Viking Supporters Co-operative
Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: keyser_soze on May 18, 2025, 08:53:04 pm
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Conscious Grant has set a deadline of tomorrow, and still no word on Billy Sharp? Still reeling from Tom on his way out don’t think I could handle another heartbreak!
Hope for positive news tomorrow, although Billy seems to be on holiday judging by socials
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Billy could just send a WhatsApp acceptance surely.
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Wouldn't surprise me if it's a done deal and the club make some announcements tomorrow at 6
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Was waiting for the Scunny result before he ends up there… :chair:
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All the legwork will be done by the agent, surely, then Billy can just give it the thumbs up or down while on his holidays based on what the agent says. It's what they're paid for.
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Personally I wouldn’t have offered him a contract. Just my opinion, but I don’t think he is what we need.
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Personally I wouldn’t have offered him a contract. Just my opinion, but I don’t think he is what we need.
Our only ever playing with one striker doesn't really suit Sharp or Ironside, Street thrived because he was big and strong enough for the tussle and fast enough to get in behind. Even if Sharp signs we're still missing something like Street up top.
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Was waiting for the Scunny result before he ends up there… :chair:
was thinking the same 2 year deal and a starting role upfront would not shock me if he went to Scunthorpe
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I doubt he will be playing non league football at any stage.
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Was waiting for the Scunny result before he ends up there… :chair:
was thinking the same 2 year deal and a starting role upfront would not shock me if he went to Scunthorpe
Very much doubt he would play non league football
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Personally I wouldn’t have offered him a contract. Just my opinion, but I don’t think he is what we need.
Our only ever playing with one striker doesn't really suit Sharp or Ironside, Street thrived because he was big and strong enough for the tussle and fast enough to get in behind. Even if Sharp signs we're still missing something like Street up top.
Hence why we need to let Billy go and get 2 new strikers to compete, rotate and be each other’s insurance if the one gets injured.
Most saw sense in letting Sharp go until he scored against 10 men Bradford. The club needs to be smarter here. We give out contract renewals too liberally.
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A lot of the players go into non league to prolong their careers for the money, I doubt very much Billy needs it. If he is on holiday I think he’s bound to be back and at Wembley on Saturday
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Billy likes to play it's not about the money like you said it's about playing
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We probably need three strikers. Two of the type that McCann likes and builds the team around. Then another to offer something different. Suspect one will be a loan.
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Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
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It doesn't take much for fans to get the jitters when players leave, it's almost the default position to jump on the board for not wanting to spend. All this on a backdrop of a title winning campaign, higher attendances, increased ST sales and more revenue from the EFL.
It almost feels Billy is a must sign to settle people down before getting more of the business done for next season.
In isolation re Billy, we've done the talking on another thread, where there's pros and cons. He said himself, just put the papers in front of me and I'll sign. Was that just the euphoria of winning the league talking?
He's not the final solution but still someone I'd want on my side. Where's the pen?
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Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
Can't see it personally - but I wouldn't say no....
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Billy is a valuable link between where and what we were and what we want to be again in holistic terms .. not many others around .
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Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
Can't see it personally - but I wouldn't say no....
I mention Dale Taylor because he won’t get in the Notts Forest team but has been out on loan to Wycombe and Wigan already, he’s a full N.Ireland international and Michael O’Neill likes to pick players especially strikers who are getting game time/minutes. Also Grant and Michael are ex international colleagues
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I think for me he's a good option from the bench, let's not forget he'll also offer experience and has that winners mentality as a leader.
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Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
Can't see it personally - but I wouldn't say no....
I mention Dale Taylor because he won’t get in the Notts Forest team but has been out on loan to Wycombe and Wigan already, he’s a full N.Ireland international and Michael O’Neill likes to pick players especially strikers who are getting game time/minutes. Also Grant and Michael are ex international colleagues
Heard good things about him and would be happy with that. Minor gripe, though - it’s Nottingham Forest & Notts County, not Notts Forest. That was drilled into me in my 3 years at uni there - Forest fans don’t like it at all.
https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-notts-forest-nottinghamshire-4176890
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Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
Can't see it personally - but I wouldn't say no....
