Fam

[BUTOR]

it should be said that Famara deserves credit. So many players in this day and age in his situation would have lost interest and stopped playing for the team long ago. In spite of clearly wanting to move on he has remained first class in his attitude as he has done throughtout his time here and I enjoyed seeing him get the winner today. Yes he has had his head turned but I don’t believe he’s done anything to our detriment, he’s a battler on the pitch and has always been a classy guy off it too. 

Whenever he leaves now I am sure he will be remembered fondly. 

[WolfOfWestStreet]

Cant believe how poorly he is rated by most of the fan base. He'd walk into most teams in this league. 

I'd have loved to have been there today to watch him smash it home in front of the east end.

Good on him hope this gives him confidence because when he's on it, he's a proper handful. 

[Wade Wilson]

Absolutely ******* love the man.

[poland_exile]

49 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Cant believe how poorly he is rated by most of the fan base. He'd walk into most teams in this league. 

I'd have loved to have been there today to watch him smash it home in front of the east end.

Good on him hope this gives him confidence because when he's on it, he's a proper handful. 

Bamboozles me! The bloke's got passion, heart and unbelievable work rate. And he's a bloody decent footballer with an excellent multi-dimensional game that extends way beyond his forward duties. To tick that many boxes is remarkable, so it amazes me so many people wear blinkers and don't give him the credit he warrants. We'd been crying out for a player like this for years, and while he's not irreplaceable, losing him would be a massive blow. Absolute diamond he is! 

[Rebounder]

When people say we should sell him I don't think they understand how important squad depth is. I get the argument that if we get a decent fee then we should cash in, but otherwise we need decent players around the team and as long as he is happy fighting then we will only benefit from that. 

[Rob k]

4 hours ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Cant believe how poorly he is rated by most of the fan base. He'd walk into most teams in this league. 

I'd have loved to have been there today to watch him smash it home in front of the east end.

Good on him hope this gives him confidence because when he's on it, he's a proper handful. 

I don’t think anyone has ever criticised anything other than the end product which quite often has not been good enough, he was missing far too many chances he should score. 

[City oz]

3 hours ago, poland_exile said:

Bamboozles me! The bloke's got passion, heart and unbelievable work rate. And he's a bloody decent footballer with an excellent multi-dimensional game that extends way beyond his forward duties. To tick that many boxes is remarkable, so it amazes me so many people wear blinkers and don't give him the credit he warrants. We'd been crying out for a player like this for years, and while he's not irreplaceable, losing him would be a massive blow. Absolute diamond he is! 

He is a great asset and he would walk into most teams of this league. I think he is at his peak and will only be An asset to us for the rest of this season should we go up.

He ticks many boxes at this level and we all love him. Great player, great bloke and great asset when he is played at the correct times when DH plays him and brings him off the bench. He has respect from his fellow team mates at BS3 and also his international team mates.

When he scores his reaction on his face is so great it brings the whole team together. Lets face it he has scored some bloody great ones in competitive matches and even on the trading pitch of which we have seen.

Fam is not one we would take to the Prem and the club would most probably off load him to a high flying club in the championship  should we go up at the end of this season. Probably a few others as well.

 

[Pezo]

3 minutes ago, City oz said:

He is a great asset and he would walk into most teams of this league. I think he is at his peak and will only be An asset to us for the rest of this season should we go up.

He ticks many boxes at this level and we all love him. Great player, great bloke and great asset when he is played at the correct times when DH plays him and brings him off the bench. He has respect from his fellow team mates at BS3 and also his international team mates.

When he scores his reaction on his face is so great it brings the whole team together. Lets face it he has scored some bloody great ones in competitive matches and even on the trading pitch of which we have seen.

Fam is not one we would take to the Prem and the club would most probably off load him to a high flying club in the championship  should we go up at the end of this season. Probably a few others as well.

 

I disagree, I think if we were promoted he is one I would want to keep, his defensive qualities would be more in demand than every other strikers goal scoring ability.

It's his finesse going forward that stops him from being a top player in this or any other league IMO but his defensive quality makes him invaluable to any team with there backs to the wall.

[ThreeWordCityNerd]

Love the guy.

[City oz]

15 minutes ago, Pezo said:

I disagree, I think if we were promoted he is one I would want to keep, his defensive qualities would be more in demand than every other strikers goal scoring ability.

It's his finesse going forward that stops him from being a top player in this or any other league IMO but his defensive quality makes him invaluable to any team with there backs to the wall.

That is the question. Is he playing in the correct position. Is he a centre forward as if so he will not cut it in the prem league for who ever he plays for. 

Great team player that can bolster the defense when we are under massive pressure but is he an out right centre forward ?

[Pezo]

31 minutes ago, City oz said:

That is the question. Is he playing in the correct position. Is he a centre forward as if so he will not cut it in the prem league for who ever he plays for. 

