Lloyd Kelly

[jpascavitz]

What exactly do you think the market is for 31-yo LB/CBs heading into the final year of their contract?

There are no "highs" - only lows at this stage when it comes to his transfer value.

A reasonable argument could be made just to keep him as the 5th CB - and have Phillips and Dorrington out on loan next season.

It's what we didn't do during Poch's years, should always be succession planning. If we're to make Europe in a high-pressing system then I think it would be a great signing. Plus the club/Ange will be looking for players that back themselves. He won't be coming thinking he is second fiddle to Van de Ven but that he could be a starter here.

I have always liked Davies and think he's been an amazing servant to the club. But he either will leave for a small fee in the Summer, or like you said, can see out his contract and keep being a utility player. Rather than wait until we desperately need another LCB, if the opportunity is there for a HG player on the cheap then I totally get why we would act now.

 

[coy-spurs1882]

It's what we didn't do during Poch's years, should always be succession planning. If we're to make Europe in a high-pressing system then I think it would be a great signing. Plus the club/Ange will be looking for players that back themselves. He won't be coming thinking he is second fiddle to Van de Ven but that he could be a starter here.

I have always liked Davies and think he's been an amazing servant to the club. But he either will leave for a small fee in the Summer, or like you said, can see out his contract and keep being a utility player. Rather than wait until we desperately need another LCB, if the opportunity is there for a HG player on the cheap then I totally get why we would act now.

We did, but they just all failed.
Vertonghen, Alderweireld -> Sanchez, Foyth, Wimmer
Eriksen, Dembele -> Lo Celso, Ndombele
Rose -> Sessegnon

 

[Gbspurs]

We did, but they just all failed.
Vertonghen, Alderweireld -> Sanchez, Foyth, Wimmer
Eriksen, Dembele -> Lo Celso, Ndombele
Rose -> Sessegnon

Lo Celso and Ndombele were way to late to be considered succession. Same for Sessegnon/Rose. Sanchez I agree with.

 

[jpascavitz]

We did, but they just all failed.
Vertonghen, Alderweireld -> Sanchez, Foyth, Wimmer
Eriksen, Dembele -> Lo Celso, Ndombele
Rose -> Sessegnon

Yeah you're right, I guess it was more of a little bit of bad luck, a little late timing and a little bit of poor recruitment haha. But I think I was trying to make the point on I don't think we should wait on Davies to move on to replace him if the opportunity is there.

 

[mil1lion]

What exactly do you think the market is for 31-yo LB/CBs heading into the final year of their contract?

There are no "highs" - only lows at this stage when it comes to his transfer value.

A reasonable argument could be made just to keep him as the 5th CB - and have Phillips and Dorrington out on loan next season.

Well Dier looks set to leave for a few mil with 6 months

 

[yido_number1]

We did, but they just all failed.
Vertonghen, Alderweireld -> Sanchez, Foyth, Wimmer
Eriksen, Dembele -> Lo Celso, Ndombele
Rose -> Sessegnon

Trippier for walker, we were also signing players like n'jie, nkoudou etc they just didn't work out as well as the likes of Eriksen, Lamela etc

 

[Thenewcat]

I like Davies and he's done a good job for us when called upon. He seems like the kind of guy who would move on if told he was no longer required.

As much as I respect him I think this summer is the right time for both parties for him to depart.

Why? He’s only 30, never complains and can cover 2 positions to a decent standard. His age means he’s still a good asset on the pitch but not worth a huge amount to sell, so I’d keep him

 

[TPdYID]

just didn't work out as well as the likes of Eriksen, Lamela etc

Wait, how did Lamela “work out”?

 

[dontcallme]

Why? He’s only 30, never complains and can cover 2 positions to a decent standard. His age means he’s still a good asset on the pitch but not worth a huge amount to sell, so I’d keep him

If we do what we should and buy 2 new centre backs by the summer then he'll be 5th choice and his style isn't right to play wing back.

He'll have a year left on his contract. If he wants to stay an extra year as 5th choice, then fine. I've no problem with having a strong squad.

But it seems to me that we can get a bit of money, he can get 1st team football and we'll free up a squad place.

Just seems to be the right time for all parties. Unless he wants an extra year of only playing extreme injuries.

 

[Thenewcat]

If we do what we should and buy 2 new centre backs by the summer then he'll be 5th choice and his style isn't right to play wing back.

He'll have a year left on his contract. If he wants to stay an extra year as 5th choice, then fine. I've no problem with having a strong squad.

But it seems to me that we can get a bit of money, he can get 1st team football and we'll free up a squad place.

Just seems to be the right time for all parties. Unless he wants an extra year of only playing extreme injuries.

Well first, I suspect our 5th choice CB might play more than you think. We should be playing a much heavier schedule than this year, and it only takes one suspension (Hello Cuti) and an injury for that to be our first covering option. If Kelly is brought in and ahead of him at LB then fine, but Ange values flexibility and again you’re only one injury from him being on the bench as cover

 

[Thenewcat]

Wait, how did Lamela “work out”?

Over 250 appearances for the club, was a regular in our first CL side under Poch (34 appearances in the league) and high on the list of ‘pain in the arse the opposition don’t want on the team sheet). He was a very important part of the early Poch side, and a useful squad guy who gave everything after that

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

If we do what we should and buy 2 new centre backs by the summer then he'll be 5th choice and his style isn't right to play wing back.

