Player Suggestion John Obi Mikel

[Lower Drop Blade]

Why?

1) Too slow for our style
2) When I watch Boro last season looked disinterested when the chips were down
3) My opinion is more interested in the money

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Finally somebody has said it. People on here often roll out the tried and tested phrases “on his way down” or “here for a last payday” but I think we’ll need some established, experienced premier league talent and ability to complement our current squad. Talent, experience, determination and a good attitude are not mutually exclusive.

Agreed, we do need some experience.

Wilder has said on a couple of occasions since promotion that he may tweak the system/formation that we use.

Tweaking could be to put someone like Mikel in front on the back 3. He was good at this for Chelsea and Kante did a similar job until Sarri decided to use him differently.

Wilder has said numerous times that he doesn't particularly like the sound of a defensive midfielder, but we are going to need someone who can break up play and as specifically mentioned by Wilder - we are going to have to be careful that we don't get hit on the break. This happened a few times in our first season back in the Championship, but we learned that lesson for year 2.

We might very well be on the front foot when at home next season, but we are going to get pushed back when away from home by much much better footballers.

This type of player is a must for me.

UTB

 

[bongleblade]

reportedly deciding his next move before africa cup of nations starts on tues... would love it if he’s our first signing so soon!

 

[bongleblade]

reportedly deciding his next move before africa cup of nations starts on tues... would love it if he’s our first signing so soon!

oops... African Cup of Nations starts 21 June not May! My bad (I was thinking that's strange doing it before p.o's have finished lol)... another month to wait!

 

[bongleblade]

Can't see this happening now - he will go Villa to link back up with JT... and it probably would've been FLDC if they went up

 

[Bottbott91]

Just an update on this. Mikel has been released by boro now. Does this indicate his legs have gone or that he's been tapped up by a different team?

 

[S64 Blade]

I think I'd prefer Fer over Mikel. On the basis of the games last season, both are of a similar ability (although Fer bossed it at Swansea) but I'd guess Fer would be a cheaper option and he is younger.

 

[Ricky]

Signing Fer could also be a good tactical move to get McBurnie. They seem to be good mates.

 

[Houso]

Just an update on this. Mikel has been released by boro now. Does this indicate his legs have gone or that he's been tapped up by a different team?

They've not exactly released him. He's not been offered a new contract as it was just a short term deal. In all probability because purse strings are being tightened at the Riverside and JOM may have said he wouldn't want to stay in the Championship.

I'd prefer JOM to Fer as he doesn't have the injury record of the latter... and hasn't taken as many clubs down.

 

[DeanLearner'sCat]

Is he actually only 32 years old? Or is it a Nigerian 32? A Taribo West style 32 where he's actually about 46?

 

[Wards]

Thing is, we are lacking in Prem experience. Wilder signed Stearman for the same reason when we got to the Championship. Wouldn’t be totally against us signing a former Premier League (twice) and Champions League winner tbh, and one that played very well against us last season.

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

1) Too slow for our style
2) When I watch Boro last season looked disinterested when the chips were down
3) My opinion is more interested in the money

1) He's quicker than Norwood. Speed isn't a necessity for our team.
2) In top 5 performances of opposition players at the lane last season. Read the game exceptionally, great vision and a calmness on the ball
3) If he was interested in the money he'd be in Qatar or China. However, as he has stated, he wants to stay in the UK to be close to his settled family.

Whoever gets him have made an astute signing.

 

[bongleblade]

gone to Trabzonspor

 

[Ricky]

Nigeria have played him in the 10 position, presumably as some sort of bizarre homage to his younger days. Because football wise it's absolutely retarded, and hasn't worked for them one bit. So it's been hard to judge him in the AFCON, but he has looked rusty and been subbed after an hour twice.

Fer and Diame are better bets for us anyway.

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Signed for Trabzonspor today.

 

[Mouth of the South]

A good player in his day but can't say I'm overly disappointed he's gone elsewhere. Thinking about it, the Turkish league is perfect for him - no doubt he'll be getting paid a large wage for playing in a very average league.

 

[ChipButtyBlade]

Is he actually only 32 years old? Or is it a Nigerian 32? A Taribo West style 32 where he's actually about 46?

Diet of bush meat keeps em looking young.

 

[Lane Ender]

All these mentioned on here are just going through the motions they’re yesterday’s news.