2017/18 Squad Thread

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Originally Posted by Wilso8948

I do have to laugh at the irony of Merrick telling everyone he loves to build teams up from attacking players to defensive ones and then racing out and signing a GK the following week.

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Well, we need a GK... and he has history with this bloke. There are also a bunch of other clubs needing GK's, some of them offering guaranteed starting roles so why wouldn't he use his history to get it done ASAP?

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Originally Posted by Bon

Probably should, we pay to watch our team get fvcked pretty hard every week..

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RedTube is free, mate.


So I've heard.

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Originally Posted by Wilso8948

I do have to laugh at the irony of Merrick telling everyone he loves to build teams up from attacking players to defensive ones and then racing out and signing a GK the following week.

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Certainly seems like the first job was to take care of one of the boys. Vince Lia nailed on as next signing. #Nixreveloution

Others available within the league are, off the top of my head, Galekovic, Bray, Sorenson, Reddy, Kennedy, Arcaba, Italiano. Out of interest to everyone, who would you have looked to sign? I thought Cisak myself.

The keeper situation did need attention. We needed a second keeper. Signing Kennedy or Arcaba would have resulted in comments of "signing same dross as last year". Signing Bray or Italiano would have drawn "While cheap it isn't going to put pressure on Duncan". Instead we've gone with the comments we'd have got for Moss, Galekovic or Reddy that we are seeing now.

When the whole recruitment picture becomes clearer later this year, then we will know whether it's a good pick up or not.

There's a lot of unknowns - how much Moss is getting paid (which may sway people's views one way or another) and how much remains available to recruit players.

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Originally Posted by Jeterpool

Others available are, off the top of my head, Galekovic, Bray, Sorenson, Reddy, Kennedy, Arcaba, Italiano. Out of interest to everyone, who would you have looked to sign?

The keeper situation did need attention. We needed a second keeper. Signing Kennedy or Arcaba would have resulted in comments of "signing same dross as last year". Signing Bray or Italiano would have drawn "While cheap it isn't going to put pressure on Duncan". Instead we've gone with the comments we'd have got for Moss, Galekovic or Reddy that we are seeing now.

When the whole recruitment picture becomes clearer later this year, then we will know whether it's a good pick up or not.

There's a lot of unknowns - how much Moss is getting paid (which may sway people's views one way or another) and how much remains available to recruit players.

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I thought it was a good signing and then read this and now i think its an even better one!

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Originally Posted by Jeterpool

Others available are, off the top of my head, Galekovic, Bray, Sorenson, Reddy, Kennedy, Arcaba, Italiano. Out of interest to everyone, who would you have looked to sign?

The keeper situation did need attention. We needed a second keeper. Signing Kennedy or Arcaba would have resulted in comments of "signing same dross as last year". Signing Bray or Italiano would have drawn "While cheap it isn't going to put pressure on Duncan". Instead we've gone with the comments we'd have got for Moss, Galekovic or Reddy that we are seeing now.

When the whole recruitment picture becomes clearer later this year, then we will know whether it's a good pick up or not.

There's a lot of unknowns - how much Moss is getting paid (which may sway people's views one way or another) and how much remains available to recruit players.

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I would have signed Arcaba. He provides good competition without wasting salary cap $$$ on a bench warmer (be it Duncan or Moss). Only the clubs in the ACL need 2 out right #1's imo.

In all likelihood we are spending a lot more on Moss than Kennedy in the salary cap, without any of the loyalty allowance. That's less to spend in the midfield/CB where we need it most.

In saying that

Its likely Ernie just doesn't rate Duncan. He may have seen weaknesses and targeted him in the past, and figures it's worth spending the money there. So has gone out and signed another #1. And as new manager he has every right and makes sense to go with a keeper he trusts.

I personally don't agree and certainly don't buy the argument that this has anything to do with competition or Duncan is the incumbent.

Anyone thought about a Dura return? Would we take him?

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Originally Posted by OmeletteDuFromage

Anyone thought about a Dura return? Would we take him?

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Wow.......did you watch him play this year?

