A friend of mine's dad works for Maidstone United, who apparently our under 23's played in a friendly against today, and Wilshere was there "with Watford". Please god no.
Our squad is already full of light-weight and perma-crocked players, he'd fit right in. He's English and on a free though, so the Pozzos will prob see him as a bargain even if he only plays 10 minutes for us before signing on a longer deal with Brighton once we've spent the long time rehabilitating him.
Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me if it happens. I certainly have no reason to doubt the source and him definitely having been there today. He'll be viewed as the sort of "creative" player we need who will likely be woeful but who we can bring in on the cheap. Classic Pozzo...
I know it can be annoying when people use the word "literally" in the wrong context (when they actually mean figuratively), but in this case he is, literally, ALWAYS injured. Always. I'm hoping that if this is true, then its like when we briefly had Jack Rodwell on trial a few years ago, whereby we eventually came to our senses and didn't sign the useless ****.
Love it when people get angry over something that probably won’t happen. We’re trying to save money , not waste more.
Jack Wilshire. Why not? If he wants to come here on low wages with something to prove I don't see the problem. Certainly a player who has reached a high level in the past and is still only 28!! It's a no brainer as far as I'm concerned. Get him in.
A fit Wilshere? Yes please. But he's never fit so there's a glaring reason just to not bother. Would naturally assume that we would cash in on Hughes and/or let Capoue go if we signed Wilshere.
This is a proper rumour, none of that taken off Twitter or translated from a foreign newspaper stuff. And... it checks out. No scheduled u23 fixture this week they usually play Monday or Tuesday, and Maidstone United also have a two week break in their competitive fixtures. Arise ITK Nath.
The idea of Wilshere (a creative, ball-progressing midfielder who can get between lines and create chances for teammates) is almost exactly what we're missing. The recent reality (an arrogant permanently injured player on high wages) is certainly not what we need. But can't see the harm in giving him a trial with the U23s, seeing if he's on it, and, if he is, signing him if his wages asks is reasonable. Seems unlikely though that the ducks all fall in line in that manner.
He is a L**n fan/youth product. He is never fit. He always appears a bit of a ninny. So why am I not utterly appalled by this prospect? I"m off to give myself a severe thrashing with the Welwyn and Hatfield Times.
Sign him up. Who cares anymore? Sign them all up. All the crocks, the bums, the outcast, the idlers. Who gives a ****?
What's he done to get the negative response about his personality? Genuine question as I'm not aware of it.
Think it mainly centre's around lots of little incidents - partying before games, smoking etc - rather than any one big incident. Essentially a player with talent but not the application to match, with massive injury issues to boot. Will fit right in.
I had a search around after seeing Nath's post but haven't found anything yet. Will have another look later. I posted on Saturday in the academy/U23 thread that I thought there'd be a friendly this week and probably intra-squad games too due to the number of trialists around the club at the moment. I wouldn't be surprised if there are other friendlies now either but if they are being used to run the rule over new players I doubt very much if information will be released. Hopefully Maidstone and any other clubs involved have people who like to be popular on social media as I think that's the only way we'll get any news. Liked for the news of the friendly, not of Jack Wilshire.
In fairness, he was at L*ton about as long as Harry Kane was at us, and I believe he was a West Ham fan before switching to Arsenal when he joined their youth set-up. Still sceptical of this deal mind you!
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
Jack Wilshere is an example of people taking a dislike to someone they have never met based on the media's portrayal. I worked with someone who knows/knew him and said he's a genuinely nice chap, despite my initial suspicions to the contrary. That being said, I'm sure there was an interview a few years ago when he joined Bournemouth where he explicitly said he turned us down due to his allegiance to Luton. And I can respect that. However, if he went on to sign for us now it would seem to be out of desperation. A fit, motivated Wilshere signed on a free in the Champo? Yes. But that's not what would happen.
I’m hearing he’s signed now we’ve agreed to match Deeney’s wages and drop the “pay when you play” clauses. Or that he hasn’t. Can’t remember.
F*ck it, after watching Garner, Cleverley and Chalobah labour their way around the pitch week after week, sign Wilshere up. There's just no way at all he can be worse.
