So who's the midfielder then?

[James Verrinder]

Theres another CPFRIS saying that Trevor Benjamin is Coppell's priority at £1m and he is also after a defender and two midfielders.

[JohnA]

Hopefully its to augment the midfield, which given injuries etc., was very weak last season.

Maybe its someone at one of the big clubs forced out of contention due to the influx of mainland European talent?

[Gooders]

But quite apart from anything else, isn't it fun speculating!

[Dillenger]

Originally posted by Ian of Chatham on 07-07-2000 12:51 PM
Would the new midfielder be lined as a replacement for Mullins, who could go to Ipswich or Leicester?

Nooooooo!!!! Mullins is the key man in our squad, Coppell must know that selling him would be like ripping the heart out of the team.

[James Verrinder]

Originally posted by Gooders on 07-07-2000 01:15 PM
But quite apart from anything else, isn't it fun speculating!

Much more fun than sitting there like a nervous wreck every day hoping we would get saved!

[AJ]

The player mentioned by Ray, sounds just like Hayden Mullins, are we buying him back?

[Gooders]

By the way, Mark Nicholls is the guy that went on loan to Grimsby at the same time as we got Forssell.

I think he got one goal for them whilst he was there and I seem to recall that he was instrumental in our 1-0 defeat up there too.

Definitely played as a striker though, not a midfielder.

Can't work out who "RP" is. Any more clues Dave?

[Eagle]

Whoever suggested that maybe Coppell is looking for a goalscoring midfielder to replace Mullins is being silly i feel.
We managed to keep hold of Mullins whilst we were in administration so there's no way in this world Coppell is going to sell him now were out of administration, come on people, let's get used to the fact now that we don't have to sell players anymore to make cash, it will purely be a managers decision if he wishes to sell any players or that an offer is to good to refuse and knowing Coppell he will not sell Mullins or Morrison for that matter for any price whatsoever.
I feel Coppell really has the chance now to build a very good side with the players we currently have and the new ones he intends to bring in.
On the note of Mark Nicholls, he would be a good signing, but he isn't a first team regular at Chelsea and when Ray says he has a good goalscoring ratio does he mean in the reserves, however he would be a good addition cos he can play in Midfield or as a Striker, this may even help us bring back Forssell if we get Nicholls

[Up the Palace]

Personally, i think its robbie earle. He had an unhappy season with scumbledon last season, plus when he refused to travel with the scum, he came 2 palace and watched cpfc home games, i have seen him a number of times at palace, plus i think mullins could learn at lot of robbie. He still has a season or 2 in him, plus he will make a good coach for the youngsters, or even right-hand man for sir steve. What do other ppl think?

[Gazza1]

Robbie Earle announced yesterday that he is retiring at the end of the coming season.

[Justin]

Its obvious who it is but I think we should aim higher. It is a midfield player who doesn't play too often because he squeezed out by foreigners. Ladies and Gentleman Plalace's new player is......................................... Ray Parlour.

[Men At Work]

Originally posted by Gooders on 07-07-2000 01:43 PM
Can't work out who "RP" is. Any more clues Dave?

From the "Who's who" section of SoccerNet :

Ray Parlour (Arsenal)
Russell Perrett (Cardiff)
Robbie Pethick (Bristol Rovers)
Roger Preece (Shrewsbury)
Rory Prendergast (Oldham)
Richard Prokas (Carlisle)

Apart from the first none of the rest fit the bill of goal scoring midfielder.

[Ash]

...and would you describe Robbie Earl as young ???!

[wedgetail]

Silly me I thought our biggest problem was left back and first off we are chasing a midfielder.

Young, goal scoring midfielder, mmm ? I hear a London club is about to release a talented young player with international experience.

[Psychokiller]

I thinnk a player on the fringes of the England squad such as Parlour may be just a tad optimistic at the present time.....

[Dobbo]

Calm down guys. Parlour would cost at least £5 million in today's markets. No way Sir Steve would blow all S.J's cash on one player.
Nicholls sounds a good attacking midfielder to pair up with Mullins. Lets hope he turns out to be more of a David Hopkin than a Damien Matthew.

[Ash]

"Coppell, I understand, has already singled out a young midfield player who hails from the London area."

I think the work YOUNG is the vital clue here people. 'Hails from London' does not necessarily mean plays in London.

[Dodger]

Lets be honest Ray Parlour would be an excellent purchase for us, i'd be pretty surprised to see him join though. He must be quite a high earner and surely would still be wanted by another Premiership club?

