Goalkeepers

[toptoon]

Pope. Gillespie. Dubs. Ruddy. Greek fella.

Our GK situation is perplexing. Anyone hazard a guess as to what’ll happen and what the plan is?

Dubs is very likely to leave and hopefully at a decent price after his performance at the Euros.
Looks like Ruddy’s been brought in for the backroom rather than on field.
Greek fella isn’t as poor as being reported from what I’ve read and so there’s a chance EH can get the best out of him.

I think we’ll sign a good, young ‘un as our number 2 (hopefully, Trafford) and go into the season with:
1. Pope
2. New signing
3. Greek fella
as our keepers.

[Zippity]

Aye, reckon you've called it right, TT

Dubs will most likely be off to be replaced by a 'keeper who's more comfortable playing 10-15 yards higher up to be able to replicate Pope's style just in case he gets injured again.

[tinostongue]

I think popes ongoing shoulder problem, this is the second time, could effect his performances,confidence etc so we need a reliable no 2 and this Greek has been brought in to do that probably. But all of them are 30 + that’s why we will still go for Trafford I reckon, he’s the future.

[usedtobeshearer]

Pope. Gillespie. Dubs. Ruddy. Greek fella.

Our GK situation is perplexing. Anyone hazard a guess as to what’ll happen and what the plan is?

Dubs is very likely to leave and hopefully at a decent price after his performance at the Euros.
Looks like Ruddy’s been brought in for the backroom rather than on field.
Greek fella isn’t as poor as being reported from what I’ve read and so there’s a chance EH can get the best out of him.

I think we’ll sign a good, young ‘un as our number 2 (hopefully, Trafford) and go into the season with:
1. Pope
2. New signing
3. Greek fella
as our keepers.

I think we are still going to sign Trafford. He will have little pressure on him and can learn from the other keepers...but be our long term No.1.

[Ragatino]

I'm on a similar frame of mind to 'The Striker formally know as Shearer'

However, Trafford wouldn't be the target. Bringing in Ruddy and the Greek points more to a support network of for a First choice striker who will directly compete with Pope after the 32 yr old missed half of last season.

Trafford has a long road of development before he can be relied up on as a first choice Prem Keeper. last season with Burnley proved that.

I doubt I'm correct here but after seeing reports over the weekend that Burnley want £30m for Trafford to make a profit and pay off the Sell-on fee to City out of our pocket, the deal for Mamardashvili at £35million to activate his release clause is a way way better deal to do than a gamble on Trafford 'fulfilling his potential'.

The Georgian has displayed his quality at the elite level this summer and his performances for Valencia last season have been credited with the teams' 9th place finish in La Liga. Many pundits commenting that 'Los Ches' (the boys) would have been plumbing the depths at the bottom half of the table without his heroic efforts.

It's my hope that as it has gone quiet, this one, like the Mitchell appointment will just pop up out of no where.

[Jammy89]

I hope that Rag is right.

Not sure I'd want to pay £30 million for Trafford to be honest.

Dubs def off, about £3.2 million I think I saw was the fee - Dubs will do well for Celtic.

We may even end up selling Pope if the Ipswich rumours are to be believed.

[Ragatino]

I hope that Rag is right.

Not sure I'd want to pay £30 million for Trafford to be honest.

Dubs def off, about £3.2 million I think I saw was the fee - Dubs will do well for Celtic.

We may even end up selling Pope if the Ipswich rumours are to be believed.

£20m for Trafford, ok. £30million is way too much. He's no doubt a talented young player but he's got a long way to go to really be at the top top level.

We've seen the club sign Tino & Hall last season. It was odd that we spent big on these players when we needed players who were going make a bigger impact immediately... or so we all thought.

Going into the new season with what happened back end of last we're looking like smart Magpies for signing those two when we could.

So this makes me revisit my comments about Isak & Bruno and reminds me of what Eales & Amanda have both stated on the record.

"When the right player comes up, with the right profile and ticks all the boxes we'll move for the player and make the finances work around that deal."

So, that does point to the potential that we could well go out and get the 'Generational Talent' that is, Mamardashvili.

I really don't think the two keepers, where they are in terms of development TODAY, are in the same conversation.

We need that level of player in every position. Mamardashvili is available now, if we don't go out and get him, that's him gone for the rest of his career.

The club missed out on Ekiteke, admittedly under different circumstance, however that experience was something they learned from and no doubt will ensure isn't repeated in the future.