| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 19:25 - Jul 22 with 3794 views | OakR |
I'm firmly in the risk worth taking and very excited by this signing. |  |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 19:26 - Jul 22 with 3794 views | Maggsinho |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:41 - Jul 22 by lassel |
Friend of mine has worked for Tony Bloom for years and says it’s common knowledge that Lamptey was a total weapon, as is probably unsurprising for a kid brought up in a top academy and who had Man United trying to sign him only a few years ago. Hopefully he has been humbled by his swift descent from those highs! |
I am shocked, shocked I say, that you have intimate knowledge of a situation relating to QPR and that knowledge reflects badly on the club. |  | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 19:50 - Jul 22 with 3676 views | Superhoops2808 |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 19:26 - Jul 22 by Maggsinho |
I am shocked, shocked I say, that you have intimate knowledge of a situation relating to QPR and that knowledge reflects badly on the club. |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 20:55 - Jul 22 with 3409 views | queensparker |
On the other hand, all my Brighton mates can’t speak highly enough of the guy - say he’s a great player on his day and a great bloke |  | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 22:00 - Jul 22 with 3198 views | wombat |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:31 - Jul 22 by QPRSam |
Yep that's all spot on. I have cautious optimism with this. If we can get him playing and he's even 50% of the player he was at Brighton then we'll have one of most talented players to play for the club in some time. We're talking about one of the most highly rated young fullbacks in PL just 4 years ago touting transfers for 40-50m. On paper it's still unbelievable, really hope it works out for us and him. |
Thing is four years in football at his age is a bloody long time , players brought through to early bodies aren’t ready and they break down even by our standards his injury record if horrific ,if we get him playing 25 games who ever manages it should start working on a cure for cancer , it will be a miracle . |  |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 22:13 - Jul 22 with 3194 views | 100percent |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:22 - Jul 22 by dutch |
What's a 'total weapon' ? Serious question. Is it good or bad? |
I think in this context he means an absolute arsehole....
Funnily enough, I'm with you on the confusion, a girlfriend called me an absolute weapon the other day and when i explained it felt quite harsh, she was like 'its a compliment'
I don't know..... life can be confusing..... |  | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 10:05 - Jul 23 with 2822 views | Hunterhoop |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 22:13 - Jul 22 by 100percent |
I think in this context he means an absolute arsehole....
Funnily enough, I'm with you on the confusion, a girlfriend called me an absolute weapon the other day and when i explained it felt quite harsh, she was like 'its a compliment'
I don't know..... life can be confusing..... |
“A girlfriend”? How many do you have? |  | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 11:29 - Jul 23 with 2656 views | lassel |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 19:26 - Jul 22 by Maggsinho |
I am shocked, shocked I say, that you have intimate knowledge of a situation relating to QPR and that knowledge reflects badly on the club. |
Why does it reflect badly on the club? It’s a free transfer punt that is theoretically all upside, and having been binned by two clubs in six months, hopefully he is in the right place now to get back on the pitch and kick on. If he ends up being half the player he was it will be the bargain of the season.
Even better he won’t even be the biggest throbber at the club whilst Esquardinha is still employed… | | | |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 11:43 - Jul 23 with 2592 views | DavieQPR |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 11:29 - Jul 23 by lassel |
Why does it reflect badly on the club? It’s a free transfer punt that is theoretically all upside, and having been binned by two clubs in six months, hopefully he is in the right place now to get back on the pitch and kick on. If he ends up being half the player he was it will be the bargain of the season.
Even better he won’t even be the biggest throbber at the club whilst Esquardinha is still employed… |
You do just grab things out of the air and present them as facts for attention don't you. Chelsea never dumped him and received a significant sum in compensation, Or are you stating Brighton binned him for £6m+ ? |  | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 12:38 - Jul 23 with 2514 views | Maggsinho |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 11:29 - Jul 23 by lassel |
Why does it reflect badly on the club? It’s a free transfer punt that is theoretically all upside, and having been binned by two clubs in six months, hopefully he is in the right place now to get back on the pitch and kick on. If he ends up being half the player he was it will be the bargain of the season.
Even better he won’t even be the biggest throbber at the club whilst Esquardinha is still employed… |
Because you’re claiming that we’ve signed a ‘total weapon’.
Anyway, I see you’ve moved on and now have inside knowledge of Esquardinha and his behaviour too. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 12:43 - Jul 23 with 2485 views | kensalriser |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 12:38 - Jul 23 by Maggsinho |
Because you’re claiming that we’ve signed a ‘total weapon’.
Anyway, I see you’ve moved on and now have inside knowledge of Esquardinha and his behaviour too. |
The depth and breadth of ITK sources never fails to amaze. |  |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 12:43 - Jul 23 with 2485 views | TK1 |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 11:29 - Jul 23 by lassel |
Why does it reflect badly on the club? It’s a free transfer punt that is theoretically all upside, and having been binned by two clubs in six months, hopefully he is in the right place now to get back on the pitch and kick on. If he ends up being half the player he was it will be the bargain of the season.
