Boulding or Beckett

[Blue Monday]

The long drawn saga that is which striker will sign for city is coming to a climax (or anti climax)

I am getting a bit like others and thinking do I care anymore......

Have we left it too late or scrapping the bottom of the barrel?

Who will we sign

[Jantje]

Well its looking like the Bouldings to me! Why would he agree to even play if he wasn't leaning our way. We are short on strikers anyway so we could slam young Rory in the stiffs to see what hes like for a year.

[Blue Monday]

I may be clutching at straws but I still hope for big things from a thorne/willy combo upfront.jump:

Along with the lean mean Bazza machine as back up:flame:

[Jantje]

Same here, i really hope Willy does well. I saw him in all his reserve games as well as his fleeting 1st team games and he does have something different. He's got quick feet & a quick mind.
Hopefully it was only the fitness thing holding him back and with the op, he's over it. He seems popular with the other players from what i've heard so lets hope he can have a great season.
Thorney we know will score if he stays fit.

[Northern]

I was pleasently suprised to hear Boulding was training with us (and will be playing tonight). I'd much rather sign Boulding as I've said all along that I think Beckett is fair too similar to Thorne, even though Boulding hasn't got as good of a scoring record!

It seems to have gone very quiet on the Beckett front, plus it'll cost us a fee to sign him. I have a feeling if neither sign for us we'll be signing some young Premiership/Championship striker on loan!

[beerbantam]

I think we'll sign the Bouldings, of all the clubs they've been linked with we must look the best option?

What side does little Boulding play on if he's a winger?

[Northern]

He can play on both but played on the left for last season I think beer! tup:

[peter beagrie is mint]

You say Beckett is too similar to Thorne, at 32 yrs of age how much different to Thorne is Boulding???

[Parrot]

You say Beckett is too similar to Thorne, at 32 yrs of age how much different to Thorne is Boulding???

He's on about style, not age!

I think we need a striker who compliments Thorne rather than an out and out goalscorer, thats why I agree that Beckett isn't the answer but someone like Boulding is.

[peter beagrie is mint]

My point is Boulding will not run the channels etc but play in the hole??

[beerbantam]

I think we need a striker who compliments Thorne rather than an out and out goalscorer, .

Maybe thats why Topp & Thorne didnt hit it off?

He didnt understand when Topp shouted...

"Peter se ve su gran culo a ellos cortos!"

or

"Thornie sexy mamá que me pase el balón"

But he scored when Fat Barry was on and shouting...

" Peter your great, i really admire your positive outlook on life"

and

"Thorney! Where did you get that shirt? It really suits you and i want one"

[Parrot]

My point is Boulding will not run the channels etc but play in the hole??

Willys gonna play in the hole :chick:

[Superfatbantam]

Maybe thats why Topp & Thorne didnt hit it off?

He didnt understand when Topp shouted...

"Peter se ve su gran culo a ellos cortos!"

or

"Thornie sexy mamá que me pase el balón"

But he scored when Fat Barry was on and shouting...

" Peter your great, i really admire your positive outlook on life"

and

"Thorney! Where did you get that shirt? It really suits you and i want one"

http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs6/i/2005/050/a/3/Certifiably_Insane___Blank_by_Mearu.jpg

[peter beagrie is mint]

:confused:How are Boulding and Beckett different, would be an easier question

[Skyebantam]

what's the problem with having 2 out and out goalscorers? not that i'm getting greedy like. I seem to think it worked for peterboro. basically i think either would be an assett to the club although the amount of stalling is a bit off-putting.

[matnab]

I may be clutching at straws but I still hope for big things from a willy/thorne combo upfront.jump:



That'll have the opposition snookered!!!!!!!!






:o:sorry:

[Skyebantam]

tup:very good

[DutchBantam]

Boulding will sign, I think he's been Macca's 1st choice all along. And Rory coming with him will fill his squad depth search. Can't see the pair going to any of the other clubs after him, we have the stadium, the fans and if they are on free transfers ass opposed to Beckett there should be enough in the kitty for their wages.

I'm still not convinced Boulding isn't a one season wonder but I'll definately take him over some unknown loan kid. With him on board our strike force will be the envy of the rest of the league. And you never know, Rory might develop into something decent being surrounded by so many experienced pro's and a top set of coaches.

[Parrot]

How many of us had heard of Lee Mills before he came here?

He was hardly prolific either before he joined the mighty Bantams but prospered by playing alongside players who could deliver great service like Beagrie, Whalley and strike partner Blake.

I reckon McClaren and Brandon will be great suppliers this season, lets hope we have a winger who can assist half as much as Beags did eh?

[BWWB]

Why not Boulding and Beckett ?

It is doubtful whether any of our strikers will remain fit and in form all season and having the choice of any two of Thorne, Conlon, Boulding and Beckett would certainly give the rest of the division something to think about.

As for Topp I still fail to see what anyone has seen in him to presume he can be a success in any football team. A dozen appearances in 5 years of Chilean football is hardly a recommendation and his performances for City were totally anonymous.

