The Didi Factor

[blacky]

I haven't read all the threads or posts after yesterdays result so I don't know if this has been mentioned but I can see a gaping hole left in the squad since the departure of The Kaiser. The experience, the control and the calming effect he brought to the team is sorely missed. For all the qualities and energy that Momo has he still lacks the know how of Didi. I know this will come in time but at the moment we are suffering badly and add to this the lack of form of Xabi, SG and Zenden and it is easy to see why we are in such a rut. I think Rafa made a massive error in Judgement during the summer and underestimated the importance of Hamann. Zenden is not a CM player and never will be and even considering him to be Didi's replacement was madness. I think come Jan this must be addressed. We need a Joey Barton, a Kevin Nolan or a Reo Coker in the middle. The board need to make the funds available and Rafa needs to be given the green light to blow the transfer budget on one players if required. The squad has the numbers now it needs the quality to take us to the next level so if it takes 12m to get alves so be it. Another 12m to get Nolan then spend it. We need to decide what players we need to make us title contenders and sign them no matter the cost. I know the club financial situation and the stadium prevents us from doing this which is why the investment issue is more important now that ever before.

[Resu]

I think Didi was let go because he would get much time on the field. A gesture from the club towards a good servant.
As for what to do now, could we try Carra as a defensive midfielder?
We has Agger as CD anyway. The drawback is that Carra isn`t in top form either.
Riise has also played CM for Norway a couple of times, but didn`t really stand out. That would also mean Aurelio or Warnock at LF, and would weakend the defense even more.
The obvious short term solution is Pulling SG in, and have Garcia or Pennant on RM. We would then offer less on the right side, but IMO it`s better with a weak Rm than a weak CM.
Another poosibility if SG goes central is to put Kuyt in RM. At least you would get a hardworking player there.

As for who to buy I`ve always liked Reo-Cocker when I`ve seen him play.

[dww]

I wouldn't try Carra in midfield as I think he is too important at CB, but there is a good argument that any of the reserves - such as Antwi who have been played in midfield and are more athletic and physical should be considered if they could do a more Momo like job in midfield.

[Shaggy]

Agreed Blacky, but maybe Rafa knows something we don’t? Didi has gone to City and has barely kicked a ball for them. He wasn’t even on the bench for them at the weekend. The cigs, ale and takeaways were always gonna catch up with him sooner rather than later so maybe that’s the case?

Otherwise, if his face just doesn’t fit at City, why not bring him back in January?

I’d be aghast to see us spend £12m on the likes of Nolan. He’s a good player, yeah, but I don’t think he’s good enough. Don’t think Barton is, either.

[red g]

Agreed Blacky, but maybe Rafa knows something we don’t? Didi has gone to City and has barely kicked a ball for them. He wasn’t even on the bench for them at the weekend. The cigs, ale and takeaways were always gonna catch up with him sooner rather than later so maybe that’s the case?

Otherwise, if his face just doesn’t fit at City, why not bring him back in January?

I’d be aghast to see us spend £12m on the likes of Nolan. He’s a good player, yeah, but I don’t think he’s good enough. Don’t think Barton is, either.

I agree nolan and barton arent good enough for the top 3 so why good enough for us!!!

The truth is money is holding us back from the top stage!

[Marky]

Agreed Blacky, but maybe Rafa knows something we don’t? Didi has gone to City and has barely kicked a ball for them. He wasn’t even on the bench for them at the weekend. The cigs, ale and takeaways were always gonna catch up with him sooner rather than later so maybe that’s the case?

Otherwise, if his face just doesn’t fit at City, why not bring him back in January?

I’d be aghast to see us spend £12m on the likes of Nolan. He’s a good player, yeah, but I don’t think he’s good enough. Don’t think Barton is, either.

[Tom]

didi was told that he would be on the bench most of the time this season. We didn't let him go, he decided to go after we received an approach from city. I agree we miss him though. Class all round

[Rich]

City via Bolton....

[Slim]

Didi liked a smoke and a drink. In fact he smoked like a bloody chimney from what I saw and was told!

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

didi was told that he would be on the bench most of the time this season. We didn't let him go, he decided to go after we received an approach from city. I agree we miss him though. Class all round

Would have him back in a shot, and I reckon he'd be up for it.

[Shaggy]

Didi liked a smoke and a drink. In fact he smoked like a bloody chimney from what I saw and was told!

Aye. I once saw him in a kebab type place on Smithdown Road, pissed up...in about 1999. He ordered a pizza and was told it'd take about 10 minutes, so he also ordered a kebab and wolfed that down while he waited for his pizza.

[red g]

Aye. I once saw him in a kebab type place on Smithdown Road, pissed up...in about 1999. He ordered a pizza and was told it'd take about 10 minutes, so he also ordered a kebab and wolfed that down while he waited for his pizza.

[Red Chilli]

Aye. I once saw him in a kebab type place on Smithdown Road, pissed up...in about 1999. He ordered a pizza and was told it'd take about 10 minutes, so he also ordered a kebab and wolfed that down while he waited for his pizza.

The fat *******!

[Red_Polo]

Aye. I once saw him in a kebab type place on Smithdown Road, pissed up...in about 1999. He ordered a pizza and was told it'd take about 10 minutes, so he also ordered a kebab and wolfed that down while he waited for his pizza.

Haha sounds like something I'd do

[Jop]

met Didi he is a top bloke but it was time for him to go. How about a bid for Scott Parker in Jan. window, he would jump at the chance but would he do a job for us ???