Great team player that can bolster the defense when we are under massive pressure but is he an out right centre forward ?

I agree it's strange, I think he is playing in his preferred position (maybe not his best), while he has defensive qualities he's certainly not a defender the key with him is being able to add to the defence when required, he's not a midfielder or winger although could probably do a job as a wide forward but definitely not his best position.

So then we have the 2 forward positions which he has bits of but is missing other bits.

To be a forward he should:

play between midfield and attack, which he can mostly do.

Assists the striker in scoring goals, tick.

Elusive and difficult to mark, somewhat not particularly elusive but is difficult to mark.

More versatile than the target-man, absolutely.

Vision, technical skill and creativity, not his strength. 

 

To be a striker he should be:

Closest player to the opponent’s goal, could be but not his strength. 

Responsible for scoring goals, is good but not great - could score more with chances he gets.

Holds the ball up until teammates can join the attack, I can see he does this but also struggles with his touch in doing it.

Harries opposition defenders, mostly. 

Physically strong, absolutely.

 

He's never going to be the player that gets us up but he might be the player that keeps us up. 

[Tipps69]

6 hours ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

it should be said that Famara deserves credit. So many players in this day and age in his situation would have lost interest and stopped playing for the team long ago. In spite of clearly wanting to move on he has remained first class in his attitude as he has done throughtout his time here and I enjoyed seeing him get the winner today. Yes he has had his head turned but I don’t believe he’s done anything to our detriment, he’s a battler on the pitch and has always been a classy guy off it too. 

Whenever he leaves now I am sure he will be remembered fondly. 

Where has he shown that he ‘clearly wants to move on’?

All the noise coming from the club is that he wants to stay, this next contract is likely to be his last real chance to get the best deal of his career, he’s at optimum age & a full international so if there’s a few things that still need sorting before he’s 100% happy, he’s well within his rights to not sign yet.

Contracts are no longer just a piece of paper that states how long & how much you will earn, they now have loads of clause’s, promotion, relegation, release, goal bonuses, assist bonuses, position bonuses etc & if he’s heard that Wells or Martin have come in on more than him or his potential new contract & he believes he is worth more than them for whatever reason, then he may believe he deserves more than them.

The current situation with Covid-19 also needs to be taken into account, with finances being a bit of a struggle throughout football, the club may of offered him considerably less than what he’s on now or what he values himself at & as most of us have realised, players wages do need to be reevaluated, especially if they need to fall in line with any potential wage cap. Now is a tricky time for clubs & players, if City need everyone that’s contract is running out to reduce their current wage if they are to stay, how would most of us feel as a player?

I certainly can’t see City being in a position to offer anyone a significant pay rise under the current circumstances unless we get promotion & then the clauses come into action because being realistic, how many of us would expect us to stay in the Premier League if we got promoted this coming summer? So then the club need to have things covered that we aren’t stuck with players on Premier League wages in the Championship.

So this (and all of the players) contracts that are running out are unlikely to be simple negotiations.

[MarcusX]

How good was that goal today too?

considering how much his first touch is criticised it was perfect for that goal and great finish. 

[City oz]

33 minutes ago, Pezo said:

I agree it's strange, I think he is playing in his preferred position (maybe not his best), while he has defensive qualities he's certainly not a defender the key with him is being able to add to the defence when required, he's not a midfielder or winger although could probably do a job as a wide forward but definitely not his best position.

So then we have the 2 forward positions which he has bits of but is missing other bits.

To be a forward he should:

play between midfield and attack, which he can mostly do.

Assists the striker in scoring goals, tick.

Elusive and difficult to mark, somewhat not particularly elusive but is difficult to mark.

More versatile than the target-man, absolutely.

Vision, technical skill and creativity, not his strength. 

 

To be a striker he should be:

Closest player to the opponent’s goal, could be but not his strength. 

Responsible for scoring goals, is good but not great - could score more with chances he gets.

Holds the ball up until teammates can join the attack, I can see he does this but also struggles with his touch in doing it.

Harries opposition defenders, mostly. 

Physically strong, absolutely.

 

He's never going to be the player that gets us up but he might be the player that keeps us up. 

Great post. Fam we all know is a great player at the right time. Great physical player and a great attitude. At BS3 we are looking to Prem football and is Fam in the future going to go down as some of the city high goal scorers, like. 

Sticks Ritchie, Alan Walsh, Gerry Sharpe, Scotty Murray, the great cheese, Atyeo and i think even Donnie Gillies has scored more but I could be wrong.

if you are looking for a comparison where a player can score goals, defend and i mean defend like a hero then Norman Hunter is the master may he Rest In Peace is a real City and Leeds hero.

[joshthomson]

Famara has been a fantastic leader for the club. He deserves a decent contract. Although his role this season is very different, the depth in the squad is vital. He is the perfect sub to come on when we are leading and expecting a tough final 3rd of the game. Holds the ball up well, threat in front of goal and defensively sound. I still cant get over how many defensive headers he wins from corners. The mans an absolute beast. 

