Quote Originally Posted by Loramski View Post
I think it would be a crazy signing myself but I've seen plenty of those in recent years. I'd wish him luck and hope it comes off for us if it happens. Just surprised by your stance here. It took me about two minutes to find this quote, I'm sure I could find plenty more if I wanted.



With Sang, Evans, Waite and Colwill as young attacking midfielders here I'd have thought you'd be mortified to find the club blocking their pathway to the first team before the new manager has even seen them play an under 23 game.
I'm sure there are plenty of quotes of mine you could find to show what you think is a contradictory attitude, but what someone says at a certain time shouldn't automatically be what they say at another one because circumstances change and I would say they have at City.

For a start, let's look at the situation that is likely to face whoever is our manager when the transfer window opens in the summer. In particular, let's consider the position in which Jonny Williams is likely to play which I'd say is wing or attacking midfielder through the middle. This summer, the situation in those positions will, surely, be something like;-

Hoilett - out of contract and reaching the veteran stage
Wilson - pretty sure Liverpool would be looking to sell him and, even if we could afford him, is there any real chance of him signing for us given his experiences here this season?
Ojo - same as Wilson, but he could be within our price range, so it seems possible he could be back next season.
Murphy - going into the last year of his contract, so, for me, it would be sensible to try and sell him for a variety of reasons including he hasn't looked happy here since Warnock left him out of that Fulham game.
Whyte - could play so well at Hull that we'd love to have him back, but I doubt it, it seems more likely he'll be out on loan again or, possibly sold if, say, Hull get promoted.
Tomlin - fitness and age issues, I'd say it's unlikely that we'll see the Tomlin of 19/20 again, but he could still be an influence on games and I'd say it's likely he'll be here next season.

I could also go into details about likely issues at full back, centreback and goalkeeper (Smithies is another one I'd consider selling in the summer), while I think our midfield needs a clear out and complete rebuild. However, sticking to Williams' positions, if we sign him today on, say, the eighteen month contract that's been mentioned above that's one of what needs to be five or six players in that position covered for 21/22 - you make it sound as if his arrival slams the door for the four young players you mention, whereas it seems to me that the summer coming up should represent the best opportunity there's been for young players to break into the first team squad in ages in all areas of the pitch.

If it were my decision, James Waite would have played first team football by now and would be a regular member of the senior squad, but I think that train has left the station now so to speak. However, I'd say anyone who the players you name trusts when it comes to their careers should be telling them to keep their head down, train hard and play as they can in the next few weeks and months because they have a great chance of breaking through given what's likely to happen with the senior players in their positions currently at the club.

Welshlad is usually right when it comes to new signings and if he says Williams is "pretty much a free transfer" then I believe him - if we were paying £500k or above for him, my attitude would be different, but I think he's worth taking a chance on given the likely cost in terms of fee and wages.