Championship Chat 2014-15 Season

[DungBeetle]

Different approach to Watford's transfers this summer it seems.

We've retained most of the younger imports, but added Heruelho Gomes in goal, Gabriel Tamas in defence and Dyer on the wing.

Looks better suited for championship now.  If Abdi is back to full fitness, Toszer is signed permanently and we keep Deeney we could be in business.

[RickBFA]

Strong rumours about the guy who owns Lens buying Wednesday. He's from Azerbaijan called Mammadov, figures of 50m euro's being mentioned.

It's about the tenth so called takeover in the last 10 years. Only MM came up with the goods.

I hope for our sake MM has found some mug with enough money to make a difference. We'll see.

[anthonyl]

Can't make much difference with these fair play rules.

Sami hypia car been photographed down the Amex.

Would be happy enough with me, but would prefer sherwood.

[Royal Flush]

Ant what style did you expect Oscar to play with our squad? I'm very curious

[anthonyl]

Ant what style did you expect Oscar to play with our squad? I'm very curious

to attack? he used wingers as defenders. you do not boast in all pre season interviews how you love to attack and then give us one of the worst attacks in terms of goals in about 20 years (5th lowest in league or so).

He had the players to do it, albeit injured part of the time, barnes (sold after halfway), Lita (never played him), ulloa (injured for 20%), lua lua (injured for 15%), buckley (injured for 30%), orlandi (injured for 60%), bruno (injured for 15%), march, aguestein (never played him but looked quality), crofts (injured for 60%), lingarrd, lopez, rodriguez (his only signing, and one of the worst players we have had in the last 3 years)

his incapability has been summed up by returning to a tinpot league. glad he has gone and said it the whole time he isn't up to it. to be fair to him, it took poyet a whole season in the championship to work out how to attack, so he could have improved next season if he decided to not throw his toys out the pram, but he was the most uninspiring manager since micky adams returned to us the second time.

[RickBFA]

Wednesday takeover announced. Looks like MM has found someone with a few quid.

The guy owns Lens in France and has shares in Athletico Madrid and Porto.

Hopefully we wont be flirting with relegation next season!!!

[TightEnd]

rumours that RC Lens and swfc owner Hafiz Mammadov has been arrested in Azerbaijan. Nothing to say what for though.

[RickBFA]

Following media reports circulated on 9 July 2014, Hafiz Mammadov has issued the following statement:

 

Certain unfounded rumours have been spread in the press over my supposed arrest and imprisonment in Azerbaijan, which I obviously strongly deny, and which was immediately denied by State Border Guards.

 

It seems today that false and malicious speculation over my situation is being used with the aim to create confusion and doubt over my financial holdings and commitments.

 

There are no grounds for the allegations made by the press, and I will take all necessary legal actions against whoever has initiated these false rumours with the aim to harm my family and me.

 

Made from Baku on this 9th day of July 2014.

 

Hafiz Mammadov

[RickBFA]

The deal with this guy at Wednesday is awaiting ratification from the authorities but its moving ahead.

He announced a "financial significant" shirt sponsorship deal with "Azerbaijan Land of Fire" on the shirts.

I guess this is one way to generate income to the club and avoid FFP rules.

I think he can also take players on loan from the likes of Lens, again avoiding FPP rules.

Four players signed contracts this week, Kirkland and Semedo re-signing with Hutchinson from Chelsea (good midfielder but knees not great) and Westwood (the keeper from Sunderland).

Sounds like they want at least another five players and I would also expect a couple of season long deals to loan young Premier League fringe players.

Interesting times.

[DungBeetle]

Think Westwood is a good kepper.  Very solid by Championship standards.

[RickBFA]

Yep, Kirkland and Westwood as keepers is a great position.

Both good quality keepers.

[DungBeetle]

Watford finally secure Paredes the ecuador full back after fighting off late interest from..........Juventus.  Surprised we managed to cling on - must have already signed I guess.

[anthonyl]

3 signings so far and a lot of decent players left (all big earners gone except CMS now).

Aaron Hughes - old, but experienced
Toko - looks good, from grasshoppers
O Grady - he is ok but hope he is 3rd choice behind CMS and one big signing

We are in for a long season.....happy with 12th.

[DungBeetle]

Yeah - think this is the least bullish I have been about Brighton's prospects for a good few seasons.

[DungBeetle]

Wafford sign Keith Andrews as back up/rotation option for Toszer.

Any views from the Brighton lads on Keith as a squad player?