------------------
Back up and running... www.go.to/footballchat (http://www.go.to/footballchat)

[Edmundo]

Coppell may be keen on Trevor Benjamin and he may also value him at £1m.

Unfortunately, Cambridge have sold him to Leicester City for £1.5m plus extra based on appearances plus a sell-on clause.

[samson]

Chocky

Given that you appear to be the Oracle can give us a rough estimate as to when you think the dea will be done? In the next 48 hours?
Anyway I thought Stevie did'nt have a scout yet?

[Justin]

mmmm - I was just joking about Parlour. The only parlour that is likely to reside in SE25 in the near future is a massage one.

[Men At Work]

I'd be very surprised if we paid more than £1 million for a single player so I think Dave's "RP" might be a little mistaken. I did look up my preferred options but Easington and Middlesbrough are hardly part of London http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/frown.gif

[Dave]

RP 'Raymond Parrot'

[Gooders]

Ray Parlour. What a ridiculous suggestion! I know we're all feeling high after this week's events but some sanity is definitely required here!

Thanks for the gen on Benjamin, Edmundo.

[Justin]

Having been pursued by mystery business men who operste using false names are we now buying players who also adopt similar tactics? Your explanation of the initials,Dave, haven't made it any clearer to me!!

[Baloo]

Surely Raymond Parrot is a winger....

(sorry, couldn't resist)

[Dave]

Raymond Parrot can play all over the park but yes he was known as a winger originally

[AJ]

I imagine Coppell has kept tabs on this player for a while, hoping for the day he could sign him. Therefore, without knowing how much money he would have and that a deal seems to have already been struck, I assume the following;

a) The cost of this player is below 1m and on reasonable wages.
b) This player is either at a bigger club and cannot get in the team and is therefore, surplus.
or -
This player is a good player in a crap team(ie Div 3) and the club are selling simply for money.
c) The player is not expected to be the next David Platt.


Based on Ray's notes, that he is young, midfielder and has a good goal to game ratio, I presume he plays CURRENTLY for a first team.
Again, as Palace have no scouting "agents", this player is either playing locally (in London) or has played against Palace, maybe last season.


On top of that, I have no idea who it is!

[Baloo]

Originally posted by Dave on 07-07-2000 02:38 PM
Raymond Parrot can play all over the park but yes he was known as a winger originally

I sincerely hope you didn't take my last post seriously, Dave....

I have no idea who Raymond Parrot is - care to elaborate?

[eagle mart]

Someone from Crewe maybe?

[Eagle]

I've just been thinking about this and someone said that he originates from London but doesn't necessarily play for a London side.
Thinking of this Nigel Quashie who plays for Nottingham Forest springs to mind, he used to play for QPR and was born in London.
He was currntly put on the list at Forest, plays in Midfield, he's young, and does score goals, this could be the player but we wait to find out.
Isn't it great to guess again about what players were signing instead of selling!

[Psychokiller]

My money's on Scott Parker from the scum...

[Jon Thompson]

Darren Caskey?
I know Basildon isn't London, but they think they're from London.

[This message has been edited by Jon Thompson (edited 07 July 2000).]

[Eagle]

Darren Caskey is a good shout Jon, many clubs are after him, that really could be the player were readt to sign.

[Gooders]

Quashie's goal record is very poor...

Caskey's is only good due to the number of penalties he takes (I think)...

Nicholls is a possible - he has no chance of getting near the first team at Chelsea and the fact that Grimsby were the ones who took him on loan last season implies that no one else was interested...

By the way, if either Cole or Forssell were to move on I feel certain that there would be plenty of Premier League clubs in for them...shame I know, but that's the way it is.

[arussell]

So that rules us both out with Benjamin then Edmundo ? http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

No way would it be Parlour for all the reasons outlined above. I would love it to be Caskey though as he'd be one on my list
to sign and has a high scoring (Hopkin) ratio of goals.

Scott Parker would be a good guess - but he only recently scored his first senior goal !

I reckon it's a young player from Chelsea, Millwall or maybe Arsenal or the Clowns.

[Jon Thompson]

Caskey - 9 pens out of 23 goals I think, not bad.

[Chocky]

Originally posted by samson on 07-07-2000 02:17 PM
Given that you appear to be the Oracle

Waaaat? I only posted the CPFRIS bulletin after a few people said they hadn't seen it!

Ask Mr Bateup!

