Neal Maupay

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An opinion from The Celtic Star.

The striker Neil Maupay is exactly what we need. He is the complete striker. Finishing, holding the ball up and bringing others into play. He may only lack that little bit of place that would put off Premiership sides. In Scotland he’d rule the roost.

He is a credit to the coaching staff at Brentford as when he arrived he showed flashes. Within months he was adding consistency. If someone asked me to choose a realistic striker under £15 million for Celtic, he is who I’d choose without a second of contemplation as he’s the real deal and has room for improvement. We’d need to be willing to spend though. Brentford are always willing to sell, but they will know their price.

The other player is Ollie Watkins. I only saw him in the flesh briefly towards the end of my time down there. He can play through the middle or wide. Of the 3 players mentioned he’s the one capable of becoming the best all round player. His versatility could be seem as a weakness but really it’s not he’s just equally capable in several positions not just one of these utility players who just does a job around the Park. He had a bit of maturing still to do but we can’t wait for that any longer can we? If we do we get priced out.

The other player is Ollie Watkins. I only saw him in the flesh briefly towards the end of my time down there. He can play through the middle or wide. Of the 3 players mentioned he’s the one capable of becoming the best all round player. His versatility could be seem as a weakness but really it’s not he’s just equally capable in several positions not just one of these utility players who just does a job around the Park. He had a bit of maturing still to do but we can’t wait for that any longer can we? If we do we get priced out.

To get back to Romaine Sawyers. If Brentford have now bestowed the captaincy upon him and he’s now starting to reach the potential he certainly has then he’s a player that would benefit Celtic.

But see if we’re down there and we’re willing to push the boat out can we please try and test the water with Neil Maupay. If you don’t ask you don’t get!
 
Flatulent_Bob said:
It’s clearly dead. Long way between Munich and Portugal and no way they could get an easy flight between them.
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There are 3 direct flights a day between Munich and Lisbon. 3 hours apart. So that’s not the issue.

The issue is the deal isn’t finalised yet, that’s all.

I also think £20m is too much btw. I think £12m rising to £15m on certain conditions is about right. I think £10m is too low.

If we are willing to offer up to £15m then I think he’ll become our player. The fact he’s gone on a trip to Munich is neither here nor there imo
 
I have a few genuine questions for the Brentford lads on here:

1. Why do you think Brentford have struggled to make the top 6 in the past few seasons despite the fact you've obviously got an extremely talented squad and can beat anyone when you're at your peak? I know a lot of us were delighted Leeds had you in the run in as we knew what you were capable of.

2. Are you frustrated that you have been so close to The Premiership for a while now but keep missing out and selling your better players? Or are you just happy with what you are seeing at the club given the size of your club?

3. Is the fan base at all split (like ours to some extent) between those who would like you to really "go" for it and those who are wary about where you could end up if you don't live within your means?

I find Brentford a fascinating club with their scouting network and their ability to get good prices for most of their players. I just wonder if it can get frustrating selling your prize assets and seemingly always falling a tad short.
 
Cerberus Blade said:
There are 3 direct flights a day between Munich and Lisbon. 3 hours apart. So that’s not the issue.

The issue is the deal isn’t finalised yet, that’s all.

I also think £20m is too much btw. I think £12m rising to £15m on certain conditions is about right. I think £10m is too low.

If we are willing to offer up to £15m then I think he’ll become our player. The fact he’s gone on a trip to Munich is neither here nor there imo
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Sorry Cerbs, I was being factious.
 
The bottom line is..... Brentford, always the bridesmaid.

I’m sure on the back of a good season for Maupay and being in good form, the obvious next move is to play premiership football. He may miss the boat if he doesn’t this year. There is no promotion guarantee in the championship. (which for me the fan makes it a great league to be involved in.)
Wilder’s a great manager for me and he has proved he won’t get rolled over by agents. Look at it logically, there is only a finite amount of playing positions in the premiership and a lot are taken. ( obviously by proven world class players). At Sheff Utd the places are up for grabs and the chance to become a household name/ star performer is well worth the risk. A lot of Sky/ Match of the day mentions to the one that stands out.
I’m quite sure the players are lining up at the door, they’d be daft not to.
As we all know it’s the agents who may scupper the deal. If so, just let him go and move on to the next player, maybe McBurnie. Maupay will be the one to regret it in the end.
 
