5 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

This keeps getting banded about on the forum and its the biggest load of tosh. We sign players to improve the team and keep in the squad, we ain't Spurs who sign players to sell on to a bigger team a few years down the line for some profit. If Marchisio improves us and Conte wants him, then he should be signed. 

I thought that was one of our youth team policies? And sorry we're not a retirement home...

16 minutes ago, doctorblue said:

I thought that was one of our youth team policies? And sorry we're not a retirement home...

What policy is that? The only thing i have seen from the club is that we don't offer more than one year contracts to players over 30, not that we shouldn't sign them. The majority of our Champions league winning squad was getting on and over 30. We're not a retirement home but that doesn't mean we have to be a kids playground either. 

8 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

What policy is that? The only thing i have seen from the club is that we don't offer more than one year contracts to players over 30, not that we shouldn't sign them. The majority of our Champions league winning squad was getting on and over 30. We're not a retirement home but that doesn't mean we have to be a kids playground either. 

Yeah they were but the spine of the team had grown old with us...not interested in tired, old Italians who've never played outside of Italy and looking to turn semi pro...this ain't the league for them...look at Bakayoko's comments after the Spuds game...Zola and Vialli came at a time when Roman's journey was just starting and we had to make headlines with established players...we're not in that position any more...better to get talented players on the up then try to get the last trick out of a dying dog...

Edited August 22, 20178 yr by doctorblue

11 minutes ago, doctorblue said:

Yeah they were but the spine of the team had grown old with us...not interested in tired, old Italians who've never played outside of Italy and looking to turn semi pro...this ain't the league for them...look at Bakayoko's comments after the Spuds game...Zola and Vialli came at a time when Roman's journey was just starting and we had to make headlines with established players...we're not in that position any more...better to get talented players on the up then try to get the last trick out of a dying dog...

Lampard played on at a high level until he was 36. Giggs was still quality at 38, Totti is 40, yeah he's not as good as he was, but he was still excellent at 37. 

This guy is 31, he is less than 1 month older than me, someone of 31 a "dying dog"!! How old are you?? I am quite confident we will get 3-4 yrs decent service minimum out this guy. Yeah it would be mad to go and spend crazy money on him, but anything around 20-25m would be a good move Imo. 

Oh, and zola & Vialli were at Chelsea 7 yrs before Roman, so not really sure what that bit is about. 

No reason why he wouldn't be able to do a job for us for 2/3 season. 

Bit of seasoned experience and quality? Why not? 

1 minute ago, Jackbuchanan said:

Lampard played on at a high level until he was 36. Giggs was still quality at 38, Totti is 40, yeah he's not as good as he was, but he was still excellent at 37. 

This guy is 31, he is less than 1 month older than me, someone of 31 a "dying dog"!! How old are you?? I am quite confident we will get 3-4 yrs decent service minimum out this guy. Yeah it would be mad to go and spend crazy money on him, but anything around 20-25m would be a good move Imo. 

Oh, and zola & Vialli were at Chelsea 7 yrs before Roman, so not really sure what that bit is about. 

Just glad it's not your money to spend...

Just now, ForeverCarefree said:

No reason why he wouldn't be able to do a job for us for 2/3 season. 

Bit of seasoned experience and quality? Why not? 

Because at best they may block the development of our own players coming through and at worst we've wasted fees and wages on old Italian has beens...prefer not to take the gamble thanks...

Just now, doctorblue said:

Because at best they may block the development of our own players coming through and at worst we've wasted fees and wages on old Italian has beens...prefer not to take the gamble thanks...

What player(s) will they block the development of? 

We just sold Chalobah, Baker is on a two year loan to Boro and RLC doesn't get played in the deeper role by Conte. 

We've currently got 3 central midfielders on the books and need some more cover. Someone like Marchisio would solve that problem and given his age wouldn't be here long term so would be less likely to block any hypothetical youth player emerging because of his age.  

27 minutes ago, doctorblue said:

Yeah they were but the spine of the team had grown old with us...not interested in tired, old Italians who've never played outside of Italy and looking to turn semi pro...this ain't the league for them...look at Bakayoko's comments after the Spuds game...Zola and Vialli came at a time when Roman's journey was just starting and we had to make headlines with established players...we're not in that position any more...better to get talented players on the up then try to get the last trick out of a dying dog...

Zola and Vialli came in '96, long before Roman and took the league by storm. In more recent times we had Ballack who joined when he was 30 having never played outside of Germany, another great player for us in the middle. Deco the year after? Lets not forget about Makalele either. This was all years ago before sports science gad improved so much and players can now recover much faster and prolong their careers. Talented players on the up aren't going to improve without an experienced head there to tell them what they're doing right or wrong. 

4 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Zola and Vialli came in '96, long before Roman and took the league by storm. In more recent times we had Ballack who joined when he was 30 having never played outside of Germany, another great player for us in the middle. Deco the year after? Lets not forget about Makalele either. This was all years ago before sports science gad improved so much and players can now recover much faster and prolong their careers. Talented players on the up aren't going to improve without an experienced head there to tell them what they're doing right or wrong. 

Agreed. Marchisio would add a lot to the dressing room as well. Real leader. 

Wouldn't hurt Conte to have one of his own in the team as well.

9 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

What player(s) will they block the development of? 