[Warwickshire Red]

In his post match interview he was asked about the contract situation.

Indicated there should be news soon and sounded positive- great news as he offers us something different to the other strikers.

While he’s previously missed chances we hoped he’d score, which strikers don’t, and not sure our other strikers will be much better (Wells potentially but not sure he’d have scored that goal yesterday).

I’d be delighted if Fam signs another contract. We’d be diminished without him IMO.

[Tipps69]

4 minutes ago, joshthomson said:

Famara has been a fantastic leader for the club. He deserves a decent contract. Although his role this season is very different, the depth in the squad is vital. He is the perfect sub to come on when we are leading and expecting a tough final 3rd of the game. Holds the ball up well, threat in front of goal and defensively sound. I still cant get over how many defensive headers he wins from corners. The mans an absolute beast. 

And under the current financial circumstances that are affecting all of football, how do you justify giving someone a pay rise when they are technically having less of an affect on the team, especially when the club needs to bring wages down to fit in with potential wage cap that looks like being introduced?

[extonsred]

....less effect on the team???? 

May no be as technically skilful as others bot often much more effective 

[City oz]

2 minutes ago, Tipps69 said:

And under the current financial circumstances that are affecting all of football, how do you justify giving someone a pay rise when they are technically having less of an affect on the team, especially when the club needs to bring wages down to fit in with potential wage cap that looks like being introduced?

 Any player requesting a pay rise in these circumstances where everyone is doing it tough and especially you guys in Bristol that spend your money on home away games over the years should look at the other option and the player should leave  the club.

is Fam requesting a pay rise or is it just some RUMOUR 

[mozo]

21 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

I think this system will suit Fam, maybe he starts midweek

Do we stick with a winning team for one more game? I think we will.

But I don't think Martin is particularly on it at the moment and Fam deserves a go.

Also, is it me or do Fam and Semenyo link up well (from the limited minutes they've played together)?

[DT The Optimist]

It's a debate among City fans that will come back time & time again and again. Also it might depend where you are  in your 'City watching career' in what your take on Fam is.  I have been blessed (and not so blessed !) in watching City since the late 60's and as i advance towards old git status I can reflect on strikers I have watched over the last 50 years. 

My goodness we have had real quality ones, John Galley, (Atyeo before my time) Garland, Cheese, Mick Harford ( I remember saying he would play for England and he did.. only once mind) Andy Cole, Bob Super Bob Taylor, The Goat, so on and so on.

Then there are strikers other end of the scale .....  Bas Savage, David Seal, Andy Jones... more recently Diony ?

So where would you place Fam in this illustrious history of strikers to wear the shirt ?  He would certainly NOT be in the top tier, equally not the bottom tier, he's an OK striker. 

Last few seasons I have left the gate on many occasions thinking how poor he was, perhaps handful of times thinking  'wow' he had a  really good one today !  Perhaps as I reflect I would like him to sign and be here few more years, likewise if he fancies his chances elsewhere I will not be wringing my hands in despair. 

[cidercity1987]

Best fourth choice striker in the league. Changed the game when he came on yesterday and you could just tell he was going to make his mark.

Martin has been great in some games, anonymous in others and they need to job share more with the amount of games we have.

[Top Robin]

One word describes him and many of our other players - inconsistent.

[Bris Red]

To replace Fam would cost upwards of £10 million in todays market. How people wanted rid of him is unbelievable, a really good striker at this level and as somebody else said he would walk into most teams in the Championship. Granted he has a few limitations but what player doesn’t.. if he was the complete striker he would be playing in the Prem or in a top flight league in Europe. 

[Tipps69]

24 minutes ago, City oz said:

 Any player requesting a pay rise in these circumstances where everyone is doing it tough and especially you guys in Bristol that spend your money on home away games over the years should look at the other option and the player should leave  the club.

is Fam requesting a pay rise or is it just some RUMOUR 

I think it’s fair to assume that anyone who’s contract is up & the club are looking to retain would want a pay rise, especially from a player’s agent’s perspective because I haven’t known an agent that isn’t in it for everything he can get. And as I explained further above, Fam is now technically in his prime & under ‘normal’ circumstances would of been looking to maximise his value in this contract due to age, being a full international & having proven that he can perform at this level.

The only player that I’ve ever heard that has accepted less financially is Taylor Moore when he was concerned that he was going to be released.

[robin_unreliant]

Will the love in continue if he refuses to sign a new contract and leaves on a free to get more money elsewhere?

Nice guy he may be but my loyalty is to the club and I wouldn't be bigging him up if that's what happens. 

[DT The Optimist]

1 minute ago, robin_unreliant said:

Will the love in continue if he refuses to sign a new contract and leaves on a free to get more money elsewhere?