Even better he won’t even be the biggest throbber at the club whilst Esquardinha is still employed… |
No, you're right. Mainly just reflects badly on you.
Do you even read back what you write? I mean, "Even better he won’t even be the biggest throbber at the club whilst Esquardinha is still employed…"! That's just a hugely cnty thing to write about people you don't know, have never spoken to based on...what? Who are you to make these judgements on player's characters? | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 with 2343 views | JordanFoster |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:41 - Jul 22 by lassel |
Friend of mine has worked for Tony Bloom for years and says it’s common knowledge that Lamptey was a total weapon, as is probably unsurprising for a kid brought up in a top academy and who had Man United trying to sign him only a few years ago. Hopefully he has been humbled by his swift descent from those highs! |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:09 - Jul 23 with 2242 views | JamesB1979 |
Thanks for posting that. Really good to hear. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:23 - Jul 23 with 2196 views | PlanetHonneywood |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Always lovely to read about stars/famous people just being normal and not a-holes.
Thanks for posting, and good luck to the boy!! |  |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:43 - Jul 23 with 2094 views | R_from_afar |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:07 - Jul 22 by Match82 |
To be honest the only time recently we've signed a player despite dodgy medicals and it's worked out is probably Charlie. I believe he failed a medical at Hull and that's the only reason we got him? |
Hadn't played for five months, due to injury, when we bought him.
Hopefully, Lamptey will be another player whom we can help get back to his best after a major injury  . |  |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:54 - Jul 23 with 2046 views | Boston |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Any chance you could work with lassel? | |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:55 - Jul 23 with 2048 views | Hunterhoop |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Great post. And hugely reassuring. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:08 - Jul 23 with 1986 views | Nath |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Fantastic post.
I, as I posted above, have heard great things about him and his family but it's nice to read your first-hand experience.
I really hope it works out for him as he deserves it. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:13 - Jul 23 with 1967 views | JordanFoster |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 14:09 - Jul 23 by JamesB1979 |
Thanks for posting that. Really good to hear. |
All good mate, I know there's good and bad with everyone I fully get that but sometimes it's always good to get another opinion.
Tariq actually sorted me some tickets to watch him for Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar, like this kid is a serious, serious footballer. It's a gamble for both sides. We talk about playing 100 games of pro football, he's done 100 games in Prem at 25, what if he stays fit and we're bouncing around 16th all year getting tanked or worse towards relegation?
Equally, with the most respect, it's not our money. He's not an arseh*le and we've had a few of them, he's a local lad looking to be closer to his family after a tricky few years. If it works great, we sell him for a couple of mill, if it doesn't then we both tried to win but it hasn't happened.
Also, on the basis of players being prats, sometimes it's good to remember they're only kids. They have people come up to them every day, sometimes it's just a sh1t day.
I was at Stevenage v West Ham last night, that Taty scored 2 or 3 before half time and he was hooked. Comes out around 50th minute, looking good and smelling better but there's not enough room on the bench so he's sitting on the little chairs with the other subs (mainly U23/18s) down the line. Fan after fan came over to the barriers and asked him for pics, he did everyone before going back to his chair.
Eventually Nuno barked something at him and he sat down and put his hood up, a dad and kid went over and tried to call him and he put his hand up and nodded to Nuno. The dad shouted "F*cking idiot" and led his son away. I have no doubted, every time he's on TV now the Dad will recite that story but they can't win sometimes. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:57 - Jul 23 with 1872 views | TK1 |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:13 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
All good mate, I know there's good and bad with everyone I fully get that but sometimes it's always good to get another opinion.
Tariq actually sorted me some tickets to watch him for Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar, like this kid is a serious, serious footballer. It's a gamble for both sides. We talk about playing 100 games of pro football, he's done 100 games in Prem at 25, what if he stays fit and we're bouncing around 16th all year getting tanked or worse towards relegation?
Equally, with the most respect, it's not our money. He's not an arseh*le and we've had a few of them, he's a local lad looking to be closer to his family after a tricky few years. If it works great, we sell him for a couple of mill, if it doesn't then we both tried to win but it hasn't happened.
Also, on the basis of players being prats, sometimes it's good to remember they're only kids. They have people come up to them every day, sometimes it's just a sh1t day.
I was at Stevenage v West Ham last night, that Taty scored 2 or 3 before half time and he was hooked. Comes out around 50th minute, looking good and smelling better but there's not enough room on the bench so he's sitting on the little chairs with the other subs (mainly U23/18s) down the line. Fan after fan came over to the barriers and asked him for pics, he did everyone before going back to his chair.
Eventually Nuno barked something at him and he sat down and put his hood up, a dad and kid went over and tried to call him and he put his hand up and nodded to Nuno. The dad shouted "F*cking idiot" and led his son away. I have no doubted, every time he's on TV now the Dad will recite that story but they can't win sometimes. |
Great anecdote.
