Italy Under-20 and Udinese midfielder Cristian Battocchio to be Watford's 12th summer signing
10:18am Thursday 30th August 2012 in Latest Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Picture: Action Images
The Hornets will make young Argentine midfielder Cristian Battocchio the club's 12th summer signing, the Watford Observer understands.
Watford are set to confirm the arrival of left back Jean-Alain Fanchone in the coming days and we understand he will be joined by Udinese team-mate Battocchio.
We were first made aware of the Hornets' interest in Battocchio on Monday and we believe negotiations are now almost complete.
Battocchio has also stated himself that he expects to join Watford in the near future.
This morning, he tweeted in Italian: "It is part of a new adventure! Udinese thanks for everything, I'll miss you! Watford arrival."
Battoccio is a 20-year-old creative midfielder who was born in Argentina but left Newell's Old Boys three years ago to join Udinese.
He was highly-rated in Argentina and reportedly trained with the Old Boys' first team when he was just 14.
Battoccio has made nine appearances for the Udinese first team in the last couple of seasons and came on as a substitute in Saturday's game with Fiorentina.
The creative midfielder is an Italy Under-20 international and has made three appearances for his adopted country.
The arrivals of Fanchone and Battocchio may not be the last for Watford though as we understand the club are interested in the Udinese centre back Gabriele Angella.
Comments(75)
Holly68
says...
10:30am Thu 30 Aug 12
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!!
says...
10:43am Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68
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10:45am Thu 30 Aug 12
dal8oy
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10:58am Thu 30 Aug 12
jasonwatford
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11:09am Thu 30 Aug 12
holtonian
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11:16am Thu 30 Aug 12
One thing for certain is the new regime have put a massive spark into the club, so much activity.
holtonian
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11:21am Thu 30 Aug 12
jasonwatford wrote:Our deadwood as you call them will be loaned out to 1st and 2nd division sides.can hardly call Granada deadwood. If you was loaned out what would you prefer games at Real and Barcelona or Bristol City with respect. We are hardly fort Vic yet are way.
When are we going to start shipping out the deadwood ???? can we not send some to Granada ?
@ChrisBottom16
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11:21am Thu 30 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16
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11:26am Thu 30 Aug 12
Colin West's mullet
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11:28am Thu 30 Aug 12
jasonwatford wrote:that's harsh - what have Granada ever done to us?
When are we going to start shipping out the deadwood ???? can we not send some to Granada ?
jasonwatford
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11:33am Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68
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11:36am Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68
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11:37am Thu 30 Aug 12
smarkymark
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11:38am Thu 30 Aug 12
The Not-so-enlightened one
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11:41am Thu 30 Aug 12
Colin West's mullet wrote:They gave us Coronation Street - and for that they should be eternally damned...oh sorry, wrong Granada.
jasonwatford wrote: When are we going to start shipping out the deadwood ???? can we not send some to Granada ?that's harsh - what have Granada ever done to us?
Watforddogs
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11:49am Thu 30 Aug 12
jasonwatford wrote:Start worrying about your real love not your troll love- the hatters are full of deadwood.
When are we going to start shipping out the deadwood ???? can we not send some to Granada ?
aefevans
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12:00pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68 wrote:I don't think a back-up goalie would do any harm, even just on the bench. Bonham's undoubtedly going to go out on loan to non-league until January.
We need a back up goalie (Bond risky if anything happens to Manuel there's a fly in my soup) and another top striker, then we are well cooked (Plan A/B/C) for all positions
But enough from me about the in-comings, I honestly think we ought to at least see one or two more on their way from Watford by the end of this week, either on loan or transfers. This is just my opinion, but Jenkins should be allowed to find a new club.
Holly68
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12:04pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68
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12:12pm Thu 30 Aug 12
1 Almunia 2 Hodson 3 Dickinson 4 Eustace 5 Taylor 6 Hall 7 Yeates 8 Hogg 9 Deeney 10 Iwelumo 11 Forsyth 12 Doyley 13 Leo Beleck 14 Jenkins 15 McGinn 16 Murray 17 Bennett 18 Pudil 19 Buaben 20 Vydra 21 Anya 22 Abdi 23 Mingoia 24 Whichelow 25 Garner 26 Assombalonga (onloan Southend) 27 Cassetti 28 Smith 29 Thompson (on loan Wycombe) 30 Bond 31 Hoban 32 Tumwa 33 Nosworthy 34 Bonham 35 Hamilton-Forbes 36 Geijo 37 Mujangi Bia 38 Fanchone 39 Battacchio : Head Coach : Zola. Director of Football & Recruitment : Nani
No word on Neuton, Forestieri or Angella at the moment
Just need another Goalie and a Striker, then potentially 44 players, so we can field a team in each division in the future :-)
D.unstable
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12:12pm Thu 30 Aug 12
e call goes, do you want him, ok will book a flight. Cheers.
