Milner

[Im_Spartacus]

That was before he'd decided what to do with his future.

I know that, but we have people here with rather selective memories about his contribution to the season.

He did well until new year, then tailed off after that, much like every other cunt in the squad barring Aguero

[Wooders]

Am I going senile, or up until around the end of January, I'm sure we were all moaning like fuck for the undead cunt to play him more.

I know it's gone to shit since then for him, but earlier in the season he didn't let us down and put in some key performances

Not me

[Pretty Boy Lee]

Many were, but he's one of those players that when you're mad at someone for lack
Of effort you scream for. When he starts regularly you wonder why.

I like him, but if he wasnt English this debate would not be happening.

[DoomMerchant]

Probably the most overated player in our team, possibly in the premiership
Those scouser views are mental

Agree a million percent.

He's had his moments and he seems like a great guy but I don't actually want him to sign again.

As Pibble said... If he weren't English we'd barely know his fucking name.

Cheers

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

[Im_Spartacus]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

I don't think it would be a bad move for us.
It would be a bad move for him though if he wants first team football.

I'd imagine that we would want him on a pay cut given the count certainly doesn't fancy him as a starter and this may well be the issue, and fair play to him, this is his last big chance at a deal

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

I don't think it would be a bad move for us.
It would be a bad move for him though if he wants first team football.

I'd imagine that we would want him on a pay cut given the count certainly doesn't fancy him as a starter and this may well be the issue, and fair play to him, this is his last big chance at a deal

I'm S, I don't think he is guaranteed a starting place at either Arse or the Dippers. I think he will regret leaving

[Beefymcfc]

If we'd have signed him and got a few quid on a sale then I'd've been all for it. I do think that every team needs a James Milner but as he's decided to move on then I'm easy with it. His wages will be reinvested elsewhere and I don't think we'll miss him in the slightest.

Over the period he's been here he's only really shone out this season. Whether that be because of his training, his match game or general demeanour, he's not really been a front runner for a place in our team.

[nottsblue]

Time will eventually tell. If he is not adequately replaced, then he will be a big miss. If we get a solid replacement, even if only for a couple of years until we can promote from EDS, then he won't be. Maybe if Nasri and Yaya go also, we may reconfigure the style of our play which allows both Ferns to play, thus negating the need for a direct replacement.

First half of the season he was great. Not so much since February though

[Ted Hughes]

I don't think we have a like for like replacement for Milner coming through at the moment, but I've said before that I think we have players who can eventually do the various jobs Milner does & in some cases could do it now, given a few run outs.

Milner showed once again v QPR, how completely average he can be as a footballer whilst still doing a good job for the team. That is Milner as s wide player 90/ of the time imo. No quality but a difficult opponent. Imo the fullbacks in the EDS, Angelino & Maffeo, would both be capable of playing that wide role Milner plays, with a fullback behind them. Neither would be George Best. Neither is he. Milner as a wide player is solid, hard working, uninspired reliable positionally, often wasteful & occasionally does something brilliant or something totally shite. Either can do that role with first team players around them & an experienced fullback behind them imo, if given the chance to get used to the first team standard, by playing a few sub appearences.

Although I don't consider these kids ready as first team players, I don't think the job Milner usually does is rocket science. But you have to be willing to run your bollocks off, which very few of our first team will do, but pretty much all of the kids will do.

What we don't have, is one player to replace Milner, or that experience. I think we have 4 or 5 who can do the various jobs he does. He can swap from one role to another though & that is his value. If we can keep him, we should.

[Bluedj]

I don't think we have a like for like replacement for Milner coming through at the moment, but I've said before that I think we have players who can eventually do the various jobs Milner does & in some cases could do it now, given a few run outs.

Milner showed once again v QPR, how completely average he can be as a footballer whilst still doing a good job for the team. That is Milner as s wide player 90/ of the time imo. No quality but a difficult opponent. Imo the fullbacks in the EDS, Angelino & Maffeo, would both be capable of playing that wide role Milner plays, with a fullback behind them. Neither would be George Best. Neither is he. Milner as a wide player is solid, hard working, uninspired reliable positionally, often wasteful & occasionally does something brilliant or something totally shite. Either can do that role with first team players around them & an experienced fullback behind them imo, if given the chance to get used to the first team standard, by playing a few sub appearences.