Nice guy he may be but my loyalty is to the club and I wouldn't be bigging him up if that's what happens. 

Professional sport. Hunt fatest pay cheque ? Considerations might come into it lifestyle and if settled in an area. Look at players & coaches that go to China as example.  Not for cultural experience or quality of the football?

[Lanterne Rouge]

6 minutes ago, robin_unreliant said:

Will the love in continue if he refuses to sign a new contract and leaves on a free to get more money elsewhere?

Nice guy he may be but my loyalty is to the club and I wouldn't be bigging him up if that's what happens. 

Without knowing what we have offered or what others may have offered it is impossible to say why he may choose one option over the other. If he leaves at the end of his contract he is only doing what any of us are able to do in our employment and he will leave with my best wishes.

[GrahamC]

Someone posted yesterday if Derby had him in their team they would have won & that’s correct, they were punchless.

Amazed that a Derby, Stoke or Sheff Wed didn’t take a punt on him this summer.

I’m a big fan & love him but will take the “you will hear some news soon” stuff with a pinch of salt until it actually happens.

[Tipps69]

27 minutes ago, robin_unreliant said:

Will the love in continue if he refuses to sign a new contract and leaves on a free to get more money elsewhere?

Nice guy he may be but my loyalty is to the club and I wouldn't be bigging him up if that's what happens. 

But it’s just a job to Diedhiou, he’s not a Bristol City fan like the majority of the 20,000+ that attend games & endless other thousands that follow the club in different ways. The majority of us would of played for the club for peanuts just to have the chance to play for us but this is just a job for him.

If you were offered a pay rise in your job to go to somewhere else, you’d take it right? Well I would of because I had no loyalty to my work place, similarly, they had no loyalty to me.

Players, managers & coaches will come & go but supporters rarely change their allegiances.

[GrahamC]

8 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

I know Holden likes to stick with a winning side, but I would like to see him bring in Fam and Bakinson for Martin and Wells.

Move O'Dowda to the wing and go with Bakinson and Nagy giving Paterson freedom.

A more solid look that side would have I think.

Yep I agree they seem to look good together. What I like about a potential front 3 of O'Dowda - Diedhiou - Semenyo is that 2 of them are very good in the air in Diedhiou and Semenyo, and O'Dowda can certainly challenge and win aerial duels too. Gives the defence plenty to worry about with not just Fam being the aerial threat on balls played forward or balls into the box.

Not saying that should be the long term plan, but something I'd like us to go with midweek in a very tough fixture.

Bakinson is ill, there appears no prospect he will available on Wednesday.

[Tipps69]

9 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

I know Holden likes to stick with a winning side, but I would like to see him bring in Fam and Bakinson for Martin and Wells.

Move O'Dowda to the wing and go with Bakinson and Nagy giving Paterson freedom.

A more solid look that side would have I think.

Yep I agree they seem to look good together. What I like about a potential front 3 of O'Dowda - Diedhiou - Semenyo is that 2 of them are very good in the air in Diedhiou and Semenyo, and O'Dowda can certainly challenge and win aerial duels too. Gives the defence plenty to worry about with not just Fam being the aerial threat on balls played forward or balls into the box.

Not saying that should be the long term plan, but something I'd like us to go with midweek in a very tough fixture.

Which is easy to say when Bakinson hasn’t been available for the last few games & we don’t know when he’ll be back!

DH can’t pick players if they aren’t available.

[Sheltons Army]

2 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Bakinson is ill, there appears no prospect he will available on Wednesday.

Think he tested CoVid positive , but was feeling %100 Graham

Holden said he felt unwell for Huddersfield but tested negative and now feels fine but now tested positive !

[Tipps69]

Just now, JonDolman said:

If he was to be available I mean

By that time we could have Walsh, Williams, Mawson & even Baker back, the matchday squad could look very different soon.

[joshthomson]

1 hour ago, Tipps69 said:

And under the current financial circumstances that are affecting all of football, how do you justify giving someone a pay rise when they are technically having less of an affect on the team, especially when the club needs to bring wages down to fit in with potential wage cap that looks like being introduced?

I appreciate what you are saying. And I'm sure this is the reason why the dotted line has not been signed. However pandemic or not if I was in Fams shoes I'd expect something more after everything he has given over the past couple of years. He is at the prime age now and could easily walk into another cub. If we want to keep Fam it will cost us. The expected wage cap which could come in! We will be absolutley fine, compared to many clubs in the Champo, our wage structure is very good and in a solid position. Lansdown has set his expectations with wages over the years. He is a very very good business man and fulfills me with confidence that not one player will be overpaid over excessive time at the club. 

 

[bcfcnick]

I don't know how genuine his reply was, but he was asked in his Radio Bristol interview about signing a contract and he said something like 'soon .... we're very close'.  

