MC Prussian Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I understand exactly what you're saying, but one further concern, with this in mind, is that we could upset our team spirit and do nothing to improve on our current squad if we simply go about accumulating large numbers of fringe players. I honestly believe that 3-4 measured signings designed to significantly upgrade a squad is better than 6-8 squad players who may or may not come good, and may lead to a manager not knowing his best team. From a Leicester viewpoint, it's summer 96 (Keller, Prior, Izzet, Marshall) vs. summer 03 (Coyne, Howey, Thatcher, Hignett, Brooker, Ferdinand, Bent, Curtis, Nalis, Scimeca etc.). I've always been very positive about Pearson's signings. But something about the way this summer has begun doesn't feel right. But that could all change. Hamer, Albrighton and Upson were nothing like "fringe" players, they played an important part in their respective's club fortunes in the past season. This isn't about accumulating, it's about depth in squad. Let's see how the season pans out before we start slamming the squad or the manager ( ) again, shall we? Summer '03 won't be repeated, anyway. Pearson has already shown his intentions of signing the right people, irrespective of the player's age. The only thing that doesn't feel right is the amount of people coming out of the woodwork again with their overly negative attitude and bleak outlook.
Filbert's Friend Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I feel you. It seems like every time he's given a chance he sticks it in the net so why not see what he can do?
Greatness_Since_1884 Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 On our 3 signings so far, all 3 sets of fans were truly gutted they'd gone. The best indication there is IMO
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Just out of interest, what were you struggling with on the Albrighton deal? He could be a good bargain signing, but even more so for a side that already have what they need to stay up - Hull, Stoke, Palace for instance, as opposed to Leicester. I've always found him a bit slow and wasteful for a winger and I'm surprised we're not going for a winger with pace seeing as we have two who are more limited in that regard. But he's an excellent crosser of the ball. For us, however, we're trying to up the standard of our squad and he doesn't come into that category of player that we can confidently say will improve on what we've got in Mahrez / Knockaert. He's played 27/76 games (quick look at Wikipedia!) in two seasons for a struggling PL team. So I agree he could be a great buy and has promise but, unlike some of the names linked, he's not going to convince a neutral that Leicester are adequately preparing for the step up. A further example of what I'm saying is Campbell - if we were to sign him but lose Wood, who is four years younger and hit 20+ goals in the Championship a year ago (better than Campbell has ever managed), then I'd worry that our squad had actually been weakened rather than strengthened. He, like Albrighton, is a player who has struggled to make the grade for a poor Premiership side in recent times. So I don't actively feel either are / would be poor signings; it's more that they would have to do a lot better if they were to prove good signings; and they could - I'd worry - represent a PL-experience-bargain-basement transfer policy.
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Hamer, Albrighton and Upson were nothing like "fringe" players, they played an important part in their respective's club fortunes in the past season. This isn't about accumulating, it's about depth in squad. Let's see how the season pans out before we start slamming the squad or the manager ( ) again, shall we? Summer '03 won't be repeated, anyway. Pearson has already shown his intentions of signing the right people, irrespective of the player's age. The only thing that doesn't feel right is the amount of people coming out of the woodwork again with their overly negative attitude and bleak outlook. My point is that they are likely to be fringe players for us. In fact, where Hamer and Upson are concerned, if they are anything more than that something will have gone horribly wrong. Pearson's past transfer policy has been to bring in something which his current squad lacks. In two of the three cases that would be PL experience, but those players are going to have to do better at Leicester than they have in recent years if they are to improve on our current personnel. Hopefully they will. I'd like to add that I am not 'slamming' either squad or manager here. In fact I've praised the manager and my positive feelings about the squad are implicit in my wondering whether these three players will represent any sort of improvement. Neither have I 'come out of the woodwork'. I was, however, operating under the illusion that a discussion about new transfers should really go beyond 'yeah he'll be amazing'.