Holly68
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12:16pm Thu 30 Aug 12
D.unstable wrote:I think the player has to agree to want to come to England, not quite as straightforward as you suggest. This Battacchio is same size as Joe Allen and similar player :-).
What is all this talk of negotiations....phon
e call goes, do you want him, ok will book a flight. Cheers.
garston 'orn
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12:25pm Thu 30 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:DONT FORGET IWELUMO
With a pick from Murray, Vydra, Bia, Anya, Geijo, Beleck and possibly Forestieri we have the best forward line in the league!!
Holly68
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12:29pm Thu 30 Aug 12
3 Goalies
10 Defenders
10 Midfielders
6 Wingers
4 Strikers
Holly68
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12:30pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68 wrote:So between 8 and 13 Out in one form or another
I think squad will get cut down to 31.
3 Goalies
10 Defenders
10 Midfielders
6 Wingers
4 Strikers
@ChrisBottom16
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12:30pm Thu 30 Aug 12
smarkymark wrote:Thats Belecks 1st full game for months. He didnt stop running. He challenged for every ball. He didnt give up on anything (ie chasing a lost ball forcing the mistake for Anyas goal). and bar a great save from there keeper he would of scored a goal from an accute angel into the top corner on his debut! He will turn out to be a very good signing! Anya will be an impact sub as he wont get in, infront of Murray and Vydra! Geijo i have seen clips of and its clear he has ability, you dont score 23 goals in the same league as Barca and Real if you dont have some quality! You also dont score 4 goals against Barcelona B in 1 match including a 20 yard lob if your not very good! Big Chris has done a job for us yes and all credit to him for that but once Geijo is fit he wont get a look in and dont be surprised if Geijo ends up been the leagues top scorer. I said Vydra was class when people doubted and now there all on my band wagon so we will have to see..
ChrisBottom: Are you sure? From what I've seen Beleck looks weak,Anya despite a great goal is more of an impact player and have you ever seen Geijo play ? Me neither! And no mention of Big Chris!
@ChrisBottom16
says...
12:33pm Thu 30 Aug 12
garston 'orn wrote:Respect to Chris for doing a job and i applaud him. However the more Beleck plays and with Alex Geijo a week a away from fitness they will be the main strikers so i geuss it comes down to weather he wants to be a bit part player at his age...
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:DONT FORGET IWELUMO
With a pick from Murray, Vydra, Bia, Anya, Geijo, Beleck and possibly Forestieri we have the best forward line in the league!!
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
12:35pm Thu 30 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:Don't think it was the top tier than he scored 23 in Chris, think it was 2nd division but otherwise right ! Big Chris might still make the bench once Giejo is fit enough to play.
smarkymark wrote:Thats Belecks 1st full game for months. He didnt stop running. He challenged for every ball. He didnt give up on anything (ie chasing a lost ball forcing the mistake for Anyas goal). and bar a great save from there keeper he would of scored a goal from an accute angel into the top corner on his debut! He will turn out to be a very good signing! Anya will be an impact sub as he wont get in, infront of Murray and Vydra! Geijo i have seen clips of and its clear he has ability, you dont score 23 goals in the same league as Barca and Real if you dont have some quality! You also dont score 4 goals against Barcelona B in 1 match including a 20 yard lob if your not very good! Big Chris has done a job for us yes and all credit to him for that but once Geijo is fit he wont get a look in and dont be surprised if Geijo ends up been the leagues top scorer. I said Vydra was class when people doubted and now there all on my band wagon so we will have to see..
ChrisBottom: Are you sure? From what I've seen Beleck looks weak,Anya despite a great goal is more of an impact player and have you ever seen Geijo play ? Me neither! And no mention of Big Chris!
Holly68
says...