Being third in the table must help negotiations because offered contracts will presumably have a 'promotion to Premiership' bonus.  

[GrahamC]

16 minutes ago, Sheltons Army said:

Think he tested CoVid positive , but was feeling %100 Graham

Holden said he felt unwell for Huddersfield but tested negative and now feels fine but now tested positive !

The pre match interview with Paul Simpson seemed to suggest that there was more likelihood of Massengo being available on Wednesday because he has had chest pains but no positive Covid test, but appreciate it is a completely fluid situation.

[Tipps69]

13 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

Surely Bakinson is only days away from being available? 

Doesn't sound like the others that particularly close to returning

Not so sure, when did Bakinson have his ‘migraine’? Over 2 weeks ago because it was before the international break & we don’t exactly know what situation he’s now in.

DH explained that one of the positive testers has symptoms & another doesn’t, so do we know which Bakinson is?

[Tipps69]

17 minutes ago, joshthomson said:

I appreciate what you are saying. And I'm sure this is the reason why the dotted line has not been signed. However pandemic or not if I was in Fams shoes I'd expect something more after everything he has given over the past couple of years. He is at the prime age now and could easily walk into another cub. If we want to keep Fam it will cost us. The expected wage cap which could come in! We will be absolutley fine, compared to many clubs in the Champo, our wage structure is very good and in a solid position. Lansdown has set his expectations with wages over the years. He is a very very good business man and fulfills me with confidence that not one player will be overpaid over excessive time at the club. 

 

But you can’t pay someone in the future for what they’ve done in the past, surely?

As for our wage cap to current wage, we’re about £13m over cap of the figures mentioned are correct! Hardly pennies!

[BCFCGav]

42 goals wearing our crest now. Love the man. Last person to pass 50 was Scott Murray I believe! 

[ralphindevon]

1 hour ago, DT The Optimist said:

It's a debate among City fans that will come back time & time again and again. Also it might depend where you are  in your 'City watching career' in what your take on Fam is.  I have been blessed (and not so blessed !) in watching City since the late 60's and as i advance towards old git status I can reflect on strikers I have watched over the last 50 years. 

My goodness we have had real quality ones, John Galley, (Atyeo before my time) Garland, Cheese, Mick Harford ( I remember saying he would play for England and he did.. only once mind) Andy Cole, Bob Super Bob Taylor, The Goat, so on and so on.

Then there are strikers other end of the scale .....  Bas Savage, David Seal, Andy Jones... more recently Diony ?

So where would you place Fam in this illustrious history of strikers to wear the shirt ?  He would certainly NOT be in the top tier, equally not the bottom tier, he's an OK striker. 

Last few seasons I have left the gate on many occasions thinking how poor he was, perhaps handful of times thinking  'wow' he had a  really good one today !  Perhaps as I reflect I would like him to sign and be here few more years, likewise if he fancies his chances elsewhere I will not be wringing my hands in despair. 

Although he’d be below the likes of Cole, Super Bob, Cheese, he’d comfortably be in the top half of strikers I’ve seen for City (1977-)

His all round play and defensive abilities would put him in the top 10 but I appreciate a striker is judged mainly on goals and he’s fairly useful at that

[Port Said Red]

14 minutes ago, Tipps69 said:

Not so sure, when did Bakinson have his ‘migraine’? Over 2 weeks ago because it was before the international break & we don’t exactly know what situation he’s now in.

DH explained that one of the positive testers has symptoms & another doesn’t, so do we know which Bakinson is?

Simpson said in the pre match, that Bakinson was negative when he was ill, but when tested again on Friday he was positive but feeling fine! Go figure.

[joshthomson]

19 minutes ago, Tipps69 said:

But you can’t pay someone in the future for what they’ve done in the past, surely?

As for our wage cap to current wage, we’re about £13m over cap of the figures mentioned are correct! Hardly pennies!

I think you will find the figures announced will be way off. The divide it will create between champo and Prem will be absolutely massive. It will be the same 3 teams who get relegated going straight back up. Our wage structure is very IMO. Compared to the Stokes, QPR, Forest etc. Even Swansea pay out a rumoured 80k per week for Ayew

[Murraysrightplum]

Top man

[mozo]

1 hour ago, JonDolman said:

I know Holden likes to stick with a winning side, but I would like to see him bring in Fam and Bakinson for Martin and Wells.

Move O'Dowda to the wing and go with Bakinson and Nagy giving Paterson freedom.

A more solid look that side would have I think.

Yep I agree they seem to look good together. What I like about a potential front 3 of O'Dowda - Diedhiou - Semenyo is that 2 of them are very good in the air in Diedhiou and Semenyo, and O'Dowda can certainly challenge and win aerial duels too. Gives the defence plenty to worry about with not just Fam being the aerial threat on balls played forward or balls into the box.

Not saying that should be the long term plan, but something I'd like us to go with midweek in a very tough fixture.

