I Hope This Isn't True

[A Quiet Monkfish]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

If Mark Harris wasn't a home-grown player I just wonder how keen people would be to sign him up. He looks decidedly average to me. League 1 at best.

[NYCBlue]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

That's the problem.
I can't see them signing a one year deal and I also think Hoillett's legs are gone and Bennett is a poor defender. Easy decision for me, I'd let them go as part of a restructure, particularly as they're both on Warnock wages.

Why does everyone keep saying that Hoilett's legs are gone? I have seen nothing to suggest this.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I'm all for rejuvenating the squad, but as long as the deals aren't too long or too expensive, this actually makes plenty of sense.

If we can get bennett for another year and hoilet then we can concentrate on other positions we need in the summer.

As it stands we will need

Right back
Right wing
Left back
Left wing
Centre back

All before we can even think about having a bit more sparkle in midfield.
If we can take 2 of those problems off the table, even for a year then it would be understandable.

I'd sign Bennett to a 2 year deal and Hoilett to a one year one. I wouldn't sign them to longer, or on big wages but they're not our biggest issues and we can't sign 15 players next summer! Hoilett is our best contracted winger and Bennett is fine. He's not as good as he was but everyone is playing poorly, so I'm happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

[NYCBlue]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

Cardiff City begin talks with three STARS! whose deals expire this season.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...wsApp_AppShare

The Western Mail and Echo have been referring to Cardiff players as "City stars" for as long as I can remember.

[NYCBlue]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I'd sign Bennett to a 2 year deal and Hoilett to a one year one. I wouldn't sign them to longer, or on big wages but they're not our biggest issues and we can't sign 15 players next summer! Hoilett is our best contracted winger and Bennett is fine. He's not as good as he was but everyone is playing poorly, so I'm happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Sounds reasonable to me.

[City123]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

Makes sense to be fair. Get Bennett for another year or two as Bagan progresses. Hoilett is on the decline but can provide good cover and is one of our few technically decent players and Mark Harris has impressed and shown a lot more than players who cost millions

[Rjk]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I'd sign Bennett to a 2 year deal and Hoilett to a one year one. I wouldn't sign them to longer, or on big wages but they're not our biggest issues and we can't sign 15 players next summer! Hoilett is our best contracted winger and Bennett is fine. He's not as good as he was but everyone is playing poorly, so I'm happy to give him the benefit of the doubt.

yeah I wouldn't be too disappointed with that outcome. you would have to wonder how good Bennett will be as he's approaching 33 as you don't see too many fullbacks at that age, but if he's not on massive wages then it isn't a huge problem.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I love watching Hoillett control a ball while many of those around him seem like very ordinary and unimpressive journeymen.

[Rjk]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

on the other hand, Blackburn are also going to be without both of their current first team left backs come the summer, and are looking to sign a really talented youngster instead.
if he ends up costing them 600k ish then we could easily save the majority of that in the difference between his and Bennett and Cunningham's wages, if not all of it.

[Rock_Flock_of_Five]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

The Western Mail and Echo have been referring to Cardiff players as "City stars" for as long as I can remember.

I remember being in town the one day and the Western Mail & Echo newspaper stand read... "City sign Manchester United star"..... it was Derek Brazil.

He'd made all of two appearances for Utd's first team.

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

on the other hand, Blackburn are also going to be without both of their current first team left backs come the summer, and are looking to sign a really talented youngster instead.
if he ends up costing them 600k ish then we could easily save the majority of that in the difference between his and Bennett and Cunningham's wages, if not all of it.

Not sure our relations with Crewe are good enough to pull that deal off

[Sloop_Jon_Bee]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I agree with your assessment of both players. It was said earlier in this thread that Bennett is a "solid defender" - no, he's not! 'Solid defenders' don't make the number of mistakes that he does.

[AfricanBluebird]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

I think Hoillet will look to move on anyway.

He should go to the USA or China. Earn some decent money while he still can.

Been a great player for us.

I have always wondered why he's never been tried as a no. 10 for us.

[poc]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

Warnock has gone so hopefully we won't

not so sure after listening to him on radio wales this morning

[jon1959]

Re: I Hope This Isn't True

Why does everyone keep saying that Hoilett's legs are gone? I have seen nothing to suggest this.

Did Junior ever have pace?

I don't remember him being quick for us at any time. Maybe he is a deceptive runner, but he rarely if ever skinned a full back to get a cross in - he used his brain and his ball skills to get into position for a cross or shot.

He has been less consistent than before in the last calendar year, but I think that is more down to mental and physical tiredness after continuous action for club and country. He is still one of the three most skilful players in the squad (with Tomlin and Wilson) and should be able to carry on performing at a very high level for years.

I would be very happy to see him sign a new contract - up to 2 years with a dose of post-Covid wage realism.