Been supporting a long time .You`re right.
We werent just fortunate getting Ramsey and Archer over the line: the connection with Danksy and the pull of Carrick - whom those kids would have watched on TV playing in the biggest competitions all over the world. With the set-up we now have - we are in a much better place to negotiate and bring in players of the right quality [mentallity / physical / attitude].
Carrick talks of his [staff] Team as one - of promoting from within, not just getting the cheque book out and buying players in. Not only that - but they all have the collective coaching skills and experience - to bring players on and develop them. To inspire confidence and belief. Just look at chuba! There may be players coming through the door who fans arent immediately impressed by. But a few months and we can expect a different player. We can turn water into wine.
Expect a strong focus on U21 and academy players coming through this coming season: he said as much yesterday. Carrick talks of "getting better" and constantly striving to up our game - increasing consistency and quality. No doubt we will see the exit of a number of players and probably see quality players in. We wont stand still or just tinker around the edges: this Coaching Team, along with our recruitment set - up [including the office in London], will have its web everywhere. It promises to be a brilliant summer and an exciting future - whether we climb up into the Premiership or not.
Yes! For me - the big change is the club philosophy. We seem to have moved on from the Pulis, Strachan, Warnock way of thinking. A longer term plan to build a squad around young, talented players as a core. It's an absolute joy to watch and I think whatever happens I hope we stick to the path
Chuba's 28ish I think, he'll never have been on mega money so this is his first chance to earn money that will set him and his family up for life and a couple of generations after.
it's a fair point - where would we be without his goals? 25+ goal strikers don't grow on trees
I should have probably added though, I'm not gambling with my money when I say to risk losing Chuba for free, Steve Gibson may well see it differently!
I've said it on here before: Chuba's goals are only half the story. His all round play is exceptional and he will be hard to replace. He may not get another 25+ goals (maybe he will) but he will be hard to replace in the MF area
I'm hoping that he has Sir Alex as his advisor - Surely he would advise him to learn his trade where he is rather than follow the money.
Absolutely, we will arguably miss his presence in midfield more than his goals, as mad as that sounds, loads of our goals (loads of his own in fact) stem from Chuba first receiving the ball with his back to goal or on the half turn in the midfield area, then using his strength to spin and spray the ball to the wide attackers before making a charge into the box.
1finny