Careless in the first half for me (but he wasn't the only one). Got stronger and is a key player for me.
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[Albion] Dale Stephens
- Thread starter British Bulldog
- Start date
Derby fan here, thanks to the guys in the other thread for directing me to this thread.
So I'll be honest, I was a bit concerned we were after this guy as I didn't know much about him. The fact it has started a 29 page thread must mean you guys rate him very highly though.
My understanding is we definitely are very keen. Some of you have said we're looking a bit desperate due to Hughes getting injured, we were already in the market for a midfielder before that, his injury (and the other 2 midfielder injuries) have simply made it more urgent.
This guy wouldn't be a Hughes replacement, totally different player and Hughes is irreplaceable for what we can spend. However, signing this guy would allow us a bit of flexibility to move players around in midfield.
A few comments I wanted to make about things I've read:
Okay so firstly, we have spent a good number of years taking very good care of our finances, keeping a low wage budget and not splashing out on players.
This season is the first time we're going for it, can you blame us? We've come very close the past 2 seasons and bottled it, if there was ever a time to go for it, it's now.
The "without any success" part is inaccurate, unless you mean the first 4 games are without success which is fair enough. We'll see at the end of the season (I personally think playoffs, then it's a lottery - which means chances are we'll fail again).
Apparently our FFP figures are okay with how we've structured the deals (monthly installments).
Hughes, Bryson, Hendrick, Thorne - if he's better than any of those, I want this guy signed ASAP. If he's better than Thorne I will rob a bank and stump up the cash needed myself.
I was looking at this forum with the Bayern quote, you have taken practically everything out of context, apart from some of the "never heard of him" comments.
A slight concern but it's not too bad, we'll see in a month's time.
So I'll be honest, I was a bit concerned we were after this guy as I didn't know much about him. The fact it has started a 29 page thread must mean you guys rate him very highly though.
My understanding is we definitely are very keen. Some of you have said we're looking a bit desperate due to Hughes getting injured, we were already in the market for a midfielder before that, his injury (and the other 2 midfielder injuries) have simply made it more urgent.
This guy wouldn't be a Hughes replacement, totally different player and Hughes is irreplaceable for what we can spend. However, signing this guy would allow us a bit of flexibility to move players around in midfield.
A few comments I wanted to make about things I've read:
Okay so firstly, we have spent a good number of years taking very good care of our finances, keeping a low wage budget and not splashing out on players.
This season is the first time we're going for it, can you blame us? We've come very close the past 2 seasons and bottled it, if there was ever a time to go for it, it's now.
The "without any success" part is inaccurate, unless you mean the first 4 games are without success which is fair enough. We'll see at the end of the season (I personally think playoffs, then it's a lottery - which means chances are we'll fail again).
Apparently our FFP figures are okay with how we've structured the deals (monthly installments).
As for the Derby fan saying Dale would be behind 4 of their central midfielders or whatever point he was making - utter bollocks
Hughes, Bryson, Hendrick, Thorne - if he's better than any of those, I want this guy signed ASAP. If he's better than Thorne I will rob a bank and stump up the cash needed myself.
I was looking at this forum with the Bayern quote, you have taken practically everything out of context, apart from some of the "never heard of him" comments.
A slight concern but it's not too bad, we'll see in a month's time.
Brian Fantana
Well-known member
All very interesting, but he ain't leaving.
Blue Valkyrie
Not seen such Bravery!
I really think Derby will have to look elsewhere for a midfielder, as it appears Tony isn't selling his first team players this window.
This made me laugh a little, we've had 29 page threads on here before about pooing whilst sitting on the loo the long way round.
Brian Fantana
Well-known member
I've not tried the AC Slater manoeuvre in a long time.
Machiavelli
Well-known member
Glad your FFP is up-to-shape.
PS Fulham bid over £5m for our centre-back, we turned him down, and he's just signed a five-year deal. So it looks like you'll have to spend far more than you think if you want to get Stephens off us.
gripper stebson
Well-known member
- Jul 27, 2004
- 6,690
Surely you'd have to take your trousers and pantaloons right off. Madness.
Gordon the Gopher
Active member
Always had a lot of time for Derby. Remember them taking us apart at the amex and long ago visiting the old baseball pub with a mate from college who was a big Rams fan.... Look at his fab just look at his face!
In fairness, it does seem to be a lively forum, so perhaps he is a shit player after all
MattBackHome
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 11,873
Thorne is sheer class. Is he fit now then?
Dunk right? Heard about him and looked pretty decent on tv the other week, maybe we'll go for him
Blue Valkyrie
Not seen such Bravery!
Yeah, there's an article today with him apologising for falling over in the last game and staying down for 5 seconds longer than he should, everyone's panicking he'll get injured again
He didn't look it against Birmingham the other day. He was awful.
I know a couple of years ago there was some evidence posted that it was the busiest football forum in the world, not sure if that's still the case?!In fairness, it does seem to be a lively forum, so perhaps he is a shit player after all
It's funny, as he was slagged off a lot last season, and now he seems to be a world-beater. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between, but I like him as a player.
E
Eric Youngs Contact Lense
Guest
Far too reasoned and fact-based to have any place on this forum!!!!
MattBackHome
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 11,873
Don't think you need Stephens if you have Thorne. A straight swap would be fair though [emoji6]
Haha he was woeful against Birmingham, but the entire team was awful. We were absolutely cacking ourselves after that game.