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Post by potterpaul on Jan 25, 2023 22:25:48 GMT
Eljari is a very good player if we could get him firing again. Jesus Christ almighty man, haven't you seen what happens to our new recruits over the past 6 years. The complete opposite to getting them firing AGAIN 😂😂😂
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Post by chiswickpotter on Jan 25, 2023 22:32:55 GMT
He's the best central midfielder at the club by a country mile. We haven't seen the best of him yet due to his injuries. Best centre mid at Stoke is hardly a massive accolade though is it.Bit like the tallest dwarf.Even that’s debatable as well.For the most he’s been very poor. Week before he was caught out for all 3 goals. Been clear all season him and Baker play in the same space. Only need one of them. Not fussed who but very pleased Neil is putting his stamp on the squad this window, shipping out players he doesn’t rate.
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Post by realstokebloke on Jan 25, 2023 23:35:30 GMT
The intriguing thing for me is that he must have an upgrade in mind / lined up / ready to hold the scarf above his head in front of the Boothen.
Where "upgrade" is the operative word.
If so, bring it on.
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Post by onionman on Jan 25, 2023 23:50:52 GMT
Reading are the first team I’ve seen in ages that has been miles worse than us. So of course, being Stoke, we are now going to swap one of our players for one of theirs.
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Post by boskampsflaps on Jan 26, 2023 0:28:30 GMT
He might well be but if he doesn’t want to be here he should be the first one out of the door. do you know this for a fact Just seems strange he left there as a free agent when he could have re signed.
Previously at Shrewsbury so may be local, I don't know. Maybe he's just got friends at Reading and people are putting 2+2 and getting 5 Followed the money like everyone else I would guess. I don't think he'd be much of a loss tbh, for a big lad he's so weak and doesn't add anything to the team the others don't have, hopefully if its true we have someone in mind to replace him, shouldn't be too difficult.
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Post by cvillestokie on Jan 26, 2023 0:32:03 GMT
I don’t personally like the idea of getting rid of players 6 months after signing them on a full deal. It doesn’t feel like a stable business practice to me. Laurent hasn’t been good, but he is a different type of midfielder to Kilkenny, Smallbone and Baker.
We need to find a way to motivate him to continue playing how he did versus Reading, not to send him back. Do that and Thompson is the only physical player we have in the midfield (and he’s often injured).
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Post by bloodtypered on Jan 26, 2023 1:30:58 GMT
Laurent is just starting fit in.... and you can see how good he is
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Post by karl on Jan 26, 2023 6:46:46 GMT
I think if the player wants to return to his old club and any club puts in a sensible offer then we shouldn't stand in his way. Are Reading still under a transfer embargo? So it would only be a loan so unless the manager doesn't rate him I don't see any point letting him go.
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Post by idle on Jan 26, 2023 6:58:53 GMT
Best centre mid at Stoke is hardly a massive accolade though is it.Bit like the tallest dwarf.Even that’s debatable as well.For the most he’s been very poor. Week before he was caught out for all 3 goals. Been clear all season him and Baker play in the same space. Only need one of them. Not fussed who but very pleased Neil is putting his stamp on the squad this window, shipping out players he doesn’t rate. Not disagreeing with Neil getting rid if he doesn't rate him, but we can't ship out players after 6 months (including some injuries). Some players take a year to get used to the club and find form. Laurent have been both poor and good, it's not just the reading game. In addition to this our midfield is paper thin already. What happens if Baker gets injured? Thompson, Smallbone and some youngster? Or if he doesn't find form? He's played way more poor games than Laurent this season.