RowlattsFox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Too much like Vardy for me. We need to make sure any strikers we buy are better than what we already have.
roblcfc84 Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 People seem to be struggling with the concept of a squad. The intensity of the premier league will mean more injuries and suspensions. The full 25 plus under 21's is vital for survival. Albrighton is a good solid player, as is upson and Campbell. Still so much time to get those 3 quality players for the spine of the team.
Babylon Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I'm not sure Campbell did show he could play at this level last season. He had a poor year. But he didn't really have a poor year when you look at the goalscoring of the other teams in the bottom half. 6 goals is a fairly normal return for a striker in the bottom half of the table. There are only three players out of the bottom half who achieved what you'd think was a decent return, and they are probably wanted now by some of the biggest teams around Europe. These are the top two scorers for each team that stayed up: West Ham Kevin Nolan 7 goals Carlton Cole 6 goals Hull Nikica Jelavic 4 goals Shane Long 4 goals West Brom Sessegnon 5 goals Berahino 5 goals Villa Benteke 10 goals Weiman 5 goals Sunderland Adam Johnson 8 goals Berini 7 goals Newcastle Remy 14 goals Cabaye 7 goals Swansea Bony 16 goals Dyer 6 goals Palace Gale 7 goals Puncheon 7 goals Stoke Adam 7 goals Crouch 8 goals Spurs Adebyor 11 goals Eriksen 7 goals Everton Lukaka 15 goals Mirallas 8 goals Considering he was playing up front on his own for most of the season in what ended up being the worst team in the league, 6 goals is a fairly respectable return when you look at what others in better teams achieved.
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 People seem to be struggling with the concept of a squad. The intensity of the premier league will mean more injuries and suspensions. The full 25 plus under 21's is vital for survival. Albrighton is a good solid player, as is upson and Campbell. Still so much time to get those 3 quality players for the spine of the team. Yes, I agree with you. There's lots of time and no need to panic, the new buys could all be decent additions to the squad. My only concern, if we were to bring in Campbell, would be that - five signings in - there was nothing yet which clearly improved on our starting eleven. That's not to say it wouldn't happen further down the line of course, but I'd prefer not to see a huge influx of new faces for the sake of squad stability, and with each new addition that becomes increasingly likely.
roblcfc84 Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Yes, I agree with you. There's lots of time and no need to panic, the new buys could all be decent additions to the squad. My only concern, if we were to bring in Campbell, would be that - five signings in - there was nothing yet which clearly improved on our starting eleven. That's not to say it wouldn't happen further down the line of course, but I'd prefer not to see a huge influx of new faces for the sake of squad stability, and with each new addition that becomes increasingly likely.
roblcfc84 Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I think it suggests some players leaving like Hammond and maybe king. Wood perhaps?
MC Prussian Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 My point is that they are likely to be fringe players for us. In fact, where Hamer and Upson are concerned, if they are anything more than that something will have gone horribly wrong. Pearson's past transfer policy has been to bring in something which his current squad lacks. In two of the three cases that would be PL experience, but those players are going to have to do better at Leicester than they have in recent years if they are to improve on our current personnel. Hopefully they will. I'd like to add that I am not 'slamming' either squad or manager here. In fact I've praised the manager and my positive feelings about the squad are implicit in my wondering whether these three players will represent any sort of improvement. Neither have I 'come out of the woodwork'. I was, however, operating under the illusion that a discussion about new transfers should really go beyond 'yeah he'll be amazing'. Fringe players for us or not, we need players that add to the talent that we already have, as well as aid our core Championship team with advice about and adjustment to the Premier League. You insinuate that Hamer, Upson and Albrighton aren't good enough for Leicester: Hamer was quintessential in keeping Charlton alive in the Championship, Upson has made it to the team of the year and many Villa fans rate Albrighton dearly. My hope with the latter especially is that he'll rediscover his form under Pearson. Because talent there is plenty. To throw the ball back - whom would've you signed instead?
