CONFIRMED Ryan Leonard

[I should coco]

So, I've heard Leonard has got a really long throw.

He has also won Sarfend's 'Who can kick it hardest and longest?' competition for the last 2 years.

 

[Ron_Justice]

 

[BushBlade]

You are spot on!

My New Year's resolution (it must be New Year somewhere) is to ignore him more. Actually a lot more.

I'm fed up with circular arguments about non existent hoofers, armies of straw men and general repetitive tedium.

Please remind me of this if you see me getting hoodwinked into replying to another one of his thread-spoilers.

I don't usually care, it's not really any of my business but there's a full page of TL- DR posts on a thread about a potential signing that's got fuck all to do with owt. Pinchy doesn't like hoof, so what, his choice, it doesn't need a load of posts telling him what he should like, on a thread about something else.

 

[BushBlade]

He has also won Sarfend's 'Who can kick it hardest and longest?' competition for the last 2 years.

Yes, and he can kick it backwards over his head like Paul Rogers and Quinny.

 

[Pinchy]

The idea that there's such a thing as 'proper football' is laughable.

Take it up with professional managers and players, who use the phrase all the time. Our excellent manager, in particular. It connotes players who are, inter alia, comfortable on the ball; know where they are and where their team mates are; can control a football; can consistently pass the ball with precision; don't panic under pressure; play with their heads up; see the wider picture; read the game.

It doesn't include ragamuffin shadow-chasers and sky-high ball-launchers who treat a football like a red hot coal.

Simple, really. Still, as I say, you really need to take it up with the professionals who use the phrase every day, not me.

 

[South Bucks]

350 k is peanuts for a championship club. When are we going to stop behaving like Ebenezer Scrooge and start doing what's necessary and what other clubs do in good time rather than wait too long and then make panic buys for left overs at higher prices.

 

[Pinchy]

350 k is peanuts for a championship club. When are we going to stop behaving like Ebenezer Scrooge and start doing what's necessary and what other clubs do in good time rather than wait too long and then make panic buys for left overs at higher prices.

Which other clubs are doing things in 'good time'? Has the season started? Have either Leonard or Holmes moved on to the fictitious clubs who do things in good time and don't wait too long? Have either signed new contracts at their present clubs?

We want a transfer and we want one now!

We Transfers.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

350 k is peanuts for a championship club. When are we going to stop behaving like Ebenezer Scrooge and start doing what's necessary and what other clubs do in good time rather than wait too long and then make panic buys for left overs at higher prices.

I prefer the Wilder Way, pay what you think a players worth, rather than we're a Championship club now so we only buy in this price bracket. And he seems to do plenty of business quite early, but wont be held to ransom, there is always a plan B. If Ron the Rug plays hardball too long, Wilder will just move on to his next choice in that position.

 

[Treeton Blade]

350 k is peanuts for a championship club. When are we going to stop behaving like Ebenezer Scrooge and start doing what's necessary and what other clubs do in good time rather than wait too long and then make panic buys for left overs at higher prices.

The fee Southend are asking is more like double that.

That is the sticking point, a player playing in League One, in the last year of his contract, is not going to fetch that sort of money.

The player wants out, Utd trying to find a way for Southend to accept whats on offer (sell on/appearances etc)

Millwall very much in the race too though.

Don`t think this will drag on much longer.

 

[Ron_Justice]

It connotes players who are, inter alia, comfortable on the ball; know where they are and where their team mates are; can control a football; can consistently pass the ball with precision; don't panic under pressure; play with their heads up; see the wider picture; read the game.

Absolutely, I accept that these qualities are essential to winning more than you lose. My issue is with the idea that there's some magical 'proper football' formula that can be rolled out at will to guarantee success.

Those qualities that you highlight are only part of the equation, perhaps the largest part yes, but i'd suggest flexibility is a major component to success. Being able to adapt to a team countering your formation, for example. Switching to a long ball game if injury nullifies your creative midfield perhaps.

I think everyone can see that those highlighted traits will enable that flexibility so the two go hand in hand IMO.

Anyway, enough derailment, as you were.

 

[ShockingBadBuy]

If Ron the Rug plays hardball too long, Wilder will just move on to his next choice in that position.

