Darren Bent

Can't imagine Berba going to Turkey, especially if it isn't Galatasaray or Fenerbeche, but I would have laughed if you told me a month ago Clint would comeback over here and for that kind of money.

Strikers tend to have diva qualities (not too many Brian McBrides out there), but Bent has knock in over 100 Prem goals in 8 seasons. Still won't be 30 until Feb. Add in that it's on a loan, he moves close to home, and he should be extremely motivated that he can still play in this league.

A big concern is his health. He missed a bunch of time when he ruptured ankle ligaments 2 seasons ago. His biggest strength is his speed and agility, what does he have left?

 

While I understand your concern the thought of a forward that will stay on the shoulder of the last defender has to be at least a little appealing.

 

Bent passed his Fulham medical, looks set to join on loan.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/201 ... cal-fulham

 

Whatever the terms, this is good for us. This guy can be quality, with a proven track record for finishing at the net. We're still gonna need more on defense, though. Otherwise, this, too, is relatively useless.

 

This is fantastic news! I'm optimistic as well that he'll return to form and be a huge asset for our attack. Season looks promising as long as we can keep balls out of our own net!

 

Yay! :banana-dance: :banana-linedance: :banana-rainbow: :happy-jumpeveryone: :happy-cheerleadersmileyguy: :happy-jumpgreen: :happy-jumpyellow: :happy-partydance: :handgestures-thumbupright: :happy-sunny: :handgestures-thumbup:

Fulham has the good looking Lebron James. He wants to be on Roy's England WC team. Thank you Chaka Khan.

 

I'm optimistic about this one. We recently lost a player who many (incorrectly) perceived as lazy and a poacher and he had a huge impact on our side. A quick look at Bent's numbers shows a very consistent ability to score at a rate of 1 goal in 2 matches. Whatever else may or may not surround him, he can finish and we desperately need that.

There are several concerns as I see them. First, is how Jol plans to deploy him. Is he going to partner Berbatov and we play with 2 strikers or will he fill the part-time role that Petrov & Rodallega occupied last year? If the former, does that push Ruiz to the wing (where he struggles to get involved in the offense), to cm (where he's a defensive liability) or to the bench? Another concern is how well he pairs with Berbatov. I know many think the best partner for Berbatov is a pacy striker who can stretch defenses. Since Jol plans to use his wings for width, I think it then becomes more about occupying defenders and we know Berbatov can do that and hold the ball up. So if Bent can make the right subsequent runs, it should be successful. Lastly, there's that cloud that follows him from Villa. I've seen nothing that clearly states the true reason for his benching, so we'll just have to wait and see. On a one year loan that puts him in the shop window, I lean toward thinking it won't be an issue.

I'm not big on the idea of a loan, especially w/o an option to buy http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league/30228-bent-ruled-out-of-facing-villa.php. That's just treading water and with a club that doesn't like to spend money, kicking the can of having to buy players down the road where it'll only be more expensive to restaff. Hopefully when we get down that road, we find ourselves with plenty of options from the academy to fill the spots or money to spend. Regardless though, the club's stated goal is maintaining it's Premiership status and I think this should give us enough goals to ensure that. So short term, I like it. Long term...I'm starting to wonder if the club has a plan beyond BPL survival.

 

This is good. So is new Riether deal. It sends a message to fans that is positive, regardless of whether or not they
pan out.