Stephens

[Dirk Lehmann's Python]

A definite improvement on what we have available as back up. Nobody has signed him probably due to wage demands rather than ability so perhaps earning nothing he would lower his demands.

Well, he's not an improvement if he's not fit is he? Scouting is about so much more than whether a play is any good, we need to be looking at players who fit the system rather than expensive stop-gap measures.

I'm not saying he can't do a job but seeing you post his name on every other thread when there's a zillion central midfielders out there that we could be looking at is extremely irritating.

 

[Dirk Lehmann's Python]

1) This is a huge blow, along with Bong. Probably the only 2 players we simply couldn't afford to lose.
2) why are we always so cloak and dagger regards injuries, the club always play them down and players are always out for ages?
3) Don't sign Kevin Nolan, thanks

In answer to 2, an element of keeping opponents guessing, keeping morale up amongst supporters and hopefully waiting to reveal the news alongside the signing of some replacements to help with the morale thing.

 

[BensGrandad]

There are not many as proven in this division as him who are available to sign immediately. Perhaps we shall have to go down the loan route again as Ince and Crofts have shown themselves to be below par at the moment..

 

[BBassic]

Nil desperandum. Crofts may enjoy playing alongside Kayal.

I'd actually be tempted, if Stephens is indeed out for a spell, to put JFC in alongside Kayal. I'm not his biggest fan but he's been playing Championship football regularly for the last month and I think Kayal would have a good impact on him.

 

[BensGrandad]

I'd actually be tempted, if Stephens is indeed out for a spell, to put JFC in alongside Kayal. I'm not his biggest fan but he's been playing Championship football regularly for the last month and I think Kayal would have a good impact on him.

Couldnt do worse than Ince and Crofts againt PNE, so worth a shout.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

There are not many as proven in this division as him who are available to sign immediately. Perhaps we shall have to go down the loan route again as Ince and Crofts have shown themselves to be below par at the moment..

He is available, but i doubt he is anywhere even remotely close to being match fit. He hasn't played a game since last season - how long do you think it would take a 33 year old to get up to speed and get his sharpness back at this level ?

 

[TSB]

I'd actually be tempted, if Stephens is indeed out for a spell, to put JFC in alongside Kayal. I'm not his biggest fan but he's been playing Championship football regularly for the last month and I think Kayal would have a good impact on him.

Not sure that midfield is tough-tackling enough. I'd be more inclined to have Jake as backup for Beram than Dale. Not that this helps in this situation of course.

 

[BensGrandad]

He is available, but i doubt he is anywhere even remotely close to being match fit. He hasn't played a game since last season - how long do you think it would take a 33 year old to get up to speed and get his sharpness back at this level ?

He has been training all the time so with his experience not long.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

He has been training all the time so with his experience not long.

Someone training without a club and someone being ready play competitive games are completely different things and usually mean that they have vastly different levels of fitness. (ie not close to being ready to play despite training)

Bobby Z's been training, would you say he is fit to play the full 90 minutes 2 or 3 times a week ?

 

[Rogero]

Have the club said anything about Stephens?

 

[TSB]

I've checked and can confirm that Gary Gardner is available.
Problem solved.

 

[crabface]

Please can someone just ban Bens Grandad so we don't have to listen to his awful recommendations.

 

[supaseagull]

I've checked and can confirm that Gary Gardner is available.
Problem solved.

Would rather have Alan Titchmarsh

 

[BensGrandad]

Please can someone just ban Bens Grandad so we don't have to listen to his awful recommendations.

If you dont want to read my suggestions just ignore them easy. How many now saying we should sign the WBA full back? Who first suggested Poyet as manager?

 

[Tarpon]

Bong & Stephens together is a cruel blow FFS.
We need some big performances Saturday & better pray King Kayal stays fit & available.
Next 5 games...

Reading a
Sheff W a
MKD h
Burnley a
Birmingham h

 

[crabface]

If you dont want to read my suggestions just ignore them easy. How many now saying we should sign the WBA full back? Who first suggested Poyet as manager?

You also were desperate to sign Joe Cole who looks over weight and not capable at this level any more.

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

Bong & Stephens together is a cruel blow FFS.
We need some big performances Saturday & better pray King Kayal stays fit & available.
Next 5 games...

Reading a
Sheff W a
MKD h
Burnley a
Birmingham h

It is a cuel blow, but there is an international break after MK Dons, which will help for Stephens if he is not back before it.

JFC is match fit, and seems to have good reports from his loan. I won't write Crofts off either, so we have reasonable cover.

KLL is back very soon.

A good performance for Harper v West Ham U21 on Monday, and he could even be fast-tracked to the bench against MKDons.

Let's just beat the Reading biscuits this time.

 

[HantsSeagull]

A definite improvement on what we have available as back up. Nobody has signed him probably due to wage demands rather than ability so perhaps earning nothing he would lower his demands.

you get 10 out of 10 for bloody persistence - I will give you that

 

[Blue Valkyrie]

*waits for a suggestion that we get O'Hara or Wallace on loan*

 

[BensGrandad]

You also were desperate to sign Joe Cole who looks over weight and not capable at this level any more.

As a player gets older they dont lose the know how just their legs wont let them do what their brain says they should. Joe Cole would cope at this level no problem and it has been obvious for some time that Ince and Crofts are not adequate cover for Kayal and Stephens.

Another oldie I suggested was Jamie O Hara who has been one of Fulhams best players this season.