Wilder will know when Ron's real hardball moment arrives, because Ron will stare at him across the table like this

 

[sheffielder]

You'd rather just concede to Southend and pay whatever amount they want (which they apparently haven't disclosed) even if it meant another target e.g. Holmes couldn't be afforded?

I just think if you're looking to take a teams best player, who you consider will do you a good job in the Championship then 350k for me appears to be low balling. I don't think 350k is enough to force the matter.

 

[Grizzly blade]

The fee Southend are asking is more like double that.

That is the sticking point, a player playing in League One, in the last year of his contract, is not going to fetch that sort of money.

The player wants out, Utd trying to find a way for Southend to accept whats on offer (sell on/appearances etc)

Millwall very much in the race too though.

Don`t think this will drag on much longer.

If that's the case walk away.
This lad isn't worth 700k in his final year. End of. I don't care what Southend want, they won't get that, we can wait until he's in his last 6 months, then go back with an offer of 180k.
We bought OConnell in for less than that, and Moore. They were championship players then.

 

[Treeton Blade]

If that's the case walk away.
This lad isn't worth 700k in his final year. End of. I don't care what Southend want, they won't get that, we can wait until he's in his last 6 months, then go back with an offer of 180k.
We bought OConnell in for less than that, and Moore. They were championship players then.

Exactly.

Wilder must rate him highly to still be interested, but that only goes so far.
Won`t hand around much after training resumes (Mon)

 

[Grizzly blade]

I just think if you're looking to take a teams best player, who you consider will do you a good job in the Championship then 350k for me appears to be low balling. I don't think 350k is enough to force the matter.

If we pay £600k and get him in a 3 year contract, would he automatically then be worth £2-3m pounds?
No he wouldn't, he would be worth maybe £600k still and that's the point. Plenty of clubs have taken advantage of our situation over the years, it's nice that the shoes on the other foot for once.
Besides....we have Coutts and Freeman and Bash in their last year. They might no sign another contract and go for similar money.

 

[Sheffsteel]

The facts say that Leonard is 25 years old, not exactly a spring chicken.
If he wants a decent career then he has to move up to be tested sooner rather than later.

He's been Southends best player for a while but he's spent much of his career in league 2 and league 1.
He has potential but won't command a Championship standard transfer fee or salary because he's untested in the Championship and would be a big risk. He's not even gauranteed to start in our team.

The reason why United or Millwall aren't showing any urgency is because the longer this is dragged out the lower his valuation becomes. Also all the publicity, details of bids are all coming from the Southend end, which suggests that they DO want to sell but hope to start an auction. Surely if Southend dont want to sell they'd just keep it in house and as low key as possible.

Suspect Uniteds plan B might to play the waiting game.
Just keep tabs on him and go back to bid in the January transfer window or we might even offer some pre contract and get him on a free next season. I suppose it all depends what the player wants as they ultimately hold all the power.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

If that's the case walk away.
This lad isn't worth 700k in his final year. End of. I don't care what Southend want, they won't get that, we can wait until he's in his last 6 months, then go back with an offer of 180k.
We bought OConnell in for less than that, and Moore. They were championship players then.

Nowhere will you find any factual information on what Southend's estimate is. this is the latest from Phil Brown published this morning.
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/bl...Leonard_to_remain_committed_to_Blues/?ref=rss
Whilst we would benefit from a large influx of cash, the club and supporters don't want Lenny to go. If we don't sell him then life will go on and we will have a very decent player for at least six months.

 

[Mouth of the South]

I just think if you're looking to take a teams best player, who you consider will do you a good job in the Championship then 350k for me appears to be low balling. I don't think 350k is enough to force the matter.

So how much extra would you have been willing to pay/waste when the club signed Clarke, O'Connell, Moore, Carruthers etc? Enough to ensure the club were unable to sign Evans, Thomas, other recent signings and other targets?

Surely it's worth the club standing their ground and only paying what they feel a player is worth. In this case, if Leonard goes elsewhere (e.g. Millwall) it is unlikely to be as a result of Utd being unwilling to match other bids but more to do with the player's preference, especially as Utd are apparently the current highest bidders.