We just sold Chalobah, Baker is on a two year loan to Boro and RLC doesn't get played in the deeper role by Conte. 

We've currently got 3 central midfielders on the books and need some more cover. Someone like Marchisio would solve that problem and given his age wouldn't be here long term so would be less likely to block any hypothetical youth player emerging because of his age.  

All good points but you ain't convincing me or the board I reckon...Ballack, Makaele etc. were exceptional players...the ones you mention aren't...buying players are all about risk to benefit and taken within the strategic direction needed of the club...we're now in a position when we're able to attract better players then them now...better to develop our own plus young players on the up then those sitting on the porch with a cigar on...

Edited August 22, 20178 yr by doctorblue

4 minutes ago, Spiller86 said:

Agreed. Marchisio would add a lot to the dressing room as well. Real leader. 

Wouldn't hurt Conte to have one of his own in the team as well.

I agree but Marchisio 5 years ago when he was able to run...well run as much as Marchisio ever did...

marchisio would be a great addition. Sometimes it's better to bring in experience than potential, bayern did it with xabi alonso, juve did it with pirlo, Fergie did it with Sheringham, and mourinho has done it several times with Zlatan, Drogba, eto'o. 

 Our squad is young, a top signing for 2 or 3 seasons would be great. 

I reckon the whole perception around age needs to change in the current footballing world, fitness levels have improved alongside professionalism amongst players especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy body. We are seeing more and more players play well past their mid 30's. I don't see any issue with signing a 30 year old as long as they are an upgrade on what we have and can demonstrate they are in good health. 

Marchisio is a top player. Would be amazing signing. He would be the Ballack people are asking for.

Dont think its at all possible. Looks like a one team man, but if we get him, would be a great signing.

5 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

This keeps getting banded about on the forum and its the biggest load of tosh. We sign players to improve the team and keep in the squad, we ain't Spurs who sign players to sell on to a bigger team a few years down the line for some profit. If Marchisio improves us and Conte wants him, then he should be signed. 

I don't know what to tell you if you don't think sale on value is considered by every board in world football. Owners are not happy to piss 30m away, especially when for the same money they could have gotten someone younger 

What if your younger player turns out to be a miscast and you have to sell him with a major loss (1/3 of the buying price) ? I would prefer an older proven player, if he can provide the squad with some grinta and wisdom. And who knows, if he turns out good and help us win a major trophy, China might come knocking. 

12 minutes ago, TheChelsRVA said:

I don't know what to tell you if you don't think sale on value is considered by every board in world football. Owners are not happy to piss 30m away, especially when for the same money they could have gotten someone younger 

Do you know who most would prefer to sign? The right player for the squad needs, rather than just someone that fits a demographic. 

Don't see the problem with bringing in experienced players once in a while. However, the board seem to look for the resale value aspect so I can't see this happening purely on that.

 

27 minutes ago, TheChelsRVA said:

I don't know what to tell you if you don't think sale on value is considered by every board in world football. Owners are not happy to piss 30m away, especially when for the same money they could have gotten someone younger 

Age isn't an issue if it improves the team. I'd rather buy a player that has done it on the international stage and the manager trusts than chucking some unproven young lad at him cus he might be worth more a few years down the line. 

7 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Age isn't an issue if it improves the team. I'd rather buy a player that has done it on the international stage and the manager trusts than chucking some unproven young lad at him cus he might be worth more a few years down the line. 

 

36 minutes ago, dkw said:

Do you know who most would prefer to sign? The right player for the squad needs, rather than just someone that fits a demographic. 

I think you both are misunderstanding me.  I want players to improve the team.  

But the board must run the club wisely. From a business perspective it does not make much sense to buy players who are old, especially as old as 31 when you can't sell them on.  And makes even less sense when the impact of that player would be a marginal 4th choice cm.  If we are talking about someone like zlatan for a year, the decision is different.  

As for marchisio himself he would probably improve the club but he's past his best and injury prone.  

Okay.. You buy a Marchisio and it will be improve the team to win you 3 trophies. 3 trophies gives you money and a bunch of new fans. Or you buy a young guy and win nothing and still pay his expensive salary.

Seems like everyone is playing Football Manager...

21 minutes ago, TheChelsRVA said:

 

I think you both are misunderstanding me.  I want players to improve the team.  

But the board must run the club wisely. From a business perspective it does not make much sense to buy players who are old, especially as old as 31 when you can't sell them on.  And makes even less sense when the impact of that player would be a marginal 4th choice cm.  If we are talking about someone like zlatan for a year, the decision is different.  

As for marchisio himself he would probably improve the club but he's past his best and injury prone.  

If this was the case, we would not have bought a 30 year old Luiz for 30mil.

6 hours ago, RIP Mourinho said:

This keeps getting banded about on the forum and its the biggest load of tosh. We sign players to improve the team and keep in the squad, we ain't Spurs who sign players to sell on to a bigger team a few years down the line for some profit. If Marchisio improves us and Conte wants him, then he should be signed. 

Not everyone buying a house is doing so to sell it on in the future but i'm pretty sure everyone buying one would like the value to hold if not increase over he coming years.

If you saw your dream home but the evaluator told you it's going to lose half it's value in 5 years time would you still invest your money in it because "ah sure i'll be delighted those 5 years, it's a great house"??