12:35pm Thu 30 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:If we can get Geijo and Vydra on 20+ goals for the season EACH, Murray weighing in with 10+, then another 15 from Midfield and 10 from defence, then healthy figures. If we can keep em out at other end aswell :-)
smarkymark wrote:Thats Belecks 1st full game for months. He didnt stop running. He challenged for every ball. He didnt give up on anything (ie chasing a lost ball forcing the mistake for Anyas goal). and bar a great save from there keeper he would of scored a goal from an accute angel into the top corner on his debut! He will turn out to be a very good signing! Anya will be an impact sub as he wont get in, infront of Murray and Vydra! Geijo i have seen clips of and its clear he has ability, you dont score 23 goals in the same league as Barca and Real if you dont have some quality! You also dont score 4 goals against Barcelona B in 1 match including a 20 yard lob if your not very good! Big Chris has done a job for us yes and all credit to him for that but once Geijo is fit he wont get a look in and dont be surprised if Geijo ends up been the leagues top scorer. I said Vydra was class when people doubted and now there all on my band wagon so we will have to see..
ChrisBottom: Are you sure? From what I've seen Beleck looks weak,Anya despite a great goal is more of an impact player and have you ever seen Geijo play ? Me neither! And no mention of Big Chris!
Holly68
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12:37pm Thu 30 Aug 12
francowatford
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12:40pm Thu 30 Aug 12
@julesmckenzie
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1:06pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Its like the American military strategy. Shoot loads of bullets and hopefully one will hit.
Obviously as the Pozzos are paying the wages wherever they play, its not of great significance to our finances in particular. Just hope its not too undermining and destabilising for the team we already have.
Guess they know what they are doing. Hope it works well. Sure it will!!!
MUSTOITALIA
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1:10pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Loving every minute of this new regime best thing to happen to us.
apatters
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1:16pm Thu 30 Aug 12
1) Get the East Stand back into operation so the squad have got somewhere to sit.
2) Develop the South West corner to get a bigger changing room.
3) Ask the Football League for permission to have 3 digit squad numbers.
It seems a long way from when we used to sign players with long names to boost shirt revenues!
lutondown
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1:17pm Thu 30 Aug 12
MUSTOITALIA wrote:Me too mate, like said in another thread hope it will start getting the attention of Anglo Italians/ Spaniards!
I cant remember the last time (if ever) I have been so excited people moaning about foreign imports name your starting 11 if watfords funds were unlimited and tell me you would have a team of british players!!! People always find negatives and remain pessimistic. Watford now boast a big squad with a wealth of international experience. How many of last seasons players were 1. Good enough to get us in the prem and 2. Would be good enough to play in the prem?? I rest my case.
Loving every minute of this new regime best thing to happen to us.
We need some help in the old crowd dept.
Think we should be renamed Internationalize Watford!!
This is better than any of us could have dreamed of!
@ChrisBottom16
says...
1:29pm Thu 30 Aug 12
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=2faCcKeWx
zI
now tell me youd rather have big chris starting or no pozzo involvement.
Holly68
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1:29pm Thu 30 Aug 12
om/watch?v=6H1-h3Ji8
I8&feature=youtube_g
data_player
Holly68
says...
1:30pm Thu 30 Aug 12
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=qxcLmyNty
CI&feature=youtube_g
data_player
Holly68
says...
1:30pm Thu 30 Aug 12
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=qxcLmyNty
CI&feature=youtube_g
data_player
Holly68
says...
1:33pm Thu 30 Aug 12
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=hCAC2Op_U
qw&feature=youtube_g
data_player
Holly68
says...
1:37pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Seems Granada have passionate fans
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=EQ346xnnC
OU&feature=youtube_g
data_player
MUSTOITALIA
says...
1:42pm Thu 30 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:I think the crowed problem will slowly improve with the right results exciting new tactics and international players watford just need to tap into something new like father son tuesdays and incentive to breed new fans from a young age maybe.
MUSTOITALIA wrote: I cant remember the last time (if ever) I have been so excited people moaning about foreign imports name your starting 11 if watfords funds were unlimited and tell me you would have a team of british players!!! People always find negatives and remain pessimistic. Watford now boast a big squad with a wealth of international experience. How many of last seasons players were 1. Good enough to get us in the prem and 2. Would be good enough to play in the prem?? I rest my case. Loving every minute of this new regime best thing to happen to us.Me too mate, like said in another thread hope it will start getting the attention of Anglo Italians/ Spaniards! We need some help in the old crowd dept. Think we should be renamed Internationalize Watford!! This is better than any of us could have dreamed of!