I mention Dale Taylor because he won’t get in the Notts Forest team but has been out on loan to Wycombe and Wigan already, he’s a full N.Ireland international and Michael O’Neill likes to pick players especially strikers who are getting game time/minutes. Also Grant and Michael are ex international colleagues
Heard good things about him and would be happy with that. Minor gripe, though - it’s Nottingham Forest & Notts County, not Notts Forest. That was drilled into me in my 3 years at uni there - Forest fans don’t like it at all.
https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/nottingham-forest-notts-forest-nottinghamshire-4176890
Dale Taylor, from Notts Forest on loan ??
Can't see it personally - but I wouldn't say no....
I mention Dale Taylor because he won’t get in the Notts Forest team but has been out on loan to Wycombe and Wigan already, he’s a full N.Ireland international and Michael O’Neill likes to pick players especially strikers who are getting game time/minutes. Also Grant and Michael are ex international colleagues
He had a very successful loan at Wigan and picked up some end of season awards... I just don't think Notts Forest would want him to stay on in League One and would see him in the Championship. However, If GM works his magic, I think it would be great... but just don't see it.
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Billy likes to play it's not about the money like you said it's about playing
so why delay
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Really hope he signs for another year.
His experience just being around the squad in training and matchdays will be so valuable.
But it is worrying slightly that he hasnt confirmed yet.
He stated on camera that he wanted to stay and we then offered him that contract.
How poor are the terms within that contract offer that he didnt sign it there and then?
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Billy likes to play it's not about the money like you said it's about playing
so why delay
I think he will stay but why not do the deal months ago if we wanted to keep him and he wanted to stay?
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Billy likes to play it's not about the money like you said it's about playing
so why delay
I think he will stay but why not do the deal months ago if we wanted to keep him and he wanted to stay?
I would have thought the league we are in may dictate the financials of the offer.
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Billy likes to play it's not about the money like you said it's about playing
so why delay
I think he will stay but why not do the deal months ago if we wanted to keep him and he wanted to stay?
I would have thought the league we are in may dictate the financials of the offer.
Probably but that can be an either/or on the contract surely.
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Really hope he signs for another year.
His experience just being around the squad in training and matchdays will be so valuable.
But it is worrying slightly that he hasnt confirmed yet.
He stated on camera that he wanted to stay and we then offered him that contract.
How poor are the terms within that contract offer that he didnt sign it there and then?
Isn’t he on holiday with his family
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Really hope he signs for another year.
His experience just being around the squad in training and matchdays will be so valuable.
But it is worrying slightly that he hasnt confirmed yet.
He stated on camera that he wanted to stay and we then offered him that contract.
How poor are the terms within that contract offer that he didnt sign it there and then?
Isn’t he on holiday with his family
But wasnt the contract offered before he went on holiday?
If he is so sure he wants to stay at rovers would he not have signed before he went away. Then he doesnt need to mull over it on is hols.
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Really hope he signs for another year.
His experience just being around the squad in training and matchdays will be so valuable.
But it is worrying slightly that he hasnt confirmed yet.
He stated on camera that he wanted to stay and we then offered him that contract.
How poor are the terms within that contract offer that he didnt sign it there and then?
Isn’t he on holiday with his family
But wasnt the contract offered before he went on holiday?
If he is so sure he wants to stay at rovers would he not have signed before he went away. Then he doesnt need to mull over it on is hols.
Could be signed/agreed but club want to do a big publicity piece and need him back for it?
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Toms deal by a posters account wasn't great, Sharps may not be either, i'm still pissed off how Andy Butler was treated, he could have done another couple of seasons with us.
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Really hope he signs for another year.
His experience just being around the squad in training and matchdays will be so valuable.
But it is worrying slightly that he hasnt confirmed yet.
He stated on camera that he wanted to stay and we then offered him that contract.
How poor are the terms within that contract offer that he didnt sign it there and then?
Isn’t he on holiday with his family
But wasnt the contract offered before he went on holiday?
If he is so sure he wants to stay at rovers would he not have signed before he went away. Then he doesnt need to mull over it on is hols.
Could be signed/agreed but club want to do a big publicity piece and need him back for it?
Well that makes me feel better. Surely a no brainer for all involved unless we’ve taken the piss with wages. Player coach role perhaps and just getting the details sorted for that?
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Probably doing another “I’m back” video as we type!
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Maybe he is trying to beat the suntan from last year. Give him the #9 shirt. (Or 5 would be a laugh, didn’t he wear that in his first spell? My OCD never recovered seeing a striker in 5.)
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Give him the number 10 shirt will look good coming off the bench with that on his back ⚽️⚽️
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Probably doing another “I’m back” video as we type!