Despite what a certain political party seemed to pledge in their manifesto during the recent election, there is no magical money tree and you can only spend your money once. Personally, I'm all for CW's philosophy of seeking value for money and being willing to walk away and move onto other targets if unable to get deals over the line.

 

[Booker4]

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/blues/15364296.Brown_expects_Leonard_to_remain_committed_to_Blues/

Latest article as Shrimperama was talking about. Seems set to drag on this one even longer than we expected. Its been over a month now. You'd have thought if we really wanted Leonard we would have bid higher rather than risk another team coming in for him.

 

[Booker4]

Nowhere will you find any factual information on what Southend's estimate is. this is the latest from Phil Brown published this morning.
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/bl...Leonard_to_remain_committed_to_Blues/?ref=rss
Whilst we would benefit from a large influx of cash, the club and supporters don't want Lenny to go. If we don't sell him then life will go on and we will have a very decent player for at least six months.

Sorry didn't see your post! I think the big problem is for Southend is that, with all due respect, I don't see you mounting a successful play off big, let alone the top two. With Blackburn, Wigan and Charlton all in the mix as well as Bradford I think Leonard knows that you will be outsiders to go up and he will just be playing out a campaign. That said, we need to match the valuation Southend want if we really want him.

 

[Yoonited]

You clearly don't follow my wisdom as closely as you should. My regular readers will know that's what I've always said. I've matured like a fine wine since those days.

You hoofers would be well advised to do likewise. Throw away your "Land that Time Forgot" Wimbledon and Watford VHS tapes. Move on from Vinnie Jones, Mark Morris, Paul Williams, Jostein Flo and Wally Fucking Downes. Tear yourself away from Lurch marching to the half way line and launching it to the clouds.

There's some good football at the Lane these days. You might learn to enjoy it, given time. Tufty calls it the 'right way' but you Bassett Boys won't have heard that, because it doesn't fit.

Kick it Long; Kick it Hard; Kick it High.

"My Regular Readers" ???? I am pretty new on this site and did nor realise there was a pecking order.Are you a columnist elsewhere or something dude cos you sound like some jumped up journo who rates his own rhetoric, it could be argued.

Comical if nowt else.Wisdom ??? Sure your not a wendy ?

By the way, isn't Dave Basset Chris's mentor to some degree? I think you are disrespecting everyone who played for him, Deano Agana et al, not to mention Chris.Perhaps you ought to ask Dave and Chris to join your strange debate and see what they reckon? Astonishing

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Sorry didn't see your post! I think the big problem is for Southend is that, with all due respect, I don't see you mounting a successful play off big, let alone the top two. With Blackburn, Wigan and Charlton all in the mix as well as Bradford I think Leonard knows that you will be outsiders to go up and he will just be playing out a campaign. That said, we need to match the valuation Southend want if we really want him.

Wow, that's a bit of a steep assumption. We naused up our attempt last year for a chunk of different reasons, but each season under Phil Brown we have improved. As we finished 7th last time it's not impossible that we will do better this time round. None of that means that Lenny will leave without a club meeting Ron Martin's valuation first.

 

[Booker4]

Wow, that's a bit of a steep assumption. We naused up our attempt last year for a chunk of different reasons, but each season under Phil Brown we have improved. As we finished 7th last time it's not impossible that we will do better this time round. None of that means that Lenny will leave without a club meeting Ron Martin's valuation first.

Its just my views mate based on your opponents in the league and your incoming's or lack of thus far. Last season Southend did well, don't get me wrong, and the season before, but unless you improve your team you will be in the mix for the play offs at best. Now of course you may well go up next season in the play offs - I think we can both agree that the automatic places are highly unlikely. But in terms of keeping Leonard and your manager and chairman saying stuff like we want to get promoted etc, that wouldn't wash with me if I was Leonard, because so far you've lost players who were first teamers last season and to my knowledge have made no or one signing so far? As it stands that doesn't seem that a successful play off bid is likely. Of course this may well change in the next few months, but I would say that Leonard is no fool and he won't be convinced by this promotion talk, which is quiet frankly cheap at the present and just talk.