In the words of Manuel...I no naaatheeng.

[Ash]

I bet he is not one of the players mentioned above.

[Gooders]

Originally posted by Jon Thompson on 07-07-2000 03:25 PM
Caskey - 9 pens out of 23 goals I think, not bad.

Hadn't realised his tally was that high. Not bad.

Mind you, my Reading supporting mate STILL says that Primus is their best player by far.

[Holmesdale]

Stephen Clemence, Caskey or Hayward (Fulham).

[arussell]

Interesting Holmesdale - Clemence and Hayward crossed my mind too.

Hayward is a good player and scores the odd few goals - Clemence doesn't score much I think. Hayward and Caskey are both in their latter twenties.

[Eagle]

This is just as bad as waiting to find out who it is as it was coming out of administration......Well, Maybe not!!!!

[eagle mart]

Are you sure Leicester have signed Benjamin!?

I'm sure they have bought Callum Davidson from B'burn... £1.7m

[Eagle]

Leicester have signed Callum Davidson Eagle Mart but they haven't completed the signing of Trevor Benjamin. He is apparently in talks with Leicester over a possible £1.5 million move.

Well if we can't have Benjamin then Roberts of Bristol Rovers would be good.

[James Verrinder]

Arnt Leicester getting Julian Joachim aswell? They cant need that many strikers. a few other strikers available are Adebola from Birmingham and Hayles from Fulham. Either of those could be a good partner for Clinton

[Jon Thompson]

How about Lee Marshall from Norwich?
He hasn't scored that many goals though.

[Small number]

Maybe Ashley Cole?... Hails from london, Is young, can play up front so I guess has a good goal scoring ratio, can play in defence so I would asume would feel comfortable in midfield.

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

(so there's hope 4 me then ;)

[Dillenger]

Barry Hailes would be an excellant signing, I've seen him play a few times when he was at Bristol Rovers and he reminded me of a young Ian Wright. Scores goals, takes on players and can create as well. He's from London to.

[Gerry from Sussex]

You can cross Adebole off the list. He signed for Las Palmas yesterday.

[Joe Knight]

I really hope it is Caskey but Reading would not let him go for under 1m.

A midfield quartet of Rodger, Caskey, Mullins and Carlisle is quite tasty.

Although we need to strengthen in all departments, our weakest department is surely up front. Powder Puff Mckenzie needs to be replaced by a target man.

Im so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

[schilaci]

It's like Christmas waiting to open your presents. I can't wait!

[Bootsy]

Is Coppell about to rescue Andy Roberts from Wimbledon's reserves? I get he'd love to escape the Dons but he'd better show some of his early Palace form if he comes back!

[richit]

Edworthy, Jansen - yes

Andy Roberts - no thank you!

[schilaci]

I can't believe that you want that fatty back! He probably gone off with Gazza!

[Eagle]

Just to let you know Gerry, Adebola didn't sign for Las Palmas in the ned because he failed a medical.

[SE .Kent]

Adebola would be good but a footballing centre forward like Rivers from Crewe would only cost around £5000k.

[Small number]

wot about Marc Bircham?... Coppelll was intrested in him a while back when we had money... still is a good midfielder (but injured at the moment) another problem is that he is canadian... DOH!

------------------


'The wise will one day rise'

(so there's hope 4 me then ;)

[joe]

Having seen Roberts "star" for Wimbledon reserves late last season (don't ask why, alright!), I pray to god that it doesn't happen. Christ, he was wide enough to be all of Wimbledon's midfield.

My money ison someone that no-one has really heard of, one of Stevie's clever, Armstrong like buys. We'll all go "who?", but be cheering his name by the end of the season.

[Gerry from Sussex]

Originally posted by Eagle on 07-07-2000 08:19 PM
Just to let you know Gerry, Adebola didn't sign for Las Palmas in the ned because he failed a medical.

I didn't know that. Shame for him, it's a great place to live. But, if he's crocked, I don't suppose Sir Steve would be interested anyway.

[Gerry from Sussex]

Originally posted by joe on 07-07-2000 09:07 PM
My money ison someone that no-one has really heard of, one of Stevie's clever, Armstrong like buys. We'll all go "who?", but be cheering his name by the end of the season.

Spot on. That's always been Coppells style so why would he change now. I'm sure he might go for one or two 'names' but the bulk of his short term signings will be like this.

That's okay with me. Like I said on the previous thread, I trust his judgement and doubt very much he'd turn up any real lemons.