The only way I would sign Dura is if we also gained access to the hot tub time machine.

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Originally Posted by borat

I would have signed Arcaba. He provides good competition without wasting salary cap $$$ on a bench warmer (be it Duncan or Moss). Only the clubs in the ACL need 2 out right #1's imo.

In all likelihood we are spending a lot more on Moss than Kennedy in the salary cap, without any of the loyalty allowance. That's less to spend in the midfield/CB where we need it most.

In saying that

Its likely Ernie just doesn't rate Duncan. He may have seen weaknesses and targeted him in the past, and figures it's worth spending the money there. So has gone out and signed another #1. And as new manager he has every right and makes sense to go with a keeper he trusts.

I personally don't agree and certainly don't buy the argument that this has anything to do with competition or Duncan is the incumbent.

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Can see your point :thumbsup:

Why do we keep PC protecting these kids?

If he wants to be a top keeper Duncan needs to experience a bit of pain - if he hasn't got the stomach to fight for his position, and win over the new coach, off you go son.

Remember Craig Johnston being told he was shit by Jack Charlton - went out and trained and proved him wrong.

Give BK his due....there was a stage where everybody in Newy hated him and he fought on and on.

You need two keepers. What if Duncan snapped an ACL in preseason?

Some are never happy on this foz....

http://ceticismo.net/wp-content/uplo...dy-har-har.jpg

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Originally Posted by Jeterpool

Others available within the league are, off the top of my head, Galekovic, Bray, Sorenson, Reddy, Kennedy, Arcaba, Italiano. Out of interest to everyone, who would you have looked to sign? I thought Cisak myself.

The keeper situation did need attention. We needed a second keeper. Signing Kennedy or Arcaba would have resulted in comments of "signing same dross as last year". Signing Bray or Italiano would have drawn "While cheap it isn't going to put pressure on Duncan". Instead we've gone with the comments we'd have got for Moss, Galekovic or Reddy that we are seeing now.

When the whole recruitment picture becomes clearer later this year, then we will know whether it's a good pick up or not.

There's a lot of unknowns - how much Moss is getting paid (which may sway people's views one way or another) and how much remains available to recruit players.

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Out of that lot I would have kept Arcaba

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Originally Posted by borat

I would have signed Arcaba. He provides good competition without wasting salary cap $$$ on a bench warmer (be it Duncan or Moss). Only the clubs in the ACL need 2 out right #1's imo.

In all likelihood we are spending a lot more on Moss than Kennedy in the salary cap, without any of the loyalty allowance. That's less to spend in the midfield/CB where we need it most.

In saying that

Its likely Ernie just doesn't rate Duncan. He may have seen weaknesses and targeted him in the past, and figures it's worth spending the money there. So has gone out and signed another #1. And as new manager he has every right and makes sense to go with a keeper he trusts.

I personally don't agree and certainly don't buy the argument that this has anything to do with competition or Duncan is the incumbent.

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Ok if old mate Moss is being signed as Merrick dont want Duncan as No1 as he dont rate him or whatever negative view Merrick may have on Duncan then it aint a signing that says one is no 1 and the other no 2

If Eugene arrived then i would say we had signed him as No 1 or if we signed Vukoshit we had signed a No 1

Moss on the other hand aint a certain no 1. To me the battle is on and both candidates are just as much in the mix for the gigI

It like Bert Merrick has decided to bring someone of equalish ability for Duncan to compete for the role

Smart move getting both the keepers on their toes

It like Bert Merrick has decided to bring someone of equalish ability for Duncan to compete for the role

Smart move getting both the keepers on their toes[/QUOTE]

Member i agree with you here, not only is he competition for Duncan he is also a professional with many years experience which is the influence we need in our club strong professional characters who know what it means to work hard to achieve your results.

first class signing as Merrick described a first class character. if these are the type of professionals we will be signing then there is already an improvement. good job Merrick!