In 11 appearances he scored nil and looked likely to score about the same number. He did make one goal but that was in his second or third appearance.

Apologists will claim he wasn't fit enough (but that also goes for most of the population so it is hardly an excuse).

Unfortunately he reminds me of the likes of Lee Power and Danny Cadermarteri who could (should) have been a lot better than they turned out to be.

[beerbantam]

As for Topp I still fail to see what anyone has seen in him to presume he can be a success in any football team. A dozen appearances in 5 years of Chilean football is hardly a recommendation and his performances for City were totally anonymous.

In 11 appearances he scored nil and looked likely to score about the same number. He did make one goal but that was in his second or third appearance.

Apologists will claim he wasn't fit enough (but that also goes for most of the population so it is hardly an excuse).

Unfortunately he reminds me of the likes of Lee Power and Danny Cadermarteri who could (should) have been a lot better than they turned out to be.

Tevez failed to score in his first 19 games at West Ham and he's shit isnt he??:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[BWWB]

What's Tevez got to do with it ?

If you think Topp is in the same class as Tevez then I'm afraid you are sadly mistaken.

However if Man Utd or Chelsea offer £17.5m for him I'll bow to your better judgement

[beerbantam]

What's Tevez got to do with it ?

If you think Topp is in the same class as Tevez then I'm afraid you are sadly mistaken.

However if Man Utd or Chelsea offer £17.5m for him I'll bow to your better judgement

No, simply stating the fact that south americans generally take time to settle in, in the UK. Only a idiot would right him off after a couple of starts and a handful of sub appearances whilst injured!

[BWWB]

Well I'm not sure who is the idiot - the person who thinks every South American is as good as Tevez or one who thinks a player should only be treated as an exceptional talent after he has proved himself

[beerbantam]

Well I'm not sure who is the idiot
I am!

Its another post of moaning & doom mongering for the sake of it!

Topp holds huge potential and we are yet to see it because he's been injured.

Criticise him after he's got 10-15 more starts under his belt, if he's still poor then fair enough!!

[Skyebantam]

Unfortunately he reminds me of the likes of Lee Power and Danny Cadermarteri who could (should) have been a lot better than they turned out to be.

i thought he ended up with some mystery illness or something :confused: ?? his first couple of games were stormers and then he never played at Cambridge. maybe i got it wrong but i think it's a bit harsh mentioning him alongside cadders. but maybe i'm wrong, it is way back when after all..

[BWWB]

i thought he ended up with some mystery illness or something :confused: ?? his first couple of games were stormers and then he never played at Cambridge. maybe i got it wrong but i think it's a bit harsh mentioning him alongside cadders. but maybe i'm wrong, it is way back when after all..

You are correct about Power's short history (although he did play a few games later on). Whatever was meant by "mystery illness" was never explained. Let's hope that Topp's "injury" (presumably missed by the medical team) is a thing of the past.

[Jantje]

Let's hope that Topp's "injury" (presumably missed by the medical team) is a thing of the past.

Topp looked fairly sharp last night albeit in a 1st pre season friendly. He came off after about 75 minutes but only for a chance to look at someone else!

[Dr Wisey]

Topp did not get injured BWWB - he had a medical condition that required surgery to correct it - now enabling him to play 90 minutes.

[beerbantam]

Bradford City are leading the chase to sign in demand striker Michael Boulding despite the striker missing the Bantams' 3-1 friendly defeat to Farsley Celtic last night.
The former Mansfield Town striker, who is a transfer target of Cheltenham manager Keith Downing, has been training with Bradford and was set to play at Farsley's Throstle Nest ground.
However an ankle injury sustained in training prevented him from taking any part in the game.
Sheffield based Boulding is set to meet with Robins manager Keith Downing later this week to discuss a possible move to Whaddon Road.
Before meeting with Downing he will hold talks with Bradford manager Stuart McCall who is keen to make him a permanent addition to his squad.

“Now we've got Michael in, we'll see if we can take it further,” said McCall

“We haven't had time for a proper chat but hopefully I'll sit down with him over the next couple of days.”
Boulding trained with fellow League Two club Rotherham United last week and was offered a contract by manager Mark Robins.
"Michael is still considering his options and there's a contract on the table for him if he decides to join us." said Robins.
Keith Downing admitted his interest in Boulding after Cheltenham's 2-1 friendly win over Hinckley United on Tuesday.
Downing said he hoped to meet with Boulding before the Robins squad leave their their Leicestershire training base to play at AFC Telford United on Friday.

[DBantam]

Topp did not get injured BWWB - he had a medical condition that required surgery to correct it - now enabling him to play 90 minutes.

I've recently had a very similar injury to Topp. While you can feel a little bit of pain while running, it doesn't affect you at all. However, once you stop then the pain is excruciating and sometimes you can barely walk. For me, it's from running, so I do X miles fine and once I get home the pain hits. For Topp, it would be playing the first 45 minutes without much trouble. Once half-time comes and he gets to the dressing room, it would be murder.

I can't vouch for the exact nature of Topp's injury, because mine wasn't quite compartmental syndrome, nor the extent of his injury. However, that's my best summary to try and explain it.