Monday is going to be shite if we don't sign someone innit? 😂

Can we have a club directive that any signings will be announced at no later than 1pm so that I don't waste my afternoons for the next 30 days refreshing websites?
 
Roygbiv said:
I have a few genuine questions for the Brentford lads on here:

1. Why do you think Brentford have struggled to make the top 6 in the past few seasons despite the fact you've obviously got an extremely talented squad and can beat anyone when you're at your peak? I know a lot of us were delighted Leeds had you in the run in as we knew what you were capable of.

2. Are you frustrated that you have been so close to The Premiership for a while now but keep missing out and selling your better players? Or are you just happy with what you are seeing at the club given the size of your club?

3. Is the fan base at all split (like ours to some extent) between those who would like you to really "go" for it and those who are wary about where you could end up if you don't live within your means?

I find Brentford a fascinating club with their scouting network and their ability to get good prices for most of their players. I just wonder if it can get frustrating selling your prize assets and seemingly always falling a tad short.
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1. Concede too many goals. Hence the beefing up of our back line with the signings of Pinnock and Jansson. Our income also means we simply cannot pay the basic wages other clubs do.
2. No. We are having the happiest days of our lives. We've all done our apprentice. It's not like supporting a "big club".
3. No. Again, expectations are realistic. You will always find some that think we should be beating Liverpool in the Champions League final 10-0 , but you get the same at every club.

Just look at the factors: the relative sizes of our two clubs. You are a one-city Club whereas there are three clubs within 3-4 miles of us.

What is very enjoyable for a club our size is to get one over on the so-called "big boys" of the leagues. The fact that we are smaller also means that we are closer-knit and closer to those that are running the club. I couldn't imagine supporting a club where there was a thread of "meeting players" for example. That sort of thing is run of the mill here.
 
Banana said:
1. Concede too many goals. Hence the beefing up of our back line with the signings of Pinnock and Jansson. Our income also means we simply cannot pay the basic wages other clubs do.
2. No. We are having the happiest days of our lives. We've all done our apprentice. It's not like supporting a "big club".
3. No. Again, expectations are realistic. You will always find some that think we should be beating Liverpool in the Champions League final 10-0 , but you get the same at every club.

Just look at the factors: the relative sizes of our two clubs. You are a one-city Club whereas there are three clubs within 3-4 miles of us.

What is very enjoyable for a club our size is to get one over on the so-called "big boys" of the leagues. The fact that we are smaller also means that we are closer-knit and closer to those that are running the club. I couldn't imagine supporting a club where there was a thread of "meeting players" for example. That sort of thing is run of the mill here.
Click to expand...

A one city club, a bit like yourselves then.
 

Roygbiv said:
I have a few genuine questions for the Brentford lads on here:

1. Why do you think Brentford have struggled to make the top 6 in the past few seasons despite the fact you've obviously got an extremely talented squad and can beat anyone when you're at your peak? I know a lot of us were delighted Leeds had you in the run in as we knew what you were capable of.

2. Are you frustrated that you have been so close to The Premiership for a while now but keep missing out and selling your better players? Or are you just happy with what you are seeing at the club given the size of your club?

3. Is the fan base at all split (like ours to some extent) between those who would like you to really "go" for it and those who are wary about where you could end up if you don't live within your means?

I find Brentford a fascinating club with their scouting network and their ability to get good prices for most of their players. I just wonder if it can get frustrating selling your prize assets and seemingly always falling a tad short.
Click to expand...


I'll have a go although I am aware that to many I / we have outstayed our welcome (we didn't really have one anyway I guess).

