The Case for Rafa - In relation to cheap transfers etc ...

[Fan65]

We already have a good RB in Finnan with good cover from Arbeloa so it's not like Degen will be relied on from the start, if he proves his worth he'll be a good buy if not then what's the problem.

By the way Fredo, great word "Footballistically"

[Guest]

We already have a good RB in Finnan with good cover from Arbeloa so it's not like Degen will be relied on from the start, if he proves his worth he'll be a good buy if not then what's the problem.

By the way Fredo, great word "Footballistically"

[wiw]

It is easier to teach an attacking full back how to defend, than to teach a defensive one to attack.

Rafa is the master of sorting out players' positional sense and general awareness so if that's where Degen's weaknesses lie, I think we have a very good signing in our hands.

Very good point

[dww]

Of course but surely it's a better deal than the one Chelsea struck for Bosingwa! Can't see him being £ 16m better off than Degen. That was my point purely. If he's gonna flop, then it would be seen as a cheap flop !!!

That's why I've also tagged Rafa's signing of Voronin as a good deal. For a freebie, he's done OK and scored some important goals. That's all there is to it really.

I think the point I would make is that when looking at top level football the difference between success and failure, winning the league and merely challenging is all about the small deltas. Carrick wasn't worth £18m in isolation but his signing contributed massively to two titles for United.

It is a cheap move but if he doesn't improve on Finnan/Arbeloa then we gain nothing. The currency I'm interested in is silverware not £ at the end of teh day. Every signing should be judged by their effect on the pitch.

In response to Fan65 I think Finann had a poor season and I would expect him to be sold. Which would mean we had Degen, Arbeloa and Carragher as cover at rightback (plus the reserve team obviously).

[Neil Young]

I think the point I would make is that when looking at top level football the difference between success and failure, winning the league and merely challenging is all about the small deltas. Carrick wasn't worth £18m in isolation but his signing contributed massively to two titles for United.

It is a cheap move but if he doesn't improve on Finnan/Arbeloa then we gain nothing. The currency I'm interested in is silverware not £ at the end of teh day. Every signing should be judged by their effect on the pitch.

In response to Fan65 I think Finann had a poor season and I would expect him to be sold. Which would mean we had Degen, Arbeloa and Carragher as cover at rightback (plus the reserve team obviously).

Me too. Also it's mentioned in The Guardian today that Fulham might want him back. £2m fee.

[Angry Dan]

Me too. Also it's mentioned in The Guardian today that Fulham might want him back. £2m fee.

They can take him and Carson for 9 mill

[DeeTheDog]

At least he gives me a reason to watch the Swiss at Euro 2008. I wonder how many drafted him into their fantasy football teams? Was he the foreign player who spoke English that Rafa alluded to in April that he had already signed?

[Shaggy]

At least he gives me a reason to watch the Swiss at Euro 2008. I wonder how many drafted him into their fantasy football teams? Was he the foreign player who spoke English that Rafa alluded to in April that he had already signed?

Fairly sure Degen is that man, aye.

[Carras_Shin_Pads]

We're shopping in the pound shop/extra value section again

Are there any other shops?

[Rich]

My other worry is that how many decent players are Swiss - hardly a footballing Mecca.

To say the Degen signing is a masterstroke and that Bosingwa is an expensive mistake when neither have played for their new employers is daft; if Chelsea win the league next year with Bosingwa playing his part they wont care.

[frank the tank]

Yes. There is info on why here. It would be appreciated if any discussion of disciplinary actions were conducted either by PM with a mod or probably more appropriately in the feedback forum.

ok...while i don't necessarily disagree with you guys banning djs - as lets face it, he was a negative guy most of the time, you are being a bit pedantic and hypocritical saying that it ''would be appreciated'' if we discussed disciplinary actions via a PM with a mod and in the same post you give the link showing why djs was banned......hmmmmm....