Yeah I really like the sound of that. I feel for Nakhi because he was very workmanlike and disciplined yesterday in a game that really didn't suit him. But if the game doesn't suit him, why play him? I think Holden has shown a lot of loyalty to him at times.

[Tipps69]

44 minutes ago, JonDolman said:

He is fine now apparently so not sure how it works, whether he will be allowed to play midweek or if he has to remain isolated

As above, he’s supposedly symptom free but in the latest testing, tested positive. So there’s 10 days (I think) self isolation from whenever that was. And as with Salah & many others, it is possible to test positive more than once so it could go on for a while.

[Tipps69]

43 minutes ago, joshthomson said:

I think you will find the figures announced will be way off. The divide it will create between champo and Prem will be absolutely massive. It will be the same 3 teams who get relegated going straight back up. Our wage structure is very IMO. Compared to the Stokes, QPR, Forest etc. Even Swansea pay out a rumoured 80k per week for Ayew

The apparent cap limit will be about £18m a year, our wage is or was around £31m a year. What Stoke & Forest etc are paying holds no relevance to us as it is their choice to run their club as they wish & as we’ve seen in the past with clubs, they will gamble to get promotion but SL has stated for years that he wants us to self-sufficient.

Those that are spending higher will be in for a bigger shock when the time comes.

Our wage to turnover is basically 100% & there were clubs that were spending more on wages than they were making, so more than the 100% we are doing but this is us while trying to be self-sufficient. To get anywhere near that £18m cap will require a lot of changes throughout the club & throughout football.

As for QPR, they have drastically reduced their wage Bill over the last few years, they had to because of the sanctions put to them by the EFL & the massive fine the received.

[Packman]

3 hours ago, DT The Optimist said:

It's a debate among City fans that will come back time & time again and again. Also it might depend where you are  in your 'City watching career' in what your take on Fam is.  I have been blessed (and not so blessed !) in watching City since the late 60's and as i advance towards old git status I can reflect on strikers I have watched over the last 50 years. 

My goodness we have had real quality ones, John Galley, (Atyeo before my time) Garland, Cheese, Mick Harford ( I remember saying he would play for England and he did.. only once mind) Andy Cole, Bob Super Bob Taylor, The Goat, so on and so on.

Then there are strikers other end of the scale .....  Bas Savage, David Seal, Andy Jones... more recently Diony ?

So where would you place Fam in this illustrious history of strikers to wear the shirt ?  He would certainly NOT be in the top tier, equally not the bottom tier, he's an OK striker. 

Last few seasons I have left the gate on many occasions thinking how poor he was, perhaps handful of times thinking  'wow' he had a  really good one today !  Perhaps as I reflect I would like him to sign and be here few more years, likewise if he fancies his chances elsewhere I will not be wringing my hands in despair. 

David Seal wasn't a bad player, definitely shouldn't be in the same group as Bas Savage and Diony.

[swanker]

Always liked Fammy but his first touch has let him down at times although he seems to be improving. Shame he can’t add another 5 plus goals a season to his strike rate. He’d be a top striker if he could!

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

Fam may not be the greatest striker to wear a City shirt but he's a joy to watch. Few have played with more enthusiasm constantly imploring the support (when we were allowed to be there) for more noise. You wouldn't think he'd tested positive for COVID as he looks as lean and fit as I've seen him. 

[Davefevs]

11 hours ago, Bouncearoundtheground said:

it should be said that Famara deserves credit. So many players in this day and age in his situation would have lost interest and stopped playing for the team long ago. In spite of clearly wanting to move on he has remained first class in his attitude as he has done throughtout his time here and I enjoyed seeing him get the winner today. Yes he has had his head turned but I don’t believe he’s done anything to our detriment, he’s a battler on the pitch and has always been a classy guy off it too. 

Whenever he leaves now I am sure he will be remembered fondly. 

I don’t think any of us know whether he “clearly wants to move on” or not.  Media speculation surrounding his contract hasn’t helped.  Today he is hinting he’s about to sign.  If we could’ve got good money for him, I would’ve been comfortable with that.  If he signs I’m comfortable too.  What I didn’t want was him running his contract down and leaving for free.  I’m still hoping that doesn’t happen.

10 hours ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

Cant believe how poorly he is rated by most of the fan base. He'd walk into most teams in this league. 

I'd have loved to have been there today to watch him smash it home in front of the east end.

Good on him hope this gives him confidence because when he's on it, he's a proper handful. 

I don’t rate him as poor but I think that there could be more to his game.  I’m not gonna be hypocritical and say he’s brilliant because he’s lashed in the winner yesterday.  In his brief opportunities this season he hasn’t delivered much in fairness.  Is he crap?  Certainly not?  Is he a handful?  Yes, on his day, but he has days when he doesn’t get any change out of his marker.  Do I think he could offer more than he does?  Absolutely.  I think he plays within himself sometimes.  Some of that could be a lack of football intelligence, in that he’s reactionary rather than anticipating things.