That’s what I think, how often does the club announce 2 signings or resigning on the same day
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Think it will be one renewal a day this week with maybe a new defender coming in to replace Joe or tom
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Think it will be one renewal a day this week with maybe a new defender coming in to replace Joe or tom
A bit like an advent calendar.
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Toms deal by a posters account wasn't great, Sharps may not be either, i'm still pissed off how Andy Butler was treated, he could have done another couple of seasons with us.
Butler was well past it by then. He was offered a deal that the club thought he was worth. Just like Anderson.
No room for sentiment
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Think it will be one renewal a day this week with maybe a new defender coming in to replace Joe or tom
………..or Richard!
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TBF - if we had signed Tom Anderson on a 2 year deal and he got crocked pre-season, most of the folk on here would have happily piled into the management team for not considering his age or injury record.
Tom had a good end to the season and perhaps deserved a new contract - but the terms have to be right for the club. Last season he played 33 times in the league, FA Cup and FA Trophy - with half a dozen of those appearances being from off the bench.... compared to Luke Molyneux who played 55 games.... starting the majority of those. There has to be a honest evaluation and price point.
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Confirmed, one year deal signed.
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Panic over wring your panties out
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Nice one billy.
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Club captain now wood has retired?
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He will be coming on off the bench but give him the number 10 shirt ⚽️⚽️
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Glad he's staying. Despite nearing 40 years old you still have that feeling of inevitability that he will come on and score in certain games. Very useful to have in the squad.
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Glad he's staying. Despite nearing 40 years old you still have that feeling of inevitability that he will come on and score in certain games. Very useful to have in the squad.
And if not scoring then giving defenders something different to worry about. He will be a big character and "the wise old man" in the dressing room too. A very valuable signing. He's our Obi Bill Kenobi.
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TBF - if we had signed Tom Anderson on a 2 year deal and he got crocked pre-season, most of the folk on here would have happily piled into the management team for not considering his age or injury record.
Tom had a good end to the season and perhaps deserved a new contract - but the terms have to be right for the club. Last season he played 33 times in the league, FA Cup and FA Trophy - with half a dozen of those appearances being from off the bench.... compared to Luke Molyneux who played 55 games.... starting the majority of those. There has to be a honest evaluation and price point.
That's a very good perspective on things. Shrewsbury's perspective is a little bit different so making him feel wanted as a first choice starter was obviously attractive and of course, a fresh challenge.
Nice one Billy. Let's now move on to our other targets.
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Glad he's staying. Despite nearing 40 years old you still have that feeling of inevitability that he will come on and score in certain games. Very useful to have in the squad.
And if not scoring then giving defenders something different to worry about. He will be a big character and "the wise old man" in the dressing room too. A very valuable signing. He's our Obi Bill Kenobi.
When 40 years old you reach, look as good you will not.
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Glad he's staying. Despite nearing 40 years old you still have that feeling of inevitability that he will come on and score in certain games. Very useful to have in the squad.
And if not scoring then giving defenders something different to worry about. He will be a big character and "the wise old man" in the dressing room too. A very valuable signing. He's our Obi Bill Kenobi.
When 40 years old you reach, look as good you will not.
"I can't remember having ever owned a droid, but I did own the Bradford City defence"
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Excellent signing for us. Billy brings that point of difference that we currently don’t have in the attacking sphere.
There will be games next season where his type will flourish. We will always need the option.
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Interesting to hear him mention the clause in his contract about appearances and not quite making the required number (to trigger a further year I assume) but Grant assured him hid contribution was enough to earn another season.
Shows the club aren't stupid when drawing up contracts and do think ahead.
Once again, if we can play to Billy's strengths, he will score goals. With a season played and our chance creators very much intact (Apart from Street) then the understanding and anticipation on the pitch should be even better.
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Interesting to hear him mention the clause in his contract about appearances and not quite making the required number (to trigger a further year I assume) but Grant assured him hid contribution was enough to earn another season.
Shows the club aren't stupid when drawing up contracts and do think ahead.
Once again, if we can play to Billy's strengths, he will score goals. With a season played and our chance creators very much intact (Apart from Street) then the understanding and anticipation on the pitch should be even better.
He made 43 appearances in the league. Must have been a high bar! Presumably based on starts (19).
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Solid from the Rovers. He’s a winner! Soooo valuable on and off the pitch.
