[quote author=Ossi link=topic=34869.msg915657#msg915657 date=1249024744]
[quote author=Richey link=topic=34869.msg914884#msg914884 date=1248948985]
The fact that this thread has trundled along for so long without actually getting anywhere just shows that we haven't had a lot to talk about this summer!
Its quite straightforward isn't it?
We just spent 17 million on a new RB, Arbeloa wants to leave and gets an offer from one of the biggest clubs in his home country. He has a year left on his contract, we accept the offer rather than letting him walk away for nothing.
The arguments for keeping him seem rather unfair. We have essentially said to him that Johnson is better than him but want him to stay in case someone gets injured. In that position would anyone here accept that?
Yes we may well need back up but we coped okay last year. Its been assumed that Degen and Darby are not good enough, but you can get away with a lot for the odd game when it comes to full back - I give you exhibit A: Djimi Traore's CL medal - so I am sure we will cope, just like we did last year without any Arbeloa-standard back up for Arbeloa himself!
[/quote]
You´re correct...but £3.5m is a fucking joke imo. Underrated player and our cover isn´t good enough.
[/quote]
Now I am no fan of Phillip Degen, but at least he has a chance this season to prove something (mainly that he can stay fit!!). As a player we really havent seen him get any run of games. So even as cover we dont know what he could be like...lets hope he can give some thing good to the team when/if called upon this year.
[quote author=Richey link=topic=34869.msg914884#msg914884 date=1248948985]
The fact that this thread has trundled along for so long without actually getting anywhere just shows that we haven't had a lot to talk about this summer!
Its quite straightforward isn't it?
We just spent 17 million on a new RB, Arbeloa wants to leave and gets an offer from one of the biggest clubs in his home country. He has a year left on his contract, we accept the offer rather than letting him walk away for nothing.
The arguments for keeping him seem rather unfair. We have essentially said to him that Johnson is better than him but want him to stay in case someone gets injured. In that position would anyone here accept that?
Yes we may well need back up but we coped okay last year. Its been assumed that Degen and Darby are not good enough, but you can get away with a lot for the odd game when it comes to full back - I give you exhibit A: Djimi Traore's CL medal - so I am sure we will cope, just like we did last year without any Arbeloa-standard back up for Arbeloa himself!
[/quote]
You´re correct...but £3.5m is a fucking joke imo. Underrated player and our cover isn´t good enough.
[/quote]
Now I am no fan of Phillip Degen, but at least he has a chance this season to prove something (mainly that he can stay fit!!). As a player we really havent seen him get any run of games. So even as cover we dont know what he could be like...lets hope he can give some thing good to the team when/if called upon this year.
