RedRoss

Nope definitely still alive, was last seen in Bedminster.

Is it that surprising to you that we have a 60 page topic on arguably the best young player we've ever had? I'd be surprised if this doesn't wrangle on for a while.

Not sure you can say that.

Exactly and Tom Heaton would have to be here 10 years later to see him too.

Have you considered the players personal ambitions? Alot of those transfers were to Premier League clubs or on the fringes.

I can see that some people are saying £25m isn't enough and comparing deals of £105m for Declan and saying we got similar for Webster. Firstly Rice can't be compared one bit and Webster was sold for good money in a time that millions were being thrown around the Championship. The Championship is a completely different financial landscape these days and I would argue if we had the money in for Alex if he is sold, that money would go much further on new additions to the squad and some retained for ffp and further transfer windows. Plus I can see a few posters saying 'if' we get promoted Alex would be worth much more. I agree but that's a huge risk to take in my opinion. Without all the sentiment of keeping Alex, I'm quite relaxed about the situation. I think we could be potentially better as a squad as well have a sizeable amount of cash for many transfer windows ahead and new additions. If he stays and I think that's unlikely he'll be part of a team that may propel us to the promise land.

@Never to the dark side this is normally your cuppa isn't it?

Wouldn't say this is very clear he prefers to play centre back solely: From his first interview on Robins TV: My preferences is in defence, between centre-back and right back as that’s where I’ve played the majority of my football over the last few years. Obviously I can step into a couple of positions and be versatile.

This may change your perspective on both formation and RM: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/ross-mccrorie-haydon-roberts-bristol-8556835 Particularly these bits.. “Both of them as full-backs,” Pearson said, when asked as to what positions he saw them playing, before adding of McCrorie. “I know he can play in midfield and at centre-back, his profile if you like in terms of what he gives us will be energy, he’s a good runner, he’s aggressive. I think he’s a decent signing for us, he really is. “If you look at Ross, alright people might say he can play centre-back, yeah he can do but I’d like to see him rampaging down the pitch from a full-back position because he can do that but he likes defending too. “He’ll have to dislodge George (Tanner) who finished the season very very well. I think this is what I was alluding to about players driving the competition. Pearson’s preference for a 4-3-3 - and he referenced the system several times this week at the HPC - means Roberts probably won’t be stationed there, but after City failed to strike a deal with Joe Bryan and with Jay Dasilva’s departure to Coventry City, Cam Pring has some competition on a position he increasingly made his own.

I've seen this pop up a few times. Is it really? They are likely to be shopping in the same sort of market. It's just one of those things. I couldn't care less if it's to Ipswich. I'm more gutted if true because I think he'd be a great addition however as one door closes another one opens.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/nigel-pearson-bristol-city-bryan-8552110 Nige's thoughts.

Can you not see the irony in your own reply. That's why they are saying..how can you say he's better when he's never actually played at this level yet. Whether or not he's had the opportunity based on injury or opportunity makes no difference.

https://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=138063 According to KUMB sources, Wolves have made an opening offer of £15million with a further £5million in add-ons - while Tottenham are understood to have tabled a bid worth £18million.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/cl-finalists-serious-pursuit-bristol-city-star-transfer-done-e18m/

I'd say so. All players need to be treated the same way. That being said we have an extra year security with Pring to demonstrate exactly that.

Completely agree, I've had that same feeling. Weve already sorted out a contingency plan of sorts and may go back into the market if he is moved on and Kalas doesn't resign. I also think we should stick to the contract we've deemed good enough to offer based on his last few years not just the upturn in his form last season. Nigel has said we won't be offering bumper wages just off one good decent and I agree.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-open-fresh-contract-8539743 Offered a contract previously which was rejected. Awaiting new talks with the player. With our new policy of selling players proactively I can see him going this window unless we just get really bad offers it may be better to keep for a year. Previously Nigel wants players out if the don't want to commit however.

Plus they have 8 centre midfielders already for next season.. who knows we'll find out in due course.

https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-city/bristol-city-transfer-target-breaks-silence-as-ipswich-stoke-join-race-4190896 According to this he's gonna take a break and review his options after, this may play out over a couple of weeks unless things get resolved beforehand.

Chill out Alan Sugar, it's just media speculation right now. I'm sure if it goes over what we're willing to pay we'll move on to the next target.

Where have you got this from? We knew a week ago we'd bid 1.5 million from an online forum. I'm sure its common knowledge in football circles.

You've preemptively answered what I was going to say. We also have Pring who does exactly that at our level. We now have Roberts as back up who may also have the ability to do that 'if that's what Nigel needs' as we just don't know. What I do know is that Tins and Nige know how they want to play and have or are identifying players that play the system they want. Not all teams are going to play this system your referring to with marauding fullbacks and that specific skillset. There isn't just one way to be successful. Again I think your oversimplifing the matter. Its all about balance in the team.

Think your oversimplifing 'best teams' and how they operate. It all depends on style of play. I know some successful teams go for the high press but not all have marauding fullbacks or wingbacks i.e Dan Burn at Newcastle. Also how do you know McCrorie can't do that?

Bit of a shame as he was the sought after player from the efl last year and we never got to properly see him in action. However we've done the right thing and cashed in whilst he has some value especially if NP can't see him breaking into the team. Least were being proactive with moving players on rather than letting them stagnate and going for free. Also potentially we may have a sell on if he does well and moves on for decent money.

Not sure, wouldn't be surprised if a Prem team had bid 40/45 already for him. He's been a good player for 3/4 seasons consistently and still at a decent age. Same with the fees quoted for Maddison.