Although I don't consider these kids ready as first team players, I don't think the job Milner usually does is rocket science. But you have to be willing to run your bollocks off, which very few of our first team will do, but pretty much all of the kids will do.

What we don't have, is one player to replace Milner, or that experience. I think we have 4 or 5 who can do the various jobs he does. He can swap from one role to another though & that is his value. If we can keep him, we should.

I think that is a really accurate statement Ted. I really like James Milner as I did Paul Dickov, both work tremendously hard for the team and in the dark days and to a point today, that’s what we blues love. If he goes, I think we'll miss him next season. If he left in two seasons, I don't think we would with the young talent coming through

[Foreverinbluedreams]

I've always felt more secure when up against the top sides with Milner occupying one of the wings.

Two games in particular that stand out for me from Milner's time here are the Sickswan and beating Munich 3-2 at their place last season. He was outstanding in both those games.

[blues2win]

To be fair Navas should have played instead of Milner against QPR. Milner's use of the ball was absolutely shocking and he lacks pace. He's probably most use to the side playing on the left and providing defensive cover to Kolarov. When he plays there though he offers even less going forward than on the right. I don't begrudge him his signing on fee to the dippers. Good luck to him but he's a squad player at best and understandably he wants more than that.

[Wonderwall]

I've always felt more secure when up against the top sides with Milner occupying one of the wings.

Two games in particular that stand out for me from Milner's time here are the Sickswan and beating Munich 3-2 at their place last season. He was outstanding in both those games.

I know exactly what you mean, I think its because he protects the fullback much better on the left than Silva or Nasri does. Navas also does well on the right, in fact does Navas know there is a left hand side of a football pitch as I dont think he has ever step foot on it? :-)

[Tokyo Blue]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

I think it is still not impossible he'll be here next season.

[Wonderwall]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

I think it is still not impossible he'll be here next season.

it could be a case of free agent and re-sign him, he gets a new deal on much less money because he gets a bumper signing on fee up front. Didnt we let Richard Wrights contract expire and then re-sign him? Not that we ever needed to, but I am sure we did.

[Tesl]

I for one hope he stays. I think he has a lot to offer and will be missed if he leaves.

[Slim]

Is there anybody left who thinks he might sign a new deal?
His English credentials would be useful. He links with Silva well and always makes the effort. He has had some really good games for us ( more than Nasri or Fernandinho ever have) but my God, he has taken the piss over this new contract, 'will he, won't he' nonsense

I think it is still not impossible he'll be here next season.

it could be a case of free agent and re-sign him, he gets a new deal on much less money because he gets a bumper signing on fee up front. Didnt we let Richard Wrights contract expire and then re-sign him? Not that we ever needed to, but I am sure we did.

Yeah, but Wright is a coach/backup keeper now and I doubt anyone else would've wanted him.

Milner was gone a long time ago or he'd have re-signed already.

[getdressedmctavish]

When I think what we might be going to pay for de Bruyne with no guarantee of success, the stupidity of not making Milner an irresistible offer is obvious to all. Ted described him to a tee, but he still scored from the CF position. Catch the schoolboy doing that?The run and goal yesterday were reward for what he's been trying to do all season and yet people look at a serial absconder like Fernandinho(more of the usual invisibility and bungling yesterday) and see an immense player. Dave and Jimmy must feel like fucking howling.

[Ted Hughes]

When I think what we might be going to pay for de Bruyne with no guarantee of success, the stupidity of not making Milner an irresistible offer is obvious to all. Ted described him to a tee, but he still scored from the CF position. Catch the schoolboy doing that?The run and goal yesterday were reward for what he's been trying to do all season and yet people look at a serial absconder like Fernandinho(more of the usual invisibility and bungling yesterday) and see an immense player. Dave and Jimmy must feel like fucking howling.

That's ridiculous.

Fernandinho was pretty much doing midfield on his own yesterday when we lost the ball & has been in good form recently.