Candidcamera Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I remember watching him playing for Cardiff near the end of the season and sky commentator said Roy Hodgson had turned up to see him. Apparently, he was disappointed he was substituted. Must admit I had to laugh. Still think he would fit in well with our style of play.
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 But he didn't really have a poor year when you look at the goalscoring of the other teams in the bottom half. 6 goals is a fairly normal return for a striker in the bottom half of the table. There are only three players out of the bottom half who achieved what you'd think was a decent return, and they are probably wanted now by some of the biggest teams around Europe. West Ham Kevin Nolan 7 goals Carlton Cole 6 goals Hull Nikica Jelavic 4 goals Shane Long 4 goals West Brom Sessegnon 5 goals Berahino 5 goals Villa Benteke 10 goals Weiman 5 goals Sunderland Adam Johnson 8 goals Berini 7 goals Newcastle Remy 14 goals Cabaye 7 goals Swansea Bony 16 goals Dyer 6 goals Palace Gale 7 goals Puncheon 7 goals Considering he was playing up front on his own for most of the season in what ended pu being the worst team in the league, 6 goals is a fairly respectable return when you look at what others in better teams achieved. That's interesting to see, though it's worth pointing out that there are a few serious injuries and a few non-strikers in that list. It's also worth adding that the 12th placed side only won 42 points - which on another season might have seen them relegated. In other words the bottom end of the Premier League appears to be weaker than in previous seasons (reflected in two promoted sides staying up and - hopefully - none of the relegated sides coming back up) - we need to be aiming to be better than those clubs rather than equal to them, especially as I can't imagine that state of affairs will continue forever. Nonetheless you're right that 6 goals, in the context of last season, was no disaster (I suppose you could argue that it was a disaster on the grounds that Cardiff got relegated, but I'm inclined to go along with you here). But it was only respectable because there was a bizarre number of other teams misfiring in the bottom half of the table. I still think he'll have to do better if he is to come here and be a success. But a lot of players Pearson has signed have done better when they've come here, so - you're right - there's really no need to be too downbeat.
Babylon Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Too much like Vardy for me. We need to make sure any strikers we buy are better than what we already have. I'd be happy if he's like Vardy, he's instrumental to the way we play. When he's out we never look as threatening, his chasing and work rate are missed and Campbell offers that also. We don't need a player to bang in 15 goals (they cost big money), we need a contribution again from all over the pitch. If we get 6 players banging in 5/6 goals each we'd have a great chance of staying up if we are sound in defence.
kingfox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I think it's obvious from the players Pearson has signed already, he wants to bolster the squad with Premier League experience first, before perhaps dipping into the foreign market, and spending a bit more money. Upson has bags of experience, has played endless times in the Premier League, did well for Brighton, so Pearson obviously thinks he can still do a job. Albrighton yet again Premiership experience, and has time to develop and grow as a player, something Pearson is said to be looking at. Campbell, has played in the Premier League before, so Pearson obviously thinks that's an advantage, and proved he can cut it last season. Pearson will probably now look at a younger centre back, maybe a left-back, central midfielder and a target man from abroad, and then that will be that.
Babylon Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 That's interesting to see, though it's worth pointing out that there are a few serious injuries and a few non-strikers in that list. I just added in after you quoted that it's the top two scorers from each club. Added a few more teams in now.