[Eagle]

There's only really been one time when Coppell has made a mistake and that was signing Israeli misfit Itzac Zohar, one of the worst players i've seen.

[richit]

Who knows who Steve actually bought in that period though Eagle, I remember reading after one or two signings that Coppell didn't know anything about them until they had already signed.

[le piddler]

This Nicholls whom everyone was talking about, would I be right in saying that he was on loan to Reading from Chelsea last year & done well for them, scoring a few goals but Reading did'nt buy them as they could'nt afford him??????
If he is the player that Sir Steve is after then let's hope we get him as he is a good player.

http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/confused.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/confused.gif http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/confused.gif

[Chocky]

From CP-FRIS:

NEW SIGNING IMMINENT
********************

Simon Jordan has indicated that he will be making cash available for Steve Coppell to spend on new players.

Coppell, I understand, has already singled out a young midfield player who hails from the London area.

I know the name of the player in question and the club he plays for but you will have to forgive me if I don't reveal his name. We don't want to alert other clubs, do we ? But, for a midfield player he seems to have a good goal/appearance ratio.

I have already prepared a profile and I will send it to you as soon as the deal is done. I am told a fee will be paid but it will be linked to appearances.

[This message has been edited by Chocky (edited 07 July 2000).]

[James Verrinder]

Joe Cole?

Seriously though, i've just been told that its Mark Nicholls from Chelsea. I cant see how they would only sell based on appearances though.

[Lee B]

Good player by all accounts, that would be alright. Who's going to start the 'What shall we do with our �’6million?' then....

From liquidation to million pound players in one easy step.....http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/sarcblink.gif

[Mendosa]

But Mark Nicholls is a striker, isn't he ?

[arussell]

I thought Nicholls was a midfielder ?

Isn't it exciting to be signing a player again - whomever he may be !! http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/supergrin.gif

I can think of plenty of players that we could move for with 6 million !

[Dillenger]

Eddie Newton ???

[BIG LETTER!]

Nicholls is a stirker, but he does only have a good enough scoring record for a midfielder http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/sarcblink.gif

Its a shame we couldn't have got this sorted out before Harris joined the Gills.

[This message has been edited by BIG LETTER! (edited 07 July 2000).]

Sorry, I meant Shaw. Thats the problem with Millwall players, they all look alike. Either way, hes a good player, as is Harris, and wouldn't have cost the earth either. And then we really could all laugh at Millwall!

[This message has been edited by BIG LETTER! (edited 09 July 2000).]

[Dave]

RP ???

[arussell]

RP ? Harris ?

It was Paul Shaw that went to Gillingham and both he and Neil Harris are strikers.

Harris is one I wouldn't mind seeing join us as the latest in the line of nicking Millwall's half decent players http://www.cpfc.org/ubb/supergrin.gif

[Ian of Chatham]

Would the new midfielder be lined as a replacement for Mullins, who could go to Ipswich or Leicester?

[Brett]

Originally posted by Eagle on 07-07-2000 11:18 PM
There's only really been one time when Coppell has made a mistake and that was signing Israeli misfit Itzac Zohar, one of the worst players i've seen.

Marco Gabbiadini
Rudi Hedman
Lee Sinnott

Not knocking Stevie but he has bought some right pilchards in his time. Like everyone goes wow when Redknapp gets Suker and Di Canio, they forget Futre Boogers and Boere!!

[AJ]

Hedman cost nearly nothing and was only a squad player, although, I think he did alright(not great) in the games he played in while Palace were in the top flight at the begining of the 90's.
The others were all crap, although, Sinnott became something of a hero at Huddersfield??

Emblem was a Goldberg buy and like quite a few players that season, just turned up for training without Coppell even knowing in advance.

[Men At Work]

Finally got around to reading one of my football mags which had a section on a young midfielder who can also play central defence and right back, is originally from London and has less than a year to run on his existing contract. Is this the one?

[RichieG]

MAW,

Sounds versatile, which is allways handy, who was it?

[Eagle]

Who is it then Men At Work, please tell us?

[Merrick]

If the initials really are RP, perhaps it could be the 'great' American Ross Perot! If I remember correctly, he prefers to play in the centre rather than on the left or right!

Sorry!

[Dillenger]

Neil Emblem.

Two million pounds.

It doesn't get any worse than that...

[Trolley]

Originally posted by Dillenger on 07-08-2000 12:16 PM
Neil Emblem.

...