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Originally Posted by MFKS

Ok if old mate Moss is being signed as Merrick dont want Duncan as No1 as he dont rate him or whatever negative view Merrick may have on Duncan then it aint a signing that says one is no 1 and the other no 2

If Eugene arrived then i would say we had signed him as No 1 or if we signed Vukoshit we had signed a No 1

Moss on the other hand aint a certain no 1. To me the battle is on and both candidates are just as much in the mix for the gigI

It like Bert Merrick has decided to bring someone of equalish ability for Duncan to compete for the role

Smart move getting both the keepers on their toes

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For any other coach I would agree. Not for Merrick. You can put your house on Moss starting in goal.

Moss has no reason to move and risk his NZ team spot otherwise.

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Originally Posted by borat

For any other coach I would agree. Not for Merrick. You can put your house on Moss starting in goal.

Moss has no reason to move and risk his NZ team spot otherwise.

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We don't know though if big mate at Phoenix let Moss know he had no intentions of him being a first team player, so Moss decided to come here with a coach he knows and with a chance at some first team football again

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Originally Posted by leftrightout

Gotta love the foz... complain for years about our goal keeping ranks, we finally have two good, starting goal keepers on our books and there are people unhappy about it because the keeper who was a part of our leaky defence might struggle to get a 1st team run.

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Yeah this.

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Originally Posted by borat

I would have signed Arcaba. He provides good competition without wasting salary cap $$$ on a bench warmer (be it Duncan or Moss). Only the clubs in the ACL need 2 out right #1's imo.

In all likelihood we are spending a lot more on Moss than Kennedy in the salary cap, without any of the loyalty allowance. That's less to spend in the midfield/CB where we need it most.

In saying that

Its likely Ernie just doesn't rate Duncan. He may have seen weaknesses and targeted him in the past, and figures it's worth spending the money there. So has gone out and signed another #1. And as new manager he has every right and makes sense to go with a keeper he trusts.

I personally don't agree and certainly don't buy the argument that this has anything to do with competition or Duncan is the incumbent.

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Yeah we should have re-signed Arcaba, the man who's pushing 30, has played only one game in the league and when he did he nearly conceded every time he had the ball at his feet.

Good way to get the new era off and running.

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Originally Posted by parksey

Yeah we should have re-signed Arcaba, the man who's pushing 30, has played only one game in the league and when he did he nearly conceded every time he had the ball at his feet.

Good way to get the new era off and running.

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Do you actually watch the games

He played v Gypos where he seemed to think he had all day with the ball but luckily didn't get punished for it

He then played against Roar when Hoffman got sent. Bloke was easily our best player that night and showed he had the ability to play at this level.

So what exactly what games do you watch??

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Originally Posted by MFKS

Do you actually watch the games

He played v Gypos where he seemed to think he had all day with the ball but luckily didn't get punished for it

He then played against Roar when Hoffman got sent. Bloke was easily our best player that night and showed he had the ability to play at this level.

So what exactly what games do you watch??

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Alright, sorry.

He's played two games, and should have been anywhere near the team sheet after the first.

Arcaba isn't HAL standard. He knows it as well.

Moss is exactly what we need. Will start until Duncan improves his weaknesses and takes the next step. Duncan will be better for it and so will we as a club.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/46...-poll/?cs=3398

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"... so changing environments and moving to a Club that will not accept anything less than top results and playing finals football next year is something that has got me naturally excited.”

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So just how did Bert get him to sign without him even realising who we are?? :roflz:

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Originally Posted by turbojetfireV8

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/46...-poll/?cs=3398



So just how did Bert get him to sign without him even realising who we are?? :roflz:

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Hopefully it means the Chinese Lightsalesman has threatened executions for all those involved in case of another failure.

We can only hope they actually have some heart and play with the passion required

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Originally Posted by borat

Only the clubs in the ACL need 2 out right #1's imo.

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I disagree with this, how is Duncan ever going to perform his best if he never feels like he has to? He can turn up each week and play 90 minutes regardless of how his form is because there is no one else. Will you really see him work hard and improve? he has no reason to!

Also what if he goes down with an ACL injury on a Thursday training session with a game on the Saturday coming up?

There should be more than 1 quality player capable of playing each position in the starting 11 and goal keeper shouldn't be an exception.

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Originally Posted by leftrightout

I disagree with this, how is Duncan ever going to perform his best if he never feels like he has to? He can turn up each week and play 90 minutes regardless of how his form is because there is no one else. Will you really see him work hard and improve?

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I guess that backup striker at Barca is the reason Messi is as good as he is.
What's his name again I can't remember.

Maybe as a paid professional footballer Duncan takes great pride in his preparation and performance.
You seem make a lot of negative assumptions about a the bloke.

Not everyone wants to coast through life.

Maybe Duncan works his ass off at training and has the best attitude of any player in the whole squad.

and fwiw I know people on here see it as 'whingeing' but I agree that the signing of Moss is a good thing but also 'hope' we haven't committed too much cap space etc.

These are legitimate questions, not whinges.

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Originally Posted by plague

I guess that backup striker at Barca is the reason Messi is as good as he is.
What's his name again I can't remember.

Maybe as a paid professional footballer Duncan takes great pride in his preparation and performance.
You seem make a lot of negative assumptions about a the bloke.

Not everyone wants to coast through life.

Maybe Duncan works his ass off at training and has the best attitude of any player in the whole squad.

and fwiw I know people on here see it as 'whingeing' but I agree that the signing of Moss is a good thing but also 'hope' we haven't committed too much cap space etc.

These are legitimate questions, not whinges.

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I rather you talking shit than talking so much sense like this post. It's more entertaining.

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Originally Posted by plague

I guess that backup striker at Barca is the reason Messi is as good as he is.
What's his name again I can't remember.

Maybe as a paid professional footballer Duncan takes great pride in his preparation and performance.
You seem make a lot of negative assumptions about a the bloke.

Not everyone wants to coast through life.

Maybe Duncan works his ass off at training and has the best attitude of any player in the whole squad.

and fwiw I know people on here see it as 'whingeing' but I agree that the signing of Moss is a good thing but also 'hope' we haven't committed too much cap space etc.

These are legitimate questions, not whinges.

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Paco Alcacer. Spanish International Striker was coveted by many teams after scoring goals for a rubbish Valencia Team. Cost 30 Million Euros.

He still scored 7 goals this year as well.

What was your point on this again? Backups are a waste of money. Idiotic.

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Originally Posted by Frodo

What was your point on this again? Backups are a waste of money. Idiotic.

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Well my bigger point is that I wished people read the posts before responding.

But obviously I've got to aim a little lower.

So if you have two keepers of equal ability and they both do equally well at training who do you give the nod come game day ? This is where the shit starts because one player will know that even if they do as well as the other at training or sometimes better - they still won't get picked to play.

This is the problem. There's way more politics when it comes to selections than many here seem to realise. Coaches doing deals with player managers or a common associate are not unusual.

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Originally Posted by plague

You seem make a lot of negative assumptions about a the bloke.

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He did play in goals for the team with the worst defence in the league. A lot of people here make negative assumptions of all of our back line, why does Duncan get a free pass from that?

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Originally Posted by leftrightout

He did play in goals for the team with the worst defence in the league. A lot of people here make negative assumptions of all of our back line, why does Duncan get a free pass from that?

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Because by and large he wasn't the bloke responsible that often for glaring **** ups.

2 times he ****ed up dramatically.

His form was sufficient enough he kept us getting raped by more

Nearly all weeks he was in our top 3 performance wise

As has been mentioned before goalkeeper is least of our problems

Most seasons he our star player and if not he close too it

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Originally Posted by MFKS

Because by and large he wasn't the bloke responsible that often for glaring **** ups.

2 times he ****ed up dramatically.

His form was sufficient enough he kept us getting raped by more

Nearly all weeks he was in our top 3 performance wise

As has been mentioned before goalkeeper is least of our problems

Most seasons he our star player and if not he close too it

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I thought accepting "sufficient enough" form was one of your biggest problems with our fans?

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Originally Posted by leftrightout

He did play in goals for the team with the worst defence in the league. A lot of people here make negative assumptions of all of our back line, why does Duncan get a free pass from that?

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Where does Duncan get a free pass?