foxes_rule1978 Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I was referring to GTF and Nugent. I can't see Wood featuring much next season, plus he isn't English anyway. My point is English players are hardly the most technical, now were entering one of the biggest leagues in the world we need technical players and unfortunately that's something we've always lacked. We need more than grafters. What, so Liverpool with 5 or 6 English players starting every game were rather poor
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Fringe players for us or not, we need players that add to the talent that we already have, as well as aid our core Championship team with advice about and adjustment to the Premier League. You insinuate that Hamer, Upson and Albrighton aren't good enough for Leicester: Hamer was quintessential in keeping Charlton alive in the Championship, Upson has made it to the team of the year and many Villa fans rate Albrighton dearly. My hope with the latter especially is that he'll rediscover his form under Pearson. Because talent there is plenty. To throw the ball back - whom would've you signed instead? Well you're right for placing your faith in Pearson's transfer policy, especially if it were up against mine! But I think many of his greatest buys have been 25 or under and relatively unknown - Vardy, Knockaert, Mahrez, James, Hobbs etc. I hope we get the chance to see him going back down this avenue at some point in time. Perhaps the Barmby signing will turn out that way. Perhaps it will be someone else - we are only in May, of course. And I want to underline that I'm not saying those players, especially Albrighton, are not good enough - just that they'll have to up their game if they are to offer us something significantly better than what we've already got. But how realistic is it to believe that we can, or even should, sign someone like Selcuk Inan? And, in response to your final question, the players we've been linked with that have (in my opinion) the clearest potential to be real star players are Zaha and Powell - but they, like Albrighton / Campbell etc. - would also have to make a significant step up if they were to make the difference. I fully understand your argument, I hope you're right, think there's a good chance you're right, and know the ghost of Micky Adams is largely responsible for that tiny tinge of concern I'm feeling. But I still think it's a valid observation, and one the neutral pundits might soon be making, that Leicester are currently operating in the bargain basement - and that's one of the more risky strategies for approaching life in the top flight. But, yes, it's only May!
Hack Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 Didn't a paper report not long ago that he had an 800k relegation release clause? Not too keen on this one, would rather we press on with Pelle from Feyernoord. Who said we are in for Pelle? How can we press on for a player the club is probably not in for. Please apply to the club for a role in the scouting dept!!
fleckneymike Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 But he didn't really have a poor year when you look at the goalscoring of the other teams in the bottom half. 6 goals is a fairly normal return for a striker in the bottom half of the table. There are only three players out of the bottom half who achieved what you'd think was a decent return, and they are probably wanted now by some of the biggest teams around Europe. These are the top two scorers for each team that stayed up: West Ham Kevin Nolan 7 goals Carlton Cole 6 goals Hull Nikica Jelavic 4 goals Shane Long 4 goals West Brom Sessegnon 5 goals Berahino 5 goals Villa Benteke 10 goals Weiman 5 goals Sunderland Adam Johnson 8 goals Berini 7 goals Newcastle Remy 14 goals Cabaye 7 goals Swansea Bony 16 goals Dyer 6 goals Palace Gale 7 goals Puncheon 7 goals Stoke Adam 7 goals Crouch 8 goals Spurs Adebyor 11 goals Eriksen 7 goals Everton Lukaka 15 goals Mirallas 8 goals Considering he was playing up front on his own for most of the season in what ended up being the worst team in the league, 6 goals is a fairly respectable return when you look at what others in better teams achieved. The 'cost' of many players on that list is prohibitive too. A slight reality check is called for, finding relative unknowns to compete at Championship level is a world away from finding players for the Prem. Norwich wasted a small fortune of RVW and Hooper and got at total of 7 goals. They came from established 'shit' leagues in Portugal and Scotland, with RVW having scored also in Holland. Other players on that list above have either features for top 4 clubs or have been bought for vast sums, I think the way our management see it is that if they are going to pay 7 x what Vardy cost they want around 7 x the player.
inckley fox Posted 24 May 2014 Posted 24 May 2014 I'm pretty stubborn when it comes to an argument so this doesn't happen often - but I have to say that the defence of our transfer strategy put up by some of you on here has won me over. On balance I can see how we are going about things the right way. I didn't mean to come across as negative; I have had my doubts, but it's unrealistic not to have some doubts when it comes to transfers. Pearson has got it right in the past and it will be pretty exciting to see what he can get out of the likes of Albrighton, or even Campbell if he's to come.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.