Granada were in the same boat as Watford when the Pozzo familia took over with low attendances and facing financial uncertainty but they turned it around and I have the upmost respect and belief the same will happen here.
Holly68
says...
1:49pm Thu 30 Aug 12
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=2faCcKeWx
zI&feature=youtube_g
data_player
@julesmckenzie
says...
1:55pm Thu 30 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:Just put a swear word after Watford and every pre-teen in the country will support us.
MUSTOITALIA wrote:Me too mate, like said in another thread hope it will start getting the attention of Anglo Italians/ Spaniards!
I cant remember the last time (if ever) I have been so excited people moaning about foreign imports name your starting 11 if watfords funds were unlimited and tell me you would have a team of british players!!! People always find negatives and remain pessimistic. Watford now boast a big squad with a wealth of international experience. How many of last seasons players were 1. Good enough to get us in the prem and 2. Would be good enough to play in the prem?? I rest my case.
Loving every minute of this new regime best thing to happen to us.
We need some help in the old crowd dept.
Think we should be renamed Internationalize Watford!!
This is better than any of us could have dreamed of!
Works with chart music...
garston tony
says...
2:19pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Im okay with that with two provisos, that a) they are better than what is already at the club and b) they are Zola's choice and not being forced on him/WFC.
Football being football i'm going to wait a few more games before getting too excited at 20 goals a season players and promotion etc. This number of changes may take a while to get settled and by then it might be a case of trying to catch up but so far so good
stiffler99
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2:22pm Thu 30 Aug 12
JonBoy
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2:30pm Thu 30 Aug 12
pete50
says...
2:59pm Thu 30 Aug 12
With a pick from Murray, Vydra, Bia, Anya, Geijo, Beleck and possibly Forestieri we have the best forward line in the league!!
DONT FORGET IWELUMO
I'm trying to!!
Travelling Hornet
says...
3:13pm Thu 30 Aug 12
smarkymark wrote:I suggest you take a look at Geijo on u tube, from what ive seen he is THE complete striker. (if fit).
ChrisBottom: Are you sure? From what I've seen Beleck looks weak,Anya despite a great goal is more of an impact player and have you ever seen Geijo play ? Me neither! And no mention of Big Chris!
Pinch me i must be dreaming all this!
Travelling Hornet
says...
3:32pm Thu 30 Aug 12
JonBoy wrote:Its this challenge that GFZ came out of retirement for,he knew exactly what was going to happen with regards to the backing of the owners and the players available to him.
I don't envy Zola. He has to manage a lot of change over a short time. He has to assess all of these players and work out what he wants to do with them. Exciting times. Forza Gialli
some might say a dream job.
@ChrisBottom16
says...
3:37pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Travelling Hornet wrote:iv uploaded a you tube clip of Geijo on this thread! how can you not be excited to see hime!
smarkymark wrote:I suggest you take a look at Geijo on u tube, from what ive seen he is THE complete striker. (if fit).
ChrisBottom: Are you sure? From what I've seen Beleck looks weak,Anya despite a great goal is more of an impact player and have you ever seen Geijo play ? Me neither! And no mention of Big Chris!
Pinch me i must be dreaming all this!
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
3:45pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Holly68
says...
3:58pm Thu 30 Aug 12
ralear49
says...
4:38pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Sammy Chung
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4:45pm Thu 30 Aug 12
lutondown
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4:59pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Sammy Chung wrote:Absolutely. We are going places.
Is this really happening ? I think this is just a cover to get a boat load of illegals into the country, most will scarper after a couple of games and end up playing for Wealdstone or someone like that...these really are exciting times for the club, please, everybody embrace it..!
Thank you Mr Pozzo
Stoney77
says...
5:45pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Players who should be on their way in my opinion:
Sold/released: Garner, Dickinson, Deeney, Jenkins, Whichelow (and although I'd be sad to see the back of him I think Eustace may go)
Loaned out: Bennett, Smith, Mingoia, H-Forbes, (plus Thompson & A'longa)
Only 2 Ross Jenkins
says...
6:39pm Thu 30 Aug 12
allgood
says...
7:02pm Thu 30 Aug 12
If the players not in the side attend the games it will up the average.
allgood
says...
7:07pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Watfordwes
says...
7:47pm Thu 30 Aug 12
I ve never watched so much you tube!
smarkymark
says...
8:24pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Coney84
says...