He'll have a year left on his contract. If he wants to stay an extra year as 5th choice, then fine. I've no problem with having a strong squad.

But it seems to me that we can get a bit of money, he can get 1st team football and we'll free up a squad place.

Just seems to be the right time for all parties. Unless he wants an extra year of only playing extreme injuries.

I would just add this - we need a 5th CB.

I would rather it be Davies -and have Phillips and Dorrington out on loan playing regularly.

Maybe you can argue that Royal can be the de facto 5th CB, but I see no problem with Davies next season, and then one of Phillips/Dorrington into the squad the following season.

 

[KILLA_SIN]

If we get Kelly its time to sell Davies, we will still get a fee, we've done this in the past hold onto players too long.

 

[dontcallme]

I would just add this - we need a 5th CB.

I would rather it be Davies -and have Phillips and Dorrington out on loan playing regularly.

Maybe you can argue that Royal can be the de facto 5th CB, but I see no problem with Davies next season, and then one of Phillips/Dorrington into the squad the following season.

Like I say, it's not like I mind us having a stronger squad.

But there is a time for a player to move on. Being 30 with 1 year left on his contract and unlikely to play much seems like a reasonable time to move on.

I've said I'm happy for him to stay so have no idea what people think they're disagreeing with.

 

[Snarfalicious]

If we get Kelly it’s time to sell Davies, we will still get a fee, we've done this in the past hold onto players too long.

I get your point with holding on to players too long in general. But, I view Ange as a guy who having trust in players is of the utmost importance to him. Davies is a model pro, is versatile and is home grown.

If anything, I think the addition of Kelly would mean we move on from Sessegnon. We need versatility in the backline and Davies (and Kelly) offers that, whereas Sess looks like he may be a man without a position in this setup. That may become more clear over the next few weeks, and maybe Ange will gradually move Sess back to LB once he feels the hamstring can take all the sprints, but currently it looks like he may be best to look elsewhere to get his career back on track.

Looking forward, it looks like we will be in a European competition next year, so we absolutely need options to get us through an even busier season.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Like I say, it's not like I mind us having a stronger squad.

But there is a time for a player to move on. Being 30 with 1 year left on his contract and unlikely to play much seems like a reasonable time to move on.

I've said I'm happy for him to stay so have no idea what people think they're disagreeing with.

You say "move on" - what are the career prospects for a 31 yo (he'll be 31 in the summer), former LB, now CB?

Realistically he has what - 1-2 years left at any kind of decent level?

Maybe he just wants to see out his contract, and call it a career at 32. We are not talking about a world class player who maybe can milk some club based on his name/reputation.

 

[dontcallme]

You say "move on" - what are the career prospects for a 31 yo (he'll be 31 in the summer), former LB, now CB?

Realistically he has what - 1-2 years left at any kind of decent level?

Maybe he just wants to see out his contract, and call it a career at 32. We are not talking about a world class player who maybe can milk some club based on his name/reputation.

A lot of players want to play an active part in their club.

Davies is good enough to be a 1st team starter for many Prem teams and be a leader. He likely only has a few seasons left so might want to play.

For the God knows how many times, I have no problem with him staying and helping us have a strong squad.

 

[TPdYID]

Over 250 appearances for the club, was a regular in our first CL side under Poch (34 appearances in the league) and high on the list of ‘pain in the arse the opposition don’t want on the team sheet). He was a very important part of the early Poch side, and a useful squad guy who gave everything after that

Fair opinion.

My issue was, I was expecting so much more. Nothing to do with his fee, more the glowing reputation he arrived with. Aside from a Rabona or two, running abat'a'bit (Redknapp voice) and engaging with the dark arts fishing for opposition cards, I was fairly disappointed with his general play.

Anyway back on-topic. Kelly is average and should only be considered as a final plan-Z.

 

[BorjeSpurs]

I would just add this - we need a 5th CB.

I would rather it be Davies -and have Phillips and Dorrington out on loan playing regularly.

Maybe you can argue that Royal can be the de facto 5th CB, but I see no problem with Davies next season, and then one of Phillips/Dorrington into the squad the following season.

Replying to Bluto here but question is general.

If Dragusin signs and is a really big hit during the 2nd half of the season, showing that he is one of the best young CB talents in Europe and that he can play RCB and LCB, would people be happy with Romero, VDV, Dragusin, Davies and Emerson to go into next season?

Let's also say that we sort out good squad options for FB so that Emerson/Davies is not reliant to be 2nd choice RB & LB.

I would be happy with above, given 3 great CB options and if all three were to be injured (very unlucky, even with Romero's history of absences) then Emerson and Davies have shown that they can do a decent job.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Replying to Bluto here but question is general.

If Dragusin signs and is a really big hit during the 2nd half of the season, showing that he is one of the best young CB talents in Europe and that he can play RCB and LCB, would people be happy with Romero, VDV, Dragusin, Davies and Emerson to go into next season?

Let's also say that we sort out good squad options for FB so that Emerson is not reliant to be 2nd choice RB & LB.

I would be happy with above, given 3 great CB options and if all three were to be injured (very unlucky, even with Romero's history of absences) then Emerson and Davies have shown that they can do a decent job.

Only speaking for myself - but, assuming we have European competition next season - that is not enough.