However, I'm very surprised he's never experienced it before like in the few months training he had. Then again, not sure why mine suddenly started either.

[Sleepless in settle]

Why not Boulding and Beckett ?

It is doubtful whether any of our strikers will remain fit and in form all season and having the choice of any two of Thorne, Conlon, Boulding and Beckett would certainly give the rest of the division something to think about.

As for Topp I still fail to see what anyone has seen in him to presume he can be a success in any football team. A dozen appearances in 5 years of Chilean football is hardly a recommendation and his performances for City were totally anonymous.

In 11 appearances he scored nil and looked likely to score about the same number. He did make one goal but that was in his second or third appearance.

Apologists will claim he wasn't fit enough (but that also goes for most of the population so it is hardly an excuse).

Unfortunately he reminds me of the likes of Lee Power and Danny Cadermarteri who could (should) have been a lot better than they turned out to be.

Having, in person, this season, seen Topp's former team play against River Plate in the South American equivilant of the champion's league (Copa Libatadores), I would say getting any game for Univ Catolica is a huge achievment and represents a very high level. They stand amongst the best teams in Chile and gave legendary river a run for their money. To dismiss the standard out of hand as you have done is quite simply naive!

How many games have Frasier Cambell, Chris Eagles or even closer to home, Scott Loach played in their first team. Quite simply not many players under the age of 21 (I realise topp is 23) play for the first team at high level clubs, this is not to say that they would not do a more than adequate job a few levels down (see cambells performance for hull last year).

To dismiss Topp's ability at this stage of the season as you have done is as flawed an approach as to rave about him, something which you openly criticise - surely you can see the hypocracy there.

The only reasonable approach is to say that he has many attributes to his game that could be useful at our level, offers something different to the current crop and if that potential is realised and he remains clear of injury he may indeed prove useful.

And I dont think anyone was drawing ability comparasons between Tevez and Topp, rather simply providing supportive evidence that, despite their respective abilities, a player who initially didnt settle in the country has later gone on to play very well in the UK. I think you probably know that this is what the person was trying to point out.

[Jantje]

Having, in person, this season, seen Topp's former team play against River Plate in the South American equivilant of the champion's league (Copa Libatadores), I would say getting any game for Univ Catolica is a huge achievment and represents a very high level. They stand amongst the best teams in Chile and gave legendary river a run for their money. To dismiss the standard out of hand as you have done is quite simply naive!

How many games have Frasier Cambell, Chris Eagles or even closer to home, Scott Loach played in their first team. Quite simply not many players under the age of 21 (I realise topp is 23) play for the first team at high level clubs, this is not to say that they would not do a more than adequate job a few levels down (see cambells performance for hull last year).

To dismiss Topp's ability at this stage of the season as you have done is as flawed an approach as to rave about him, something which you openly criticise - surely you can see the hypocracy there.

The only reasonable approach is to say that he has many attributes to his game that could be useful at our level, offers something different to the current crop and if that potential is realised and he remains clear of injury he may indeed prove useful.

And I dont think anyone was drawing ability comparasons between Tevez and Topp, rather simply providing supportive evidence that, despite their respective abilities, a player who initially didnt settle in the country has later gone on to play very well in the UK. I think you probably know that this is what the person was trying to point out.

Quality post, football and a majority of fans and pundits and press in this country are still totally insular in their outlook, thats why England are expected to win the WC every time and then everyone is let down when they don't.
I've heard so called experts on Talksport blatantly make up stories and lie to justify their spot on the programme.

[Superfatbantam]

Quality post, football and a majority of fans and pundits and press in this country are still totally insular in their outlook, thats why England are expected to win the WC every time and then everyone is let down when they don't.
I've heard so called experts on Talksport blatantly make up stories and lie to justify their spot on the programme.

You listen to Talksport for the stories? jawdrop:

It's a laugh and the presenters and stories on there are a joke, so heavily biased towards the Prem and so stuck in their ways about what actually matters to football fans they can't see the trees for the fat twat that is Mike Parry!

[Jantje]

You listen to Talksport for the stories? jawdrop:

It's a laugh and the presenters and stories on there are a joke, so heavily biased towards the Prem and so stuck in their ways about what actually matters to football fans they can't see the trees for the fat twat that is Mike Parry!

I was talking about Fleet street journos that appear on there and present managers who profess to have a knowledge of World Football but just bluster their way through.

They can't hold a torch to experts like Brian Glanville, Gabriele Marcotti, Xavier Rivoir etc

[Superfatbantam]

JS, it's just like Sky Sports News always have the journos on in the morning to review the stories. A load of tripe and garbage.

I had to sit through them talking about Ronaldo's 10k bar bill this morning waiting to see if the feed at the bottom could actually tell me what the score was last night at Throstle Nest. Not a chance, not on teletext, nowhere!

[Northern]

I gave up listening to Talksport a couple of seasons ago. The amount of shite they come out with is unbeliveable. It's like getting all your information from Wikipedia! :rolleyes: