Lavezzi to PSG

[DoomMerchant]

It may be crucial for all we know but that doesn't change the fact that Khaldoon has stated we won't be paying over the odds for players anymore, so it doesn't matter what we think. The agent's bribes are also out.

So, if it costs us the league this season that we won't be ripped off, it costs us the league. That's up to our bosses. We have no right to demand anything only hope.

Has anyone considered that signing players early costs 150k pw+ extra for each player for each week before the season starts btw ?

I thought khaldoon said win 5 trophies?

Should we now refer to him as Khaldon't?

[john68]

Or maybe "Marwould"....if he was given the chance to.

[Sideshow Bob]

my only worry is that we become arsenal mk II and get complacent with a perennial top 4 finish.

[john68]

my only worry is that we become arsenal mk II and get complacent with a perennial top 4 finish.

That is hardly likely to happen Bob.
The longer term plan of being as near to player self sufficiency as possible is still on target and this ongoing phase of high player investment was only ever going to be the first phase of the deal.
The overall strategy still remains firmly in place and any deviation from it has been caused by the onset of the FFP and our efforts to try and comply.

I think the original quoted time scale was around 15 years (I could be mistaken) but we are still only a few seasons in. If you think that winning the FA Cup and becoming the Chamions of England have been achieved during the first phase, just think what heights we may reach as the longer plan starts to come together.

[Rag_hater]

[quote="mcfc1632"]



I would expect this team to play better this year than last with more experience of working together and a clear bond cemented amongst team mates.

Yes lets pounce on any opportunity to sign a ‘top echelon’ player if it arises.









For me that bit of your post is agreeable however for me the fact that Chelski and PSG are spending money like there is no tomorrow suggest the FFPR are something clubs with money are not that worried about.

[mcfc1632]

Lots of posters just think that it will have no impact and that FFPR is nothing to worry about. Lots of others comment without looking into the subject (not referring to any individual here) and others think that there is a real need to get close to conformance – I guess we will see in the coming year or so.

Interesting though that whilst the Khaldoon gets (quite rightly) massive acclaim on all CITY forums he seems to be directing the club to be in the camp of recognising a need to conform – well at least based on his public pronouncements and transfer actions. He of course might be a more informed individual than most of us posters

Also another view of the PSG / Chelsea actions could (perversely) indicate the need for conformance. Both clubs will recognise that CL revenue is an absolute must - Chelsea would be out now apart from that miracle last year and would they be attracting these top players then? You could think that both teams are acting in a style that CITY have previously to secure their position before the FFPR door closes – just we were a couple of years ahead – well done Khaldoon!! (and Cook!!)

[Socrates]

You've gone too far now 1632. No way does Khaldoon know more than Doom Merchant about anything in the world ever ever...

[mcfc1632]

Fair enough, but this bit

And anyway what is all this about the scum being good getting powell or kagawa – there would be a massive feeling of being underwhelmed if we and made those deals – guys we do not need more 2nd tier or fringe players. If we are going to buy a player likely to come into the 1st team then it would need to be one of a very few players available that could really improve on what we have.

to be blunt, is absolute bullshit. Don't know what's so underwhelming about a very talented kid from a prolific Academy & one of the best players in the last two Bundesliga seasons.

I think the FFP angle is a bit of an excuse currently as it doesn't add up with the RVP interest (& the Hazard bid). A potential package (fees & wages) would be a massive outlay, which I'd rather see spent on other positions (Silva cover, Savic replacement) than on another star striker.

I'd have Kagawa over RVP fwiw.

All about opinions - although just saying that you held a different one might have been a better way to post.

OK, I will revise - IMO if signing Powell and Kagawa was the full extent of our dealings I would have been really underwhelmed (and yes I expect many others would hold the same opinion). IMO Kagawa is not a player that would command a regular start and we seem to be looking elsewhere for players to develop so I will lose no sleep over Powell.

I think that the club is projecting a strong and professional management style at last – I have been around long enough to have seen more than enough transfer muppetry – even when we did not have the money and before FFPR became an issue. Again just my opinion, but I think that Khaldoon, onbehalf of the Sheik, has earned a right to some trust and patience from fans

[mcfc1632]

Fuck me 1632....I credit you with a bit more nouse.

To clarify, once again, the point I am making is not WHO United or Arsenal bought but HOW they conducted/concluded the deals.

I don't disagree with what you or 68 have said re FFP, not in the least, there are some major issues to address but if people think we can easily win the league again (without benefitting from pretty extreme good fortune re injuries/suspensions again) making no investment in the face of the reinforcing that is going on elsewhere in the PL then they are delusional.

I do think we'll improve as players get to know each other better, absolutely. But we all know that the squad has weaknesses and they need to be addressed.

Ant - I most certainly would not want to disappoint you. (Genuine comment)

My comments are not aimed particularly in counter to those of anyone else.

I share the concern and frustrations of many wishing to see us dominate the scum twats for a generation and I wish to rub their fucking noses in our triumph – I am nervous that whilst we will start favourites this season we are going to find it very tough – especially as the football authorities and referees rally to baconface’s cause.

I am one of those that are in the FFPR is a real (and targeted) threat group and recognise the club’s need to negate it. So I will swallow my nervousness and give Kahldoon and his chosen team (‘cos by now he has been there long enough to move on people that do not fit) all the backing – whilst praying we win it again next season else all the shite media hype for the scum will be back.

I do understand your central point is not about these issues but more Marwood’s style. I do not think that we know enough about what really is happening behind the scenes and - for me – we miss Cook who was very active in working the deals.

Unless Cook is to be brought back into the fold after a due term of penance, I would expect a new CEO to be appointed in the not to distant future to discharge Khaldoon’s vision. It is at that point that the new person will put his team in place and Marwood’s role will be reviewed. In the meantime I just go with the need to support all at the club – not blindly - but in the absence of absolutely clear evidence that someone is failing us rather than administering policy. I do see Marwood as lead adminstrator and not like Cook was - we have a gap which I am sure that there must be plans to fill.

[john68]

@ Italian job,
In what way does our behaviour in regard to Hazard and RVP cause you to consider the FFPR angle is a bit of an excuse? If anything, our behaviour would seem to confirm our attempts to comply with them.
In the Hazard case, we walked away from the deal and with RVP we seem to have been quite parsimonious in our offer compared to our policyof a couple of seasons ago. The "sell before you buy" policy would also seem to comfirm this.

[Slim]

@ Italian job,
In what way does our behaviour in regard to Hazard and RVP cause you to consider the FFPR angle is a bit of an excuse? If anything, our behaviour would seem to confirm our attempts to comply with them.
In the Hazard case, we walked away from the deal and with RVP we seem to have been quite parsimonious in our offer compared to our policyof a couple of seasons ago. The "sell before you buy" policy would also seem to comfirm this.

From what I read FFP didn't enter into it, his agent wanted some ludicrous sum of money to make the deal happen and City and a few other interested parties told him to go do one. Chelsea got a real scare last season and I think they wouldn't care as long as the deal happened.

[kinkylola]

I believe our signing of nasri was the final straw in us not being willing to deal with money grabbing agents. Can't recall the specifics, but I don't think we gave in on that one and it almost ruined the transfer, is that right?

There were news reports about hazards agent wanting this or that ridiculous sum of money, and as soon as I heard that I knew we wouldn't get him. That's just how it's going to be. Chelsea said fuck it, we need to win shit, and they paid the fees. boom. I don't think Hazard cared if he was at chelsea, united or city, and his agent makes the call based on who will pay him. It's a shame but it's how the modern game is. I can't understand it though, as a player, I would want to have control over where I go. Not to say that would make him choose city, but if we were thrown out because his agent wouldn't let the deal go through because of a big payday .. that's not really representing the best interests of your client. But hey, I've never had an agent represent me, so I have no idea how it works.

[DoomMerchant]

You've gone too far now 1632. No way does Khaldoon know more than Doom Merchant about anything in the world ever ever...

Now that's comedy.

You can put your "jump to conclusions" mat back in your desk drawer please.

[The Italian Job]

@ Italian job,
In what way does our behaviour in regard to Hazard and RVP cause you to consider the FFPR angle is a bit of an excuse? If anything, our behaviour would seem to confirm our attempts to comply with them.
In the Hazard case, we walked away from the deal and with RVP we seem to have been quite parsimonious in our offer compared to our policyof a couple of seasons ago. The "sell before you buy" policy would also seem to comfirm this.

There is no "sell before we buy" policy, if we were in for Hazard. It's a myth, but even if it were true, our people would be doing a rubbish job, as we haven't sold a bloody player yet. Maybe we want to get rid of a striker (or two or three) before landing RVP, but that has less to do with FFP & more with common sense. At least, so it seems, there will not be another Ade/RSC fiasco.

And how is sinking 50 odd million quid into a 29 year old nursing case parsimonious? Yes, we're clearly not willing to pay Arsenal's asking price, but even at 15m & a 3 year contract on 150k/w, that's a 40m investment. And that's the bare minimum.

Of course the Club is looking at FFP, it would be foolish not to, but those who attribute the current strategy of inaction to FFP are kidding themselves. We were ready to blow 80-90m (wages included) on Hazard weeks ago, so chances are this transfer window is not going according to plan.

[Ted Hughes]

@ Italian job,
In what way does our behaviour in regard to Hazard and RVP cause you to consider the FFPR angle is a bit of an excuse? If anything, our behaviour would seem to confirm our attempts to comply with them.
In the Hazard case, we walked away from the deal and with RVP we seem to have been quite parsimonious in our offer compared to our policyof a couple of seasons ago. The "sell before you buy" policy would also seem to comfirm this.

There is no "sell before we buy" policy, if we were in for Hazard. It's a myth, but even if it were true, our people would be doing a rubbish job, as we haven't sold a bloody player yet. Maybe we want to get rid of a striker (or two or three) before landing RVP, but that has less to do with FFP & more with common sense. At least, so it seems, there will not be another Ade/RSC fiasco.

And how is sinking 50 odd million quid into a 29 year old nursing case parsimonious? Yes, we're clearly not willing to pay Arsenal's asking price, but even at 15m & a 3 year contract on 150k/w, that's a 40m investment. And that's the bare minimum.

Of course the Club is looking at FFP, it would be foolish not to, but those who attribute the current strategy of inaction to FFP are kidding themselves. We were ready to blow 80-90m (wages included) on Hazard weeks ago, so chances are this transfer window is not going according to plan.

Arsenal are after top whack for RVP & hoping it's not us or the rags which pay it.
If Khaldoon has told Marwood we have to sell before we buy then he has two choices; sell Dzeko on the cheap or wait & wait & wait to see if someone bids higher. In the meantime, the rags could have RVP if they could afford it.

Imo, RVP will sign for somebody, possibly next week & most likely us, as I recon the personal terms were agreed 6 months ago, it's all down to Arsenal & any potential agent greed.

I can't see rags bribing his agent either though, so that would mean Juve.

Martinez is wanted by Barca & will hold out for that move. Nothing we can say will change that unless Barca is impossible.

I fancy 1 or 2 under the radar signings may sneak in shortly.

[ant london]

Who would you like us to sign as one of those under the radar signings then Ted, out of interest?

[Swales4ever]

very unfortunately since I left the Greek Philosopher at the airport I've been so bloody engaged in mess that I couldnt even update that thread with some very nice shots.
so very roughly and YOU would pardon me several spelling mistakes:
a) FFPR ain't a threat insofar progression of the project/certainty of partecipation to UCL/actual chances of getting major penalties are concerned. althought, that does not diminish the point that Owners may deem to run the Club impeccably, having designed it as Flagship of AD enhancement. And rightly so.
b) I am not a rag_like of fan by any means, which in turn means, that I am perfectly fine even with a couple seasons of serious challanges ending with no pots. But that won't lessen of an ouze what posted by Doomie/Ant in respect inability of living up to his role of Brian Marwood, senior Officer and member of a restricted executive board at one of the top football Clubs of the world.
To stay top, particularly nowadays in a very very competitive world, need to have all key personnel fit the responsabilities they are in charge of. MCFC is no longer in the need to sign a CB whatsoever, rather than a midfielder or a forwarder whatsoever: instead to step up every season a step more, need to be able to get, the very few targets selected by the manager, f****g signed! and possibly f****g before the beginning of the sole period of a season when a top Club can work properly to set refining of game plans: the preseason.
Furthermore, what always had difined the status of a top managed Club, amongst top established Clubs (sportive results wise), had been the capability to sell out/offload deadwoods quickly,efficiently, profitably. Under the Marwood responsability, MCFC seem to still be in the need to contribute in paying wages of players loaned out, to pay one and the half the market value for new acquisitions while taking a full market window to have, eventually, them signed at the very end. To make the story short MCFC, market capibility wise, appear to be still standing at the beginning of the Mark Hughes era, and possibly some of the slags Hughes got for his action on the the market would deserve a more reasoned rethinking and reassessment.

MCFC is Club of top noblety, running a project of fair play, backed by a magnificent Owner and the most faithful and loving Fans in the world: all the personel, starting from senior officiers, must be up for the challanged of the GOOD vs. the EVIL, as I see it in a very romantic, epic and possibly a tad peculiar way.
and that is why I ve been ranted against the amateurship of that bloke in the last 2 years.

Last but not least CEOs and Chairmans do not share responsabilities with the managers that they put in charge of designed responsabilities: they take the FULL responsability of the ultimate results and compliance to the bussness plans they have drawn: but that do not means that their managers can be/act not up to the required qualities/abilities just because there will be an ultimate and superior instance above them.

Once said that, I confirm that I very much prefer not to sign anyone and save money for the next chance, even at risk of missing some acheivement, rather than throwing money at contingency players who hardly will apport any improvent to the team.

[Ted Hughes]

Who would you like us to sign as one of those under the radar signings then Ted, out of interest?

Tbh, most of the players we've been linked with as possible sneaky signings, I've rarely seen apart from in snippets so I don't have enough info to have a proper opinion. They all look like good players who could do a job for us from bits of highlights but how they look in real life I've no idea.

I know Skrtl (sp) has been linked with us & I despise the twat but I hate to admit, I think he could really suit us.

I have a load of weird & wonderful signings I'd consider but they have fuck all to do with reality.

Mind you I was begging for Aguero last year & we had no links whatsoever with him, then suddenly some incompetent clown had him signed in a flash ;-)

[ant london]

Cookie dunnit ;-)

[clawbaggio]

That Ramires scored a decent free kick for Uruguay at the fleg pit tonight.
We've been linked with him as well haven't we?