Probably in the minority. But I’d add both Gibson and Mawson given the chance. Both have leadership experience and both are good ages. If we could get them two, and ship out Kabasele and Cathcart, I think that’s 4 decent defenders to pick from (Wilmot, Dawson, Mawson, Gibson) all of which have played at Championhip and PL level and have plenty of leadership potential too. I think it’s as good a piece of business as we could do now we are at this level. I think some of the criticism of Mawson on here is OTT. But that aside, buying Gibson would be fantastic business now.
I can see your logic Burnsy but the reality is Mawson hasn't played 90 minutes since December, Gibson will be as rusty as hell with only 6 or 7 games in two years, Dawson is Dawson and Wilmot is currently recovering from an operation. In his own words he will be a couple of weeks behind the rest of the squad in pre-season. That doesn't inspire confidence at the heart of the defence for me. Gibson no, Mawson maybe but definitely not both.
We’ve taken in plenty of players before who have talent but something to prove. Mawson has had an iffy few years, that’s undeniable - and the size of his transfer to Fulham magnified it. But he’s had large patches of his career before that where he was very good indeed. Get him back to that form, and he’s better than anything we have.
Hmm, is it just me then that would prefer and CB pair of Cathcart and Kabasele rather then Gibson and Mawson??
I'm all for having players who have something to prove. My worry in your scenario would be 2 out of 4 have played very few recent games and 1 is not fit for the start of the season. Having 3 out of 4 players in one position with question marks over their fitness & conditioning at the start of the season is not what I'd be looking for.
Are you thinking of a 'better the devil you know' type thing? Obviously they all have their question marks, but I suppose anyone we sign will always have that, we're never gonna be in for van Dijk! For the record, I'd probably rather have Gibson than anyone at the club as a pure defender, although he's hardly played in the past two years at Burnley and you have to wonder why he seems so hated by Dyche. Mawson is a bit of a punt, comfortable with the ball and could be a very good signing if we get him fit, but that's a big if. Kabasele and Cathcart, well, we all know about them, they won't get exposed to nearly the same extent in the Championship, but then again I doubt they'll be top class Championship defenders neither
Kabasele on his day can be a more than decent defender and I think he actually has more good to average days than bad. OK he can be prone to huge brain farts on occasion, but overall he is still a decent defender IMO. Therefore if Vladimir could iron out his occasional lacks in concentration, I think we would have a more than reasonable CB on our hands without having to splash out a load of cash.
Personally I’d take the Dutch fella from Udinese before I took a bloke made of glass or a bloke who hasn’t played for 2 years and put them into the most physical competitive league on the planet
One of our players doesn't play for a year - not good enough, get rid! Someone else's player hasn't played for two years - sign him up Gino!
Yellow-tinted glasses again I’m afraid in my opinion. How many games has Kabasele had in the past 2 seasons where he’s looked imperious? None. His speed is what makes people believe he’s decent. But his actual defensive ability is bang average. He wasn’t good enough for the PL and will be average in this division.
Same here, Troost-Ekong def seems to have the most going for them out of the CBs we've been linked with so far.
Virtually whatever I say you will nearly always say the opposite, therefore what you have to say does not matter a jot to me. By the way it seems you are on your own on this one, as so far I have seven people who seem to agree with me and only you who doesn't
I see your point. Personally I dont like Mawson, have I seen much of him, no apart from the games against us and they stick in my memory. Why Gibson hasn't played is strange but out of them all I'd go with Gibson just because I believe he is the superior player of them all. Yes it would take some time to get him up to speed but would be worth it imo. Gives the left side of defence a better balance. But I'd welcome anyone who will better our team, if that's any of the others they will get my support.
I do wonder if Gibson is perhaps beyond us financially. Seems odd that we were so heavily linked but nothing at all this summer.
He may well be. But shift on Kabs or Cathcart and there should be enough. If he wants to play as any footballer should do he can't expect to be on Premier league wages in the Championship. But tbh it's quiet on all fronts at the club. But agreed someone we chased for most of January and not one link now is odd. I have absolutely no doubt that we have players already training with us that nobody knows about. They're are the type of club to spring transfers on the day of happening. Stipe is a prime example.
Not the first time this summer they've been linked with him, and it makes sense with Godfrey possibly attracting the interest of top flight clubs
What sort of position are Norwich in financially? They've signed several players and not sold anyone significant yet.
Plus these fees weren't mega money, they sealed a few deals when the season was still running (whether they'll be first teamers or not I don't know), got Hugill for £5m odd and Dowell for a snip. Obviously it's a model that is open to criticism, but in a certain way, they are very well run
Apparently Boro have put in a bid. Along with several other clubs. So it’s theoretically possible (though unlikely with their current financial difficulties) that we could ‘see’ Gibson at the Vic on Friday week but playing against us.
I bet they are trying to loan him. I’d be massively surprised if they got anywhere near an asking price considering it was widely said Burnley were looking to get as much of their original outlay back as possible. I think he would still cost around £8m at least. I’m praying we are in for him personally. Ticks so many boxes that we need.
If I remember correctly, he was training at Boro after things fell apart at Burnley, right? Feels increasingly likely that Watford will go through another window without the defensive reinforcements we need.
