Scott Parker.... The answer to our clean sheet problem?

[ugs]

In the last 21 games we have kept one clean sheet against Werder Bremen and before that game it was against Young Boys back in August. With the team changing so often due to injuries and the odd spot of squad rotation by 'Arry you could put alot of the conceded goals down to an inconsistent team. Personally I think it goes a bit deeper than that, last season Palacious was playing probably the best football of his career sitting in, breaking up play and screening the back four. This season he has started very few games and to be fair those he has started show the reason why, his form this season has been poor.
 
It looks like the Scott Parker transfer is a done deal and I just wonder wether 'Arry had him ear marked for Palacious's position in the summer but couldn't prise him away from West Ham. Does anyone else think that his inclusion in the team against the more attacking and dangerous teams will help our defensive problems.
 
I also feel that we have missed Michael Dawson and his battling qualities, I know alot of people will say that he is slow and clumsy but I actually think he was the reason our defence was as solid as it was last season. I'll be honest and say I was dubious about Gallas and didn't really want him but he has proved me wrong and I would like to see him and Dawson together for a spell in the team as I think they would complement each other nicely !!!!
 
 

[aspursfan]

I'm a bit undecided on Parker. I think that he can play well even when West Ham haven't been doing so and that is a good quality to have for someone in plays in his position. Like yesterday when we were under immense pressure from FC Twente. He's consistent and I think he would be a great addition. He scores goals as well.

The problem is that we didn't sign him years ago. He's 30 now and has just signed a 5 year contract. I think he's a good player but I don't know if it would be the best investment as I'm sure West Ham are going to be asking a considerable amount for him. I suppose if Levy finds a way to bring him in without paying an arm and leg it would be good business.

[Gareth Keown]

it would be intrigying to see how Gallas and Dawson 'compliment each other' seeing as neither of them have played leftside CB in their entire careers.... and for those who say it makes no difference, I would refer you to the great Terry asked to play leftside CB, when King was injured, for the Germany match...

Gallas has effectively now replaced Dawson (who will now be backup), on the leftside we have King, Bassong and even our most talented defender Kaboul (who can play leftside, rightside CB as well as RB v.well)....

Scott Parker is a sargent-major type who will throw his weight around the squad and I can't see the likes of Modric, Jenas or even THudd taking too kindly to him mouthing-off on/off the pitch... but it looks like Arry wants him as we are 'too quiet and well behaved'...... not gonna work Arryboy.... not a bit..

[Biggs]

Gallas can play left side CB, considering he has play LB back before for Chelsea. The time he scored that winning goal against us, he was playing LB

as for Parker...no i don't want him, i think we could get much better tbh.

Is he better than what we have already?

personally i don't think so, so why spend the money on him.

Heck, even Jenas gets in the England squad over him

[OL'BOLTY]

Would lurve to see Parker at Spurs...bit of bottle never did a team harm (and he scores goals)

[Gareth Keown]

playing LB is markedly different from playing either CB role.... and playing as a fullback for Chavski occasionally is really playing as a winger most of the time..

we shall see this year if Dawson-Gallas is EVER implemented as a C|B-unit, unless we have no other option...

I think Parker, Llorente gossip are just red-herrings.... even talking about Aguero today 

Pienaar, a tall,fast bloke upfront.... a cheap reserve CB or 2....... shopping done..

[bigv]

ll depends on the price really. Proven prem performer though. Carrying west ham himself

[Gareth Keown]

carried Wet Spam ?? 

the guy's ego is the only thing of mass he carries around..... C.Cole is their best player...

I firmly believe that the Spammers would be higher up the table if Parker wasnt around.... personally, if I was a player there I'd find his strutting around and being the 'great kick-ass captain' who should be worshipped, a little boring.... certainly wouldnt help me want to help the club and its honourable esteemed owners...

love to see him give team-talks to all those regular intls around him at Spurs, if he comes.. bet they cant wait either to hear from Nosey where theyve been going wrong all this time before his arrival

[Tony123]

good player but i think he's age is against him - i think he is more suited to a struggling side not a champions league side like us.

[ugs]

Gallas can play left side CB, considering he has play LB back before for Chelsea. The time he scored that winning goal against us, he was playing LB

as for Parker...no i don't want him, i think we could get much better tbh.

Is he better than what we have already?

personally i don't think so, so why spend the money on him.

Heck, even Jenas gets in the England squad over him

I have Mr Keown on ignore I take it he has come out with the old can't play leftside argument... which as you pointed out Biggs is a load of crap.
 
I understand your point about Parker but he does offer the option of a leader in midfield , which at present I don't think we really have.
 
 

[RiffHard]

I've said it before and I still feel the same - Parker would make our midfield stronger and add some extra bite and he actually has some eye for goals as well (something Palacios doesn't seem to have).

[Gareth Keown]

Riffsy....... footy aint that simple as a linear equation, there are so many factors that influence outcomes...

to say that Parker is gonna add bite to the midfield... what is that gonna bring that, even in your logic, Palacios already brings..

Parker is gonna help with getting shut-outs AND gonna get a few goals too, for a Top4 team like Spurs ??.... have I missed something, all those years that Parker has been acclaimed as a near world-class box-to-box player.... and he's 30yrs+ now, so box-to-box anymore ??..... really....

Parker the great he-man leader is a Media-creation..... made for the trogs that buy papers like the Sun, to lap up.... he's the 'geezer' the tabloids know the great masses will lap up..... the ppl that REALLY KNOW footy tho will have a slightly diff opinion...

Arry wants Parker cos he feels it will make communicating his authority... thru his new pit-bull trainee-manager enforcer.... more complete.....

it won't........ Officer-material corps do not take kindly to Sgt-Majors being the new 'Boss's son'.....

[PaulInRome]

Rather than buying Parker, I'd rather see Sandro have a run in the side. He looks as if he's got plenty of bite and he's nearly 10 years younger.

[Gareth Keown]

think the goldfish may already have forgotten about Sandra, after the huge big-up they were heaping on him months before he even played for Spurs.... but I agree with you...

a 20yr old Brazilian CM with power, height and passable technique should surely be better than a 30yr old overhyped bigmouth wit no pace....

[RiffHard]

30 is not that old for a midfielder. Gerrard is 30, Lampard even older - even though you might not like them, they still have it what is needed. Parker obviously is not Gerrard nor Lampard but considering him being pensioner is a bit short-sighted.

I'd also like to see Sandro succeed but so far he has been pretty inconsistent which is natural as he is only 20 years old. Not everyone are Gareth Bales or Wayne Rooneys.