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Interesting to hear him mention the clause in his contract about appearances and not quite making the required number (to trigger a further year I assume) but Grant assured him hid contribution was enough to earn another season.
Shows the club aren't stupid when drawing up contracts and do think ahead.
Once again, if we can play to Billy's strengths, he will score goals. With a season played and our chance creators very much intact (Apart from Street) then the understanding and anticipation on the pitch should be even better.
He made 43 appearances in the league. Must have been a high bar! Presumably based on starts (19).
maybe start more than half? Would have been kicking himself even more for the red card!
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King Billy for another year.
He’ll be well up for playing in Lg1, playing in bigger stadiums & showing those defenders there’s nouce in that football brain yet despite the diminished lack of space.
So pleased for him, delighted for us fans.
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In my unqualified, humble opinion, he'll be far more efficient in League One than in lummox-riddled League Two.
King Billy = The modern day King Alick.
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King Billy for another year.
He’ll be well up for playing in Lg1, playing in bigger stadiums & showing those defenders there’s nouce in that football brain yet despite the diminished lack of space.
So pleased for him, delighted for us fans.
To your point as well, he’s currently 5th on the all time League 1 top scorers (and top of the Championship top scorers), and whilst 18 of top spot, will be looking to move up the list.
1. Ian Henderson 122
2. Will Grigg 116
3. Jonson Clarke-Harris 114
4. Paddy Madden 112
5. Billy Sharp 104
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This was an opportunity for the club to take a positive steps forwards and get some attackers in who suited our style of play better.
People will point to Billy inevitably grabbing a few goals here and there as proof of me being wrong. It wouldn’t because that isn’t the point I’m arguing, it’s about how well the team does.
Instead we’ve decided to stand still, and when you do that in this game you fall behind. As it stands, our attacking unit is one that didn’t even set League 2 alight. We’ll bring some other players in, yes, but then it’ll only be an injury away from that attack that didn’t click in a lower division last year.
That’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
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An attack that didn’t click.?
We were the joint second highest scorers.
We had the best goal difference.
We won the most games.
The only player loss up front of note, is Street. I agree we need at least one player of his standard, perhaps two. But it’s still only 21st May.
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I’m delighted Billy is signed on again, just as I was last season. He’s still a fine player and a top man to have around in all sorts of ways. I’m sure Rob Street benefited and so will the next striker.
The word ‘legend’ is banded about willy-nilly these days but Billy Sharp is the real thing and he’s still going to be doing a job up front for us for (at least) one more season. That’s fantastic.
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An attack that didn’t click.?
We were the joint second highest scorers.
We had the best goal difference.
We won the most games.
The only player loss up front of note, is Street. I agree we need at least one player of his standard, perhaps two. But it’s still only 21st May.
You’ve misrepresented my argument.
None of those statements apply to the period that Rob Street wasn’t here. Which you’ll see is the point I’m making if you read my post again.
Street also stayed fit throughout, even during the fixture congestion. Very fortunate.
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“Fixture congestion “ how many did we move/change ? Morecambe away and Salford away, not exactly congestion.
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An attack that didn’t click.?
We were the joint second highest scorers.
We had the best goal difference.
We won the most games.
The only player loss up front of note, is Street. I agree we need at least one player of his standard, perhaps two. But it’s still only 21st May.
You’ve misrepresented my argument.
None of those statements apply to the period that Rob Street wasn’t here. Which you’ll see is the point I’m making if you read my post again.
Street also stayed fit throughout, even during the fixture congestion. Very fortunate.
I was referring to the whole season. You implied our attack last season was barely good enough for league 2. That’s how it read anyway.
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An attack that didn’t click.?
We were the joint second highest scorers.
We had the best goal difference.
We won the most games.
The only player loss up front of note, is Street. I agree we need at least one player of his standard, perhaps two. But it’s still only 21st May.
You’ve misrepresented my argument.
None of those statements apply to the period that Rob Street wasn’t here. Which you’ll see is the point I’m making if you read my post again.
Street also stayed fit throughout, even during the fixture congestion. Very fortunate.
I was referring to the whole season. You implied our attack last season was barely good enough for league 2. That’s how it read anyway.
I know you were. And I wasn’t.
I said “as it stands” our attack now is the attack that didn’t click last season in L2. As it stands, we don’t have Rob Street.
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It may well have been Street who provided the extra something we needed up front, I’m sure most would agree.