1. The year we reached the top 6, we sneaked in at the last minute and knew we'd not have enough. The next year was a bit rubbish. Every year there has been little things wrong - last year for example I think we were as good as anyone going forward but our defending was shocking and our away form appalling. Simply, we can't afford the depth of squad we need. Things are changing though Pinnock, Jansson (if he comes) Norgaard improve our defence massively.

2. No, not really. 5 consecutive years in the Championship is an achievement I think given our history, and we like the way we play and are run.

3 A bit but most Bees fans know that we recruit very good players which inevitably attracts clubs with more money than us. We need more time to be in a position to compete. I think we aspire to be a club like Reading - one that has a decent ground and when run properly can compete for promotion. I personally think we are not very far off at all.

I'd be interested in an outsider view - anyone who knows football would say 10 years ago that we were a lower league side and I was there when I genuinely feared we would fall into non-league. Do you think we are now an established Championship side who, even if relegated, you'd back to come back up?

Of course it's frustrating but equally I think we make some very good decisions sometimes when we sell (not always). We're going to have to live like this though for a while but when you consider that we are close to spending £12m on players so far this summer, that's a huge leap forward from even 3 years ago. The strategy is working I believe.
 
ChipButtyBlade said:
Your stadium reminds of Scunthorpe's proper Lge 2 standard,new stadium i looked at plans last year and thought meh.
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It's fine if you go there once a year and have a laugh like it's the old days. You tire of it every week. The new stadium is looking fantastic (imo).
 
Les said:
I'll have a go although I am aware that to many I / we have outstayed our welcome (we didn't really have one anyway I guess).

1. The year we reached the top 6, we sneaked in at the last minute and knew we'd not have enough. The next year was a bit rubbish. Every year there has been little things wrong - last year for example I think we were as good as anyone going forward but our defending was shocking and our away form appalling. Simply, we can't afford the depth of squad we need. Things are changing though Pinnock, Jansson (if he comes) Norgaard improve our defence massively.

2. No, not really. 5 consecutive years in the Championship is an achievement I think given our history, and we like the way we play and are run.

3 A bit but most Bees fans know that we recruit very good players which inevitably attracts clubs with more money than us. We need more time to be in a position to compete. I think we aspire to be a club like Reading - one that has a decent ground and when run properly can compete for promotion. I personally think we are not very far off at all.

I'd be interested in an outsider view - anyone who knows football would say 10 years ago that we were a lower league side and I was there when I genuinely feared we would fall into non-league. Do you think we are now an established Championship side who, even if relegated, you'd back to come back up?

Of course it's frustrating but equally I think we make some very good decisions sometimes when we sell (not always). We're going to have to live like this though for a while but when you consider that we are close to spending £12m on players so far this summer, that's a huge leap forward from even 3 years ago. The strategy is working I believe.
Click to expand...

Personally, I think Brentford are one of the more interesting sides in the league. Enjoyed all the matches against them, great away night down at Griffin park this season gone, and for a club of brentfords size never considered them punching above their weight.

Smart recruitment, tough side, decent fans. I have nothing bad to say about them and appreciate fans coming on here and being dedicated to their club and honest. 👍
 
Les said:
It's fine if you go there once a year and have a laugh like it's the old days. You tire of it every week. The new stadium is looking fantastic (imo).
Click to expand...
You going to share it with a rugby club London Irish ?,whats the crack with the stealth styling,is it so no one can find it on Google Earth.
 
Roygbiv said:
I have a few genuine questions for the Brentford lads on here:

1. Why do you think Brentford have struggled to make the top 6 in the past few seasons despite the fact you've obviously got an extremely talented squad and can beat anyone when you're at your peak? I know a lot of us were delighted Leeds had you in the run in as we knew what you were capable of.

2. Are you frustrated that you have been so close to The Premiership for a while now but keep missing out and selling your better players? Or are you just happy with what you are seeing at the club given the size of your club?

3. Is the fan base at all split (like ours to some extent) between those who would like you to really "go" for it and those who are wary about where you could end up if you don't live within your means?

I find Brentford a fascinating club with their scouting network and their ability to get good prices for most of their players. I just wonder if it can get frustrating selling your prize assets and seemingly always falling a tad short.
Click to expand...