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Post by etebojan on Jan 26, 2023 7:12:18 GMT
The only way this story has appeared, would be if there is some genuine desire from the Laurent camp to make a move back.There is no way that it would be a story otherwise, and Stoke would otherwise be keen to hang on to him. It's sad that he would want away, but maybe he's just not settled. With Readings current finances there is no way they're paying anything, a loan with an option to buy would be really frustrating to a direct rival, so the only viable option really is some kind of swap or part-x as others have alluded to, which may or may not be ok. But i guess probably better to let him go rather than have him here and unmotivated, as frustrating as it is as we should be getting a few million for him.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Jan 26, 2023 7:37:31 GMT
Laurent is just starting fit in.... and you can see how good he is He’s had one good game against an opponent he’s clearly trying to impress. That’s about it.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Jan 26, 2023 8:08:23 GMT
Best centre mid at Stoke is hardly a massive accolade though is it.Bit like the tallest dwarf.Even that’s debatable as well.For the most he’s been very poor. Week before he was caught out for all 3 goals. Been clear all season him and Baker play in the same space. Only need one of them. Not fussed who but very pleased Neil is putting his stamp on the squad this window, shipping out players he doesn’t rate. In this case he's not shipping out a player he doesn't rate - the player wants to leave. It's the same with the loans who have gone without a replacement lined up - they've bailed. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who initiated the move as long as we get players in committed to the way Neil wants to play. Some players clearly don't like or suit Neil's approach which really isn't surprising. To work under Neil the squad needs an overhaul no matter how it comes about.
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Post by bridgnorthstokie on Jan 26, 2023 8:09:22 GMT
The only way this story has appeared, would be if there is some genuine desire from the Laurent camp to make a move back.There is no way that it would be a story otherwise, and Stoke would otherwise be keen to hang on to him. It's sad that he would want away, but maybe he's just not settled. With Readings current finances there is no way they're paying anything, a loan with an option to buy would be really frustrating to a direct rival, so the only viable option really is some kind of swap or part-x as others have alluded to, which may or may not be ok. But i guess probably better to let him go rather than have him here and unmotivated, as frustrating as it is as we should be getting a few million for him. We await the return of Mr Tom Tince, swap deal of the century...🤣
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UNKLE
Youth Player
Posts: 417
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Post by UNKLE on Jan 26, 2023 8:09:35 GMT
Is Reading some kind of holiday camp as Ince alludes to 3 or 4 players who miss the place. This has shades of Kitson…..
I really wanted Laurent to succeed based on the views of his previous Reading performances, but he’s generally been poor.
He stood out on Saturday because Reading let him shine
Unless he’s trouble in the dressing room I’d keep him until the summer. We are dangerously short on quality in the squad.
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Post by chiswickpotter on Jan 26, 2023 9:12:21 GMT
Week before he was caught out for all 3 goals. Been clear all season him and Baker play in the same space. Only need one of them. Not fussed who but very pleased Neil is putting his stamp on the squad this window, shipping out players he doesn’t rate. In this case he's not shipping out a player he doesn't rate - the player wants to leave. It's the same with the loans who have gone without a replacement lined up - they've bailed. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who initiated the move as long as we get players in committed to the way Neil wants to play. Some players clearly don't like or suit Neil's approach which really isn't surprising. To work under Neil the squad needs an overhaul no matter how it comes about. If Neil wanted him he would stay, 6 months into a contract all the leverage is with the club. Our midfield has been awful this season, hardly controlled a game, entirely possible Neil thinks he can do better
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Post by spiderpuss on Jan 26, 2023 9:45:05 GMT
Well, 6ish months into a 3 year contract, that I'll be 10M please then Reading. Get this deal done! Seems odd his best game appears to be against the side who now want him....
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Post by leesandfordstoupe on Jan 26, 2023 9:45:46 GMT
In this case he's not shipping out a player he doesn't rate - the player wants to leave. It's the same with the loans who have gone without a replacement lined up - they've bailed. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who initiated the move as long as we get players in committed to the way Neil wants to play. Some players clearly don't like or suit Neil's approach which really isn't surprising. To work under Neil the squad needs an overhaul no matter how it comes about. If Neil wanted him he would stay, 6 months into a contract all the leverage is with the club. Our midfield has been awful this season, hardly controlled a game, entirely possible Neil thinks he can do better Didn’t sound like it when he spoke about his attributes after the Reading game. Maybe he just didn’t understand how to use him at his most effective being as he’s been in every midfield role even since coming back from injury. I don’t see why you’d discount the reported unhappy workplace. If JL enjoyed his time at Reading and came here for financial reasons under a regime he felt comfortable with only for it to be quickly changed to become a hostile environment maybe he thinks it’s just not worth the extra. Employers only have all the leverage if you let them and play by their rules.