But let’s not forget the transfer window hasn’t opened officially yet, so there’s not much point in saying we’re deficient in the playing squad as it stands..
Let’s see who comes in over the coming weeks.?
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It may well have been Street who provided the extra something we needed up front, I’m sure most would agree.
But let’s not forget the transfer window hasn’t opened officially yet, so there’s not much point in saying we’re deficient in the playing squad as it stands..
Let’s see who comes in over the coming weeks.?
The January window over the last two seasons has been our medium for progress .
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This was an opportunity for the club to take a positive steps forwards and get some attackers in who suited our style of play better.
People will point to Billy inevitably grabbing a few goals here and there as proof of me being wrong. It wouldn’t because that isn’t the point I’m arguing, it’s about how well the team does.
Instead we’ve decided to stand still, and when you do that in this game you fall behind. As it stands, our attacking unit is one that didn’t even set League 2 alight. We’ll bring some other players in, yes, but then it’ll only be an injury away from that attack that didn’t click in a lower division last year.
That’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
If Billy was first choice and we played to his strengths he would get 20+ goals with ease. People say his legs have gone, they haven't, he was never quick. Also he is probably fitter now than when we had him before. We didn't play to his strengths last season. So I can understand questioning the signing as to whether it suits us - but not over Billy's quality.
Usually 'that's the last I will say on the matter' is a closing post, not one to continue discussions :laugh: :chair:
Please take that in the jest that is intended!
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This was an opportunity for the club to take a positive steps forwards and get some attackers in who suited our style of play better.
People will point to Billy inevitably grabbing a few goals here and there as proof of me being wrong. It wouldn’t because that isn’t the point I’m arguing, it’s about how well the team does.
Instead we’ve decided to stand still, and when you do that in this game you fall behind. As it stands, our attacking unit is one that didn’t even set League 2 alight. We’ll bring some other players in, yes, but then it’ll only be an injury away from that attack that didn’t click in a lower division last year.
That’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
If Billy was first choice and we played to his strengths he would get 20+ goals with ease. People say his legs have gone, they haven't, he was never quick. Also he is probably fitter now than when we had him before. We didn't play to his strengths last season. So I can understand questioning the signing as to whether it suits us - but not over Billy's quality.
Usually 'that's the last I will say on the matter' is a closing post, not one to continue discussions :laugh: :chair:
Please take that in the jest that is intended!
If you read the Lawlor thread, his kegs have definitely gone.
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This was an opportunity for the club to take a positive steps forwards and get some attackers in who suited our style of play better.
People will point to Billy inevitably grabbing a few goals here and there as proof of me being wrong. It wouldn’t because that isn’t the point I’m arguing, it’s about how well the team does.
Instead we’ve decided to stand still, and when you do that in this game you fall behind. As it stands, our attacking unit is one that didn’t even set League 2 alight. We’ll bring some other players in, yes, but then it’ll only be an injury away from that attack that didn’t click in a lower division last year.
That’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
If Billy was first choice and we played to his strengths he would get 20+ goals with ease. People say his legs have gone, they haven't, he was never quick. Also he is probably fitter now than when we had him before. We didn't play to his strengths last season. So I can understand questioning the signing as to whether it suits us - but not over Billy's quality.
Usually 'that's the last I will say on the matter' is a closing post, not one to continue discussions :laugh: :chair:
Please take that in the jest that is intended!
Can’t help myself!
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This was an opportunity for the club to take a positive steps forwards and get some attackers in who suited our style of play better.
People will point to Billy inevitably grabbing a few goals here and there as proof of me being wrong. It wouldn’t because that isn’t the point I’m arguing, it’s about how well the team does.
Instead we’ve decided to stand still, and when you do that in this game you fall behind. As it stands, our attacking unit is one that didn’t even set League 2 alight. We’ll bring some other players in, yes, but then it’ll only be an injury away from that attack that didn’t click in a lower division last year.
That’s the last I’ll say on the matter.
If Billy was first choice and we played to his strengths he would get 20+ goals with ease. People say his legs have gone, they haven't, he was never quick. Also he is probably fitter now than when we had him before. We didn't play to his strengths last season. So I can understand questioning the signing as to whether it suits us - but not over Billy's quality.
Usually 'that's the last I will say on the matter' is a closing post, not one to continue discussions :laugh: :chair:
Please take that in the jest that is intended!
If you read the Lawlor thread, his kegs have definitely gone.
Billy Shart.
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Hahaha haha