Yes he's probably a slight downgrade from Hoedt now, and him leaving is a real shame, but as far as potential replacements go I don't think this is too shabby. It's reassuring that we have at least made an effort to replace Hoedt with a logical signing and not just stuck with the young punts we've brought in. He ticks the main boxes of being both experienced and left-footed, and while his age may be a concern, he probably will still have enough in the tank to be good as part of a back 3 in the Champ, while providing some much needed organisational ability. He definitely doesn't seem to have Hoedt's progressive ball-playing ability though sadly. These stats are from the PL, so understandably aren't amazing, but there's enough there to suggest he won't be entirely a busted flush. Sissoko's numbers were even worse in the lesser Ligue 1, and his start for us hasn't been too bad.
Raw data. Not really sure, does look a downgrade even though he'll be playing in easier league. Don't think i've seen him play for a couple of years so not too sure.
Hard to compare with the difference in leagues? Wanted Wes to stay but Angelo seems to be loved and respected by everyone. Will definitely bring in experience and a few headed goals hopefully.
Now I know it’s not adjusted for level of league I’m not so worried by the data. Looks a decent enough signing, and as @lowerrous says in a back 3 there’s always that little bit more security which should suit an older player. You’d hope just a one year deal though, maybe with the option of a 2nd
Thanks Reid’s! 18/19 does look a lot closer to Ogbonna’s at least And I genuinely think Pollock might be our progressive passer from his first few games this season
" I was sad we let him go. Better than Mavropanos and Zouma. Will need a quick player alongside him but great experience". From a WHU fan I know.
I know Pollock is some fans new favourite player currently - but one thing he ain’t, is quick. And Porteous doesn’t require speed as he’s normally already sprawled out 20 yards up the pitch after going for a leg-breaker. What we need - and hopefully Ogbonna is - is someone who can read the game well and spot attacks coming before they are fully formed.
From a West Ham supporting mate: "You forgot to feed my cat while I was on holiday and didn't turn up to my wedding. Don't contact me again."
Quick in the mind is as good as speed. Martina Hingis wasn't quick but read the play superbly. Teddy S I suppose, in footballing terms.
Feels like we are making some shrewd signings. Obviously there's always a chance they don't work but they look quite solid from first impressions. Why does it take us to be skint to actually appear to have some sense in who we are signing?
Maybe for once Duxbury is right and we’re going back to what made us successful when they first came in. Some good loans and a few good youngsters for cheap fees. Worked before whos to say it won’t work again
Either 20 yards up the pitch from an attempted leg breaker, or feigning an injury from a slight touch from opposition player. or my personal favourite of his, chasing the opposition striker/attacking midfielder 50 yards in to their half, getting passed around and leaving a gaping hole in our defence
Just listening to that interview now and it certainly feels like we are going that way. Providing they do back Clevs and see him as a long term I have no issue with it
This. If he is fit he will be plenty good enough, give some good experience to a young back line, hopefully the young lads have developed are ready to step in when he goes. Surprisingly pleased with this considering he is 36.
We made some expensive mistakes (Gray) and spent a lot of money on sarr which never really repaid itself. Lessons learnt, back to what we know and are good at, don’t mind it at all
Equestrian lady now I think, although still plays in Legends events. Might know Ramon Vega so don't rule it out!
Future Watford fans remember his cameo against Plymouth with fondness and rate him as a rolls Royce at LCB, even though we lost 7-0
So the age of the players we’ve signed this summer are: 18, 19, 19, 20, 20, 20, 21, 23…. 31, 34, 36 We definitely go for a mix of youth and experience, nothing in between!
We will miss Hoedt’s pings for sure, but at least he’s left-footed, think having Morris there has helped us in possession (doubt there’s a major difference in passing ability between Morris and Ogbonna, though I may stand corrected), and Ogbonna is almost certainly an upgrade on Morris in terms of actually being able to play in that position
I think this is an important point. You wonder how many good players, from London Premier league squads, in the last years of their careers put family considerations at the top when considering a next move. From personal experience you get a bit of pressure from partners and children to stay in a location when a new job opportunity comes up. If you have your pension plan maxed out as a senior player, probably the wages are really about paying the household bills and a bit of self pride. Rather than rushing to Saudi on advice of your Financial Advisor. This signing feels a bit like the Malky McKay one. Brought in for experience on and off the pitch.