The actual spelling is EMBLEN.
I can actually remember seeing his father Phil playing at centre back for Bromley in the 70's.The Bromley manager at the time was Dave Biddle and they had a prolific scorer playing at Centre Forward called Butch Dunn.

[Gerry from Sussex]

Originally posted by Brett on 07-08-2000 11:11 AM
Marco Gabbiadini
Rudi Hedman
Lee Sinnott

Not knocking Stevie but he has bought some right pilchards in his time. Like everyone goes wow when Redknapp gets Suker and Di Canio, they forget Futre Boogers and Boere!!

Fair point Brett. But over such a long period any manager will make some mistakes and I still think he found far more gems than pilchards.

Gabbiadini was a strange one though as there was a lot of pressure (from us mostly) to get a replacement for Wright - and fast. If I remember correctly, Coppells first choice was one A Shearer but Noades wouldn't pay the asking price (which was about 200k more than we got from Arsenal). Also, Gabbiadini, to be fair, had looked pretty good before he came and has done well again since he left. He just didn't fit in with the team we had then, lost confidence, and ended up looking half the player he had before.

Couldn't argue with Zohar or Sinnott though but Hedman I thought might have turned out quite well with a bit more time. I quite liked him anyway.

[BIG LETTER!]

Originally posted by Brett on 07-08-2000 11:11 AM
Marco Gabbiadini
Rudi Hedman
Lee Sinnott

Not knocking Stevie but he has bought some right pilchards in his time. Like everyone goes wow when Redknapp gets Suker and Di Canio, they forget Futre Boogers and Boere!!

Joeren Boere oozed quality. What are the chances of getting him back?

Joke.

[Gooders]

Well, everyone's gone to China now so I doubt that we'll be signing anybody within the next two weeks!

[Men At Work]

What, and ruin days of supposition and rumour? (of which mine is as well I hasten to add). The article was the standard profile but a couple of phrases jumped out at me as I'd just read Ray's earlier post on this thread. It's in FourFourTwo, MotD or Total Football (can't remember which) and is probably, based on my previous insights and predicitions, completely unlikely to be the player in question.

[GreatGonzo]

Do you KNOW everyone has gone to China or is that just you expect everyone has gone?

[Eagle]

Lightweight was saying that after speaking to Simon he decided not to go to China and felt he'd be better off here at home to sort out the club good and proper and get some things sorted so unles Coppell has asked Simon to do the negotiating then as Gooders said it may be a while till we find out whose this player is, let's hope we find out before then though.

[Gerry from Sussex]

I hope Steve Coppell hasn't gone to China. He really needs to be here sorting out any incoming transfers he is lining up. The ne season is nearly here and, through no fault of his own, he has ground to make up if he is not to miss out on the best buys.

[Spikemeister]

I would imagine Steve has a few bids already posted with other clubs....and surely modern technology allows him to be 'hands on'.....even from China !
Let's hope there are bids in for Cole, Forsell, Primus, Caskey et al !!

[Clapham Grand]

Paul Ifill from Millwall?

Sean Devine from Barnet?

Tom Youngs from Cambridge?

I think that SJ will be going to China, he will meet up with them later in the week.

[GreatGonzo]

I too hope coppell has not gone out there yet although he will need to go out for the China game as he needs do speak with Housten about the coaches job. Asa for th comment about being hands on even in china. You can be hands on from any country in the world EXCEPT China. My parents went out there and managed 1 non-replyable email in 3 weeks

[Eagle]

It looks as if Palace in the next day or two will unveil 2 new signings both from Arsenal.
The first one is the midfielder that we've all been trying to guess for the last couple of days and this person wasn't mentioned.
I can reveal it looks as if the midfielder is the one and only.......
TOMMY BLACK
you probably ask who but i must say after watching Arsenal in the F.A. Youth Cup he did look like quite a good player and may well be a good addition especially as a first division player.
The other player is thought to be Paulo Vernazza, an attacking midfielder but this one isn't definate as Ray from CP-FRIS says it's mystery who the second player BUT it isn't Ashley Cole (DAMN!)
Still however at least we can start signing players again instead of selling.

[arussell]

Devine is a striker who is now at Wycombe - but I don't believe it's any of those three.

Youngs has been released by Cambridge I think.

[Blarm]

See Dom's Chinese whispers #1

A telephone call from Simon Jordan to Coppell confirmed that Arsenal's Tommy Black and Julian Gray should be joining the club for around 1m.