On the flip, as good as Martin has been he was poor yesterday and you’re allowed to mark his performance yesterday low, not be influenced by his other games.  Which leads me on to the next point

6 hours ago, Rebounder said:

When people say we should sell him I don't think they understand how important squad depth is. I get the argument that if we get a decent fee then we should cash in, but otherwise we need decent players around the team and as long as he is happy fighting then we will only benefit from that. 

Yes, we are fortunate that we have 4 strikers, especially with Weimann injured.  Player form comes and goes.  Semenyo had leapfrogged Diedhiou in terms of pecking order at this point in time, but football doesn’t stay stable for long.  Semenyo is probably gonna start getting more attention from opponents and that might free up someone else.  Martin might need a rest?  We have options, it’s a squad game (as I keep saying).  I think it’s pointless talking about “best eleven” because you rarely get the option to pick it, nor for long periods of matches.

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Bakinson is ill, there appears no prospect he will available on Wednesday.

3 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

Think he tested CoVid positive , but was feeling %100 Graham

Holden said he felt unwell for Huddersfield but tested negative and now feels fine but now tested positive !

2 hours ago, GrahamC said:

The pre match interview with Paul Simpson seemed to suggest that there was more likelihood of Massengo being available on Wednesday because he has had chest pains but no positive Covid test, but appreciate it is a completely fluid situation.

The post-match interview by DH suggested they will get him tested again ASAP and hopefully he can return for Wednesday.  Massengo too

[Numero Uno]

4 hours ago, MarcusX said:

How good was that goal today too?

considering how much his first touch is criticised it was perfect for that goal and great finish. 

Don’t forget the “movement” to hang back on the edge of the box to receive the pass from Semenyo rather than going in the box or near post for a cross.

On the subject of Semenyo the kid is giving us proper end product. Three assists in three games, he just needs to add a goal to that and he’ll be flying.

[Sheltons Army]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I don’t think any of us know whether he “clearly wants to move on” or not.  Media speculation surrounding his contract hasn’t helped.  Today he is hinting he’s about to sign.  If we could’ve got good money for him, I would’ve been comfortable with that.  If he signs I’m comfortable too.  What I didn’t want was him running his contract down and leaving for free.  I’m still hoping that doesn’t happen.

I don’t rate him as poor but I think that there could be more to his game.  I’m not gonna be hypocritical and say he’s brilliant because he’s lashed in the winner yesterday.  In his brief opportunities this season he hasn’t delivered much in fairness.  Is he crap?  Certainly not?  Is he a handful?  Yes, on his day, but he has days when he doesn’t get any change out of his marker.  Do I think he could offer more than he does?  Absolutely.  I think he plays within himself sometimes.  Some of that could be a lack of football intelligence, in that he’s reactionary rather than anticipating things.

On the flip, as good as Martin has been he was poor yesterday and you’re allowed to mark his performance yesterday low, not be influenced by his other games.  Which leads me on to the next point

Yes, we are fortunate that we have 4 strikers, especially with Weimann injured.  Player form comes and goes.  Semenyo had leapfrogged Diedhiou in terms of pecking order at this point in time, but football doesn’t stay stable for long.  Semenyo is probably gonna start getting more attention from opponents and that might free up someone else.  Martin might need a rest?  We have options, it’s a squad game (as I keep saying).  I think it’s pointless talking about “best eleven” because you rarely get the option to pick it, nor for long periods of matches.

Nicely summarised for me

Overrated by many IMHO

’Does a job’

Hes no dud but too many performances and moments that have underwhelmed for me 

[Major Isewater]

4 hours ago, cidercity1987 said:

Martin has been great in some games, anonymous in others and they need to job share more with the amount of games we have.

Martin has a problem that some officials don’t believe when he’s fouled because they know he ‘plays’ the opponent and he often ends  up on his arse with nothing because of this. 

I didn’t think he’d start as many matches as he has but credit to the bloke he hasn’t let anyone down, quite the opposite.

 

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, ralphindevon said:

Although he’d be below the likes of Cole, Super Bob, Cheese, he’d comfortably be in the top half of strikers I’ve seen for City (1977-)

His all round play and defensive abilities would put him in the top 10 but I appreciate a striker is judged mainly on goals and he’s fairly useful at that

I put him firmly in the Wayne Allison class, a steady player who, whilst good, never quite hits the heights but is nevertheless a worthy member of the team.

FD also has that charisma that binds a team together. People like him. 

[Redtucks]

4 hours ago, robin_unreliant said:

Will the love in continue if he refuses to sign a new contract and leaves on a free to get more money elsewhere?

Would you expect people to still like you if you left your job to get more money elsewhere???

