Bernie Slavens view - all the old guard + need to move on. Do you agree?

It depends on Ayala's mindset.

If he actually wants to be here, I'd 100% try and keep him, but I'd sadly accept him leaving if he wanted to.

Wouldn't mind any of the others staying on reduced terms, bar Gestede, but I'd not be torn on them leaving.

As solid as Howson has been for the past season or so, I think it highlights how shambolic our business has been when we're wanting to keep a midfielder who was very average in that position for us because he's played well as a CB/RB.
 
It's ok getting rid of these experienced pro's but you have to replace them with better players and it's easier said than done. You can easily find yourself with just untried inexperienced kids left.
For example in on game I remember Ayala going ballistic with Bola, he was just so frustrated that Bola couldn't do the basics. If you let them go and your recruitment isn't spot on you get relegated.I disagree with Bernie, I'd be keeping them for now...
 
Nobby_Barnes said:
It's ok getting rid of these experienced pro's but you have to replace them with better players and it's easier said than done. You can easily find yourself with just untried inexperienced kids left.
For example in on game I remember Ayala going ballistic with Bola, he was just so frustrated that Bola couldn't do the basics. If you let them go and your recruitment isn't spot on you get relegated.I disagree with Bernie, I'd be keeping them for now...
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I sort of agree with you. The thing is I really think Johnson is a liability. He is not fit for the job we want him to do. We need to get rid as soon as possible. Bring in someone better suited to a red kit.
 
PS I like Johnson, he plays right in front of me at the Riverside, he's strong and determined with good pace and his crossing is good. His positioning when playing fullback isn't brilliant but that's to be expected, his pace gets him out of trouble. He's made several 'appeared out of nowhere' challenges to prevent certain goals this season. Keep him !!!
 
Nobby_Barnes said:
PS I like Johnson, he plays right in front of me at the Riverside, he's strong and determined with good pace and his crossing is good. His positioning when playing fullback isn't brilliant but that's to be expected, his pace gets him out of trouble. He's made several 'appeared out of nowhere' challenges to prevent certain goals this season. Keep him !!!
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The thing is his judgement cannot be trusted. Also when he plays alongside "Stan" Cummings he just keeps lying, lying and lying back.
 
:) Got loads of Spanish friends from holidays, mainly from Madrid with second homes in Murcia. They all speak perfect English and support Athletico. You see loads of Athletico shirts hardly any Real. One of my local pals supports Cartegena reckons the stadium is falling to bits though. He knows of the Boro due to Spanish links Medieta, Karanka Ayala Kike from Real Murcia etc.
 
I would keep Ayala if at all possible, but that ship looks like its sailed. Howson too. I would also keep Clayton, but Gestede, Friend, Shotton and Johnson can go for me.

However if they all go, where does that leave our defensive capabilities. At least we have bola and Djiksteel o_O. We could be in the :poop: If we lost them all.

I am not a shotton fan, far from it, but not sure we can afford better if all the rest do go as Britt is only worth about £6M at best now not convinced we would get that tbf. Recruitment has been toxic for me.
 
Wilf said:
Ayala is going to Leeds.

direct replacement for Ben White - who is attracting rave reviews and admiring glances, only thing is he is on loan from a premiership club.
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Ayala isn't injured, anyone who follows his wife on Instagram can see that :(
 
Nobby_Barnes said:
It's ok getting rid of these experienced pro's but you have to replace them with better players and it's easier said than done. You can easily find yourself with just untried inexperienced kids left.
For example in on game I remember Ayala going ballistic with Bola, he was just so frustrated that Bola couldn't do the basics. If you let them go and your recruitment isn't spot on you get relegated.I disagree with Bernie, I'd be keeping them for now...
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Exactly this and given the market we'll be fighting in due to the limited budget even harder. It seems there is a mutual desire to agree a new contract for Howson and after that I'd look to try and do the same with Johnson and Shotton. Clayton is an odd one because he's been very hit and miss this season, but if Woodgate wants a proper sitting midfielder then he's worth a punt, although I actually think he wants more mobile midfielders.

Friend I think will get a coaching role, maybe even as part of the first team.
 
I'd keep Clayton - think he has at least two seasons left in him playing at this level. He made a big difference to our most recent improved performances after coming into the side.

I'd also offer Howson and Ayala new deals but only if they're willing to take pay cuts.

Offer Friend a coaching role but let him go if he wants to carry on playing, and release Shotton, Johnson and Gestede.
 
Nobby_Barnes said:
:) Got loads of Spanish friends from holidays, mainly from Madrid with second homes in Murcia. They all speak perfect English and support Athletico. You see loads of Athletico shirts hardly any Real. One of my local pals supports Cartegena reckons the stadium is falling to bits though. He knows of the Boro due to Spanish links Medieta, Karanka Ayala Kike from Real Murcia etc.
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Murcia is the next province along the coast from us. We were looking to buy there or here in Almería. Cartegena is an interesting place.
 
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