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Post by CBUFAWKIPWH on Jan 26, 2023 9:57:19 GMT
In this case he's not shipping out a player he doesn't rate - the player wants to leave. It's the same with the loans who have gone without a replacement lined up - they've bailed. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who initiated the move as long as we get players in committed to the way Neil wants to play. Some players clearly don't like or suit Neil's approach which really isn't surprising. To work under Neil the squad needs an overhaul no matter how it comes about. If Neil wanted him he would stay, 6 months into a contract all the leverage is with the club. Our midfield has been awful this season, hardly controlled a game, entirely possible Neil thinks he can do better Really? He could refuse his request to leave but then he's got a demotivated player to deal with. It's a bit of a desperate spin - especially given the number of loanees who have also walked recently without a replacement lined up. It's pretty clear that players brought in under MON don't like and don't suit Neil's approach and are getting out before they're pushed. It doesn't really matter who instigated the shake up the issue is whether the replacements work out or not. I said a few weeks ago we either had to get rid of Neil and get in a manager who can work with MON's squad or gut the squad asap, hope we survive and give Neil a couple of seasons to complete the rebuild. Regardless of who initiated the clear out it's already happend so we have to stick and hope it works out.
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Post by gingerninja on Jan 26, 2023 10:07:58 GMT
I don't buy into this Neil is a hard taskmaster, yes he likes his team's to be fit, but given his record with Norwich and Sunderland in getting them promoted, would suggest he can get a good team spirit, yiu don't win promotions at any level without a collective togetherness. Same at Preston to a degree, got them punching above their weight consistently. If some of the players want an easy ride, fine, just ship them out..
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Post by thebet365 on Jan 26, 2023 10:18:36 GMT
Well, 6ish months into a 3 year contract, that I'll be 10M please then Reading. Get this deal done! Seems odd his best game appears to be against the side who now want him.... Reading are under a transfer embargo, they can't pay any fees, only sign free transfers and loans.
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Post by Rick Grimes on Jan 26, 2023 10:20:25 GMT
If Neil wanted him he would stay, 6 months into a contract all the leverage is with the club. Our midfield has been awful this season, hardly controlled a game, entirely possible Neil thinks he can do better Really? He could refuse his request to leave but then he's got a demotivated player to deal with. It's a bit of a desperate spin - especially given the number of loanees who have also walked recently without a replacement lined up. It's pretty clear that players brought in under MON don't like and don't suit Neil's approach and are getting out before they're pushed. It doesn't really matter who instigated the shake up the issue is whether the replacements work out or not. I said a few weeks ago we either had to get rid of Neil and get in a manager who can work with MON's squad or gut the squad asap, hope we survive and give Neil a couple of seasons to complete the rebuild. Regardless of who initiated the clear out it's already happend so we have to stick and hope it works out. Can’t agree with that at all. There’s no reason most players can’t adapt to what Neil is asking of them, especially because they’ve mainly been playing in the same wing back formation that MON used. Although we haven’t seen the best of Laurent due to injuries, based on what we have seen I wouldn’t be too bothered if he does go. To suggest Neil needs to go or we need to gut the squad ASAP is rubbish to be quite frank. Most players are out of contract in the summer and the proper rebuild can take place then. In the meantime we’ll work with what we’ve got and any further recruitments that arrive before the end of the window.
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Post by a on Jan 26, 2023 10:36:46 GMT
Well, 6ish months into a 3 year contract, that I'll be 10M please then Reading. Get this deal done! Seems odd his best game appears to be against the side who now want him.... Reading are under a transfer embargo, they can't pay any fees, only sign free transfers and loans. They’re not getting him then would be my response.
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Post by leesandfordstoupe on Jan 26, 2023 10:38:01 GMT
Well, 6ish months into a 3 year contract, that I'll be 10M please then Reading. Get this deal done! Seems odd his best game appears to be against the side who now want him.... Reading are under a transfer embargo, they can't pay any fees, only sign free transfers and loans. tbh it’s even more stringent than that they have to get written approval to even sign those. If they weren’t inkeeping with their enforced business plan even those would be refused.