1. We buy players with development potential - those that can contribute immediately but also we're likely to be able to sell for a hefty profit. Those players are mostly young and inexperienced, and therefore we frequently lack the mettle to see ourselves through tricky spells. We'll look invincible in spells and follow those by not winning in 10 games...

2. We've probably been a little further away from promotion than most think. We've finished top half each of the five seasons since we got promoted (top 10 for 4 of those I think), so we're on people's radars now but we've prioritised becoming financially self-sufficient. Out first two seasons up saw us buy players in the £500k-£1.5m range and sell them for £3m-£5m. We've gradually improved the state of the squad so that we're able to spend £1.5m-£3.25m and sell for £5m-£12m+.

It's probably worth noting quite how small we are as a club compared to most in this division - our commercial revenues are the lowest in the league and Griffin Park costs us a fortune. We've become a mainstay of the top half of the Championship despite being the only side who hasn't chucked money at it - our transfer activity has had to be so much better than others in the division otherwise we'll fall quickly behind. We've lived within our (tiny) means. We don't take that solidity for granted, but other clubs generally fail to realise how financially limited we are.

3. Most fans know that there will be a season when we properly go for it. Circumstances need to line themselves up. We wanted to invest heavily in the winter transfer window in our first season up as we were very well placed, but certain of the backroom staff prevented it.

If we go for broke and don't succeed then we're fucked. We don't have a massive infrastructure to fall back on, we don't have a huge fan base, big attendences, etc. For 4 season we generally had a bottom 4 budget but finished top ten. We've since been able to relax the purse strings somewhat and are very well placed as far a FFP goes.

Our management is nothing short of superb but most fans know we're likely to lose players to bigger sides in order to keep on improving the health of the club. For instance, we sold you Egan for £4m. His departure surprised quite a few fans but the DoFs knew we'd have to cash in last summer as he'd have left for free twelve months later - but his replacement was already lined up. We spent £3.25m on Konsa, who was the only Championship player in the England U21 squad this summer and has been touted for a £12m move this last week. We need that sort of revenue/play at sales to allow the club to keep improving.
 
Les said:
I'll have a go although I am aware that to many I / we have outstayed our welcome (we didn't really have one anyway I guess).

1. The year we reached the top 6, we sneaked in at the last minute and knew we'd not have enough. The next year was a bit rubbish. Every year there has been little things wrong - last year for example I think we were as good as anyone going forward but our defending was shocking and our away form appalling. Simply, we can't afford the depth of squad we need. Things are changing though Pinnock, Jansson (if he comes) Norgaard improve our defence massively.

2. No, not really. 5 consecutive years in the Championship is an achievement I think given our history, and we like the way we play and are run.

3 A bit but most Bees fans know that we recruit very good players which inevitably attracts clubs with more money than us. We need more time to be in a position to compete. I think we aspire to be a club like Reading - one that has a decent ground and when run properly can compete for promotion. I personally think we are not very far off at all.

I'd be interested in an outsider view - anyone who knows football would say 10 years ago that we were a lower league side and I was there when I genuinely feared we would fall into non-league. Do you think we are now an established Championship side who, even if relegated, you'd back to come back up?

Of course it's frustrating but equally I think we make some very good decisions sometimes when we sell (not always). We're going to have to live like this though for a while but when you consider that we are close to spending £12m on players so far this summer, that's a huge leap forward from even 3 years ago. The strategy is working I believe.
Click to expand...
This is more like it. I can see why you would aspire to be a Reading type club on the pitch, but please not off it. If their fans were any more plastic David Attenborough would be going onstage at Glastonbury to plead for their eradication. One thing I will say, Brentford fans are not plastic. As for the established Championship club thing, yeah, probably, and if you did go down I'd expect you to be in the mix to come back up.
 
ChipButtyBlade said:
You going to share it with a rugby club London Irish ?,whats the crack with the stealth styling,is it so no one can find it on Google Earth.
Click to expand...