Biraz was behind a terrible backline too and we all loved him and gave him player of the year didn't we?

If anything his attitude was the one that needed questioning but it sure didn't hurt his ability on the pitch. Bloke was great imo.


I think Duncan is a good enough keeper.
I think Moss is a good enough keeper.


Not entirely sure what else you want from me on this one.

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Originally Posted by leftrightout

I thought accepting "sufficient enough" form was one of your biggest problems with our fans?

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?? I not have any issue with Duncan last season
IMHO he our best player

The 10 failures in front of him though on my hit list

Seeing as you want to bag him then please explain how Duncan a contributing issue in our poor form last season from your perspective ??

Enlighten us all

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Originally Posted by plague

I guess that backup striker at Barca is the reason Messi is as good as he is.
What's his name again I can't remember.

Maybe as a paid professional footballer Duncan takes great pride in his preparation and performance.
You seem make a lot of negative assumptions about a the bloke.

Not everyone wants to coast through life.

Maybe Duncan works his ass off at training and has the best attitude of any player in the whole squad.

and fwiw I know people on here see it as 'whingeing' but I agree that the signing of Moss is a good thing but also 'hope' we haven't committed too much cap space etc.

These are legitimate questions, not whinges.

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This

And Barca don't have the problem of signing a decent midfield and defence to replace the dross they have, all within a salary cap.

FFS we came stone motherless last and our number 1 signing priority is a 2nd keeper. It's like upgrading the windows in your house while it's burning to the ground.

The club should be signing the best 2nd keeper they can, providing they are on min wage, young and can be developed. Not wasting money on keepers well past their prime.

Aside from Roar and City, do any other clubs have two No.1s?

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Originally Posted by borat

FFS we came stone motherless last and our number 1 signing priority is a 2nd keeper.

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I think there's a difference between our 'number 1 priority' and the first bloke we sign.

If Moss was a value signing (and age 34 isn't past his prime for a keeper is it) then that's good business.
Merrick has stated a #10 is his priority.

Happy to let that one play out.

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Originally Posted by borat

This

And Barca don't have the problem of signing a decent midfield and defence to replace the dross they have, all within a salary cap.

FFS we came stone motherless last and our number 1 signing priority is a 2nd keeper. It's like upgrading the windows in your house while it's burning to the ground.

The club should be signing the best 2nd keeper they can, providing they are on min wage, young and can be developed. Not wasting money on keepers well past their prime.

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Who said it was the No. 1 signing priority? It may just have been the easiest one to get completed. We needed a Keeper, one was available that wanted to come that the coach has worked with before and does not have to do due diligence on with regards to personality type, how well he trains, performance etc. we signed him. End of story.

I think it is a good thing that we have signed an experienced professional to work alongside a young keeper in Duncan. Merrick has described Moss as a model professional, how is it a bad thing that Duncan spends 12 months learning how to better prepare himself? We have not signed Moss long term, what is the point of signing another young keeper to sit on the bench that will not develop as he won't play. I would rather be in a position that either Moss is starting and teaching Duncan skills on how to train and prepare, or Duncan starts and if he gets injured we have a hugely experienced guy who can step straight in and it won't all be a massive shock to him.

Not to mention that the club is finally rid of the stench of Ben Kennedy. This is a joyous occasion

Moss is a comfort signing for Merrick and I'm all for giving the manager some comfort at a new club where he wasn't allowed to overhaul the coaching staff (like others we were negotiating with wanted).

Graham Arnold has made comfort signings at every club he has gone to, and it's always worked out well for him.

Let Merrick have his men. If he fails, it's more of a reason for him not to do a Mark Jones and claim it wasn't his (shit) squad. If he doesn't fail, we can say surrounding himself with these types of blokes is one of the reasons why.

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Originally Posted by plague

I think there's a difference between our 'number 1 priority' and the first bloke we sign.

If Moss was a value signing (and age 34 isn't past his prime for a keeper is it) then that's good business.
Merrick has stated a #10 is his priority.

Happy to let that one play out.

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Agree. We're starting to paint the picture. I'll wait until it is finished before I judge