Not really on topic, but on the back of you mentioning Taty ,who is no universe a Championship player, I thought I'd look at West Ham's squad last night, Jesus Christ. Taty, Pablo and Bowen as a front three with Kante and Ward-Prowse in midfield...complete cheat code squad with more to come in. If they're not promoted by March, Nuno must never work again. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 17:36 - Jul 23 with 1767 views | Superhoops2808 |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Nice to read from someone who is GENUINELY in the know.
Thanks for the post. I for one hope he proves a lot of people wrong and goes on to have a solid time with us. I reckon he is well motivated to rebuild after his injury and we will benefit from that | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 18:54 - Jul 23 with 1644 views | kensalriser |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 15:57 - Jul 23 by TK1 |
Great anecdote.
Not really on topic, but on the back of you mentioning Taty ,who is no universe a Championship player, I thought I'd look at West Ham's squad last night, Jesus Christ. Taty, Pablo and Bowen as a front three with Kante and Ward-Prowse in midfield...complete cheat code squad with more to come in. If they're not promoted by March, Nuno must never work again. |
But if they're really that scarily good, how did they end up in our division? | |
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| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 20:13 - Jul 23 with 1513 views | TK1 |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 18:54 - Jul 23 by kensalriser |
But if they're really that scarily good, how did they end up in our division? |
Well, yes. They're obviously not perfect!
But last season they took just four points from the first 30. That's a handicap. Fired Potter. Still looked dreadful until new year when they rallied and won a few games thanks to QPR, but those first three months sunk them.
Still, they went down just two points behind Spurs, won as many as Spurs. It wasn't QPR in 2014/15.
It's hard to underestimate how much of a vibe shift it will be for them to be free of Sullivan and Brady. 50k season tickets, no protesting any longer. It's going to be intimidating.
Plus most importantly: Jared Bowen, a top eight PL striker but who has chosen to stay and captain them. They also have for the moment one very good £25m striker, one slightly underwhelming £20m striker, a £17m midfielder, one £32m CB and another £40m CB. Not all those prices are overestimates. They paid £20m for their goalkeeper. Plus, their academy is full of gold, I'm afraid to say, unlike QPR's slightly knock-off bronze.
And their manager has won the Championship before, unlike Burnley's for example. So he knows what's coming.
I dunno. It's all guess work. But I think they'll be a very different club this season, even if they were in the Prem. If they start well, they'll be hard to catch. | | | |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 21:45 - Jul 23 with 1391 views | numptydumpty |
| This year's out of the blue signing - Tariq Lamptey on 13:42 - Jul 23 by JordanFoster |
I actually wasn't going to comment on this, but in the interest of fairness I thought this one was worth replying to.
I worked with Tariq first hand for a good few years, from his time at Chelsea through to Brighton, and during the periods when he was very close to joining Arsenal and then, a year later, Spurs.
Without getting into all the details, I've probably worked with around 100–150 players across Europe's top five leagues. I'd say Tariq wouldn't even make the top 10 biggest arseholes. In fact, I'd probably put him in the bottom 10.
He's got a good family who clearly care about him and his wellbeing. To see the sort of decline he has experienced isn't going to be easy for anyone to manage, let alone someone in their mid-20s.
He's never been one for the London party scene. A major fashion brand held an event a while ago with plenty of Premier League players invited (bizzarely a lot of this summer England squad). Tariq turned up with his dad and his agent. No big V-Class, no driver, and he was the only player who didn't go to the after-party.
Whenever you called him, he'd either be in his apartment in Brighton playing video games or with his girlfriend. If he missed your call, he'd ring back almost immediately. If anything, I always thought his life was almost too quiet. He's naturally quite introverted, and whenever you gave him advice he'd genuinely listen, ask questions and want to learn.
I remember one occasion where I had my then girlfriend in the car with me. I explained on speakerphone that we were on our way on holiday and she was with me. He spent a couple of minutes asking about her career and how she was doing. He's just a cool kid.
Beyond all that, he's a phenomenal footballer. Reece James went on loan to Wigan as a central midfielder because Chelsea had Tariq ahead of him at right back (they also had Dujon Sterling around at the same time).
I'd say 5'4" is probably about right, and of course he'll always be vulnerable at the back post or against diags. But come on, let's have a bit of perspective. Two years ago we were giving Ozzy Kakay minutes there. [Post edited 23 Jul 13:43]
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Thank you for this.
A lot of these young guys with talent do seem to be a totally different breed to the players in the 70s and 80s.
Obviously it was a lot more rough and tumble then and you could have the odd rogue, simply because professionalism wasn't 100% neccessary a lot of the time. Players would go onto the pitch, half suffering from a night out with the team the night before and the skill elements of the game were less important than the robustness.
I see with players like Eze and many others they are all very humble, and seem to get great comfort from their spiritual or religious beliefs, have a great deal of intelligence too and their levels of skill are exceptional and obviously with the game being at higher levels of professionalism, am sure its hard to deviate from work and no play, a great majority of the time.
I hope his injuries are not too troublesome but yes absolutely thank you for posting this.
Its great to see this type of post on here, as most of us, have limited knowledge of the real situations and good to see this.
I thought he came across as a decent young man and wants to do well.
Hope this one works out well for all |  |
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