8:37pm Thu 30 Aug 12
pete50 wrote:Don't forget Deeney. He'll be back by end of october. We wont be able to loan him out or sell him till jan
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
With a pick from Murray, Vydra, Bia, Anya, Geijo, Beleck and possibly Forestieri we have the best forward line in the league!!
DONT FORGET IWELUMO
I'm trying to!!
Monstermunch17
says...
8:49pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Anyone given any thought to what happens when we don't win promotion? (and let's face it, Zola could sign the whole Real Madrid first team and he couldn't get us promoted. But he won't , because they're not Udinese stiffs).
Baa, baa
lutondown
says...
8:54pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Monstermunch17 wrote:Baa baa? Go back to Cardiff you lambster
Crazy way to run a business. We've already got far too many players - the playing squads wage bill must be stratospheric.
Anyone given any thought to what happens when we don't win promotion? (and let's face it, Zola could sign the whole Real Madrid first team and he couldn't get us promoted. But he won't , because they're not Udinese stiffs).
Baa, baa
D.unstable
says...
9:05pm Thu 30 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:we really are living the dream my old scummer down, living the dream.
Sammy Chung wrote:Absolutely. We are going places.
Is this really happening ? I think this is just a cover to get a boat load of illegals into the country, most will scarper after a couple of games and end up playing for Wealdstone or someone like that...these really are exciting times for the club, please, everybody embrace it..!
Thank you Mr Pozzo
Like I have said before this is the best thing that has happened since Elton drove down Occupation Road in the late 70's
Now if Watford supporters from yesteryear need any further reason to come back and be part of this, there is no helping us.
Monstermunch17
says...
9:27pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Lloydinio
says...
10:01pm Thu 30 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:surelyt you are missing our two best strikers, Garner and Iwelumo? Iwelumo has played well this season?
With a pick from Murray, Vydra, Bia, Anya, Geijo, Beleck and possibly Forestieri we have the best forward line in the league!!
lutondown
says...
10:19pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Monstermunch17 wrote:And you are no sheep taffy
Zola is no Graham Taylor
lutondown
says...
10:21pm Thu 30 Aug 12
D.unstable wrote:I can't understand why neutrals who live on the area aren't catching on quickly, but play the right stuff, the fans will follow. Might even pick up some anglo Latinos!
lutondown wrote:we really are living the dream my old scummer down, living the dream.
Sammy Chung wrote:Absolutely. We are going places.
Is this really happening ? I think this is just a cover to get a boat load of illegals into the country, most will scarper after a couple of games and end up playing for Wealdstone or someone like that...these really are exciting times for the club, please, everybody embrace it..!
Thank you Mr Pozzo
Like I have said before this is the best thing that has happened since Elton drove down Occupation Road in the late 70's
Now if Watford supporters from yesteryear need any further reason to come back and be part of this, there is no helping us.
WFC4ever
says...
10:23pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Afterall I see no reason to drop the likes of Doyley,Hogg,Murray,T
aylor and Big Nos so would be pretty annoyed if they are just to so an unknown can fit in.
Infact the one area we really needed to improve was up front and by all accounts one guy is still injury and the young Bleck hardly impressed on Tuesday albeit that was his deubt
Only 2 Ross Jenkins
says...
7:42am Fri 31 Aug 12
WFC4ever wrote:The Czech boys, the Swiss, the Italians, the Belgian, the Argentine and the Scot (Anya) may all be used to the cold. The rain, damp, darkness and dreariness possibly not (except the Scot!). They'll have the delights of the Harlequin to take their mind off things!! I was wondering where they were all going to live? The Premier Inn?
I understand some of these "loan" signings could actually be with us for 2/3 seasons in a pernament transfer type deal BUT must say surely once the season really gets going a few of these loan players will hardly be pleased to come over here into our cold climate and just sit around on the bench or in the stands? Afterall I see no reason to drop the likes of Doyley,Hogg,Murray,T aylor and Big Nos so would be pretty annoyed if they are just to so an unknown can fit in. Infact the one area we really needed to improve was up front and by all accounts one guy is still injury and the young Bleck hardly impressed on Tuesday albeit that was his deubt
No Wheels
says...
2:13pm Fri 31 Aug 12
No Wheels
says...
2:19pm Fri 31 Aug 12
Hey Ho, Let's Go
Hey Ho, Let's Go
No Wheels
says...
2:20pm Fri 31 Aug 12
craig239 says...
10:23am Thu 30 Aug 12