Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 16,027
They get to work early doors.
Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
[Albion] Napoli interested in Billy Gilmour **Sold 30/08/24**
- Thread starter Bozza
- Start date
Iggle Piggle
Well-known member
- Sep 3, 2010
- 5,950
I just don't get this one at all.
Last week's Man of the match sold for a knock down price whilst our new midfielder goes under the surgeons knife.
This is the sort of decision Palace make.
Last week's Man of the match sold for a knock down price whilst our new midfielder goes under the surgeons knife.
This is the sort of decision Palace make.
Leo Ostigard went to Napoli for the same reason.....................I am guessing that WBG himself really pushed for this move as he wants the chance to be a first choice, not a back up
- Nov 15, 2006
- 4,246
You have to admire players who don’t want to settle for being a back up player thoughLeo Ostigard went to Napoli for the same reason.....................
- May 8, 2018
- 10,613
LRR?
…..and WACCOE
You’ve spelled Van Hecke incorrectly
.He was very good against Man U though. Almost like a last attempt to keep his place here, rather than the performance of someone who wanted away,
It’s 100% characteristic if Billy wanted to go.
Hotchilidog
Well-known member
- Jan 24, 2009
- 9,120
This move has been in the works for a while, this suggests that all parties were ok with it from the off. So I am not upset about it, the fee does seem low but if Bloom is ok with it so am I, I trust the club.
I like Billy, he’s a good player, but for me not a game changer; which I think is also the view of the club hence accommodation of this move. Napoli represents a great opportunity for Billy and the appeal is obvious, I can see why he would have wanted this deal to go through.
Given that he was likely to be sold his performance against United was even more commendable and a testament to his professionalism. I wish him all the best at Napoli. I also look at the evolution of our midfield under Hürzeler into something we have not seen before, especially when all of our players are available. Here’s hoping Baleba finally gets his chance.
I like Billy, he’s a good player, but for me not a game changer; which I think is also the view of the club hence accommodation of this move. Napoli represents a great opportunity for Billy and the appeal is obvious, I can see why he would have wanted this deal to go through.
Given that he was likely to be sold his performance against United was even more commendable and a testament to his professionalism. I wish him all the best at Napoli. I also look at the evolution of our midfield under Hürzeler into something we have not seen before, especially when all of our players are available. Here’s hoping Baleba finally gets his chance.
- May 8, 2018
- 10,613
It’s odd as I don’t see Baleba back up to anyone. From what he’s showing pre season and this season he’s the powerhouse of our midfield and if we have any chance against Arsenal today he needs to start
This.
Lenny Rider
Well-known member
- Sep 15, 2010
- 6,010
They never mentioned he was surplus to requirements, it’s apparent that’s the case with young Fabian.
Thanks Wee Billy and good luck in Naples.
He always seemed a decent lad - one of those that you need as social glue in a squad (he seemed to love Buzz's Bootroom Bingo for example).
He always seemed to give 100% on the pitch too. He will be missed.
For what it's worth, I don't think he actively wanted away, BUT... once he was told that he wouldn't be an automatic starter (or, more likely that he will very much be a back-up option as he doesn't quite fit the new system), he said he'd rather move than be a bench-warmer.
I reckon FH would happily have kept him around as a very reliable option when needed (see starting XI vs Man U), but also acknowledged that because of WBG's desire to play every week, it would be best for all parties to move him on if he got an opportunity he wanted (ideally not in the EPL so we don't help a rival).
Napoli comes up, WBG likes the look of it for a number of reasons, so the club doesn't stand in his way. I'd be surprised if there isn't a hefty sell-on, given the relatively low up-front fee.
So I don't think it's a case of either WBG actively wanting out, or the club just wanting to get rid. It's just that his proposed lesser role in the squad didn't work for him and the club didn't want to keep him at all costs just for a back-up role, so they let him go with their blessing...
A very dull 'somewhere in the middle of the conjecture' explanation, but the result of grown-up conversations between a player and the club that anyone who's been paying attention would expect.
He always seemed a decent lad - one of those that you need as social glue in a squad (he seemed to love Buzz's Bootroom Bingo for example).
He always seemed to give 100% on the pitch too. He will be missed.
For what it's worth, I don't think he actively wanted away, BUT... once he was told that he wouldn't be an automatic starter (or, more likely that he will very much be a back-up option as he doesn't quite fit the new system), he said he'd rather move than be a bench-warmer.
I reckon FH would happily have kept him around as a very reliable option when needed (see starting XI vs Man U), but also acknowledged that because of WBG's desire to play every week, it would be best for all parties to move him on if he got an opportunity he wanted (ideally not in the EPL so we don't help a rival).
Napoli comes up, WBG likes the look of it for a number of reasons, so the club doesn't stand in his way. I'd be surprised if there isn't a hefty sell-on, given the relatively low up-front fee.
So I don't think it's a case of either WBG actively wanting out, or the club just wanting to get rid. It's just that his proposed lesser role in the squad didn't work for him and the club didn't want to keep him at all costs just for a back-up role, so they let him go with their blessing...
A very dull 'somewhere in the middle of the conjecture' explanation, but the result of grown-up conversations between a player and the club that anyone who's been paying attention would expect.
Tom Hark Preston Park
Will Post For Cash
- Jul 6, 2003
- 72,314
They'll be dancing in the streets of Sinclair Scottish Pub tonight
That’s my guess too. Entirely in line with how the club operates hence easily the most likely explanation, but too dull for those looking for a big issue where there probably isn’t one. As for the price, given there’s not a single rumour of another club trying to hijack the deal it can’t be far off market value
HalfaSeatOn
Well-known member
In the Man Utd press conference, FH said he is open and transparent with the players about the plan for them. If a player doesn’t have the feeling they can develop at the club it’s up to them to find another way. The club smoothed the path and WBG‘s found his way.
Justice
Dangerous Idiot
Funny thing about that they picked up about 12,000 ‘strangers’ when they moved to their new Legoland ground.
Last edited:
Justice
Dangerous Idiot
I trust the club 100% Bloom and Barber all the way, oh hold on why are they selling WBG when the new midfielder is injured not happy with this. ‘This isn’t something Palace would do’ was the best one 
Simple facts the club replaced WBG no new contract option for him, they wanted a newer more shiny midfield.
Simple facts the club replaced WBG no new contract option for him, they wanted a newer more shiny midfield.
Iggle Piggle
Well-known member
- Sep 3, 2010
- 5,950
Thought JP had a great game but played them on once too often. I digress.You’ve spelled Van Hecke incorrectly
He was very good against Man U though. Almost like a last attempt to keep his place here, rather than the performance of someone who wanted away,
So much change in the middle. Mwepu, retired with Ali Mac, Caciedo and Gross all gone. Letting WBG go at a knock down seems a bit of a risk especially with the crocking from Tuesday.
Appreciate Grandad played well last week but I suspect it will really hit home when the lines up come out today and we see who is matching up Rice, Party and Odegaard.
Given Baleba came on and activated beast mode last week, I don’t have too many concerns. He looks ready, give him the minutes. Gilmour was great for us but, ultimately, his return in an attacking sense was very poor and I would expect our new midfield to be able to better it.