but we will never get out of this league with him as left back or midfield.Hopefully Gradel will score a hatful and have loads of assists and then at least you will be a happy man and hopefully he will do it for us next year.

I've never actually said or even implied that Gradel is a better player than Bori. I've hardly seen Bori but he's looked okay on first impression.

I've said that we need the goals Gradel is scoring and making.

But I'll happily stand by all I've said about Gradel and Sheehan because I've seen both play countless games.

And that, of course, is what you get with players who are schooled and developed on site. A known quantity.

As for Bori he's come here on a dream ticket, a virtually guaranteed place in the side and no competition.

He's leapfrogged Gradel and I genuinely hope he does the privilege justice because City need him to.

But I've offered my bet on what will happen. It's not ambiguous. And it's a fair enough bet.

Bori's four years of seniority should more than make up for Gradel playing 20-odd teams lower than Leicester.

Like I say. So far Gradel leads by one goal and one assist to nil, just the thing, I hope, to spur the newly signed pretender..

Pity I can't contrive the same bet with Sheehan and Mattock despite my thinking both are quality players in their different ways and should be developed together.

[Thracian]

LET THE LAD PROVE HIMSELF IN THE LOWER LEAGUES FIRST FFS!!! :doh: :doh:

Come on GeoV. Weren't you one of those that thought Kaebi etc. shouldn't suffer the indignity of lower grade football? So what the hell has Gradel done to deserve it? Cos I'm 100% sure Gradel's more suited to English football than Kaebi. And he's been proving himself virtually every week I've ever seen him. :D

[Jimmy]

Come on GeoV. Weren't you one of those that thought Kaebi etc. shouldn't suffer the indignity of lower grade football? So what the hell has Gradel done to deserve it? Cos I'm 100% sure Gradel's more suited to English football than Kaebi. And he's been proving himself virtually every week I've ever seen him. :D

I must of missed Gradel getting 50+ caps for the Ivory Coast and getting World Cup experience as well ...

[Geo V]

Come on GeoV. Weren't you one of those that thought Kaebi etc. shouldn't suffer the indignity of lower grade football? So what the hell has Gradel done to deserve it? Cos I'm 100% sure Gradel's more suited to English football than Kaebi. And he's been proving himself virtually every week I've ever seen him. :D

No what I said was that International class players should only play RESERVE football to gain fitness, not to necessarily prove themselves.

Gradel has done well at youth level but has hardly set the reserves a light or any professional football even lower leagues never mind International caps like Kaebi! Why you have this fascination in rushing any kid through into the first team when the best way with some is to learn their trade playing league football instead!!!

Whats the rush?? Have you not seen how many of our kids have been thrust into the first team and not met expectations due to the outrageous demands from the fans who don't want excuses, just good performances??!! Levi, Stearman, Sheehan, Logan, Dodds, COG and even Mattock to a lesser extent have hardly set the world alight.

Maybe if we had a Alex Ferguson style approach and loaning these talented lads out and nurturing them they would be the better for it, long term?

[Thracian]

No what I said was that International class players should only play RESERVE football to gain fitness, not to necessarily prove themselves.

Gradel has done well at youth level but has hardly set the reserves a light or any professional football even lower leagues never mind International caps like Kaebi! Why you have this fascination in rushing any kid through into the first team when the best way with some is to learn their trade playing league football instead!!!

Whats the rush?? Have you not seen how many of our kids have been thrust into the first team and not met expectations due to the outrageous demands from the fans who don't want excuses, just good performances??!! Levi, Stearman, Sheehan, Logan, Dodds, COG and even Mattock to a lesser extent have hardly set the world alight.

Maybe if we had a Alex Ferguson style approach and loaning these talented lads out and nurturing them they would be the better for it, long term?

Gradel didn't have a reserves team to play in last season but was outstanding the year before, scoring around a goal a game for the reserves.

The young players have generally done everything expected of them, perhaps more from the conversations I've had with people close to the club and I believe the benefits of that will show even more when there are better players around them.

Ferguson's young players have a much higher standard to reach than ours.

His needing young players to challenge Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes is a lot different to us requiring challengers to the team that has left us fighting for survival near the bottom of division one.

And to win that fight, bearing in mind we have a sound enough defence, we need more goals, particularly from our wings.

[Ric Flair]

No what I said was that International class players should only play RESERVE football to gain fitness, not to necessarily prove themselves.

Gradel has done well at youth level but has hardly set the reserves a light or any professional football even lower leagues never mind International caps like Kaebi! Why you have this fascination in rushing any kid through into the first team when the best way with some is to learn their trade playing league football instead!!!

Whats the rush?? Have you not seen how many of our kids have been thrust into the first team and not met expectations due to the outrageous demands from the fans who don't want excuses, just good performances??!! Levi, Stearman, Sheehan, Logan, Dodds, COG and even Mattock to a lesser extent have hardly set the world alight.

Maybe if we had a Alex Ferguson style approach and loaning these talented lads out and nurturing them they would be the better for it, long term?

To be fair, Gradel has an unbelievable goal scoring record for the youth and reserve teams since he's been here. His record at Bournemouth is very impressive as well given how crap they are and what he's gone through in his personal life.

It's pleasing to see him impressing down there, all the better for us next season hopefully.

[Ric Flair]

Gradel's unavailable this weekend due to suspension.

[sidwell]

maybe now gradel and hayes have gone out on loan this is the sign of more wingers to come, if not bring them back

[Guest Chocolate Teapot]

But Newton still got in the side.

As for his being "second fiddle" I think Bori's okIay. But bet now that Gradel gets more goals/assists than Bori in the second half of the season. Gradel's one up on both counts so far.

And that's on the Football League stats, not Wikipaedia, though I did invite you to find some alternatives. Loans are as often as not a convenience exercise for various reasons and I imagine you know it.

PS: I'm off to play golf.

you still haven't seen bori play so how can you judge him?

[reynard]

If Gradel is so good how come no premiership sides have come knocking on our door with 7 figure offers? Maybe because as per usual with our youngsters we like to believe the hype of the few rather than the possible reality of the situaton which may be that he is a bit special in Div 1 but that's as far as it goes. Let him have this season there and then have a look at the situation at the end of the season.