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Post by nott1 on Jan 26, 2023 10:44:27 GMT
Laurent is just starting fit in.... and you can see how good he is Looks very much like they will let him go for a reasonable offer though.
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Post by cheadlestokie on Jan 26, 2023 10:46:21 GMT
An awful lot of supposition is being made from nothing more than some rumour.
He would not be the first player who has not celebrated a goal against a former club, especially one only left a few months ago.
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Post by leesandfordstoupe on Jan 26, 2023 10:46:26 GMT
Really? He could refuse his request to leave but then he's got a demotivated player to deal with. It's a bit of a desperate spin - especially given the number of loanees who have also walked recently without a replacement lined up. It's pretty clear that players brought in under MON don't like and don't suit Neil's approach and are getting out before they're pushed. It doesn't really matter who instigated the shake up the issue is whether the replacements work out or not. I said a few weeks ago we either had to get rid of Neil and get in a manager who can work with MON's squad or gut the squad asap, hope we survive and give Neil a couple of seasons to complete the rebuild. Regardless of who initiated the clear out it's already happend so we have to stick and hope it works out. Can’t agree with that at all. There’s no reason most players can’t adapt to what Neil is asking of them, especially because they’ve mainly been playing in the same wing back formation that MON used. Although we haven’t seen the best of Laurent due to injuries, based on what we have seen I wouldn’t be too bothered if he does go. To suggest Neil needs to go or we need to gut the squad ASAP is rubbish to be quite frank. Most players are out of contract in the summer and the proper rebuild can take place then. In the meantime we’ll work with what we’ve got and any further recruitments that arrive before the end of the window. So the employer gets to move the goalposts around at will and the employees just have to adapt? No sure every one will see things that way. If they fuck you around, fuck them around more was always my approach. He’s been sold one thing and within weeks they’ve changed it to something completely different. Even our own reporter says the atmosphere is shit down at Clayton Wood and plenty don’t like Neil’s attitude or Ricky Martin’s. I’ll be sorry to lose what I believe to be a very good player used correctly but if it is environmental over financial I take my hat off to the player.
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Post by LGH87 on Jan 26, 2023 10:57:04 GMT
Maybe it was all an elaborate plan for Laurent & Reading.
His contract was coming to an end, Reading couldn't afford to pay him what he wanted, so they constructed a move to Stoke on a free, we've probably doubled his wages. He then spends most of the first six months injured and unavailable, then plays very well vs Reading to avoid suspicion, before signing for them on loan again, with reading paying a fraction of his wages.
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Post by prestwichpotter on Jan 26, 2023 11:04:19 GMT
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Post by scfc75 on Jan 26, 2023 11:06:27 GMT
Maybe it was all an elaborate plan for Laurent & Reading. His contract was coming to an end, Reading couldn't afford to pay him what he wanted, so they constructed a move to Stoke on a free, we've probably doubled his wages. He then spends most of the first six months injured and unavailable, then plays very well vs Reading to avoid suspicion, before signing for them on loan again, with reading paying a fraction of his wages. Love a conspiracy theory.
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Post by leesandfordstoupe on Jan 26, 2023 11:11:26 GMT
Best centre mid at Stoke is hardly a massive accolade though is it.Bit like the tallest dwarf.Even that’s debatable as well.For the most he’s been very poor. Week before he was caught out for all 3 goals. Been clear all season him and Baker play in the same space. Only need one of them. Not fussed who but very pleased Neil is putting his stamp on the squad this window, shipping out players he doesn’t rate. They complimented each other just fine at the weekend. Players should be playing to a brief not just making it up as they go along. That’s the first time in a good while maybe even since AN came in that Laurent has been used in the deepest role it’s invariably been Thompson or Baker. It’s the role he occupied mostly when he won player of the season at Reading and was judged to have had a less successful season the next season used mainly further forward. Where a player wants to play or what they consider their best role is not necessarily their most effective.
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