 

 

[WolfOfWestStreet]

46 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

 

I don’t rate him as poor but I think that there could be more to his game.  I’m not gonna be hypocritical and say he’s brilliant because he’s lashed in the winner yesterday.  In his brief opportunities this season he hasn’t delivered much in fairness.  Is he crap?  Certainly not?  Is he a handful?  Yes, on his day, but he has days when he doesn’t get any change out of his marker.  Do I think he could offer more than he does?  Absolutely.  I think he plays within himself sometimes.  Some of that could be a lack of football intelligence, in that he’s reactionary rather than anticipating things.

A lot of those skills/behaviours are coached into talented players. I think a lot of players have been poorly coached in there time here and haven't reached their potential. Who has been our strikers coach out of interest?

[Redtucks]

3 hours ago, Sheltons Army said:

Think he tested CoVid positive , but was feeling %100 Graham

So he was left out for feeling !00% Graham????

Hmmm!!!

 

[Chairman Mao]

Fammy will have one season where he gets 20 goals and is sold for a decent penny. Sadly doesn't look like it will be for us! 

[Davefevs]

22 minutes ago, WolfOfWestStreet said:

A lot of those skills/behaviours are coached into talented players. I think a lot of players have been poorly coached in there time here and haven't reached their potential. Who has been our strikers coach out of interest?

I don’t think it’s technical skills coaching per se, I think it’s more Fam being asked to play a game that doesn’t make use of his skillset.  He isn’t a target man, but because he’s big, LJ tried to turn him into one.  He enjoyed space at Angers, not playing back to goal against a CB.

He was 24 when he joined City, much of his skillset had been formed by the time he joined us imho.  Not saying an old dog can’t learn new tricks, but I don’t see why you buy someone for £5.3m and then try and change him.  The Fam we saw in his first dozen or so games upon joining was a free-Fam, one adjusting to the pace of the Champ whilst playing his more natural game.  And he was really starting to go well up until his injury.

I don’t think we have ever had a striker’s coach in name.

 

[robin_unreliant]

43 minutes ago, Redtucks said:

Would you expect people to still like you if you left your job to get more money elsewhere???

 

 

Football is different though. We paid a £5m+ fee for his services. If my colleagues at work owned the business and lost that money due to me leaving I'm sure they might have less fond memories of me! 

[Leveller]

6 hours ago, DT The Optimist said:

It's a debate among City fans that will come back time & time again and again. Also it might depend where you are  in your 'City watching career' in what your take on Fam is.  I have been blessed (and not so blessed !) in watching City since the late 60's and as i advance towards old git status I can reflect on strikers I have watched over the last 50 years. 

My goodness we have had real quality ones, John Galley, (Atyeo before my time) Garland, Cheese, Mick Harford ( I remember saying he would play for England and he did.. only once mind) Andy Cole, Bob Super Bob Taylor, The Goat, so on and so on.

Then there are strikers other end of the scale .....  Bas Savage, David Seal, Andy Jones... more recently Diony ?

So where would you place Fam in this illustrious history of strikers to wear the shirt ?  He would certainly NOT be in the top tier, equally not the bottom tier, he's an OK striker. 

Last few seasons I have left the gate on many occasions thinking how poor he was, perhaps handful of times thinking  'wow' he had a  really good one today !  Perhaps as I reflect I would like him to sign and be here few more years, likewise if he fancies his chances elsewhere I will not be wringing my hands in despair. 

We are the same vintage and you left out two favourites - Wayne Allison and Akinbiyi - who had some similarities, ie strong guys who could batter defenders and outrun them. You could say the same about Goater. Sometimes their touch wasn't that great, but they could bustle about and their strength often gave them opportunities. Diedhiou isn't perfect but is certainly a useful option and undoubtedly hard to play against at times.

[Bar BS3]

3 hours ago, robin_unreliant said:

Football is different though. We paid a £5m+ fee for his services. If my colleagues at work owned the business and lost that money due to me leaving I'm sure they might have less fond memories of me! 

That would have nothing to do with the player colleague in question though, if they signed a contract and fulfilled the obliged time on that contract. 

[Bar BS3]

Not seen this mentioned yet and surely even Gregor McWhatshisface would struggle to get a direct quote correct...?!

[Redtucks]

3 hours ago, robin_unreliant said:

Football is different though. We paid a £5m+ fee for his services. If my colleagues at work owned the business and lost that money due to me leaving I'm sure they might have less fond memories of me! 

I don't see that football is any different. You pay a fee for a contract of whatever length that may be. Provided that contract is fulfilled, who has done anything wrong. If you want to extend or renew that contract, you pay whatever is necessary or mutually agreeable.

In addition, I don't see the fee we paid for Fam as any fault of his.

 

[mozo]

38 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Not seen this mentioned yet and surely even Gregor McWhatshisface would struggle to get a direct quote correct...?!

Tha is for sharing. It'll be nice to have it done and dusted.