Oh and yes, you're spot on, it means nothing unless we or someone else meets the valuation of Southend. I'm just saying that I don't for one minute think Leonard will be happy to stay, he's made that clear, through his agent or the press have got onto it - unless that's complete fabrication.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Its just my views mate based on your opponents in the league and your incoming's or lack of thus far. Last season Southend did well, don't get me wrong, and the season before, but unless you improve your team you will be in the mix for the play offs at best. Now of course you may well go up next season in the play offs - I think we can both agree that the automatic places are highly unlikely. But in terms of keeping Leonard and your manager and chairman saying stuff like we want to get promoted etc, that wouldn't wash with me if I was Leonard, because so far you've lost players who were first teamers last season and to my knowledge have made no or one signing so far? As it stands that doesn't seem that a successful play off bid is likely. Of course this may well change in the next few months, but I would say that Leonard is no fool and he won't be convinced by this promotion talk, which is quiet frankly cheap at the present and just talk.

Oh and yes, you're spot on, it means nothing unless we or someone else meets the valuation of Southend. I'm just saying that I don't for one minute think Leonard will be happy to stay, he's made that clear, through his agent or the press have got onto it - unless that's complete fabrication.

We tend to wait until the first game of the season before we unveil our master stroke newcomers! but you're assessment is probably pretty accurate, but we do continue to piss off other clubs who think we are easy meat. We will be hard to beat next year and with 2/3 quality recruits we will be sniffing the play-offs. Lenny will still come to you providing you meet the price. I really would hate it if he went to that mob south of the river.

 

[Mouth of the South]

There's an awful lot of people who reckon they know a lot more and can do a better job at signing players that the current Board and the club's recruitment team (which includes CW), even with huge gaps in their information - in this case, how much Southend want for Leonard, how much Utd have bid, how much they're prepared to go up to, other add-ons offered as part of the deal, contract amount and length.

Unless I've misjudged a lot of people and they're all highly experienced football administrators with knowledge of negotiating transfers and contracts, how about just letting the club get on with it?

 

[sheffielder]

There's an awful lot of people who reckon they know a lot more and can do a better job at signing players that the current Board and the club's recruitment team (which includes CW), even with huge gaps in their information - in this case, how much Southend want for Leonard, how much Utd have bid, how much they're prepared to go up to, other add-ons offered as part of the deal, contract amount and length.

Unless I've misjudged a lot of people and they're all highly experienced football administrators with knowledge of negotiating transfers and contracts, how about just letting the club get on with it?

We can have opinions and I am just questioning how good the lad is if we aren't really wanting to raise our offer. I understand getting value for money but if we're not sure on spending 350k on a player to do a good job for the us in the Championship then I (my thoughts) if he is going to be good enough. Football is all about opinions, especially a forum gossip message board.

 

[sheffielder]

We tend to wait until the first game of the season before we unveil our master stroke newcomers! but you're assessment is probably pretty accurate, but we do continue to piss off other clubs who think we are easy meat. We will be hard to beat next year and with 2/3 quality recruits we will be sniffing the play-offs. Lenny will still come to you providing you meet the price. I really would hate it if he went to that mob south of the river.

350k and Leon Clarke. That's the best we can do and you're now missing a striker

 

[Rootshallbloke]

350k and Leon Clarke. That's the best we can do and you're now missing a striker

I think we'll pass on Leon, we've had him here before. What striker is it we're now missing?

 

[1danewhitehouse]

Yes, and he can kick it backwards over his head like Paul Rogers and Quinny.

Funnily enough, Pinchy confesses to being a fan of Paul Rogers. He’s also critical of Jags for not being bladey enough. He’s a complicated man, and no-one understands him but his woman.

 

[1danewhitehouse]

350 k is peanuts for a championship club. When are we going to stop behaving like Ebenezer Scrooge and start doing what's necessary and what other clubs do in good time rather than wait too long and then make panic buys for left overs at higher prices.

I’d say we already have a healthy looking squad and are not desperate for Leonard. I believe the squad we went up with is good enough to stay up. We’ve added Stevens, Thomas, Evans and Baldock to that making it stronger still. Leonard would be another useful addition but it’s not like last summer when we had gaping holes to fill. I’m not too concerned whether he signs or not as I’m comfortable with a combination of Fleck, Coutts, Duffy & Carruthers in midfield. We’re ahead of the game so far. The pigs for example haven’t signed anyone yet while we’ve added 4 players who could all improve our squad.