It's a triangular site, locked in by railway lines. Most are staggered we could fit a ground in there at all. The alternative was somewhere miles away.
 
Greenwich Blade said:
This is more like it. I can see why you would aspire to be a Reading type club on the pitch, but please not off it. If their fans were any more plastic David Attenborough would be going onstage at Glastonbury to plead for their eradication. One thing I will say, Brentford fans are not plastic. As for the established Championship club thing, yeah, probably, and if you did go down I'd expect you to be in the mix to come back up.
Click to expand...

Good God no. I live near Reading and it seems that anyone I know who goes there has them as their second team. The Madejski is a horrible ground.
 
Les said:
I'll have a go although I am aware that to many I / we have outstayed our welcome (we didn't really have one anyway I guess).

1. The year we reached the top 6, we sneaked in at the last minute and knew we'd not have enough. The next year was a bit rubbish. Every year there has been little things wrong - last year for example I think we were as good as anyone going forward but our defending was shocking and our away form appalling. Simply, we can't afford the depth of squad we need. Things are changing though Pinnock, Jansson (if he comes) Norgaard improve our defence massively.

2. No, not really. 5 consecutive years in the Championship is an achievement I think given our history, and we like the way we play and are run.

3 A bit but most Bees fans know that we recruit very good players which inevitably attracts clubs with more money than us. We need more time to be in a position to compete. I think we aspire to be a club like Reading - one that has a decent ground and when run properly can compete for promotion. I personally think we are not very far off at all.

I'd be interested in an outsider view - anyone who knows football would say 10 years ago that we were a lower league side and I was there when I genuinely feared we would fall into non-league. Do you think we are now an established Championship side who, even if relegated, you'd back to come back up?

Of course it's frustrating but equally I think we make some very good decisions sometimes when we sell (not always). We're going to have to live like this though for a while but when you consider that we are close to spending £12m on players so far this summer, that's a huge leap forward from even 3 years ago. The strategy is working I believe.
Click to expand...

I think I've had a bet on you to go up in each of the last 3 seasons so like Bees says, maybe neutral fans think you are closer to promotion than your own fans do.

I love watching you play as you are usually involved in good games. Unfortunately for you, this is also due to the mistakes your team makes. I said to a friend last season I would pull my hair out supporting you because you look to have everything but just seem to throw games away at will. The season before last we would dominate sides, not take our chances and then let in a silly goal. To my ignorant eyes that's what Brentford remind me of. When we play you I expect you to have most of the ball, play good football and create loads of chances but I also feel confident that you will give us chances to win the game.

The game at Bramall Lane last season was classic Brentford for me. You really should have won that game but a few poor choices at both ends of the pitch meant that you lost it. I suppose experience is a factor but our backline consists of a midfielder converted into a centre half and two of your ex players who are only mid 20s.

I certainly think you are at least an established Championship club and you're probably doing yourselves a disservice by saying that. Wednesday think they're going to go up every year and class themselves as promotion material but I certainly think you are better than them. Obviously continually selling your better players thing could end up catching you out but I think half the clubs in the Championship would love to have your set up and you seem more stable than most.
 

I saw Brentford twice this season - Bramall Lane and New York Stadium where they made hard work of smashing Rotherham 4-2.

In the Rotherham game - Sawyers and Mokotjo formed an effective pair in central midfield. Sawyers oozed quality if not industry whereas Mokotjo seemed to do the 'Championship Kante' role better then anyone else I have seen. Pace in wide positions particularly from Henry & Watkins & the intelligence of Canos & Maupey. Defensively they never seemed to handle pressure; particularly crosses or hoofs up (which perhaps is further proved by McGoldricks 2nd at lane). They conceded two cheap goals at important times in the game where a better side then Rotherham may have taken that helping of momentum and cost them points. If memory serves me right they'd just sold Mepham to Bournemouth so that might explain the fragility that day.

So in summary - dangerous going forward but vulnerable at the back. The signings of Pinnock and Janssen should address their physical weakness. If they do keep hold of Maupey for another season I would certainly consider them playoff contenders.
 
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